Scaled Era 8154, April, Ash Fortress.
Veloa·Ember Scar stared at the torch burning in the sky. Against the background of billowing smoke, Giant Dragon ended their mourning for the dead members.
In a sense, Ashmark Lineage finally won. Even if Blue Dragon, Green Dragon and Titan jointly attacked, they still repelled the powerful enemy and protected their land.
The bloodiness of this war was beyond imagination.
Blue Dragon came with thousands of troops, claiming to destroy Ashmark Lineage within three months, and even summoned Divine Punishment. In the end, two adult Giant Dragon and Young Dragon died, and even Storm Divine Chosen could only retreat with the two remaining members.
As for Green Dragon, Sylvia, the leader of the Emerald Family, was killed by Zane. Her members sadly quit Red Earth, and then immediately fell into endless conspiracy and civil war, and no longer had the power to launch a war.
The family's original strong neighbor Bloodridge Tribes was also defeated by Red Tide Shoal and Streamlands Legion. Mountain Titan took hundreds of Goliath Giant back to the depths of Bloodridge and fell into sleep again.
The enemies all paid a heavy price.
The price Ashmark Lineage paid was equally tragic. In order to win this war, they had to push their precious descendants to Battlefield. There were originally forty-seven Hatchling Dragon, but now there are only twenty-two left, among which Tungsten Dragon and Nickel Dragon are almost extinct.
The family lost Gray Mountain lord Karajiege, and lost Ochre Valley lord Valyria.
Most importantly, they lost Taigo.
"Taigo."
Veloa chanted the name in a low voice.
Iron Dragon King Taigo, currently Azure World is the most powerful known Heavy-Metal Dragon, the immortal battle flag, because of his existence, Ashmark Lineage can be recognized by other Heavy-Metal Dragon, and obtain Great Glacier Support from Chrome Dragon, Marsh Abyss Cobalt Dragon, Tungsten Dragon and even Nickel Dragon.
After the fall of Taigo, it is difficult for Ashmark Lineage or the entire Heavy-Metal Dragon group to have such a strong person again. Even Southern Continent's Cobalt Dragon overlord cannot inherit that glory, and there is no way to unite Heavy-Metal Dragon with different personalities.
On the other hand, to the family, Taigo is a respectable leader, but to Wilderness Races, he is the Demons who drains the rivers and the tyrant who hollows out the mountains.
Taigo oppresses the entire Wildlands with power and violence. His laws are clear but strict, and the clans under his rule are often demoted to slaves. When his edict passes through the village, countless workers are forcibly driven into the mines, and they can no longer escape. He has dozens of clever taxation methods, and imposes arbitrary taxes all year round.
Even Tungsten Dragon Lord's advice could not change his determination. Taigo's reason was simple and direct: when his children grew up, each of them needed slaves, land and wealth, and Giant Dragon needed more, more!
Wilderness Races Under his majesty, he neither dared to speak nor get angry, and could only endure silently. Even during the war when foreign enemies invaded, he was afraid of the future liquidation and did not dare to openly confront the family.
But with the fall of Taigo, his prestige and power finally disappeared. When this news spreads, Ashmark Lineage's control over the wilderness will decline rapidly, and riots and rebellions among clans in various lands are foreseeable.
"We need to take action immediately."
Veloa summoned Lord Streamlands and Lesser Dragon: "Although Taigo has left us, his fighting spirit and wishes are still reflected in every member. Ashmark Lineage cannot fall now. I need your help."
"How should I help you, Veloa."
Leighton·Nolantel replied that his expression was a little sluggish and his body was seriously injured. Fortunately, he did not need deep sleep.
Veloa Think for a moment.
There was a muffled sound of a stone wall collapsing in the distance, and Ash Fortress was full of slaves and soldiers cleaning up corpses. The smell of blood in the air had not yet dissipated, but as the new leader, she could no longer focus on the dead.
"I want to stay and meet with Heavy-Metal Dragon who came to help, pay them rewards, and discuss an alliance."
Veloa said, "You return to Red Fort for me first, spread the news that the family has defeated the powerful enemy, and tell Wilderness Races that the war is over and that the family will not impose new grain taxes and labor. We will no longer pursue the crimes of fleeing, hiding soldiers, and defaulting on grain taxes in the past three months. Those laborers captured during the war can also be released according to the situation."
Leighton nodded slightly, this was a big favor. He was also aware of the danger of the current situation. Ashmark Lineage wanted to take a breather from this war as soon as possible and find ways to avoid unrest and rebellion, so such a new policy was very much needed.
"You also have to go back."
Veloa looked at Lesser Dragon behind him. "Lesser Dragon are also members of the family, and you are still on the hunt. I need you to appear in various places to show that the family has not lost its strength."
"I gave Wilderness Races preferential treatment, but preferential treatment is useless. You still need to maintain your iron blood during the war. In this case, the clan that continues to rebel is our enemy. I give you the power to kill."
