Red Emperor fell asleep, but time did not stop because of this.
Days pass day by day, year by year passes, the sun still rises as usual, and the four seasons rotate as usual.
However, the kingdom has not stopped functioning, but its development strategy has changed. The development of the territory is based on stability, occupying as much as it can, and letting go of those that cannot be occupied.
Aura Kingdom This giant beast restrained its sharp edge and closed its eyes to take a nap.
New Calendar May 12, spring.
Iron Dragon Sorog began to feel signs of sleep.
Just like a river will eventually merge into the sea, and day and night will eventually alternate, it is inevitable and irresistible. The sleepiness rises from the depths of the body, becoming more and more intense day by day.
"It's time for me to sleep too."
He said to the red dragon.
Samantha was lingering next to him, feeling her own state. Her situation was similar, sleepiness was building up, but it was not yet to the point where she had to fall asleep.
"In two years at most, I will begin to fall asleep."
She flicked her tail irritably, and the tip of her tail slapped on the ground, making a snapping sound, "We are of similar age, and our sleeping periods always overlap."
"This has become a hidden danger."
"When the emperor fell asleep, the princes also fell asleep, and the whole Aura was leaderless."
Iron Dragon was silent for a few seconds, thoughtfully.
"No, this may be the last time."
He said slowly, "If Garos can wake up early as he said, our sleeping periods will gradually be staggered in the future, and Emperor's Children will gradually grow up and be able to take charge of themselves."
After a slight pause in his voice, Sorog added, "Besides, there is one sober person among us."
Samantha wrinkled the scales between his forehead and squeezed out a few lines on the scales.
"You mean----Gordon?"
Sorog nodded.
"When he broke through the Legendary Realm before, he entered his prime years of sleep much ahead of schedule."
"That was many years ago. The time has deviated from ours. When we were awake, we fell asleep. By the time he fell asleep, we should have woken up. His rhythm is now different from ours."
The red dragon shook its huge head and blew out a stream of hot air from its nose.
"Gordon Whether he is awake or asleep, it makes no difference to us. Can you expect him to manage the kingdom on your behalf?
Sorog turned to look at his blood relatives with a serious look on his face.
"Samantha, my sister, don't forget that although Gordon started late, he has not stopped growing. He has blood similar to ours flowing in his body. This is also destined that he will not always be a mediocre dragon."
He paused and said, "After you fall asleep, let him manage the kingdom on behalf of you."
The red dragon shook his head again, blew out a few sparks from his nose, and sneered.
"Let him take care of it?"
Her tone was full of disdain, "It's better to leave all the power to Aura's minions."
She is referring to Garos's three major Legendary Realm dependents.
Aura's Fang, Glutton Demon Kalu; Aura's Edge, Centaur Elvie; Aura's Claw, Werewolf Russell.
These three have followed Garos for the longest time, are the strongest, and have the most unquestionable loyalty.
When Aura Kingdom was still Molten Iron Tribe, the development strategy of SLEEP was already set.
While the king sleeps, his minions will strictly enforce his will.
Even if it is Sorog or Samantha, if the order obviously goes against the king's will, they will not execute it. This is a rule and a tradition.
"In our Aura, only a true dragon can lead the kingdom."
Iron Dragon said.
He is not a Dragonkin supremacist. For those who are not Dragon Race's dependents, Sorog recognizes their strength and contribution.
But he knew very well that no matter how strong the minions were, they could not truly rule the kingdom. Only the real dragon could be responsible for many things.
Without saying anything more, Iron Dragon turned around and walked into the place of sleep.
New Calendar May 13, autumn.
Red Dragon Samantha also began to feel deeply sleepy, as if there were countless hands pulling her down, and she knew she could no longer drag her down.
After thinking about it, she remembered Sorog's words.
In the end, he summoned Gordon from Valdo to Red Emperor Royal City.
After the Aura Kingdom became Northern Frontier Overlord, Iron Dragon Gordon has been handling the matter of Romanian States with its rich experience in Lothern.
