"By the way, there is one more thing to add."
When Garros discussed the situation in the Permafrost Tundra, Iron Dragon Sorog reported with a grave expression: "I have already dispatched ground troops and Dragon Knights to pursue the remnants of the Dawn Tribe and Ironblood Tribe that fled to the north."
"These stragglers scattered into several small units, and we annihilated a portion of them during the pursuit."
"However, a small fraction still managed to escape into the depths of the northern ice fields. Considering the terrain limitations, I ordered the ground troops to withdraw, keeping only the Dragons to continue the pursuit mission, chasing them into the Permafrost Tundra."
At this point, Solrog's voice paused slightly, and he lowered his voice to continue: "The pursuit after that was not smooth. Of the three Dragons that originally entered the ice fields, only one returned safely in the end."
"According to the surviving Dragon, they did indeed catch up to a large group of fugitives."
"However, while engaging those Barbarians, a group of northern Barbarians suddenly appeared. They chose to support and coordinate with the fugitives to launch a surprise attack on us, causing two Dragons to fall on the spot, with only one returning wounded."
After listening to Solrog's report, the Red-Iron Dragon Garros furrowed his scaled brow slightly, a glimmer of contemplation flashing in his vertical pupils.
The Borderlands region is located at the junction of the Permafrost Tundra and the Serel Wilderness. As a buffer zone between the two major regions, its geographical location is very unique, serving as a no-man's-land.
The most significant threat in the Serel Wilderness comes from the Federal Garrison, hanging over the heads of all monsters like a greatsword.
Meanwhile, the Permafrost Tundra is occupied by two dangerous groups: the Barbarians and the giants.
The Barbarians are a unique race, fundamentally different from both humans and orcs.
Although they resemble humans in appearance, from a biological perspective, they are humanoid creatures rather than close relatives or branches of humanity.
Unlike humans and orcs who require Acquired job changes, Barbarians often naturally possess an Awakening of the Berserk talent. This innate ability allows them to convert anger directly into combat power.
One theory regarding the origin of the name for the "Barbarian" path in the job System is that it stems from the characteristics of the Barbarian race.
In the Early Stage of tribal development, because it is difficult to maintain rationality while in a berserk state, Barbarian tribes often experience numerous developmental difficulties.
But when the tribe grows to a certain scale, with an increase in the number of Spellcasters such as warlocks and shamans, and especially after the emergence of outstanding leaders capable of balancing anger and reason, the Barbarian tribe transforms into a formidable entity, powerful enough to rival the Frost Giants in the Permafrost Tundra.
"The Warcry Tribe and the Frost Giants of the Permafrost Tundra."
"They are not only massive in scale but also possess deep foundations, with a comprehensive strength comparable to a large Duchy in the human world."
"The war between these two major forces has lasted for quite a long time, and a victor has yet to be determined."
The Red-Iron Dragon silently analyzed the situation in his heart.
The reason he was able to gain a foothold in The Borderlands and proclaim himself King is largely due to the unique geopolitical environment: the Federal Garrison adopts a laissez-faire attitude toward this buffer zone, and the various northern races view it only as a strategic buffer; the tribes that originally occupied this place were not worth mentioning in their eyes.
It was precisely against this background.
The rise of the Molten Iron Tribe unified The Borderlands, turning this buffer zone into a potential threat, which, by all logic, would inevitably invite hostility and suppression from northern forces.
The reason things are peaceful now.
Is because the Barbarians and giants of the Permafrost Tundra are mired in a war, keeping each other in check, and are temporarily too busy to pay attention to the changes in The Borderlands.
However.
Once these two major forces cease fire and make peace,
When they discover that the strategic buffer between them and the Federation is completely controlled by the Molten Iron Tribe, they will inevitably strike with thunderous force, and with the Molten Iron Tribe's current strength, it is impossible to withstand a joint attack from the Barbarians and giants.
The reason is simple—both of these major forces have Legendary-level leaders presiding over them.
Garros's title as King of the Borderlands is actually not secure; the Molten Iron Tribe merely rose by seizing opportunities in the cracks between various factions, and there is still a huge gap compared to those truly massive entities.
"The Borderlands is, after all, only a transitional stage. I must take advantage of the window period before the northern war ends to complete the strategic layout for returning to the Serel Wilderness as soon as possible."
A sense of urgency surged in the Red-Iron Dragon's heart, but he did not feel panicked.
The more evenly matched and powerful the forces are, the longer the war tends to last, and it is difficult to determine a winner in the short term.
