Dragon Valley, at the pinnacle of a steep cliff.
The Red Iron Dragon stood majestically, his towering body bathed in the howling wind and snow. A thin layer of white snow already covered his heavy scales, which were intermingled with black and red, making him appear like a sculpture.
His gaze was solemn and serious, and he breathed deeply and slowly, his Dragon face filled with intense concentration.
His posture suggested he was brewing something earth-shattering.
Then, amidst the wailing of the wind and snow, the Red Iron Dragon slowly raised one of his front claws.
A faint but steady magical light began to swirl around his sharp claw tips. As his upper and lower jaws parted slightly, simple incantation syllables flowed out, and the aura emanating from him grew increasingly profound, as heavy as a mountain.
Finally, the brewing reached its peak, and he gently waved his Dragon claw forward.
The next moment, a miracle occurred.
The light at the tip of his Dragon claw flickered gently, like a spark igniting.
Then, the thin, stubborn layer of snow covering him seemed to be gently brushed away by an invisible, tender hand, or an unseen brush.
Rustle, rustle, rustle... The snow fell away, as if shedding a white outer garment, quickly revealing the pristine, metallic-lustered scales beneath, spotless and clean.
—This was a standard Cleansing Spell.
A zero-ring cantrip, the most basic of basics, its effect is to clean dirt, dust, and... well, snow... from the surface of objects. The mountaintop fell into silence, with only the wind and snow still howling tirelessly.
A few seconds later.
"Pfft... Haha!"
A burst of clear, bell-like, yet extraordinarily exaggerated laughter came from behind a snow-covered boulder nearby.
Fairy Dragon Vera flapped her brilliant rainbow-colored wings and flew out, laughing so hard she was bent over backward in the air, almost tumbling, tears nearly spilling from her eyes.
"Oh, my great King of Molten Iron, with that solemn look on your face just now, I thought you were going to summon a meteor and completely plow the entire Dragon Valley."
"And it was just a Cleansing Spell? A cantrip?"
"Your casting wind-up was far too long and too solemn. Anyone who didn't know would probably think you were preparing some terrifying Legendary-level spell."
The Red Iron Dragon expressionlessly flicked his thick Dragon tail, shaking off the last bits of lingering snow.
"The true essence of magic lies in precision and control, with an emphasis on profound understanding and practical application of its intrinsic principles."
He spoke in a deep voice, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority: "Even the most insignificant cantrip should be approached with full effort, carefully contemplating the principles it contains."
Fairy Dragon Vera looked at his serious demeanor, and her stomach ached even more from laughing. She wanted to tease him a few more times.
However.
Under the Red Iron Dragon's increasingly dangerous gaze, she wisely suppressed her crazy urge to smirk.
"So, esteemed Red Iron Dragon scholar, what profound truths were you contemplating so intently just now? Did you really comprehend some extraordinary magical principle?"
She rolled her eyes and asked mischievously.
"I was wondering whether to stuff a certain overly noisy little Dragon deep into that snowdrift over there, to let her calm down properly and, incidentally, shut her chattering mouth."
The Red Iron Dragon replied calmly.
Hearing this, Fairy Dragon Vera shivered, and her laughter instantly vanished.
She certainly didn't want to personally experience the King of Molten Iron's physical calming method.
Before Galos could truly put that dangerous idea into practice, she let out a short shriek, her wings flapping rapidly. Like a fleeing rainbow, she vanished in a flash amidst the swirling wind and snow.
After driving away the mischievous Fairy Dragon, Galos composed his somewhat cluttered thoughts and refocused his attention.
The Cleansing Spell was the first formal cantrip he had ever successfully cast in his life, not relying on bloodline, but entirely through his own learning and understanding.
Before this, Galos had actually mastered many powerful spell-like abilities.
Their effects were far more terrifying than a mere trick like the Cleansing Spell.
But those abilities were not acquired through learned study; rather, they were instincts naturally gained with the growth and awakening of his Dragon bloodline, like breathing and flying.
They differed fundamentally from spells cast by understanding, constructing models, and channeling energy.
At the same time, the vast magical knowledge deeply rooted in his dragons legacy constantly echoed and surfaced in his mind.
"A spell, in essence, is an independent magical effect. It is a complex process of precisely reshaping and manipulating the invisible magical energy permeating space, ultimately manifesting in a specific manner within a designated area."
"Spells can be viewed as convenient tools, deadly weapons, or sturdy protective barriers. They can inflict or heal damage, generate or dispel specific status effects, and even drain life force or bestow new life."
"The runes and incantations that constitute spells are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Most of them are the most effective means of communicating with and guiding elemental energy. Through long ages of evolution and selection, the most commonly used and efficient runes and incantations have been preserved, such as ψ ω ξ α щ ж ю δ я."
"A spell's ring-tier generally indicates its power. Zero-level cantrips can be activated by thought alone, but high-ring spells require the caster's full concentration. Some special spells also consume countless materials, or even the caster's life."