Diplomacy, penetration, influence, appeasement, shock...
He completed these tasks very well and could find no faults.
But this time, all the blood relatives were asleep, and he was the only one who was awake.
In the wide hall, two giant dragons sit opposite each other.
Gordon was much stronger than the last time we met, his scales were deeper, and his eyes were calmer. He lay there quietly, waiting for his sister to speak.
"Gordon, my stupid brother, Aura will be left to you temporarily."
"Focus on stability, develop internally, and don't cause trouble."
Red Dragon said word by word, "Garos confessed before he fell asleep, Sorog also confessed, and I will tell you again now, don't rush in, don't cause trouble, don't know who you are just because you have power in your hands."
Her voice paused, then became more ferocious.
"After I wake up, if I find that the kingdom has problems because of you, I will definitely not spare you."
"Did you hear that clearly?"
Gordon nodded heavily.
His eyes were serious, showing no dissatisfaction or fear due to Long Jie's threat.
"Don't worry, my dear sister."
"I promise you that when you wake up, you will see a prosperous Aura."
Samantha stared at him for a few seconds, her eyes sharp, as if she wanted to pierce his mind to see if he really remembered it. Then she withdrew her gaze and turned to leave.
After the emperor, Iron Prince and Fire Princess fell asleep one after another.
This year, Gordon managed the kingdom on his behalf and had great power.
His character is not as calm as Sorog, nor is he as violent as Samantha.
He is somewhere in between, hard when he should be hard and soft when he should be soft.
During those years at Lothern, he learned when to advance, when to retreat, and when to remain silent.
The most important thing is that he listens to his brothers and sisters.
Garos said before he fell asleep that the kingdom should be stable.
Sorog and Samantha also told them not to cause trouble and not to rush in. Gordon kept these words in mind and did not forget a word.
He did not become inflated just because he had great power.
He just followed the established route, continued to advance the things he was already doing, and tried to do his best in what he was assigned to do.
Develop territory, accumulate resources, develop technology, improve military formations, and consolidate border defense----
Take it one step at a time, don't be impatient.
New Calendar May 24, summer.
Aura Kingdom's first sky island has risen.
Its diameter is less than three hundred meters, and only a few simple buildings with wooden frames and stone bases were built on it for experimental purposes.
From a distance, it looks like a big stone floating in the air.
Clumsy and rough, but it does float.
It is a real sky island, suspended by Cloudpiercer Engine.
Since obtaining the two major technologies of Holden, Aura Kingdom has not stopped corresponding development.
Those technologies have been repeatedly studied, tested and improved repeatedly, and when Gordon took charge of the kingdom, it was mainly developed internally, which naturally included Cloudpiercer Engine.
"Tsk, this feels really wonderful."
Iron Dragon Gordon stood on the edge of the empty island, looking down at the vast land.
Many people cannot understand why Holden spent so much effort to raise the city to the sky.
This seems pointless, a waste of resources, a waste of energy, and an easy target.
Isn't it good to stay on the surface? It's down-to-earth, safe and comfortable.
Why bother?
Gordon didn't understand it before.
But now, as he stands here, looking down at the kingdom at his feet, looking down at the mountains, rivers and earth, and looking down at countless tiny creatures - he probably understands.
It's not because of any strategic considerations, or security factors, or any grand plan.
Just because----
This feeling is so refreshing.
He is superior to others and looks down on all living beings, just like Deity.
Those running, crawling, and walking on the ground have become so small and insignificant, while standing on a high place, overlooking everything.
"Holden's so-called national ascension is essentially for spiritual pursuit, a kind of self-satisfaction."
He whispered to himself.
Iron Dragon stood for a while longer, feeling the wind blowing under his body and the clouds passing by his feet. Then he stretched his wings and jumped off the edge of the island without any hesitation.
Dive, accelerate, the air flow whizzes past the scales.
The ground was getting closer and closer, becoming clearer and clearer, and then at the last moment, he suddenly lifted up and flew close to the treetops, startling a flock of birds.