Currently, neither the Barbarians nor the giants have the resolve to stake everything on a single throw. Although small-scale conflicts are constant, there is a lack of a decisive battle to determine life and death. Unless a major event occurs, this war is likely to continue for a long time.
This bought precious time for Garros's development.
"Thinking carefully, it was precisely by taking advantage of the rekindling of the flames of war in the north that I successfully seized control of The Borderlands."
"Now, the plan to return to the Serel Wilderness is likewise because internal chaos in the Federation is about to arise, and war is on the verge of breaking out."
"In chaotic times, the more chaotic the situation, the more favorable it is for an 'Evil Dragon' like me to develop and grow stronger."
The Red-Iron Dragon raised his head and looked toward the vast, boundless horizon.
A light breeze swirled with dead leaves around him, and a few fallen leaves landed gently on his black-silver dragon scales. He took a deep breath, and suddenly felt the stagnation in his chest swept away.
In peaceful times.
A mixed-blood Red-Iron Dragon like him, born with an evil label and suffering from discrimination, would invite attacks from all sides the moment he showed even a hint of sharpness, forcing him to hide and struggle for survival.
But now, the times have changed.
Fight!
Wage war!
Let the flames of war burn more fiercely!
Let the conflict never cease!
Only in this way can he pull chestnuts from the fire in chaotic times and achieve a true rise.
At this time, Iron Dragon Sorog proposed: "I plan to set up more hidden sentries and scouts along the northern border near the ice fields, and equip them with Advanced communication equipment. This way, once the traces of Barbarians or giants are discovered, we can receive a warning at the first opportunity."
The Red-Iron Dragon exhaled a stream of hot Dragon Breath, immersing himself in telepathic communication through the bloodline bond.
After careful consideration, he replied: "Rather than passive defense, I prefer a strategy of active offense."
"Solrog, the northern border does indeed need an early warning System, but at the same time, we must also send elites deep into the Permafrost Tundra to gather intelligence."
"This way, if any major changes occur in the tundra region, we will be able to know in advance and prepare early."
The war in The Borderlands has ended for now.
The Molten Iron Tribe happens to have suitable talent within its ranks to carry out such infiltration missions.
As early as the Serel Wilderness period, the Molten Iron Clan began systematically cultivating the loyalty of its members, consolidating rule by promoting the greatness of the Lord of the Crimson Wings and the benevolence of the tribe.
Do not always ask what the tribe can do for you; think more about what you can contribute to the tribe!
Loyalty! Offer absolute loyalty to the great Lord of the Crimson Wings!
The kindness of the tribe can never be repaid!
—Similar concepts, after long-term, subtle indoctrination, have now resulted in a large number of fanatics emerging among the new generation of dependents who are sworn to die for the Molten Iron Tribe and worship the Lord of the Crimson Wings, with the Kobold group being the most prominent among them.
After careful consideration, Solrog decided to select elites from these loyalists for special training.
Then.
Secretly dispatch them to the ice fields, attempting to contact the Barbarians and Frost Giants as spies or undercover agents. If it is impossible to directly infiltrate these two major forces, one can settle for the next best thing and obtain intelligence from other northern races.
He reported this plan to Garros, which was quickly approved and recognized.
Immediately after, Garros spread his pair of crimson dragon wings and soared into the sky.
As for the handling of the Vicious Beast Giant Deer and its territory, it was the same as when subduing the White Tiger previously: guards were dispatched by the Molten Iron Tribe to take over, while allowing the Wild Monster Lord to continue residing in the original place, but it must be ready to obey the tribe's orders at any time and fight for the tribe.
With the submission of the last Wild Monster Lord.
The final piece of the puzzle fell into place, and the Molten Iron Tribe finally completed its comprehensive control over The Borderlands, with only one exception remaining—that Abyssal Rift.
A few days later.
A cold current from the ice fields invaded The Borderlands, and heavy snow fell thick and fast, soon covering the vast land in silver.
On the Fertile Plains in the southwest of The Borderlands,
White Dragon Tereshi and the mixed-blood Centaur Elvie led elite troops to construct a tight defensive line centered on the Abyssal Rift, guarding this dangerous area day and night.
For a long time.
Due to the scale limitations of the spatial passage, most of what emerged from the rift were low-level demons such as Quasits, Manes, and Dretch. The occasional elite demon was no match for the combined efforts of the White Dragon and the Centaur leader, and would soon be eliminated, turning into precious Abyssal Materials that, through the Gem Merchant Guild's trade network, brought considerable revenue to the Molten Iron Tribe.