The fiery clouds of dawn still burned, staining the sky a flowing gold and crimson.

Yet, the Red Emperor atop the Dragon Court, the Lord of Thunder far on the west coast connected to him via communication device, and many more powerful legendary beings scattered across the continent...

No matter what they were busy with at this moment,

they might not be in the same location, but their attention was all focused on a single point.

That tilted, crumbling, falling Sky City rapidly expanded in their vision.

It was like a star falling from the heavens, trailing countless shattered building fragments, torn ribbons of magical energy, and billowing thick smoke, carving a long trajectory as it plummeted toward the fertile heartland of the central continent.

Behind it, the clouds were torn apart like a bleeding wound.

"To fall at this moment..."

The Red Iron Dragon's pupils contracted to their absolute limit, almost becoming thin slits.

He pushed his True Eye to its utmost, piercing the vast distance to capture every deadly detail.

He could see the city continuously disintegrating during its fall.

Massive building slabs peeled away, magical shields cracked incessantly, finally exploding completely amidst violent air friction and internal energy imbalance, transforming into a sky-covering rain of fire and storm of rubble.

And amidst this splendid destruction, Garoth keenly detected a trace of abnormality.

He noticed that in the gaps between collapsing buildings and dissipating energy, a certain viscous, filthy purplish-black light flickered briefly, like festering pus or the tentacles of a living creature, immediately swallowed by the violent explosions.

Then, came the impact.

Even separated by such a vast distance, Garoth still felt the tremor transmitted through the Dragon Court beneath his feet.

At the edge of his vision, in the direction of the central continent.

A colossal mushroom cloud mixed with dust, raging flames, and thick smoke slowly rose, soaring into the sky, mingling with the brilliant dawn light to compose a magnificent yet terrifying spectacle.

Even at this distance, one could imagine the cataclysmic disaster suffered at the impact point.

"Halden's Abyssal development project has run into trouble."

"Is this just the beginning? Or is it all of it?"

The Red Iron Dragon's gaze sharp as a blade swiftly swept over the higher, more distant airspace.

Halden's other Sky Cities, those colossal city outlines embedded in the firmament like stars, still floated silently there under the gradually brightening dawn light.

They remained silent.

No more fell, nor were there signs of chain collapse. Only that one city had transformed into a blazing tomb upon the earth.

Silence.

The wind still howled atop the Dragon Court, the sea of clouds still churned beneath his feet.

From the depths below the Dragon Court, the muffled roars of other dragons disturbed by the event and the sounds of wingbeats began to emerge.

Gradually, amidst the churning sea of clouds, the figures of some dragons appeared one by one. They looked suspicious and uncertain, gazing toward the central continent where the dust cloud still hadn't dissipated. Low draconic tongue conversations drifted intermittently on the wind, filled with confusion and a faint unease.

Beyond the clamor, a deeper, more oppressive silence pervaded the space between Garoth's domain and the other end of the communication.

"... I saw it."

After a long while, Lamorein's voice sounded again from the communication device.

His low, rumbling thunder-like voice no longer held the previous fervor and playfulness, leaving only gravity.

"A Sky City. Halden's Sky City, falling from the clouds."

"I saw it."

Garoth's response was concise, betraying little emotion.

After a pause, he added, "Only one."

"Yes, only one." Lamorein repeated the phrase, but then his tone shifted. "But the fall of this one Sky City already speaks volumes. It's like the first stone rolling down from a mountain peak."

"Your words earlier now carry a different weight."

Garoth narrowed his eyes slightly, asking, "You seem... to have known something in advance."

A low, ambiguous grunt came from the other end of the communication.

"In this world, there are eternal deities, immortal ancient lives, but no eternal, imperishable Material Plane empires."

"Even the most glorious palaces, the most stable reigns, have moments of collapse. And often... they begin to rot from within first."

The Lord of Thunder's voice was measured as he spoke. "On my body, a thousand years have not passed in vain."

"I have my channels. Evil dragons... especially ones like me who have lived long enough and stretched our claws far enough, always find ways to hear some secret whispers in the shadows."

"What I can tell you is this: Halden's harvest from the Abyss has never been without cost."

"What lies buried down there isn't just wealth and power, but also slumbering nightmares. Some things have quietly crawled up, following Halden's gains, and... are slowly building nests, hatching within their very heart."

The Red Iron Dragon fell into a brief silence.

He was not unfamiliar with the corruption of the Abyss.

It was a planar characteristic more fundamental and aggressive than the elusive emotional influences of the Serene Spirit Wilderness. It twisted matter, corrupted souls, and eroded order.

