Several days later.
Boiling Sea, Raging Tide Dragon Domain, a solitary island hanging far from the continent.
Waves crashed against the grayish-black reefs and soft sandy beach, creating a continuous roar. As the surging white foam receded, it left winding marks on the damp sand, which were soon ruthlessly smoothed over by the newly surging tide.
Along this coastline, two figures were strolling against the salty sea breeze.
The man's face was as cold as an ice sculpture, his long silver-white hair flying wildly in the wind. His skin was a cold, snowy color that hadn't seen sunlight for years. Exquisite jewelry made of mithril and star diamonds adorned his earlobes and neck, reflecting brilliant light.
The woman had a lovely face, her honey-colored skin glowing with a healthy luster, and her cheeks were dotted with a few playful freckles. Her copper-colored curly hair was bound by a thin, tough metallic wire headband, swaying gently with her steps.
They were the Silver Dragon Adrian and the Copper Dragon Serena appearing in their human forms.
"The atmosphere within the clan is heavy, like lead weights pressed under the deep sea."
Serena's voice was very low, almost drowned out by the sound of the waves. With a hint of concern, she whispered, "Was it... a failure?"
She looked toward her partner beside her.
Just then, an even more surging wave slammed onto the beach.
Before the previous wave had completely receded, the next one arrived with the force of ten thousand tons, one after another, never-ending, making a deafening crashing sound.
Adrian's pace never faltered. His deep gaze was lowered, staring at the foam that was generated and vanished in an instant beneath his feet.
How similar was this cycle of rising and falling tides to the rise and fall of the torrent of the times?
A powerful Empire was like a towering wave Peak; after its Peak of glory, it would ultimately fail to escape the fate of collapse, turning into a speck of dust in the long river of time.
Even those deities looked up to by Mortals and regarded as eternal.
Before broader dimensions and even more powerful existences, who knows if they would not have a day of falling into twilight?
Oftentimes, intelligent beings are not ignorant, but even if they have foreseen the signs of decline, wanting to retire at the Peak is often beyond their control. They can only watch helplessly as they are engulfed by the giant waves of the era, walking step by step toward their predestined destruction.
The Silver Dragon remained silent for a few seconds, slowly shaking his head.
"Those dragons who are older than us and know the inside story are keeping very quiet about this."
He said in a low voice, "But this silence itself is a silent announcement."
"The Twenty-Four Winged Golden Dragon King, who has protected many Dragon Domains and the Metallic Dragon Race for long years... his current situation is likely already very bad."
Decades ago, the various Dragon Domains urgently recalled all Metallic Dragons who were away.
The purpose was singular and incredibly clear.
—Concentrate the power of all Metallic Dragons and exhaust the strength of the entire race to help that Twenty-Four Winged King, who symbolizes the strongest of the Metallic Dragon Race, break through to the Immortal Realm.
Over these years, dragons like Adrian and Serena lived on the formation nodes at the core of the Dragon Domain.
Through the ritual formations carefully constructed by the Dragon Kings, they extracted a portion of their own pure Life Level energy and continuously funneled it to that king who carried high hopes.
Such behavior, if placed upon the naturally selfish and profit-driven Chromatic Dragon race, would be purely fantastical, an impossible feat.
But the unity and spirit of sacrifice within the Metallic Dragon Race far exceeded the imagination of outsiders.
Except for a very few dissenters, the vast majority of Metallic Dragons were willing to pay the price for this.
In fact, this was not a one-sided sacrifice.
If the Golden Dragon King successfully made a Breakthrough, the entire Metallic Dragon Race would gain immeasurable and immense benefits, and his glory could even benefit all kin on Planet Bernardo who had dragon blood flowing in them.
Initially, the ritual proceeded quite smoothly.
However, a long-premeditated surprise attack launched by the White Dragon of Ten Thousand Laws forced the ritual to be suspended for a significant amount of time.
Since then, the efficiency of the formation in absorbing life energy had gone from bad to worse until finally... it completely failed.
This portended two completely different outcomes.
