Turbulent World, Mourning Golden Dragon

After this Earth-Shattering "God War," Dror led the imperial elite to quickly occupy Avendell Dan, seizing the fruits of the Dwarf' wisdom and hard work accumulated over thousands of years.

Upon hearing that the Embers of the Burned Empire had once again swiftly and decisively destroyed the High Mountain Kingdom, the Feanso Continent was thrown into turmoil, with people stunned and filled with panic.

Avendell Dan, a city that had remained unconquered for thousands of years and the common home of the Shield Dwarves, had fallen into the hands of the evil dragon so easily!

The surrounding powers trembled with fear, and the tension reached its peak. Many countries have expressed their intention to form a military alliance, hoping to band together for mutual support and resist these "Barbarian" from the frigid land.

After successfully settling in Avendell Dan, the Imperial patrols conducted a thorough search of the city, uncovering hundreds of Dwarf hiding within. Half of them died in fierce resistance, while the other half surrendered to the Empire.

Unfortunately, the "Lord of the High Mountains," Ed, was exceptionally determined, almost to the point of desperation. He smashed the city's ingenious machinery before the war even began and emptied the Lonely Mountain Treasure Vault in advance, infuriating Dror.

To their delight, the arrival of Dumasong, the Divine Authority of "Earth Secret Treasure," brought forth rich veins of gold, silver, copper, and gemstones in the surrounding mountains. After exploration by technicians, the mineral reserves within a radius of a hundred miles were found to be comparable to those of the entire Anzeta.

In just a few days, Avendell Dan, which was almost a ghost town, became busy again.

Upon hearing news of the mineral deposits, mine owners and merchants from across the empire flocked to the city like piranhas drawn by the scent of blood, and various investments and engineering projects emerged one after another.

Some even hired three hundred hardworking Fire Dwarf miners—or more accurately, slave laborers—from the Fire Elemental Plane Colony, hoping to contract the development rights to this mine.

Meanwhile, in accordance with the Empire's original plan, in addition to tens of thousands of elite troops from Dror, more Imperial troops were dispatched here, and hundreds of thousands of players received summons and came upon hearing the news.

At Smaug's call, more than five hundred Wyvern from North Aisel flocked to Avendell Dan in a dark, massive swarm, and the deep mines became their natural nests.

Smaug, along with his thirty-two companions, swaggered into the Lonely Mountain Treasure Vault Hill, becoming the true "King Under the Mountain"—except that Lonely Mountain was now empty, no longer filled with gold and Silver Sea.

It is said that the miners in the surrounding area often hear the exhilarating roars of Wyvern coming from the Lonely Mountain Treasure Vault. It is His Smaug working tirelessly day and night to strengthen the Imperial Dragon Horde.

At Keosius's command, Avendell Dan was renamed "Dragon City," and the Dwarf statues in the Path of Glory were replaced by traitorous Dwarf craftsmen with statues of Keosius and the Dragon Blood Noble.

In the not-too-distant future, Avendell Dan, or the Dragon City, will become a military stronghold for the Empire to control the the North of Fei An Suo, and a paradise for Gold Digger, merchants, and Dragonkin.

However, for Keosius at present, the most important task is to eliminate the hidden danger in the north—the orcs.

Keosius knew all too well the terror of those spore-covered green-skinned creatures. Compared to the original nomadic barbarians, the current orcs were more like a biological virus. It could even be said that as long as the orcs were not eliminated, the north would not be at peace.

"When!"

"The sound of hammers pounding echoed, and the mine tunnels were deep and long!"

"Clang! Clang clang!"

The crisp sound of hammers striking rocks rang out rhythmically, and the Dwarf' spirited songs echoed through the mountains.

"A glittering light shines deep within the mine; treasure lies ahead!"

Pickaxe clangs, hammer gleams, mining is a joyous occasion! Undeterred by hardship or fatigue, we piling up gems and gold!

The Dwarf ' voices were full of enthusiasm, making the already scorching red land even more vibrant, and causing the corners of Zane's mouth, hidden by his beard, to keep turning up.

The mine was filled with tunnels, platforms, and scaffolding carved out by Dwarf, and simple stone houses were scattered around it, forming the beginnings of a city.

Looking at the Dwarf working hard and sweating profusely, Zane was filled with emotion. The magnificent fortress and his hometown, Avendell Dan, kept appearing in his mind.

He thought to himself, "Surely their ancestors must have established their homeland in the same way, building Avendell Dan step by step."

