Facing Gold Dragon Alberto's resounding challenge request once more, the humanoid figure, with bulging, powerful muscles and a tall, majestic physique, merely raised his eyes slightly, a flicker of thought passing through them, but did not immediately agree.
At the same time, a faint glow flashed.
His human form rapidly dissipated, and his massive, imposing, and even more oppressive true Dragon body reappeared, black scales gleaming with a metallic luster.
Facing Alberto, who suddenly wanted to change from a spar to a challenge, Galos understood, largely guessing the source of his confidence.
Ordinary five-colored Evil Dragons, when transforming into their weaker human forms, are limited by the unfamiliar body's different structure and can usually only exert about five-tenths of their original strength, and this is after having a relatively proficient grasp of the transformation spell.
However, Young Dragons like Galos, who have just mastered the transformation spell for the first time, normally, due to extreme unfamiliarity with the human structure and severe lack of limb coordination, even basic force generation becomes an issue, and the strength they can exert plummets to a pitiful two to three-tenths.
In contrast, Alberto, a Gold Dragon much older than Galos, has mastered the transformation spell for decades.
His use of the human form is already masterful, allowing him to exert about seven-tenths of his formidable original strength.
Seven-tenths versus three-tenths!
There was a huge chasm of nearly four-tenths in the proportion of strength exerted in human form.
Such a vast disparity in proportions, in Alberto's view, was a heaven-sent opportunity; his chances of winning were not just good, but almost overwhelming, with the advantage clearly on his side!
However, Alberto did not know.
None of the Dragons present, including their kin, knew.
Although Galos indeed disliked the feeling of weakened strength brought by the human form, he possessed an extraordinary understanding and familiarity with the human body structure and methods of generating force.
During combat, he would never make low-level mistakes like limb incoordination or awkward force generation.
In fact, as soon as he transformed, the strength he could mobilize was already close to the level of Evil Dragons proficient in the spell, firmly standing above the five-tenths threshold.
In short, Alberto's beautiful aspirations were probably destined to remain a pipe dream.
"His current debt, only about three-tenths of the principal remains..."
"If he loses this challenge to me again, even with the stakes of this challenge added, the principal of the debt would only rise back to about six-tenths, which is not a high amount."
"As long as this kid is honest and doesn't make things harder for himself, he should be able to pay it off before too long."
Galos's gaze swept over Alberto's confident face.
"By then, with the debt settled, if I want to commission him to do something for me, it might take a bit more effort and persuasion."
In a flash, Galos had weighed the pros and cons in his heart.
Finally, a solemn expression appeared on his majestic Dragon face; he merely raised his imposing chin slightly, revealing a calm yet somewhat arrogant demeanor.
"Alberto."
Galos's deep, resonant voice rumbled through the valley like muffled thunder, quieting the surrounding clamor.
"Alberto, you seem full of confidence in victory."
He lowered his gaze, looking down at the human-formed Gold Dragon below, and said, "But I, too, do not believe I will lose."
"Indeed, this is my first time wielding a human form, but the long slumber has brought me improvements far beyond your imagination."
"I am very certain that even in this heavily restricted form, the outcome of this challenge will still be the same as every past encounter, ending in your defeat."
From the depths of Red Iron Dragon's calm gaze, Alberto clearly caught a faint hint of disdain.
He admitted that before his next slumber and growth, even with his significant improvements from years of diligent training, in his Dragon form, he was probably no match for this transformed Young Red Iron Dragon.
He was a proud Gold Dragon, but he wasn't ignorant of current affairs.
But!
When it came to the strength and combat experience in human form?
Absolute confidence surged in Alberto's chest; decades of immersion and countless experiences of walking as a human had granted him unparalleled proficiency!
In a contest of human forms, he was sure to win.
"No, Galos."
Alberto straightened his chest, golden hair fluttering in the firelight, his tone utterly certain: "The one who wins will definitely be me!"
"Oh? So confident?"
Galos's voice trailed slightly, and he said, "Since you are so sure, and I also believe I can win, why don't we add a little more to the stakes?"
Alberto thought for a moment and asked, "What wager do you want to add?"
"Very simple."
"If you lose, then all the debt reductions I granted you during my slumber will be nullified, and your debt will revert to its original state."
Alberto's heart sank.
This meant his previous efforts to repay would be in vain.
But Galos's next words made his heart skip a beat.
"Conversely, if you can defeat me in this human form contest,"
"In addition to the valid debt reduction, I will also pay you a doubled, generous reward."
"How about it?"
"Good! It's a deal!"
Alberto almost emphatically and resoundingly agreed, his eyes gleaming with a desire for wealth and victory.
As long as he defeated Galos, he would not only completely escape the quagmire of debt but also gain a huge windfall.
As for failure? How could that be! He had been able to skillfully transform into a human decades ago and had rich practical experience; how could he lose to a novice who had just mastered the transformation spell and couldn't even conjure clothes?
"Foolish Gold Dragon, it seems you are destined to continue working for us."
