Chapter 279 Contrast, The Dragon's Entrapment
As dusk settled slowly over the earth like a soft veil, it painted the horizon with a magnificent glow.
The fiery, burning rays of the sunset splashed wildly, covering the entire sky with a magnificent and splendid tapestry.
Inside the Burning Steel Fortress, the dragon talks that had been going on for some time were gradually coming to an end. The noise subsided, and a sense of tranquility settled in the air.
"Deborah".
The red iron dragon tilted its massive head slightly, lowered its voice, and asked the crimson silver dragon lying quietly on the stone platform beside it, "Are you also as enthusiastic about singing and dancing as that energetic golden dragon? Or rather..."
A hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes: "...Do you have any other 'roles' that you prefer and want to immerse yourself in?"
They live and adventure in human society in different humanoid forms.
This behavior is actually far more than just a hobby of Alberto's maverick golden dragon.
It is a common interest that almost all metal dragons have hidden deep in their hearts to some extent. However, in terms of the depth of their obsession and the degree of their involvement, compared to the almost selfless desire to perform of the gold dragon, other metal dragons tend to be more restrained and subtle.
"No."
Deborah, the Crimson Silver Dragon, answered crisply: "And frankly, I'm not particularly interested in the song and dance itself."
She paused briefly, as if recalling something, before continuing thoughtfully, "However, speaking of this, it reminds me of my parents, they... seem to have had similar 'roles' experiences as well."
"I've heard many interesting stories from their adventurous journeys when they were young."
She slightly adjusted her prone position and continued, "My father, Edley, back then, preferred to play the role of a witty, slightly frivolous bard who always liked to strum the strings in the tavern."
"My mother, Serena, was keen to play the role of a noble lady who was born into a wealthy family but was unusually aloof and almost always had a stern face and never smiled."
The humorous and frivolous Edley? The aloof and unsmiling Serena?
The image of the two dragons in his memory immediately flashed into Galos's mind.
Edley had a serious and deep-seated look, as if he had something on his mind. He had a cold face and a mind as narrow as a needle. Serena's personality was almost exactly the same as Deborah's. She was cunning and strange, and had nothing to do with the word "aloof".
Metal dragons, when they transform into human form, seem to be particularly keen on giving themselves a persona that is completely opposite to their dragon nature, full of contrast.
Galos pondered silently in his heart.
Just like Alberto—in human form, he was such a sunny, enthusiastic, and almost exaggerated adventurer; but once he reverted to his golden dragon form, he immediately became dignified, obsessive, and even somewhat heavy.
The Crimson Silver Dragon gracefully lowered its head.
She took a sip of the mead, which the waiter had just served, and moistened her throat with the tip of her tongue. Then she continued to tell her story of her parents' 'glorious years' with great enthusiasm.
“They enjoyed going out together when they were young, and putting on this carefully planned role-playing performance together.”
"That 'bard' always acted flamboyantly and ostentatiously. Wherever he went, he liked to sing his self-composed romantic story about successfully eloping with a rebellious noblewoman in the center of a bustling tavern or market."
"And that 'noble lady' would certainly be dressed in luxurious and dazzling clothes, with a glittering gemstone necklace around her neck, heavy gold earrings hanging from her earlobes, and her wrists and hair adorned with a dazzling array of valuable ornaments... The two of them would travel together like this, without even a decent guard or servant by their side."
At this point, Deborah couldn't help but let out a soft, clear laugh:
"As a result... almost without exception, there are always some 'bad seeds' who are blinded by greed and have ulterior motives, attracted by their too tempting combination, and like sharks smelling blood, they swarm around, eager to make a move and intend to do something bad."
A sly glint flashed in her eyes: "As for the final outcome, naturally nothing unexpected will happen."
“Those ‘bad seeds’ who willingly offer themselves up are often dealt with by my parents, ending up being robbed clean and left in a sorry state… I heard that a large part of their first pot of gold during their adventurous journeys was accumulated in this way!”
A classic case of entrapment enforcement.
Using itself as sweet and tempting bait, it waits patiently for prey with ulterior motives and greed to take the bait.
This is simply one of the most beloved and skillfully used tricks of the metal dragons.
As for transforming into various ferocious-looking monsters or wild beasts that are likely to provoke attacks, and then using this method to extort money in self-defense after the other party makes the first move, this method seems rather simple, crude, and even a bit low-level in comparison.
Metal dragons don't usually use this method.
Unless a specific evil target has been clearly identified, and one is simply too lazy to spend too much effort designing a more elaborate trap, this more direct but less artistic approach is only occasionally used.
"It sounds like you're interested too."
"Garos said."
"Of course I'm interested!"
