The sounds of drums, horns, and conchs were rousing and spirited, while the great bells tolled with solemnity amidst the majestic and grand triumphal march.
The returning warriors and the honor guard passed through the scarred city walls, stepping into the Kings Capital under the fluttering banners.
Four towering Imperial Guard warriors, clad in heavy magical armor and fully armed, raised the Dragon clans banners. Their blood-red capes billowed behind them like blood-stained royal standards as they led the triumphant warriors past the city's high towers.
With the blood of enemies, the royal banner of the Dragon clan was dyed red.
However, the Imperial Guard, who used to be the focus of the people's envious gazes, were no longer the center of attention; the crowd's eyes were fixed on the middle of the procession.
There, a group of Metal Dragons were bound by chains that glowed like raging flames, threaded through their jaws. These chains had been forged from lava and fire by the Golden Great Lord Kalon Kogmora using his innate power and magic.
These Metal Dragons appeared listless and filled with humiliation. Their former noble arrogance and self-esteem had been thoroughly ground into the dust by the King of True Dragons.
Gros's green skin seemed scorched red by the fiery chains, and his True Dragon eyes were filled with shame, grief, and indignation.
The red-fire binding chain piercing his jaw had been threaded deep through his nostrils, much like the nose rings used to restrain disobedient livestock.
For the wild and untamable Bronze Dragon Gros, if he dared to resist, this red-fire binding chain—infused with the power and will of the Ancestral Red Dragon—would burrow deep into his flesh, inflicting pain that scorched both soul and body.
The other Metal Dragons were much smarter. The terrifying puncture wound in the female Bronze Dragon Natalierie's body had been temporarily closed thanks to a True Dragon's powerful healing ability and restorative spells.
At this moment, she kept her head low, walking slowly behind Gros in shame. As a proud True Dragon, she could hardly bear such deliberate humiliation.
In contrast, the once-holy Silver Dragon Valkyrie, Christiana, held her beautiful and dignified head high. This proud Silver Dragon had not lost the elegance of her kind even in defeat, though her eyes also flickered with immense anger and embarrassment.
The once most arrogant and conceited Obirash was pierced by chains of wicked fire and bound to a large exhibition carriage, which was pulled slowly by eight Dragon -beasts.
Among these Metal Dragons, even the smallest, the female Bronze Dragon Natalierie, was eighteen meters long, while the The Silver Dragon Christiana, who had just entered adulthood, was twenty-one meters long.
Although the Ancestral Gold Dragon Obirash was only seventeen meters long, the majesty and physique of Gold Dragons were the most outstanding and powerful among True Dragons; his body looked as if it were forged from solid stone dyed with gold.
This left the spectating citizens both excited and proud, yet also somewhat fearful, as they discussed the scene in astonishment.
Even those who had witnessed the battle between the True Dragon s found it hard to shake off the sense of oppression brought by their massive size and natural majesty when facing them at such close range.
"These fools actually dared to challenge the Great Lord's majesty today. They really are courting death. There wasn't even a need for the Dragon Lords in the group to step in. The Great Lord is a powerhouse who fought his way out of the colosseum; they say no one has ever defeated him."
This was a fanatical supporter of the Red Dragon, standing in the crowd and scanning the Metal Dragons with pride. Although his legs were a bit weak from being too close, he still puffed out his chest and spoke with conviction.
Kalon Kogmora never shied away from his past or origins. Even some of the darker parts of his history only added a touch of Legendary color to his path forward.
Consequently, the stories of every True Dragon in the group were almost entirely known to the public through external exchanges.
Amidst the chatter of the crowd, Nora, who had brought the half-blood youth Netis to watch, had her eyes light up. She decided to follow the Red Dragon's example and train in the colosseum of the Kings Capital.
"Who would have thought that the Gold and Silver Dragons, the most noble among True Dragons, along with those Bronze Dragons, would be treated as trophies at this moment, displayed to the tiny races and creatures they once thought deserved their pity."
The Steel Dragon Midir, transformed into a human merchant, stood in the crowd and sighed softly.
Although True Dragons enjoyed watching spectacles, seeing these powerful and noble Metal Dragons treated this way left even this Steel Dragon awestruck by the Ancestral Red Dragon's might.
"Hmm, it seems the Kogmora Dragon Clan doesn't really refuse other True Dragons from joining, as long as they follow their laws and rule."
