Thane (please vote for me)
New Calendar 418, January
Aura Legion set foot on the hinterland belonging to the Lothern Kingdom.
This torrent composed of steel, Warcraft and Aura warriors is approaching Valdo City in an unstoppable manner.
Along the way, the gates of cities opened at dawn or dusk, and the defenders disarmed to welcome the arrival of the great Red Emperor.
There is no resistance or shouting, only obedience.
When the result of the fateful battle on Lain Plateau came, Lothern's will to resist was extinguished like a candle in the wind.
Aura Legion moves very steadily, neither fast nor slow.
On the other side, Valdo City.
For people living here, this winter is colder than previous years.
Lead-gray clouds hung low in the sky, refusing to let in any sunlight.
The wind passed through the towering columns and spires of Royal Court, picked up scattered fine snow, and slapped them on the stained glass windows.
There were very few pedestrians in the streets. Even those who had to go out had to wrap up their thick coats and hurried on with their heads lowered. Although the market was still open, the variety of goods was significantly reduced. The price of food had tripled. Charcoal fires had become a scarce commodity. People rarely talked while buying, but occasionally looked north in unison.
Aura Legion Upcoming directions.
Within Royal Court, people are also in panic.
The splendid hall has lost its former solemnity and majesty.
The nobles lost their calm demeanor, and the ministers could not hide the panic on their faces. They gathered together in twos and threes, chatting in low voices with muffled voices. From time to time, their eyes drifted outside the palace, or looked anxiously at the throne.
The place is empty now.
Their king has died in Lain Plateau.
Not to be killed, but to commit suicide.
When the news came back, Royal Court was silent for a whole afternoon.
No one appreciated the king's character.
No matter what his final thoughts were when he chose to commit suicide, other nobles and ministers privately labeled him a coward.
In the corners of wine cellars, in the shadows of cloisters or in closed studies, similar discussions circulate quietly.
"At least a successor should be arranged..."
"His death only means that he did not truly value his kingdom and people."
Suicide after a huge failure?
This is not impossible.
But at the very least, the current mess should be properly dealt with first.
If a king arranges his funeral affairs properly and then chooses to commit suicide, no one will call him a coward, and will even forgive his failure and only regard it as a wrong direction.
Or maybe, when Shatter is dreaming, Raymond doesn't care about anything anymore.
But no matter what, the king is gone.
If only the king died, that would be okay.
As long as the royal bloodline still exists, there will always be someone who can take the throne.
However, the most important thing is that the Crown Ranks who protected the kingdom were also buried in Lain Plateau.
Those beings who stood at the pinnacle of Lothern's power wanted to give the kingdom a bright and glorious future, but in the end, they burned themselves out with all their might, but instead exhausted Lothern's foundation.
Holy Spirit has actually re-condensed.
As long as Lothern Kingdom is still there, it will not really die.
But it doesn't make Lothern feel safe.
Then, people's eyes began to turn in another direction.
Gordon·Ignas, this Iron Dragon is entrenched in his own residence, in a wide courtyard on the west side of Royal Court.
The courtyard was originally a garden for royal members to cool off in summer. There was a fountain and rose bushes in the center, and several old oak trees were planted on the edges. After Iron Dragon moved in, the fountain was filled in, the roses were removed, and the ground was paved with metal plates to prevent them from being cracked by his increasingly heavy body.
During Iron Dragon's childhood and adolescence, people often came and went here.
At that time, he was still small, with smooth and delicate scales, a round body, and a clear voice. He did not have the ferocious feeling that belonged to Dragonkin, and he was still the princess's playmate.
Noble children would visit him out of curiosity, and maids would be happy to comb his scales or feed him candied fruits.
In the eyes of many humans, Iron Dragon at that time was considered honest and even cute.
But as time goes by, the image of Iron Dragon gradually moves closer to a real dragon.
His shoulder height has grown from less than a human waist at the beginning to one that requires looking up; his claws have become sharper and can easily leave deep scratches on stone slabs; his scales have also become towering and cold, glowing with a dull metallic sheen in the sunlight.
No matter how many exquisite jewelry he wears, he can't hide his growing Dragon Might.
Ever since Iron Dragon became an adult, this place has become deserted.
Except for the food that is delivered regularly, the waiters who clean and serve Iron Dragon, and the princess who occasionally visits, there are not many other people visiting.
People fear him.
Perhaps they can accept him on the surface, praise him at celebrations, and show him a gentle and friendly smile, but in the human heart, the instinctive fear of facing huge predators has never disappeared.
Iron Dragon Gordon knows this clearly, and therefore can always bear in mind his identity as a dragon.
But recently, everything has changed.
The nobles and ministers once again flocked here enthusiastically.
Gifts were piled up at the entrance to the courtyard.
Full boxes of gold coins, sealed magic scrolls, rare fruits preserved with ice magic, ointments said to enhance the hardness of scales, silks and spices...
They were almost queuing up, waiting patiently, just hoping to meet briefly and say a few words.
In their eyes, the fear still existed, but it was more of a cautious flattery, almost flattering. They no longer just regarded him as a domesticated exotic beast, but as some kind of... bridge.
The bridge to survival.
Today, that enthusiasm reaches a new level.
"Gordon Your Excellency, good day."
"It's a freezing cold day. You are standing here. Do you feel that the ground is cold?"
"My family treasures a blanket, which is made from a handful of the best down on Snow Dove. After tanning, it is sewn with gold thread. It is warm and comfortable. Snow Dove, did you know? They only live on the highest ice peak of Northern Frontier. They only shed their down once a year. It is very difficult to collect..."
A count who made his fortune from mining was all smiles.
He stood at the entrance of the courtyard, bowed and saluted from a distance, holding a square object wrapped in deep Blue Dragon velvet in his hands, and spoke in a respectful tone.
Gordon just lazily raised his eyelids and glanced at him. A stream of white air came out of his nose and condensed into a mist in the cold air. There was no response.
Seeing this, the count seemed to have received some kind of permission, and his smile became even brighter.
He placed the package in the designated gift storage area, and said a few more compliments such as "May your scales shine forever" and "Lothern will always be grateful for your existence" before walking backwards and leaving.
Within a few minutes after the count had retired, another minister came.
He was wearing a heavy mink cloak and his beard was covered with frost. He had obviously been waiting outside for a long time.
He approached holding a velvet-lined jade box and opened it from a distance. Inside was a fist-sized Moonglow Gem. There seemed to be liquid moonlight flowing inside, which had a very calming effect on Dragonkin, which was very rare.
"I heard that you like to collect gems. This was passed down from my grandfather's grandfather and has been kept in the deepest part of the family treasure house. I am here to present it to you today."
"I hope it will please you."
Iron Dragon Gordon did not refuse, nor did he show joy. He just stretched out his front paws, gently picked up the gem with the tip of his smallest toe, and then brought it close to his eyes to examine it.
The gem still gave off a soft halo under the dim skylight, reflecting in his vertical pupils.
He looked at it for a while, then placed the gem on a pile of similar collectibles next to him, and then accepted it with a low growl in his throat.
The minister was relieved and stepped away with a happy face.
Throughout the day, similar scenes continued to play out.
Those who offer rare magic metals, those who offer the best meat, those who ask around and round about Red Emperor's preferences...
There are countless variations.
If Gordon long ago would have been happy, proud and proud of this.
Look, these humans are begging me in a humble way.
But now, he just felt a little boring in his heart, like watching a group of ants hurriedly carrying food before a rainstorm. Although he was busy, it couldn't change anything.
Their gifts, their smiles, their flattery are all for survival.
"Alas, my plan to secretly subvert Lothern is over before it even begins."
Iron Dragon shook his head, his thick neck causing the scales to rub together, making a subtle metallic scraping sound.
He raised his head and looked at the snowy sky. The snowflakes fell on his warm scales and melted instantly, turning into wisps of white steam.
The melancholy in my heart is real, but there is also a hint of sobriety in it.
He certainly knew why people's attitudes changed.
The great Red Emperor, his blood relative and brother, defeated all Lothern Crown Rank with Power of One Dragon in Lain Plateau, and is leading the army at this time, approaching Valdo City.
Gordon The various conspiracies, rebellions, and secret accumulation of power that he had imagined before have all become children's games.
