Chapter 454: The Arena of Hidden Monsters
The skies above the Dragon Realm burned endlessly beneath rivers of crimson clouds.
Volcanic winds roared across the ancient mountains while molten lava illuminated the world below like glowing cracks spreading through a dying god's corpse. Massive dragon fortresses stood proudly atop black cliffs while countless ancient banners moved violently beneath the heated storms sweeping through the realm.
And high above all of it—
A colossal crimson dragon soared through the skies.
BOOOOOOM—
The clouds themselves trembled each time her massive wings moved.
Vistara's true dragon form radiated overwhelming majesty beneath the volcanic heavens. Crimson scales larger than shields reflected sunlight like polished blood-red crystals while ancient silver runes glowed faintly across portions of her enormous body. Her golden slit eyes burned calmly like twin suns beneath the skies while streams of heated air escaped her nostrils with every breath.
Ancient.
Royal.
Terrifying.
The pressure alone was enough to make lesser dragons collapse instinctively.
And atop her forehead—
Kel sat calmly.
No disguise.
No draconic transformation.
No false horns.
Nothing.
For the first time openly within the Dragon Realm—
The Dragon Emperor traveled openly in his human form.
His black robes moved violently beneath the storm winds while loose strands of dark hair drifted around his face calmly. One leg rested casually while his arm leaned against one of Vistara's massive crimson horns as though riding an ordinary mount rather than an ancient royal dragon capable of annihilating cities.
The contrast itself looked surreal.
A human.
Riding openly atop a royal dragon of the Crimson Bloodline.
And not as a prisoner.
Not as a servant.
But as someone naturally above.
Far below—
Countless dragons noticed them crossing the skies.
The reactions spread instantly.
"…The Dragon Emperor…"
"He's openly appearing now…"
"That human…"
Fear.
Respect.
Unease.
Even now, most dragons still struggled accepting reality.
The Dragon Realm had ruled proudly for countless ages.
Yet now—
A human sat above even dragon royalty itself.
The volcanic winds howled violently around them.
Then suddenly—
Vistara's deep voice echoed calmly through the skies.
"You seem comfortable."
Kel glanced downward lazily.
"I prefer this over politics."
"You say that while creating most political disasters yourself."
"That sounds inaccurate."
"…It sounds correct."
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Kel's lips afterward.
Far ahead—
The colossal Royal Arena finally appeared.
Even from the skies, the structure looked monstrous.
An enormous circular fortress carved directly into black volcanic mountains stretched across several kilometers while gigantic obsidian walls surrounded countless layered battlefields below. Crimson dragon statues towered around the arena while silver flames erupted endlessly from massive pillars surrounding the structure.
And today—
The arena overflowed with life.
Thousands.
No—
Tens of thousands of dragons gathered throughout the enormous structure.
The Selection for the New Twelve Divine Generals had already begun.
BOOOOOOM—
The moment Vistara descended—
The skies themselves shook.
Massive winds exploded outward across the arena while countless dragons immediately looked upward.
Then silence spread.
Because everyone recognized her instantly.
The Crimson Princess.
Elder sister of the Dragon King.
One of the highest authorities within the realm.
Her colossal body landed gracefully near the royal entrance while the ground cracked beneath the impact.
Several guards nearly panicked immediately before kneeling deeply.
Kel calmly stepped down from atop her forehead afterward.
The volcanic winds moved softly through his black robes while countless dragon eyes instinctively shifted toward him immediately afterward.
And then—
The atmosphere became even heavier.
Because unlike before—
Nobody dared look down upon him anymore.
Not after the coronation.
Not after the Twelve Divine Generals vanished.
Not after becoming Dragon Emperor.
Kel simply ignored the stares.
Meanwhile—
Vistara's dragon form slowly became engulfed in crimson light.
Her massive body rapidly compressed beneath swirling mana while ancient draconic runes floated around her beautifully.
Several seconds later—
The Crimson-haired dragon woman reappeared calmly beside him.
Her long crimson royal dress moved elegantly beneath the arena winds while crimson draconic embroidery shimmered softly across the fabric. Her crimson eyes remained calm while traces of overwhelming dragon pressure still lingered faintly around her.
Kel quietly glanced sideways.
"You really transformed elegantly."
Vistara narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…You sound surprised."
"I was complimenting you."
"That somehow feels suspicious."
The two walked toward the royal entrance afterward.
And instantly—
Every dragon guard lowered themselves deeply.
No one dared obstruct them.
Not anymore.
Inside the arena—
The atmosphere exploded with chaos.
ROOOOOAR—
BOOOOOOM—
Weapons clashed violently across multiple battlefields while thousands of dragons observed from elevated stone platforms carved into the mountain walls themselves. Massive screens formed from ancient observation magic floated high above the arena, displaying different ongoing matches simultaneously.
Blood stained portions of the black battlefield floors already.
Several injured contestants were being dragged away.
Others screamed challenges proudly.
