Celestial Pit Territory, Iron Dragon's Nest.
At the top of the stairs forged from blades, spears, swords, and halberds, the Iron Dragon Lady, as always, was coiled upon her throne, her massive Dragon Wings lazily drooping, covering many of the steps.
And with the arrival of three Young Dragons—
The Iron Dragon Lady lifted her eyelids, unfurled her Dragon Wings to cast a thick shadow, and straightened her posture.
"Mother, the brilliance of your scales outshines a thousand morning stars."
Galos was the first to speak, launching straight into flattery.
The Iron Dragon Lady was slightly stunned, showing a pleased expression, a hint of joy appearing on her dragon face.
Although the Iron Dragon's scales were dark and the silvery gleam on their surface wasn't much of a brilliance, hearing such elegant praise was still enough to put her in a good mood.
As for Red Dragon Sister and Iron Dragon Brother—
The two dragons weren't cultured; they just dryly called out, "Mother."
"Galos."
The Iron Dragon Lady's gaze locked onto Galos, barely sparing the other two Young Dragons a look.
"You're seven years old now, and your growth has surpassed my expectations."
Her voice paused for a moment. The Iron Dragon Lady spoke plainly and frankly: "Letting you live in my territory was already an exception. Now, a year has passed. It's time for you to face the dust and storms alone."
Her tone was firm, like metal striking metal.
Resolute and final, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Mother, I can offer more precious metal ores."
Galos said.
The Iron Dragon Lady didn't respond verbally—she simply shook her head calmly.
Seeing her reaction, Galos understood: the Iron Dragon Lady's resolve to drive him out was solid, and the previous deals wouldn't change her mind.
In fact—
Since the Celestial Pit Territory belonged to the Iron Dragon Lady, all the precious metal ores Galos ordered the two Young Dragons to dig up, according to Dragon Race territorial customs, were considered her wealth anyway.
Galos was having his offspring dig up her wealth and then offering it to her in exchange for shelter and food.
It was kind of like getting something for nothing.
The Iron Dragon Lady was cold and rigid, but unlike the two naive Young Dragons, she wasn't easily fooled. Allowing Galos to stay was mostly because she appreciated this offspring and felt some lingering affection.
And over the past year—
Galos's rapid growth gradually made the Iron Dragon Lady feel a hint of threat, so she finally made up her mind to expel him.
With a typical Evil Dragon's nature, family bonds rarely mattered.
Once the offspring grew up, cases where they coveted the Dragon Lady's territory, tried to seize it, and battled fiercely against her weren't unheard of.
Unless a Dragon Race had signed a servitude contract—
Otherwise, the Iron Dragon Lady didn't want any increasingly powerful dragons, even her own offspring, to remain on her territory.
Officially expelling Galos, and driving out the other two Young Dragons as well for good measure, was less bothersome—plus she wouldn't have to care for Young Dragons anymore.
The Iron Dragon Lady felt a rush of relief.
"I understand."
Galos sensed the Iron Dragon Lady's determination this time.
And over the past year, his training and growth through wilderness exploration had also given Galos the confidence to survive on his own.
The Young Dragon bowed its head, gazing up at the massive Iron Dragon above: "Mother, thank you for your shelter during this time. I will always remember this carefree period, living beneath your wings."
No matter his true feelings—
The Iron Dragon Lady had ultimately protected him for seven years, providing blood meals and proper guidance.
Though he was being driven out, Galos wouldn't hold a grudge.
At the same time, hearing the Young Dragon's sincere words, the Iron Dragon Lady paused for a moment.
Maybe let Galos stay another year? The thought had just surfaced—but as soon as she noticed Galos's unnaturally strong physique, she killed it instantly.
"Heh heh, Galos, you bastard, you won't get to bully us anymore."
Red Dragon Sister and Iron Dragon Brother cheered with excitement.
Haha, don't celebrate too soon.
Galos thought to himself.
Sure enough, noticing the two Young Dragons hopping happily, the Iron Dragon Lady's expression turned stern, and she said coldly, "Samantha, Gordon, six moon cycles have been enough for you to shed your soft scales."
Eh?
That line sounded familiar, like they'd heard it somewhere before.
The two Young Dragons blinked, not quite reacting, staring blankly.
But the Iron Dragon Lady didn't even bother to change her lines, reciting the words of expulsion coldly and directly.
However—
Unlike Galos—
They didn't worry about being expelled; instead, their eyes lit up with ambition, excitement practically radiating.
The two dragons were utterly ignorant of the dangers and hardships of living alone. With the arrogance and vanity of the Dragon Race, they naively believed that once they left the Dragon Lady's territory, the world would be theirs to roam, vast lands waiting for them, countless lesser beings waiting to submit.
Seeing the looks in the two Young Dragons' eyes, Galos could pretty much guess what they were thinking.
They were still too young and hadn't yet suffered heavy blows from real life.
"I'll leave your territory before dawn rises."
Galos turned to go.
"Wait."
The Iron Dragon Lady suddenly called out to him.
"Is there something else?"
Galos was a bit surprised, asking.
Could the Iron Dragon Lady have changed her mind? If so, Galos would happily stay under her protection until the end of time, until he was stronger than her through his own evolution.
"My dear Galos—"
The Iron Dragon Lady made up her mind: "In you, I see extraordinary potential and unyielding determination. I've never admired a Young Dragon quite like you."
She waved her claw.
Buzz!
A dark gold Iron Ring, etched with intricate little runes, slowly drifted and landed before Galos.
"This Tail Ring once accompanied me. Now, I give it to you as a farewell gift. The runes engraved on it aren't decorative—you can study them yourself. I believe you'll find a surprise."
The Iron Dragon Lady spoke slowly.
Galos was even more surprised.
A farewell gift? Considering how stingy and selfish Evil Dragons were about their own treasures, it was already a miracle they didn't snatch away the pitiful collections of Young Dragons.
The Iron Dragon Lady's gaze was calm and profound, as always, her thick steel Face Armor concealing her facial expression—nothing could be read.
But since she was willing to give a gift, there must be something on her mind.
"Thank you."
Galos extended his tail and put on the Dark Gold Tail Ring.
Dragon Race aesthetics include decorations, and tail rings are one of them.
Besides common necklaces and bracelets, there are drapes, horn rings, or patterns engraved onto Dragon Horns or Scale Armor, sometimes inlaid with Gemstones.
The dark gold tail ring had a nice texture and was understated, steady rather than flashy.
Galos swished his tail, feeling it looked pretty good.
"Mother, what about us?"
Red Dragon Sister and Iron Dragon Brother blinked expectantly at the Iron Dragon Lady.
Galos's flattering words and limitless potential earned him special recognition from the old lady—but you two blockheads? Forget it.
The Iron Dragon Lady couldn't be bothered with the two Young Dragons. She swung her Dragon Wings to create a gust of wind, tossing them toward the exit of the nest.