Territory Under the Sun

"Waaah—"

With the roar of the whistle, the steam train slowly pulled into the platform. This beautifully decorated train, with its luxurious compartments, was located in the Upper District of Istaria.

However, this "special vehicle" has already arrived at a more central area, the area named after the former location of the Ember Nest - New Storm Highlands.

Around the station stand all sorts of buildings of various styles, from simple and grotesque caves to rugged tents and tall and magnificent reinforced concrete buildings.

Those who live here are all famous "big shots" in the Embers of the Burned Empire, and the minimum standard for admission is a Dragonblood Earl.

"We have arrived at New Storm Highlands Station. Please disembark in an orderly manner."

"Thank you all for your contributions to the Empire! Long live Keosius!"

Accompanied by the flight attendant's impassioned voice, the humans, Hobgoblin, Tiefling, Ogre nobles with distinct dragon-like features disembarked one after another.

In the distance, a Human Noble dressed in military uniform and carrying a leather bag walked quickly and hurriedly boarded the train. He also had dragon scales and Golden Vertical Pupils, which signified his noble lineage.

However, at this moment, this Dragon Blood Noble appeared somewhat tired, with dark bags under his golden vertical pupils, showing no sign of the vigorous energy expected of Red Dragon's servant.

—He was George, who had been promoted to Earl Dragonblood at the Awarding Ceremony a few days earlier.

As the imperial train's private carriage, the interior was extremely luxurious. Gold-framed Red Dragon paintings hung on both sides, soft carpets covered the floor, and leather sofas were provided.

George sat on the sofa, took a sip of the tea that had been prepared on the table, glanced down at the silver watch on his wrist, and frowned slightly.

"Another emergency meeting? Is the Military Department really that busy lately?"

It's no wonder George was puzzled; in just a few days, the Imperial Military Department had held more than a dozen meetings.

However, he had just been promoted to commander of the Third Army Division and was busy with the integration and handover of the troops, so he hadn't been able to find the time yet.

This time, however, Marshal Dolo personally ordered that all senior officers must be present and no one was allowed to be absent. George also had to take time out of his busy schedule to rush to the meeting.

The imperial train was exceptionally smooth and fast, and it was said to have high-level magical protection, even capable of withstanding Sixth-Circle Spell.

Before long, the train left the Istaria City and sped across the vast wilderness on the outskirts of the city.

The scenery outside the window changed rapidly and was often obscured by the steam billowing from the train, but George still turned his head to look out the window and quietly gazed south.

In the distance stretches an endless expanse of farmland, where golden rice paddies undulate like waves, and towering steel machines roar and operate within them.

But George's eyes were fixed on the cloudless blue sky, as if he could see the rich and vast land of Fei An Suo —the battlefield where he would fight in the future.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, George's eyes lit up, and he muttered to himself, "That's right, no wonder the Military Department has been holding so many meetings. Perhaps the empire's large-scale expansion is about to begin, and our expeditionary force will head south to conquer the vast Feanso Continent."

Expansion, conquest, and glory—wasn't this exactly what he dreamed of? He had imagined this scene countless times in his dreams: raising his long sword, with horns blaring and cannons roaring behind him, leading his army to conquer magnificent cities in the south.

Finally, he will stand before His Your Majesty Keosius, at the pinnacle of power in the Embers of the Burned Empire, and become a true "great man".

Now, he is the Earl of Dragonblood, and he is not far from this seemingly unattainable goal; he just needs an opportunity.

Thinking of this, George became even more excited, and his golden, reptilian vertical pupils flickered slightly.

The weariness and impatience that had been in his eyes vanished, and the Dragonblood Earl regained his radiance, his face brimming with ambition.

"Give me some water."

George downed the tea on the table in one gulp, then beckoned a waiter. He was even starting to look forward to the meeting that was coming up soon.

"Waaah—"

"We have arrived at the Empire First Military Training Base. Please disembark in an orderly manner, and remember His Majesty's kindness."

Surrounded by waiters, George slowly stepped off the special train and immediately spotted Grace waving at him from a short distance away.