His blood relative, his brother, solved everything in the most direct way.
"The true reliance of our dragon should be strength, and only strength."
Iron Dragon Gordon thought thoughtfully.
At this time, the air suddenly heated up.
Phew! Phew! Phew!
In the center of the courtyard, clusters of flames ignited out of thin air, red with gold, then gathered, stretched, and transformed into a slender and beautiful human shape.
The flame gradually became introverted and turned into a solid outline.
She was surrounded by a faint orange-red flame, and her flaming hair flowed like a waterfall, with sparks still flickering at the tips of her hair. She wore a fiery red dress made of flames, and the hem of the skirt moved automatically without wind, and small flames were constantly being generated and extinguished at the edges.
Her appearance completely dissipated the cold air in the courtyard, and even the falling snowflakes turned into water vapor as she approached.
Fire Spirit Princess, Elina of Lothern.
She looked at the back of the minister who had just left, almost trotting away, and a slight smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.
"In the past two days, the royal family has taken me seriously again and given me a lot of materials I need. Some of the things they used to push back and forth, now come to me on their own initiative."
"These wallflowers turn around very fast."
The princess's voice was ethereal, with a subtle reverberation like the crackling of flames. It was not harsh, but had a strange rhythmic feel.
Iron Dragon growled low and said, "Seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages is the instinct of most living things."
"Weak animals will show weakness to the strong, and humans are no exception."
"With the power of my brother, their current behavior is also normal. At least it is more normal than foolishly resisting to the end."
He paused, then turned his huge head towards the princess, her burning figure reflected in his eyes.
"What are you going to do? Wait for Garos's troops to arrive at the city, or do something in advance? For example, make sure that this royal city is completely handed over to him?"
Opposite, Elina asked, eyebrows made of flames raised slightly.
Iron Dragon shook his head slightly. "Garos has his own ideas, I don't need to worry about him."
The nobles and ministers of Lothern were panicked, worried about massacres, looting, and all the atrocities of the conquerors recorded in history books.
But in fact, based on Gordon's understanding of his blood relatives, he felt that Garos would not do this.
Even, he doesn't care about conquering Lothern.
While speaking, Iron Dragon gently fiddled with the pile of gifts with the tip of his tail, and a ruby rolled down the stone slab, making a crisp sound.
"Lothern's dream has become Shatter, and he can't even keep his current status."
"But, Elina, you don't seem to have any idea about it."
"The joys and sorrows of the kingdom and the struggles of mankind seem to be on another level in your eyes."
Hearing this, Fire Spirit Princess smiled slightly.
She walked to the edge of the courtyard and reached out to touch the trunk of an old oak tree.
At the moment of contact, the bark of the tree was slightly charred, but did not burn. Her flames were controlled with incomparable precision.
"Once upon a time, I felt that the kingdom and its people were the most important."
Her voice was calm, as if she was stating a fact that had nothing to do with her.
"I am willing to give my life, everything, everything to Lothern."
"For this reason, I am willing to give up the human form and embrace the body of this element, thinking that I can gain more lasting power and protect it longer."
"I still remember every step of the ritual."
"Lying in the furnace, letting the liquid flame essence inject into the blood vessels, the skin carbonized and peeled off under the high temperature, the bones were reorganized, and the nerves merged with the fire veins... It was painful, but I thought it was worth it for the kingdom, so I persisted and gained a new life."
Having said this, she was silent for a second.
Snowflakes melted above her head and turned into white steam.
"But people change."
The princess turned around and looked at Iron Dragon with her flaming eyes.
"After death and rebirth, my thoughts have changed, not suddenly, but like... a layer of shell has faded away, and I have become purer."
"A state? It is nothing more than a temporary aggregation of matter and will."
"Like a sandcastle, it ebbs and flows and eventually returns to dust."
"Human beings established dynasties, fought for them, sang for them, and sacrificed for them, but after hundreds of years, the dynasties changed; thousands of years later, tens of thousands of years later, even their names may be forgotten. Lothern Founded a country for thousands of years, which is considered a long time on this land, but in terms of the mountains, the stars, and the scale of the elements themselves, it is only a blink."
