Chapter 498 The Red Emperor of the Immortal Wilderness, Theo's Youthful Legend
Spring of the year 362 in the Gregorian calendar.
Dusk fell quietly as usual, leaving only a faded orange-red hue on the horizon, with the clouds moving slowly.
There was no earthquake, no magnificent sunrise.
The Red Emperor, Garoth Ignas, entered the long slumber that adult dragons must undergo after such an ordinary twilight.
The Kingdom of Aura, which carried the Emperor's will, did not stagnate as a result.
After a brief, breathing-like adjustment, this colossal entity, composed of dragons and numerous races, resumed its operation following the strategy devised by the king before his slumber.
The powerful legion still guards the strategic passes, its battle flags fluttering in the biting wind.
The soldiers' armor and the dragonborn's scales gleamed with a cold, hard sheen in the sunlight.
But the changes are clear.
The call to attack has ceased, and large-scale forward reconnaissance and cross-border deterrence operations have virtually disappeared.
Patrol shifts became more regular, and the defenses were repeatedly reinforced and repaired. The strategic focus shifted from aggressive expansion to solid defense.
Within the vast territory, the focus of development has also shifted to intensive cultivation and accumulation.
Because of the emperor's clear instructions before he fell asleep, a previously overlooked concern began to be directed at those areas that had been obscured by war.
—The transmission of knowledge and the cultivation of people.
"A kingdom that only knows how to wield swords is crude and fragile."
The Red Emperor's words were engraved on the cornerstone of every newly established college.
The "Basic Knowledge Academy," which was first established in the Crimson Flame Royal City, quickly became a model, and subsequently sprang up in towns on the frontier and in the heartland.
These colleges were open to all the sons of the free people, teaching the most basic literacy, arithmetic, and general history of the kingdom.
Language courses mainly include two types.
First, Dragon Language, serving as the official language and administrative language of Aura; second, the common language of the continent, facilitating communication with other races.
The textbooks were reviewed and revised to remove content that could undermine loyalty to the emperor and the kingdom. Instead, they included many chapters praising the emperor's achievements and legendary epics, so that the concept of loyalty could take root in the minds of the younger generation along with literacy and counting.
On the other hand, large-scale conquest and plundering of resources were suspended, replaced by meticulous management of the territories already under control.
In the heart of the kingdom, artisans and farmers from various settled races were organized and taught basic agricultural techniques, water management, and mineral exploration.
In a relatively stable environment.
This is further enhanced by on-site guidance from Aura scholars.
Wasteland was systematically reclaimed, dilapidated irrigation ditches were dredged, and some cold- and drought-resistant crop varieties were promoted.
Mineral mining has abandoned the old approach of exploiting resources to the point of emphasizing planning and long-term utilization in order to extend the lifespan of mineral veins.
Roads connecting major towns and resource-producing areas were widened and reinforced, and regular patrols ensured the safety of caravans, allowing goods to circulate more smoothly within the territory.
Everything seemed calm and steady, yet it exuded a solid sense of prosperity.
The entire Kingdom of Aura is like a giant dragon coiled in its lair, having retracted its claws and sharpness that once reached out into the distance. It has huddled its massive body even more tightly, focusing on polishing its scales, strengthening its muscles and bones, and digesting the gains it has already made. At the same time, it watches the ever-changing world outside its lair with a vigilant and calm gaze.
It is waiting, and it is also gathering strength.
However, time never stopped because any king slept, nor did it speed up because any kingdom developed.
It is like an invisible hand, gently touching all things in the world.
Every seemingly insignificant choice, every unintentional encounter, is manipulated by it, either quietly drifting apart and gradually fading away, or suddenly intertwining and becoming entangled into a web.
Unbeknownst to them, the seeds of a new storyline had already been sown.
Some things remain unknown and eventually fade away; others, however, quietly develop and will eventually become widely known.
The wind rises from the tip of a blade of grass, the clouds surge in the secluded valley, all things change their course silently, and the gears of fate are slowly turning.
