NOVPUBAfter arranging the plentiful spoils from the battle, Cassius lay coiled at the smoke-shrouded peak of Dragon Blood Mountain, his massive draconic form rising and falling with his breath.
"Huff, huff..."
Before his toothy, gaping maw burned a silver-white flame, incessantly purifying and refining the purple-black flesh, expelling the chaotic dark miasma within.
The Order Returning Flame, a power capable of reducing entropy and the degree of systemic chaos, required a astronomical amount of energy to maintain.
Even for an existence like Cassius, which could be likened to a draconic reactor, sustaining the burn of the silver-white flame and refining the [Pure Ancestor Dragon Blood] demanded his utmost effort.
"Puff..."
The Red Dragon exhaled hot white smoke through its nostrils and mouth, with its basic blood vessels inside pulsating with a faint glow, the strong, massive draconic body resembling an ever-burning furnace.
Finally, the flame slowly dissipated, a droplet of bright red blood suspended in mid-air, which Cassius then swallowed.
[Ancestral Dragon Bloodline purity +0.0001%]
Compared to the hundreds of meters long, mountainous dragon carcass, this bit of flesh was but a drop in the ocean.
Yet, compared to the lengthy lifespan of Cassius, this small expenditure of time was inconsequential. In the not too distant future, the Red Dragon would digest the entire carcass and transform into a true Ancestral Dragon.
Suddenly, the Magic Image of Ramp appeared before the Red Dragon, the Ogre’s grotesquely ugly face bearing a sycophantic smile.
"Master, the Silver Dragons of the Melwood Clan are still requesting an audience. They have nine adult Silver Dragons and four young ones.
The leader is an Ancient Silver Dragon, rumored to be Osedro’s brother, not to be underestimated, what do you think..."
"What an annoying bunch, those Silver Dragons from Melwood always seem to be looking for trouble.
But this time, they did indeed contribute some merit."
Cassius snorted, breathing out another gust of hot white smoke, and shook his massive head, showing impatience.
He had just been reveling in the thrill of bloodline advancement and the increase in strength, and being disturbed at such a critical moment was far from an enjoyable experience.
Ramp, noticing the Emperor’s irritation, cautiously said, "Then, Master, shall I bring them before you..."
"No, Ramp, do not forget that Dragon Blood Mountain is forbidden ground.
Since they so wish to see me..."
Cassius braced his strong limbs beneath his heavy body, stretched his back, and swished his long, thick tail.
"Then I shall appear before them."
"Swish—"
The Red Dragon raised a claw, effortlessly tearing open the space before him, creating a rift surrounded by flames, and then dipped his head to enter.
...
At the edge of the Ancytica Mountains, Silver Dragons surrounded the area, wing beats at the ready.
Pablichko stood on all fours, nervously watching the Ogre.
"Lord Ramp, did His Majesty... agree to it?"
Pablichko came not only to combat abyssal demons but also to fulfill his elder brother’s task—to ascertain the future direction of the Empire.
According to the Silver Dragons’ investigation, the Ashen Empire’s military might was growing at an astonishing pace, with its devastating weaponry exhibiting the nation’s empire ambitions.
They, most likely, would not be content with just the remote expanse of the Anzeta Great Wilderness.
However, the Ogre Archmage immediately replied in a low voice, "His Majesty has agreed to your audience, but... he should be arriving here any moment."
Pablichko was surprised and pressed, "What do you mean?"
"Swish—"
Sharp, colossal Dragon Claws reached out from the void, grasping and forcibly prying open the edges of the spatial rift.
Instantly, Flowing Flames swirled around the tear in space, and sparks danced through the air as a scorching gale roared in, accompanied by a formidable pressure that blanketed several miles.
"Roar!"
Suddenly, the Silver Dragons flying about were as if pressed down by an invisible hand, crashing to the ground with pained howls, their bodies slamming down heavily.
These young and adult Silver Dragons, powerful in any other place, now lay on the ground groaning like tiny chicks, completely immobilized.
"What is this..."
Even the Ancient Silver Dragon felt a strong oppressive wind, and something stirring deep within its bloodline, which compelled it to lower its dignified silver head.
As the wild wind settled and the oppressive force abruptly lessened, Pablichko finally lifted his head to gaze upon the towering figure and was consumed by profound shock.
"By Bahamut above..."
There was a significant difference between watching from afar and a close encounter.
Only now, standing before this vast Red Dragon, did Pablichko truly feel his terrifying presence, his fearsome strength.
Over forty, nearing fifty meters in length, nearly twice the size of Pablichko.
Moreover, the body of the Ashen Emperor was even more robust than that of a common Red Dragon, its brawny muscles swelling like iron orbs beneath the crimson scales, its limbs sturdy as pillars.
Yet, despite its formidable build, the Red Dragon’s proportions were perfect, without a hint of imbalance.
Standing in front of the Ashen Emperor, even the Ancient Silver Dragon felt its own insignificance and frailty, akin to a lamb before a tiger.
"How is it, not welcoming my arrival? I hear... you were eager to meet me."
Cassius’s deep voice echoed across the wilderness, making Pablichko shudder and quickly reply, "Of course not."
