Chapter 320 Another Red Iron Dragon
As the sun and moon alternate and the stars shift, a period of time, though not very long, quietly passes by.
The border region was still ruled by endless cold and snow, with goose-feather-like snowflakes falling ceaselessly and a chilling howling sound never ceasing.
But unlike the usual deathly silence...
The Ironforge, with its strongholds scattered throughout the border region, was currently a scene of solemn yet bustling activity.
Countless followers, whether they were strong ogres, fierce werewolf warriors, agile centaur knights, or countless gnolls, kobolds, and lizardmen, mostly had tense faces at this moment, solemn yet suppressing an indescribable excitement, like arrows about to be released from a bow.
They were already fully armed, frost flowers condensing on their cold armor, heavy weapons gripped tightly in their claws or carried on their backs, their breath turning into rapid white smoke in the bitter cold.
Like undercurrents lurking beneath the snowfield.
They emerged in an orderly fashion from different valleys, plains, and hills, and then, spurred on by their leaders, they marched through the deep snow, leaving behind winding tracks that were soon covered by new snow.
final.
The trickling streams converged into surging rivers, transforming into several enormous and winding dragons on the vast, snow-covered land.
Their goal was crystal clear.
It is located south of the border, in that desolate wilderness of Sel, now embroiled in chaos and war, yet also brimming with endless opportunities.
During the long years of Garus's slumber.
The Ironforge tribe, like a giant beast that had sheathed its claws and was feigning sleep, strictly followed the orders of the Crimson Wing Lord, voluntarily withdrawing its sharpness and refraining from large-scale expansion and conquest.
but.
In order to temper the monster's inherent ferocity and belligerence, and also to maintain its fighting power.
Training and brutal gladiatorial combat within the tribe became more frequent and intense.
Day after day, the family members honed their skills and refined their craft in the freezing cold.
As time passed, their claws and teeth became incredibly sharp, and their fighting spirit, like an iron blank repeatedly hammered, grew ever more resilient.
They were just waiting for the order.
They would then rush out of the border area to fight in a wider world.
Therefore, with the Red Wing Lord's order, the elite retinues of the Ironforge scattered across the border region were efficiently mobilized in a very short time, forming disciplined and murderous monster legions that marched resolutely into the wilderness like a flood.
As for this harsh and cold border region, it has not been completely abandoned.
This area also contains rare mines that have not yet been fully exploited, black oil fields with considerable reserves, and black iron deposits where a basic alchemical industrial system has been initially established... These valuable resources and strategic strongholds are the cornerstone of the future development of the Iron Smelting Tribe and must not be easily abandoned.
therefore.
Therese, a mature white dragon who prefers the cold; all the young dragons who have not yet reached adolescence; three monster lords who have submitted to the dragons; Scott, the master craftsman; Naris, the snake-woman swordsman; Elvie, the centaur…
These are the key personnel.
Along with a portion of the elite dependent legion, they were still ordered to remain at the border, guarding this place where the dragons first rose to power, and protecting their snow-covered homeland.
High in the sky, in the area where the wind and snow are densest.
Galus's massive body slowly hovered beneath the leaden clouds, with snowflakes swirling and dancing with each powerful flap of his wings.
Deborah, the crimson-silver dragon, soared alongside him, her beautiful scales shimmering with a soft light, still shining brightly.
"Deborah, have your parents sent any messages recently? For example, when will they be able to return to the border?"
Galos's voice pierced through the howling wind and snow as he asked calmly.
The Crimson Silver Dragon tilted its head slightly, its head swaying gently, its long neck tracing an elegant arc.
"My father only communicated with me once in secret, briefly instructing me not to leave the relatively safe border area, given the turbulent situation around the world."
"But they didn't mention when they would be able to return."
She hesitated for a moment, her tone tinged with uncertainty, before continuing, "It seems that all the metal dragons that are adults or older are participating in some extremely important collective ritual, attempting to prolong the life of the Golden Dragon King. However, they were attacked by the End of Winter midway through, and the ritual was certainly affected and interfered with to some extent."
"No one can say for sure how long it will take to complete, or whether it will be a success or a failure."
The Golden Dragon King she spoke of referred to that powerful being—the twenty-four-winged golden dragon.
Within the highly united metal dragon clan system, five supreme dragon king leaders were jointly elected based on different dragon branches, their respective strengths, and their noble character.
Golden Dragon King, Silver Dragon King, Bronze Dragon King, Red Copper Dragon King, Brass Dragon King.
Without exception, they were all ancient dragons who had lived for over a thousand years and whose power was unfathomable. Moreover, even among the ancient dragons, these five dragon kings were undoubtedly top-tier beings.
The most powerful and prestigious among them was undoubtedly the Golden Dragon King.
At this point, Deborah's mood clearly turned somewhat annoyed and confused.
"The end of winter... Why did this white dragon suddenly attack the Dragon Realm?"
"Doesn't she understand that even though the metal dragons and the five-colored dragons are at odds and have many disputes, they are still dragons after all. Once the Golden Dragon King falls, the overall strength and deterrent power of the entire dragon race will be weakened immeasurably."