The Crimson Silver Dragon gave an affirmative answer without hesitation, speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Isn't this a very interesting thing? It can cleverly punish those wicked people hiding in the crowd and uphold a little bit of justice, while also making ill-gotten gains come to us willingly. It's a win-win situation!"
She gently shook her elegant dragon head, adding her own perspective.
"However, in remote and wild places with fierce local customs and chaotic rules, such as former border areas, the malice of intelligent beings is often as naked and undisguised as that of wild beasts, making such adventures seem rather bland and uninteresting."
She paused, then continued with great interest, "But what about those prosperous countries that pride themselves on being highly civilized and orderly?"
"When those 'respectable people' who are usually well-dressed and dignified are seen tearing off their hypocritical masks and revealing their hideous true nature when they are about to do something wrong, it is suddenly discovered that the 'fat sheep' in their eyes is actually the 'great shark' that is hiding in the dark."
"The expressions on their faces at that moment must have been incredibly interesting!"
As she spoke, she carefully looked at the massive red iron dragon beside her, scrutinizing its size and demeanor. She pondered for a few seconds, seemingly deep in thought.
Then, the Crimson Silver Dragon excitedly suggested:
"Garos, if we have the chance in the future, we can try playing like this too."
"You can try playing a... well... a simple-minded, naive, and reckless young man with brute strength, but no scheming or cunning. As for me, I'll play a seemingly innocent, naive, and even a bit silly rich girl."
Deborah's eyes gleamed with a mischievous light, as if she could already see the scene unfolding before her.
"Just imagine, two greenhorn duos, fresh out of school and naive to the ways of the world, yet carrying a lot of valuable treasures, wandering around those seemingly civilized towns—what an irresistible temptation that would be for those greedy bastards lurking in the shadows! They'd definitely attract a lot of 'volunteers' to take the bait!"
As Galos listened to Deborah's vivid description, a hint of interest flashed in his eyes.
His massive dragon head nodded slightly in response, "That does sound quite interesting."
In the leisure time after a day of hard training, being able to "fish" like these metal dragons in a somewhat "dramatic" way can not only stretch your muscles and bones but also allow you to observe the various aspects of life. It is quite a unique form of entertainment and relaxation.
but……
The thought only flashed through my mind before being suppressed by more realistic considerations.
He was not one of those metal dragons who were naturally protected by the Order and in a relatively safe situation, but a hybrid dragon with the blood of an evil dragon flowing in his veins, who would likely attract a relentless pursuit if his identity were exposed in the civilized world.
That kind of "comfortable" life—being able to leisurely and freely transform into human form and delve into the realm of intelligent beings to engage in role-playing games—is far too distant for him to achieve now.
"Exhilarating!"
Just then, a powerful and satisfied shout came from the center of the hall from Alberto in his human form.
He had just finished his last magnificent and powerful dance step.
At this moment, his golden curly hair was damp with sweat and stuck to his smooth forehead, and his temples were covered with a layer of fine beads of sweat. He was surrounded by heat, as if he had just gone through a fierce battle. His chest rose and fell slightly, and his breathing was a little rapid. He looked like he had exhausted his physical strength and was close to his limit.
I must say, his exhausted state was portrayed so convincingly, it was incredibly lifelike.
Immediately, Alberto leaped lightly back onto his enormous stone platform.
A soft yet bright magical light shone from his body.
Enveloped in light, his slender, humanoid body, typical of adventurers, rapidly expanded, stretched, and deformed as if inflated.
The light faded.
The majestic golden dragon, covered in shimmering scales, had replaced the human form and stood tall once more.
His entire dragon aura underwent a dramatic transformation in an instant—from a sunny, enthusiastic, and seemingly inexhaustible young adventurer, he instantly became restrained and composed, transforming back into a majestic, noble, sharp-eyed, and extremely obsessive golden dragon.
“I had a great time tonight, Garus.”
Alberto turned to the red iron dragon, its massive head bowing slightly as if to express its sincere gratitude.
"Thank you for your generous hospitality."
He paused, then said, "A promise is something that you will do your utmost to fulfill no matter what difficulties and obstacles you encounter!"
"Before our respective journeys inevitably lead us to opposing sides, Galus, if you encounter any formidable enemy that you cannot face alone, you may send me a signal for help, and I, Alberto Aurelius, will do everything in my power to reach your side as quickly as possible!"
Although he was defeated by Garus in a recent battle.
But these words, spoken at this moment, carried an unwavering confidence and extraordinary aura, as if he were the one with absolute power who could protect Galos.
Undoubtedly, this defeat did not truly dampen the pride and arrogance inherent in this golden dragon.
