Iron Dragon's Advancement Journey

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　Piergellen's thoughts then turned to another bronze dragon—Kenneth Zmnor the Tidecaller, a wealthy and active bard in Waterdeep. Unlike the Thinker's low-key and mysterious nature, Kenneth was a celebrity in Waterdeep's social circles, the protagonist and creator of countless legends and heroic ballads.

　Piergellen first met Kenneth at the celebration banquet for receiving the title of "Greatest Open Lord." Piergellen, who had been an open lord for nearly ten years, had personally resolved a kidnapping case involving Waterdeep nobles, and the Watchers were holding a grand celebration at the Emerald Pot. Just as the atmosphere became somewhat somber, a tall, richly dressed bard entered, exuding an innate charm and confidence that instantly made him the center of attention.

　Kenneth had a sharply defined face, dark brown hair that cascaded down his shoulders, and piercing amber eyes. He was always dressed in the most fashionable clothes, carrying a beautiful harp, and with a heavy-looking bag hanging on his back, said to contain the rare treasures he had collected during his travels around the world. Most eye-catching, of course, was the red dragon head he brought back, his most prized trophy, which hung in the lobby of the grand theater, proving that his title of "Dragon Slayer" was well-deserved.

　Kenneth was a natural performer and a master storyteller. With his magnetic voice and superb storytelling skills, he vividly depicted his battle with the red dragon, drawing cheers from the nobles and watchmen present. His story was full of detail, from how the dragon's flames scorched his armor to how he pierced its throat in the instant the dragon turned around; every detail was so lifelike that it seemed he had truly experienced countless life-or-death struggles.

　After that encounter, Piergellen frequently spotted Kenneth in the various taverns and performance venues of Waterdeep. He seemed never to be short of money, always generously spending it on entertaining guests. Even more surprisingly, despite his frequent drunkenness, sometimes even passing out on the table, he never got into a fight with anyone. In a place as chaotic as Waterdeep, this was nothing short of a miracle.

　As time went on, Pilgalen noticed more unusual things about Kenneth. The bard seemed to possess inexhaustible wealth and connections. He not only had free access to the most prestigious places, but also frequently traveled to various parts of the Sword Coast, and even further afield. Each time he returned, he brought back more stories and songs, as well as new "spoils of war."

　Even more strangely, Kenneth seemed to know everything about Waterdeep's secrets and rumors. Whether it was the power struggles among nobles or the clandestine transactions of the underworld, he always managed to provide crucial information at the most opportune moment. On several occasions, the Watchers obtained decisive leads from Kenneth when dealing with difficult cases.

　Kenneth's popularity is soaring, and he's releasing more of his own "legends" in the form of ballads and epic tales. This bard once ventured alone into the Underdark, clashing with drow elves and emerging unscathed; he discovered a forgotten temple on a remote island, retrieving long-lost artifacts; he even fought a pirate king, seizing a ship laden with treasure. These stories sound absurd, yet certain details feel strangely real.

　Kenneth is best known for his vast "Bards' Club," a loosely organized group of hundreds of bards from the Sword Coast region. They exchanged stories and songs, shared their travel experiences, and occasionally held large performances. To the residents of Deepwater, they were nothing more than a bunch of libertines pursuing art and freedom, offering no real use beyond providing some entertainment.

　Until the "otherworldly dragon merchant" Ratambirol made a public appearance in Waterdeep, revealing the secret of the city's hidden dragons, the "Berlin Wall" that separated dragons and humans was gradually torn down in this magnificent city, and the dragons began to enter the lives of the people of Waterdeep.

　Piergellen suddenly realized,

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　The active "Tide Singer" Kenneth is actually another bronze dragon, and his seemingly absurd adventures are likely based on real experiences, albeit with artistic embellishment. The "red dragon head" may indeed have originated from a red dragon, but that red dragon was not defeated by the bard's sword; it was more likely killed by the dragon's jaws.

　The seemingly loosely organized "Bards' Guild" was actually an intelligence network covering the entire Sword Coast region. Those seemingly idle bards were all carefully cultivated intelligence gatherers and messengers by Kenneth. Using their identities as entertainers, they freely traveled between cities and villages, gathering information, observing trends, and, when necessary, even forming a support army to help defend Waterdeep.

　Upon learning the truth, Pilgalen was deeply shaken. These two dragons, one hiding in a corner of the Wandering Lands, the other active on the tavern stage, seemed completely different, yet both protected the city in their own ways. They had lived in the human world for hundreds of years without anyone discovering their true identities—an incredible achievement in itself.