"Before a caster can use a spell, they must first inscribe it in their consciousness, or store the spell's power in a magical item."
"Once you have a basic understanding of spells, you can begin formal study of spell principles."
"The spatial anchoring theory of spell cores, the nonlinear wave interpretation of runic energy, the analytic continuation and stability maintenance of magic power on the complex plane, the gauge field theory governing magic flow and its corresponding fiber bundle geometric expression..."
...Just a cursory glance and understanding of these basic theoretical descriptions made Galos feel dizzy.
It was as if countless abstract symbols and formulas were colliding and exploding in his mind.
"Choosing to focus on honing my physique and strength first, rather than diving headfirst into the ocean of spells, now seems like a wise decision," he couldn't help but think with inward relief.
The path of spells places the greatest emphasis on talent and comprehension.
The countless principles involved, in their abstractness and profundity, were similar to the advanced mathematical knowledge Galos had encountered in his previous life.
Understanding or not understanding was a clear distinction.
You either knew it or you didn't; there was no luck or shortcut involved.
For example, the stable casting of a seemingly basic and simple Fireball Spell.
Its intrinsic energy structure is actually a precise, multi-dimensional sequence of rune arrangements and combinations, constructed after comprehensively considering multiple factors such as energy dissipation rate, environmental elemental density, and negative feedback suppression mechanisms.
The relative position of each rune, and the intensity and timing of energy injection, directly determine the ultimate power, range, and flight speed of the spell, as well as the risk of energy backlash that might occur if the casting fails.
"A complete spell, from construction to release, is somewhat akin to solving a high-dimensional equation involving multiple complex variables such as the caster's mental stability, ambient magic parameters, spell material catalysts, and incantation syllable resonance efficiency."
"Only by finding the correct 'solution' can it be stably mastered and cast."
"Fortunately, within the dragons legacy, for most known conventional spells, relatively mature and stable standard solution approaches are already provided, which are the spell models validated by countless predecessors."
"As long as one can successfully complete the first independent solution through their own understanding, a stable spell model can be formed and stored in one's consciousness. The next time one wishes to construct and cast it, it will become much simpler."
"However, this first independent solution is often the most difficult step."
Galos silently summarized and organized the core points of spell learning in his mind.
Formal one-ring spells and above had a learning difficulty roughly equivalent to advanced mathematics in his previous life, becoming increasingly complex and profound.
Meanwhile, zero-ring cantrips like the Cleansing Spell were roughly at the level of high school mathematics, serving as the first step into the temple of magic.
Galos started from the most basic theories and spent a full day successfully mastering the Cleansing Spell.
This speed was neither fast nor slow, falling within a normal average level.
This also meant that he did not display any special talent in magic, being no different from a normal Red Dragon or Iron Dragon.
At the same time, a question arose in Galos's mind.
"Can my Adaptive Evolution talent apply to this kind of knowledge-based magic learning process?"
"If the answer is no, then the path of learning spells will inevitably take an extremely long time, unable to show significant leaps in progress in a relatively short period like physical training."
Thinking of this, Galos slowly exhaled a scorching breath, which condensed into white mist in the cold air.
The path of spell learning was indeed fraught with difficulties, but the various conveniences and possibilities it could bring were also an undeniable fact.
Galos was absolutely unwilling to be just a brute who relied solely on brute force.
Finally, he made a decision.
Regardless of his talent in magic, from now on, when he reached his limit after high-intensity physical training and needed a short rest, he would no longer simply empty his mind as before.
He would utilize these fragmented times to continuously learn and study spell knowledge.
This was a way to train mental resilience and thinking ability, and also to verify whether his adaptive talent could also be effective in the realm of knowledge comprehension.
"Pressing my physical limits and mental potential at the same time? Haha, this challenge is quite difficult, but also very interesting."
A sharp glint flashed in Galos's eyes as he issued a weighty challenge to himself internally.
Immediately after, the Red Iron Dragon once again began his daily, unwavering arduous training amidst the swirling snow.
During the brief resting moments between his training, his mind was no longer blank.
Those complex and exquisite spell principles and rune structures constantly appeared in his mind.
Time flowed like water, quietly passing by.
After the conquest of the northeastern region, the exact location of its leyline core, as well as the Abyssal Rift suppressed by the Mountain King, had been successfully pinpointed by the sorcerer team led by Samantha.
At the same time, some intelligent creature clans, originally scattered across the wilderness, were attracted by the King of Molten Iron's growing prestige and voluntarily came to pledge allegiance, further expanding the Molten Iron Tribe's vassal scale and diversity, making the tribe's administration and control over this vast wilderness more comprehensive and in-depth.
By this point, the Molten Iron Tribe had essentially completed the unification of the Serre Wilderness.
The Dragon banner symbolizing the King of Molten Iron was now flying in the wind in every corner of this vast land.
During this period, the tribe held multiple rounds of negotiations with the envoy delegation sent by the Kingdom of Theos.