Halden developing the Abyss was like walking on a knife's edge, drawing water from a poisoned pond.

No matter how thorough the preliminary preparations, how stringent the defenses, over the long years, unforeseen things would inevitably seep through.

Disasters occurring were not unimaginable.

But speculation was one thing; obtaining concrete intelligence was another.

Garoth needed more specific information to assess the risks and judge the situation.

"What exactly is it? Corrupted flesh? Mental plague? Or has an Abyssal lord taken notice here?"

Garoth pressed, wanting to grasp the key point.

"Specifically?"

Lamorein hesitated, then said, "I'm not entirely clear myself."

"Some things, knowing them too clearly becomes a burden in itself."

He avoided the details, offering only vague descriptions.

"However, I can sense the balance tilting."

He continued, "Garoth Ignas, my kin. Hah. The fall of that city is just a beginning, a most obvious sign. The times are about to change."

The Ancient Blue Dragon's tone gradually rose.

"Chaos is the ladder of progress! It's a disaster for those vested interests who have lain too long on the warm bed of order. But for predators like us who yearn to rise, whose claws and fangs have never dulled, it is the best stage!"

"The stage for dragons! The era belonging to us is coming!"

Here, he pulled the topic back to the original goal, his voice brimming with incitement. "Look! The door to the central continent has already cracked open for everyone!"

"Halden must be overwhelmed now, with no time to spare for others. The other nations are also shaken, falling into observation, hesitation, and fear."

"This is precisely the best time for us to extend our dragon claws and carve out territories! A once-in-a-millennium opportunity!"

"You named your kingdom 'Aola'. I can sense your ambition and domineering spirit in that."

"We can join forces, converging from two directions."

"Your legions march south from the northern border. My dragonflight advances east from the western region. With Halden's suppression gone, what on this continent is but scattered sand? Who can truly stand against our combined might?"

"We can split the central continent, rule by demarcation. Or, divide interests and spheres of influence in any more flexible way we agree upon. Or... once the dust settles and only we remain, we can have a glorious duel, unburdened by any ant-like interference, belonging solely to dragons! The victor takes all!"

"By then, at least on the planet Bernardo, the glorious era of dragons dominating sky and earth will descend once more!"

"Monarchs like you and I will lead this world's future."

The Lord of Thunder painted a grand blueprint.

He even unabashedly stated the possibility that he might ultimately turn against Aola, not engaging in hollow pleasantries with Garoth.

To any ambitious dragon, these words held great allure.

Garoth listened quietly.

His gaze swept once more over the Sky Cities on the distant horizon, then looked down upon his vast kingdom.

The temptation was immense.

The central continent's wealth was undeniable.

If he could seize this opportunity to bring it under control or exert massive influence, it would be a qualitative leap for the Aola Kingdom's development. Lamorein's proposal wasn't without merit either—a two-pronged advance to share risks and pressure.

But the risks were equally enormous.

Halden had only lost one city.

Were their internal problems truly as severe as Lamorein claimed, or was there another story?

"Your proposal carries weight, Lord of Thunder."

Garoth finally spoke. "The opportunities and risks of the central continent are laid bare before our eyes because of this fall. However, such a significant strategic decision, concerning the fate of an entire kingdom, requires more prudent observation and deliberation."

He neither directly agreed nor outright refused.

From the other end of the communication came Lamorein's low, soft chuckle, as if he had long anticipated this response.

"I understand. We are not those solitary wild dragons who need only answer to ourselves."

"We have dragonflights and legions to command above us, kin and vassals by our side. Major decisions indeed require time to weigh pros and cons. I do not demand an answer now."

He said earnestly, "I am merely sharing with you the future possibilities I see based on my long years, and what I believe is the optimal path for both of us."

"A wise monarch always listens to information from multiple sources."

"However, I believe that when more signs appear in succession, when the tide of the times crashes upon Aola's shores, you will make the choice most aligned with your and your kingdom's interests... which often is also the most correct choice."

After a brief silence, the Lord of Thunder concluded:

"Then, let today's conversation end here."

"Red Emperor, I look forward to hearing the mighty horn blasts of the Aola legions marching south before long. Regardless of whether we ultimately stand side by side or face to face in the future, may your kingdom endure forever, may your flames never be extinguished."

"May your thunder also forever reverberate in the skies."

Garoth responded with customary courtesy.

That Ancient Blue Dragon on the other end, regardless of how much of his true purpose was cooperation and how much was calculation, judging solely from this contact and conversation, was undoubtedly a Master of the Dragon Group possessing both power and wisdom. He held value for communication and negotiation, and the possibility for short-term cooperation existed.