There's still not enough harsh reality to teach us a lesson.
Of course, Alberto's attitude and commitment were undoubtedly more beneficial than harmful to Galos.
This golden dragon is indeed extreme, arrogant, and has an unpredictable and obsessive personality... but it is equally undeniable that Alberto, who embarked on the path of the Holy Dragon, attaches great importance to the oath he made.
and.
He clearly developed a unique sense of trust and identification with Hong Tielong, who was able to "accept" his ideas.
Having such a powerful ally who values commitment and can unleash extraordinary combat power at crucial moments due to shared ideals... in the turbulent wilderness of Sel in the future, it might really produce unexpected and excellent results at certain critical moments.
The two dragons then exchanged information and confirmed a method for emergency communication across long distances.
Then, as the dragons departed, the gate to the second level of the Burning Steel Fortress slowly closed.
On the towering cliffs of Dragon Valley, the night wind howled past, carrying the scent of the wilderness.
"I am about to embark on my journey."
Alberto looked south: "Head to the wilderness of Sel! There, I will lay the foundation stone and build my own inviolable 'Golden Order'."
Just as the golden dragon flapped its wings, preparing to ride the wind and fly towards an unknown journey.
Red Iron Dragon, who was standing to the side, seemed to suddenly remember something important and called out to him, "Alberto, wait!"
The golden dragon paused slightly in mid-air, folded its wings that were about to flap, and turned its head in confusion to look at Garus.
"What?"
Meeting Alberto's questioning gaze, Galos frankly stated his request: "Before we part, could you allow me to personally experience the power of your 'Supreme Holy Slash'?"
He emphasized, "Please do not hold back."
The Holy Dragon's Holy Slash is far more powerful than that of an ordinary paladin. When Alberto used the Holy Slash, Garos sensed a hint of danger and used his dragon energy arm to restrain him, preventing the Holy Slash from hitting him.
But now, he wants to test the effects of the Holy Slash on himself again.
Jinlong licked the wound on his jaw that had not yet fully healed, a complex light flashing in his eyes—a mixture of bewilderment at Galos's strange request and excitement at being able to rightfully retaliate.
He nodded heavily on his massive head: "Strange request, but no problem! I promise you! I will do my utmost to fulfill your wish!"
He had suffered considerable injuries in that previous frustrating battle where he was surrounded and beaten by several evil dragons.
The vast majority of these injuries were caused by the red iron dragon in front of him! Although powerful divine spells such as "Holy Healing" and "Reversal of Injury" healed him in time, he still had many messy marks left on his body from broken and peeling dragon scales, making him look quite disheveled.
At this moment, we are given a legitimate opportunity to "fight back".
Even if it's just a symbolic strike, how could he refuse?
"So... are you ready!"
Alberto let out a deep dragon roar.
A strange, humming sound of energy rang out.
Chains of Oath of Conquest runes, shimmering with holy golden light and composed of pure energy, appeared and protruded on the golden dragon's right forearm as if they were living things, then quickly intertwined and converged.
In the blink of an eye.
A massive battle halberd, materialized from the energy of the Holy Oath, appeared in his dragon claw and was firmly gripped by him!
The next moment.
"Supreme! Saint! Slay!"
Accompanied by Alberto's powerful and sacred roar, the halberd shone with a dazzling, fiery light, drawing a scorching and radiant arc in the air before slashing towards the red iron dragon.
Red Iron Dragon neither dodged nor flinched, but instead raised its chest, which was still recovering from its Cold Scale attack, to meet the attack.
Clang—Rip!
After a severe setback, the halberd tore through the dragon's scales, leaving a large but not deep gash on the red iron dragon's body, with lingering, shimmering light still clinging to its surface.
In response, Hong Tielong simply swayed his body.
"Hmm." Galos's voice was calm and even somewhat relaxed.
"I didn't feel anything special."
He said.
"I wasn't wrong! Those who agree with my beliefs are definitely not truly evil."
Upon seeing this, Alberto was initially surprised, but then his eyes showed even greater trust.
The Holy Slash, enhanced by the Oath of Conquest, inflicts a radiant punishment from the divine source upon creatures of the evil alignment, several times greater than physical damage. The searing pain that penetrates to the very marrow of the soul is enough to make even the most ferocious demon howl in agony.
However, look at Galus's reaction at this moment.
—He merely swayed slightly, without even frowning, and his tone was as calm as if he had only been bitten by a mosquito.
This only shows that the Holy Light damage targeting evil had almost no effect on him, or rather, had a negligible effect!
The Holy Slayer will not deceive the dragon.
This means that the Red Iron Dragon is not a creature of the evil faction.
(End of this chapter)
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