Countless stars studded the sky, under the black velvet-like night curtain.
The Red Iron Young Dragon stood on the steep and rugged cliff, looking back, its gaze sweeping inch by inch over the entirety of the Celestial Pit Territory.
Especially below this cliff, the surface area full of craters of varying depths, it almost carried all the memories of Galos' hatchling period.
"From now on, there's no turning back, it all depends on myself."
Galos glanced at the two moons in the sky, as well as the magic satellites mixed with the real stars, difficult to distinguish, feeling a bit of heaviness in his heart.
The magical level of Bernardo Planet, especially the alchemy level of using magical creations, is exceedingly high.
The numerous monsters and ferocious beasts on the wilderness still come second; the kingdom composed of intelligent beings is the truly dangerous target.
"Arrogance, conceit, greed."
"These are the Dragon Race's nature that most easily lead to the early death of hatchlings, I must always remain vigilant, not careless."
Leaving the nest as a hatchling only has two outcomes — becoming a new calamity, or turning into nourishment for the wilderness.
Of course, Galos did not want to become nourishment, but he also wasn't interested in becoming a calamity; his goal was simple.
——Survive, as long as possible.
Only having died once can one truly appreciate the preciousness of life, Galos cherishes this segment of life greatly, so after realizing the world's dangers, he persists unwaveringly in training and strengthening himself.
"Hahaha, I will establish my own dynasty! Let countless creatures bow beneath my wings, groveling to me!"
Samantha shouted into the night wind, interrupting Galos' thoughts.
This six-year-old hatchling, covered in fiery red Dragon Scales, looked like burning flames in the night, extremely vivid, full of lively vigor.
But such scale color is actually not suitable for survival.
Too conspicuous.
Covered with a layer of black-gray cushioning scales, Galos can almost merge with the darkness in the night, making it easier to lurk and hide.
As for Brother Gordon,
Its black Dragon Scales are somewhat better, but the surface shines with a slight silver glint, also quite conspicuous.
Moreover, Brother Iron Dragon's tone is even grander than Red Dragon Sister's.
"I will establish a Dragon Race ruled kingdom, then I will govern all Dragon Race."
It stepped on a protruding rock, raised its head high, and issued a declaration to the world.
Galos, with a calm nature, did not make a fuss.
Looking at the two hatchlings, after a brief contemplation, the Red Iron Young Dragon said, "Samantha, Gordon, you two survive alongside me."
Having two hatchlings to lead and huddle together for warmth, making survival easier.
Moreover, Galos holds a respectful regard for the perilous wilderness, a year's exploration also made him more aware of the surrounding specific situation.
With him leading, the two hatchlings have a greater chance of surviving.
Actually, following Galos is a win-win for them.
Unfortunately, the two hatchlings don't see it that way.
"No!"
Red Dragon Sister snorted sparks from her nostrils, sneered, and said, "I am destined to stand atop the world as the chief among the Five-Colored Evil Dragons, I can become the ruler of the wilderness by myself, no need to follow you."
Brother Iron Dragon also shook its head.
"I am going to the wealthy south, heard that the southern humans' teeth are embedded with gemstones."
When mentioning gemstone teeth, it didn't hide its greedy desire.
Upon hearing this, Galos said no more, gently shook his head.
Just like when the two little dragons first hatched, he once again offered a choice, and they also gave their own answers.
Destiny and Dragon life are constituted by different choices made time and time again.
Galos also didn't demand that the two hatchlings must follow him, if they were unwilling and he forced them to follow, with their personalities, it would instead bring trouble to himself.
But he still gave the two hatchlings another chance.
Looking at the two hatchlings, Galos said unhurriedly, "If you change your foolish thoughts and want to seek my protection, you can go to the northwest, about ninety kilometers away from here in the hilly land."
"There's a dense Iron Fir Forest, easy to recognize."
"If I am still in the hilly forest, I might take you in; of course, the premise is that you are ready to be slaves and servants, obeying me unconditionally."
After speaking, Galos no longer lingered, retracted his gaze from the Celestial Pit Territory, and flew towards the hill where he once subdued the Earth Bear.