Of course, they both understood perfectly well.

If both could clear other obstacles and reach the final stage, then a battle between them was inevitable; they would stand on opposing sides.

The light on the communication device faded, the connection severed.

By now, the dawn sunlight had completely leaped over the horizon, pouring down unreservedly, dyeing the Red Iron Dragon's scales an even more blazing gold and crimson, as if he himself were burning from within, vying with the rising sun.

Beneath him, the sea of clouds remained splendid, churning with waves of gold and white.

Yet, the dust cloud over the distant central lands lingered stubbornly, reflected in the giant dragon's vision.

He gazed in that direction for a long time, thoughts swirling.

The fall of the Sky City, Lamorein's invitation, the future of the Atlantis Continent, Aola's path... countless pieces of information and possibilities collided and intertwined in his mind, finally settling into calm.

Immediately, he first contacted the Gold Dragon elder far in the Vophal Dragon Domain.

"Garoth! Is that you? Hurry up and take your whelp back! I really... have had enough! By the Dragon God, even a Metal Dragon's patience has limits!"

That was indeed Ovis's voice.

In the background, one could faintly hear shouts like "My evil grandfather!" "Take this!" and the dull thuds of things being knocked over.

The "whelp" Ovis referred to was naturally the offspring of Garoth and the Gold Dragon Nasha.

This dragon-blooded one was born in the Aola Kingdom, received initial education there, and not long ago was taken by his mother back to the Vophal Dragon Domain to live, allowing him contact with other Metal Dragons.

Another noteworthy point: Garoth and Nasha's first clutch produced only this single offspring.

Whereas the Blue Dragon Zoraya and Deborah's first clutches each yielded four healthy dragon eggs, with not a single drake beast among them.

However, perhaps because the Gold Dragon bloodline was superior, the talent of Garoth's offspring ranked among the top among his many children.

"Father?"

Suddenly, the communication device projected a light screen. After a moment of flickering, it stabilized, coalescing into a half-body image.

It was a gold and crimson dragon silhouette.

He had a pair of beautifully curved, backward-sweeping dragon horns, a head structure combining power and streamlined grace. His fangs, though not fully grown, already appeared thick and long. His faceplate was heavy, his eyes bright and sharp.

Most striking was his scale color.

His body was covered in brilliant golden scales that looked exceptionally hard. But on his shoulders, neck, limb joints, spinal ridge, and tail tip, vivid, eye-catching crimson dragon scales were distributed in a pattern.

Overall, he looked like a perfect hybrid dragon blending the nobility of a Gold Dragon with the ferocity of a Red Dragon.

Though his size was still small, he already possessed an extraordinary bearing.

Gabriel Ignas.

He had inherited the Spell-Extinguishing Claws, was a dominant and positive gold-red hybrid with exceptionally high talent, and his name was also extraordinary.

"Gabriel, how do you find the Vophal Dragon Domain?"

The Red Iron Dragon looked at the image of his son and asked.

"I love it here, Father!"

Gabriel cheerfully shook his head, his voice excited. "There are so many dragons here! The environment is beautiful, and there are lots of... uh, 'evils' that need me to correct them!"

"Good that you like it."

Garoth nodded, preparing to ask about more specific situations.

"Like it, my dragon egg!"

Ovis's irritable voice cut in.

A flash of golden light, and Ovis's dragon head forcefully squeezed into the projection range, pushing Gabriel out of the frame.

"Garoth! You came at the right time. Listen to the good deeds your son has done! Likes it? He likes tormenting other dragons! Likes being his... 'Young Dragon King'!"

Ovis said, flustered and exasperated.

"Huh? Old... Grandfather, don't talk nonsense. I'm upholding justice! Aiyah..."

Gabriel tried to defend himself from outside the frame, but his voice quickly grew faint, accompanied by a flurry of flapping and wind sounds, as if he had been tossed far away.

Ovis, using a claw to point vaguely at the red-gold dragon outside the projection, poured out his grievances to Garoth.

"This kid! Relying on his good talent, sturdy scales, physique outstanding among his peers, and the combat foundation learned from you, how many days has he been here? He's already crowned himself with the title 'Young Dragon King'!"

"That in itself isn't much!"

Ovis took a breath, trying to make his tone sound fair. "Young dragons, full of energy, lively and active, even a bit competitive—it's all good. Shows vitality and drive."

However, his voice suddenly rose, his anger visibly escalating.

"But he's something else! This Young Dragon King of his doesn't organize normal hunting competitions, flight races, or skill exchanges for the other young dragons at all!"

"He's created his own set of games!"