An ordinary white dragon might have a simple mind and wouldn't consider this level of thinking.
But an ancient dragon that can live for thousands of years, even a white dragon known for its foolishness, must possess profound wisdom and foresight.
and.
Aside from a few extremely chaotic and evil individuals, dragons that reach the Primordial level generally possess rationality and long-term considerations that transcend instinct, and are able to control their desires and impulses very well.
Deborah simply couldn't understand it.
What exactly was Heatherfield's motive for attacking Dragon Realm in the End of Winter?
There has never been any rumor suggesting that there was any irreconcilable deep-seated grudge between the Golden Dragon King and her.
"Perhaps it was due to some malicious instigation, or perhaps there are deeper reasons or transactions that are far beyond our current understanding."
Garros pondered calmly and said, "In short, if the description of the [End of Winter] in the Dragon Legacy is basically accurate, then she definitely couldn't have attacked the Dragon Realm on a whim."
"There must be a reason behind this that we do not yet know, but that is substantial enough."
The End of Winter, as recorded in the annals, is described as patient and cunning, extremely adept at manipulating and controlling emotions.
Patience and cunning—Garos believes this description might hold true, since these are not inherently negative terms; in the context of survival and struggle, they can even be advantageous.
However, deep down, Galos always harbored a rational skepticism about the fact that he was "extremely adept at manipulating and controlling emotions."
The legacy of the dragon is indeed a treasure trove of knowledge.
However, it also contains a great deal of bias, distorted perspectives resulting from opposing camps, and deeply ingrained subjective opinions. Many of the records contained therein cannot be entirely trusted and must be examined and judged rationally by oneself.
Judging solely from the events recorded in the heritage concerning the entanglement between the End of Winter and human spellcasters.
If the protagonist of the story were replaced with a metallic dragon—such as a silver dragon or a gold dragon.
Therefore, her experience with that human spellcaster will likely be passed down as a romantic and tragic love story that transcends racial barriers, rather than being interpreted as a dark scheme full of scheming and intrigue.
"In any case, I hope that the Golden Dragon King can successfully overcome this calamity of his twilight years and be reborn."
The crimson-silver dragon whispered its prayer.
If the Golden Dragon King can successfully cross this biggest hurdle, the Metal Dragon Clan will have a pillar of strength to stabilize the world, and their influence and status on the entire planet Bernado will rise to a new level. To some extent, the improvement in the overall status of the dragons will also make the living environment of all dragons, including the Five-Colored Dragons, a little better.
but.
Among all the known planes and worlds, only a very small minority can successfully overcome the calamity of the Primordial Dragon's twilight and be reborn.
Time slipped away quietly as the two dragons conversed and pondered.
Galus did not wait for the army of his dependents who were marching on the ground, but instead went first to the natural barrier between the border and the Serian wilderness—the turbulent and wide Estonian River.
The murky, icy river, carrying floating ice, roars deafeningly through the steep canyons as it rushes towards the unknown distance.
"Deborah".
Garus's enormous body hovered above the rushing river, and he said to the crimson-silver dragon beside him, "You can go back now, that's enough for you."
The Crimson Silver Dragon also stopped, and gently shook its tail with some reluctance.
“But, Galos, I also want to see the wilderness.”
Garos turned his head and stared at the Crimson Silver Dragon.
"The dragons almost all came out and left the border area."
"The only dragons left here are Therese, whose power is still weak, and a group of baby dragons that need protection. I can't really feel at ease with such a force."
After a pause, Garros said with great seriousness, "Deborah."
"Only you can personally oversee the border area and stabilize the rear with your strength and wisdom."
Red Iron Dragon's voice carried a heavy weight of trust: "Only then can I go to the wilderness without any worries and open up new territories for the tribe."
"Besides, I haven't completely abandoned the border areas."
“I will often return here, to Dragon Valley, which is a very important nest for us.”
Upon hearing Garos's words, especially the profound trust and heavy responsibility they conveyed, the Crimson Silver Dragon Deborah immediately felt that she had shouldered an important mission.
So she stopped hesitating.
Without further hesitation, she nodded her massive head heavily, as if making a solemn promise.
"I see."
Deborah's voice was firm and resolute: "I will take good care of the border area and protect our home!"
Galos nodded slightly.
He still remembered the instructions given to him by the copper dragon Serena.
The wilderness is more dangerous than the borderlands, and the borderlands do indeed need a more reliable dragon than Beatresh to guard them; Deborah is a good choice.
"Me too! Me too!"
A clear and energetic voice suddenly rang out.
The fairy dragon Vera suddenly emerged from under the broad wing membrane of the crimson silver dragon, battling the strong winds while waving her claws and loudly proclaiming, "I can protect the border area too! I'm very powerful."
Garus lowered his head, his gaze falling on the fairy dragon's small, even swaying body, which looked particularly petite in the gale.
A hint of doubt flickered in his eyes.
"You seem to be underestimating me?"
The fairy dragon keenly caught the hint of suspicion, and like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, it let out a slightly displeased snort.
Then, as if demonstrating her strength, she nimbly did a beautiful somersault in the air and said confidently, "Watch closely! Lady Vera's skills have improved quite a bit."