A Dwarf woman noticed the prince who had come to inspect the area and was overjoyed. She smiled and waved her hoe, saying, "Your Prince Zane, you've come too!"

Zane nodded. "Since I had some free time, I thought I'd come and see you all. How's it working here?"

The Dwarf woman chuckled and said, "It's wonderful! As expected of a place provided by Titus, this place is a treasure trove, filled with glittering gold and gems. We can hardly dig them all up!"

She wiped the sweat from her beard, hesitated for a moment, and then stammered, "It's just too hot here. A lot of people have been suffering from heatstroke these days. My neighbor Kent almost died from the heat."

Zane frowned and said in a deep voice, "I understand. I'll go talk to Titus about this right away and buy some heat-resistant potions from him."

The Dwarf woman nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness. However, many people want to know when we can return to Blackstone Mountain?"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding Dwarf gathered around and began to discuss it animatedly.

They had been living in the Volcanic Secret Realm for over a month, and many of the Dwarf could no longer bear the unbearable heat and humidity.

"Yes, Your Majesty, when can we go home?"

How long have we been here?

"Oh dear, my husband, old Kord, is a lazy good-for-nothing. If it weren't for me, he probably would have starved to death!"

Feeling the Dwarf' eager gazes, Zane sighed deeply and replied solemnly, "As I said, Avendell Dan is facing a great crisis, and we must all stay here until the war ends."

Forget about Blackstone Mountain. Until we get new information, we must make this volcano our new home for the Dwarf.

Upon hearing this, the Dwarf all lowered their heads and sighed, their faces showing disappointment.

Zane turned around resolutely, his eyes revealing sadness and longing. As Dwarf prince who grew up in Blackstone Mountain, how could he not miss his homeland?

For the past month, that magnificent fortress has appeared in his dreams more than once, keeping him tossing and turning and unable to fall asleep.

But Zane knew that he carried an even more important mission on his shoulders—to continue the glorious civilization of the High Mountain Kingdom and pass on the legacy of the Shield Dwarves.

"Your Highness! Your Prince Zane! Titus come to visit. He says he has urgent news to tell you!" In the distance, Dwarf messenger waved and shouted.

Zane's heart tightened instantly, and a bad premonition suddenly rose in his mind. Large beads of sweat slid down his cheeks, but gradually evaporated in the high temperature, turning into smoke.

Urgent news! Has Avendell Dan fallen?

No, impossible, Zane shook his head, denying his terrible guess.

As long as his father, Ed, the "Lord of the High Mountains," is there, no matter how powerful the dragon is, it is impossible for it to conquer Avendell Dan in just a few days.

Zane knew very well how powerful his father was. Even without the Rock Hammer, the Dwarf king still had the power to command the mountains, enough to terrify any invading force.

Even though he was confident in Ed, Zane was still very nervous.

Zane forced himself to remain calm, strode forward, and asked the panting messenger, "Where is Titus?"

Running through this Demiplane filled with Fire Elemental was clearly no easy task. The messenger, sweating profusely and panting heavily, replied, "Your Highness, Lord Titus is at the Lysander Mountain."

"I understand. I also need to talk to him, so you won't have to make another trip," Zane replied.

Lysander Mountain, named after Lysander, the fourth king of the High Mountain Kingdom and Dwarf hero, is located two miles to the north.

Zane was much stronger than the messenger, and he moved quickly, soon reaching the Lysander Mountain, where he saw that familiar figure.

Its scales shimmered with golden light, its wings were broad, its head was majestic yet wise, its eyes were like deep golden pools, and a dozen gill whiskers fluttered in mid-air—that was none other than "Dawn Wing" Titus, the closest and most steadfast ally of the Shield Dwarves.

At this moment, however, the Ancient Gold Dragon had a solemn expression and a sorrowful look on its face.

"Zane, you've come," Titus said, his voice low and hoarse, as if he were sighing.

The young Dwarf prince's heart tightened, and his premonition intensified. He quickly stepped forward and said anxiously, "Titus, what's wrong? What happened?"

Upon hearing the Dwarf's question, the Golden Dragon's pale golden eyes revealed an overwhelming sense of guilt and self-reproach, and he said in a heavy voice, "I'm sorry, Zane."

Avendell Dan has fallen.

"What?!"

Zane's pupils dilated in shock, his mouth agape, his expression dazed. These words exploded in his mind like a bolt from the blue.

The Dwarf prince had rehearsed this day countless times in his mind, but he never expected it to come so soon. He kept shaking his head and muttering to himself, "This, this, how could it be so fast!"

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Zane asked with great urgency, "What about my father, Ed? He... he wouldn't..."

His voice was halting, and he choked up at the end.

Titus sighed again and said with utmost seriousness, "Ed has sacrificed himself."

Zane's legs trembled first, then he collapsed to the ground, tears welling up in his eyes, and the tall figure kept appearing in his mind.

No matter when, in front of his father, Zane was always that thin, frail child.

He gripped the Rock Hammer in his hand and mumbled, "Father, it was my fault. My cowardice led him astray."

"No, it's not your fault, Your Prince Zane. It's the sins of those brutal invaders."

The Golden Dragon raised its head, its majestic face covered by the glow of flames, and its golden eyes revealed an expression of remembrance and respect.

"As for your father, he was a true hero and a dear friend I will never forget. He died a glorious death on the battlefield resisting the invasion."

History will forever remember his name— Ed. Klein, King of the Shield Dwarves, Lord of the High Mountains, the warrior who died fighting against the tyranny of the dragon.

Hearing this, Zane wiped away his tears, gripped the Rock Hammer tightly, and rose from the ground. He said, "Titus, I will carry on his legacy, overthrow the dragon's tyranny, and reclaim Avendell Dan."

"I am pleased to hear you say that, and I believe His Majesty Ed will be proud of you. But now is not the time. The evil dragon and his minions are too powerful, and our strength is not enough," said the Ancient Gold Dragon.

Zane looked into the distance and said, "I know, Titus, but one day, evil will be defeated by justice, and darkness will be illuminated by light, won't it?"

"Certainly."

Titus smiled kindly, then turned to the Dwarf prince with his wise golden eyes. "Your Prince Zane, His Majesty Ed entrusted me with something before he left, telling me to give it to you at the right time."

The Ancient Gold Dragon stretched out its giant claw and pulled an item from the void—a crown made of gold, inlaid with various gems, exuding the rich and grand feel unique to Dwarf craftsmanship.

"This is."

Zane's eyes flashed, and soon he realized where the thing came from.

—That is the Crown of Mountains. Only a king recognized by the entire Shield Dwarves can wear this crown and be crowned the true Lord of the High Mountains.

Titus picked up the crown and solemnly said, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. I think you are now worthy to wear it."

Zane was excited. He looked at the Dwarf subjects who were working, at the city under construction, and at the tall figure in his heart.

He knew that at this moment, he had to shoulder the responsibility of the Lord of the High Mountains and lead his people toward a glorious tomorrow.

"Lord of the High Mountains!"

"Long live His Your Majesty Zane!"

Shouts came from the foot of the mountain. Zane turned around in surprise and saw the old, weak and sick Dwarf cheering and encouraging the Dwarf prince with tears in their eyes.

—It turns out that the conversation had been amplified by Titus and transmitted to every corner of the Volcanic Secret Realm.

All the Dwarf knew that Ed was dead, and that Prince Zane would assume the responsibilities of the Lord of the High Mountains and become their new king.

Titus laughed and said, "See, there's no need to worry, young king. You have already been recognized by your future subjects."

Hearing those encouraging voices, a warm feeling welled up in Zane's heart, and his sense of responsibility became even stronger.

Zane strode forward with firm steps and lowered his head.

Titus carefully placed the crown on his head and said in a gentle voice, "Congratulations, Your Prince Zane, no, you should now be called His Your Majesty Zane."

"Your Titus, thank you for your trust."

"I swear—I will lead the Shield Dwarves to a bright future, and one day, I will reclaim Avendell Dan and avenge my father." Zane raised his head, his voice firm and resolute.

This is a promise to his subjects, and also a promise to himself.

His expression was incredibly resolute, and his features already revealed the temperament of the former Lord of the High Mountains, Ed —now, the heavy responsibility of reviving the Shield Dwarves rested entirely on his shoulders.

"Your Majesty Zane!"

"Zane, Lord of the High Mountains!"

"Reclaim Avendell Dan! Restore the glory of the Dwarf!"

"Yes, we must avenge His Majesty Ed!"

The Dwarf cheered even louder, waving their hammers and halberds. Although they were still grieving for Ed's death, they still encouraged and supported Zane without reservation.

Meanwhile, Titus watched the young king with satisfaction, clapping his hands with his claws. The Ancient Gold Dragon, his face filled with nostalgia and tears streaming down his face, exclaimed, "So alike! So alike!"

He looked exactly like an old man who was content to see his old friend's son succeed.

—It can only be said that Keosius's acting skills are already superb, reaching the pinnacle.