"He makes other young dragons, even some adolescent dragons, play the roles of various evil creatures."

"Goblin tribes, gnoll bandit gangs, fallen wizards... the scripts are all improvised by him! And he himself is always that 'Righteous Red-Gold Dragon, His Majesty Gabriel Ignas,' who goes to 'subdue' and 'exterminate' those 'evils'!"

"Though many young dragons find it novel and enjoy playing along with his antics."

"But it's only been a short while, and several adult dragons have already come to me."

Ovis rubbed his temple with a claw, looking utterly weary. "The adult dragons say recreational play is fine, but they wish their offspring could play some more positive roles, at least not always play evil villains waiting to be trampled underfoot by 'justice.' It sets a bad trend."

"But what about that little whelp Gabriel? He shows no intention of compromising at all!"

"He argues with me righteously, saying things like 'The path of justice is destined to be lonely,' 'Only the strongest can shoulder the responsibility of purifying the world,' stubbornly refusing to let other dragons be the righteous protagonists."

Young Dragon King... role-playing games... quite inventive.

Garoth chuckled silently, not feeling particularly surprised.

When this offspring of his first saw him, his dragon father, at birth, he had shouted about representing justice to eliminate the inherently evil Red Iron Dragon, charging to bite his foot claws. Only after some 'loving' education did he gradually settle down.

But even so, the fundamental color of Gabriel's personality hadn't changed much.

When Gabriel was a bit older, Garoth had once asked him how exactly he defined the justice and evil in his heart.

[Justice? I am justice. Those around me are justice. All those opposing me are evil!]

Gabriel had answered roughly like that.

Regarding personality, whether this offspring took more after the Gold Dragon or the Red Dragon side, Garoth couldn't yet fully determine.

However, he didn't particularly care.

Whichever dragon he resembled more, as long as he didn't stand in opposition, it wasn't a problem.

"I believe with your wisdom and experience, you can handle this matter, Ovis."

The Red Iron Dragon said leisurely. "The Metal Dragon race, especially Gold Dragons, are renowned for being good at educating offspring, guiding young dragons onto the right path. Gabriel is now in the Vophal Dragon Domain, and Nasha is... well, not particularly adept at meticulous, patient discipline."

"The polishing of Gabriel's character and his foundational cultivation, I shall entrust to you for now."

These words were a form of recognition and entrustment.

However, Ovis on the other end of the communication showed no trace of joy at being trusted.

He looked even more frantic, somewhat flustered and exasperated.

"You... you listen to this! Garoth! Touch your heart and say, look at Alberto, then look at Nasha! Do you sincerely think that I, Ovis, am renowned for successfully educating offspring?!"

"Why is it that among my direct bloodline, not a single one lets a dragon rest easy?"

"It seems like their brains are all missing a string."

You should first look for the problem within yourself.

Garoth thought to himself, but didn't voice it out.

After all, although Ovis complained verbally, his actual care for his descendants was genuine.

Facing Ovis's accusations, Garoth said, "Then tell Nasha. Let her handle it. She still has ways to deal with Gabriel."

Hearing this, Ovis's voice halted for a moment. Then he snorted, his tone softening.

"... No need. I've decided to handle this matter myself... Nasha doesn't know her own strength. Last time, she almost dislocated Gabriel's wing."

Nasha was a Battle Dragon. Usually cheerful and laughing, but when she acted, she held nothing back, almost able to scrape Gabriel all over with the four elemental forces under the guise of 'tempering his physique.'

Although Ovis complained somewhat, he couldn't bear to see his dragon grandson get beaten.

He changed the subject, his voice turning serious.

"Alright, enough family matters for now. You suddenly contacted me, it shouldn't just be to inquire about Gabriel, right? Has something happened?"

Garoth pondered briefly, deciding to get straight to the point.

"One of Halden's Sky Cities has fallen."

"What?!"

Ovis's expression changed drastically, his dragon pupils contracting. The previous irritation was instantly replaced by seriousness.

"Are you sure? When did it happen?"

"Just now, at dawn. I witnessed it personally from the Dragon Court."

Garoth briefly described the scene.

"Which specific city isn't clear yet. Location in the southeastern direction of the central continent. The fall was rapid. The impact triggered a massive dust cloud. It won't be long before this news reaches the Vophal Dragon Domain."

His voice paused briefly, then continued.

"However, I didn't contact you specifically to inform you of this."

"After the Helmod Dragonflight landed and established their nation, they defeated the alliance of kingdoms sent to subdue them. Yet throughout this process, the Raging Tides Dragon Domain remained silent, not intervening. I want to know, has something happened in the Raging Tides Dragon Domain?"