Beneath the Red Dragon

The happy Juvenile Dragon finally wagged its head and tail, diving into the clouds, and as the mist dispersed, a Dragon Nest forged of white clouds and rosy light could still be seen floating in the high-altitude Flowing Wind.

Even the Storm Giant couldn’t recognize this dragon species that bore some resemblance to a Golden Dragon; evidently, it was not one of the Five-Color Dragons or Metal Dragons.

Noticing the confused looks of the Giants, Gabriel, who led the way ahead, smiled and explained, ”This dragon was not born in our world; it accidentally drifted here through a rift where worlds meet. Because of its gentle and harmless nature, it is under the Emperor’s protection, allowed to build its nest among the mountain clouds.”

”However, after scholars researched the materials, we learned that this dragon species is called Floating Cloud Dragon, and you need not concern yourselves with its presence; it is just somewhat mischievous and lively.”

”These dragons live on rainwater, hail, and small amounts of silver and meat; clouds are their snacks and desserts, which are merely gestures of goodwill towards you.”

Storm Giant Garcia nodded silently, forcing a smile.

It wasn’t until they reached the summit that the Giants realized that it wasn’t unguarded; rather, the guards were like lifeless stone pillars, standing silently at all positions atop the mountain, as silent as the age-old boulders in the mountains.

Even upon seeing an adult Giant Dragon reduced to captivity, these powerful Warriors clad in blood-colored armor did not react, and even the passing of Commander of the Imperial Guard Gabriel did not stir them in the least.

The Storm Giant was well aware of the might of these Warriors, who slaughtered the One-Eyed Giants leading the Giants that hunted them like pigs and dogs. But it seemed such Warriors were not uncommon in the land of the Dragons.

Upon seeing the majestic Royal Court, the Storm Giant could not help but feel a sense of awe for the Red Dragon he had once met.

Especially with the Multi-headed Giant Dragon tied to a stone pillar by Gabriel, alongside two more ferocious-looking Dragons and Snake Monsters lying nearby.

This situation reflected part of the Dragon Group’s intent to display their might, but it was the Storm Giants, who had friendly relations with the Dragon Group, who felt it most profoundly.

Giant Garcia felt this more deeply than ordinary tribesmen; in the eyes of the Giants, the Young Dragon they had recently met, whom once required the Storm Giants to extend a hand of friendship providing a temporary sanctuary for the long-distance-traveling Giant Dragons, had achieved such remarkable feats in such a short time.

Young Garcia had once been a faithful listener in the conversations between his grandfather and the Red Dragon, never expecting that the once stronger Storm Giants now needed the Dragons’ protection.

This made Garcia grateful for his grandfather’s decision and gave him a deeper understanding of the wisdom gained during his grandfather’s aged years.

Standing quietly before the majestic Royal Court, Garcia, who had calmed down, recalled the teachings of his grandfather in his lifetime, his confused mind suddenly like clouds being cleared to reveal the path he needed to take.

”The path is made by walking, not just by thinking,”

Having undergone hardships, Storm Giant Garcia’s once youthful face had shed its immaturity, looking much more mature. In his purple eyes, an unprecedented determination was now evident.

”The path is under my feet, Grandfather, this is my decision and perhaps the choice I should make, for the entire tribe!”

...

In the Royal Court Hall, the Dragons gathered once again.

Aside from the Young Red Dragon Kedelos, who sulked in the corner turning his gloom into a voracious appetite for snacks, the rest of the Giant Dragons engaged in discussions finalizing the Empire’s policies.

The two Dragons ridiculed for not mastering Transformation Skill, White Dragon Camid, contentedly swayed his head, his two heads competing for food, as he had long been accustomed to the unique ecology within the Dragon Group.

The Young Red Dragon Kedelos’s dejection was not due to mere ridicule; his reputation was severely damaged in the eyes of the Female Dragons in the Dragon Group. Already unpopular, the Young Red Dragon couldn’t win the affection of any Female Dragon.

Even the weakest White Dragon Roni dared to give Kedelos a cold shoulder.

The newly arrived Steel Dragon Midir, who could generate wealth for the Giant Dragons, was under the protection of all the Giant Dragons, holding a much higher status compared to the Young Red Dragon.

The discussions among the numerous Giant Dragons sounded only harsh to Young Red Dragon Kedelos.

Karon, perched atop his throne, did not speak; with the inheritance of the Giant Dragon and the accumulation of thousands of years of ancestral knowledge from past lives, he could easily devise responses to most problems.

But he hoped to cultivate these Giant Dragons through these matters, enabling them to stand on their own.

Though he aimed to become the sun in the sky, he also hoped that his companions would become stars and moons shining with their own light, unshadowed by the sun. A sky full of stars was interesting and not lonely.

Once the Dragon Group reached a conclusion in their discussions, Karon knocked on the armrest of his throne, instantly quieting the grand hall filled with the tone of Giant Dragon echoes.

”In that case, let us proceed according to the plan you have devised,”

”By enticing the pirates with benefits, those with sufficient wealth can purchase redemption vouchers from the Empire, thus atoning for their past sins. The Empire will then protect these pirates, allowing them to live and work in peace within the Empire, ensuring a secure old age, so they are spared from hanging on piers and gallows.”