Beneath the Red Dragon

Spring, Year Eleven of the Giant Dragon Calendar, Golden Empire, Golden City.

A gentle breeze caressed the air, carrying the unique fragrance of spring. Minstrels played the bagpipes and harps, and the songs of maidens flowed with the spring wind, like raindrop notes falling on a still lake.

In a matter of months, things that could mark a lifetime had happened for those of short-lived races. Just like the few decrees successively issued at the establishment of the Empire.

The ”Slave Freedom Promotion Decree” and ”Dragon’s Code” caused an unprecedented sensation across the entire empire as soon as they were announced.

This commotion, fermenting with time, spread through various channels to distant lands, reaching beyond the imperial territories, to the entire Northern Territory.

The ”Slave Freedom Promotion Decree” didn’t cause much of a stir in discussions among the majority of citizens but was opposed by some representatives of the nobility and slave owners.

Under the absolute rule of the Dragon Group, this opposition had little impact yet reflected the possibility of a tumultuous upheaval that might occur once the policy was made public worldwide.

The issuance of the ”Dragon’s Code” showcased the real spirit of the Dragon Group Empire, also attracting all kinds of scrutiny from many giant dragons, both friendly and malicious.

Even the most ordinary farmers, when working in the fields, could often see various colored giant dragons, not belonging to the Dragon Group, beginning to appear around the territory.

These were the giant dragons closest to the Dragon Group Territory, lingering on this land for various reasons after receiving the news.

This led to a few Metal Dragons, Bronze Dragon Gross and Natarili, and Silver Dragon Chris Tianna, who were entrusted with the inspector duties under the Dragon Contract and the Dragon’s Code, becoming exceptionally busy during this time.

These three giant dragons, under the Dragon Group’s arrangement, whether willing or not, conveyed a message with their actions that these Metal Dragons were serving the Dragon Group.

Yet, it was evident that these Metal Dragons hadn’t anticipated that, even within their own hearts, they felt oppressed, at least nominally, by the Dragon Group to serve these giant dragons but gained quite significant power.

According to the ”Dragon’s Code,” these inspectors had the power to handle all external relations with giant dragons.

This made the three Metal Dragons particularly cautious when exercising their duties, deviating from their original intent of muddling through a few years of service in the Dragon Group Territory.

Silver Dragon Chris, along with Bronze Dragons Gross and Natarili, transformed into humanoid forms and emerged from the governmental institutions of the Golden City.

According to regulations, these three giant dragons had to register and check in with the nearest imperial government departments every day, whether at the beginning or end of their workday.

Moreover, they had to report daily to the relevant responsible officials and receive relevant personnel’s training and guidance, which was the Dragon Group’s subtle influence on the three Metal Dragons’ thoughts.

Silver Dragon Chris and the two Bronze Dragons, in their humanoid forms, intentionally emphasized their dragon identities. This was the requirement of the Dragon Group, gradually guiding the formation of distinct divisions.

Therefore, although the three appeared similar to elves, their dual horns and different colored pupils highlighted their identities.

Silver Dragon Chris’s eyes were light gold round pupils when in humanoid form, her pointed ears as fair as her skin, her forehead adorned with golden-like patterns, symbols of the Dragon Contract.

Moreover, the white silk ribbon around her neck, adorned with flower crown gold ornaments, and the gemstone in the pendant of the flower crown, as pure as the silver dragon’s snow-like fair skin, were awards given by the Ancestral Red Dragon for her accomplishments.

The two Bronze Dragons had azure-colored dragon horns, exquisite robes, and sapphire rings on their hands.

Even though Silver Dragon Chris and the two Bronze Dragons knew the Red Dragon was using such methods to erode and break down their rigid defenses, they still couldn’t resist the temptations, because the Red Dragon offered too much.

”Those wild dragons are really foolish, wanting to fight the moment they see us. I can’t stand such impulsive and thoughtless behavior,”

Bronze Dragon Gross complained incessantly, ”If only those Five-Color Dragons and the giant dragons in the Gogomola Dragon Group were as smart and rational, I wouldn’t have to explain the Empire’s dragon law to them over and over,”

”The consequence is just their disdainful looks and contemptuous tails, truly damned creatures. To date, this month’s performance is far from complete, only that Fog Dragon Deniro counts as a real achievement for the three of us, even though the Dragon Group intentionally let us have it, which is truly frustrating.”

Female Bronze Dragon Natarili nodded in agreement, frowning as she continued, ”Those wild dragons are still observing and do not like being overly constrained,”

”Even though the Gogomola Dragon Group has gained a small reputation, these Evil Dragons hardly have genuine trust among themselves. Our work is too difficult to advance, and if we achieve nothing in the coming years, how can we explain to the Dragon Group?”

But their conversation was interrupted by a few bold and enthusiastic residents greeting them.