A Dragon against the Whole World

The scope of aid will cover areas ranging from basic mineral identification, efficient smelting, and metal purification technology, to the complex fields of advanced golem casting, rune weapon engraving, and energy core construction for constructs.

Lotheren is willing to share this valuable knowledge.

Third, infrastructure construction support.

Besides the Thousand Snake Trace Trade Route, the Lotheren Kingdom can assist the Molten Iron Tribe in comprehensive surveys and planning, providing partial investment to establish a standardized road network connecting major areas of the wilderness, such as mining areas, the Black Oil Field, and important monster habitats.

They could even assist in setting up miniaturized teleportation arrays to promote the tribe’s internal circulation and development.

Fourth, an equal and mutually beneficial trade agreement.

The Lotheren Kingdom is willing to purchase a wide variety of special resources produced in the Sel Wilderness, such as specific magic minerals, rare herbs, and ferocious beast materials, at fair and reasonable market prices for long-term and stable supply. Meanwhile, Lotheren will also open up supplies to the Molten Iron Tribe of various materials urgently needed for their development, which the wilderness cannot currently produce independently.

For instance, advanced alchemy catalysts, enchanting materials, and precision instruments.

It must be said, these four points proposed by Alina are beneficial to the Molten Iron Tribe.

Although the tribe has procured a considerable amount of alchemy tools and blueprints through channels like the Gem Merchant Group, their foundation remains shallow, and their accumulation is limited.

To truly establish a massive and stable alchemy industrial system, relying solely on these is far from enough.

Not to mention compared to a strong nation like Lotheren, which can launch magic satellites into the Star Realm, even when compared to many human duchies, or even the alchemy level of some large city-states, the Molten Iron Tribe still lags significantly behind.

The Black Oil Crystal, which is of considerable use to Galos, also requires a strong and complete alchemy industrial system as support.

Galos silently digested this information.

After a moment, he posed the crucial question: "Then, what is the cost?"

With a serious and solemn tone, Alina responded: "The return I seek does not involve demanding the territory of the Sel Wilderness, nor will it require the Molten Iron Tribe to become a vassal or subordinate of Lotheren."

"What I truly hope for is to neighbor a stable, prosperous, and powerful Sel Wilderness and to establish a solid strategic alliance with the Molten Iron Tribe."

"In certain crucial moments in the future, when we, the Lotheren Kingdom, require the support of friends."

"Whether it’s in diplomatic backing, moral support, or the priority provision of certain strategic commodities, we hope to receive a response from the ’King of the Wilderness.’"

Her words hinted at a long-term consideration.

The war in the south is temporarily calm, but the seeds of hatred and interest have long been sown.

Although the nations suffered losses in the war without gaining any substantive benefits, the desire within the Lotheren Kingdom to re-establish an absolute advantage has never disappeared; the flames of war have never ceased to threaten reignition.

Taking precautions.

Reaching out to potential powerful allies in advance, dividing possible enemies.

These are wise moves to secure a more favorable strategic position for the kingdom.

Red Dragon Samantha, after hearing Alina’s entire statement, still habitually snorted but with an attitude noticeably less intense and resistant than initially.

She said, "It sounds a bit more agreeable than directly sending troops to seize territory."

"But, cunning humans are always adept at manipulating treachery and schemes; who knows if this is yet another meticulously woven trap?"

Alina did not directly argue against the Red Dragon’s suspicion.

She simply maintained her silence, leaving the decision entirely in the hands of the Red Iron Dragon, quietly awaiting his final response.

Galos pondered for an even longer period.

His massive dragon head lowered slightly, with pupils flickering with the light of weighing and calculating.

Eventually, he slowly raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through the mental network to look directly upon the distant Crystal Princess, and he spoke deeply.

"Princess Alina, your proposal demonstrates sufficient sincerity and aligns with the long-term developmental interests of our Molten Iron Tribe."

The Red Iron Dragon said, "We have strength and resources, but we lack the systematic technology to transform resources into more powerful strength. Lotheren possesses technology and knowledge but also needs a stable and reliable raw material source and strategic rear."

"Our interests do not conflict; rather they are complementary."

Galos was well aware that gaining official recognition from the Lotheren Kingdom, once the head of the Human Federation, was of unusual significance.

As long as the Lotheren Kingdom takes the lead, those nations that follow Lotheren will also grant corresponding recognition.

This would spare the tribe from spending a substantial amount of time responding to endless probes from various nations, allowing them to focus on their own development. Additionally, Lotheren’s technical support could accelerate the rise of the tribe’s alchemy industry, which would be difficult to achieve quickly through mere plunder and self-exploration.

His mind was already made up.

"The Molten Iron Tribe is very willing to establish a deep cooperative alliance with the Lotheren Kingdom."

He made an official response and then added, "The specific details of the cooperation can be subsequently negotiated and drafted by appropriate representatives from both parties."

"However, there are a few core principles that must be clarified in advance and cannot be altered."

"Affairs of the Sel Wilderness will be autonomously decided by the Molten Iron Tribe; the technical assistance from Lotheren must aim at cultivating our own talent rather than mere reliance; trade must be fair."

The vast and fertile wilderness harbors certain special resources, which relying solely on the Molten Iron Tribe’s own strength to explore and develop is not only inefficient but also prone to oversight.