The flames around her rose slightly, and the temperature increased a few points.
"Gordon, now, what I am chasing is something more essential."
As he spoke, a burning light flashed in Elina's eyes.
That was not a metaphor. When she talked about her pursuit, her pupils really lit up.
"For example, the structure of the world."
"Why does fire burn? Why does ice cold? Are the four elements ultimate? Or are they just the symptoms of some deeper law?"
"Where does fire originate? Where does it go after it is extinguished?"
"A piece of wood burns and turns into heat, light, and smoke. The mass seems to be reduced. Where did the reduced part go? I have many questions in my mind that I want to answer, and there is also the possibility of...Eternal Realm."
Her voice gradually increased in speed, and finally gradually converged, coming to reality.
"As for who rules this land, whether it is Lothern, Aura, or some other name... As long as it does not prevent me from exploring the answers to these questions, I don't care."
Iron Dragon Gordon listened quietly.
He can understand this change.
Dragonkin is born with a desire for power and exploration of the world.
Human beings actually have this desire, but their short life and strong emotions and social nature often cover up or distort this nature.
When Elina broke away from the shackles of the human body, she acquired a thinking mode closer to that of an immortal species.
It is normal for her to be obsessed with certain knowledge or mysteries in the Immortal Seed.
There are many similar individuals in the giant dragon.
Some are obsessed with the movement of stars and have observed celestial phenomena for hundreds of years; some are obsessed with the structure of life and dissect various creatures until they become masters; some study the nature of magic and lock themselves in caves for several generations.
Elina is now just joining their ranks.
"You're becoming more like us, Elina."
Iron Dragon said in a low voice.
Many human monarchs are unwilling to change their human form, and some kingdoms even explicitly prohibit it. Royal members are not allowed to extend their lifespan through this method. There are reasons behind this.
Rulers need to maintain "humanity" to understand their people and maintain governance.
The way of thinking is often determined by the form of existence.
How can a king who can live for a thousand years empathize with ordinary farmers who only live for a few decades?
How can a being who does not need to eat and only absorb elemental energy understand the fear of famine?
After the way of existence changes, it is basically impossible to maintain the original way of thinking. At first, because the memories and habits are still there, it may not be a big deal, but as time goes by, the thoughts will inevitably change, and eventually, they will become another "thing".
"Maybe."
The princess smiled slightly, the flames around her swaying, "But there's nothing wrong with that. At least, we can understand each other better now."
She stretched out her hand made of flames and gently patted Iron Dragon's forearm.
Iron Dragon also grinned, showing his staggered fangs.
"Yes, I like you better now."
In the courtyard, due to the presence of Fire Spirit and the dragon, it was as warm as spring, the stone slabs were dry, and the air was scorching.
Outside the courtyard, the snow gradually became heavier. The wind passed through the Royal Court building complex, bringing the faint sound of bells in the distance. It was the alarm bell of the watchtower on the city wall, but it was not sounded today, it was just the wind teasing the bell tongue.
But people's vigilance is getting higher and higher.
In the distance, a king is coming through the snow with unparalleled majesty.
The sun rises and the moon sets, and time gradually passes by.
Half a month later.
In the early morning, the soldiers on duty at the Valdo City wall were the first to see the changes.
On the horizon, a vague black line first appeared, crawling at the junction of the snowfield and the gray sky. Then, the black line widened and thickened, like a tide overflowing the tidal flat, advancing slowly but firmly.
That's Aura Legion's front.
They were silent and neat, like polished blades.
There are no war drums and horns, only Iron Hoof crushing frozen soil, metal friction, and the roar of giant monsters.
These sounds merged into a low and continuous sound wave that rolled across the snow and was weakened by the time it reached the city wall, but it still carried heavy pressure, enough to crush any remaining will to resist.
Directly above the black wave, in the wind and snow.
It was that figure that made the entire Romanian Plains tremble.
Red Emperor, Immortal Dragon, Garos·Ignas.
In addition, because of his power to lift the scorching sun and destroy the Lain Plateau earth with one blow, he gained another name that quickly spread among Bard.
[Red Emperor Pale Star]
Now, he maintains his regular dragon form.
