thefictionvixens Page 186
Page 186
"Don't thank me too soon," Agatha laughed. "We'll talk about it after you've completed the mission alive."
Now, standing before the barrier, facing the impending battle, Dorn recalls everything that has happened in the past thirty days.
The brutal training, the sincere guidance, the gradual building of understanding and trust... these experiences changed him, making him a better soldier and a more complete person.
"I asked you if you were ready." Eisen repeated the question for the third time.
This time, Dorn answered without hesitation, "Ready."
He gripped the Dragon Slayer's Sword tightly, its silvery light restrained yet resolute. Beside him, his companions were also ready for battle.
Thirty days ago, they were adventurers fighting with hatred and impulse. Now, they are warriors forged in fire.
Thirty days ago, they viewed all dragons as enemies. Now, they know the world is far more complex than they imagined.
Thirty days ago, they fought for revenge. Now, they fight for protection.
"Well then," Dorn took a deep breath and said to his companions, "let's begin. Let's see what kind of warrior these thirty days of hellish training have forged!"
51. First stop
Hyriogabalus, the capital of Damara, gradually awoke in the pre-dawn light. The biting northern wind howled through the cracks in the city walls, carrying the pungent smell of gunpowder from the battlefield. This city, ravaged by countless wars, was long accustomed to the cruelty of conflict, but today the atmosphere was distinctly different.
On the city wall, the sentries were changing shifts. Their faces no longer showed the usual weariness, but rather a certain anticipation. The good news from the front lines for several days in a row had invigorated every man of Damala.
"The undead legion has been repelled again," the veteran said to the young sentry who had come to take over the post, his tone filled with pride. "Yesterday, His Majesty the Ancient Chromium Dragon personally intervened, freezing three thousand skeletons into ice sculptures with a single breath."
"Lord Vikaritular is truly formidable," the young sentry said reverently, his gaze fixed on the war-torn sky to the north. "With him guarding the front lines, that skeleton Zheng Yi will never set foot in Damara."
"Of course," the veteran nodded. "That's an ancient dragon! And Lord Vicariturar has acknowledged the status of the Supreme Dragon, which means the entire Athenadragon race is on our side."
As the two were talking, large shadows suddenly appeared in the sky. At first, the sentries thought it was just clouds blocking the morning light, but they soon realized something was wrong—the shadows were moving and getting closer, and their sheer number was terrifying.
"Dragons!" The young sentry's voice trembled with excitement. "So many dragons! My God, I've never seen so many dragons in my entire life! No, I dare say there have never been so many dragons in the entire history of Damara!"
The veteran smiled, his weathered eyes locking onto the silver-white figure at the forefront: "Don't panic, kid. Look closely at who's leading it. Those silver-white metallic scales, that unique luster—that's the mark of the Supreme Dragon."
Indeed, it was Casalos leading the pack. The young iron dragon's silvery-white metallic scales rippled like quicksilver in the dim morning light. Its outstretched wings blotted out the sky, the membranes whistling in the wind. More than a hundred dragons followed behind, their dense shadows darkening the entire sky as if the end of the world had arrived.
"Activate the barrier!" The urgent horn sounded, particularly loud in the quiet morning, echoing throughout the city. "Quickly inform His Majesty! The Supreme Dragon has returned with reinforcements! Everyone, to your positions!"
The news spread like wildfire throughout the city. Early risers rushed to windows and rooftops to witness this unprecedented spectacle. Children screamed with excitement, pointing at the dragons in the sky. The elderly murmured that it was a divine miracle.
In the royal palace, Gaelos Dragonnight was already fully dressed. This legendary paladin king, in the prime of his life, wore exquisitely crafted ceremonial armor; the royal crest on his chest, a pattern of intertwined dragons and swords, spoke volumes. He strode out of his chambers, followed not only by the Damara's Athene Dragon Knights but also a squadron of Dragonborn guards clad in specially made armor—Damara's most loyal warriors, who, after receiving Bahamut's blessing, had gained superhuman strength.
"Your Majesty," the Dragonborn Guard Captain knelt on one knee, his voice slightly hoarse due to changes in his throat structure, "the plaza has been cleared, and the Dragonborn honor guard is in position."