In the year 364 of the new calendar, in the desolate wilderness of Xianling, the countryside was verdant.
The scenery here is slightly different from that in the physical world; it is spring-like all year round.
Glowing moss, like a soft emerald carpet, covers the woodland and hillside; giant flowers, like colorful lanterns, bloom quietly from hanging vines, emitting a soft halo and a delicate fragrance; clear streams meander through the area, and floating lotus flowers play crisp notes in the breeze.
This place is a paradise for many gentle, spiritual creatures.
Flower fairies danced lightly among the bushes, little tree spirits peeked out from behind tree trunks, and light sprites traced shimmering trails in the air like fireflies.
At this moment, almost all the spirits gathered in a clearing in the forest, forming a loose circle, looking towards the center with excitement and awe.
There stood a giant red iron dragon, over forty meters long.
Its scales are a metallic color of dark red and deep black, which looks cold and hard under the warm light of the countryside; on the half-open wings, energy like magma patterns slowly flows; the rugged dragon horns and spines point straight to the sky, and the deep black vertical pupils calmly look down ahead.
On the ground in front of the dragon, only charred ashes remained.
It can be vaguely seen that it is the outline left by some kind of huge creature after it fell to the ground.
That's the remains of a volcanic monster.
"Lady Vera! You're amazing! You're amazing!"
The flower fairies flew closer with joyful cries, circling around the dragon's head and scattering specks of rainbow-colored light powder.
The little tree spirits ran out of their hiding place, jumping and shouting around the dragon's footprints; the light spirits swarmed around, causing a dreamlike river of starlight to surround the dragon.
Buzz!
A burst of light surged, and the enormous red iron dragon's body rapidly shrank and transformed, eventually reverting to the familiar fairy dragon Vera.
"Calm down, everyone, calm down."
"I haven't even gotten serious yet, and this idiot has already collapsed. He's really not worth mentioning."
The fairy dragon curled its lip and said calmly.
However, her ramrod straight back, slightly squinted eyes, and the crooked corners of her mouth that were all smiles completely betrayed her inner smugness.
The Rotten Earth Giant is a polluting monster that appears periodically in the Fairy Wilderness.
They are formed from decaying soil, withered plants, and accumulated negative emotions, resembling moving hills, with foul-smelling fungi and wriggling vines growing on their surface.
This monster devours glowing moss, pollutes pristine streams, and turns beautiful gardens into putrid swamps.
In the past, whenever the giants attacked, the village spirits had to pay a considerable price to repel or kill them, but now, the situation is different.
Because they have "Lady Vera".
Several years ago, the fairy dragon Vera returned to Green Country.
The young spirits felt unfamiliar with this suddenly appearing fellow human, while the older generation who remembered her were also quite surprised by her changes.
Vera quickly integrated into the group in her own unique way.
She used harmless paint to draw whimsical patterns on the wings of the flower fairies, taught the little tree spirits to play novel games learned from the outside world, and would tell them stories of the material world that fascinated the spirits most by the campfire at night.
She recounts how she struggled in that distant and dangerous world, acquiring powerful shapeshifting abilities; how she rose from the perilous wilderness under the alias "Garos Ignas," uniting clans, recruiting tribes, defeating powerful enemies, and ultimately establishing a vast kingdom; and how a weak fairy dragon became the "Red Emperor," revered by countless beings.
These stories are full of detail and vividly portrayed.
For most of the spirits who have never left the Fairy Wilderness, it is nothing short of a legendary epic.
Of course, some elites privately questioned whether certain plot points were too bizarre or whether the details could not withstand scrutiny, but all these doubts vanished when a giant earth monster attacked.
The spirits panicked when the monstrous, foul-smelling creature trampled the mossy ground once more.
Vera calmly flew out, transforming into a giant red iron dragon in full view of everyone. In just ten breaths, her scorching dragon breath reduced the monster to ashes.
From that day on, all skeptical gazes turned to worship and awe.
Vera became the recognized guardian of Green Country, the most powerful elf, and a hero who brought miracles.
