Just as he left the Romanian Plain, news of the Iron Dragon Sorog encountering a Legendary ambush reached the ears of the Red Iron Dragon through their blood relative connection.
Among the mountains, the wind and snow were like knives.
The Red Iron Dragon's massive body stood tall on a jagged ridge, his dark red scales covered in a thin layer of accumulated snow.
He was currently maintaining his two-headed, four-armed combat form. His left head was slightly lowered while his right head was held high toward the sky; his four dragon arms were pressed against the rock on both sides, claws deeply embedded.
Meanwhile, the Frenzied Fire flickered in his heart, and the bloodshot veins in his eyes gradually grew.
The Red Iron Dragon remained calm and asked, "Did you see the attacker's race clearly, or any details like their appearance?"
Iron Dragon Sorog responded, "The attacker came prepared."
"Before appearing, the attacker used a Domain to conceal their appearance. I could only tell they were a humanoid creature, but I couldn't see their face or specific race."
After a pause, Sorog said with some regret, "Actually, it's still my problem. I'm not strong enough."
"If I were already Legendary, at the very least, the Eye of True Sight could penetrate the Domain's obstruction to see their form clearly."
"If you were Legendary, there wouldn't have been only one attacker."
Galos responded through the blood relative connection, "Besides, who he is and which kingdom or organization he comes from isn't that important. Don't worry about this for now. The priority is to reach the Fubo Dragon Domain as quickly as possible and then achieve a Breakthrough."
"When you return as a Legendary being, that will be the moment we officially show our fangs and ignite the beacon fires."
The Iron Dragon and the Red Dragon—the head of the Ferrodragons and the head of the Five-Color Dragons.
Once these two existences broke through to the Legendary Realm, even the Ancient Dragon Beskar, who was much older and had been a Legend for decades, would find it difficult to contend with either of them.
This was the gap in Bloodline.
After a brief exchange, Galos concentrated his attention on his own professional Paths.
The speed at which the Dragon improved in their Paths was as slow as their life Rank.
Long periods of slumber provided negligible gains to Path Ranks; therefore, a dragon's Path Rank was often lower than their life Rank. This was a common predicament for all dragons, and it was why the vast majority of dragons relied more on talent and their physical bodies rather than professional Paths.
Fortunately, the Paths Galos had chosen all had a high degree of compatibility with him.
After several major battles in the War of the Two Auras and the day-to-day accumulation before his slumber, his Ranks had now improved.
Star Self Rank: 16; Savage Rank: 14; Eternal Death Rank: 8.
Because of the existence of the Frenzied Fire, the Savage Rank had increased the most.
That flame that burned away reason was dangerous, but it was controllable for him and served as the best tempering for the Savage Path.
Furthermore, after reaching Rank 14 in the Savage Path, Galos naturally obtained a powerful skill.
Defy Death in Fury—Extreme rage shall reject death!
This skill allowed a Wild Dragon to gain a short-term death immunity status when hit by a lethal attack.
If a Wild Dragon could end the battle during this period, they could seize a slim chance of survival, shifting from death to a near-death state. This was an ability of walking on a knife's edge, requiring the most powerful desire to fight to explode at the most desperate moment.
"Before obtaining the Undying Life trait, I could only trigger Defy Death in Fury once, because it requires actual death."
A glint flashed in Galos's eyes: "But now, I can trigger it twice."
Thinking of this, he felt a sense of security.
The skill Defy Death in Fury was actually a very dangerous double-edged sword. Triggering it meant one had already died, and after the short-term death immunity ended, if the battle had not yet concluded, death would descend irreversibly.
For an ordinary Wild Dragon, it couldn't provide much of a sense of safety.
However, Galos was different.
He possessed the three traits of Living Towards Death, