March, Year 346 of the new calendar.
The snow on the Dragon Ridge Mountains had not yet fully melted, and the high peaks still wore white crowns. However, scattered patches of tender green and new buds were stubbornly emerging among the mountains, announcing the approach of spring.
The back mountain of Crimson Flame Royal City.
On the steepest peak, named Star-Gazing Cliff, the Red Iron Dragon stood at the summit, overlooking the vast territory of the kingdom.
A biting wind blew from the north, carrying the chill of late winter.
His broad dragon wings were folded at his sides, and his calm eyes reflected the mountains, rivers, and the sea of clouds.
More than two years had passed since the War of the Two Auras was suspended.
During this period, the Aura Kingdom had recovered significantly from the wounds of war through rest, recuperation, and post-war reconstruction.
After all, since the Red Emperor himself led the campaign, the losses of the Aura Legion were not particularly severe.
Pensions for the fallen, restoration of damaged areas, and the initial pacification of newly occupied territories... all these tasks were proceeding in an orderly fashion.
The tense nerves of the kingdom's people began to relax slightly.
Crops grew again in the fields, the rhythmic sound of picking echoed in the mines, and the markets regained their former bustle.
Later, once Xio's reparations were in place and the fruits of victory were digested, the losses brought by the war would be compensated for in a very short time. The Aura Kingdom would grow stronger at an even faster pace.
The chilly spring wind continued to sweep across Star-Gazing Cliff.
Galos's gaze crossed the kingdom's borders toward the distant horizon. That was the heart of the Romanian Plain, the stage where many human kingdoms competed.
"Galos, important news has arrived."
A low voice echoed in his mind.
Galos's eyes shifted slightly. He did not turn his head but responded in kind within his mind.
"Sorog, speak."
Iron Dragon Sorog's voice was steady and clear as he stated the intelligence just received.
"The Kingdom of Rippos sent a formal diplomatic mission, which arrived at the capital of Lothorn yesterday evening."
"The mission is of high specifications, led by a prince and the chief court mage. Given Rippos's continuous defeats in the Quinn Highlands campaign and the fall of their border fortresses, they are likely here to surrender—well, a surrender under the name of 'peace talks.'"
Galos was not surprised by this.
He fell silent for two seconds before slowly saying, "It was only a matter of time. I'm even a bit puzzled as to why Rippos only proposed peace talks now."
After the Quinn Highlands fell, the gateway to Rippos's heartland was wide open, and their defeat was already plain to see.
Since they had the courage to cut their losses and stop the bleeding, they should have chosen to negotiate earlier. Perhaps they could have retained more bargaining chips.
By stalling until now, Lothorn's military might has likely already approached their core regions.
Negotiating for peace at this time will inevitably require paying a much heavier price.
"Perhaps the invisible hand behind Rippos can no longer provide them with support."
Galos narrowed his eyes, pondering in his heart.
During the first civil war on the Romanian Plain, Rippos's victory was quite suspicious.
While producing some secret magical artifacts or new military equipment was within reason, the development, manufacture, and use of strategic weapons capable of turning the tide of war could not have been achieved independently in a short time.
Behind them, there must have been a much larger power providing support.
As for who it was... the high-ranking officials of the nations on the plain all had their suspicions.
The Holden Empire, that colossus dominating the Atlantis Continent and focused on the 'Abyss Development Project,' was the prime suspect.
It was just that everyone had a tacit understanding, pretending not to know and never discussing it specifically in public.
Galos and Sorog had no such taboos.
Iron Dragon Sorog spoke bluntly: "The Holden Empire is focused on their Abyss Development Project. The Federation has disbanded, and that Saint King has been confirmed fallen."
"The Holden Empire's gaze and resources are likely no longer directed toward the Romanian Plain."
"Therefore, their support for Rippos has likely been cut off or significantly reduced."
"Otherwise, the war between Rippos and Lothorn wouldn't have become so one-sided so quickly; there would have at least been a few more twists and turns."