　Right now, these two powerful dragons are engaged in a life-or-death struggle at the bottom of Sword Bay against Anzu, a bone dragon strengthened by Baal's power. They are using their strength and wisdom to buy precious time for Waterdeep, giving the city a chance to organize its defenses and prepare for the impending crisis.

　Ohmora Serdar the Thinker and Kenneth the Tide Chanter, two beings that Pilgalen thought they knew quite well, still seem shrouded in mystery and wonder. Their power far exceeds Pilgalen's imagination, their wisdom surpasses human comprehension, and their devotion to Waterdeep cannot be explained by a simple sense of responsibility.

　“Iron Dragon is right. I am indeed just an incompetent lord, a carefully dressed mascot,” he chuckled self-deprecatingly, finally loosening his grip on the sword hilt, his palms already soaked with sweat. “But no matter what, I am still a paladin! I still keep my oath to protect this city and every life within it!”

　Isis and Midnight appeared in the distance, conversing with another powerful, disguised dragon—Shaving Tooth. Piergelen glanced at the two guardians of the Tablet of Fate, then turned his gaze back to the energy storm-shrouded waters of Sword Coast.

　“Come, Baal,” Pilgalen’s gaze hardened, his voice filled with determination, “show me just how powerful you are, this god. If you want the Tablets of Fate, you’ll have to step over my dead body first!”

　91. "Frontline Battlefield"

　Dagger Beach is located at the mouth of the Delinbil River. It gets its name from a row of sharp, dagger-like rocky peninsulas that jut out abruptly from the riverbank, forcing the river to change course at Sword Bay. The rocks on the beach have been sculpted by the river over the years, their edges sharp and angular, gleaming coldly in the sunlight, and from a distance they look like rows of menacing swords.

　Dagger Beach was anything but its usual tranquility. Half-dragon kobolds of the Iron Dragon bloodline were busy on the riverbank. They were far more imposing than ordinary half-dragon kobolds, even rivaling fully armored barbarian warriors. Thick, iron-colored scales covered their bodies, gleaming with a cold metallic light, as they inspected the heavy crossbows on their claws—the Iron Dragon bloodline granted them innate weapons and armor akin to miniature dragons, along with the same sparking breath as Iron Dragons. In this era of magical chaos, ranged weapons like the heavy crossbow were the perfect complement to their weakness in long-range attacks.

　The bards gathered around several campfires, some playing their harps softly, some copying newly learned war songs, and many more checking their equipment to ensure that every magical artifact was in optimal condition.

　Casalos sat atop a rock at the highest point of Dagger Beach, overlooking the entire camp. Perhaps due to HD's extra growth, the juvenile Iron Dragon had begun to show signs of adolescence—its body was larger, its scales shimmered with a sharper metallic luster, its wingspan was nearly twenty meters wide, and even when it was just crouching on the ground, it exuded an awe-inspiring aura of majesty.

　The half-dragon kobold Allis was the most swift in action. He organized five squads to take turns going to the river to replenish water, while also arranging for more than a dozen half-dragons to patrol the perimeter of the camp to guard against possible enemy activity.

　It was also one of the earliest kobolds to follow Casalos, once just an ordinary member of the Karrick tribe, but later its potential was unlocked under the training of the dragon vein sorcerers. Its small, dark gray scales have been completely assimilated by the dragon veins, turning into large, thick scales that shimmer with a metallic sheen, and its wings, after years of training, can now stably support its flight for several hours.

　"My lord, the half-dragon troops have completed their rest and are ready to depart at any time." Allis approached cautiously, his wings drooping slightly as a sign of respect.

　Casalos nodded slightly: "Tell the squad leaders to check their equipment one more time, especially the timers and signal rockets. This mission is different from the past. Your enemies are no longer those weak jungle creatures, but the elite warriors of the Flame Fist Mercenary Group who have been fighting on the battlefield for years."

　Allis shuddered: "Yes, my lord! I will convey your command immediately."

　Casalos turned to the other side, where stood a dozen or so bards dressed in elaborate costumes. They were the best of Kenneth's "Bards' Club," and while they were not loyal to Casalos, they were absolutely devoted to the jewels he had so generously paid for them.

