Chapter 317 Legendary Familiars, Humanoid Beating
"Serafina, Ludwig."
When the deep, focused voice of the Red Iron Dragon reached the ears of the Black Dragon and the Green Dragon, who were whispering among themselves, they jolted as if doused with ice water. They instantly straightened their previously curled-up bodies, turned in unison towards the leader of the dragon pack, and assumed a solemn, attention-seeking posture, not daring to even breathe loudly.
"There's no need to be so nervous."
Garros's gaze swept over the two teenage dragons, and he asked, "How is the task I assigned you—the research on the Dragonforging and Transformation Ritual—progressing?"
Upon hearing this, Ludwig the Green Dragon relaxed slightly.
He raised his long neck, covered with emerald scales, and respectfully replied, "After repeated experiments and research, we have determined that the Dragon Casting Transformation Ceremony should follow a gradual and progressive order, from simple to complex."
"For example, the first ritual focuses on [Dragon Scale Transformation], while the last, and most crucial and difficult, is [Dragon Heart Transformation]."
Serafina, the black dragon standing nearby, then lowered her voice and added:
"We have successfully designed the complete process and rune array for the first dragon scale transformation ritual, but it is not perfect yet and its stability needs to be improved... The current success rate is only about three out of ten."
Three-tenths?
For a ritual involving the transformation of the essence of life, even a simplified ritual after being broken down can achieve a success rate of 30%, which is already a great breakthrough.
"The mission you are undertaking is crucial to the future of the tribe."
Garros solemnly declared, “For each successful completion and solidification of a transformation ritual, I will bestow upon you unimaginable rewards—wealth, knowledge, or power—and I will never disappoint you.”
After promising huge profits, his gaze slowly swept over the group of relatives and leaders present.
"My...my lord, congratulations on your awakening and return."
Noticing Galos's gaze, Karu, who was gnawing on a large piece of unknown beast leg meat with his mouth dripping with oil, said in a muffled voice, "But...but, you look like you've lost some weight? Hmm, it must be because you've been sleeping for too long and haven't been eating enough! You should eat more, much more."
Galos carefully examined this elder member of the Ironforge tribe.
The Gluttonous Demon Karu is now covered in fiery red dragon scales, has ferocious dragon horns on its head, and trails a thick, powerful dragon tail behind it. Its entire body exudes the rich characteristics of a dragon vein creature.
His body had long since transcended the realm of ordinary ogres, swelling to a terrifying size resembling a hill giant, and was exceptionally robust and muscular, with muscles on his arms bulging as if they had exploded, and veins knotted together. Among the group of bizarre and grotesque leaders of his retinue, his physique remained the most eye-catching.
A glint flashed in Galos's eyes as he used a detection spell.
【Gluttonous Demon Karu, HP Level: 16】
Although one level below the current Galos, he is already a formidable force capable of standing alone.
Considering the Gluttonous Demon's terrifying bloodline talent of rapidly growing stronger through devouring, this rate of improvement doesn't seem too fast. After all, Karu has been fighting alongside the Ironforge tribe, devouring countless powerful creatures and magical materials.
In theory, his life level should be higher.
The reason for this is that Karu is no longer a pure glutton.
He is now an even more powerful Gluttonous Dragonblood, with the blood of an immortal dragon integrated into his body.
This greatly increased his potential ceiling, but it was also affected by the relatively slow growth cycle of dragon bloodlines, which slowed down the rate at which his life level increased.
"In any case, after more than a decade, the tribal chiefs have made quite good progress overall."
As Galos pondered this, his gaze continued to sweep over the other leaders of his familiars, and he activated his detection spells one after another.
【Centaur Elvie, HP Level: 16】
Russell the Werewolf, Health Level: 14
【Nares the Snake Woman, HP Level: 17】
【Tasha the Dragon, Health Level: 14】
[Dog-Headed Mandokoro, Life Level: 13]
………
The core leaders of the Ironforge are all unique, almost all of them have been tempered by blood and fire, possess extraordinary experiences and unique qualities, have different trump cards, and are full of fighting spirit.
Under normal circumstances.
An ordinary adult dragon, or even some strong young dragons, would find it difficult to truly rule over such a tribe full of talented people and powerful individuals.
