As the earth completely shattered, the Chrysos Heirs finally reacted—had they actually been standing on the nose of this Super Class Danger Beast?
If Her Majesty the Empress and the Dux Gladiorum had not sensed the impending danger and pushed them away before the behemoth burst from the soil, every single one of them would have perished within the dragon's maw.
"What a truly massive creature. Its head alone spans several hundred meters. I suspect its entire body is larger than the Imperial Capital of the Empire," Hysilens remarked.
Looking at the Giant Dragon slowly rising before them, even Cerydra and Hysilens displayed expressions of awe.
Even though Cery has seen countless monsters of this scale in games in their past life, the visual impact of experiencing it in person was far more staggering.
Setting the creature's actual strength aside, the mere visual pressure was enough to make any weak-willed enemy abandon all thought of resistance.
"A pity, then, that you have encountered me this time. Prepare yourself!"
While many stood frozen, Cerydra showed no fear. Instead, she curled her lips into an excited grin.
In the face of Cerydra's provocation, the Giant Dragon offered no response. Instead, it focused its entire attention on that one woman…
Hysilens!
Imperator sensed something unusual. Why had the Giant Dragon remained dormant beneath the Snowy Mountains until the Chrysos Heirs arrived?
Perhaps it was precisely because of Hysilens?
"Dux Gladiorum, since this Giant Dragon is so preoccupied with you, I shall rely on you to draw its attention!"
Hysilens understood perfectly. The shock brought by this beast was too great; many of the newborn Chrysos Heirs had not yet recovered their wits and were unable to form an effective offensive force.
To ensure the safety of these Chrysos Heirs and to grant Cerydra more time to observe the creature's weaknesses, the Dux Gladiorum temporarily took up the task of drawing the beast's ire.
One had to admit, this task was somewhat arduous.
The reason Cerydra was able to create so many Chrysos Heirs in such a short time was due to her own Golden Blood and Authority of Law.
Expending such a vast amount of blood and power was no small drain on Cerydra, and recovering it would not be easy.
Therefore, in this subjugation battle, the burden fell mostly upon Hysilens and Esdeath, while Cerydra played a more supportive role.
Just as Cerydra was about to deliberate further, a sudden change occurred.
The shadows beneath their feet were instantly swallowed by an all-consuming darkness, and a thick, fishy scent of blood wafted from above!
Without question, the Ground Dragon had opened its bloody maw, intending to devour the earth and every human upon it in a single gulp.
"Hah! Since you have no intention of giving us time, then let the war begin!"
"My warriors, advance!"
Like a chess player commanding their Chess Pieces, Cerydra pointed her scepter toward the Giant Dragon ahead. The Chrysos Heirs snapped to attention—this was a battlefield, not a place for hesitation.
So what if it was a Giant Dragon thousands of meters long?
They had already consecrated their everything to Lord Imperator. They did not fear death itself, let alone a dragon.
Thus, even though many still harbored a trace of fear in their hearts, they sought to exert their strength to help Her Majesty the Empress sweep away all obstacles.
Seeing the Giant Dragon's maw about to close upon the Chrysos Heirs, someone exerted their power. Countless ice spikes erupted from the earth, bracing directly against the dragon's jaw and forcibly implementing a "shut your mouth" command.
It was in the moment the dragon's jaws were forced shut that the attacks of the Chrysos Heirs officially landed…
One Chrysos Heir, gripping a sharp greatsword, utilized his unparalleled strength to carve a gash into the dragon's face.
Another Chrysos Heir, manipulating hurricanes, used the cyclones in his hands to deliver warriors to optimal striking points.
A Chrysos Heir armed with a firearm had already aimed his weapon at the Giant Dragon's pupils—your skin might be iron-hard, but what about your eyes?
Behind them, Chrysos Heirs with white light emanating from their hands continuously treated the wounded, allowing the warriors to return to the fray at maximum speed.