But even in this regular form, its body is as majestic as a mountain, and its thorns and scales are as towering as dangerous peaks. It still exudes unrivaled pressure.
He did not intentionally release Dragon Might.
However, the aura that had been tempered by blood and fire and crushed by Crown Rank had become as solid as substance, shrouding the hearts of every living being in Valdo City.
The livestock neighed uneasily in the pen, the dogs huddled in the corner and shivered, and even the birds stayed away from this airspace.
Opposite Red Emperor, on the city wall.
The defenders, who were supposed to be well prepared, were unusually quiet at the moment, not like an army.
The crossbows were lowered, the magic crystal cannon was turned off, and the soldiers looked pale and did not pick up their weapons.
At this moment, the heavy grinding sound of mechanical operation came from the city.
Valdo City's giant metal city gate is slowly opening inward.
Gears bite, chains slide, runes light up, and door shafts groan.
When the city gate opened, a group of Lothern nobles came out.
The leader was an old prince with white beard and hair, wearing the most formal royal attire, with his chest covered with medals.
He is the uncle of the late king, and he is also the person with the highest seniority among Royal Court and the most theoretically qualified person to represent Lothern.
Originally, he was supposed to enjoy his old age in peace, reading books, growing flowers, and occasionally attending some insignificant ceremonies in a warm manor.
At least he shouldn't be responsible for things like this.
He is so old that he needs a cane to walk.
But now, he had to stand up.
The old prince staggered, and with the support of two young nobles, he walked a few hundred meters out of the city gate, and then stood still in the wind and snow.
He let go of the support and stood alone, his body swaying slightly in the cold wind. Then, facing the dragon shadow standing in the sky, he bent his back deeply.
"Lothern...Valdo City, welcome your great Majesty Red Emperor, Garos·Ignas!"
His voice was hoarse and he tried his best to amplify it.
"May... may your Majesty's glory shine on this land."
As the words fell, more nobles began to echo.
They followed the old prince, bowing in the same way, and their voices sounded unevenly.
"Welcome Red Emperor to the loyal Lothern!"
"There is no sun in the sky, Ignas Your Majesty is the only sun!"
"Romanian Plains will move towards glory under the dragon wings!"
"We are willing to offer our loyalty and implore His Majesty's mercy!"
"..."
No matter what the previous direction of public opinion was, no matter how many complaints, fears or calculations there were in private.
At this moment, Red Emperor could only hear praise.
Some of these compliments were prepared in advance, some were improvised, and some were even incoherent due to nervousness, but the core meaning was the same.
--We surrender, please be kind.
At this moment, a figure as dark as fine iron flew out of the city, and finally stopped about a hundred meters in front of Red Emperor. This distance was close enough for the dragons to clearly see the lines on each other's scales.
"My dear brother!"
Iron Dragon's voice was loud and full of heartfelt joy, "Congratulations, you have set foot in the royal city of Lothern! Your reputation has resounded throughout the countries!"
The last time, Iron Dragon saw his blood relatives with his own eyes when the Lothern delegation congratulated Aura on the founding of the country.
At that time, Aura had just founded the country, and its territory was only half of what it is now. Although my brother was powerful, he still had to be cautious in dealing with other countries.
But this time we meet again, Lothern has surrendered under the dragon wings, and Red Emperor will soon become the undisputed Overlord.
The wind and snow roared by, blowing the thorns on Gordon's back.
He couldn't help but recall the distant afternoon when he first received his brother's message through Blood Kin Link many years ago.
At that time, he was still a little dragon, lying in the courtyard basking in the sun, when suddenly a strange voice sounded in his mind, full of vigilance and temptation.
At that time, Garos was still struggling for survival.
Although he lives a comfortable life, his future is uncertain. Will humans always be kind to a strange dragon? He doesn't know.
At that time, who could have imagined that one day, they would stand in front of the royal city of Lothern? Moreover, they would do so as conquerors.
"We... really got this far."
Iron Dragon whispered.
Garos's deep voice sounded, "This is just the beginning, Gordon, Romanian Plains is just a corner of the world, our future is far more than this."
His words were simple, but they made Iron Dragon feel refreshed and his eyes shine brighter.
