In the spring of the eleventh year of the Dragon Calendar, in the Golden Empire's Golden City.
A gentle breeze carried the unique fragrance of spring, bards played bagpipes and harps, and a maiden's song flowed in the spring wind, like the musical notes of raindrops falling into a calm lake.
A few months' time was enough for short-lived races to experience events worthy of being etched into their lives, just like the series of decrees issued at the founding of the empire.
The "Slave Freedom Advancement Decree" and the "dragon codex" caused an unprecedented sensation throughout the empire's lands as soon as they were promulgated.
This sensation continued to ferment with the passage of time, flowing through various channels to distant places, beyond the empire's territory, and throughout the entire Northern Continent.
The "Slave Freedom Advancement Decree" did not cause much stir in the discussions of most of the populace, but it was opposed by some noble representatives and slave owners.
This opposition had no impact under the True Dragon's absolute rule, but it was enough to reflect what huge waves would be stirred up once this policy was made public to the entire world.
The promulgation of the "dragon codex," however, demonstrated the true ambition of the True Dragons Empire, which also attracted various covetous gazes from many True Dragons, some with good intentions, some with malice.
Even the most ordinary farmers, when working in the wild, could often see various True Dragon s not belonging to the True Dragon beginning to appear around the territory.
These were True Dragons closer to the Dragon Clans Territory, who, for their various purposes, lingered in this land after receiving the news.
This also led to the several Metal Dragons—the Bronze Dragon Gros and Natalierie, and the Silver Dragon Christiana—who were bound by the Dragons clan Contract and given the tasks and responsibilities of inspectors under the "dragon codex," being quite busy during this period.
These three True Dragons, arranged by the Dragon clan, whether willingly or not, conveyed a message to the outside world through their actions: these Metal Dragons were serving the Dragon clan.
However, these few Metal Dragons clearly did not anticipate that, even in their own hearts, they felt they were serving these True Dragons at least nominally under the Dragon clan's oppression, yet they gained considerable power.
At least according to the "dragon codex," these inspectors had the authority to handle all matters related to external True Dragons.
This made the three Metal Dragons extra cautious when exercising their responsibilities, and it also differed from their original intention of muddling through their few years of service in the Dragon Clans Territory.
The Silver Dragon Christiana, the Bronze Dragon Gros, and Natalierie, the three Metal Dragons, transformed into humanoid forms and walked out of the Golden City's government offices.
According to regulations, these three True Dragon s were required to sign in and register daily at the nearest imperial government departments, both at the beginning and end of their workday.
Moreover, they also needed to report to the relevant officials daily and receive training and guidance from relevant personnel, which was also how the Dragons subtly influenced the three Metal Dragons' thinking.
The Silver Dragon Christiana and the two Bronze Dragons' humanoid forms at this moment deliberately showcased their True Dragon identity; this was a requirement of the True Dragons and also a gradual way to establish clear distinctions.
Therefore, although the three individuals' faces resembled elves, the horns on their heads and their different colored pupils revealed their identities.
The Silver Dragon Christiana's eyes were pale gold round pupils when she transformed into Herhumanoid form, Her pointed ears were as fair as Her skin, and Her forehead was adorned with gilded floral patterns, a symbol of the True Dragons Contract.
And the floral golden ornaments encircling the white silk ribbon around Her neck, as well as the translucent gemstone embedded in the floral golden pendant, as fair as the Silver Dragon's snow-white skin, were all rewards given by the Ancestral Red Dragon for Her achievements.
The two Bronze Dragons, on the other hand, had cyan True Dragon horns, exquisite robes, and sapphire rings on their hands.
Even though The Silver Dragon Christiana and the two Bronze Dragons knew that the Red Dragon was using this method to corrupt and dismantle their rigid mental defenses, they still could not refuse the temptation; it was simply that the Red Dragon gave too much.
"Those wild True Dragon s are truly stupid; they want to fight us as soon as they see us. I really can't stand such impulsive and brainless behavior," Bronze Dragon Gros complained incessantly.
"If those Chromatic Dragons and the True Dragons from the Kogmora Dragon Clan were as intelligent and rational, I wouldn't have to explain the empire's laws restricting True Dragons to them over and over again."