After the other party paid a huge price that made them feel pain, the Molten Iron Tribe agreed to release the Theos soldiers captured in the previous war, and the envoys of the Kingdom of Theos officially expressed their willingness to live in peace with the Molten Iron Tribe, turning hostilities into friendship, and solemnly promised never to actively offend the Molten Iron Tribe and its interests again.
As for whether this promise was true or false, who could know?
And the alliance with the Kingdom of Lothorn was also discussed in more concrete and in-depth terms, with both sides reaching an agreement on several key clauses.
As soon as the Molten Iron Tribe was ready to officially establish a nation, Lothorn would send congratulations immediately, expressing its full recognition.
Subsequently, both sides would begin comprehensive trade, including resources and technology, to achieve true mutual benefit.
Just like that, three years passed in a flash, quietly slipping away.
It was now New Calendar Year 321, and the Molten Iron Tribe's development had entered a stable and orderly phase.
All areas of the entire Serre Wilderness were now covered with bases, outposts, and resource points established by the Molten Iron Tribe; they were like solid anchors, connected by roads and communication, interwoven into lines, ultimately forming a network covering the entire wilderness, consolidating the Molten Iron Tribe's rule.
Countless intelligent creatures living in the Southern Kingdoms now almost all knew:
A powerful Dragon known as the King of Molten Iron had risen strongly during the chaotic period of the kingdoms' civil war, and now he had become a force to be reckoned with, completely controlling the entire Serre Wilderness, an undisputed uncrowned king of that vast land.
Not only that.
Titles such as "King of the Borderlands," "Crimson Blazing Star," and "Sky-Rending Wing," derived from Galos's deeds and characteristics, also gradually became widely known through the singing of merchants and bards.
At the same time, within the Dragon Valley.
The majestic Red Iron Dragon, his body radiating heat, was coiled on the ground, having just finished an extremely high-intensity physical training session.
Even when he was resting with his eyes closed, recovering his strength, his consciousness was not truly resting; he was still constantly reviewing and understanding the knowledge within the dragons legacy, not allowing himself the slightest slack.
He had come this far, besides his talent, entirely through hard work.
"Are you there?"
At this moment, Sorog sent a message.
"I am."
Galos responded simply.
"The tribe's development is flourishing, the number of dependents is increasing daily, and the overall quality has also significantly improved due to Dragonforged transformation and survival of the fittest. Now, the Serre Wilderness is completely under our rule."
The Iron Dragon Sorog's voice carried a hint of pride, then he asked, "When do you plan to officially claim kingship?"
"When will we officially establish a nation?"
After three years of stable development, Sorog believed that the time was ripe to officially establish a nation and elevate the Molten Iron Tribe to a higher form.
Galos smiled.
He retorted with a hint of teasing, "What, you can't suppress the surging ambition in your heart anymore?"
Sorog admitted frankly, "There is a little of that, but more importantly, I believe now is the right time."
"The tribe currently possesses fertile land and abundant resources, but there are still significant shortcomings in the corresponding mining, refining, and precision processing technologies, making it difficult to fully utilize these advantages."
"Our development speed has gradually slowed down, entering a kind of bottleneck period."
"After officially establishing a nation, we will be able to establish formal diplomatic and trade relations with other human or humanoid kingdoms as an equal nation, and with the technical support from the Kingdom of Lothorn, only then can we begin the next stage of higher-quality development."
What he said made sense.
In fact, Galos also believed that the time for nation-building had arrived.
However, before that, he still had an important matter to complete.
"A few days ago, the joint competitive events (competitive tournament) held by the five Metal Dragon Domains has officially begun."
The Red Iron Dragon said, "They will go through layers of selection and are about to determine the sole challenger."
"At that time, Nasha and I will go to the Dragon Domain together, await his challenge, defeat him head-on, and then, seizing this opportunity, step into the Legendary realm through the 'Ancient Tide'."
"By then, we will officially establish our nation."
Establishing a nation before reaching Legendary status would ultimately lack a certain degree of confidence and prestige.
"Why not simply have that Metallic Dragon challenger come to the wilderness or the Borderlands?"
Sorog's spirits lifted, and he offered his suggestion, "The tribe has absorbed many new vassal clans in recent years, many of whom are unfamiliar with you. This way, they can have the opportunity to witness your powerful presence firsthand."
"This can unite people's hearts and accumulate more prestige for the upcoming nation-building, which would be greatly beneficial."
Galos shook his head slightly.
"I do not need to rely on such methods to accumulate false fame."
"Moreover, the Ancient Tide, this Legendary place, exists within the Fubo Dragon Domain; no matter what, I will have to go there myself sooner or later."
"When I achieve Legend and return to the wilderness, at that time, I will personally announce the birth of the new nation."
His voice paused, and his gaze seemed to penetrate the heavy wind and snow, looking towards the distant future: "That will also mean that we will officially ascend to the magnificent main stage of this planet as a kingdom."