First, the Golden Dragon King had already successfully achieved a Breakthrough, generating great power on his own and no longer needing to rely on external support.
Second, the Golden Dragon King's Breakthrough attempt failed, and his own state had deteriorated to the point where even absorbing energy was of no use.
As for the specific situation, the high-level members of the Dragon Domain remained tight-lipped.
But according to the traditions of the Metallic Dragon Race, if the Golden Dragon King succeeded, the entire race would surely celebrate, and the feast would last for months without end.
However, the reality was that after the ritual was declared over, the high-level members of the Dragon Domain—those older and more powerful dragons—simply calmly announced to all members of the Dragon Domain that the sealed state had ended, and then there was no further word.
There was no grand celebration, no dragon roars announcing victory, and not even a single word of soothing explanation.
This abnormal silence hung over the hearts of all dragons like a dark cloud.
Even the normally most optimistic and talkative Brass Dragons became taciturn for a time.
"The worst result is that the Golden Dragon King has already fallen and died; he had been in his twilight for a long time."
Serena let out a long sigh, the look of worry on her honey-colored face growing deeper.
Once the most powerful pillar of the Dragon Clan collapsed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
In contrast, those Mortal Empires—whether developing the Abyss to seize power, launching wars of conquest against the outside world, or exploring the vast sea of stars and negotiating with alien civilizations—all showed vigorous ambition and a progressive spirit, forging ahead with determination.
Under these shifting tides.
If the Dragon Clan cannot quickly produce a new titan to hold up the sky, their future situation will be precarious.
"There is no need to be so pessimistic,"
The Silver Dragon Adrian said, "A failed Breakthrough does not necessarily mean certain death."
"With the Golden Dragon King's great power and foundation, even if he suffers a severe backlash, there is a very high probability that he can save his life; he will just be weak for a period of time."
Serena thought for a moment and nodded.
"This possibility is indeed the highest."
Even so, the solemnity on their faces did not dissipate in the slightest.
Once the outside world perceives the Dragon King's weakness and silence, probing, covetousness, and even provocations from other powerful races will surely follow one after another.
Regardless, the Metallic Dragon Race will no longer be able to act as leisurely as in the past; they need to remain vigilant and be cautious.
The two humanoid dragons continued to stroll along the coastline.
The waves chased and played at their feet. As they walked, their steps paused simultaneously.
In the shallow sea area not far ahead.
A tall and robust figure stood as firm as a reef amidst the surging foam, head raised and gazing at the boundless, lead-gray sea that looked as if a storm were coming.
Seeming to sense the gaze from behind, the figure slightly turned his head.
A young face with resolute lines came into view. Fine bronze-colored scales, like natural tattoos, adorned his cheeks and the side of his neck, glinting with a hard metallic luster.
On both sides of his forehead, a pair of majestic dragon horns of the same color, curving slightly backward, signaled his identity.
A strong dragon tail covered with fine bronze scales stretched out behind him, the tip unconsciously slapping the water surface and creating ripples.
This was a Bronze Dragon in dragon-human form.
Siano Sheffield.
A prime-age Bronze Dragon with a Life Level of 20.
He shared the same surname as the Bronze Dragon King who led the Raging Tide Dragon Domain, and a similarly powerful Bloodline flowed within him.
Among dragons of the same age, even Golden Dragons, known for their talent, would need to be outstanding individuals to reach such a height at over three hundred years old.
Siano's natural talent could be seen from this.
More importantly, he had not yet undergone the most important slumbering transformation of the prime-age period.
Once he completes his slumber, if nothing unexpected happens, he is almost destined to step into the Legendary realm! Moreover, he is no ordinary Bronze Dragon; he was born with a special talent that other kin find hard to reach, and he will still be very powerful after becoming a Legend.
Siano, in his dragon-human form, gave a polite, slight nod toward Adrian and Serena.
He didn't speak, then withdrew his gaze and turned it back to that deep sea area breeding a storm, looking serious as if he were contemplating some heavy proposition.
Adrian and Serena also had no intention of chatting.