Flower fairies weave fresh flower crowns for her every day, tree spirits offer her the sweetest berries, light spirits hold a special glowing ball for her under the night sky, and even spirits from neighboring areas travel thousands of miles just to see this Red Emperor in person.
"Lady Vera... could you... could you transform again? Just once..."
A tiny flower fairy, no bigger than a palm and with wings as thin as cicada wings, timidly flew closer, her bright eyes gazing up at the fairy dragon, and softly pleaded, "It's... like the 'Red Emperor'..."
A moment of silence fell over the surroundings, followed by a surge of expectant gazes.
Despite having witnessed it several times, the sheer awe-inspiring presence and immense power of that creature still fills the spirits with excitement each time.
If it were a strange, giant beast from the outside world, they would only feel fear.
But knowing that it was a demon dragon in disguise, their awe was filled with pride and longing.
Vera blinked, glancing around at the adoring faces, her heart overflowing with pride.
She deliberately cleared her throat, adopting an expression that said, "Since you are so earnest, I will reluctantly agree."
"Alright, just this once. Look closely, this is a symbol of power, a manifestation of authority, it is..."
"Vera."
A gentle yet worried voice came from behind the spirits.
The spirits quieted down and made way.
The creature that approached was an elegant unicorn with a mane as white as moonlight and a crystal-clear horn on its forehead, exuding a calm and ancient aura.
Elder Elwin, the true guardian of Green Country.
The unicorn slowly walked up to Vera, its clear eyes gazing at her.
Have you forgotten my warning again?
Vera unconsciously folded her wings inwards.
Of course she remembers.
Six months ago, after she used the Red Emperor's Descent spell to drive away a pack of wolves, Erwin had a serious talk with her.
The unicorn elder pointed out that she needs to rest now, as each use of that transformation skill consumes her life essence and accelerates her aging process.
“You are no longer young, Vera,” Elwin said. “Fairy dragons have a limited lifespan, and you are already considered long-lived among your kind. Frequently using power beyond your limits will only make your remaining time pass by faster.”
At this moment, facing the elder's worried gaze, Vera straightened her chest once again.
“Elder Elwin, you are overthinking it!” she replied in a cheerful and confident tone. “I am Lady Vera, who has established kingdoms in the material world! This little bit of consumption is nothing at all.”
She turned to the expectant little flower fairy and grinned: "Watch closely, little one!"
boom!
A burst of light erupted, and the petite figure rapidly expanded. Dark red and deep black scales once again covered its entire body, and the forty-meter-long red iron dragon stood in the open space, its wings casting a large shadow.
"Whoa—!"
The spirits gasped in unison, and although some of the more timid ones instinctively took a half-step back, their eyes were filled with excitement and admiration far outweighing their fear.
The little flower fairy happily flew onto the dragon's forepaw, and other spirits gathered around. Some climbed onto the dragon's spine, some gently touched the cool scales, and some danced and frolicked around the dragon's wings.
The giant red iron dragon stood quietly, patiently allowing the creatures to play on its body.
Sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled light on the dark red scales; in the distance, a stream murmurs and lotus flowers sing softly, their sounds intertwining with the laughter and humming of the nearby spirits, creating a strange yet harmonious scene.
A majestic behemoth, and a gentle paradise.
Alvin stood quietly to the side, watching, his eyes showing no reproach, only deep worry.
As a guardian, it can see more.
Within that magnificent dragon body, Vera's life force was waning; with each heartbeat and breath, it was burning away what little essence she had left.
"That's enough, Vera."
About ten minutes later, Erwin spoke again, his voice gentle yet firm, "Change back."
The red-iron dragon lowered its head and met the unicorn's calm gaze for a moment.
The light surged again, the massive body shrank, and in an instant it transformed back into the form of a fairy dragon.
Vera's wings drooped slightly, and her breathing was a little rapid, but she immediately straightened up and tried to make her look relaxed.
"Did you see that, Elder Elwin?"
She laughed and said, "I told you this little bit of consumption is nothing."
