Serel Wilderness, Northwest Region.
The black and red dragon stood tall like a mountain, and at this moment, his body, already brimming with power, was being covered by pieces of magnificent armor that shimmered with light as if forged entirely of gold.
Golden Dragon Natasha and Golden Dragon Alberto stood quietly to the side, their eyes focused intently on the process.
The Red-Iron Dragon's figure was reflected in Nasha's golden pupils.
She watched as the armor plates fit precisely onto the Red-Iron Dragon's formidable draconic frame, and saw the intricate runes on key parts like the breastplate and pauldrons light up one by one, emitting a warm and majestic golden glow.
As the final piece of the bracer fit snugly onto Garros's draconic arm,
The entire suit of armor was perfectly formed.
Garros's already magnificent body was made to look even more heroic and imposing, a blend of a dragon's primal ferocity and the armor's solemn aura radiating outward, enough to inspire awe in any observer.
He whispered a few words to activate it and stretched his body.
After a period of adaptation and fine-tuning, under the Red-Iron Dragon's control, the overly dazzling magical light on the armor's surface gradually withdrew and settled down.
"As expected, even with the strength of my current body, the amplification effect of this armor is still quite considerable."
Garros's deep voice echoed in the air, carrying a satisfied hum.
Nasha's gaze remained firmly locked on the Red-Iron Dragon, sizing him up carefully from head to toe.
Compared to the Red-Iron Dragon she had first met thirty years ago, the Garros before her had undergone earth-shattering changes.
Shedding his Disguise Scales, the deep black base and crimson-patterned scales were directly exposed, along with that pair of uniquely structured dragon wings—dangerous yet beautiful—and a deep draconic aura that had almost reached the limit below the Legendary level.
All of these pointed to his transformation.
"Garros, your transformation is truly immense."
"Just from a single long slumber? This is truly incredible."
She carefully sensed Garros's aura, her tone carrying an undisguisable astonishment.
Beside her, Alberto, who habitually held his head high, glanced at his sister and gave her a look that said she was making a fuss over nothing.
Nasha ignored Alberto's gaze, her eyes still focused on Garros.
"It seems this armor can only truly bloom with its intended brilliance and realize its true value on you."
Golden Dragon Natasha's eyes flickered as she spoke slowly.
The Red-Iron Dragon's massive head nodded in agreement.
Then, he grinned, revealing a smile: "I quite agree with that statement."
"So, Nasha, can you give it to me? It suits me so well."
Upon hearing this, Nasha's golden eyes instantly widened as if she had heard something absurd; she flicked her tail irritably, stirring up a gust of wind.
"Garros! How can you have the nerve to say that? Truly the nature of a shameless, greedy Evil Dragon!"
She paused, then explained: "This armor belongs to my father. Loaning it to you to deal with a powerful enemy is fine, but I cannot take it upon myself to give it away."
"If you really want it, it's not impossible."
"In the future, if you have the chance, you can go to the Calm Wave Dragon Domain yourself and ask my father for it in person."
"Of course, that's provided you can convince him."
Hearing this, Garros shook his head slightly and said no more on the subject.
He had always lacked a sense of security and disliked being around those stronger than himself.
The Red-Iron Dragon shifted the topic back to the armor itself, saying: "Nasha, regardless, this armor is very important to me."
"I will remember your generosity in lending it, this friendship."
Hearing this, a spark of excitement flashed in Nasha's eyes, and she said quickly: "As long as it's useful!"
"However, I am very, very much looking forward to seeing what kind of intense sparks will fly when you, wearing this armor, encounter that human Legendary Sword Saint."
As a Golden Dragon with the blood of battle and a reverence for power and glory flowing through her,
The feat of slaying a Legend as an underdog, a feat only recorded in the Inheritance, held an unparalleled attraction for Nasha; it was almost her dream.
She deeply desired to fight a Legend in Garros's place.
Unfortunately, she was self-aware enough to know her current strength; if she really went, she probably wouldn't last a few moves before having to pathetically send an emergency distress signal to the Dragon Domain.
However, as a second-best option, the Red-Iron Dragon wearing the armor she personally brought and lent him to face a Legend was, in Nasha's view, a unique way of participating.
If Garros won, she would naturally share in the glory, considering it an indirect participation in this feat.
If Garros were unfortunately defeated, she and Alberto would immediately appear and join forces to block that human Legend, buying Garros a chance to survive.
If the other party disregarded their status as Golden Dragons and the potential consequences, insisting on continuing the attack,
They would not hesitate to call for help from the Dragon Domain.
If two Golden Dragons were in danger at the same time, the Calm Wave Dragon Domain would never sit idly by, and rescue forces would surely descend with the greatest speed.
Of course, both Nasha and Alberto hoped in their hearts it wouldn't come to that.
Alberto had essentially escaped from the Dragon Domain and had grown accustomed to his freedom outside; he really didn't want to be caught and taken back to face potential punishment.
As for Nasha, her initial mission was to arrest Alberto and bring him back, but she ended up enjoying herself in the wilderness so much that she forgot to return.
Not only did she fail her mission, but she also stayed behind just like Alberto, repeatedly hanging up on or brushing off her father's long-distance transmissions during that time.