The Steel Dragon Midir's thoughts shifted back to his race's favorite pursuit: the real estate business.
"Maybe I could join the group too. Their strength isn't weak; they could provide me with protection, and I could engage in the business I love."
"Tsk tsk, the real estate business in the Dragon Clans Territory is currently an undeveloped Golden Land! I think if I can seize the opportunity, maybe in the future, I can be like that senior, filling my treasury just by collecting rent."
Behind the Metal Dragons regarded as trophies were rows of neatly arranged legion warriors. These soldiers, clad in steel armor, treated this moment as a sovereign's inspection ceremony and a triumphal parade.
Thus, they were in high spirits, marching toward the square with synchronized steps. The forest of steel was solemn and silent, instilling a strong sense of confidence and pride in the citizens.
The spectating citizens did not hold back their praise and admiration. They shouted loudly, then struck their chests over their hearts to salute these venerable warriors.
Every soldier in this legion was an elite forged in blood, with a chilling aura and a firm will. They were the Dragon clan's most steadfast shield and its sharpest spear.
The rows of legion warriors caused many of the foreign onlookers—nobles who had cooperative relationships with the Dragon clan—to turn solemn.
Even among the elite legions raised by nobles, it was difficult to find soldiers whose quality could compare to those of the Dragon clan's legion.
This was the natural advantage of monster races, combined with the strict discipline and loyalty bestowed by the Dragon clan, enough to crush the legions of any hostile force.
Even the relatively lean beast riders—the greenskins and Kobolds mounted on beasts—appeared to have exceptionally firm fighting wills.
"With such powerful and loyal warriors, it's no wonder the Dragon clan could achieve final victory in the war against the Orcs. Powerful True Dragon s paired with a powerful legion are simply unstoppable!"
This was the common thought arising among the nobles and outsiders.
The Vampire Count Renis, surrounded by Vampire warriors wearing simplified Nightwalkerarmor, couldn't help but sigh as he watched the chilling military might of the Dragon clans legion.
"What a strange Dragon clan. A True Dragon with such wisdom is destined to see the kingdom he commands rise in this wasteland. Such a loyal and powerful legion—if it were in my hands, I would even dare to covet the position of a Vampire Archduke!"
A few people with hair dyed in colors even more dazzling than the scales of various True Dragon s also stood in the crowd. They huddled together, whispering and gawking like hoodlums from a gang of porters born in the Golden Harbor.
This was because, following the solemn legion ranks, the final group to appear, moving slowly, was the Dragon clan led by the Ancestral Red Dragon and Great Lord, Kalon Kogmora.
Kalon paced at the very front of the group, entering the city and passing through the spectating citizens.
During his years of slumber, his talent, [Overlimit Growth], had been functioning constantly. Even though much of the energy and nutrition had been used to adjust his physical form and evolve his body structure and organs, his body had still reached nineteen meters.
Six True Dragon horns, formed like knotted strength, proclaimed his nobility and power. Even though he deliberately restrained the majesty of an Ancestral Red Dragon, the aura emanating from his bloodline still appeared matchlessly overbearing.
His restrained temperament was as majestic and inscrutable as a monarch's. The sense of oppression and allure brought by his massive, beautiful, and strong body caused the cheers of all the citizens to miraculously stop at the same time.
The Golden People lowered their heads to their sovereign, paying their highest respect. Then, as the Song of the Dragon quietly began to play, they raised their heads again and sang the Song of the Dragon's rule.
The outsiders followed suit. The mysterious Song Dragon also lowered its head at this moment, humming ancient True Dragons carols from its melodious throat, which blended with the Song of the Dragon in a lingering harmony.
"Is this the Red Dragon King that 'it' also calls an Overlord-class creature? He really looks exceptionally domineering. This perfect appearance—even the ancient Vampire blood in my body can't help but feel a sense of worship,"
The blond youth hummed the carol along with the Golden People, but he was communicating and exchanging thoughts with his teammates privately.
"The previous battle showed that this terrifying Red Dragon hasn't broken through the limits of life levels to step into the Legendary realm. Logically, he should be a creature on the same level as us, yet why do I feel like he could slap us to death with a single paw?"
The yellow-haired girl had stopped chewing by now. In this atmosphere, she felt that continuing would be a sign of disrespect toward the inspecting monarch.