Only Garus, with a life level only slightly higher than some of his followers, was able to firmly control the entire tribe with unparalleled prestige and unfathomable power.
Before advancing to the level of a young dragon, his life level was even lower than that of his strongest familiars.
Currently, among these leaders of the kin, the highest-ranking is still the Snake-Man Sword Saint Naris, who has risen from level 16 to level 17.
The one who improved the fastest was the mixed-race Elvie.
Initially, Elvie's life level wasn't particularly outstanding among the familiars, but with her exceptional talent, she gradually caught up and now stands firmly at the level 16 threshold, second only to the Snake-Man Sword Saint.
As for the most capable fighter and the one with the strongest combat skills among these leaders...
Galos believed it was the gluttonous demon Karu who was indulging in a feast, rather than the higher-ranking snake-man swordsman.
Although Karu is one level lower, he has an absolute advantage in head-on combat.
As time goes on, the Gluttonous Demon Karu and the half-human Elvie, who are highly regarded by Galos, will inevitably surpass the Serpent Sword Saint in the future, thanks to their bloodline and talent, and have the potential to reach the legendary realm.
but.
If nothing unexpected happens along the way, the first one under the Ironforge tribe to step into the legendary realm might not be them, but rather the [Flower Lord] – Charles Hines, far away in the Wilderness of Sel.
After years of development, the former town of Riverwood has grown to the size of a small city, and was therefore renamed Riverwood Territory.
Since the Wilderness of Sel needed a powerful figure to oversee it in case of unforeseen circumstances, Sharl, who was in charge of the lordship, did not come to the borderlands to participate in the feast. Instead, he celebrated the king's return with the local residents and garrison within the Riverwood Territory.
Humans have many flaws, such as short lifespan and fragile bodies... but the true geniuses among them grow at an unparalleled rate.
The difference in talent between people can sometimes be far greater than the difference between dragons.
The chances of Ciel becoming the first legend are extremely high.
“Once Charles becomes a legend, the magical contract he signed with him will no longer be able to bind him.”
A thought crossed Galos's mind.
The magical contract used in the bet with Charles was not of the legendary level.
Once Sharl himself ascends to legendary status, the effects of the contract will naturally dissipate.
Whether he would still be willing to stay in Riverwood Territory and serve the Ironforge at that time became an unknown.
However, crossing that threshold of legend is no easy task, and it is by no means something that can be easily accomplished.
Although Charles is talented, he is not as monstrous as Saint King Lorthene. Considering his loyalty, integrity, and commitment, there is no need to worry too much in the short term.
Out of his usual caution, Garros looked at the Iron Dragon Sorog once again.
"Sorog, how is Sharl doing now? Does he feel a sufficient sense of belonging to Riverwood and the Ironforge?"
Iron Dragon remained silent for a few seconds, a rather strange expression appearing on its massive dragon face.
He said, "That Flower Lord? He has more than just a sense of belonging in Riverwood; now, even if you wanted to drive him away, he probably wouldn't be willing to leave."
Seeing the strange look on Sorog's face, Garros pressed, "What do you mean? Explain yourself."
Iron Dragon Sorog let out a low, slightly mocking chuckle and said, "He has officially married and started a family in Riverwood."
"Moreover, his wife is not human, but a... well, a very beautiful and charming snake woman."
Upon hearing this, Galos suddenly understood.
No wonder Sorog made that face.
This Iron Dragon himself had a special fondness for snake people, but he never expected that the flower knight, who looked like he had thick eyebrows and big eyes and was upright, would have such similar aesthetic preferences and choose a partner from another race.
At this moment, Naris, the six-armed snake woman leader who had been standing quietly to the side, gracefully swam forward and added, "Your Majesty, Beverly is a young sorcerer in our tribe with considerable talent. She is thoughtful and acts with propriety, and therefore was chosen to serve as the Flower Lord's administrative assistant, helping him handle some of the daily affairs of the territory."
"After spending a long time together, perhaps they developed feelings for each other, and finally, with the blessings of everyone in Riverwood, they officially became husband and wife."
Upon hearing this explanation, Garus gave the snake woman leader a meaningful look.