　"My friends, the songs you have mastered are not merely tools for entertainment and morale boosting, but also weapons on the battlefield," Casalos said in Common. "When you chant, the dragon's roar will be transmitted through your vocal cords; it is a power that can dispel confusion and uplift spirits."

　The leading bard, Tirsa, bowed respectfully: "Rest assured, we have practiced all the war songs repeatedly, and each one has reached the level you requested." Her gaze briefly swept over the small chest full of jewels beside Casalos.

　Tissa has cascading silver hair and stunning deep purple eyes. Besides her exceptional singing skills, she also possesses several practical spells, though unfortunately, they are currently uncontrollable. She is one of Kenneth's students and also the de facto commander of the bards' corps in this operation.

　“Very good, but remember, your main task is not to fight, but to keep the half-dragons in a fighting spirit and focused, and to cast chaos spells to cover their retreat when necessary.” Casalos looked into the distance, where the clouds were growing thicker.

　Tissa's eyes flickered slightly: "I understand, my lady. After the gods abdicated, ordinary people have lost the protection of divine power, but you and Lady Isis have given us hope—we will do our best as long as the reward is reasonable."

　Casalos said nothing more, but gently nudged the jewel box with his tail, causing the lid to open slightly and revealing sparkling sapphires and rubies inside. Thiersa's eyes immediately lit up. Some things are timeless—like the desire for wealth—that don't falter with upheaval.

　Not far away, the Hidden Dragons were talking, most of them still in their familiar human forms. Casalos swept through the air and landed in the middle of the Hidden Dragons.

　"Everyone, how's the situation?"

　The elderly steel dragon warlock Antilost, a robust human man who looked to be in his thirties, bowed slightly: "The main force of the Flame Fist Mercenary Group has begun to move towards the Misty Forest. It seems that they have indeed realized the threat of aerial attacks and have chosen terrain that is more favorable for defense."

　Antilost and his brother Quetzalcoatl are leaders of the Rivers of Abyss, a half-dragon organization in Waterdeep dedicated to fighting and eliminating the Thousand-Faced Orb lurking within Waterdeep. Their primary reason for agreeing to join the fight is Casalos's promise to help the Rivers of Abyss mediate the conflict with the Keepers and to fully support their battle against the Thousand-Faced Orb.

　Casalos Point

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　The leader said, “Our total forces are insufficient, making it difficult to inflict effective damage on them. However, the complex environment and terrain of the forest will force them to disperse and restrict their movements, making them easier for us to defeat one by one.”

　“But visibility is very low in the Misty Forest,” warned the female steel dragon Sharanvelos, “which will greatly limit our aerial advantage.”

　When Xia Lanweiluos appears in human form, she is a richly dressed middle-aged noblewoman whose shrewd eyes are always calculating something. As the "Dragon of a Thousand Laws," she is not only proficient in various arcane arts, but also one of the real estate tycoons behind Waterdeep. The other dragons call her "Landlady."

　Casalos smiled slightly: "That's why the Sons of Baal felt safe entering the forest. They thought the canopy would block the griffin riders' view, but they didn't know that the half-dragon kobolds' sense of smell could pinpoint every enemy precisely in the mist. The Misty Forest is precisely the most suitable place for us to conduct guerrilla warfare."

　Queturette—Antilost's twin brother, also an elderly steel dragon skilled in arcane magic—showed surprise in his eyes and actually began to flatter him: "Your strategic vision is truly admirable."

　Casalos shook his head, ignoring the overly human-like flattery of the steel dragon, and continued to analyze the situation: "The most difficult to deal with are those sons of Baal. They possess divine blessings, and their combat power far surpasses that of ordinary legendaries. Once you discover their whereabouts, send a signal immediately. Then leave them to Antilost or Queturette to handle."

　Steel Dragons are a peculiar subspecies of True Dragons. To better integrate into human society, they magically restricted their growth long ago, making them one of the smallest True Dragon species. Adventurers instinctively assumed that their smaller size meant weaker strength, thus assigning them a CR (Critical Ranking) that completely contradicts their actual power… In reality, their strength has never diminished due to their smaller size. On the contrary, they are among the few True Dragon subspecies capable of automatically ascending to the ranks of Legendary Spellcasters—the kind who can cast spells offline. The Quitourit brothers are among the most outstanding Steel Dragons of Faerûn.

　"Understood," the Hidden Dragons responded.

　“I won’t directly participate in the battle,” Casalos’s gaze swept over the dragons. “Cyric’s trail hasn’t completely disappeared, and I need to be wary of that Death Hunter. But I will monitor the battlefield from high above, ready to support you at any time.”

