Dragon's Might, scorching heat, a mountain-like body, and magma-like patterns—the Shadowflame Dragon's complete form, like the cold indifference gleaming in its vertical pupils, inspired fear from the depths of one's heart.
Yet after the fear came a sense of awe that gave rise to an instinctive appreciation of beauty.
It was not admiration for the beauty of the Shadowflame Dragon's appearance, but shock at the beauty of its surging, overwhelming power.
"A dragon!"
Russell withdrew his gaze, not daring to keep staring at the Shadowflame Dragon. Yet even that brief glimpse had left an unforgettable impression in his mind. It was the perfect embodiment of the greatest power in this extraordinary world.
It was also the ultimate form of Earth Power.
The Shadowflame Dragon's form had completely seized his mind. He had not even noticed the large number of Wyverns and Phantom Beast birds landing right behind it.
"Greetings, His Highness Shadowflame!" Kunbiv Shadowflame's voice rang out first, breaking the silence over the scene.
Count Oscro Waterwillow finally came back to his senses and called out in a deep voice, "Oscro greets His Highness Shadowflame!"
"Greetings, His Highness Shadowflame!"
"Greetings, His Highness Shadowflame!"
The nobles followed one after another, their cries rising in wave after wave.
The Shadowflame Dragon showed no reaction. It had no sense of involvement in this ritual of humans bowing to one another.
However, beside the Shadowflame Dragon, Grand Duke Kunstan Shadowflame—whom Russell had completely overlooked—jumped down from the back of a hawk-like Phantom Beast and strode forward step by step until he stood level with the Shadowflame Dragon's head.
Count Oscro finally got a clear look at Grand Duke Kunsitan and immediately called out in a deep voice, "Oscro greets the Grand Duke!"
"Greetings, Grand Duke!"
"Greetings, Grand Duke!"
Another thunderous chorus of greetings followed.