"And the result is still their contemptuous gaze and despicable tails. Damn guys, so far, this month's performance hasn't been completed at all. Only that Deniro, the Mist Dragon counts as the true performance for the three of us, and even that was deliberately given to us by the True Dragon. It really annoys me."
Female Bronze Dragon Natalierie nodded in agreement, frowning as she continued, "Those wild True Dragon s are still observing; they also don't like too many restrictions."
"Although the Kogmora Dragon Clan has already gained some reputation, these Evil True Dragons find it difficult to have true trust among themselves. Our work is too difficult to carry out. If we don't achieve anything significant in the next few years, how are we going to explain it to the True Dragon?"
But the two True Dragon s' words were interrupted by a few bold and enthusiastic residents greeting them.
"Hi, Lady Christiana, Lord Gros, Lord Natalierie, good afternoon! You've finished another day's work!"
The enthusiastic young man was full of youthful vigor, seemingly greeting the three True Dragon s, but his eyes couldn't help but gaze at the Silver Dragon's figure.
Only some older, more composed people could calmly appreciate these previously uncommon scenes and greet them nonchalantly, expressing their attitude through their words.
Gros and Natalierie quickly responded to their enthusiasm. Although these Metal Dragons were revered for their noble status and powerful strength, they had never felt a different kind of recognition at these moments.
The Silver Dragon Christiana nodded at the greetings from the approaching populace. Although these three Metal Dragons made a mistake by following Gold Dragon Obilash during the founding ceremony, leading to their ostracization by the True Dragon and all residents within the territory.
But these three True Dragon s were now serving the True Dragon and had handled several incidents involving wild True Dragon s, coupled with the Metal Dragons' inherent aura of goodness, so they gradually gained the recognition of the residents within the territory.
Especially The Silver Dragon Christiana, due to Her beautiful appearance, was particularly popular among the young men in the territory.
"So, have you two already forgotten that we are still prisoners bound by the True Dragon?" The Silver Dragon Christiana's face showed an amused expression, Her cool demeanor instantly as captivating as spring snow melting.
"Have you started to become infatuated with this power that could be revoked at any time, misled by these voices of recognition, and are you truly working for this empire ruled by Evil True Dragons?"
Natalierie was no longer indulging this Silver Dragon. They were all of equal standing, so the female Bronze Dragon let out a cold laugh.
"But I've noticed that a certain Silver Dragon is even more diligent than us. Not only does she put Her heart and soul into Her busy work, but she also spends Her only free time visiting various places to punish wrongdoers. Do you have an extra title of sheriff or something?"
The Silver Dragon Christiana shook Her head, Her figure in a white gauze dress appearing exceptionally graceful among the homeward-bound crowd on the street. She calmly said, "I only do things for my own aspirations, I don't care about others' opinions. I'm just worried that you will be corrupted by money and power."
"A mind too easily indulged will not be considered a useful pillar by these True Dragon s. Their hearts are much prouder than ours."
"You two should take this time to think about your future choices." The Silver Dragon Christiana left Her meaningful words and disappeared into the crowd, leaving only two somewhat stunned True Dragons.
But Bronze Dragon Gros's gaze, falling into the crowd, unexpectedly discovered a special target.
Bronze Dragon Gros, at this moment, as if driven by some unusual force, quietly pulled Her companion Natalierie's hand and hid in a tavern.
"What are you doing? I have no intention of being your mate. We are just an alliance and companionship between True Dragons," Natalierie said with a slight hint of displeasure after shaking off Gros's hand once they were hidden inside the tavern.
Bronze Dragons are also a type of True Dragon with a concept of loyalty, so they are not as casual as the Chromatic Dragon.
"Shh, Natalierie, I didn't mean to take advantage of you. Guess who I just spotted?" Gros's expression was mysterious, showing a True Dragon's mischievousness.
"Who?" Bronze Dragon Natalierie also lowered Her voice, widening Her eyes, cooperating with Her companion.
"Hollister, the Northern Continent Overseer," Gros whispered.
Female True Dragon Natalierie's eyes truly widened this time, showing a look of surprise.