After a brief reminiscing about old times, Garos once again turned his attention to the old prince who was still kneeling and the open city gate.
"Enter the city."
Two words, short and clear.
The order spread, and Aura Legion began to move.
Aura warriors began to take over the city walls, control the main roads, and inventory the arsenals.
Red Emperor spread its wings and took the lead to fly into the sky above Valdo City, followed closely by the dragons. Below, there were the Lothern nobles and the panicked people crawling on the ground.
Soon after, Garos arrived at Royal Court's main hall.
This hall is a symbol of the Lothern Kingdom's power. It is 320 meters long, 80 meters wide and 30 meters high. The vaults are painted with murals of the achievements of past kings, and there are huge pillars on both sides.
The space here is spacious enough for humans.
However, it is still too narrow for a complete dragon.
Spreading your wings will hit the wall, turning around will knock down beams and columns.
So, after landing in the square in front of the temple, Garos used Shapeshifting Spell to transform himself into the more convenient Dragonborn form.
In a sense, this place will be his own property and he has no interest in destroying it.
Garos You're not welcome.
He walked straight to the throne, turned around, and sat down.
The hard dragon tail coiled around the steps, his eyes swept over the silent Lothern dignitaries below, and finally landed on the old prince and several important ministers who were led in.
"Lothern's rule ends here."
Red Emperor's voice echoed in the hall.
The tone is a simple statement, as natural as stating "Snow is white."
After a pause, he continued, "But the name Lothern can be retained."
As soon as these words came out, a faint hope ignited in the eyes of many people below.
They all know that Red Emperor is not here to negotiate, but to directly issue orders, and they have no right to refuse.
But they also imagined the worst.
The kingdom was completely annexed, the name was wiped off the map, the royal family was executed, and the nobles were purged... But now, "preserving the name Lothern" means at least a formal continuation.
This has been more kindness than expected.
"Survival requires a price, and continuation requires a clear understanding of reality."
The figure on the throne continued speaking in a calm tone.
"I have several requests for you Lothern."
"First, Lothern Kingdom becomes a vassal of Aura. After the war indemnity is paid, tribute is required every year, and Aura is the suzerain."
"Second, Lothern Kingdom will accept the garrison of Aura, and all important war equipment will be handed over to the Aura Legion."
"Third, Lothern Kingdom treasure house, library, Alchemy Workshop, Magic Research Institute... all places involving high-end knowledge, technology and resources are immediately open to Aura. All alchemy technology formulas, magic research results, and strategic material reserve lists must be copied and presented unconditionally, and no private collection is allowed."
"Aura scholars and craftsmen will be stationed in these institutions, and you must provide all assistance."
He paused for a moment, his eyes swept over several pale ministers, and finally landed on the old prince.
"Fourth, the control of Holy Spirit is handed over to Aura. It needs to leave Royal Court and settle in Aura Sanctum to respond to my will."
Hand over the war weapons, hand over the technology, hand over the guardians, pay compensation, and pay tribute every year...
This almost drained Lothern's blood, leaving only a barely moving body.
However, compared to the result of being annexed or even destroyed, this is an unexpectedly lenient treatment.
At least, the royal bloodline can be preserved, the aristocracy can leave part of their property, the ordinary people can be protected from the ravages of war, and their future development opportunities have not been completely cut off.
And Lothern has no bargaining capital.
"... I will obey His Majesty's will."
"Lothern... accept all conditions."
The old prince, representing the remaining ruling class of Lothern, lowered his head and body. All the Lothern nobles and ministers in the palace also knelt down one after another without objection.
On the throne, Red Emperor nodded slightly.
"Don't limit the armaments and Lothern's training of the Legendary Realm like we did with the previous Theo? They may develop new weapons and train new Crown Rank in the future."
Iron Dragon Sorog stood quietly on the other side and asked in his heart.
"No need"
Red Emperor looked calm and gave a brief reply.
Many things are not static.
Just because we needed it before doesn't mean we need it now.
At this moment, the wind and snow are still howling outside Royal Court, but Valdo City has ushered in a new owner, and the era belonging to Red Emperor has officially arrived on this land.
ps: Asking for votes at the end of the month