It's better to stay down to earth.
he thought.
New Calendar May 31, spring.
Northern Frontier of Middle-earth, a certain the Mines.
Boom! Boom!
Engineering Golem kept running, its huge body moving in the mine, the drill on its arm hitting the rock wall, gravel flying, dust flying, and the deafening sound echoing in the valley, scaring away nearby birds and beasts.
Suddenly, the earth shook.
It is not the vibration caused by Golem.
Deeper and more violent tremors broke out, the ground bulged, cracked, and cracks spread in all directions, and then, a super giant ferocious beast broke out of the ground.
Its trunk is over a hundred meters in diameter and is covered with dark black chitin carapace, glowing with a dark luster in the sunlight.
The six jointed limbs are thick and powerful, each one is tens of meters long, and the end is a sharp spike.
The mouthparts are constantly opening and closing, revealing the layers of teeth inside. The eyes are compound eyes, composed of countless small eyes. Each small eye reflects the scene of Shatter.
Destruction Insect.
This is a type of the Legendary Realm ferocious beast that lives deep underground. It is huge in size, violent and irritable, and takes pleasure in devouring all living things. They sleep all year round and hibernate deep underground, but as long as they wake up, they will definitely bring destruction and death to the earth.
Golem The sound of mining ores woke it up.
Destruction Insect made a harsh roar, and the sound waves shook the air.
It swept its joints and smashed the surrounding Golem into pieces in a few strokes. Soon, the Mines collapsed and the resource points were destroyed, but it did not give up.
It ran rampant across the Northern Frontier land, causing trees to fall and the ground to crack wherever it passed.
Until.
Dragon Might fell from the sky.
That's a dragon.
It is made of pure energy, but its form is clearly discernible.
The whole body is dark red, with distinct scales and armor, dragon horns and sharp peaks, and eyes like torches.
Its body is even much larger than Destruction Insect, and its wingspan covers the sky and the sun. It is not like the normal Dragonkin, but more like an existence that has come out of myths. Its whole body is burning with invisible flames, and every breath distorts the surrounding air.
It looked down at the insect with indifferent eyes.
Destruction Insect was stunned for a moment.
Its compound eyes caught this uninvited guest, and its instinct told it of danger, but its anger overcame its instinct. It screamed, and its six jointed limbs exerted force at the same time, and pounced on it.
The dragon did not hide.
It raised one of its front paws and pressed it gently.
Boom!
Destruction Insect was directly pushed into the ground.
The earth sank, forming a huge pit. The insect's carapace shattered inch by inch under Colossal Strength, and body fluids spurted out, soaking the surrounding soil.
Its six jointed limbs were moving wildly, and its mouthparts were constantly opening and closing, trying to bite the giant claws pressing on its body.
But no matter how hard it struggled, it couldn't break free.
The giant dragon lowered its head and looked down at the bug under its feet, its eyes calm, as if it were looking at a real bug, and then it opened its dragon's kiss.
Phew!
Rolling flames surged out, covering the entire Destruction Insect, burning it inch by inch, and turning it into ashes inch by inch. The chirping sound of the insects became weaker and weaker, and finally disappeared completely.
When the flames extinguished, only a pile of charred remains remained in the pit.
After destroying the target, the dragon raised its head and roared.
The sound shook the surrounding areas and resounded through the sky, and then its entire body turned into light, soared straight into the sky, and disappeared into the distant space.
This scene was seen by the Aura's Peoples around.
They came out of their hiding place and burst into cheers. The cheers became louder and louder than the waves and lasted for a long time.
And they also know what that giant dragon is.
It is the masterpiece of Steel Prince's hard work over the years, Aura Dragon Spirit.
Over the years, Aura Kingdom has continuously improved the military formation, and the strengthening of Heroic Spirit Sanctum has not stopped.
Gordon suddenly had a whim, can the two be integrated?
Thus, Dragon Spirit was born.