Some celebrated victories.
Others silently watched from the shadows.
The pressure inside the arena felt wild.
Unstable.
Predatory.
At the highest royal platform overlooking the entire arena—
Velor sat calmly upon the Crimson King Throne.
The young Dragon King wore magnificent black royal armor decorated with crimson draconic patterns while a massive fur-lined crimson cloak rested behind his shoulders heavily. His crimson hair moved softly beneath the heated winds entering from the arena below while golden dragon ornaments rested near his collar.
Unlike before—
There was confidence within him now.
Authority.
Not forced.
Natural.
Several royal officials stood nearby nervously while recording participant information endlessly.
Yet Velor ignored most of them.
His crimson eyes remained focused on the battlefields below.
Until—
Kel and Vistara arrived.
Immediately—
Every official bowed deeply.
Even Velor himself stood instantly.
"Master."
Kel waved casually while sitting beside him.
"You're king now. Stop standing every time."
Velor remained completely serious.
"That won't happen."
Vistara sighed softly nearby.
"…You spoiled him."
Kel ignored that statement completely.
Instead—
He glanced toward the battlefields below calmly.
Hundreds of contestants fought simultaneously across multiple arenas.
Some used brute force.
Others relied on speed.
Several displayed elemental techniques.
But overall—
Something felt lacking.
Kel quietly rested one arm against the throne while watching the matches.
Then calmly asked:
"Did anyone pique your interest?"
Velor's gaze remained fixed on the battlefield.
"No."
The answer came immediately.
"No one feels special yet."
One dragon shattered stone pillars using overwhelming strength.
Velor barely reacted.
Another contestant displayed impressive flame control.
Still nothing.
The young Dragon King quietly narrowed his eyes afterward.
"Most of them look ordinary."
Another battlefield exploded below.
Two contestants roared while clashing head-on recklessly.
Velor looked almost bored.
"Average."
Then his expression darkened slightly.
"The real monsters haven't entered the arena yet."
Kel silently observed him afterward.
Interesting.
Velor's instincts had evolved tremendously.
Because he was correct.
Several individuals below were intentionally suppressing themselves.
Hiding.
Watching.
Waiting.
Kel's dark eyes slowly scanned the enormous arena.
And eventually—
He noticed them too.
A silver-haired draconic male intentionally pretending to struggle despite flawless footwork.
A quiet woman using weak fire spells publicly while concealing terrifying mana circulation beneath her body.
A massive dragon warrior deliberately prolonging battles instead of ending them instantly.
Clever.
Very clever.
Kel smiled faintly afterward.
"They noticed."
Velor glanced toward him immediately.
"Noticed what?"
Kel's eyes reflected the battlefields calmly.
"The flaw in this competition."
Vistara folded her arms nearby while listening silently.
Kel continued quietly.
"A pure PvP format benefits reckless fighters."
Another explosion echoed throughout the arena.
"But truly dangerous individuals…"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"…don't reveal themselves early."
Velor stared thoughtfully afterward.
Then slowly—
Understanding appeared within his crimson eyes.
Kel calmly continued.
"The intelligent ones are intentionally hiding their capabilities to avoid becoming targets."
Because that was survival instinct.
The same instinct Velor himself used during the Sacred Wildness.
The young Dragon King slowly leaned back against his throne afterward.
"…So these fights are meaningless."
"Not meaningless."
Kel corrected calmly.
"Just incomplete."
Another contestant below unleashed massive flames proudly while the audience roared excitedly.
Kel barely looked impressed.
Then suddenly—
He spoke.
"Change the format."
Velor immediately looked toward him.
Kel's gaze remained fixed on the battlefield below.
"Convert the selection from PvP combat into comprehensive power and skill evaluations."
The surrounding officials looked startled immediately.
Kel ignored them.
"Raw strength."
"Aura control."
"Mana circulation."
"Combat adaptability."
"Tactical judgment."
"Pressure resistance."
"Instinct."
"Leadership potential."
His voice remained calm.
Cold.
Practical.
"The exceptional candidates advance directly."
Another pause.
"The average and mid-level performers…"
Kel glanced toward the massive crowds below.
"…can be offered military or civil positions instead."
Several officials immediately looked shocked afterward.
Because that single decision would completely change the Dragon Realm's recruitment structure.
Even failed candidates would still become useful assets for the kingdom.
Velor slowly smiled afterward.
A dangerous smile.
"…That's efficient."
Kel nodded once.
"You're not selecting entertainers."
His eyes darkened slightly afterward.
"You're selecting the pillars supporting your reign."
Silence spread briefly across the royal platform.
Then slowly—
Velor stood from the throne.
His crimson cloak moved heavily behind him while overwhelming dragon pressure spread across the arena instantly.
The entire stadium became silent.
Every dragon looked upward immediately.
The Dragon King's voice echoed throughout the colossal arena moments later.
And with those words—
The selection of the new Divine Generals…
Truly began.