They exchanged a tacit look and quietly changed direction, continuing forward along a path away from that figure.
They did not wish to have too much contact with this Bronze Dragon named Siano.
The reason was simple: this was an existence that could be considered extreme even within the Metallic Dragon Race.
Compared to his sense of justice, which was so fiery it bordered on paranoia, Golden Dragon Alberto's bit of rebellion was simply like a child's play.
In the common perception of the world, Bronze Dragons are the war machines of the good alignment.
They possess a sense of justice that is more fervent and uncompromising than that of other Metallic Dragons.
They never hesitate to use their formidable power, and they are keen on striking down and eradicating what they perceive as evil in the most direct and violent manner, meeting violence with violence.
Siano Sheffield was no different.
However, what set him apart was that his sense of justice was too pure, too extreme.
He firmly believed that evil must be completely extirpated.
Evil itself had to be thoroughly uprooted, leaving no room for compromise.
This applied not only to evil individuals but also extended to their accomplices, accessories, and even... creatures with evil Bloodlines flowing through their veins.
Naturally, this included those Evil Dragons whose scales were born symbolizing evil and destruction.
In Siano's eyes, there was no fundamental difference between a Lawful Evil Dragon and a Chaotic Evil one.
To him, all Evil Dragons were tumors upon the land, subjects that needed to be thoroughly purged.
What drew even more attention from his kin was that, unlike other Metallic Dragons who mostly resorted to punishment or exile for their draconic counterparts, Siano frequently dealt lethal blows.
This extremely cold and ruthless way of doing things caused many of his Metallic Dragon kin to harbor private criticisms of him.
But he didn't care in the slightest, continuing to act as he pleased.
Every time he carried out what he deemed justice, whether the target was a fellow dragon or some other evil creature, the outcome was inevitably... total annihilation, leaving nothing behind.
[Wrath of Justice]—this was the title he had forged with the blood of countless lives.
Both Adrian and Serena felt a deep aversion toward this Wrath of Justice.
They had always believed that the world was not just black and white, and judgment should not be passed so simply.
While the evil nature of the Chromatic Dragons was indeed influenced by their Innate Bloodline, Acquired environment and experiences also played a crucial role; scale color and Bloodline Origin should never be the sole standards for judging kin or deciding life and death.
However, despite their aversion, they couldn't openly criticize him.
Siano was older than them, and his power was far greater.
The Metallic Dragon Race was indeed united, but internally there was still a hierarchy based on power and seniority.
Faced with an elder and powerful kinsman, they had to maintain a basic level of respect, at least on the surface, and could not make reckless criticisms.
"Siano..."
After moving away from the beach, Adrian glanced back at the figure that had already turned into a dark speck.
"His hibernation period should be right before him. Once his sleep ends and he becomes a Legendary, with his current style of conduct, I'm afraid he'll only become more extreme."
Serena nodded in deep agreement. "Right now, there are still Legendary dragons who can restrain him."
"Once he himself advances to Legendary, there will be even fewer dragons in this Raging Tide Dragon Domain who can suppress him."
"Having such an extreme individual is likely more of a detriment than a benefit to the Raging Tide Dragon Domain, especially given the current situation; he will only attract more unnecessary trouble for us."
Just then, Adrian seemed to recall something, and his gaze sharpened.
"If he saw that Red-Iron Dragon whelp, according to Siano's principles, I'm afraid he would immediately and without hesitation deliver a killing blow, regardless of what that dragon has actually done or whether he is good or bad."
Serena echoed, "That's a certainty."
"In his eyes, there is no room for a [naturally evil Red-Iron Dragon]."
"However, Siano has always been active in the vast sea areas, hunting down evil existences in the ocean. Moreover, his hibernation is approaching, so in the short term, he shouldn't be leaving the Raging Tide Dragon Domain, and naturally, he won't run into Garros far away in The Borderlands."
At the mention of Garros, Serena's thoughts instantly drifted to the distant Borderlands.
She subconsciously squeezed her partner's hand and said, "Adrie, the seal on the Dragon Domain has been lifted. We can go back now."
