Days and months alternated, stars shifted, and a not-so-long period of time quietly passed.
The Borderlands were still dominated by endless severe cold and blizzards; goose-feather-like snowflakes fell ceaselessly, and the biting howling never stopped.
But unlike the usual dead silence.
The outposts of the Molten Iron Tribe, located throughout the Borderlands, now presented a solemn yet fervent scene.
Countless dependents, whether the strong Ogres, fierce Gnoll warriors, agile Centaur knights, or the innumerable Gnolls, Kobolds, and Lizardfolk, now mostly had tense faces, suppressing an ineffable excitement amidst their solemnity, like arrows about to leave the bowstring.
They were already fully armed, frost flowers condensed on their cold armor, heavy weapons gripped in their claws or slung on their backs, and their breaths turned into plumes of urgent white smoke in the severe cold.
Like undercurrents lurking beneath the snowfield.
They emerged in an orderly fashion from different valleys, plains, and hills, and then, spurred by their leaders, they marched through the deep snow, leaving winding tracks that were immediately covered by new wind and snow.
Finally.
Trickles converged into surging rivers, transforming into several vast and winding long Dragons across the boundless, snow-covered land.
Their objective was crystal clear.
It was the Serre Wilderness, located south of the Borderlands, a place now plunged into chaos and war, yet also full of endless opportunities.
During Galos's long years of slumber.
The Molten Iron Tribe, like a giant beast retracting its claws and feigning sleep, strictly followed the Lord of the Red Wings's orders, actively reining in its sharp edge, and did not undertake large-scale expansion or conquest.
However.
To temper the inherent ferocity and belligerence of the monsters, and also to maintain their combat effectiveness.
Internal training and brutal gladiatorial contests within the tribe became frequent and intense.
Day after day, the dependents honed themselves and their skills in the ice and snow.
As time passed, their claws became incredibly sharp, and their will to fight grew tougher, like iron blanks repeatedly hammered.
Only awaiting the command.
They would rush out of the Borderlands to fight in a wider world.
Therefore, with the Lord of the Red Wings's command, the elite dependents of the Molten Iron Tribe, spread across the Borderlands, were efficiently mobilized in a very short time, forming disciplined, murderous monster legions that, like a released flood, marched resolutely towards the wilderness.
As for this harsh Borderlands, it was not completely abandoned.
It still contained unexploited rare mines, considerable reserves of black oil fields, and the Black Iron Plain where a basic alchemical industrial system had been initially established... These valuable resources and strategic strongholds were the cornerstones of the Molten Iron Tribe's future development and could not be easily forsaken.
Therefore.
The cold-loving adult White Dragon Tracy, all young Dragons not yet in their adolescence, three affiliated wild monster lords, Grand Artificer Scott, Snakeman Swordsaint Na Reisi, Centaur Elvie... these key figures.
Along with a portion of the elite dependent legions, still remained in the Borderlands by order, guarding this initial land where the Dragon group rose, guarding their snow-covered homeland.
High above, in the densest domain of wind and snow.
Galos's massive body slowly circled beneath the lead-gray clouds, and the falling snow swirled and danced with each powerful beat of his wings.
Copper-Silver Dragon Deborah soared alongside him, her graceful scales shimmering with a faint, still brilliant glow.
"Deborah, have your parents sent back any news recently? For example, when do they expect to return to the Borderlands?"
Galos's voice cut through the howling wind and snow as he asked calmly.
The Copper-Silver Dragon tilted her head slightly, her head shaking gently, her slender neck forming an elegant arc.
"Father only sent one secret message in between, simply telling me that the world is turbulent everywhere right now, and that I should not rashly leave the relatively safe Borderlands."
"But they didn't mention when exactly they would be able to return."
She mused for a moment, her tone with a hint of uncertainty, and continued: "Adult Metallic Dragons seem to be participating in some extremely important collective ritual, attempting to extend the life of the Golden Dragon King, but they were attacked by the Winter's End halfway through, and the ritual was definitely affected and interfered with to some extent."
