Chapter 23: Communication

“Yes, Mr. Huang Ze, based on what we've learned from neighboring nations and tribes, this world indeed does not have the profession of dragon riders,” Liu Weihan replied. “While some powerful countries have raised dragons, they are mostly treated as independent combat units, like mercenaries or enforcers, and rarely cooperate closely with humans.”

“...That’s true,” the dragon mused. “Riding a dragon might look impressive, but in actual battle, it’s just foolish. Not only does it fail to enhance combat ability, it actually becomes a burden for the dragon.”

“Exactly,” Liu Weihan said with a smile. “The local intelligent races told us that some powerful nations did try to domesticate dragons and create dragon rider units, but the poor practicality and high accident rate forced them to abandon the idea.”

“So that’s how it is...” Huang Kangping’s face betrayed some disappointment. After all, what man hasn’t dreamed of becoming a dragon rider—even if the dragon is his own son?

“Dad, you don’t need to be so disappointed,” Huang Ze hurried to comfort him. “At worst, I’ll ask the engineers to come in a few days and design a couple of saddles and safety belts for my back. That way, your dream can come true, and I can take you to the skies safely!”

“Really?” Huang Kangping’s face lit up with joy, only to be firmly pinched on the arm by his wife, Pan Xiaolin, who scolded him, “Look at you! What kind of father wants his own son to be his mount?”

“Mom, what’s the big deal?” Huang Ze quickly tried to smooth things over. “Didn’t I often ride on Dad’s shoulders when I was little? Now it’s time for me to show my filial piety. If I have the time, I’d like to carry both of you and travel across the country together!”

“See? Our son is so thoughtful, nothing like you, who always blows things out of proportion!” Hearing this, Huang Kangping couldn’t help feeling a bit smug.

“Hm? Say that again?”

Pan Xiaolin narrowed her eyes, her aura suddenly murderous.

“No, no, no...” Huang Kangping instantly wilted and hastily changed his tone. “What I meant was, our son’s current form and physique are perfect. There’s absolutely no need for any saddles or safety belts—it would be so tacky and unsightly! It would disgrace the dragon!”

Huang Ze: “...”

...

The family chatted happily for more than two hours. It was past eleven at night when Huang Kangping and his wife finally felt tired and returned to the guesthouse nearby, intending to wash up and rest. Just then, Liu Weihan came knocking.

“Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Pan. Our technical department noticed earlier that you posted a status in your social circle about your son, Huang Ze, turning into a dragon, along with a photo... Is that correct?”

“Yes, is there a problem?” Pan Xiaolin was momentarily puzzled, then realized and slapped her forehead. “Sorry, sorry, my memory! You did mention before that Huang Ze’s transformation into a dragon is a state secret and must not be leaked... I got carried away. Is it still possible to delete it now?”

“No need, Ms. Pan. Our technical department immediately blocked and deleted the post, so it didn’t have any social impact. Just please be more careful about this in the future,” Liu Weihan said with a smile. “Actually, I’m here mainly for another matter—the issue of Mr. Huang Ze’s identity, which I need to discuss with you both.”

“Huang Ze’s identity?” Huang Kangping was confused. “What’s the problem? He’s my son, he’s a citizen of our country.”

“Yes, Mr. Huang, we certainly acknowledge Mr. Huang Ze’s citizenship,” Liu Weihan said solemnly. “But regarding his transformation into a dragon, we must maintain strict confidentiality in our external communications. Otherwise, it could expose Mr. Huang Ze to unnecessary danger and trouble. Hostile forces abroad might target him and create conspiracies.”

“Our academy’s experts recommend that Mr. Huang Ze join our country as a naturalized dragon, motivated by his strong identification and admiration for our culture, system, science, and values, and voluntarily apply to become part of our nation.”

“This way, not only can we keep Mr. Huang Ze’s secret, but it will also greatly benefit our future publicity and united front work. With Mr. Huang Ze, a black dragon, serving as an exemplary figure and ambassador of peace, prejudices and hostility from extraordinary beings abroad toward our country may diminish considerably.”

“Naturalized dragon...” Huang Kangping fell silent in contemplation. He recognized the sense in Lieutenant Colonel Liu’s words. If the news that a black dragon was once a citizen of their country got out, it would cause a huge stir domestically and attract countless interviews and heated discussions, bringing endless trouble to Huang Ze and their family. Using the identity of a native dragon naturalizing into their country as a cover was indeed a clever solution.

Yet, the term ‘naturalized dragon’ felt off to Huang Kangping. It seemed somewhat unfair to his son.

“...Of course, naturalized dragon is only the official stance for external communications,” Liu Weihan quickly explained, sensing Huang Kangping’s misgivings. “Internally, we’ll always recognize Mr. Huang Ze’s citizenship, and compensate him for any loss of reputation or spirit... with an annual payment of ten kilograms of gold.”

“Moreover, Mr. Huang Ze will eventually be able to revert to human form. At that time, he can fully return to domestic life as his original self. The naturalized dragon identity is just a public alias, and won’t impact his private life.”

“We just discussed this with Mr. Huang Ze, and he fully understands and supports our work. From now on, when he’s in dragon form, he can no longer use the name Huang Ze.”

“His new name will be Dius, a progressive dragon from the northern lands, who has joined our country out of deep trust and admiration.”

“And the dragon Dius... obviously cannot know the two of you. So in public or crowded places, please keep your distance from Mr. Huang Ze, avoid behaving too warmly, and certainly don’t call him your son...”

“...”

“...”

The couple exchanged glances. Pan Xiaolin was about to protest, but Huang Kangping spoke first. “Very well, Lieutenant Colonel Liu, since our son has agreed, we have no objections.”

“As parents, we can’t possibly have less sense of duty than he does.”