Not far away, Iron Dragon Sorog calmly sipped some sweet honey syrup, while Red Dragon Samantha fiercely tore off a large piece of roasted, fragrant beast meat. Both thought to themselves almost simultaneously.
Although they weren't entirely sure where Galos's confidence came from, they knew their brother too well.
Galos would never do anything meaningless, nor would he fight a battle he wasn't confident in winning.
This poor Gold Dragon was clearly being played like a fiddle once again, without realizing it.
"The challenge will begin after the feast ends."
Hearing Alberto's eager acceptance of the challenge, Red Iron Dragon nodded with satisfaction.
Alberto's mood became even more joyous, and he once again immersed himself in the singing and dancing, full of enthusiasm, as if victory was already in his grasp, and the atmosphere in the venue became exceptionally harmonious because of it.
Outside the valley, the wind and snow still howled and danced in the dark night sky.
But within Dragon Valley, the blazing bonfires and magical radiance illuminated the world as brightly as day, with laughter and the low growls of Dragons intertwined.
As time passed, Galos drank a mouthful of rich black oil and ate a few pieces of magical beast essence, feeling the power within him growing more abundant and surging, his state steadily returning to its peak, and his spirit becoming increasingly vibrant.
His own strength had reached a whole new level, coupled with the existence of a 'backup hidden energy'.
A strong sense of confidence, like 'Who can kill me! Who can defeat me!', almost burst from his chest.
Galos even felt a strong urge to immediately spread his wings and fly to Serre Wilderness, to declare his rule over that vast land, to make all living beings submit beneath his Dragon wings, and to turn any disobedient ones into ashes.
Hoo.
With a gentle and deep breath, these suddenly surging hot thoughts and impulses, as if doused with ice water, instantly vanished.
Although each time he awoke from slumber, the primal desires and instincts of the Evil Dragon bloodline would also rise accordingly.
However, the extent of their growth was, after all, far less than the growth of Galos's own will and mindset.
His control over his own emotions had long reached a state of mastery, with perfect command.
Not only the impulses for battle and conquest, but even the Dragon's almost instinctive greedy obsession with wealth now found it increasingly difficult to sway his mind. When he was extremely weak just now, he swallowed more than twenty priceless magic gems in one go, yet his heart didn't feel too tormented; he hadn't reached his limit yet.
"How is Lossern Royal Court doing now?"
Galos turned his thoughts to business, his massive head looking at Iron Dragon Sorog, not speaking aloud, but through the bloodline connection, his voice sounded directly in the other's mind.
"A few years ago, shortly after I awoke, Gordon also ended his slumber, and we re-established contact immediately."
The Iron Dragon responded, conveying the organized information in his consciousness.
"According to the intelligence gathered by Gordon... after the court coup where the current king assassinated his brother to usurp the throne, the Lossern Royal Court, while seemingly calm on the surface, still harbored turbulent undercurrents and restless hearts beneath."
"Many nobles, and even royal collateral branches, continued to discuss in private, constantly criticizing the king's illegitimate ascension to the throne."
Galos's gaze flickered slightly as he pondered.
When he learned of the old king's critical illness, he had already collected general information about several important princes of Lothorn through various channels.
The First Prince, the first in line of succession, was a typical mold of a conservative ruler—addicted to pleasure, mediocre in talent, limited in ability... almost a replica of the old king in his youth.
But he was not entirely useless.
The First Prince was extremely skilled at understanding the emperor's wishes, making the old king overjoyed. His favor and support were his greatest political capital. At the same time, he was well-versed in the rules of the aristocratic circle, adept at social maneuvering, and, relying on his status as Crown Prince and various promises, he had rallied a large number of noble lords, with a deeply entrenched power base behind him.
The Second Prince, who ultimately accomplished the feat of assassinating his brother, was completely the opposite extreme.
He had a fiery temperament, worshipped strength, and possessed considerable talent himself.
In his youth, he volunteered to give up the comforts of the court and plunged into the harsh environment of military camps for training. He was decisive and resolute, earning the awe and loyalty of grassroots soldiers with his iron fist and bravery, establishing significant prestige. He also won the favor and goodwill of many high-ranking military officers, and even major generals.
However, his problems were also very obvious.
His character was too unyielding and inflexible.
In his youth, he once personally beat and killed the son of a marquis who was committing crimes in the street, simply because he could not tolerate the arrogance of noble scions. While it showed his spirit, it also sowed the seeds of trouble.
As he grew older, he became even less tolerant of injustice, deeply abhorring the corruption and greed of the aristocratic circle. He acted forcefully, made countless enemies, and was ostracized by the noble community.
Most of the time, he stayed away from the political center, stationed at the front lines, leading a purely military life. Rather than a prince, he was more like a pure general.
It was only at the last moment, when the old king was critically ill and on his deathbed, urgently summoning all his children back to the palace, that the Second Prince rushed back from the border, covered in dust.
When the old king was on his deathbed, officially announcing that the First Prince would succeed him, it is said that the Second Prince remained silent throughout, expressionless, and did not raise any objections on the spot.
However, shortly after the old king's burial, on the eve of the First Prince's official coronation.