Essentially, it is an advanced version of Aura War Soul, which is similar to Holy Spirit from Lothern.
It is powerful because of the power of the Aura Legion. The stronger the legion, the stronger it is.
It takes on the form of a giant dragon and usually lives in Sanctum. It can fight independently when needed. Moreover, wherever it is, the surrounding Aura warriors will be strengthened and their combat power will be doubled.
This time, it is Aura Dragon Spirit's first actual combat.
"The effect is good. Garos They should be a little surprised by this after they wake up."
Gordon looked at it from a distance and thought.
New Calendar 536.
Theo, Silverglow City.
A figure stood at the city gate and did not move for a long time.
Reinhart raised his head and looked at the flag flying at the top of the city.
It's been a hundred years.
The city gate is still the same city gate, the city wall is still the same city wall, and the color of the stone has not changed much, but the flag flying at the top of the city has changed, with the most conspicuous one added.
The red dragon flag of Aura.
The flag rustled in the wind, with the dragon pattern showing its fangs and claws, as if it was looking down at everyone who entered and exited the city gate. It was hung higher than Theo's own country's flag, and its position was more conspicuous.
Reinhart took a deep breath and walked into the city.
The street is much wider than in memory, and the buildings on both sides are taller and more exquisite. Some are newly built and some are renovated. The style combines the ruggedness of Northern Frontier and the elegance of Theo.
There are many pedestrians coming and going, including Theo locals and a small number of Aura people.
They mingled, talked, traded, joked, and no barriers could be seen.
Reinhart's eyes swept across the crowd.
Several traders were haggling on the roadside, their faces red-faced, but they laughed together when they finally reached a deal. A group of patrol soldiers walked past, their steps neat, their bright armor covered with dragon patterns.
At some important intersections, Troll, as tall as an iron tower, is stationed.
They are several meters tall and hold giant axes. People who come and go are not afraid of their presence. Some people even nod and say hello when they pass by.
Lane Hart looked away and continued to walk forward.
Turning a corner, he stopped.
In the center of the square stands a huge statue.
Lord of the Northern Frontier, Red Emperor.
The form of a giant dragon, with three heads and six arms, head raised towards the sky, is lifelike. Each scale is carved with meticulous detail, and each eye is piercing.
The base of the statue is engraved with words, recording various deeds of Red Emperor.
Establish Aura Kingdom, unify Romania, level Abyssal Rift, kill Archdemon, destroy out-of-control Floating City----
It is majestic and majestic, and it is surrounded by flowers. Some flowers have withered, and some are still very fresh. It is obvious that people are constantly replacing them.
Several children are playing under the statue.
They ran around the base, chasing each other, and from time to time they pretended to be roaring dragons, spreading their arms, opening their mouths, and playing with their companions. A few brave ones even tried to climb up the statue, grabbing the bulges of the scales and climbing up.
There were human and horse guards from Aura around, but they did not stop him when they saw it.
They just stood there and looked at each other occasionally.
Reinhart stood here, looking at the dragon statue, looking at the flowers, looking at the children playing, and looking at the guards, his eyes swept back and forth, and he was silent for a moment.
"Uncle, are you also here to pay homage to the emperor's statue?"
A crisp voice came from the side.
Reinhart turned his head.
A young girl in her early twenties stood next to him, with a warm smile on her face.
Her attire and appearance were somewhat different from the style of Theo in his impression. There were small dragon claw or dragon wing-shaped accessories hanging on her body, and the cuffs and collar of her dress had dragon pattern piping, which looked like some kind of fashion.
"To pay homage?"
Reinhart repeated the word.
"Yeah."
The girl said matter-of-factly, "This is Silverglow City's most famous attraction."
"This used to be the site of the royal palace. It is said that the great Red Emperor once visited this place in person. Since then, this place has become a holy place. Everyone who comes to Silverglow City will come to take a look and pay homage."
"Are you from Theo?"
Reinhart asked.
"Yes, a native of Theo." The girl smiled, "It's you, uncle, where are you from?