"Nonsense. Sometimes, the gap between humans is larger than the gap between humans and dogs," the white-haired boy silently dealt a heavy blow to his teammate. "The gap between us and him might be much larger than the gap between a dog and a human."
"It seems that even if we had envisioned it, the idea of trading with this Red Dragon monarch wouldn't work. An existence of this level—only the one behind us has the qualifications to trade with the Red Dragon," the purple-haired youth added silently.
They watched the majestic Ancestral Red Dragon step past them. Following Kalon were the Akzi and the Alina, with the Ocean Dragon Nakson and Alfred following in succession.
This was Kalon's recognition of these True Dragons merits in managing the territory during the True Dragon clan's slumber, and it also represented his attitude as a monarch who would not deliberately distinguish between True Dragon species.
Although these True Dragons had sufficiently steady personalities, the vanity naturally brought by their dragon blood was still satisfied. They held their heads high amidst the cheers and praise of the citizens, occasionally nodding in response to the enthusiastic people to show the Dragon Lords' approachability.
As lords, these Metal Dragons were naturally more likely to gain the favor of ordinary citizens.
Although the Akzi was a fierce Chromatic Dragon, during the years of continuous war, this brave and fearless True Dragon commander had also gained the admiration of many people.
Following them were the young True Dragons of the group, lined up on both sides, walking past side by side.
Camid's two heads looked around curiously, never stopping for a moment. During his youth, the White Dragon Camid had always followed Kalon's teachings, sleeping almost all day to grow as quickly as possible.
But Kalon had never told him that he also needed to sleep a lot during his adolescent stage, so this White Dragon had now begun to become active. In these years, although he wasn't as active in the streets as the Rosani, he frequently traveled between the mountains and the territory.
However, because his two heads often quarreled—even over where to go or what to eat—the citizens tended to keep a respectful distance from this Dragon Lord, who actually didn't have much of a temper. A True Dragon that loved to argue didn't seem very easy to get along with.
The White Dragon Germott, on the other hand, was quite popular. This city had been built under the supervision of this White Dragon Lord, so many citizens were very familiar with him and gave Germott many cheers.
Then came the Antagena and the Red Dragon Kleinaia. Although these two Female Dragons were also satisfied by the vanity brought by the citizens' cheers, their gazes remained fixed on the Ancestral Red Dragon at the very front.
To these two Female Dragons, the Ancestral Red Dragon, who had grown further during his slumber, had undoubtedly increased in charm once again. They also felt a sense of urgency; whenever those enthusiastic young girls cheered for Kalon, these two Female Dragons would silently grit their teeth, wishing they could make those girls shut their mouths.
Especially for the many elves who had seen Kalon's elven incarnation, the cheers were exceptionally enthusiastic, causing the two Female Dragons' frustration to outweigh their vanity. Until they had tasted the flavor of the Ancestral Red Dragon for themselves, they would not allow any creature to harbor improper thoughts about him.
Rosani, as usual, held his head high, as smug as a peacock displaying its feathers. He was particularly fond of his current full-bodied form, even to the point of looking down on the other black True Dragons of his kind.
Dos was as steady as ever, but his expression was remarkably relaxed and happy. As for the reason, perhaps on this day of the grand ceremony, he didn't need to face a mountain of paperwork and administrative duties.
Finally, there were the True Dragons led by Kadilos, with Ellie, and Young White Dragon Sloka, and the adolescent White Dragon Roni following at the very end of the group.
Though these True Dragons had not been granted positions or the title of Dragon Lord, only the Young Red Dragon Kadilos was sent away with a small town by Alina.
But being able to follow the Dragon clan and join the triumph ceremony meant that the Dragon clan led by Kalon recognized them as one of their own.
The other True Dragons were still somewhat constrained and at a loss, but they were soon infected by the enthusiastic atmosphere. They became proud, holding their heads high as they strode toward the central square.
Only Young Red Dragon Kadilos let his True Dragon eyes wander all over the place. The young girls he looked at all showed expressions of disgust and turned their heads away, too lazy to acknowledge him. This Red Dragon's lust was already famous within the territory; he was indiscriminate, regardless of race.
The crowd followed the Dragon clan, surging toward the central square together. Next was the most important founding ceremony, and these people were unwilling to miss such a rare opportunity.