"Ultimately, how long it will take to complete, whether it will succeed or fail, probably no one can say for sure."
The Golden Dragon King she referred to was none other than that powerful being—the Twenty-Four Winged Golden Dragon.
Within the highly unified Metallic Dragon race system, based on different Dragon branches, and their respective powers and noble characters, five supreme Dragon King leaders were jointly elected.
The Golden Dragon King, the Silver Dragon King, the Bronze Dragon King, the Copper Dragon King, and the Brass Dragon King.
Without exception, they were all Ancient Dragons who had lived for over a thousand years, possessing unfathomable power, and even among the Ancient Dragons, these five Dragon Kings were undoubtedly top-tier existences.
The most powerful and prestigious among them was, without a doubt, the Golden Dragon King.
At this point, Deborah's emotions clearly became somewhat annoyed and puzzled.
"Winter's End... Why did this White Dragon suddenly attack the Dragon Domain?"
"Doesn't she understand that even if the Metallic Dragon and Five-Color Dragons factions are at odds and often have disputes, they are ultimately all Dragons? Once the Golden Dragon King falls, the overall power and deterrent force of the entire Dragon race will be immeasurably weakened."
Ordinary White Dragons might have simple minds and not consider such levels.
But an Ancient Dragon that can survive for thousands of years, even a White Dragon known for its stupidity, must possess profound wisdom and foresight.
Moreover.
Except for some extremely chaotic and evil individuals, Dragons that reach the Ancient Dragon level generally possess rationality and long-term considerations beyond instinct, and can well control their desires and impulses.
Deborah truly couldn't understand.
What exactly was the motive behind Hissfield, the Winter's End, attacking the Dragon Domain.
There had never been any rumor suggesting an irreconcilable deep grudge between the Golden Dragon King and her.
"Perhaps she was maliciously instigated by certain entities, or perhaps there are some deeper reasons or transactions far beyond our current comprehension,"
Galos calmly mused, saying, "In any case, if the description of the Winter's End in the dragons legacy is basically accurate, then she absolutely could not have attacked the Dragon Domain on a whim."
"Behind this, there must be reasons of sufficient weight that we are not yet aware of."
The Winter's End, as recorded in the heritage, was described as—patient and cunning, extremely skilled at manipulating and controlling emotions.
Patience and cunning, Galos believed this description might be true, as these themselves are not absolutely derogatory terms, and can even be advantages in survival and struggle.
But regarding the point of "extremely skilled at manipulating and controlling emotions," Galos always held a trace of rational doubt deep in his heart.
The dragons legacy was indeed a treasure trove of knowledge.
However, it also contained a large amount of prejudice, distorted perspectives caused by factional opposition, and deeply ingrained subjective views, many of the records within it could not be fully trusted and had to be subjected to one's own rational scrutiny and judgment.
Judging solely from the events recorded in the heritage concerning the Winter's End's entanglement with human spellcasters.
If the protagonist of the story, the Winter's End, were replaced by a Metallic Dragon—such as a Silver Dragon or a Golden Dragon.
Then, her experiences with that human spellcaster would probably be sung as a romantic and tragic love story transcending racial barriers, rather than being interpreted as a premeditated, conspiracy-filled dark scheme.
"No matter what, I hope the Golden Dragon King can successfully overcome this twilight tribulation and gain new life,"
The Copper-Silver Dragon whispered a prayer.
As long as the Golden Dragon King could successfully cross this greatest threshold, the Metallic Dragon race would have a towering pillar like a stabilizing force, and their voice and status on the entire Bernardo Planet would rise to a new level, and the overall improvement of the Dragon race's status would, to some extent, also make the living environment of all Dragons, including the Five-Color Dragons, slightly better.
However.
Among all known planes and worlds, those who could successfully cross the twilight death tribulation of an Ancient Dragon and gain new life were, after all, only a very, very small minority.
Time quietly passed amidst the two giant Dragons' conversation and contemplation.