"Good day, Earl George Earl."

"Earl George, I have long admired your name. I am deeply impressed by your heroic deeds on the battlefield."

"Do you remember me? We were even stationed in the same war zone together."

"So you are Earl George. I've heard of you in the Empire Daily."

Upon seeing George step out of the car, the lower-ranking Dragon Blood Noble all came forward to greet him, hoping to make a good impression on this "newly rich" man.

George was a little impatient, but he still managed a forced smile and dealt with each of them before coming to Baron Grace.

Grace took off her hat, bowed respectfully to him, and said with a smile, "Good day, Lord George."

George waved his hand, somewhat helplessly saying, "Alright, Grace, we've known each other for so long, stop pretending here."

Immediately, the surrounding Dragon Blood Noble all turned to look at Baron Grace and began to whisper among themselves.

How could a mere Baron be on par with Earl? This Baron Grace is certainly someone worth associating with.

George was aware of the consequences of his actions, but for a friend he knew well, this help was merely a convenient gesture.

It's worth noting that George was never a sociable person to begin with, and after his status rose, there weren't many people he could still call "friends."

Grace put her military cap back on and said, "This isn't just for show; it's a necessary etiquette between superiors and subordinates in the military."

"After all, you are already a distinguished Earl, qualified to ride on the Imperial Express, while I am still just an insignificant Dragon Blood Baron."

George looked at the towering military base in the distance and casually said, "Isn't this exactly what you wanted?"

"A safe and stable job, living in the bustling Istaria City, and no longer having to go to the battlefield in fear."

Grace nodded. "You're right."

George then asked, "You're better informed than I am. Is the Imperial Military Department planning something big lately?"

Grace was somewhat surprised. "As Earl, you haven't even paid attention to this? Armies are being mobilized throughout the empire and even in various colonies."

Based on everyone's speculation, it seems the Empire intends to capitalize on its great victory in the Abyss War to launch a full-scale war against the Thrace Kingdom.

George nodded slightly and agreed, "I knew it. It's pretty much what I guessed."

"Whoosh—"

A tearing sound rang out, followed by the crackling of flames. The officers present—including George —all turned to look at the source of the sound.

Ripples appeared in the space, and a vortex of fire appeared in mid-air not far away, making the surrounding air scorching and distorted.

Immediately afterwards, the Flame Wyvern flapped its fiery wings and roared as it flew out, with a majestic Half-Dragon knight in armor on its back.

Immediately, the Dragon Blood Noble began to discuss among themselves, all staring at the figure in mid-air.

Who is that?

"Is this... an officer of the Fire Elemental Plane Expeditionary Force?"

"Wait, I recognize that man. He is the governor of the Fire Elemental Plane Colony, the newly promoted Dragon Blood Marquis — Lord Serkan."

"What? The governor of the Fire Elemental Plane has also come to attend the meeting in person!"

The officers watching were shocked and quickly saluted the marquis in mid-air. Even George took off his military cap, placed his fist on his chest, and gave him a standard "Loyalty Salute."

However, that wasn't the end of it. Another ripple came from the distant space, and a pitch-black portal slowly opened.

With a crisp cracking sound of bones, a Skeletal Dragon Snake crawled out, carrying a pale-skinned man draped in a black robe on its back.

"It's Lord Hart from the Underdark! He's here too!"

Around the military base, more portals opened out of thin air, and expeditionary officers from various imperial colonies appeared one by one.

"Fire Elemental Plane, Underdark, Wind Elemental Plane, Fairy Wilderness"

George looked at the increasingly crowded base and said to Grace, "It seems the Empire is really planning something big this time."

Grace nodded seriously. "Who says otherwise?"

However, he smiled and continued, "But this probably has little to do with unambitious garrison soldiers like me who stay behind to guard the empire."

"Lord George, I wish you victory in the South, and I will pray for you and His Your Majesty Keosius in the Empire."

Soon, the group arrived inside the military base, where the spacious hall had been transformed into a lecture hall, large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of people.