Galos pondered for a longer time, the mountain wind whistling through the gaps in his hard scales.
Then, he suddenly pulled his thoughts back to the internal affairs of Aura.
He said, "The two Abyssal Rifts within our borders don't seem to have had any movement recently."
"According to normal patterns, large-scale war and death in the material realm often stimulate Abyssal energy, leading to intensified rift activity and frequent Demonic Tides."
Iron Dragon Sorog's voice paused for a moment, as if he were also retrieving relevant memories and information.
"Something is indeed off."
"And, to be precise, the Abyssal Rifts aren't just 'without movement'; they have 'completely calmed down.' This abnormal state of tranquility has lasted for several years, but we didn't take it seriously before."
From the moment the Abyssal Rifts first appeared in Aura, they were like two scars that could never fully heal.
Demons were always trying to crawl through from the other side, requiring stationed armies and mages to remain vigilant and perform regular clear-outs.
Now that they had been calm for so long, it seemed like a good thing at first glance, saving a great deal of manpower and resources.
But instead, a deeper sense of caution rose within Galos.
That was the Abyss, the most chaotic and evil plane in the multiverse, bar none; it was fundamentally incompatible with the word 'calm.'
This unnatural silence was more like the calm before a storm, hiding even greater dangers.
"Abyssal Rifts have been appearing frequently across the continent. Based on intelligence analysis, there's a high probability it's linked to the Abyss Development Project pushed by the Holden Empire," Galos organized his thoughts. "Now that it has become so calm, perhaps it's also an effect produced by that development project entering a new phase."
"The Holden Empire... what on earth have they done in the Abyss?"
This question currently had no answer.
Galos reined in his wandering thoughts and gave clear instructions to the Iron Dragon: "Pass the word down. Strengthen the management and alert levels for the two Abyssal Rifts. Do not be deceived by the superficial calm and let your guard down."
Iron Dragon Sorog immediately responded: "Understood. I was thinking the same thing. I will issue the orders shortly."
His attitude toward potential threats was highly consistent with Galos's.
After a pause, Sorog pulled the conversation back to the current situation: "The news of Rippos's preparation to surrender has spread. Our long negotiations with Xio should also be reaching a final conclusion; it won't be delayed any longer."
"Once the first batch of Xio's reparations is in place, we can formally launch the first step of the 'Northern Development Project.'"
"We will use these funds to recruit a large number of experienced artisans and scholars, systematically train our own people, accelerate the construction of roads, towns, and defensive fortifications in the newly occupied areas, and further expand and arm the Aura Legion... We must quickly convert the gold and Materials from Xio's reparations into the kingdom's tangible strength."
After finishing these specific practical plans, the Iron Dragon fell silent for a few seconds.
When he spoke again, there was a hint of emotion in his tone.
"If the peace talks between Lothorn and Rippos are successfully concluded, it means that the large-scale warfare that has swept the Romanian Plain for years will officially come to an end before long."
"An era of chaos is ending."
"Yes, an era has ended."
Galos repeated in a low voice, his gaze still fixed on the distant horizon.
Sorog continued: "Xio's backbone has been broken, Rippos has been forced to bow its head for peace... and Aura, we rose from the wilderness, went through the baptism of blood and fire, and leaped to become an important presence capable of influencing the situation of the entire plain."
"Galos, we did it."
"This is just the beginning, Sorog."
Galos's voice was as calm as ever, without a hint of complacency. "Peace is but the interval between two wars."
"The ambitions of human nations will not disappear because of a peace talk, and Aura's development and expansion will not stop."
"Our enemies—the old ones might go into hiding, but new ones will inevitably appear, perhaps becoming even more numerous and hidden. Strength is our only passport."
Afterward, the two discussed some other matters, and the communication ended about half an hour later.
Galos shook his massive head.
He stretched his powerful limbs and wings, then dove down, beginning to hone himself in the open spaces among the mountains.
No matter how the outside world changed.
He always firmly believed that his own strength was the kingdom's most solid foundation.
In the blink of an eye, two weeks passed.