"I miss our Deborah."
"After not seeing her for so many years, I wonder how our child has grown."
"Our child..." The Silver Dragon Adrian let out a cold snort from his nose.
"What is there to miss?"
"Even without us by her side, she's probably living quite a carefree and happy life in The Borderlands."
The Silver Dragon kept a straight face, his voice cold. "In my opinion, we might as well stay in the Dragon Domain for a while longer."
Seeing her partner's insincere look, Serena couldn't help but burst into laughter.
She blinked mischievously and said, "Don't keep putting on an act in front of me, darling."
"I can see right through your little thoughts."
"The more you act like you don't care, the more it shows that you actually... miss her to death! You probably wish you could fly back right now to see if your precious daughter has gotten fat again, if her scales are brighter, and if she's been bullied by some blind fool."
Before Adrian could retort, she added slyly, "Besides, don't you want to avenge your past humiliation?"
"Being defeated in a spar by a dragon far younger than yourself is not exactly a glorious thing. If word gets out, it would really damage your prestige."
Hearing this, the Silver Dragon's brow instantly furrowed deeply, and a vein seemed to throb at his temple.
"I... that was just a moment of carelessness!"
He argued back hurriedly, then took a deep breath.
"But you're right."
"That Red Iron whelp should be a Young Adult Dragon by now."
"Once I return to The Borderlands, I will have another proper spar with him!"
"Last time I was careless and let him get the upper hand; that won't happen a second time. Considering he's still young, I can hold back a little, but even so, it'll be enough to beat him senseless and leave him dazed, so he knows how formidable I am."
His voice paused slightly, and he could no longer suppress his desire to return home.
"Pack your things! We're setting off for The Borderlands right now."
A while later, at the edge of the island.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Two massive figures suddenly soared into the sky from the island's dense forest. First, they skimmed low over the turbulent sea surface, their powerful wing winds carving two long white wake lines in the water. Then, with a violent flap of their wings, their figures rapidly ascended, breaking through the low-hanging, lead-gray clouds.
One silver and one Copper Dragon streaked through the air toward The Borderlands.
On the other side of the island, at the edge of the deep sea.
"The evil in this world is like the silt at the bottom of the ocean; it seems it can never be fully cleared."
"Filthy, stubborn, and endless..."
"Only through complete purification can there be a chance to uproot evil."
Siano Sheffield's figure still stood in the shallow waters, his low murmur clearly audible amidst the sound of the waves.
"After this hibernation, once I step into the Legendary realm, I shall purge this foul ocean and land with even greater efficiency!"
As his voice fell, his strong dragon-human form suddenly twisted and expanded.
A dazzling bronze light erupted.
The true form of a massive, heavily armored Mature Adult Bronze Dragon, radiating an awe-inspiring pressure, manifested.
He didn't let out a roar, but simply took a deep look at the boundless ocean before his massive body silently dove into the deep sea.
The Wrath of Justice was temporarily dormant.
Upon his return, he would sweep across the oceans and lands with an even more violent posture.
Meanwhile.
In the Serel Wilderness, at the Quenchfire Highlands.
Solrog the Iron Dragon was coiled there. Having just received a message from his Vassals, his body slowly rose, and a hint of irrepressible excitement suddenly lit up in his eyes.
He had just received a crucial piece of news.
Within the Marnes Dungeon, his Vassals, who were constantly exploring the ruins, had discovered a lead on a Legendary item.
"Garros?"
Solrog called out to his blood relative in his mind.
However, no response came from the other end of the Mental link, only a quiet and suppressed mental fluctuation.
"It seems he is in a deep sleep. His injuries were much more severe than mine."
Solrog thought to himself.
"Wait for him to wake up before exploring? No, just in case, it's best to continue now."
Quickly, Solrog made a decision. He would take a team of elite Vassals and personally investigate the dungeon.
P.S. The little one was crying so fiercely today, like a demon child reborn, so the update is a bit late. Also, don't forget to leave a comment and review.