Chapter 585: Aurora’s Visit

Avenderdan, the fortress that had stood tall in Blackstone Mountain for thousands of years, was now full of broken walls and ruins, scarred all over.

Dwarves and elves silently gathered the bodies of fallen comrades and burned the piled orc corpses at the city gate.

Thick grey smoke curled upward, a tragic atmosphere spreading throughout the city. Dwarven craftsmen repaired the city walls while softly singing ancient ballads.

"With the clanging music of hammers, dwarves forge magnificent and grand fortresses."

A desolate war cry came from the northern plains, where barbaric and evil creatures were gathering.

After this brutal battle, the outer defenses of Avenderdan were nearly reduced to ruins, with nearly six thousand dwarven heroes buried beneath the earth.

It should be known that the entire Avenderdan had only over thirty thousand dwarves, and nearly every resident had lost a familiar relative, lover, or friend.

The remaining over nine thousand dwarven warriors and the elves of Serenia were stationed outside the city, forming patrol squads to eliminate scattered orc cavalry scouts and to probe the next moves of the northern Crimson Blood Tribe.

"The fine wine we drank together now spills to the earth, and the souls more brilliant than gold and gems shine in Solania.

Farewell, my friend."

Edd Klein stood atop the city wall, softly singing the dwarven farewell song passed down through generations.

He gazed out over the vast Ugo Plains and let out a long sigh. In this war, the dwarves had paid a tremendous price.

But they had won.

The legacy of the Highland Kingdom, passed down for thousands of years, the honor of shield dwarves, had finally been preserved. But where would they go from here?

Bjorn appeared behind him leaning on a cane, his voice full of concern.

"Your Majesty, we clearly achieved a glorious victory. Why do you still sigh so deeply?"

"Bjorn, you must see it too."

"..."

The old dwarf did not answer, merely silently observing Edd’s pale, weak face.

The dwarven king gave a bitter smile and continued, "I never imagined I might not outlive a four-hundred-year-old elder like you. I’m not afraid of death, but I don’t want to die yet. I can’t let go of the Highland Kingdom."

"Your Majesty, you..."

"..."

Suddenly, the two dwarves fell silent. Having worked together for a century, they could guess each other’s thoughts without words.

Edd knew that after fusing his body with the Hammer of the Rock, his life was nearing its end. If not for the intervention of the "Dragon of Dawn," he wouldn’t have lived to see this day.

The Soul-Forging Flame contained in the Hammer of the Rock was too intense. Now, not just his body but even his soul was slowly burning away, heading irreversibly toward death.

Such a process was difficult to reverse even with resurrection spells, let alone for dwarves, who were not adept in magic.

And now, with the continent in chaos, not only orcs in the north, but also the Abyss, the Nine Hells, and the three major kingdoms were stirring—none could be underestimated.

When the next crisis came, without the support of this "Master of the Forge," how would the Highland Kingdom survive?

"We enter deep underground caves, seeking that alluring golden hue."

Edd and Bjorn gazed into the distance, silently listening to the songs echoing through the city.

The old dwarf hesitated briefly, his lips slightly moving: "Your Majesty, I have a method that may protect Avenderdan for at least a hundred years."

Edd met his gaze and seemed to guess Bjorn’s thoughts. His voice was calm: "Do you truly believe it will work? For thousands of years, we shield dwarves have relied on ourselves, on the hammers in our hands and our tenacious will, to stand in this world."

Bjorn lowered his eyes and gave a helpless bitter smile: "Your Majesty, this is merely our last resort."

"Awoo—"

Suddenly, a loud howl came from afar. Dwarves and elves alike looked up to see dark shapes appear on the horizon.

"What is that?"

"Look, up in the sky!"

"Are they friend or foe this time? Could it be allies of the orcs?"

"Be alert! Swear to defend Avenderdan to the death!"

Patrolling dwarves and elves quickly grabbed their weapons, on high alert, murmuring in concern.