Galos was in the Dragon Ridge Mountains, immersed in deep thought about his Domain, considering how to focus its development.
Just then, a clear and high-pitched dragon's roar echoed from the horizon, drawing closer from afar.
He looked up and saw a brilliant golden stream of light break through the high-altitude clouds, diving down in a graceful and swift arc. Its speed decreased abruptly as it neared, finally landing steadily on the ground, kicking up a wave of air mixed with dust and lingering snow.
The golden light gradually faded, revealing the figure within.
It was a slender and graceful female Gold Dragon, yet one that possessed a sense of latent power.
Her scales shimmered in the afternoon sun like flowing liquid gold, each one reflecting a pure radiance.
At this moment, her beautiful dragon face bore an undisguised look of excitement and pride, her tail wagging back and forth.
Golden Dragon Nasha, a specially appointed diplomat of the Aura Kingdom.
Since the suspension of the War of the Two Auras and the entry of Aura and Xio into a long and tedious negotiation phase, Nasha had repeatedly and strongly requested to be sent to Xio as an official diplomat of the Aura Kingdom to personally participate in the negotiations and secure the maximum benefits for Aura.
In her own words:
"Watching those humans haggle over every detail, racking their brains yet unable to find a way out, must be very interesting. Besides, I can use my wisdom and Aura to overwhelm them."
After serious consideration, Galos finally granted her request.
On one hand, Nasha's status as a pure Gold Dragon represented order and justice in the eyes of the human nations. Her presence could, to some extent, soften Aura's fierce image and weaken their hostility.
On the other hand, Galos had clarified the non-negotiable bottom lines to her in advance, especially core clauses like the armament restrictions on Xio. He also had her maintain real-time communication with Iron Dragon Sorog throughout the negotiation process.
"Good news! Good news!"
Before Nasha had even fully steadied herself, she spoke impatiently, her voice filled with irrepressible joy.
Galos slowly turned his head to look at her.
"Speak slowly, Nasha. It seems there's a result from Xio's side."
The Gold Dragon raised her elegantly lined head. "An agreement! The Norton Treaty! It's finally signed!"
"It took two years, countless squabbles, and seventeen versions of the draft alone, but just last midnight, in the hall of Silverglow City, the King of Theo signed his name."
Nasha spoke at a rapid pace, her tail slapping against the cliffside, causing gravel to rustle and fall.
The so-called Norton Treaty was the official treaty named after that decisive battle.
This name was finalized after multiple rounds of discussion between both parties.
The Aura side hoped to use it to remind Xio where and why they had failed, and to remember Aura's strength and inviolability. The Xio side, however, believed that naming the treaty after this shameful location might more deeply provoke their people to remember the lesson of this crushing defeat, thus turning shame into courage.
"Tell me the specifics. Pick the most important clauses and tell me."
Nasha didn't reply immediately. Instead, she tilted her head, her bright dragon eyes staring at the Red Iron Dragon.
She coughed lightly and raised a front claw, seemingly casually grooming the shiny scales on the side of her neck.
Galos was stunned for a moment, then understood. He shook his head somewhat helplessly, a low chuckle rolling from his throat.
"You have done an excellent job, Nasha."
"The Aura Kingdom is very fortunate to have a diplomat as brave, witty, and hardworking as you. The kingdom will remember your contribution."
Upon hearing this, the Gold Dragon finally shook her head with satisfaction, the pride on her face growing even stronger.
"That's more like it! I played an indispensable and key role throughout the entire signing process of the Norton Treaty!"
So she claimed.
In reality, she had mostly served as a megaphone for Aura's will and an embodiment of its Aura, while the specific details of the clause-by-clause gamesmanship were mostly handled remotely by Sorog.
However, the feeling of negotiating with a defeated nation as the diplomat of the victor was quite wonderful.
To Nasha, this experience was second only to a hearty, exhilarating fight that ended in victory.
Then, Nasha cleared her throat, straightened her body, and began to report the details as if counting her family treasures.