Bronze Dragon Hollister, a mature Bronze Dragon dispatched by the Southern Good Dragon Alliance, was the true overseer of the Northern Continent.
Even though Bronze Dragons were at the bottom of the Metal Dragon hierarchy, much like Black Dragons and White Dragons in the Chromatic Dragon ranks, a mature Bronze Dragon still possessed power that other True Dragons could not casually ignore.
Hollister had always resided and operated in Rose City, located in the southernmost part of the Northern Continent's Cass Principality. It was closest to the Narrow Sea, separated from Ekania World's center, the Central Continent, by only a sea route, and it was also the most prosperous city in the entire Northern Territory.
Rose City thus became the intelligence and administrative hub for the Southern Good Dragon Alliance in the Northern Territory. All affairs and intelligence from the entire Northern Territory were sent from Rose City to the Southern Good Dragon Alliance's Dragon Crown Council.
The Good Dragon Alliance used this method to monitor evil and injustice in various regions and take appropriate measures.
However, due to most of the Northern Territory being wilderness, separated by the endless mountains of the Gods' Promised Land, only a small portion was under the influence of human and other races' civilizations. Therefore, the Good Dragon Alliance's power in the Northern Territory was relatively weak.
Those pampered, noble, and elegant Metal Dragons did not consider the endless wilderness and forests as their jurisdiction.
And the overseer in charge of the entire Northern Territory's Good Dragon Alliance, the mature Bronze Dragon Hollister, had a unique hobby: he loved designing fashionable and beautiful clothes for others.
This mature Bronze Dragon was pleased and proud when his designed clothes were praised by others and became popular, so he often stayed in his outpost, designing fashionable outfits to his satisfaction.
This mature Bronze Dragon had once received letters from two Bronze Dragons, probationary candidates of the Good Dragon Alliance, stating that evil was brewing in the Northern Wasteland.
Initially, this Bronze Dragon did not care. In his opinion, how much of a threat could a group of hatchlings transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood pose? He was certain that the two Bronze Dragons were deliberately exaggerating the facts to achieve merits sufficient for promotion to full members.
Even when he learned the news that the True Dragons had won the war against the Orcs, he instead believed that the significant consumption of evil True Dragon s' kin had weakened the power of those evil True Dragon s, making it even less necessary for him to worry about such minor matters.
Moreover, the territory established by the True Dragon was still in the wasteland, and he had no interest in it whatsoever.
It wasn't until several adult True Dragon s were defeated, and even Gold Dragon Obirasch was locked in front of the Kings Capital by the True Dragon's master, Kalon Kogmora, and humiliated like a guard dog, that this mature Bronze Dragon sighed and stepped out of his Hollister's hut.
The Northern Continent, a region cut off by endless mountains, was originally just a wild land in the heart of the mature Bronze Dragon. But in recent years, this wild land suddenly developed civilization.
Even Bronze Dragon Hollister had occasionally heard people in the distant Rose City discussing the name of Kalon Kogmora, the conqueror of the wilderness and forests, the shaper of civilization.
He had initially thought that, due to Dragons vanity, a large part of these reputations might be exaggerated, but when he set foot on this civilized land, he discovered the truth.
The rumors that this Red Dragon, relying on claws and wisdom, had created a powerful DragonsEmpire in the northern wasteland of the Northern Continent were true and even filled him with a hint of genuine admiration.
This Golden City, though not as prosperous and wealthy as Bronze Dragon Hollister's outpost, Rose City, was remarkably clean and vibrant.
Moreover, a city specifically built for Dragons especially suited the Dragons aesthetic, bringing the Bronze Dragon a sense of inner recognition and comfort.
This mature Bronze Dragon even wanted to reveal his True Dragon form and thoroughly explore this grand city.
Although he was currently exploring, his mind was filled with the letter Bronze Dragon Gros had sent him.
"The Kogmora Dragon Clan consists of True Dragons with scales of various colors, practicing absolute authoritarian rule within their territory. They are skilled at bewitching hearts and possess abnormally strong corrupting abilities. Alina and Alfred may be victims of that Chromatic Dragon's corruption and bewitchment."
