Beneath the Red Dragon

”What are those?” Klanris interrupted the young man’s endless chatter, slightly raising his chin wrapped in scales, and pointed toward the city walls of the Golden City.

”Oh, you’re talking about this, it’s the emblem of strong contenders from the Golden City.”

The young man immediately showed interest, excitedly continuing, ”To compete for the Emperor’s imperial accolades, the sacred glory crown of His Majesty Gogomola, every day, strong contenders from various regions arrive within the Imperial.”

”Some young strong contenders hunt powerful monsters in the deep sea and those uncharted imperial territories, taking the heads and, imitating the past Giant Dragons, hang their prey’s heads on the city walls to display their renown.”

”Look at that head of the unicorn sea serpent; it was brought back by Lemond of the ’Giant God’s Spear’. Let me tell you, Lemond’s name is almost universally known within the Imperial now, not just because of his fifteen consecutive wins in the Glory Colosseum at the Royal Capital.”

”But according to those lovely ladies, Lemond actually has two battle lances, one in his hand, and the other, hehe...”

The young Dragon Worm member chuckled, entirely indifferent to the disdainful look in Levira’s eyes. Ordinary folks couldn’t discern the subtle shifts in the gaze of the Dragon Descendant, after all.

”Also, there’s the resilient ’Dawn Divine Sword,’ which those pretty ladies rate as—with a second Treasure Sword on him, that’s more impressive than the sword in his hand, hahahaha.”

Although Klanris was a Dragon Descendant, when it came to certain topics, males seemed to share some secret delights.

Not to mention, Klanris needed to probe for information from this seemingly naïve human before him, so the two quickly engaged in a eager conversation.

The journey wasn’t too far, as the once transitional village had now thrived into a booming small town next to the towering Golden City, spurred by a massive influx of people.

Along the way, they encountered many immigrants and slaves guided in batches, entering the immigrant town one after another.

Though just a town, it fascinated many slaves and immigrants who also marveled not only at the bustling crowds but also the affluent Golden Race, owing to an unusually tranquil atmosphere.

Even in alleys without patrolling guards, some shopkeepers and stall owners dared to recline lazily and nap by the side.

Even their watchdogs and some pets would lie with bellies exposed, legs up while snoring, as if this place provided absolute security for both people and animals alike.

But elsewhere, these people might only witness shops being plundered, pets and shop owners possibly abducted, their internal organs taken and used as materials for some sinister ritual.

Klanris’s vertical pupils shimmered with an unusual light; as one of the first Soul Reborn to step out of the Divine Hall, he undoubtedly earned this opportunity due to his outstanding abilities.

Even these commonplace details allowed Klanris to discern that within the Golden Empire, there must be strict laws and ample security forces, along with the Imperial training, to foster such a situation.

But undoubtedly, this added difficulty to his mission.

As one of the guides for souls destined to descend into the Icaria World, Klanris, along with the first wave of souls, was born early, decades ahead, into the Icaria World during The Era of Divine Concealment, silently getting to know the world, covertly laying the vast net over the Mortal World of Icaria World.

Originally, his mission wasn’t intended for this barren land, but since the civilization was established here by that Red Dragon, Klanris’s mission was altered.

Perhaps it was an odd twist of fate at his birth into this world that led him to choose the identity of a Dragon Descendant, causing his current predicament, forcing him to start afresh.

Yet, Klanris couldn’t refuse or resist, even though his contributions were enough to complete his task, the shackles set by the supreme presence behind bound him forever in a cycle of toil and deadly intrigue, offering no escape.

He could only take it as a favor, enjoying each life journey newly born.

And gradually, the task of reaping and destroying civilizations couldn’t shake his heart, but now in this remote place, it surprisingly stirred a thought that perhaps this world wasn’t so bad.

”Hmm,” Klanris patted his daughter’s head, sighing, sometimes the precious beauty nearby was also an attachment, he immediately quashed his abrupt idea in his mind, returning to tranquility, focusing his gaze on the massive iron-clad monster approaching, belching steam and magic power.

”Let’s go, take your identification, show it to the goblin ticket inspector, and you can board the Magic-Driven Steam Car,” the young man waved to his newly acquainted friends in farewell, ”At the station, someone will greet you, Dragon Descendant, just work hard, no slacking off, and soon you’ll establish yourself on Imperial soil. I hope we meet again someday! A wonderful life is calling you!”

Klanris waved casually at the chatty young man, holding his daughter’s hand, stepping into the opened mouth of this monster, with only a sentiment withheld in his throat.