She turned to the spirits who were still immersed in excitement and raised her voice: "Everyone, don't worry! Lady Vera will eventually be recognized by the ancestral land, receive the baptism of the primordial breath, reshape the foundation of her life, and live a brand new second life!"
"Haha, when I return to the material world, I'll take you all to my kingdom to play!"
The surrounding spirits jumped and cheered, "Yay! Yay! We want to go to the material world too!"
Alvin slowly stepped forward, lowered his head, and gently touched Vera's forehead with his single horn.
A cool and gentle energy flowed in, slightly relieving the fairy dragon's fatigue.
“Vera,” the unicorn said softly, “you don’t always have to put on a brave face in front of everyone. We all know you are strong, we all know you are a hero of the countryside.”
"But heroes also need to be protected, and heroes also have the right to feel tired."
Vera was taken aback.
She saw her own reflection in Alvin's clear eyes.
A fairy dragon whose scales had turned grayish-white at the edges, whose wing membranes had developed fine wrinkles, and whose iridescent luster was not as bright as before.
That wasn't the person she remembered.
In the material world, when she was with Galus, although she was the smallest in size, she was always the most brightly colored, the most lively and active, and seemingly inexhaustible in energy.
She used to leap from the throne armrests, dash through the corridors, and play countless harmless pranks...
At that time, she always felt that aging was a distant thing that had nothing to do with her.
"I……"
Vera opened her mouth, her expression darkening, wanting to say something but the words stuck in her throat.
Just then.
Buzz!
The entire verdant countryside suddenly trembled slightly.
All the luminous mosses brightened at the same instant, the hanging lantern flowers moved swiftly without wind, and the lotus flowers in the stream played a clear and melodious tune in unison.
The spirits stopped in surprise and looked around.
Then they saw that in the oldest and tallest grove of giant trees on the east side, the textures of all the trees simultaneously emitted a soft golden light. The light flowed and converged along the veins of the branches, eventually forming a pure pillar of light that shot into the sky, pierced straight through the clouds, and rippled across the azure sky.
"The ancestral land... the ancestral land is calling..."
Alvin looked up and murmured, his voice filled with awe.
All the spirits held their breath and focused their attention.
They understood what this sight meant: the ancestral land had recognized a certain spirit and was about to bestow upon it the legendary baptism of primordial breath!
Buzz!
At the same instant, a soft yet dazzling golden beam of light descended from the sky, accurately enveloping Vera.
Warm, abundant, and vibrant energy enveloped my entire body like a hot spring, dispelling all fatigue and weakness.
This is merely the aftershock of the light's illumination.
If she could truly receive baptism... Vera felt a surge of anticipation and joy.
Just wait, Garus, I will definitely return! In a brand new and stronger form!
The fairy dragon let out a comfortable groan, its eyes losing all traces of sadness.
“Vera, go, child,” Alvin walked up to her, his eyes full of relief and blessing. “This is the opportunity you deserve.”
Vera took a deep breath and turned to look around.
The spirits were looking at her with eyes that were a mixture of envy, admiration and sincere blessings.
The fairy dragon slowly raised the corners of its mouth, straightened its back, spread its wings, and let its scales shimmer and glow between gold and rainbow light.
Then, she looked at Elder Unicorn and said in a casual tone, as if she were just taking a walk in the woods, "You see, Elder Elwin, I told you that the great Lady Vera would live a second life."
Alvin paused for a moment, a look of helplessness and affection flashing across his eyes.
Who did this child learn such an accent from?
The little imp dragon he remembered as just a mischievous sprite pulling his mane has become... increasingly unfathomable after his trip to the material world.
Vera didn't delay any longer. With a gentle flap of her wings, she flew towards her ancestral land, guided by the pillar of light.
The golden light gradually receded as she approached, eventually disappearing into the depths of the ancient forest along with her figure.
In this year, the fairy dragon Vera received the approval of her ancestral land and was baptized by the primordial breath in the verdant countryside of the fairy realm.