You don't look like us Theo people, or even Northern Frontier people—are you from a kingdom somewhere else?"
Reinhart was silent.
He suddenly felt that Theo Kingdom was a little strange.
No, it's not strange, it's --- it has become something else.
The Theo in his memory is not like this.
Taking a breath, he asked, "Well, I'm a traveler from a very far away place. I'm curious, what do you Theo people think of Aura?"
The girl was stunned for a moment, then smiled brightly.
"What do you think? Of course it's pride!"
Her tone was full of pride.
"We Theo are now Aura's closest friends."
"At that time, fortunately, Aura corrected our mistakes and led us to the right path. Without Aura and Red Emperor, we might still be standing still or even going backwards."
Reinhart listened and said nothing.
The girl continued enthusiastically, "You come from a far away place, but you should have heard of Red Emperor. Our entire Northern Frontier is proud of the existence of Red Emperor."
"It can even be said that he is the pride of the entire Atlant!"
She stretched out her hand and pointed to the statue.
"If the great Red Emperor hadn't taken action and destroyed those out-of-control Floating City, how could Atlant have the peace it has now?"
"Hey, it's spreading across the entire continent now. Even the high-ranking big shots like Holden have to beg your majesty for help! Those cities floating in the sky would have been smashed to pieces if your majesty hadn't taken action."
o
Reinhart nodded.
He said slowly, "Red Emperor's name is like thunder. I have heard of it a long time ago and I am deeply impressed."
After chatting for a few more words, the girl waved her hands, turned and left. She was still humming as she left, her steps brisk, like a happy bird.
Reinhart stood there, looking at the dragon statue, the flowers, and a few children playing.
All this looks so beautiful.
It's so beautiful that people completely forget the hatred and pain they had.
"Have you forgotten the past in about a hundred years?"
Reinhart whispered to himself.
He suddenly remembered himself.
He was Light of Theo, the hope of the entire kingdom.
Everyone said that he would lead Theo to revival and defeat Red Iron Dragon tyranny.
The result? He couldn't even face Red Emperor.
In the duel with the emperor's minion, Aura's Edge, he lost so much that he almost lost his life. If the old king hadn't saved him at all costs, he would have died long ago.
So many years have passed.
He has experienced countless life and death in the Orotara Continent, overcome obstacles, encountered dangers and also received opportunities.
During this period, he successfully obtained Sacred Spring from the Elf family, which made up for the damage to his body. Now he finally reached Crown-Rank Limit, which is only one step away from Destiny Rank.
The accumulation is enough and all conditions are met.
But even this step cannot be taken.
Every time he tried to break through, a pair of indifferent vertical pupils would appear in his mind.
It was calm, deep, without any emotion. It just looked at him, like looking at an ant, looking at a speck of dust, looking at an existence worth mentioning.
He couldn't calm down when he was looked at by these vertical pupils.
The heartbeat is accelerated, the breathing is disordered, the will is shaken... I can't get rid of it no matter what.
He knows what it is.
So he's back.
In order to calm down my heart and heal the shadows of the past, in order to break through Destiny Rank.
As for Theo----
Reinhart Look around.
His eyes swept over the cheering children, the pedestrians with happy faces, the statues surrounded by flowers, the flying dragon flags...
Today's Theo is proud of Aura, and proud of Red Emperor. He has long forgotten the hatred of the past, and does not even know that there is such a thing as hatred.
Those past events were buried in the pile of old papers, swept into the corners of history, and completely forgotten by the new generation.
"Perhaps, this is also good."
Reinhart thought.
He wanted to meet the king and talk to him personally about future matters, but looking at the situation now, there was no need. The king might have the same idea and the same attitude.
The whole kingdom has changed, how can the king remain unchanged?
After another glance at the majestic dragon statue, Reinhart turned around and stepped forward, walking against the current among the crowd. His figure gradually disappeared deep into the street, swallowed up by the passing crowd, like a drop of water flowing into a river and disappearing.