The procession passed through the main road, which was wide enough for thirty-six luxurious carriages to drive side-by-side, amidst the clamorous cheers. They passed by towers and architectural complexes, finally arriving at the vast Kogmora central square.
They finally stopped before the Merit Monument and the Merit Columns to reorganize and line up.
Almost all the important heads of the territorial departments had arrived, waiting in front of the square's high platform.
A total of ninety-nine cannons, loaded with fireworks, were neatly arranged around the central square, pointing toward the sky.
All the legions were lined up and ready, standing solemnly.
Countless people stood shoulder to shoulder, a dense mass of figures surging. At this moment, everyone was gathered in the square. Even all the soldiers in the city had been dispatched here to maintain order and prevent any accidents during such a festive ceremony.
As several True Dragons bound in chains were humiliatingly displayed before the public, cheers rose like a tide, both from the people in this Kings Capital and those waiting anxiously before magic projections.
At this moment, a sense of collective national pride emerged in the hearts of all the Golden People.
Whether it was the noble and powerful Ancestral Gold Dragon, the elegant Silver Dragon, the Bronze Dragon, or the arrogant Orcs, all enemies who dared to challenge the Golden Landwould be trampled underfoot, becoming captives or being annihilated.
Bells rang, drums beat, and horns blared. At the moment Kalon stepped onto the high platform and turned to look back down, the atmosphere reached its peak.
Kalon looked down calmly at all the people until he spread his broad wings. Those wings, covered in ash and steel scars and entwined with flame patterns, spanned forty-two meters. In an instant, all was silent.
The bells and drums ceased, the horns fell silent, the crowd grew quiet, and all eyes looked up at him with anticipation.
"In the beginning, the Golden Land was but a wilderness and forest, without civilization."
Kalon held his head high. His gaze seemed to reach everyone, and his voice resonated in every person's ear.
"It was I, along with the Dragon clan called evil by the world, the monsters called evil by the world, and the races rejected by the world, who carved out a home here and built a land of civilization."
"At first, it was not beautiful. It was created by the hands of those who yearned for beauty. Those who came here were adventurers hoping for a better life, refugees longing for stability, slaves expecting a future, or neglected sons who were not valued. It was those with nowhere else to go and the rejected races that formed the territory!"
Amidst the Red Dragon's calm and resonant voice, every attendee listened quietly. They all shared the same resonance, except for Bartoli, the commander of the Wyvern Warband.
But at this moment, Bartoli also raised her head, gazing at her monarch and listening quietly.
"In the territory, there are various races. There are Ogres,"
At this point, Fafna the Ogre Giant's eyes sparkled.
"There are also Centaurs,"
Centaurs like Chiron and Trogdor looked straight ahead, but their flowing manes were like flags.
"There are also Gnolls,"
Yug, the commander of the Dire Wolf Warband, and the Gnoll Warriors also beat their iron armor.
"There are also Barbarians,"
Barbarian Gibb clenched his fists.
"There are also Kobolds and Goblins,"
Bong Bong and Shan Shan stood in the front row, standing on tiptoe and looking back proudly.
"There are also Elves, Trolls, Humans..."
As the Red Dragon monarch mentioned each race, the residents would look around proudly, a heartfelt sense of pride rising within them.
"Each race came here to gain a better life and a better future, forming a collective, forming the civilization of the Golden Land, and becoming the Golden People!"
The Ancestral Red Dragon's voice was steady, carrying a unique rhythmic cadence.
"With our own hands and sweat over these many years, we have developed the barren forests and wilderness into the prosperous land of today—the Golden City where people from all directions come and go, the majestic and grand Kings Capital, and the Bay Stream City guarding the south..."
"All were watered by our sweat. Our diligence and sweat have earned us plenty of food, warm homes, and the dignity of freedom. We will have an even better tomorrow and a brighter future!"
The voice of the Red Dragon perched high on the platform gradually grew louder.
"But there will always be greedy bandits and hypocrites claiming to be righteous who come sniffing around. Those Orcs who burn, kill, and pillage in our territory, those Metal Dragons who trample on the dignity of our people—they want to snatch away our good life and seize our bright future."
"They want to take our land, occupy our houses, steal our bread, enslave all the men, defile all the women, and treat you as slaves to be squeezed at will, as prisoners who will never rise again!"
