Surrender of Warewolf Tribe!

Bruce's intense gaze bore down on Sam, who knew that any further lies would result in a fate similar to his fallen comrade.

In fact, Sam had mistaken Bruce for a much older dragon, given his formidable size. To deceive such a powerful being would be suicidal.

"Sam, do you have a family? A wife, or children?" Bruce inquired, his tone authoritative yet curious.

"Yes, respected Lord Green Dragon, I have a wife and a two-year-old son," Sam replied, his voice laced with confusion. How did this dragon know his name? He then realized that Bruce must have been observing them since they were near the trap, indicating a connection between Bruce and the captured hatchlings.

Realizing his grave mistake, Sam immediately prostrated himself, pleading, "I'm deeply sorry, great Lord Green Dragon. I was unaware of your relationship with the hatchlings. I'll ensure their release immediately."

Bruce pondered the situation. As a future green dragon lord, he understood the importance of having loyal followers, not just as family but as protectors and servants. This was a lesson he had learned from the downfall of the Dragon Mother, who lacked such support.

"If I spare your life, you must swear loyalty to me, become my followers, and obey my commands. In return, I will offer my protection," Bruce declared firmly.

Sam, looking up at Bruce, hesitated. His initial plan had been to seek allegiance with the powerful black dragon Kasavia, but now he questioned whether aligning with this young dragon could indeed bring glory to the werewolves.

Bruce noticed Sam's hesitation. Fixing him with a stern gaze, he demanded, "Do you not wish to serve me?"

Sam quickly responded, "We are willing to be your loyal followers, great Lord Green Dragon."

Bruce continued, "Remember, Sam, any future betrayal will endanger your family. I expect your unwavering loyalty."

Sam shuddered at the thought but affirmed, "I will be loyal to you, Lord Green Dragon, without any second thoughts."

"Very well. Take your comrade's body for burial, then free the hatchlings. Let this be a lesson. I will not tolerate deception," Bruce instructed, watching Sam and his companion, keenly aware of the need to grow stronger to ensure true loyalty from these wavering followers.

Arriving at the pit, Torenço and Carona hung their heads in shame, having ignored Bruce's advice and paying the price for their recklessness.

The other werewolves looked on, not with animosity, but with a mix of fear and respect.

"From this day forward, I am your master, and you are my followers. Betray me, and you'll share the same fate as your fallen companion," Bruce warned, asserting his authority over the werewolves.

Bruce looked sternly at Torenço, who was still seething with indignation. "Bruce, what's the use of these worthless werewolves? A few swipes of my claws would rid us of this embarrassment," Torenço spat out angrily.

In response, Bruce swiftly reprimanded him with a sharp paw to the head, asserting his authority in front of the recently subdued werewolves.

Torenço, catching Bruce's piercing gaze, begrudgingly ceased his outburst. He knew that without Bruce's intervention, they might have indeed ended up in the clutches of the black dragon, a fate far from favorable.

"Listen, I've already slain one werewolf to avenge your capture. The rest will prove useful in time," Bruce explained in the dragon tongue, aware that he needed to manage the fiery temperaments of his dragon kin. It was crucial to maintain the loyalty of their first followers and not undermine their fledgling power.

The werewolves, overhearing Bruce's conscious communication, were awestruck. To them, Bruce, though seemingly young, exhibited a mystique and power far beyond their understanding.

Having successfully gained the allegiance of the werewolves, Bruce had taken a significant step in his journey of growth and leadership. Even in his sleep within the cave, he couldn't help but smile at this new development.

The werewolf tribe, located a mere ten kilometers north of their dragon's nest, was a small community of thirty-five members, including the elderly and the infirm. Their relative weakness explained why no powerful beings had sought them as followers. They were hardly fit for battle.

However, Bruce's intention in conquering them was not for warfare. His aim was for them to serve as sentinels and gatherers of information.

Through these werewolves, Bruce learned that there were no formidable beings nearby, only occasional low-level monsters. The jungle housed intelligent species like the deep-forest goblins and the southern kobolds skilled in mining, while wild boars contested territory with the werewolves to the north.

Bruce was satisfied with his newfound knowledge of the area. It appeared manageable, posing no immediate threats to his dominion.

Moreover, the discovery of a natural acid pool to the west intrigued Bruce. Though not as potent as the acid created by Dragon Mother's breath, it still held the potential to enhance his strength. This revelation added to his growing sense of confidence and anticipation for the future.