Galos did not wait for the dependent legions marching on the ground, but instead first arrived at the natural barrier between the Borderlands and the Serre Wilderness—the surging, incomparably wide Estonia Great River.
The turbid, icy river water, carrying ice floes, roared deafeningly through the steep canyon, rushing towards an unknown distance.
"Deborah."
Galos's massive body hovered above the surging river, and he said to the Copper-Silver Dragon beside him, "This is far enough for you to accompany me. You can go back now."
The Copper-Silver Dragon also stopped, gently wagging her tail with a hint of reluctance.
"But, Galos, I also want to see the wilderness."
Galos turned his head, gazing at the Copper-Silver Dragon.
"Almost all the Dragons have left the Borderlands."
"The only Dragons left here are Tracy, whose power is still shallow, and a group of young Dragon whelps who need protection. Such strength truly cannot put me completely at ease."
After a pause, Galos said with particular seriousness, "Deborah."
"Only with you personally holding down the Borderlands, using your strength and wisdom to stabilize the rear..."
The Red Iron Dragon's voice carried a heavy trust: "...can I go to the wilderness without any worries, to open up new territories for the tribe."
"Besides, I haven't completely abandoned the Borderlands."
"I will often return here, return to Dragon Valley. This is a very important lair for us."
Hearing Galos's words, especially the profound trust and heavy responsibility they contained, the Copper-Silver Dragon Deborah immediately felt that she had shouldered an important mission.
Thus, she no longer hesitated.
She no longer hesitated, nodding her massive head heavily, as if making a solemn promise.
"I understand."
Deborah's voice was decisive: "I will watch over the Borderlands for you and protect our home!"
Galos nodded slightly.
He still remembered the Copper Dragon Serena's instructions.
The wilderness was more dangerous than the Borderlands, and the Borderlands indeed needed a more reliable Dragon than Tracy to guard it. Deborah was a very good choice.
"And me! And me!"
A clear and vibrant voice suddenly rang out.
The Fairy Dragon Vera burst out from under the Copper-Silver Dragon's broad wing membrane, fighting against the strong wind while waving her claws, loudly proclaiming, "I can also protect the Borderlands! I'm very powerful."
Galos lowered his head, his gaze falling on the Fairy Dragon's small body, which looked particularly delicate and even a little shaky in the strong wind.
A hint of doubt appeared in his eyes.
"Are you underestimating me?"
The Fairy Dragon keenly caught that hint of doubt, and like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, she let out an unhappy snort.
Then, as if to show off her strength, she nimbly performed a beautiful somersault in the air, confidently saying, "Watch closely! Lord Vera's abilities have grown quite a bit now."
Before she finished speaking.
Her gauze-like wings flapped suddenly, and her tiny body deftly rode the fierce, whistling wind, gracefully drifting backward for nearly a hundred meters.
Boom—!
The next moment, a strong and dazzling flash of Illusion Art light suddenly passed, making one dizzy.
Immediately after, a majestic, mighty, and awe-inspiring giant Dragon, full of unparalleled power and oppressive presence, appeared in the sky.
He had thick, dark black scales, silently calm vertical pupils, and massive wings that seemed capable of tearing the sky.
So much so that the moment Galos saw it, he couldn't help but let out a heartfelt exclamation of admiration.
"Truly magnificent and overflowing with domineering presence!"
This giant Dragon was his exact likeness.
Its form, its details, and the suffocatingly terrifying pressure it naturally exuded, at first glance, were indistinguishable from the real Galos.
"I am the great Lord of the Red Wings! King of the Molten Iron Tribe—Garos Ignis!"
The Red Iron Dragon let out a deep, majestic roar, capable of shaking the hearts of all living things, its voice almost identical to Galos's own.
"Foolish crawling insects, seeing a true Dragon descend, why do you not kneel?!"
With this roar, the Red Iron Dragon suddenly spread its sky-obscuring wings, and brilliant golden lightning and black-red violent Dragon Qi burst forth from its body. Its entire form seemed to expand by another large circle, and its Dragon Might spread wildly in all directions like a tangible tsunami!