"Very good." Gallos nodded.
The Cobalt Dragon Legion commander beside him added, "The Supreme Dragon brought back an enormous horde of dragons, estimated to be over a hundred. While our dragon habitat is ample, accommodating so many distinguished guests at once might be a bit challenging."
"The design of the Deepwater Ridge never disappoints," Galos replied as he strode towards the plaza, the ceremonial armor, unsuitable for combat, emitting a slight metallic scraping sound. "Each dragon-perching pillar is built to accommodate three ancient dragons, featuring an optimized three-dimensional spatial design, and we have forty-eight of them. With proper allocation, that should be enough."
"I hope so," the Cobalt Dragon Legion commander said, a hint of worry in his voice. "I'm more concerned about the supply of provisions. With so many dragons, their daily food consumption will be astronomical."
"Don't worry, I'm well-prepared." Galos gave a somewhat strange smile. "Since establishing trade relations with the Deepwater Territory, our food reserves have tripled. And... those gold, silver, and bronze dragons are different from you; they don't eat much—they'd rather go hungry than trouble us."
In the plaza before the palace, the new nobles of Damara had already gathered. Dressed in their most magnificent attire, they attempted to showcase Damara's wealth to the approaching dignitaries—these men, still clinging to the old ways, were completely unaware that Gaelos and Casalos despised them most. But when they truly saw the massive horde of dragons in the sky, all their vanity was replaced by awe. They whispered amongst themselves, both excited and nervous, for the approaching guests were no ordinary visitors, but the most powerful group of creatures on the entire continent of Faerûn.
In one corner of the plaza, a medium-sized silver dragon was already waiting. Its scales shimmered with a faint platinum-gold luster, a sign of being influenced by some divine power. This was Jerlesk, a member of the Claws of Justice and Gairos Dragon Nightmare's battle partner.
"More than a hundred." Gerlesk muttered to himself, a complex emotion flashing in his silver dragon eyes. "Just how many dragons did Casalos persuade? Has he even managed to sway the Golden Dragon Royal Court?"
Casalos was the first to land, its claws firmly gripping the specially designed steel platform. This platform was specifically designed for dragons, its surface engraved with anti-slip patterns and equipped with cushioning magic arrays to reduce the impact of landing. The platform was extremely heavy-duty, designed to withstand the weight of even the heaviest ancient iron dragons. The iron dragon clicked its beak, its indigo vertical pupils scanning the familiar city, its tail swaying merrily from side to side, leaving a few shallow marks on the platform.
"Oh?" Casalos looked at the dragonborn with interest. "Bahamut's ambitions are growing. Gallos, how are these dragonborn performing?"
"Exceptionally impressive. They not only gained superhuman strength but also retained human wisdom and experience. Most importantly, their pursuit of justice borders on fanaticism, making them perfect warriors against evil."
"Fanatical, huh..." Casalos wagged his tail thoughtfully. "What does Lord Vicariturar think of these dragonborn?"
"It says it's an interesting phenomenon," Gallos replied. "His Excellency the Chromium Dragon believes that if these powers are used properly, it's a good thing. He asked me to tell you that everything is under control."
"It seems you've governed Damara quite well." Casalos didn't want to discuss the future of this new race and quickly changed the subject. "The city's defenses have been strengthened, many new fortifications have been built, and people's livelihoods have improved. I see a much wider variety of goods in the market. Most importantly, I smell the steel industry; that unique metallic scent makes dragons feel very comfortable."
"It's all based on the Deepwater Territory model." Galos stepped forward and boldly patted the iron dragon's forepaw—a gesture that sent a collective gasp through the surrounding nobles. Not everyone dared to touch a dragon. "Industrialization has indeed brought about tremendous changes. But the greatest credit goes to Lord Vicariturar, who has firmly pinned the undead legions of the Exile to the northern frontier, giving us time to develop."
"The strength of any ancient dragon is reliable." Casalos nodded, his scales clanging like metal scraping. "Chromium dragons are perfect for dealing with undead. What's the current status of that reborn 'Extraordinary One'?"