Edd and Bjorn were no exception. They too watched intently with serious expressions.

That black dot in their vision grew larger until it became a golden dragon over ten meters long.

"Is that... another visiting gold dragon?"

Edd immediately raised his hand, signaling his soldiers to lower their weapons, and gave a firm order.

"Everyone, lower your weapons. This is a kind and noble gold dragon, a kin of our eternal benefactor—Lord Titus!"

"A gold dragon!"

"As expected of Lord Titus’s kin, such an elegant and beautiful being!"

Soldiers on and below the wall relaxed, lowering their bows, crossbows, and spears, their expressions softening.

They had seen that gold dragon help them with all his might—burning enemies, slaying the chieftain of the Crimson Blood Tribe.

In the past few days, Lord Titus had often circled above the city, casting warm light to heal the wounded. The dwarves were all the more grateful for it.

In the hearts of dwarves and elves alike, that gold dragon had become the embodiment of justice, their steadfast ally.

And so, how could Lord Titus’s kin be an enemy?

The unfamiliar gold dragon flew with graceful, undulating movements, almost as if swimming through the air, then gently landed on the battlements.

It folded its wings behind it like a massive golden moth.

The dwarves observed this stranger. Compared to Lord Titus, this dragon was significantly smaller.

Its figure was more slender, its movements more elegant. The golden scales bore intricate, delicate patterns, and a scent of saffron and spices wafted from its body.

Edd nodded politely and said with dignity, "Noble and graceful gold dragon, welcome to our city. I am Edd, Lord of the Mountains. May I ask why you visit our war-ravaged city?"

The dragon slowly opened its mouth. A clear, melodious, and somewhat youthful female voice echoed across the walls: "King Edd, my name is Aurora, a gold dragon from the south. I came to visit the ’Dragon of Dawn,’ Lord Titus. I greatly admire his deeds in helping the dwarves resist the invasion."

Edd’s face revealed an expression of "just as expected," and he pointed toward a cave in Blackstone Mountain.

"No problem. Lord Titus is currently staying there. He should be resting in the cave now.

He is indeed a kind, righteous, and responsible powerhouse, and a forever benefactor of our Highland Kingdom.

Since the end of the war, Lord Titus has often circled the city, healing our dwarven warriors."

"Thank you, King Edd."

The dragon who called herself "Aurora" spoke sincerely.

She nodded lightly, then gracefully flapped her wings and took off from the wall, flying toward the cave.

Watching the dragon’s back, Edd sighed, "Bjorn, perhaps you were right. Maybe the Highland Kingdom really does need a stronger, steadfast ally who can protect us for centuries."

"Good day, Senior Titus. I am Aurora, daughter of Akalov, a gold dragon from the south. May I ask if this is a convenient time?"

Landing on a rock several dozen meters from the cave entrance, Aurora asked cautiously.

Even for gold dragons, trespassing into a lair was considered rude, since it was where one stored their treasures.

Aurora appeared especially careful. She did not wish to anger this mysterious elder or provoke his displeasure.

After all, she was not familiar with his temperament. From her experience, ancient gold dragons were often stubborn elders.

"Come in."

Before long, a deep voice came from within the cave.

Aurora was overjoyed and quickly entered, even following dragon etiquette by deliberately controlling her gaze.

—Only, this temporary lair had little in the way of treasure. The dwarves had delivered a great deal of gold, but Cassius had pushed it all to the back of the cave.

Passing through a narrow opening, the young dragon finally reached the "hall" of the lair and laid eyes on the elder who had recently risen to fame.

Aurora quickly bowed her head obediently, folded her wings, bent her forelimbs slightly, and softly greeted again, "Good day, Senior Titus."

She secretly raised her eyes and saw the "Dragon of Dawn"—a massive dragon over thirty meters long, with scales entirely turned gold and exceptionally broad wings.

Several whiskers grew at his jaws, and his deep eyes resembled molten pools of gold, exuding an air of mystery and wisdom.