　The Hidden Dragons nodded in understanding. As the core of their respective forces, they all understood the importance of preserving their strength and guarding against unforeseen events.

　Casalos glanced around the camp one last time, making sure all preparations were complete, then looked up at the sky: "It's time."

　"All troops, listen to my command!" Casalos suddenly raised his voice, and the entire camp immediately fell silent, all eyes focused on the dragon lord. "The Griffin Knights have been resupplyed and are about to begin the second round of bombing. Your mission is singular: enter the Misty Forest and, while preserving yourselves, inflict as many casualties as possible on the Flame Fist Mercenary Group. The half-dragon forces will be divided into one hundred groups, assisted by the Bards, to conduct guerrilla warfare within the Misty Forest. Remember, do not engage the enemy's main force head-on. If they advance, retreat; if they retreat, harass; if they tire, attack; if they retreat, pursue. Constantly wear down their patience and morale, keeping them bogged down in the forest!"

　Allis raised his spear high and led the half-dragons in a unified roar: "For the Dragon Lord! For the Dragon Territory!"

　The bards echoed in unison, but their enthusiasm clearly stemmed more from the chest of jewels: "For glory! For riches!"

　Casalos said nothing, but spread his wings and took to the air, leading the army toward the Misty Forest.

　The half-dragons formed a goose formation, with Casalos at the head and the hidden dragons following closely behind. Casalos drew upon elemental magic, summoning high-level wind elements that adhered to their wings, creating a large-scale airflow that enveloped all the half-dragons. This greatly increased the velocity of the boundary layer circulation on their wings, granting them additional lift and allowing them to conserve a significant amount of energy.

　Even so, the flying ability of the Iron Dragon bloodline half-dragons is still far inferior to that of true dragons. Their wingspan ratio is not ideal, their humanoid bodies lack any aerodynamics, and the muscle groups that pull their wings are far smaller and less powerful than those of true dragons. If it weren't for Casalos's wind elemental assistance, this half-dragon force would be completely unable to complete long-distance flight missions.

　But flight is flight, and it has an absolute advantage in mobility compared to ground marches. The semi-dragon troops can descend from the sky in a short time, launch a surprise attack on the enemy, and then quickly withdraw. This tactical mobility is unmatched by ground troops.

　“This operation is crucial for all of us,” Xia Lanweiluos flew to Casalos’s side and whispered, “If we succeed, we will not only save Waterdeep, but also greatly expand our influence.”

　Casalos nodded: "The strategic location of Baldur's Gate is no less than that of Waterdeep. By controlling these two cities, we will control the lifeline of maritime trade in Sword Coast."

　“Post-war reconstruction is also a considerable business,” Xia Lanweiluosi said with a shrewd glint in her eyes. “I have already organized several teams of human architects, ready to move in immediately after the war ends.”

　Casalos admired the landlady's business acumen: "You will get the reward you deserve, but don't forget our agreement—all your construction projects must follow Dragon's standards, from planning and design to construction and acceptance, every step requires the supervision of Dragon's engineers."

　“Of course, of course,” Xia Lanweiluos nodded repeatedly. “I’ve seen the architectural blueprints your engineers provided. Apart from the somewhat strange style, the cost control and quality assurance are truly remarkable. With just a few minor decorations, I would be happy to introduce them into my business.”

　The griffin riders could already be seen in the clouds behind them. They carried a large number of gunpowder barrels and crossed the dragon horde, preparing to launch a second wave of bombardment against the Flame Fist Mercenary Group.

　Casalos turned his head, his gaze passing through the trade road and the Flame Fist mercenary group that was vaguely visible approaching the forest, and then towards the distant Baldur's Gate.

　“Successfully turning this defensive war into an opportunity to seize the city is truly Casalos’s doing,” Antilos whispered to his brother. “His vision and skill surpass most ancient dragons.”

　Queturette nodded in agreement: "That's why 'Cross Rivers' is willing to stand by its side, even though it's not part of our community, it still earns our respect."

　Casalos overheard the conversation but remained silent. The Steel Dragon had picked up too many of humanity's bad habits; engaging with them would only bring him trouble.

　92. Another battlefield

　Unsurprisingly, the main force of the Flame Fist Mercenary Group hastily entered the Misty Forest under the pressure of the Griffin Knights' second round of bombardment.