"Damn Galos, you're too conceited, completely looking down on us."
"Just you wait, we will make you look at us with new eyes sooner or later!"
"Even if we die, eaten by ferocious beasts, we won't beg you!"
Under the moonlight, the Dark Gold Tail Ring was coated with a layer of bright luster, from behind Galos came the loud shouts of Brother and Sister Dragon, but these clamor were soon swallowed by the wilderness wind.
Two weeks later, Iron Pine Hills.
This place isn't very large, with limited resources. It's not an ideal habitat, but Galos had no better options for the moment, so he temporarily settled here.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The Earth Bear's paws were encased in thick, hard rock, striking over and over on the Dragon Race before it.
Galos endured the heavy blows from the Earth Bear, his body lightly trembling, buffer scales flying off, finally revealing the black base with red patterned scale armor, which gradually cracked and dented.
However, just as the black-red scale armor started to extend cracks and slightly collapse,
the Earth Bear stopped.
"Get up and continue."
Galos raised his eyelids slightly, dissatisfied as he spoke.
The Earth Bear had just knocked off a layer of buffer scales from him; now was the time to truly hone the physique.
"Roar, your scale armor is harder than steel; I really can't go any further."
The Violent Bear roared, plopping down on the ground, panting heavily.
Its thick bear arms almost couldn't lift, and the rocks attached to its paws were shattered by the buffer scales, revealing cracked, bleeding bear paws.
Galos still wasn't satisfied.
Though basically all impacts were forceful, compared to the fierce training of crashing into mountains and the ground, Galos felt this mode of resistance was more refined and the honing effect was satisfactory.
Besides having the Earth Bear slap him with its paws,
he also had it use its Magic-like Skills to attack him, in order to refine corresponding resistances.
This process certainly wasn't pleasant; pain was unavoidable.
The Earth Bear was an 8th-level magical creature, and taking its attacks head-on, Galos could not remain unscathed.
But perhaps due to too many similar training experiences, Galos had developed a strong tolerance for pain. Not only that, alongside the pain, knowing it meant he was gradually adapting and evolving, he even felt some excitement.
"Quickly absorb the earth's power and rest. We'll continue shortly."
Galos allowed the Violent Bear some rest.
The Earth Bear looked miserable.
When it submitted to Galos, it thought perhaps Galos was capricious and liked to beat his followers for cathartic release. But as long as it wasn't beaten to death, its rough skin and thick flesh would gradually recover.
But what it hadn't expected was,
Galos, on the contrary, had a peculiar hobby, letting it beat him instead.
Initially, the Earth Bear was enthusiastic.
But it soon discovered this wasn't a good job.
Each time it was exhausted to the brink, Galos hadn't had enough, fortunately with strong recovery, the Earth Bear barely managed to hold on.
If this continues, my life level will drop from exhaustion.
The Earth Bear contemplated deeply while resting.
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration, it called out to Galos, who was currently rubbing Iron Fir Trees with his Dragon Tail.
"Dragon Lord!"
Dragon Lord — this was a common respectful term used by followers for the Dragon Race, similar to calling someone Master.
Just during the friction, tough Iron Fir was cut deeply by the sharp Dragon Scales on the Dragon Tail, as if chopped with knives and axes.
Galos let go of the poor Iron Fir, turning to the Earth Bear.
The Earth Bear scratched its head, a hint of cleverness shown on its honest face.
"Hehe, you surely want more Earth Bears as your followers."
Under Galos's gaze, it explained.
It turns out,
the Earth Bear Möbel came from a small troop of the Violent Bear Race.
Its father was also the leader of that group, besides the Bear Leader, there were several mother bears, and some underdeveloped cubs.
Some Earth Bear habits were similar to pride of lions.
Males were respected, stronger than females, and could not tolerate other adult males within the same territory, and would drive off nearly mature male offspring.
"You mean, take me to conquer your group?"
Galos asked.
"Exactly! As long as you kill my father, I assure you, the other female bears and cubs will submit to you."
Möbel nodded heavily, patting his chest as a guarantee.
This truly is a case of fatherly abdication with childlike joy... thought Galos.