The invisible hand of time gently turned once more, and the gears of fate continued to turn.
In the year 368 of the New Calendar, in the capital city of the Kingdom of Theo, Silvershine City.
Early spring sunlight pierced through the thin haze that permeated the city year-round, casting soft shadows on the white marble buildings.
The streets were packed with people, so crowded that it was impossible to move.
Citizens, merchants, minor nobles, scholars, or even spellcasters—men and women—all stood on tiptoe and craned their necks, their eyes fixed on the temporary platform erected in the city center square.
The stage was empty at the moment, but uniformed guards were already surrounding it to maintain order.
The air was thick with an irrepressible excitement and a collective sense of urgent anticipation.
Rumors about that "young legend" have been circulating in the capital for months. Today is the day of official confirmation and awarding of the title. Whispers, discussions, and barely suppressed exclamations rose and fell among the crowd.
"A legend at eighteen... Gods above, when I was eighteen, I was still losing sleep over whether I could pass the knight squire exam!"
"The observers sent by Aura have personally verified that there are no signs of illegal training; it's purely his own talent!"
"The Norlin family? That small border barony in the south, near the Black Forest? Unbelievable..."
“Our Theo…our Theo is finally…”
Before he could finish speaking, he choked up with sobs.
Twenty-four years have passed since Theo suffered a crushing defeat in the previous war and was forced to sign the humiliating Treaty of Norton.
The younger generation did not experience it firsthand, but it is etched in the memories of the older generation of Theo.
The despair of the dragon's shadow obscuring the sky, the humiliation of the nation's deathly silence when the treaty was signed, and the subsequent endless reparations, restrictions, and repressions—"prohibition of possessing strategic-level war machines" and "limitation of the scale of training legendary and above powerhouses"—these clauses, like iron shackles, have suffocated the kingdom for more than twenty years.
Theo's national strength is declining and morale is low.
Now, an eighteen-year-old boy, born in a humble border region, has stepped into the realm of legend with undeniable grace.
For Theo, this was not just a personal success.
It was a ray of dawn piercing through the long, dark night sky, igniting the flame of national restoration buried deep in the hearts of all Theos, a flame almost buried by despair.
At noon, the clock tower chimed.
On the high platform, King Oliver Chapman of Theo was present.
The king had a gaunt face, with deep lines etched by time, his temples were frosty, and his back was slightly hunched, showing signs of old age.
But at this moment, his deep-set eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, his gaze intense, as if he had returned to his prime.
After signing the Norton Treaty and betting on the future, he defied public opinion and directed the nation's remaining resources toward education, the popularization of basic magic, and the tapping of the people's potential.
This high-stakes gamble has finally yielded its first amazing return.
His gaze was fixed on the young figure steadily walking up the steps.
Reinhard Norlin.
A legend at the young age of eighteen.
The boy stood tall and straight like a pine tree. He was not wearing the luxurious formal wear commonly seen on young noblemen, but rather a well-tailored, simple dark blue stand-up collar uniform, which was similar in style to military civilian clothes. Apart from a slightly worn Norlin family crest on his left chest, he had no other accessories.
His face still had a touch of youthful innocence, but his features were already quite defined, and his skin was a wheat-colored hue from long-term outdoor activities.
His short, dark brown hair was neat and tidy, his eyes were calm like an autumn lake, and his steps were steady and even. Facing thousands of eyes, he showed no stage fright or ostentation.
Reinhardt walked steadily to the foot of the throne, placed his right hand on his chest, and bowed to the king with a smooth and respectful gesture.
"Good day, Your Majesty."
The boy's voice was clear and steady.
Upon hearing this, King Oliver slowly stood up.
An attendant presented a tray covered with deep blue velvet, on which lay a medal and a scroll of parchment bound with silver satin.
"Reinhard Norlin,"
The king spoke, saying, "I, Oliver Chapman, in the name of King Theo, hereby bestow upon you the 'Order of Dawn'!"
He picked up the medal.
