Ashen Dragon-Chapter 261 - 186: Commendation (4)

Chapter 261: Chapter 186: Commendation (4)

The titles of nobility in the Ashen Kingdom were not the traditional five ranks of the North, but rather an intricate eighteen-rank system borrowing that name.

Each major title had three sub-levels, where even the most basic citizens were classified into first-class, second-class, or third-class citizens.

For example, Ramp was the highest level, a first-class duke, and the Ashen crest on his chest had an additional dragon wing decoration, symbolizing the special favor of the Red Dragon.

These titles were not associated with land, but determined one’s status, benefits, and the blessing of the Dragon Vein within the kingdom. They were almost never hereditary, given based on merit and progression instead.

This time, due to Cassius’s political need to bridge the gap between humans and monsters, and for the sake of propaganda, the standards for bestowing titles were set relatively simple, even including a few humans.

However, as the kingdom continued to expand, future title grants would inevitably become stricter, and the assessment of merits would be standardized, increasing the value of these titles.

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Under such standards, an ordinary human soldier would find reaching first-class citizenship the limit. Beyond that, the strength of a professional might be required.

This setup aimed to turn the kingdom into an even more formidable war machine, playing a significant role in future full-scale wars in Anzeta and even conflicts with the southern countries.

When the nearly fifty thousand players joined in, they too would integrate into this system, becoming a part of the Ashen Kingdom’s war machine, crushing all forces in their path as the kingdom expanded.

“Master, the blessing can begin now.”

Ramp cautiously reminded.

Cassius nodded slightly, but did not speak.

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Nowadays, mere unintentional releases of his Dragon’s Might and years of accumulated authority could make tens of thousands of people bow to him.

The Red Dragon needed no further explanation, and even a slight gesture from him would have countless people rushing to follow. Each of his actions would be meticulously interpreted by many.

Just like this ceremony, many astute individuals had already noticed Cassius’s intent to elevate humans.

And they mostly knew that opposing it was futile.

“Roar—”

The Red Dragon slightly raised his head, letting out a roar full of majesty, and spread his wide wings.

Hot white smoke billowed from his gaping maw, colorful flames sprayed from the apertures on his neck and tail, and the Dragon Crystal in his chest radiated dazzling light. At that moment, he looked like a miniature sun, blinding nearly everyone present.

[Bloodline Gift]

Then, streaks of flowing flame containing terrifying energy flew from the top of the high platform, like shimmering threads, connecting to the bodies of the three dukes.

The seeds representing the power of the Ancestral Dragons merged into the dukes’ veins, gradually integrating into their bloodline. Because they had already been endowed with the Dragon Vein, the gift did not bring much physical transformation but resulted in the most profound elevation of their life essence.

The blessing lasted nearly ten minutes.

This change was fundamental, magical in nature, and the evolution would eventually manifest in their bodies.

“The effect is quite good.”

Cassius nodded slightly.

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In his vision, the challenge level of [Goblin Warlord, Dolores] had already leaped to level 12 and was still rising. [Oathbreaker Sword, Mezulash] had reached level 13, and [Great Sage-Ramp] had achieved an astonishing level 15.

Once they fully absorbed this power, they would find it hard to meet an equal within the Anzeta Great Wilderness.

Then, with a shift of Cassius’s thoughts, an even more surprising event occurred—

With the crackling sound of flames, the threads of flowing flame that had merged into the three dukes’ bodies split into several parts, connecting to the bodies of seven marquises. They further split again, merging into twelve earls.

Those endowed with the Dragon Vein received the seeds of bloodline power, awaiting further evolution.

Those who had never received the Dragon Vein underwent a drastic transformation, evolving into a higher life form amidst painful howls. For instance, the “Flower of Northwind Keep,” Dailenna, grew spiral horns on her head, scales faintly appeared on her cheeks, and she let out occasional moans.

And the human mage, Guillermo, Ramp’s assistant, had curled up, wrapping himself in his magical robe, but dragon horns pierced through it.

However, most of them retained their basic human forms, only showing some dragon features and possessing the essence of magic.

Compared to the uncontrolled, violent, and intense nature of the original Red Dragon Bloodline gift, which used to be uncontrolled and wantonly vented, Cassius could now better control this bloodline power, taking into account the physical qualities of the recipients, stopping short of burning them alive.

Hundreds of fiery threads, like a spectacular cascade descending layer upon layer, or a vast web of flaming spider silk, connected all the recipients, continuously pouring the grand power of the giant dragons into them.

People gazed at the shimmering threads, watching the Red Dragon who shone like the sun.

A word emerged simultaneously in their minds.

——Miracle.

Yes, a miracle.

Compared to the king’s conferment, this ceremony was more like blessings from a deity to its followers.

Many of them had witnessed the complicated and lengthy conferring ceremonies of various northern dukes, yet the majesty and grandeur of those ceremonies combined did not even come close to one percent of this one. Cassius’s position within the kingdom was also much closer to those exalted beings.

He was not just an ordinary ruler, but an existence of greater symbolic meaning.

Cassius did not need to interfere too much in national affairs. His mere existence deterred any threats from daring to attack this kingdom.

In the crowd, Pharaoh Trisht covered his eyes from the blinding light.

He collapsed to the ground in panic, trembling violently, his voice already tinged with sobs.

“How can there be…”

“Something like this, how could it possibly be defeated.”

However, the Harpist Alliance infiltrator did not notice that among those attracted by his commotion, several had looks of extreme greed in their eyes.

They all wanted to become the new “George.”

“Catch him!”

“He’s a spy!”

Several people shouted in a frenzy, afraid that this easily captured prey might escape and they would lose the chance to become a “first-class citizen.”

The nearby crowd surged into another frenzy.