This seemingly accepting, seemingly uninterested silent general, launched the event that shocked the entire Federation with lightning speed.
Blood stained the court, and he assassinated his brother to seize the throne.
"This entire process is full of too many perplexing questions."
Galos calmly analyzed: "As a core powerful nation of the Federation, the Lothair Kingdom's court heartland must be a top priority, with legendary powerhouses stationed and magical barriers covering it."
"The First Prince, who was about to ascend the throne, would also have the most elite guard forces gathered around him, under the watchful eyes and protection of countless people."
"The Second Prince... how did he manage to assassinate his brother and usurp the throne under the heavy guard of the court and right under the noses of those legendary powerhouses? After succeeding, how did he quickly quell the situation, intimidate all potential opponents, especially those legendary powerhouses who supported the First Prince, smoothly ascend to the throne, and without triggering a large-scale civil war?"
A series of questions swirled in Galos's mind.
He thought for a moment and asked, "What role did Crystal Princess Ailina play in this?"
Iron Dragon Sorog's mental response carried a hint of caution: "Gordon said that Crystal Princess was not present at the court during the bloody moment of the coup, so she is not clear about the most core and specific details of the assassination process. But..."
Sorog conveyed the information: "...She has always had a relatively close relationship with the Second Prince."
"When she was very young, she repeatedly expressed admiration for her brother, who could fight for the country on the front lines, and even revealed to Gordon her desire for a military life like the Second Prince's."
"After the usurpation, she was also one of the first royal members to explicitly support the Second Prince's succession."
Immediately after, the Iron Dragon continued: "After the fiery new king ascended to the throne, in the name of being a descendant of the Holy King and maintaining the unity and stability of the Federation, he simultaneously declared war on Rippos Kingdom, and the original proxy war has escalated into a kingdom-wide war."
"During this period, Crystal Princess's cooperation with us did not cease. Instead, after Gordon awoke, it became more frequent and urgent. She repeatedly contacted us through Gordon, promising more generous rewards than before, wanting to commission the Dragon to attack Rippos Kingdom's logistical strongholds and other various camps established in the Serre Wilderness."
The voice paused, and the Iron Dragon said, "However, considering that you had not yet awakened, and the Dragon lacked a unified core will, I had Gordon temporarily decline these commissions, citing that the core members of the Dragon were in a dormant period."
Galos's eyes narrowed slightly, and a sharp glint flashed in his Dragon pupils.
"Next time she proposes a similar commission, we can accept it."
He made his decision.
The Borderlands' environment has deteriorated, and resources are scarce; the Federation's control over the Serre Wilderness has also dropped to an all-time low; furthermore, he himself has awakened.
The time has come.
The Molten Iron Tribe's expansion into the Serre Wilderness is about to officially begin!
The Red Iron Dragon's eyes reflected the firelight of the banquet, as if also seeing the Serre Wilderness about to burn.
"There's one more thing," Sorog changed the topic.
"Nick requests an audience."
Nick, the once down-and-out humble small merchant, is now an important retainer who controls a vast Gemstone Merchant Group and plays a crucial role in the development of the Molten Iron Tribe.
"Mortal lives are ultimately too short."
Galos thought of this old official: "He has no professional talent, he is just an ordinary person, and he is already nearing the end of his life."
He remembered his promise to Nick.
When the other party possessed the determination to go all out and embrace death, he would grant him the opportunity to transform into a Dragon creature, extending his life and loyalty.
However, the risks of Dragon Vein Transformation are extremely high, and a practical problem also arose.
"Once Nick dies, the Gemstone Merchant Group he built with his own hands will likely experience turmoil and a power vacuum."
"He is a rare intelligent man who understands how to assess the situation, and his loyalty has been tested."
"But what about his successor? I cannot guarantee that his successor will be as intelligent, as loyal, and as capable of understanding my will to continue serving me efficiently and doing my bidding."
Galos silently weighed the pros and cons in his mind.
After thinking for a moment, he looked towards a noisy corner of the banquet.
Green Dragon Ludwig and Black Dragon Seraphina's two massive heads were huddled together, like whispering conspirators.
Although the banquet hall was loud and boisterous, and their voices were extremely low, Galos still caught some fragmented words.
"White Scale" "four against one" "must get revenge" "shame" "insult"
There was no need to listen more carefully. Combining the past experiences of the two Young Dragon and the excited glint in their eyes, Galos instantly discerned their secret plan.
Clearly.
As they gradually grew and their ecological niche steadily improved, and the gap with the White Dragon narrowed, these Young Dragon were no longer content to continue enduring the humiliation and suppression of the adult White Dragon Teresa. They were secretly plotting an act of revenge, a challenge from below.
As for the center of the storm.
What was the adult White Dragon Teresa doing?
Her massive, snowy white body was comfortably sprawled on a small mountain made of frozen meat and ice. Her huge left claw grasped a frozen ibex larger than her own head, while her right claw hugged a barrel of mead, drinking with great enjoyment. At the same time, she had a small White Dragon massaging her claws.
She seemed completely oblivious to the Young Dragon's plans, fully immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the banquet.