Its design is that of a long sword piercing through the swirling clouds, with olive branches and star patterns surrounding the blade. It is forged from mithril and fine gold and gleams with a cool light in the sunlight.
"This medal is unique and is awarded only to those who have made epoch-making contributions to the Kingdom, bringing hope and a turning point in history!"
The king personally pinned the medal on Reinhard's chest.
The silver glow reflected off the dark blue uniform, creating a dazzling effect.
Then, the king unfurled the parchment edict and read it aloud.
"From this day forward, Reinhard Norlin is hereby conferred the title of 'Knight of the Stars,' granted the title of Marquis, and given the authority of Governor-General. The province of Sal in the southern border of the kingdom is hereby designated as his hereditary fief. May you forever uphold your loyal heart, forge ahead with determination, and with the sword in your hand and the wisdom in your heart, protect the kingdom's territory, enlighten future generations, and illuminate the path for the revival of Theo!"
Marquis title, governorship with real power, and a province-wide fief.
This was a reward far exceeding that of ordinary legendary powerhouses, and even broke the kingdom's centuries-old tradition.
The king's intentions were obvious.
He aims to use this extraordinary young legend as the core to reunite the scattered hearts and fortunes of the kingdom, and take advantage of the recent strategic contraction of the Kingdom of Aura and the apparent slumber of the Red Emperor to vigorously promote Theo's revival!
"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"
The young legend bowed again, his voice still steady, but deep in his eyes, a blazing flame finally ignited, befitting his age.
"Reinhard will live up to His Majesty's trust and the Kingdom's expectations! Guided by the silver light, my resolve will never waver!"
The king patted him heavily on the shoulder, then turned to face the thousands of eager citizens in the square, took a deep breath, and spoke at the top of his lungs.
"Today, we are not only awarding a medal to a young legend! Today, we are crowning Theo's future! May the silver gleam never fade! May Theo be reborn!"
The humiliation, resentment, and longing suppressed for twenty-four years erupted like a volcano at this moment.
The crowd erupted in a deafening roar, with thousands of arms raised high and shouts forming a torrent.
"The silver radiance will never fade! Theo will live forever!"
"The silver radiance will never fade! Theo will live forever!"
"The silver radiance will never fade! Theo will live forever!"
The sound surged and soared into the sky, as if even the clouds above the city were being dispersed.
At the edge of the crowd, several observers from the Kingdom of Aura, dressed in dark travel attire and exuding an air of composure, calmly recorded everything.
At first, they remained calm and indifferent, but in the face of the fervent wave of emotion sweeping the entire venue, they couldn't help but be slightly moved and exchanged a glance with each other.
One of them quietly adjusted the angle of the magic crystal in his hand that was recording the image, capturing the entire scene.
Even after the ceremony ended, the crowd lingered, chanting slogans.
At the same time, the message, along with the video recording the entire ceremony, was quickly transmitted back to the distant Kingdom of Aura with the highest priority.
Dragon Ridge Mountains, Crimson Flame Royal City.
"A legendary eighteen-year-old... Ha, truly remarkable."
Iron Dragon muttered to himself, his vertical pupils showing neither joy nor anger, "We, the younger generation of Aura, all know that when a powerful enemy is at our side, we need to lie low and endure, accumulating strength, rather than... celebrating and encouraging ourselves in such a flamboyant way."
He muttered to himself, then changed the subject.
"However, Theo had no other choice; they desperately needed a banner to unite the hearts of those whose spirits were crumbling."
The bad news is that he has been feeling tired and fatigued lately, and a period of drowsiness is approaching. Samantha is in a similar situation.
The good news is that he has not yet officially fallen into a deep sleep.
"Let's dream of revival for now, after all, dreams must eventually end."
Iron Dragon looked toward the Kingdom of Theo, his gaze seemingly piercing through space and landing on that land that was celebrating.
"And the process of shattering a beautiful dream is often the most cruel."
He paused, a hint of pleasure flashing in his vertical pupils: "—Coincidentally, I really enjoy this process."
(End of this chapter)
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