He felt that while Xia Er's marriage to a snake woman was partly due to his personal interests, there was likely also some subtle influence and careful planning behind the scenes.
However, such minor actions are harmless.
Galus does not object to his followers engaging in reasonable competition or scheming to enhance their status and influence; this is an inevitable part of the group.
Even the most core and completely loyal members of the dragon lineage have their own desires and demands.
He can acquiesce as long as these actions are limited to a reasonable range and do not harm the overall interests of the tribe.
But if anyone dares to overstep their bounds and do anything to betray or seriously damage the Ironforge tribe... then the tribe's Red Dragon Executioner will be happy to let those traitors know what it means to wish they were dead.
Soon after, as the sky gradually turned gray, the grand banquet that had lasted all night was finally coming to an end.
The family members began busily cleaning up the mess and tidying up the area.
All the dragons left Burning Steel Fortress and came to a vast, snow-covered plain outside Dragon Valley.
The human form battle between Garus and Alberto will officially begin here.
Dragons of varying sizes soared and circled in the low, leaden sky, their enormous wings flapping with a whooshing sound that even drowned out the ceaseless wind and snow in the valley.
At the same time, they focused their attention on the snow-covered battlefield below.
Whoosh!
A biting wind, carrying ice crystals, lashed against the two main characters.
Garus and Alberto faced each other, their dragon eyes reflecting each other's figures. Then, two beams of shapeshifting light surged from their bodies, enveloping them completely.
After the light faded, two human figures with distinctly different auras appeared in the spot.
On one side is Alberto, with a lithe and well-proportioned figure and a handsome and dazzling face.
On the other side was Galos, a man over two meters tall, towering like a mountain, his muscular upper body bare and unashamed amidst the swirling snow, as if forged from steel. Beneath his skin, muscles bulged, and veins and blood vessels sprang forth like intertwined dragons.
The two were only a hundred meters apart, and the cold air seemed to freeze between them.
Alberto gently moved his five fingers, and the ancient oath runes on his arm appeared and flowed, eventually condensing into a halberd of conquest symbolizing power and oath, which he held firmly in his hand.
He looked at the imposing figure opposite him without fear and asked loudly, "Garos, are you ready?"
On the other side, Galos did not answer, but simply began to stretch his body.
He stretched out his thick, long arms, tiptoed lightly, and touched the ground with his toes. His body swayed and jumped slightly in place like the most agile cheetah. Every movement was full of explosive power and amazing coordination.
This unexpected flexibility caused Alberto's confident expression to falter slightly, and a sense of unease suddenly rose in his heart.
A dragon that has just mastered Transfiguration and is taking on human form for the first time is extremely unaccustomed to it, so crawling on all fours like a wild beast is considered normal behavior.
But what did he see?
Galos's movements were not at all difficult or hesitant; his steps were so light that it was as if he had long been accustomed to this body!
"Let's begin."
Galos stopped warming up, his voice calm and undisturbed.
His knees bent slightly, and the muscles on his calves, which were as taut as steel cables, suddenly straightened, even making a teeth-grinding gurgling sound.
The next moment—
Sizzle! Sizzle!
A dazzling golden lightning bolt, mixed with dragon energy, suddenly rose from his majestic body, surging and churning! The violent energy even caused his black and red hair to stand on end, dancing wildly with the flames and lightning.
The snow around him instantly vaporized and disappeared, and the frozen ground beneath his feet collapsed and shattered under the weight, creating a huge crater.
When the deafening explosion finally reached Alberto's ears, the black and red lightning bolt that Garus had transformed into had already torn through the wind and snow and rushed towards him.
Wow, so fast!
Alberto's pupils suddenly contracted, relying entirely on his honed combat instincts, he subconsciously raised the Halberd of Conquest to block in front of him.
BOOM!!!
A dull, thunderous explosion, like the sound of breaking leather, erupted, and a visible white shockwave emanated from the two of them, spreading outwards in all directions and stirring up countless snowflakes!
What horrified Alberto even more was that two pitch-black arms made entirely of condensed dragon energy appeared out of thin air behind Garos. Together with his own two arms, the four arms unleashed dozens or even hundreds of fist shadows in an instant, like a storm.