　The falling powder kegs were like the Grim Reaper's scythe, mercilessly reaping lives exposed on the open ground. Whether high-ranking or exemplary, in this era of weakened magical protection, anyone but a legendary figure was no different from a wild dog when faced with a powder keg weighing dozens of kilograms, coated with a dense array of tiny iron balls.

　Having just lost their vanguard, the mercenary group realized what they were facing. Unable to mount an effective defense, they could only retreat hastily into the dense forest canopy, hoping to use the trees to conceal their vision and avoid the deadly flames raining down from above. They did achieve their goal; the griffin riders dared not charge into the canopy to drop their grenades, instead haphazardly tossing all their remaining ammunition into the jungle before slinking away in disgrace.

　However, the Flame Fist Mercenary Group's originally orderly formation was forced to disperse into small groups due to the obstacles posed by the complex terrain, advancing in different directions in an attempt to find a place where they could regroup.

　Allis's seventh team had already laid hidden cloth traps during their advance, and split into groups of four to infiltrate.

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　They entered different areas of the forest. Dressed in ghillie suits, they blended almost seamlessly into the environment amidst the thick fog and shadows, their presence only revealed by the occasional glimmer of light between the scales—but by the time the enemy noticed this faint light, it was often too late.

　"Inhale, concentrate, hold your breath," Allis whispered to the young half-dragon Uto beside him. Uto was holding a specially made heavy crossbow, with thumb-thick armor-piercing arrows lying on the arrow bed, aimed at a group of Flame Fist mercenaries fifty paces away. Allis actually preferred the kind of muskets from Dragon Territory that spewed fire from long tubes and fired sharp "short arrows," but unfortunately, he couldn't take them out of Dragon Territory for the time being. The half-dragons of Deepwater City all used these heavy crossbows that weighed nearly ten kilograms.

　This type of crossbow has thick, short limbs with a large sweepback arc, and uses pulleys to increase the draw length. To prevent the pulleys and the complex string from getting tangled in branches or other debris, the entire firing mechanism is also encased in a protective box, which greatly increases the weight of the crossbow. Only those with exceptionally strong physiques could lift this weapon.

　The crossbow actually looks more like a long box with a handle and shoulder rest, and there's a winch on the box. After each shot, simply turning the winch twice will automatically wind the crossbow and nock the arrow, which is very convenient for rapid firing.

　Uto nodded, his breathing becoming slow and regular.

　Uto is a young half-dragon kobold whose scales have not yet fully hardened into a metallic texture. He has just passed the stage of a dragon vein sorcerer and has not yet fully adapted to his new power, but his eyes already possess the precise far-sightedness that only true dragons have, allowing him to see targets a hundred paces away through the fog and the gaps in the tangled branches and leaves.

　“Remember, kill the commander and the spellcaster, and stay away from those heavily armored warriors.” Allis looked around to make sure the other two half-dragons were in position. “Our advantage lies in stealth and surprise; we’re not here to fight them head-on.”

　The only non-half-dragon member of the squad, a female bard dressed in exotic attire, hid behind a large tree nearby, her fingers lightly caressing the small lyre hanging from her waist. Her eyes constantly scanned the surroundings warily, ready to provide cover for her teammates or confuse the enemy with her music at any moment. Allis nodded to her, and the bard understood, plucking the strings and producing a series of soft notes like those of forest birds, masking their stealthy movements.

　Below, twelve Flame Fist mercenaries were cautiously advancing. They formed a loose battle formation, with two heavily armored warriors wielding shields and clearing a path with machetes at the front, their mercenary leader in the middle, and the rest of the mercenaries keeping watch around them. They moved forward in shifts, stopping every few steps to listen carefully to the sounds of the forest.

　This is a team of experienced battlefield veterans, but their experience comes from fighting humans or humanoid creatures, not from facing half-dragons that move like ghosts through the canopy and wield heavy ranged weapons.

　Allis raised his paw and gently swung it down.

　"Whoosh!"

　Four heavy crossbow bolts, accompanied by a dull whistle, were fired almost simultaneously, all aimed at the mercenary leader in the center of the group. The shield-bearer in front abruptly raised his shield; one arrow pierced deeply into the shield, while the other three accurately pierced the leader's chest, throat, and eye, tearing through flesh and blood. He didn't even have time to scream before collapsing into a pool of blood.

　"Ambush! Protect the formation!" The mercenaries immediately formed a defensive formation, with shield bearers forming a human wall to protect the others in the center.