"According to intelligence from the front lines, it's gathering strength, possibly preparing some kind of large-scale necromancy spell." Galos lowered his voice, his expression slightly grave. "Scouts report that strange green lights are frequently appearing in the northern sky, and the earth is shaking. It didn't have this much power when we killed it last time!"
"That's perfectly normal," Casalos chuckled. "Don't look so worried. Don't worry, it's just an illusion... As soon as we begin our attack on the Dragon Cult, the undead army of the Extinction will crumble without a fight."
"what do you mean……"
As they spoke, the dragon alliance began to descend. The first group was the Claw of Justice, led by Hevilan. The formation of over forty silver dragons was perfectly synchronized; their descent was like a meticulously choreographed dance, each dragon landing precisely in its designated position, their wing membranes folding almost in unison. Their silver scales shimmered in the gradually brightening morning light, and a sacred aura permeated the air, inspiring awe in all who beheld them.
After landing, Hevilan gracefully folded her wings, her dragon eyes, like molten silver, scanned the square, finally settling on Gerlesk.
"Jerlesk, how did the mission go?" The leader of the Claws of Justice asked calmly, clearly satisfied with his subordinate's performance in Damara.
"Your Excellency Hevilan," Gerlesk bowed respectfully, "the demonic threat of Damara has been largely eliminated; now the main issue is the undead. I have been assisting His Majesty Galos in training the dragon knights, and the results have been good."
"Well done." Hevilan nodded, then noticed the faint platinum-gold sheen on Gerlesk's scales. "This sheen... have you been exposed to divine power?"
"Yes," Geralsk's voice held a certain reverence. "I encountered a special being who called itself the Lord of Justice, Bahamut. It granted me some power to help me better fight against evil."
"Bahamut!" Hevilan's tone was filled with complex emotions. She shifted her attention to the dragonborn around her, scrutinizing them carefully from afar. "I've heard of this self-proclaimed Lord of Justice, and I know He established a faith in Damara. But to be honest, for a deity to suddenly appear and claim to be the ruler of metal dragons... that's hard for dragons to accept."
52. Continuous
Hearing Hevilan's almost blatant rejection of a dragon god, Casalos couldn't help but sigh: "With your attitudes, no wonder you were all sold out by Bahamut..."
It subtly flapped its wings, and a dragonborn, receiving the signal, stepped forward to bow to the lord of the Claw of Justice. "Lord Hevilan, I understand your concerns. I was once just an ordinary soldier, until I personally felt the power of the Lord of Justice and received that pure light of justice, only then did I choose to accept the blessing."
"You were originally human?" Azak walked over, craning his neck to scan the dragonborn with his head. "Interesting. This transformation is quite thorough. It doesn't seem like the awakening of an ancient bloodline... Strange, I can sense that although you've become a half-dragon, you're still human at the same time... Do you remember anything from when you were human?"
"Of course I remember," the Dragonborn replied. "My memories, skills, and experience are all intact. It's just that now I have even greater power to uphold justice."
Sephira joined in, "Could you demonstrate your abilities?"
The dragonborn nodded, took a deep breath, and then opened his mouth to exhale a beam of dragon breath that looked like a mixture of all metallic colors. The divine aura that was so different from that of mortals surprised the dragons present.
The golden dragons also began to descend.
"What a peculiar transformation." Tamarand walked up to a dragonborn, her golden eyes carefully examining the patterns on the other's scales. "The arrangement of these scales... is almost exactly the same as a real dragon's. Just what is Bahamut, to be able to achieve such a level?"
Casalos glanced at the strongest and largest golden dragon upon hearing this and silently thought: He's putting on quite a show.
Serancia, however, was more concerned with another question: "What is the lifespan of these dragonborn? Is it still the lifespan of humans?"
"Based on our observations," Galos replied cheerfully, "the Dragonborn age very slowly. I think they have a natural lifespan more than six times that of ordinary humans, which puts them among the long-lived species. If one day I get old and can no longer carry a sword or wear armor, but Damara still needs me, I might have to abandon the Weeping God and join the Lord of Justice... Haha!"