Ding ding ding ding!
Alberto's halberd of conquest trembled violently from the immense force, almost flying out of his grasp. He staggered backward under the onslaught, each step leaving deep footprints in the frozen ground.
Before he could regain his balance, he saw Galos twist his waist and hips forcefully, using his left leg as the axis.
The right leg, with its bulging muscles and bulging veins, was like the tail of a real dragon, tearing through the air and lashing out with a terrifying howl.
There's no way to avoid it!
boom!
Alberto felt an irresistible force surge through him, and as if he had been launched from a catapult, he was thrown uncontrollably into the air.
Almost at the same moment he was kicked away, the ground beneath Galos's feet exploded once again.
His imposing figure soared into the sky, catching up with Alberto, who had nowhere to gain leverage in mid-air, and raised his right leg high, with dazzling golden lightning crackling around it, like a battle axe, and slashed down with the force of splitting mountains and shattering rocks.
Bang--!
Alberto was slammed back to the ground like a meteorite, stirring up a cloud of snow dust.
As he struggled to get up, the imposing figure, like a demon god, descended from the sky like a shadow, stomping down with unparalleled power.
At the critical moment, a phantom crown appeared above Alberto's head, bursting with intense light, and he narrowly tumbled away from the fatal stomp.
"It's over! It's all over!"
"Why is he so skilled in his other form?! This doesn't seem like the first time at all!"
"I finally managed to pay off my debt! And now it's all starting to be calculated again! And it's even more than before!"
Alberto was internally screaming and howling, but his face uncontrollably contorted into a bizarre expression that was even uglier than crying, a desperate look that seemed to be a mixture of laughter and tears.
He had a clear vision of his impending defeat.
If it weren't for the many dragons watching around, he probably would have admitted defeat on the spot and begged Garus to at least reduce his debt by half!
Immediately.
Alberto gritted his teeth, focused all his mind, and banished all distractions to deal with Galos's relentless, storm-like attacks.
In his human form, Garus still possessed terrifying strength and speed that inspired despair. His attacks were like relentless waves, one after another, leaving Alberto with almost no chance to defend himself.
Alberto completely lost the will to fight back.
He focused solely on defense, hoping to hold out for as long as possible and avoid a swift and humiliating defeat, so as to salvage as much dignity as possible.
But as time goes by...
The solid ground below was repeatedly shattered and cracked by Garus's trampling and Alberto's impact, and the surrounding wind and snow were constantly torn apart and scattered by the fierce energy.
Under the silent and focused gaze of numerous dragons in the sky, this battle, which was almost a one-sided beating, slowly drew to an inevitable end.
Several more minutes passed, which felt like an eternity.
Clang!
Alberto's halberd of conquest was finally blasted away by a powerful punch, spinning and embedding itself in the snow in the distance.
Immediately afterwards, Galos's fist, imbued with terrifying power, shattered the dim and illusory holy armor surrounding Alberto, mercilessly imprinting itself on Alberto's already bruised and swollen face, which was no longer handsome.
Bang!
The final, exceptionally fierce and heavy straight punch landed squarely on Alberto's chest!
Wow!
Alberto spat out a mouthful of golden dragon blood, and his entire body flew backward like a kite with a broken string.
In mid-air, with a burst of intense magical light, he could no longer maintain his human form and was forced to reveal his massive golden dragon form. He crashed heavily to the ground, rolling and plowing a long furrow until he finally came to a stop, his eyes closed, as if he had completely passed out.
"So fragile?"
Galos frowned slightly, suppressing the surging dragon energy and lightning around him, somewhat puzzled.
He believed that although his attack was not light, it should not have been enough to knock Alberto completely unconscious. With Jinlong's physical strength, he should be able to hold on for a while longer.
In fact, his judgment was entirely correct.
In order to escape the cruel reality, the noble Golden Dragon Alberto, after a fierce internal struggle of less than a second, decisively chose to pretend to faint.
If he were the proud, upright man who valued honor above all else, he would never have done something so undignified.
But now...
While unconscious, Alberto silently recited to himself: Escape may be shameful, but it is useful.
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(End of this chapter)
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