"Oh? You don't flee, but instead dare to stay in place and look directly at me?"
The Red Iron Dragon looked down disdainfully, staring at Galos and the Copper-Silver Dragon opposite him, adding extra drama to its performance.
"Crawl, then listen carefully to this, the death knell tolling for you!"
Boom boom boom! Boom boom boom!
A heartbeat, as heavy as ancient war drums and as roaring as a super-giant engine, sounded incredibly realistically from within the illusion.
Immediately after, all its scales instantly turned a dazzling fiery red, like glowing irons, and its body ignited with clear, intertwined, spreading golden-red lines of fire, as if countless enchanting and magnificent fiery red lotuses were blooming and swaying on its body simultaneously! The entire Dragon became even more terrifying and ferocious than before, as if it would destroy everything in the next instant.
"It even mimics my Red Lotus Form so vividly?"
Galos tilted his head slightly, not expecting the Fairy Dragon's Illusion Art to be so realistic now.
If it were a Dragon with slightly weaker perception...
Even an adult Dragon, or even some less perceptive mature Dragons, seeing this lifelike and overwhelmingly powerful illusion from a distance, would probably be terrified and want to turn tail and run, never daring to approach to verify its authenticity.
At the same time, after the demonstration was complete.
The awe-inspiring giant Red Iron Dragon illusion quietly collapsed and dissipated like a bubble, transforming back into the small and exquisite Fairy Dragon.
"Hmph hmph~ This is my most powerful and proud Illusion Art—[Galos Mimicry Art]!"
Vera proudly lifted her tiny chin, announcing, "I secretly observe you, Galos, for a very, very long time every day. I've firmly memorized every detail of your body's form and every change in your aura. The illusions I create are absolutely lifelike! Coupled with the Illusion Sound Art perfectly mimicking your voice, it's enough to reach a level where it's indistinguishable from the real thing."
As an Illusionist specializing in Illusion Art, her skill tree naturally leaned towards the mysterious, ethereal, and elusive, excelling at creating mind-confusing illusions.
And among all the Illusion Art spells she had mastered...
This mimicry art, requiring extremely high skill and observation, could almost be called her most practically valuable core skill.
By observing a powerful physical creature closely for a long time, deeply understanding its form, movements, and even energy characteristics, she could ultimately perfectly mimic it.
This was not merely about creating fear or confusing enemies.
When the caster's level was high enough, and their observation of the target was sufficiently meticulous, and the realism of the mimicked illusion reached a certain critical point...
This Illusion Art could even turn the illusory into reality, allowing the mimicked illusion to briefly possess a portion of the mimicked subject's true power! Delivering attacks with substantial damage!
And the object Vera chose to mimic, from beginning to end, was the most formidable Galos in her eyes.
Because of years of close observation and a deep understanding gained from living together, she knew every detail of the Red Iron Dragon by heart, and the realism of her illusions had reached a very high standard.
This allowed her Galos illusion to not only scare people but even unleash several quite threatening attacks.
"Exquisite and peerless Illusion Art." Galos did not hesitate to praise, "Vera, with you and Deborah guarding the Borderlands together, I feel even more at ease now."
"Remember to give me shiny gold coins or gems as payment."
"Otherwise, I'll turn into you and fly to different places shouting that I'm an idiot, ruining your reputation."
Saying this, the Fairy Dragon burrowed back under Deborah's wing.
"If you encounter trouble that's difficult to solve, notify me immediately."
"With my speed, I'll be able to provide support very quickly."
Galos instructed.
Then, after a simple farewell.
The Red Iron Dragon no longer lingered, flapping his wings, his massive figure gradually disappearing into the horizon of the Borderlands' sky.
He had no intention of waiting for his subordinate army, which was still on the march. Instead, he decided to go ahead, directly to the Sinkhole Territory located in the Serre Wilderness, preparing to meet the Iron Dragon Mother whom he hadn't seen in decades.