"First, territorial changes."
"It officially confirms that all border regions of the former Kingdom of Xio north of the Cui Luan Mountain Range, including the entirety of Essen Province and Aris Province, are permanently assigned to the jurisdiction of the Aura Kingdom. The Kingdom of Xio must recognize Aura's full sovereignty over these regions and waive all claims."
"Second, war reparations."
"Xio must pay a total of 180 million gold coins in installments over twenty years. The purity and weight of each gold coin must follow the standard of our 'Gold Aura' coins. Xio is permitted to make partial payments with equivalent values of magic Materials, rare minerals, alchemical products, military equipment, and technical blueprints. The first installment of 80 million gold coins must be delivered within three months of the treaty taking effect."
"Third, trade and commerce."
"Xio must open its domestic trade routes and markets to establish formal trade relations with Aura. It must grant Aura merchants and goods most-favored-nation treatment. Tariffs must not exceed five percent, and the circulation of Aura goods must not be suppressed or restricted in any way."
"Fourth, political and diplomatic relations."
"The Kingdom of Xio recognizes the Aura Kingdom as a sovereign state and will establish formal diplomatic relations. Xio shall not enter into alliances with any country that explicitly or implicitly shows hostility toward Aura. If Xio wishes to form alliances with other neutral countries, it must consult with and reach an agreement with the Aura Kingdom beforehand."
"Fifth, and most importantly, armament restrictions."
"The Kingdom of Xio is prohibited from researching or building strategic-grade weapons and from investing national-level resources into the cultivation of Legendary powerhouses. Its current number of Legendary powerhouses must remain at its current level; any new additions must be reported to Aura. Aura has the right to send observers to periodically inspect Xio's military-industrial facilities and magic research institutions to ensure compliance with this clause."
Nasha finished in one breath and took a deep gulp of air. "There's also a bunch of detailed clauses, like the extradition of prisoners of war and the development of airspace, but these five are the core."
She paused and added, "To get them to sign, I smashed the table at the last moment."
"I said, 'Theoians, if you think these terms are too harsh, we can have the Red Emperor fly a couple of laps over Silverglow City.' Xio's diplomats didn't dare say a word; their hands were shaking so much they could barely hold their pens, haha! In the end, their king compromised and signed it himself."
Galos listened quietly.
He wasn't entirely unaware of the two-year negotiation tug-of-war.
Iron Dragon Sorog had reported progress regularly, and he had personally given non-negotiable instructions on several key clauses.
Now, just as he had expected, spurred by the news of Rippos's surrender, the Xio side no longer had any hope. They completely gave up the tug-of-war and delays, and the matter was settled.
Originally, the Xio negotiation team had adopted a stalling strategy, hoping that Rippos could gain an advantage or even victory in its war against Lothorn.
In that case, with the influence Rippos would have had, it could have fully intervened in the peace talks between Aura and Xio to mediate or revise the Norton Treaty.
This would have at least reduced the price Xio had to pay to an acceptable range.
Unfortunately, Rippos was now unable even to save itself. When news of its intent to sue for peace arrived, Xio's last hope vanished.
They were forced to face reality.
Accepting Aura's conditions was their only choice.
"Thank you for your hard work, Nasha," Galos said slowly. "You've done well these past two years."
"Go to my treasury and pick out some gems; that is your reward."
Receiving the praise, Nasha said without any modesty, "Of course! Look who I am; I am a noble and powerful Gold Dragon."
"Those old foxes from Xio, including their king and their Legendaries, were all rendered speechless by me."
With that, the Gold Dragon straightened her expression and looked at the majestic Red Iron Dragon. "However, the reason they finally signed was still because they were afraid—afraid that you would descend from the sky again, plunging straight from space toward Silverglow City."
Galos exhaled a breath of scorching air but said nothing more.
The Aura Kingdom, this nation he had founded with his own hands and which had risen amidst blood and fire, had finally won the capital for development and the right to be feared through a hard-fought battle.
But just as he had told Sorog, this was only the beginning.