Chapter 405 Invitation to Challenge
Sel Wilderness, Northwest Region.
The black and red dragon stood tall like a mountain, and at this moment, its powerful body was covered with magnificent armor pieces that shone brightly and seemed to be made entirely of gold.
Natasha and Alberto stood quietly to one side, their eyes fixed intently on the process.
Natasha's golden eyes reflected the image of the red iron dragon.
She watched as the armor plates were precisely fitted onto the rugged lines of the red iron dragon's body, and as the intricate runes on the breastplate, shoulder armor, and other key parts were lit up one by one, radiating a warm and majestic golden light.
When the last piece of armor was perfectly fitted onto Garus's dragon arm.
The entire suit of armor was perfectly completed.
Garros's already imposing body was made even more majestic and awe-inspiring, a blend of the dragon's primal ferocity and the solemnity of its armor, which was enough to inspire awe in any who witnessed it.
He whispered a few words, turned it on, and stretched his body.
After a period of adaptation and fine-tuning, under the control of the Red Iron Dragon, the overly dazzling magical light on the surface of the armor gradually subsided and calmed down.
"As expected, even with the strength of my current body, the amplification effect of this armor is still quite considerable."
Galos's deep voice echoed in the air, carrying a hint of satisfied hum.
Natasha's gaze remained fixed on the red iron dragon, scrutinizing him carefully from head to toe.
Compared to the red iron dragon she first saw thirty years ago, the Garos before her had undergone a complete transformation.
The disguise scales have been removed, revealing the deep black base color and crimson patterned scales. The strangely structured dragon wings are both dangerous and beautiful, and the deep dragon might is almost at its limit under the legend.
All of this demonstrates his transformation.
"Garos, you have changed so much."
"Just a long sleep? That's incredible."
She carefully sensed Galos's presence, her tone filled with undisguised astonishment.
Alberto, who habitually held his head high, glanced at his sister Long and gave her a look that said, "You're making a fuss over nothing."
Natasha completely ignored Alberto's gaze, her eyes still fixed on Galos.
"It seems that this armor can only truly shine and realize its true value when worn by you."
Jinlong Nasha's gaze shifted as she spoke slowly.
The red iron dragon's huge head moved up and down, indicating its agreement.
Then, he grinned and said, "I completely agree with what you're saying."
“Then, Natasha, could you give it to me? It suits me so well.”
Upon hearing this, Natasha's golden eyes widened instantly, as if she had heard something unbelievable. She flicked her tail in annoyance, creating a gust of wind.
"Garos! How dare you say that? You truly are the shameless, greedy, and evil dragon you always were!"
She paused for a moment, then explained, "This armor belongs to my father. It's fine to lend it to you to use against powerful enemies, but I can't give it away on my own."
"If you really want it, it's not impossible."
"If you have the chance in the future, you can go to Fubo Dragon Domain in person and ask my father for it."
"Of course, that's assuming you can convince him."
Upon hearing this, Galos shook his head slightly and said no more about the topic.
He has always lacked a sense of security and disliked being around people stronger than himself.
Red Iron Dragon then steered the conversation back to the armor itself, saying, "Nasha, this armor is very important to me no matter what."
"I will remember your generosity and kindness."
Upon hearing this, Natasha's eyes lit up with excitement, and she quickly replied, "As long as it works!"
"However, I am very, very much looking forward to seeing what kind of intense sparks will fly when you, wearing this armor, meet that legendary human swordsman."
As a golden dragon whose blood runs with the passion of battle and who reveres strength and glory.
The legendary feats of defying the odds, which are only recorded in legends, held an unparalleled attraction for Natasha; they were almost her dreams.
She desperately wanted to take Garros's place in the battle against the legend.
Unfortunately, she was very self-aware and knew her current strength level clearly. If she really went, she probably wouldn't be able to hold out for long before she would have to send an emergency distress signal to the Dragon Realm in a sorry state.
However, as a second choice, Natasha saw it as a unique way to participate: Red Iron Dragon would wear the armor she had personally brought and lent to fight the legend.
If Galus wins, she will naturally feel honored, as she will have indirectly participated in this great feat.
If Galos were to be defeated, she and Alberto would immediately appear and join forces to stop the human legend and give Galos a chance to survive.
If the other party disregards the identity of the Golden Dragon Clan and the potential consequences, and insists on continuing the attack.
They will not hesitate to call for help from the Dragon Realm.
With both golden dragons in danger at the same time, the Fubo Dragon Domain would never sit idly by, and rescue forces would arrive as quickly as possible.
Of course, both Natasha and Alberto, deep down, hoped that things wouldn't come to that.
Alberto had escaped the Dragon Realm and was used to being free outside, so he really didn't want to be caught and brought back to face possible punishment.
Natasha's initial mission was to capture Alberto and bring him back, but she herself ended up enjoying the wilderness and didn't want to leave.