"The Kogmora Dragon Clan is assessed to have an extremely high hazard level. Even if most of the True Dragons in the group are still hatchlings, their loyal kin possess powerful military strength, and every True Dragon in the group has excellent potential."
"Therefore, it is recommended that the Lord Overseer dispatch more forces to maintain close attention on the Golden Land. Evil should not be allowed to grow unchecked. If there is any need, military measures should be taken promptly to stop the evil!"
Bronze Dragon Hollister nodded, "It seems those two Bronze Dragons have good judgment. This place indeed has great potential. It's a pity they weren't careful in their actions and are also trapped here."
Bronze Dragon Hollister did not consider it his own mistake but rather attributed the error to the two reckless Bronze Dragons.
"It seems the power of this True Dragon has grown again. Midir, Deniro, the Mist Dragon, these rare True Dragon have actually voluntarily joined these chromatic Dragons?"
Hollister walked among the crowd, admiring the civilization shaped by this Dragon clan.
The city's arena, library, and the Dragon clan Academy and other buildings were especially appreciated by this mature True Dragon who yearned for civilization, so he had no particular hostility towards this Dragon clan in his heart.
However, the conversations of the people on the streets particularly interested him.
The name Midir appeared with unusual frequency, especially among the merchants.
This Steel Dragon, Midier, who had recently sworn allegiance to the True Dragon before the True Dragon King's Banner in the Kings Capital and assumed the position of Minister of Commerce for the True Dragons Empire, was hailed by these merchants as a true 'Vampire'.
This Vampire within the Dragon clan, upon taking office, issued countless commercial trade laws, established numerous tax categories, and strengthened control over transactions between merchants.
Especially for some important goods, he even set maximum and minimum prices, reducing the opportunities for merchants to hoard goods and gain huge profits.
All these measures, for those merchants, were like Vampires sucking their blood, thus earning him the title of Vampire True Dragon.
"What a peculiar True Dragon! Even these mysterious True Dragons are working for them," the Bronze Dragon Hollister felt that the civilization of this True Dragon was beginning to attract him.
He walked along the wide street towards the city's central square, where there were massive buildings, towering pillars of merit, huge fountains, and magnificent True Dragon statues.
But what attracted the Bronze Dragon's gaze the most was the grand and magnificent temple, which appeared to have been newly erected.
On the plaque of that tall temple, carved from precious sandalwood, were several ancient and mysterious characters, which were the orthodox True Dragon language — Ten Thousand True Dragon Temple.
Those burly kin stood by the wide steps of the temple's main entrance, their black and red armor, blood-colored cloaks, striking True Dragon Eye emblems, and steely, resolute faces all indicated the opponent's strength.
Even the Bronze Dragon, in human form, could feel the aura of these warriors.
However, these warriors guarding the temple did not prevent others from entering or exiting. As long as one had an identity badge, one could naturally enter this temple.
Bronze Dragon Hollister, without changing his expression, followed several Centaur Warriors into this temple, and a warm light enveloped him.
Inside the temple, a sandalwood-like fragrance diffused, making one instinctively quiet and focused.
At a glance, there were countless white jade-like columns carved with exquisite patterns, and soft, warm light poured down from the center of the tall dome, from a giant gem.
In this faint light, tiny dust particles floated in the air, slowly merging onto the gleaming marble floor.
But what attracted the Bronze Dragon's gaze was not these details, but rather the Dragonsstatues at the center of the far end of the hall, and behind them, on either side, the divine statues, symbols, and emblem markings.
Hollister, this mature True Dragon, could not help but widen his pupils and show a look of shock at this moment.
"Asterina, Estellabo, Bahamut, Kuronips, Farazur, Kareks, Her, Io, Landis, Tamara, Tiamat,"
The Bronze Dragon's face was terrifying, like twisted, wrinkled bark. At this moment, he was so shocked that he actually blurted out the names of these great beings.
"No True Dragon has ever done this, and no True Dragon has dared to do this," the Bronze Dragon Hollister's twisted face at this moment was not anger, but rather, his normal sanity had been shattered by some ineffable truth.
Hollister raised his head, gazing at the mural of ten thousand True Dragon s soaring into the sky, painted on the high dome, and sighed deeply.
"Kalon Kogmora, what exactly do you want to do!"