This was the Chrysos Heir created by Imperator. After training, each could play a role on the battlefield, dealing effective blows to the enemy and bridging the gaps created by Esdeath to ensure continuous damage.
However, this Giant Dragon seemed far stronger than they had imagined.
Imperator narrowed her eyes. Before the operation began, she had studied the records regarding Danger Beasts in the Library of the Northern Country.
Massive Danger Beasts, especially those resembling dragons, generally possessed formidable defensive and regenerative capabilities. This was their natural talent.
The Giant Dragon before them was no exception. The Chrysos Heirs had to exert immense effort just to open a wound, but such openings did not last; they healed at a pace visible to the naked eye.
Even when Imperator ordered a Chrysos Heir to toss a bomb into the dragon's wound, it failed to stop the beast from returning to its original state… To conquer such a monster seemed far more difficult than anticipated.
Most physical attacks were effective, but they could not deal a lethal blow, nor could they render the opponent unable to resist.
The situation could be described as dire in the extreme!
Although the Giant Dragon had not yet displayed any attacks beyond physical means like swiping its claws, the Chrysos Heirs were equally unable to deal effective damage.
If the battle dragged on like this, the Chrysos Heirs would surely exhaust their stamina first, leaving them unable to continue the fight.
Eight hundred Chrysos Heirs versus a Giant Dragon that might not even be conquerable… who was more important? Imperator seemed to have the answer.
On the other side.
Hysilens moved continuously across the dragon's body, releasing her presence to draw its focus.
The Giant Dragon was indeed fooled—or rather, it simply did not care about the attacks of the Chrysos Heirs. From start to finish, it stared at Hysilens, wanting to swallow the beautiful maiden into its belly.
Why?
Does it like me that much?
Or rather… does it like my power?
The moment this thought entered her mind, Hysilens paused, then immediately changed her movement pattern.
She intended to conduct a test to see exactly how the Giant Dragon would react, and whether it was as absurd as she suspected…
Thus, a sphere of water condensed from a portion of her Authority of the Ocean appeared in Hysilens' hand. In the next second, she struck the lava flowing from the Giant Dragon's body.
As a plume of white steam billowed into the air, an expression of comfort actually appeared on the dragon's face.
In other words, Hysilens, who was supposed to be the primary attacker, could not use the power of water against this Giant Dragon, because that power only made it feel better…
Could she use such means to conquer the dragon?
Just as this thought arose, Hysilens saw the Giant Dragon shift its direction, looking back at the attacking Chrysos Heirs with a gaze that revealed a hint of tyranny.
Looking at that expression, it was exactly like a mob boss whose massage had been interrupted—the interrupters would have to pay a heavy price…
Not good!
This cannot continue!
Seeing the Giant Dragon's renewed intent to attack, Hysilens and Cerydra both realized that this monster was not something they could conquer—at least, not yet.
Cerydra had paid a great price to create the Chrysos Heirs.
Hysilens could not use the power of water against the dragon, as it would only heal the beast.
Since neither could use their most powerful abilities, the outcome they desired was impossible to achieve…
No, not necessarily?
Cerydra looked toward the group of Chrysos Heirs beside her, a complex light gradually flashing in her eyes.
Should she sacrifice these Chrysos Heirs to achieve her goal? Just as in the original story's completion of the Trial of Order, sacrificing five hundred people?
If she could do it, her Roleplay progress would surely increase. But if she sacrificed her own subordinates, would anyone be willing to serve under Cerydra in the future?
Both paths had benefits, but both had drawbacks. Cerydra had to weigh them and choose one.
At that moment, Esdeath's voice suddenly rang in her ear…
"Lord Imperator, I will use my life to hold it back. I implore you, you must complete the Conquest!"
The sudden words made Cerydra freeze for a second, then her lips slowly curved upward.
"I really give up with you lot… Just this once!"
I am already the Demigod of Law; why should I still undergo the Trial of Order?