Bryant was not misled by the paladin's frivolous remarks: "Your love for your people is worthy of the respect and emulation of leaders of all humankind!"
"Ha... Let's not talk about that."
The bronze dragons behaved quite differently. Uriel instantly transformed into human form upon landing—a burly but somewhat anxious warrior in simple leather armor, trying to blend in. The other bronze dragons transformed almost instantly, their movements dazzlingly fast, then silently hid behind the silver dragons, forming small groups. They communicated with each other through eye contact, occasionally uttering soft whispers, but never actively engaging in conversation with unfamiliar dragons. Their attention was also drawn to the dragonborn. Although socially awkward, they dared not approach to ask questions, but observed from a distance. Uriel whispered to his companion, "These dragonborn have the aura of lightning on them, does that mean they can also use lightning dragon breath?"
"This is the Heart Aspect!" Gerlesk stepped forward and explained, "You should have noticed that there are subtle differences between different Dragonborn. Dragonborn who choose the Heart as their Dragon Aspect can obtain a breath weapon. This breath weapon is a bright, shining line that emits all metallic colors, and the damage from the breath can be acid, cold, electricity, or fire, and can be changed at will depending on the Dragonborn's choice."
Azak pressed further: "What about the others? Like those with wings..."
"The Wings aspect, the purpose of dragon wings is naturally to fly. There is also the Mind aspect of dragon descendants, who inherit our immunity to paralysis and magical sleep effects, and enhance the perception of the five senses."
"Jerlesk, do you really believe in this Bahamut?" Havilland asked, frowning.
"I don't just believe, I've experienced it firsthand," Jelllesk said candidly. "Bahamut's power is pure and immense. It was with His help that we truly resolved the threat posed by Lord Oculus... Although I don't understand why such a dragon god suddenly appeared, His pursuit of justice is genuine, and His existence has indeed been very helpful in our fight against evil."
The brass dragons completely ignored the conversation; they surrounded the dragonborn, chattering incessantly with questions: "Can you fly?" "Can you still eat regular food after becoming dragonborn?" "Do your scales need maintenance?" "Do you shed your skin?"
The dragonborn patiently answered all sorts of questions; they were long used to being treated as a rare and unusual sight.
Chaturio even jumped right in front of a dragonborn: "Hey! Let's see whose dragon breath is stronger!"
"Chaturi!" Havilland snapped, "Stop fooling around!"
The copper dragon shrank its neck in grievance, but its eyes were still fixed on the dragonborn with curiosity.
As Klaus landed, all the Dragonborn involuntarily took a few steps back. The evil aura of the ancient red dragon instinctively put these righteous warriors on alert.
"Hmph, another toy of the gods," Klaus scoffed. "But to be able to transform a fragile two-legged ant into something like this, this so-called lord of justice does have some skill."
Amouris's assessment was even more direct: "An interesting experiment. If these soldiers could be mass-produced, it could indeed change the course of warfare."
Elvia remained silent, but her icy blue eyes carefully examined each dragonborn, clearly assessing their combat capabilities.
These colorful dragons are unaware that in neighboring Vasa, and across the Fallen Star Sea in Enser, the evil dragon descendant of Tiamat, corresponding to the dragonborn of Bahamut, has also been born...
"It seems Bahamut is indeed expanding his influence," Azak said to Hevilan. "First, a few dragons received His blessings, and now He's massively transforming humans... What exactly is He trying to do?"
"Whatever He intends to do," Havilland said cautiously, "we must remain vigilant. Dragons haven't needed gods for tens of thousands of years, and now this one suddenly appears… it makes the dragons uneasy."
"A paladin's actions are bound by their oaths and beliefs, while a god is bound by his divine office. Regardless of what kind of god Bahamut was originally, now that He is spreading faith and propagating doctrines on the continent as the Lord of Justice, He is now the Dragon God of Justice... Lady Hevilan, you don't need to dwell on this. As long as the Lord of Justice's doctrines do not conflict with the Ptarian Code, you should give Him sufficient respect; if the two have overlapping or even completely identical orientations, your adherence to the Code itself is equivalent to believing in Him—this is the law of the gods, and no god is exempt!" Casalos concluded.