"Understood."
Afterglow Yes.
"Afterglow, your talent is very good. You were given the surname Ember Scar by Taigo. I also treat you as my own daughter."
Veloa looked at Feather Dragon and said, "You have performed very bravely in this war, and your hunting work is not free. When I return to Red Fort, you will be rewarded, and you will be paid every year in the future."
"For the sake of the family, this is what we should do."
You can't see much excitement on the faces of Lesser Dragon. They are not Heavy-Metal Dragon, and they have no memory of Dragon Legacy. For them, this war is more of a horror than a shock.
Of the originally numerous companions, only six survived to the end, leaving only Afterglow, In Tas, Jili, one Sea Dragon and two Frost Dragon.
"Jili, Hiri."
After Lord Leighton and Lesser Dragon left, Veloa summoned Jelierion and Hidorivi in a friendly tone and ordered them to return to Red Tide Shoal immediately to take over the responsibilities of the Lord temporarily.
Veloa is quite satisfied with these two sons. She believes in their abilities and believes that they will achieve as much as Taigo in the future.
Then she met Barloz and Gax.
"We are here to say goodbye to you."
Although Red Tide Shoal and Gray Mountain Black Lake were vaguely hostile, Hatchling Dragon and Great Dragon never had any conflicts. Gax lowered his head and said, "My mother was seriously injured and must sleep deeply. She has already left Ash Fortress. Although she is unwilling to forgive us, we have to leave."
After the mourning was over, Zane immediately left with Gray Mountain Black Lake's army. Although all the dragons knew that she was seriously injured and had to sleep deeply, her behavior of leaving without saying goodbye showed her anger.
Zane deeply hated the disobedience of military orders by the lords and armies of the various lands during the war, and regarded it as rebellion. Even Barloz and Gax were abandoned by her.
"It's okay. Since Zane doesn't regard you as a son, then you don't have to regard her as a mother."
Veloa behaved very gently. "I won't talk about what happened to her back then, but as the successor of Karajiege, everything Gray Mountain belongs to you, not Zane. You should go there first. If Zane tries to seize it, I will get it back for you."
"Yes."
Barloz and Gax looked at each other, nodded and left.
"I can't refuse what Ladon said. I can only remind you to be more cautious. I wish you success."
Veloa met two Archaic Species. They are the most important descendants of the family and must be encouraged and comforted.
Ladon said nothing, but Ferrum's attitude was quite respectful.
She has high hopes for Jelierion, hoping that Jelierion will become the leader of Hatchling Dragon. Unfortunately, just as a descendant of Ember Scar, she cannot match the power of Archaic Species. He has strength and prestige, so Ferrum is the Hatchling Dragon leader of the family, and Ferrum and Zane are relatively close, which Veloa doesn't want to see.
"Ferrum, you have been involved in many dangers in this war and have been the first to defeat the enemy. You have made the greatest contribution. I am willing to share my family's property with you. Is there anything you want?"
Veloa asked.
"My family has taught me how to support me. I fight for my family out of my heart and I don't desire any reward." Ferrum replied.
"Okay, then I won't make any pretense with you. If you need anything from now on, just ask me directly."
"You and Ladon are both the best heirs of the family. As long as it is something owned by the family, neither Taigo nor I will be stingy. So no matter what kind of gold or iron it is, you deserve it. It is natural to get it, and you should not get it if you don't get it."
Veloa moved his paw. "Go."
It took her a whole day to finally comfort the other family members. Looking at the empty palace, Veloa's eyes lowered, and wisps of electric fire appeared on her body.
After a long while, Veloa gave the order in a deep voice, "Guards, let Wyvern Cavalry assemble."
She realized that this was her last chance. No matter how she united her tribe, if she allowed that bastard to breathe, she would never have the strength to fight against it in the future.
Taigo's wish is to create the glory that belongs to Ashmark Lineage, but Zane's ambition and viciousness are clearly revealed. When she wakes up from her deep sleep, what Ashmark Lineage has been defending may be destroyed in one day, and even the entire family may have to change their surname to Mellon.
Veloa can never stand the usurpation of Ember Scar's glory, and she can't even stand the independence and division of Black Lake, because that is what Taigo gave to the wild dragon.
Wyvern Cavalry quickly gathered, her War Lizard Warriors and Taigo's Ironfang Warriors were all waiting outside the palace.
However, Veloa remained silent for a long time and finally gave up the plan of attack.
Even though Zane's attitude has made everything clear, she has no reason to directly attack before the other party actually takes action, and she must not start a civil war when the enemy has just retreated.
This kind of behavior is no different from Chromatic Dragon. Heavy-Metal Dragon's nobility and pride will never allow her to do this.
"Taigo."
Veloa repelled the guards and sat in the position that once belonged to Taigo. Now she is the owner of Ashmark Lineage, but her heart is full of loneliness and desolation. "What do you want me to do?"