Once they called the Dragon Domain for help, the two of them would likely be forcibly taken back, losing their current freedom.
"Garros, you must win."
"At least manage a draw."
Alberto said, "Neither Nasha nor I want to go back to the Dragon Domain so soon."
The Red-Iron Dragon turned his massive head toward Alberto and said, "I'll try my best."
"But Alberto, when do you plan to go home?"
Hearing this, Alberto puffed out his chest and said solemnly: "When I, Alberto, by my own effort and talent, successfully reach the Legendary realm and become a powerful Golden Dragon known far and wide! Then, I shall return to the Dragon Domain in glory and power!"
Just then.
Iron Dragon Sorog's calm yet urgent mental transmission rang out in the Red-Iron Dragon's heart again.
"Garros, latest intelligence: the sounds of battle over at the Mushroom King's territory have subsided and disappeared."
He reported: "Some of our avian scouts stationed nearby observed that the Mycelium Carpet that once covered the ground has lost all vitality, becoming shriveled and withered. Those human soldiers are currently clearing the battlefield and performing incineration work."
"Based on this, it's judged that the Mushroom King has either fallen or completely abandoned that territory and chosen to retreat."
The Red-Iron Dragon remained calm and responded, "I understand."
Iron Dragon Sorog continued to ask for instructions, saying: "I have already issued the two plans for war and retreat to the heads of the various kinship races and the territory lords. They are all waiting for further orders."
"When... do we officially begin the war?"
The Red-Iron Dragon pondered for a moment before responding.
"This war is entirely different from any we have experienced before."
"The key to victory or defeat lies in whether I can contend with that human Legend."
"Before long, I will take the initiative to issue a one-on-one challenge to that 'Unfinished Sword'. I believe he won't refuse such an opportunity to behead and eliminate a Regional Overlord in the shortest time possible."
He communicated quickly and efficiently with Solrog through their mental link for a moment.
The two of them soon finalized the general strategic framework for this battle.
The main members of the Dragon flock, the lords of the various territories, and the elites from the Minion Legion... will all follow under the Red-Iron Dragon's wings to the agreed-upon battlefield to witness the duel between the King of Molten Iron and the Unfinished Sword.
This was both to demonstrate the Tribe's unity and strength, and to prepare for any emergencies.
Should Garros show signs of being unable to hold his own in the battle, the Dragon flock and the elite kinships will not hesitate to swarm forward and provide support at any cost.
Conversely, if that Legendary Sword Saint were on the verge of defeat in battle, the Human Legion under his command would never sit idly by; they would certainly find ways to intervene and rescue him.
When the time comes, it will depend on which of these two legions can provide more assistance to their respective leaders.
"Solrog, you will be in charge of coordinating the specific deployment, formations, and battlefield command of the legion."
The Red-Iron Dragon gave his final instructions: "Now, I need to select a suitable messenger to formally deliver a challenge to that human Legendary on my behalf."
Immediately after, he ended this urgent communication with Solrog.
The Red-Iron Dragon looked toward the Phoenix and said, "I need a messenger to invite the Legendary to a challenge on my behalf. Angia, select someone with suitable intelligence from your own Avian Legion."
The Phoenix was preening her feathers.
Hearing this, she raised her head, a glimmer of eagerness flashing in her eyes, and then said readily, "Garros, I can be this messenger myself."
Golden Dragon Natasha flicked her tail and said, "Angia, what if the other party is hot-tempered and unreasonable? Aren't you afraid he'll cut you down with a sword before you even finish speaking?"
"Even though you have the Nirvana Rebirth skill, if a Legendary truly wants to kill you, you probably won't be able to react in time."
The Phoenix showed no fear; instead, she proudly arched her neck and said, "With my beauty and divine posture, even a human Legendary, provided his aesthetic sense is normal, will surely feel admiration and be reluctant to strike me down."
She then added, "Besides, I happened to comprehend a new innate talent skill recently that allows me to condense a Clone. If the Clone is destroyed, it won't cause fatal damage to my true body; at most, it will consume some energy and mental strength."
Among the lords under Garros's command, Phoenix Angia undoubtedly had the highest growth potential; stepping into the Legendary Domain in the future was almost a certainty.
Next was the Amethyst Dragon-Lion, followed by the Holy Spirit Deer.
Clearly, Angia had not been idle over the years, and her abilities had improved to some extent.
The Red-Iron Dragon thought for a moment, then nodded and made his decision: "Fine, I'll leave the matter of delivering the challenge to the Legendary Sword Saint to you."
He then explained the specific location for the duel, the appointed time, and other key details to Angia in depth.
Afterward, Phoenix Angia asked, "When do I depart?"
Garros raised his massive head, looked toward the southern part of the Serel Wilderness, and said in a deep voice, "Now."
Phoenix Angia readily accepted the order.
She gracefully spread her magnificent wings made of light and fire, and pure, dazzling golden-red flames ignited around her. Amidst the flickering flames, her true form became slightly blurred, and a splendid Clone—its solidity and appearance nearly identical to the original—emerged lightly from the flames like a reflection in a mirror.