Hevilan gave Casalos a meaningful look, and after a long while said, "I understand, thank you."
On the other side, Gaelos watched the three chromatic dragons descend last, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Even knowing they were temporary allies brought by Casalos, and even having faced Lord Okus before, the thought of facing dragons of this caliber still made him nervous. Especially Klaus, the legendary Scourge of the North, a terrifying being who had destroyed countless towns—and yet, he couldn't draw his sword.
"Don't be nervous." Casalos noticed his worry and gently patted his shoulder with his tail. The reassuring gesture almost knocked Garros over. "Klaus and I are bound by a contract; he won't cause trouble here. As for the other two, their attention is currently focused on the Cult of Dragons; they have no interest in your city."
"I understand." Galos took a deep breath, trying to calm himself and regain his kingly composure. "It's a miracle that you all could put aside your differences and fight together against the enemy. Damara will do everything in its power to support this operation."
He turned to his attendants and gave the order, his voice loud and firm: "Activate all the dragon-perching pillars immediately! Check the environmental control system! Prepare the best hospitality for our guests! Remember, these are our honored guests; any neglect is unforgivable!"
Damara's efficiency was truly astonishing. In less than fifteen minutes, all forty-eight steel dragon-nesting pillars scattered throughout the city were activated. Each tower lit up with magical light, with different colors representing different environmental settings—red for fire-type dragon nests, equipped with lava pools and high-temperature regulation systems, with internal temperatures reaching the level of molten iron; blue for water-type dragon nests, featuring ice springs, humidity control, and artificial waterfalls; and gold for those specially made for golden dragons, offering the most comfortable temperature and the most luxurious decorations, with the ground covered in thick layers of gold coins.
"These dragon-perching pillars are truly masterpieces," Serancia exclaimed, circling the nearest golden pillar. "Not only are they practical, but they're also incredibly beautiful. This steel structure, enhanced by magic, is astonishingly strong."
"This is a joint achievement of Deepwater Territory and Damara," the Cobalt Dragon Legion Commander proudly raised his head, his voice filled with pride. "Each one has been personally tested by our Atheros Dragon Knights. We've lived in them, fought in them, and even tested their ability to withstand direct dragon breath attacks. Comfort and safety are guaranteed to be at the highest standards."
The silver dragons exchanged glances, seemingly discussing something silently. Then, almost simultaneously, they began to transform. Hevilan became a tall, slender female knight, her long silver hair cascading down to her waist, clad in exquisite silver armor. Azak transformed into a refined middle-aged scholar, wearing crystal spectacles and carrying an oak cane. Sephiras chose the form of a young ranger, his leather armor light and his two short swords hanging at his waist.
"This is more suitable." Hevilan adjusted her armor, each movement elegant and composed. "Maintaining her dragon form in human cities always felt like it would cause unnecessary panic among the populace. Besides, to be honest, moving around in human form is indeed much more convenient in the city."
"That's right." Tamarand also began to transform, becoming a dignified old man with a golden beard reaching his chest, dressed in a magnificent robe. "We're here to help, not to display our strength. Maintaining human form is also a sign of respect for our hosts."
Serancia transformed into an elegant noblewoman, her long golden gown trailing on the ground, her head adorned with exquisite hair ornaments. Bryant, on the other hand, chose the image of a middle-aged general, dressed in ceremonial armor, a sword at his waist.
The bronze and brass dragons showed no sign of transforming. Chaturio was still hopping around the square, occasionally playing a prank to scare passing servants, then letting out a cheerful laugh. The brass dragons, on the other hand, were gathered together, engaged in a lively discussion, their voices loud enough to be heard throughout the square, their topics jumping from Damara's architecture to food, and then from food to the weather.
Just as the dragons had settled in, a new herd appeared on the horizon. Fionamiron led a magnificent procession, the sunlight illuminating her pale silver, pearly scales, creating a breathtakingly beautiful halo. Behind her followed more than ten iron dragons—all chromium, cobalt, and nickel dragons of advanced age, each possessing an imposing presence, their scales shimmering with a metallic sheen in the sunlight.
