(The three parties reunite)
1. The westernmost part of the Star Dawn Continent is a parched land, barren of all vegetation, a desolate hell as bright as day, where even demons dare not approach.
The team was setting foot in this area for the first time.
They were all heroes and warriors who had gathered spontaneously—they had previously learned that the king had offered a bounty for the campaign against the enemy in the west, with a large reward for the capable.
The group was exhausted after a long day's journey.
So far, they still haven't been able to see the target they're supposed to attack.
The truth was—they were already on their target, completely unaware. The cracked ground began to tremble, sandstorms raged from all sides, and the ranks were scattered.
Amidst the blurry sandstorm, a colossal shadow gradually emerged, its roar transforming the sandstorm into a destructive force.
The target of our attack—the Earth-Splitting Dragon—is already right in front of us.
Upon seeing the enemy appear, the heroes drew their weapons, having long anticipated this dragon-slaying plan. They believed this would be another grand feast for heroes.
This giant dragon lurking on the earth is no ordinary dragon; it is different from the flying dragon species recorded in historical books.
Its flesh and skin appeared to have been baked away by the sun, leaving only bones. The wing membranes, like tattered cloth, were supported by "frameworks" and had completely degenerated due to being on the ground for a long time—nevertheless, this had instead forged a pair of powerful giant claws.
The bold ones have already taken to the field. Meanwhile, the mages on the second line silently chant incantations, summoning elemental magic.
Dense blades of wind flew toward the massive body, then mysteriously vanished without a trace;
Several towering pillars of fire dragons circled around the giant dragon, only to be shattered into scattered sparks by a sweeping claw attack.
The water magic was completely absorbed by the cracked earth before it could be released.
The gathered swordsmen, aided by their own magic, flew like a swarm of meteors to strike their target, but most of them never returned.
When they learned that magic and martial arts were completely ineffective against the dragon, it was too late. With a roar, the ground split open with several massive fissures, burying them all in the abyss.
Those who managed to escape were soon buried by a violent sandstorm. The punitive expedition was almost completely wiped out amidst the roar of dragons.
At this point, a bright star appeared in the distance, quickly radiating golden light. The sheer magical power of the newcomer alone was enough to completely disperse the sandstorm.
"I overestimated you ants! Who knew you would be so utterly useless!"
Its face is as stern as a statue, with angry brows and glaring eyes; it wears magnificent golden armor; and behind it is the image of a sun halo.
King Augustine appeared before the Earth-Splittering Dragon. The king had originally intended to stay far away, drinking and watching the dragon-slaying spectacle, and also to see how capable the assembled heroes were.
Unexpectedly, they met such an end in no time. Wang immediately activated his magic and flew towards the target, intending to take action himself.
“Your Majesty… magic has no effect on him…” The Throne Knights rescued the sole survivor, who uttered these words on his deathbed as a form of advice to the king, hoping to gain some reward in return.
However, due to his lack of ability, this person will likely be ostracized by the other heroes soon.
"Indeed. Today, my magical power is at its peak, so I will show you what the 'mystery' beyond magic truly is!"
The king raised his hands high, and a ball of light and fire condensed in his palms. At the same time, a strange change occurred in the sky.
The sunlight was intense, radiating energy towards the ball of light and fire. High energy gathered between the king's hands, forming a small sun that gradually expanded, becoming increasingly dazzling, almost obscuring the king's figure.
The sandstorm was quelled by the miracle of the appearance of a second sun.
The crowd could not see the king's throwing motion; they could only see the sun in his hand being thrown.
When the enormous sphere of light touched the Earth-Splitting Dragon, it ignited a light curtain that made it impossible for anyone to open their eyes.
The dragon's roar turned into a scream. A moment later, the light barrier dissipated, and black smoke billowed from the dragon's body, rendering it unable to move for a time.
"The Mystery of the Corona"—a power wielded by the King, originating from the universe beyond the planet, surpassing all magic and martial arts on Earth.
This power is unique in that it can harm or even destroy the dragon race, which is referred to as the "overlord of the earth" in ancient books.
Severely wounded, it shook its head. But the king gave it no chance to breathe, immediately conjuring a radiant chain from the power of the sun, tightly binding its neck. Then the king roared and lifted the dragon's head.
The details of the battle will not be described further, as everyone knows the outcome. To recount them in detail would be futile and would only add a little more starlight to the glory of King Augustine.
The king single-handedly slaughtered the dragon race and demonstrated the power of "mystery" to the world. It was because he possessed this power that he was qualified to stand at the highest peak of Xingli, to rule as king and dominate the continent.
This was King Augustine's second personal expedition since unifying the Starry Continent.
"The heroes of Xingli are so weak. If they were to face a truly formidable enemy in the future, wouldn't they be completely annihilated?"
Back in the palace, King Augustus shook his head repeatedly as he gave this assessment of the assembled heroes.
"The dragons are merely lackeys of our 'enemy.' It's a pity you can't even handle those lackeys!"
All magic and martial arts were ineffective against dragons; this was a fact witnessed by everyone present.
If such powerful dragons are merely "minions," then who exactly are the so-called "real enemies"?
To appease the king's anger, Grand Master Bemond of the Throne Knights quickly flattered him, saying, "As long as the king is guarding Star Li, no enemy can..."
"Stop talking nonsense!" Wang shouted, turned his back, and fell silent.
It seems that even now, this group of useless people still doesn't understand the danger and power of the "enemy".
If things continue like this, Xingli will be shrouded in darkness, and the continent will face its end.
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