Before he could finish speaking...
With a sudden flap of her thin, gauze-like wings, her small body deftly drifted backward nearly a hundred meters, carried by the fierce, howling wind.
Buzz—!
In the next instant, a burst of intense and dazzling illusionary light flashed, leaving people mesmerized.
Immediately afterwards, a majestic, powerful, and imposing dragon, exuding unparalleled strength and a sense of oppression, appeared in the sky.
He had thick, dark scales, silent, vertical pupils, and enormous wings that seemed capable of tearing the sky apart.
So much so that when Galus saw it, he couldn't help but let out a heartfelt exclamation of admiration.
"Truly majestic and awe-inspiring, exuding an overwhelming aura of power!"
The dragon looked exactly like him.
Its form, its details, and the suffocatingly terrifying aura it exudes at first glance are indistinguishable from the real Garus.
"I am the great Lord of the Crimson Wings! King of the Molten Iron Tribe—Garos Ignas!"
The red iron dragon let out a deep and majestic roar, powerful enough to shake the very soul of all things, a voice almost identical to that of Garus himself.
"Foolish reptiles, upon seeing the arrival of a true dragon, why don't you kneel down?!"
With this roar, the Red Iron Dragon suddenly spread its wings that blotted out the sky, and its body burst forth with dazzling golden lightning and violent black and red dragon energy. Its entire body seemed to expand a lot again, and its dragon might spread wildly in all directions like a tangible tsunami!
"Oh? Instead of running away, you dare to stay put and stare straight at me?"
Red Iron Dragon looked down at Garos and Red Silver Dragon opposite him, adding extra drama to its own story.
"Crawler, listen carefully to this death knell that is tolling for you!"
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
A heartbeat, heavy as an ancient war drum and as loud as the roar of a colossal engine, resounded with extreme realism from within the illusion.
Immediately afterwards, the scales on his entire body turned a dazzling crimson red, like branding irons, and clear, interwoven, and spreading golden-red fire lines ignited on his body, as if countless enchanting and magnificent fiery red lotuses were blooming and swaying on his body at the same time! The entire dragon became more terrifying and ferocious than before, as if it would destroy everything in the next instant.
"They even imitated my Red Lotus form so perfectly?"
Garus glanced sideways, surprised that the fairy dragon's illusions could be so realistic.
If it is a dragon species with slightly poorer perception.
Even adult dragons, or even some less perceptive mature dragons, would probably be terrified and want to run away with their tails between their legs if they suddenly saw this lifelike and imposing illusion from a distance. They would never dare to go forward to verify its authenticity.
Meanwhile, after the presentation is complete.
The terrifying illusion of the enormous red iron dragon collapsed and vanished like a bubble, transforming back into a small and exquisite fairy dragon.
"Hmph~ This is my most powerful and proudest illusion technique—[Garos Simulation]!"
Vera proudly raised her chin and announced, "I have been secretly observing you, Garus, for a very long time every day. I have memorized every detail of your body and every change in your aura. The illusions I create are absolutely lifelike! Combined with the illusionary sound technique to perfectly simulate your voice, it is enough to be indistinguishable from the real thing."
As a dream sorceress specializing in illusions, her skill set naturally leans towards the mysterious, elusive, and elusive, making her adept at creating illusions that confuse the mind.
And among all the illusion spells she possessed.
This simulation technique, which requires extremely high skill and observation, can almost be considered the most valuable core skill in actual combat.
By observing a powerful creature closely over a long period of time, gaining a deep understanding of its form, movements, and even energy properties, we can ultimately perfectly simulate it.
This is not simply about creating fear or confusing the enemy.
When the caster's level is high enough and their observation of the target is detailed enough, the realism of the simulated illusion reaches a certain critical point.
This illusion can even materialize, temporarily imbuing the simulated illusion with a portion of the simulated being's true power, unleashing attacks that deal substantial damage!
Vera's chosen simulation subject was always the most powerful Garros in her eyes.
Because of years of close observation and deep understanding from living together, she knows every detail of Hong Tielong by heart, and the realism of the illusion has reached a very high level.
This allows her Garosh illusions to not only frighten people, but also to unleash several rather threatening attacks.
"Exquisite illusion magic." Garos praised without reservation: "Vera, with you and Deborah guarding the border together, I feel much more at ease now."
"Remember to give me a shiny gold coin or a gem as a reward."
"Otherwise, I'll turn into your likeness, fly to different places, and shout that I'm an idiot, ruining your reputation."
As he spoke, the fairy dragon burrowed under Deborah's wing again.
"Notify me immediately if you encounter any problems that are difficult to solve."
"At my speed, I can provide support very quickly."
Galos gave a word of advice.
Immediately after a brief farewell.
The red iron dragon stopped, flapped its wings, and its massive figure gradually disappeared into the horizon of the border region.
Instead of waiting for his still-marching dependent legion, he decided to go ahead and head directly to the sinkhole territory in the Sel Wilderness to see the Iron Dragon Girl whom he hadn't seen for decades.
(End of this chapter)
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