　But Allis had anticipated this. The half-dragon kobolds quickly changed positions, giving the enemy no chance to lock on. Three half-dragons rapidly turned the winches, continuing to fire continuously with their heavy crossbows, while Allis quietly circled around to the flank of the mercenary group.

　"Clang!" Another crossbow bolt was blocked by the shield.

　"Over there! In the tree!" A mercenary spotted Uto and immediately picked up his bow and arrow to return fire, but the target was not visible in the thick fog, and the figure gliding between the treetops was even more difficult to catch.

　At the same time, the bard skillfully changed the tone, her music transforming from clear birdsong into a deep roar of beasts, sometimes near, sometimes far, as if the entire forest was filled with dangerous beasts, which made the mercenaries even more nervous.

　Just as the mercenaries were focused on the half-dragon in the tree and the eerie sound, Allis seized the opportunity to rush out, gathering dragon breath energy in his basal veins. He opened his mouth, and a fiery dragon breath crackling with sparks shot out, precisely covering the nearest warrior and the two mercenaries standing beside him.

　"Aaaaaah!" The mercenaries, ignited by the electric sparks, let out piercing screams. Their armor became conductive coffins of death, flames flowing across the iron plates, the current rapidly spreading along the metal and heating it, roasting those who couldn't remove their armor in place. The stench of burning protein mixed with the thick fog, forming a pungent, acrid smoke.

　A surviving heavily armored warrior roared and charged at Allis, drawing his broadsword: "Damn lizardman! I'll hang your head on my tent!"

　Allis calmly took a few steps back, a cold smile appearing on his lips: "Ignorance."

　The heavily armored warrior ignored Allis's provocation and continued charging forward, but his steps suddenly stopped, and he looked down at his calf—it had been entangled in a fine metal net at some point.

　"The first lesson in jungle warfare is to always be wary of your footing." Allis pulled out a small device, twisted it gently, and the metal mesh immediately tightened, the sharp metal wires embedding deeply into the warrior's legs.

　The warrior cried out in pain, but he was clearly a seasoned veteran, and he gritted his teeth and swung his sword at the metal mesh. In that instant, another crossbow bolt came from the side, piercing his helmet and shattering his skull and its contents.

　"Hah...hah..." The soldier fell heavily to the ground, his body convulsing stiffly.

　The remaining mercenaries panicked at the sight. Some tried to retreat, while others stubbornly charged forward, but there was nowhere to escape.

　Allis raised his claws, and the half-dragons shifted positions again, gliding through the canopy like ghosts. Another volley of crossbow bolts rained down, and three mercenaries fell. The remaining four mercenaries, with the help of a ranger, finally managed to organize themselves somewhat, swaying left and right among the trunks of the large trees.

　"Let them go," Allis ordered. "We have achieved our objective."

　The half-dragons leaped down from the trees and began looting their spoils, then followed the ever-present scent of humans to find their next prey.

　In the distance, another half-dragon squad was engaged in combat with a group of Flame Fist mercenaries. This mercenary group was larger, numbering about thirty, all elite warriors and rangers, equipped with superior weaponry. The half-dragons dared not approach rashly, and could only linger around, looking for an opportunity.

　"Should we go help?" Uto asked, looking at the flashes of battle that appeared and disappeared in the distance through the forest.

　Allis shook his head: "No, each squad has its own mission area. A free-for-all would only cause chaos and friendly fire. And..."

　Before it could finish speaking, a thunderclap suddenly boomed in the sky, followed by a muffled explosion that was amplified by the dense foliage on the other side of the forest. The intense magical fluctuations shook the entire forest area where they were located.

　"What is that?" Uto asked in horror.

　Allis narrowed his eyes: "It seems someone has discovered a great figure worthy of the dragon's attention."

　At the source of the explosion, a sudden gust of wind appeared out of nowhere, uprooting an entire forest. In the eye of the storm, Antilost hovered in mid-air. He had abandoned his human form, transforming into a steel dragon nearly ten meters long, its face covered in metallic spikes. Its silver metallic scales, even more shimmering than Casalos's, gleamed in the sunlight.

　Opposite him stood a tall human clad in dark red armor, his eyes burning with an eerie flame, and he gripped a two-handed battle axe wreathed in black fire. This was a legendary member of the Flame Fist Mercenary Group, a heavy weapons warrior skilled in combat.

　"A mere old steel dragon thinks it can block my way? You really..."