Not only did he fail to complete the mission, but he also stayed behind like Alberto, during which time he repeatedly hung up on or gave perfunctory replies to his elderly father's remote messages.
If they seek help from the Dragon Realm, they will most likely be forcibly taken back to the Dragon Realm and lose their current freedom.
"Garos, you have to win!"
"At the very least, it should end in a draw."
Alberto said, "Neither Natasha nor I want to go back to the Dragon Realm so soon."
Red Iron Dragon turned its massive head to look at Alberto and said, "I'll try my best."
"But Alberto, when do you plan to go home?"
Upon hearing this, Alberto raised his head high and solemnly declared, "When I, Alberto, through my own efforts and talent, successfully reach the legendary realm and become a powerful golden dragon who commands respect everywhere, I will return to the Dragon Realm in glory and honor!"
Just then.
Iron Dragon Sorog's steady yet urgent mental message rang once again in Red Iron Dragon's mind.
"Garos, latest intelligence: the fighting in the Fungus King's territory has subsided and disappeared."
He reported: "Our scouts, who were deployed nearby, observed that the fungal carpet that originally covered the ground had all lost its activity and become dry and withered. The human soldiers were carrying out battlefield cleanup and burning."
"Based on this, it can be concluded that the King of Fungi has either perished or completely abandoned that territory and chosen to retreat."
Hong Tielong remained calm and replied, "I understand."
Iron Dragon Sorog continued to inquire, saying, "I have already issued the two plans—war and retreat—to the leaders of the various dependent races and lords of the territories, and they are all awaiting further instructions."
"When...will we officially begin the war?"
Red Iron Dragon paused for a moment, then responded.
"This war is unlike any we have ever experienced before."
"The key to victory or defeat lies in whether I can defeat that human legend."
"Soon, I will take the initiative to challenge that 'Unfinished Sword' one-on-one. I believe he will not refuse such an opportunity to behead a regional king in the shortest time."
I had a quick and efficient conversation with Sorog via a telepathic link.
The two sides quickly finalized the general strategic framework for the battle.
The main members of the dragon pack, the lords of various territories, and the elite leaders of the subordinate legions... will all follow under the wings of the Red Iron Dragon to the agreed battlefield to witness the duel between the King of Molten Iron and the Unfinished Sword.
This is both to demonstrate the unity and strength of the tribe and to prepare for emergencies.
If Garus shows signs of being outmatched in battle, then the dragons and their elite retinue will rush in without hesitation to provide support, regardless of the cost.
Conversely, if the legendary swordsman is about to be defeated in battle, his human legion will certainly not stand idly by and will try every means to intervene and rescue him.
At that time, it will be a test of which of the two legions can provide more assistance to their respective leaders.
"Sorrog, you are now in charge of the overall coordination of the legion's specific deployment, formation, and pre-battle command."
Red Iron Dragon concluded, "Now, I need to select a suitable messenger to formally deliver the declaration of war to that human legend on my behalf."
He immediately ended the emergency communication with Sorog.
Red Iron Dragon looked at the Phoenix and said, "I need an envoy to invite a challenger to the legend on my behalf. Angela, choose a wise and suitable one from your bird and beast legion."
The phoenix was preening its feathers.
Upon hearing this, she raised her head, a hint of eagerness flashing in her eyes, and then said with delight, "Garos, I can personally be this envoy."
Natasha, the golden dragon, flicked her tail and said, "Angia, what if the other party is short-tempered and unreasonable? Aren't you afraid that he'll kill you with a single sword stroke before you even finish speaking?"
"Although you possess the skill of rebirth, if a legend truly wants to kill you, you probably won't be able to react in time."
The phoenix showed no fear. Instead, it proudly raised its neck and said, "With my beauty and divine appearance, even a human legend, as long as he has normal aesthetic sense, will surely appreciate me and be reluctant to kill me."
As she spoke, she added, "Moreover, I recently mastered a new talent skill that allows me to create clones. Destroying a clone won't cause fatal damage to my main body; at most, it will consume some energy and spirit."
Among the lords under Garos, the Phoenix Angela undoubtedly has the highest potential for growth, and it is almost certain that she will enter the legendary realm in the future.
Next is the Amethyst Dragon Lion, followed by the Holy Spirit Deer.
Clearly, Anqiya has not slacked off over the years, and her abilities have improved to a certain extent.
After a moment's thought, Hong Tielong nodded and made a decision: "Alright, the task of issuing a challenge to the legendary swordsman is now in your hands."
He then explained to Angie the specific location and time of the duel in detail.
Then, Phoenix Angela asked, "When do I set off?"
Galos raised his massive head, looked towards the southern part of the Sel Wilderness, and said in a deep voice, "Now."
The Phoenix Angela gladly accepted the order.
She gracefully spread her magnificent wings, composed of light and fire, and her body was engulfed in pure and dazzling golden-red flames. As the flames flickered, her true form became slightly blurred, and a magnificent clone, almost identical in solidity and appearance to her original body, emerged lightly from the flames like a reflection in a mirror.