By the standards of gold dragon aesthetics, this elder was a complete "handsome dragon."

Truly an ancient gold dragon!

Aurora was overjoyed. Elder gold dragons usually chose to ascend to Celestial Mountain to serve at Bahamut’s side and rarely remained in the material plane.

Almost every gold dragon that stayed in the mortal realm bore a strong sense of duty and justice.

Meanwhile, Titus—better known as Cassius—also observed this visiting dragon with his golden eyes.

[Aurora Vipsania Agrippina]

Challenge Rating: 16

A young female gold dragon, seemingly inexperienced, but stronger than average—her power already rivaling that of an adult dragon.

What stood out was the intricate and delicate pattern etched on her scales.

Gold dragons of this age were unlikely to be emissaries sent by Bahamut.

With a calm tone, he tested her: "Young kin, why have you come here? Has the time for the Gold Dragon Council arrived?"

Cassius was fishing for information. Gold dragons had a global hierarchy led by a "Consul," elected from among the ancient gold dragons and serving for life until retirement. A council convened every few centuries to discuss various matters.

Aurora found the question odd but replied, "Senior Titus, if I recall correctly, the next Gold Dragon Council is still thirty years away. Besides, I’m just a young dragon—I don’t yet qualify to invite you."

Cassius shook his head helplessly and smiled wryly: "Heh, seems I’ve been away from the world too long since that war. My memory... has gotten hazy."

The enigma game.

Speak vaguely, and others will think you’re unfathomably deep.

Aurora listened quietly to this elder’s words, imagining a past full of sorrow and grandeur. Still, it would be impolite to pry.

As expected of a thousand-year-old ancient gold dragon!

With that thought, the young dragon dared to speak again.

"Senior Titus, I’ve heard of your heroic deeds and admire you greatly, so... I came to visit."

Cassius chuckled. "Aurora, I doubt that’s the only reason. Speak—what else do you wish to ask?"

The young dragon scratched her claws, a bit embarrassed. "You are indeed wise. In that case, I’ll be direct.

Senior Titus, your commitment to justice and order inspires us. We sincerely invite you to join the Scalebound organization and become an elder of our ’Loz’ group."

Scalebound—familiar term.

Cassius looked at the ornate engravings on Aurora’s body and immediately recalled what it meant.

Scalebound Dragons, members of a mysterious group composed of dragons and half-dragons.

Their name came from the mystical protective sigils carved into their scales.

In their discipline, devotion to self-improvement, and mystical transcendence, Scalebounds were like monks among humans.

But they did not build monasteries—instead, they gathered into small circles called "Loz."

These communities of dragons and half-dragons shared territory, gathered occasionally, and quickly rallied if any member was threatened.

Instantly, Cassius felt a surge of joy. He had intended to seek this organization—and here it had come to him.

As an advanced class akin to monks, Scalebound Dragons possessed a will of steel, capable of resisting many supernatural forces—including those of Chaos.

By gaining access to this advanced class, Cassius would be even more confident in facing the Abyssal demons.

At the same time, it would help him preserve his own sanity, no longer subject to the will of Karrikex.

Though elated inside, Cassius remained calm-faced and said evenly, "Scalebound Dragons... I’ve heard of the class. A lawful order, indeed. Sounds... not bad."

Aurora quickly responded, "Senior Titus, we will provide you with the full inheritance of the Scalebound Dragons, as well as—"

She hesitated, then added, "We’ll also gather some gold coins as your stipend."

Cassius smiled with the warmth of an elder and replied gently, "I accept, so long as your pursuit remains justice and order."

Aurora was overjoyed and stepped forward: "Senior Titus, you truly are as kind and strong as the legends say. Welcome to our ranks."

In the cave, the genuine gold dragon and the fake gold dragon exchanged smiles—the scene was strikingly harmonious.

Aurora was happy their group had secured powerful support, while Cassius rejoiced at freeloading a new advanced class and infiltrating the metallic dragon network.