"It's Fiona!" Casaroz's tail held high, his indigo vertical pupils gleaming with obvious joy, and his entire dragon sprang to life. (The rest of the text appears to be unrelated and possibly machine-generated gibberish.)
The tungsten dragon landed gracefully, her movements as fluid as swimming in water, every detail flawless. As soon as she touched the ground, she strode to Casalos's side and affectionately nuzzled the iron dragon's cheek with her neck—a gesture that elicited knowing glances from the other dragons present, some of the brass dragons even beginning to whisper gossip.
"You must be tired from your journey." Casalos gently wrapped his tail around her, his voice softening. "How is it on Imbutu's side?"
"Call me sister!" Fiona Milon's voice was soft and melodious. "It went very smoothly. Lord Vorasega personally took action, and the Dragon Cult's stronghold in Imput has been completely wiped out. Not a single one of those dragon liches and cultists escaped."
As she spoke, the procession behind her descended one after another. Imputu's twenty-six bronze dragon knights stood in perfect formation, each dragon carrying a paladin whose armor gleamed in the sunlight. When Vorasega's translucent figure appeared, the entire plaza fell silent.
The Primordial Bronze Dragon's form was truly unique; its body was semi-transparent, seemingly composed of pure divine energy, with a silvery-white light flowing within it. That was pure ether flowing through the material world, and its movements seemed to leave faint streaks of light in the air, like the tail of a comet.
"Vorasega?" Hevilan, now back in her dragon form, stared at her old friend in shock, her voice filled with disbelief. "What...what happened to your body? I've never seen this form before!"
"Havilan, it's been a long time." Vorasega's voice was like ancient thunder, yet carried a transcendent calm; each word seemed to contain power. "I chose a different path. To gain greater power to fight evil, I relinquished a portion of my physical form, merging my existence with divine energy."
Tamarand stepped forward, her golden dragon eyes filled with worry: "Old friend, what is the price of this transformation? Can you ever return to your normal form?"
"No, and it's not necessary," Vorazega replied calmly, his translucent dragon head swaying slightly. "This is a choice I've made after careful consideration. Physical bodies age, get injured, and die. But I have transcended these limitations. To combat the ever-growing evil, dragons must always make sacrifices."
"But is this sacrifice worth it?" Serancia couldn't help but ask.
"When you see the innocent weeping before evil, when you see justice retreating before darkness, you will understand that any sacrifice is worthwhile." Vorasega's answer plunged all the dragons into deep thought.
Just as the atmosphere grew somewhat heavy, Agatha stepped out from the ranks. The young tungsten dragon paladin's armor gleamed, and every movement exuded holy majesty. The divine aura emanating from her caused the evil dragons present to involuntarily take a few steps back.
"Two tungsten dragon paladins?" Azak's eyes widened as he strode forward. "How is this possible? Tungsten dragons are extremely rare, and those that become paladins are even rarer!"
Sephira walked directly up to Agatha and circled her, asking, "How did you become paladins? As far as I know, tungsten dragons are inherently neutral and rarely gain the favor of the gods."
"Tungsten dragons are indeed rare, but they too follow goodness and order, no different from you silver dragons," Agatha replied with a smile, her voice gentle yet firm. "And precisely because they are rare, we need to be even more steadfast in our beliefs. We cannot rely on the strength of our race like the numerous gold and silver dragons. We must find our own path."
"Then who is your deity?" Haivilan asked curiously.
"Like Jelllesk, I also came into contact with that being who called himself Bahamut." Agatha's answer left the silver dragons looking at each other in bewilderment.
"That name again." Azak frowned, clearly still struggling with the issue.
The silver dragons of the Claws of Justice surrounded the two tungsten dragon paladins, bombarding them with questions, filled with curiosity about this rare occurrence. After all, aside from the Claws of Justice, there were very few dragons who could become paladins. Moreover, tungsten dragons were the only benevolent species among the iron dragons, and their numbers were extremely rare; to see even one was lucky, let alone two paladins at once.
"Alright, alright," Casalos had to interrupt, his tail slapping impatiently on the ground. "There'll be plenty of time to talk after the battle. We have important business to attend to now."