After making this judgment, Gauss subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.
True Dragons and Dragon Beasts are differentiated by just a word and both are born of the Dragon Mother, but they can almost be regarded as two distinct creatures.
True Dragons are an intelligent race, while Dragon Beasts resemble powerful beasts with the form of a Giant Dragon.
The former possess exceptionally high Intelligence, capable of philosophical thought, mastering language, and casting complex Magic spells. Anything humans can do, they can do better in most cases, depending only on their willingness to invest time.
The latter’s intelligence is more akin to cunning beasts like wolves and tigers, with behavior mainly driven by instincts such as predation, battle, and territory protection.
In terms of Magic, Dragon Beasts may possess innate breath abilities such as fire-spitting, acid-spewing, or ice-breathing, more of a biological ability rather than a magical one as their Intelligence is generally insufficient to learn profound Magic.
However, True Dragons are inherently skilled Casters. As they age, even if their dragon life consists mainly of slumber, they naturally master numerous spells, from trivial Tricks to powerful Magic capable of city destruction.
Why could Gauss make such a judgment about the creature before him?
Because its appearance did not resemble a True Dragon; its roar sounded, and its actions looked more like a beast with not much intelligence.
If it is a Dragon Beast, all previous puzzles immediately clear up.
Why are there so many Kobolds gathered here, why are these wild creatures so obedient, why are the Kobolds continuously mining and refining ores, all due to the presence of this Dragon Beast.
Kobolds, due to their bloodline, worship True Dragons.
Thus, they will inevitably worship a Dragon Beast.
On a bloodline level, the Dragon Beast’s body still flows with dragon blood, inspiring creatures like Kobolds, with draconic blood traits, to instinctively revere and adore them.
No reason needed.
Moreover, how often in their humble monstrous lives can Kobolds encounter a True Dragon?
Almost never.
The existence of a Dragon Beast is, to them, a tangible "king" or "deity."
One could consider them extremely fortunate.
Besides the mental worship, a Dragon Beast within the tribe also brings real benefits.
It is the unquestionable leader, uniting the Kobold tribe from top to bottom; even the bottom-tier Kobold miners feel delighted about their work.
This is the Charm of a Giant Dragon.
Additionally, although not a True Dragon, a Dragon Beast, endowed with dragon blood and a dragon’s powerful innate physique, possesses formidable combat strength at its level.
A Dragon Beast can effectively deter many other predators, providing security for the tribe.
Moreover, a Dragon Beast can subtly enhance the strength of the Kobold tribe it resides with.
Even just long-term presence around a Dragon Beast can incrementally purify a Kobold’s bloodline under the influence of its draconic aura.
Some blessed individuals may even awaken some special bloodline abilities.
Furthermore, if it’s a Dragon Beast, its presence here is more understandable.
For Dragon Mothers, particularly those inclined toward wicked-colored dragons, such unawakened, non-inherited, intelligence-lacking defects are like a disgrace, often leading them to abandon the Dragon Beast upon identification.
If not for some unspoken principle against offspring slaughter, some irresponsible Dragon Mothers might incline to personally erase them.
Or perhaps for other reasons?
After all, this vicinity seems to host only a well-known Green Dragon Queen with no tales of an adult Red Dragon.
All in all, the chance of encountering a lone, immature Dragon Beast is considerably higher than that of a True Dragon.
As Gauss was pondering,
his vision suddenly went dark.
The visuals abruptly cut off.
Gauss’s thoughts returned to his conscious self.
Gauss shook his head.
"What’s wrong? Did you discover anything?"
Aaliyah and others noticed the momentary change in Gauss’s expression.
"Deep within the Kobold lair, there is a dragon."
"Dragon!!?"
Everyone present was startled.
This target is undoubtedly too extravagant for most mid-to-low-level Adventurers.
"To be precise, it should be a Dragon Beast, likely with Red Dragon lineage."
Gauss shared his guess with his teammates.
Their reaction upon learning his findings mirrored his initial response.
A mix of tension, excitement, and bewilderment.
After all, the power of Dragons is deeply rooted in the minds of most in this world, be it in legends, ballads, or tales about malevolent dragons in books.
In various artistic interpretations, you might find Dragons morally corrupt, or even arrogant and foolish, but rarely portrayed as weak.
Since their birth, True Dragons are destined, as long as they grow healthily, to inevitably become formidable.
"Dragon Beast... the fool among True Dragons?" Aaliyah confirmed again.
"If I have not judged incorrectly." Gauss nodded.
The group collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
In terms of strength, a Dragon Beast is certainly weaker compared to a True Dragon.