Kalon's gaze swept over the crowded and angry mob, his deep voice echoing.
"So, what should we do?"
"Strike them down, drive them out, kill them!" The angry crowd at this moment stirred up their former rage and previous indignation. Someone raised their hands and shouted loudly.
"Kill them!"
"We never fear, even if it is war!"
The crowd surged, roaring like thunder.
"We never fear, even if it is war,"
Kalon raised his steel claws and pointed at the surging crowd. The corners of his mouth curled up, revealing his thick fangs.
"My Dragon clan will not fear, my warriors will not fear, my people will not fear. We are right here. We are in this Golden Land. The civilization built by the Golden People led by the True Dragon group stands right here."
"Those tens of thousands of warriors and True Dragon s who carried swords to the battlefield to protect our civilization and fought the enemy—these warriors with countless scars on their armor are the proof of victory."
"The dense list of names on those Merit Columns is the proof that we never fear."
Warriors of countless legions raised their weapons and struck their steel armor, responding to their monarch's praise. The True Dragons in the Dragon clan also bared their teeth and claws, responding to the crowd's cheers.
The Ancestral Red Dragon's voice was deafening at this moment. He spread his wings and said loudly: "Even those high and mighty Metal Dragons who claim to be righteous will be trampled under our feet, proving our unyielding courage."
"Our subjects, our warriors, our Dragon clan, and our kingdom are destined to be bathed in the fires of war and forged on the anvil. Our survival and rights are destined to be secured with steel and iron amidst blood and fire. Tell me, are you afraid?"
"Bathed in the fires of war, forged on the anvil, with steel and iron, trample through blood and fire!"
Alfred bared his teeth at this moment and roared with all his might.
"Bathed in the fires of war, forged on the anvil, with steel and iron, trample through blood and fire!"
One by one, the True Dragons bared their teeth and claws, their True Dragon pupils cold. Perched on the high platform, they exuded a chilling majesty, their roars deafening.
"Bathed in the fires of war, forged on the anvil, with steel and iron, trample through blood and fire!"
All the warriors simultaneously struck the ground with their weapons, letting out a thunderous response!
"Bathed in the fires of war, forged on the anvil, with steel and iron, trample through blood and fire!"
Countless subjects in the square raised their hands to the sky, fanatical and fearless. Their voices dispersed the clouds and resonated louder than the thunder above!
"Very good,"
Kalon watched the roaring crowd, the patterns on his wings lighting up with fire and brilliant colors. He raised his sharp claws, forged like steel, and slowly clenched them.
"Then follow me, follow me closely, follow beneath that fluttering Great Dragon Banner. We stand right here, and we will meet all challenges. We will use steel to secure the living space we need amidst blood and fire. We do not fear war; we control war!"
"I, Kalon Kogmora, in the name of the Supreme Lord who rules the entire territory, declare today to all residents living on this land,"
"Any resident who is loyal to the Dragon clan, follows the laws of the kingdom, and carries out the will of the kingdom is a subject of the kingdom and a member of the Golden People."
"No matter when, no matter where, any land belonging to the True Dragon group will have the space you deserve and will guarantee the rights you deserve. This covenant shall never be changed for all eternity!"
Kalon's deep voice echoed over the city. After a brief silence, the entire city erupted. The people cheered, worshiping the monarch who stood tall.
The sunlight fell on Kalon's dazzling scales, like a holy halo of divine radiance cast by the gods above, enveloping him.
The surging sound rolled like a tide. The people knelt, the warriors knelt, and even the outsiders were awed by the monarch's majesty, kneeling involuntarily.
The heads of the Chromatic Dragons in the True Dragon clan bowed, the heads of the Metal Dragons bowed, and the heads of the bound True Dragons also bowed at this moment.
Camid looked on in a daze as countless people knelt down, and his front knees subconsciously wanted to kneel as well.
But his other head angrily tugged at him, making him realize that the surrounding Dragon Lords only had their heads bowed. Only then did he straighten his knees and snap back at the other head before lowering his own head.
"Whether our empire crushes everything in the future or fades away over the long years, in the records of the historians of Ekania, they will know that the reign of the Golden Empire began today!"
Kalon sat majestically on the high platform, his gaze calm. He watched the fireworks cannons roar and fill the sky with light, like a destiny that was brief yet brilliant.