Peak blue mechas can unleash the power that neared a mini nuclear explosion in a small, one kilometer radius.

The range of its explosion was the approximate benchmark of its power.

There was really no need to give the intensity of the explosion that occurred within that kilometer radius a deeper measure other than "almost a nuclear explosion" because well, not many would survive it.

And those that could, would do so with extreme ease.

You're either a white mecha grade being, or you're ashes in a nuclear explosion.

But as soon as I unleashed my resonance deep into the scarlet dragonoid mecha, I realized that we would soon have to create and name the different levels of explosion intensities.

Because although the power output of the dragonoid mecha was that of a Count, the technology that powered its explosions was definitely beyond even that of gold mechas.

It utilized a multi-point injection system in a strange and unique weapon ignition chamber that could either be fired off as a savage energy beam in an all out attack that would drain it of most of its energy, or used more conservatively as propulsion for what looked like extremely high explosive rounds.

It may sound simple, but then again, a robust engine is but a complex application of simple pulley systems.

With a single scan, it was abundantly clear to me that the dragons had pushed that particular multi-point injection technology to heights that was probably similar to that of ants looking up at the Eiffel Tower.

Not only that, each and every aspect of the mecha outclassed, outperformed and outpowered every single metric that our peak blue mechas had.

Some, such as top speed, acceleration and maneuvering, probably even outclassed our white mechas!

But that was not the most impressive part about the mecha.

Oh no, not by far.

The most impressive part of that mecha was a tiny, almost unnoticeable, grain of sand sized empty chamber in the middle of its body where its heart was supposed to be.

If not for the obvious energy channels leading away from it to every single conceivable corner of the mecha, I would definitely have missed its existence.

But there it was, a spot for an energy source that could power the mecha in all of its technological wonders, the size of a mere dot.

"It is definitely a spot for a piece of the Black Pearl!" I realized as I pieced that empty chamber and the fact that the cocky dragonling had proposed to split the Black Pearl, together.

"Insanity, the Black Pearl could be split into such small parts? And if such a tiny part is all it takes to power a Count, then wouldn't the Black Pearl be powerful enough to power even Golden Mechas?"

I glanced at the Black Pearl which was still glowing and at the black, ethereal flames that still covered me.

"With Devour and the Black Pearl.. I would definitely be unstoppable!!" I thought intensely to myself.

The only question was, what do I do first? Try and absorb the dragonoid mecha? Or deal with the Black Pearl?

"AHHHH!!! LET ME GO!! I WILL TELL YOU ABOUT THE BLACK PEARL!! I WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING!!! LET ME GOO!!!" Came the anguished sound of the answer to my question.

"Hmph! You should have told me when you had the chance! Now, it is too late. I don't need your stupid information." I scoffed at the naive little dragonling.

Always remember, in a negotiation where you have the upper position, the one who compromises first loses, and after your opponent compromises, NEVER agree to it.

Agreeing to his first compromise would give him hope, and generate thoughts such as "did I give in too quickly? Should I have held out for more?"

No, reject his compromise, and force him to take another step down again first.

You'll become a stubborn, unreasonable asshole, but you will secure the victory in the negotiation.

This is very useful especially when you are negotiating with an enemy.

"NO! YOU NEED ME!! AHHHH!!! THE INFORMATION I WILL GIVE YOU IS SOMETHING YOU WILL NEVER DISCOVER BY YOURSELF!! LET ME GOO!!"

"Information I will never discover by myself? Like the fact that just a tiny part of the Black Pearl can power an entire Dragonoid Mecha? Or the fact that it has a secret dark power..?" I said with a casual laugh.

I had no idea what its secret effect was at that time. I was only trying to sound as though I knew. Describing the effect as "secret dark power" was merely because of the core's name which had the word "Black" in it.

But to the foolish dragonling whose mind was clouded by thick fogs of pain, it sounded as though I knew its secret, especially after I revealed the fact that just a tiny part of it could power the dragonoid mecha!

"Let me go.. Please!! I can't take the pain anymore.." The dragonling moaned in defeat. "I cannot bear another second... Please! Please!!"historical

"Tell me everything you know now to verify my information. If I find it useful, I might let you go. If its not useful at all, I will leave you in pain until you die. If I find it extremely useful, I might even give you something special. Whether or not you spend the next few days in pain or not is up to you. Do not blame me for what will happen to you next. Now speak!" I commanded him with a strong voice.

"I will tell you everything.. Everything.." The dragonling whined and sobbed. "The Black Pearl is a power source from the Higher Heavens. Its unique power is "Control". As long as a portion of the Black Pearl is implanted into a mecha, the recognized owner of the Black Pearl can control it! Its secondary effect is unlimited power. Please.. Let me go.."

Higher Heavens.

Control.

Secondary effect.

Unlimited power.

Was I stunned?

You're damn right I was.