This clone also possesses the nobility and beauty of the phoenix.
With a flap of its wings, it transformed into a dazzling streak of light, soaring into the sky and hurtling towards the direction where the human legion was stationed.
On the other side.
On the edge of the King of Fungi's territory, a temporary encampment for the human legion.
Under the command of their officers, the soldiers were methodically cleaning up the last remnants of the battlefield, burning the stubborn fungal remnants, and collecting fungal specimens that might be of research value.
On a specially cleared, flat open space, stands the most conspicuous command tent.
Inside the tent, the legendary swordsman Kelos stood with his hands behind his back, listening to a bowing officer's report.
"My lord, the patrol team outside the camp has reported that a strangely shaped giant bird engulfed in flames has appeared at the edge of our legion's perimeter. It has specifically requested to see you."
"A giant firebird?"
Kairos raised an eyebrow, a hint of interest on his face: "Let it come here."
"yes!"
The officer bowed to receive the order and quickly withdrew to make arrangements.
The legendary swordsman no longer remained in the tent, but walked leisurely into the sky.
Not long after, a fiery firebird soared through the sky at the horizon, instantly attracting the attention of all the soldiers on the ground.
With an innate elegance and composure, it slowly descended under countless wary or curious gazes, finally coming to a steady stop in mid-air not far from the command tent, hovering in the air.
The light gradually subsided, revealing the true form of the creature within.
It was a creature so beautiful it was breathtaking.
With its graceful and slender body, its feathers display a golden-red gradient like a sun crown, and its long tail feathers and other feathers are composed of flames, possessing an indescribable beauty.
"Phoenix..."
A hint of surprise flashed across Kelos's eyes.
This creature is even rarer than dragons.
The wilderness underwent tremendous changes during the civil war, and the intelligence from the Exotic Strategy Division mainly targeted regional kings, providing only general information about their creatures, rather than very specific details.
Kairos never expected to encounter an immortal phoenix here.
"I am Angela, the Phoenix, the most beautiful being, the messenger of Garos Ignas, the King of Molten Iron."
The phoenix gracefully raised her beautiful head, and her clear, melodious voice, carrying a natural nobility and pride, echoed clearly throughout the camp.
Messenger of the King of Smelting Iron?
A dragon has a phoenix as its subordinate... Kelos's eyes flickered, and many thoughts raced through his mind.
The fact that the phoenix could be recruited means that the Iron King who occupies the central and northwestern regions is no ordinary evil dragon.
This led him to slightly raise his assessment of the opponent he was about to face.
However, it was only a tiny bit.
As long as the other party is not a true legend, then in his eyes, there is no essential difference between them and other so-called regional kings.
The gap between the legendary and the non-legendary cannot be bridged by a few special subordinates.
"By order of my king, I have come to deliver a declaration of war to you."
Angela's clone continued, her tone neither humble nor arrogant: "My king, Garos Ignas, challenges you to a battle!"
"The location is at the border of the central and southern regions, in that vast land called the 'Silent Plain'."
"The terrain there is open, perfect for dragons to spread their wings, and it won't hinder the sword saint from unleashing his unparalleled prowess. I wonder if you dare to accept the challenge?"
opposite.
As Kelos listened to the challenge message conveyed by the Phoenix Messenger, the surprise on his face gradually turned into an expression of great interest.
His original plan was to eliminate the King of Fungi, take a short rest, and then lead his legion to the territory of the King of Molten Iron to wipe him out. However, he did not expect that the other party would not only not retreat to defend, but would also take the initiative to come to his door and send an envoy of extraordinary status to challenge him.
"You've got some nerve."
"However, it also fits my impression of those dragons: proud, arrogant, and reckless."
Kelos smiled and muttered to himself.
The fact that the enemy chose to fight in the Silent Plains, an open area with no cover, clearly indicates that they considered the enormous scale of destruction that could result if the two sides were to engage in battle. At the same time, it also shows that they did not set up any ambushes.
The Iron King's upright attitude earned him Kelos a higher opinion of him.
"Go back and tell your master."
Kairos raised his head and said, "His challenge, I, Kairos, accept."
"Seven days later, at noon, on the Silent Plain, let him prepare to face the edge of my sword."
"This will be his last battle as 'King'."
He did not consult with any of his adjutants or advisors.
The will of a legend is itself a decision.
Angela's clone nodded slightly: "I will convey your answer to the King truthfully."
After speaking, the magnificent clone formed from light and fire transformed into points of brilliant light and gradually dissipated into the air, as if it had never existed.
Kelos stared intently at the spot where the phoenix had vanished.
The King of Molten Iron... the Phoenix Messenger... He was even more interested in the upcoming battle than when he faced the King of Fungi.
The giant dragon that occupied the northwest and central regions seemed to be much more interesting than he had expected.
(End of this chapter)
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