Imperial soldiers from all over the Empire, and even from across the multiverse, gathered together.

Humans, Tiefling, Hobgoblin, Ogre, and even the Starfallers who had long been expelled from humanity—all races were present here, and many of the officers who were able to reach the scene were Dragon Blood Noble.

As the Earl of Dragonblood, George rightfully received a front-row seat, gazing at the spacious podium with great anticipation.

Inside the meeting room, the officers were buzzing with discussion.

"The Abyss War hasn't been over for long, has it? Are we really going to go to war with the Thrace Kingdom?"

"Hmph, cowards! We Conquest Party have long wanted to declare war on them! These Fadlanites are not worthy of such rich land!"

"As soldiers of the Empire, are you still afraid of war? We are His Your Majesty Keosius's retinue—"

Suddenly, a majestic and powerful voice echoed in the hall.

"Gentlemen—"

People turned to look at the stage, where a tall figure appeared. He had a ferocious face, large red skin, broad Dragon Wing on his back, and was surrounded by smoke.

"This aura is incredibly powerful, can you feel it? That's the pressure of bloodline!"

"This is."

"Great Red Dragon, did you see his figure? No wonder he is the Dragon Blood Duke of the Empire!"

"Keosius above, it is Marshal Dolo! It is actually him giving a speech to us personally."

This was none other than Dolo, one of the Empire's three Special Duke, the Grand Marshal of the Military Department, and the Dragon Vein Hobgoblin known as "Dragon Fury Battle Maniac"! Dolo opened his mouth full of fangs, folded his wings, and exhaled a cloud of Gunsmoke from his nostrils.

"Quiet."

Immediately, the officers present fell silent, and the hall, which could hold tens of thousands of people, became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The Empire's military training was far more rigorous than that of the former "noble army" of the the North, and what they valued most was not individual bravery—but obedience.

Any soldier you pick can recite all the articles of the "Empire Military Training Regulations," and upon hearing orders from their superiors, they will react as if by conditioned reflex.

At this moment, the imperial officers in the hall stood tall and straight, like flagpoles standing upright.

Dolo nodded in satisfaction and continued, "I believe you can also understand why I have gathered you here."

The Dragon Vein Hobgoblin clenched his fist, and a huge Magic Image instantly appeared behind him—a map of the Feanso Continent.

Dolo pointed his paw at the colored block at the top of the map marked "Thrace Kingdom" and said in a deep voice, "Conquer."

Dolo turned around and paced back and forth on the spacious platform, his deep voice echoing throughout the hall.

The scene behind the camera also changes, with the image showing the ravaged, bomb-cratered land of the south, and displaced people crying out in sorrow.

"Gentlemen, look at those Fadlanites. They are so greedy and wasteful, possessing such rich and fertile land."

Anzeta had been silent for far too long. This remote region had been regarded as a barbaric land by the southerners, until more than a decade ago. The great and supreme His Your Majesty Keosius rose like the sun and completely changed everything! Dolo and more impassioned and powerful, resonating against the walls of the hall.

The days when other nations divided the continent and the sea, and the Anzeta people were content with the wilderness, are over—we, too, demand land under the sun.

"Conquer!"

He raised the Bloodfire Battle Axe in his hand, spread his broad wings, and shouted.

"Conquer! Conquer!"

"For His Your Majesty Keosius, for the Embers of the Burned Empire!"

The hall erupted in cheers, with the war-obsessed officers joining in Dolo's shouts and raising their arms in agreement.

The Conquest Party, who had long been eager for the war to begin, even started singing songs and letting out deafening roars.

In the frenzied crowd, George also raised his arm high, shouting at the top of his lungs, his heart pounding with dragon blood.

Yes, conquest.

What a beautiful term! He became Dragon Blood Noble during the conquest of the the North.

He will lead his army, in the name of the Empire, in the name of Keosius, to conquer the South, until he reaches the pinnacle of the Empire's power.

This is what the former serf of the the North, now the Earl of Dragonblood, thought to himself.