This Clone likewise possessed the nobility and beauty of a Phoenix.
With a flap of its wings, it turned into a brilliant streak of light that pierced the air, soaring into the high sky and racing toward the direction where the Human Legion was stationed.
On the other side.
At the edge of the Mushroom King's territory, the temporary camp of the Human Legion.
Under the command of their officers, the soldiers were methodically clearing the final battlefield, burning the stubborn remnants of the Mycelium Carpet and collecting fungal specimens that might have research value.
On a patch of level ground specifically cleared for the purpose stood the most prominent command tent.
Inside the tent, the Legendary Sword Saint Kairos stood with his hands behind his back, listening to a bowing officer's report.
"My Lord, the perimeter patrol reports that a giant bird of peculiar form, wreathed in flames, has appeared at the edge of our legion's alert range. It has requested to meet you by name."
"A giant flaming bird?"
Kairos's brow quirked slightly, an interested look appearing on his face. "Let it come."
"Yes, sir!"
The officer bowed, accepted the command, and quickly withdrew to make the arrangements.
The Legendary Sword Saint no longer remained in the tent, walking out into the open with composed steps.
Not long after, from the edge of the horizon, the flaming bird streaked through the air, instantly drawing the eyes of all the soldiers on the ground.
With an innate grace and composure, it slowly lowered its altitude under countless watchful eyes—some wary, some curious—and finally came to a steady halt in mid-air, not far from the front of the command tent.
The streaming light gradually receded, revealing the true appearance of the creature within.
It was a creature so magnificent it was breathtaking.
Its form was elegant and slender, its feathers showing a golden-red gradient like a solar corona, and its long tail feathers and other plumage were composed of flames, possessing an indescribable beauty.
"A Phoenix..."
A hint of surprise flashed in Kairos's eyes.
Such creatures were even rarer than Dragon.
During the civil war, the wilderness had changed immensely, and the intelligence from the Department of Foreign Strategy mainly targeted Regional Overlords, lacking specific information on the creatures under their command, providing only general outlines.
Kairos hadn't expected to encounter a Phoenix here.
"I am the messenger of the King of Molten Iron, Garros Ignis—the Phoenix, the most beautiful of living beings, Angia."
The Phoenix elegantly raised her beautiful head, her voice clear and melodious, carrying a natural nobility and pride as it echoed clearly throughout the camp.
The King of Molten Iron's messenger?
Under an Evil Dragon's command, there was actually a creature like a Phoenix swearing fealty... Kairos's gaze flickered as many thoughts instantly crossed his mind.
Being able to recruit a Phoenix meant that the King of Molten Iron entrenched in the Central Region and Northwest Region was by no means as simple as an ordinary Evil Dragon.
This caused him to raise his assessment of the opponent he was about to face by a notch.
However, it was only by a notch.
As long as the opponent was not a true Legendary, then in his eyes, there would be no fundamental difference between them and other so-called Regional Overlords.
The chasm between the Legendary and the non-Legendary was not something that could be bridged by relying on a few special subordinates.
"By my King's command, I have come specifically to deliver a challenge to you."
Angia's Clone continued, her tone neither humble nor arrogant: "My King, Garros Ignis, invites you to battle!"
"The location is the vast expanse known as the 'Silent Plains,' situated at the border between the Central Region and the Southern Region."
"The terrain there is open, perfectly suited for a Dragon to spread its wings and without hindrance for a Sword Saint to display his peerless edge. I wonder, do you dare to accept?"
Opposite her.
As Kairos listened to the challenge delivered by the Phoenix messenger, the surprise on his face gradually transformed into an expression of keen interest.
His original plan was to rest briefly after purging the Mushroom King and then lead his legion to the King of Molten Iron's territory to eradicate him. He just hadn't expected that the other party, instead of cowering in defense, would be so proactive as to come to him, and so formally send a messenger of extraordinary status to issue a challenge.
"He certainly has some nerve."
"However, it fits my impression of those Dragons—proud, arrogant, and reckless."
Kairos smiled and muttered to himself in a low voice.
By choosing an unobstructed open area like the Silent Plains for the battle, the opponent had clearly considered the massive scale of destruction that could be caused once they engaged, and at the same time, it made it clear that no ambushes were set.
The King of Molten Iron's open and upright attitude actually made Kairos think a bit more highly of him.
"Go back and tell your master."
Kairos raised his head and said, "His challenge—I, Kairos, accept it."
"Seven days from now, at high noon, on the Silent Plains, let him be prepared to face my blade."
"This will be his final battle as a 'king'."
He did not consult with any of the adjutants or strategists by his side.
A Legendary's will was a decision in itself.
Angia's Clone nodded slightly. "I shall convey your response to my King exactly as it was given."
Having spoken, this splendid Clone condensed from light and fire turned into specks of brilliant light and gradually dissipated into the air as if it had never existed.
Kairos gazed at the spot where the Phoenix had vanished, his gaze deep.
The King of Molten Iron... the Phoenix messenger... he felt a much stronger interest in the upcoming battle than he had when facing the Mushroom King.
That Dragon entrenched in the Northwest Region and Central Region seemed to be far more interesting than he had anticipated.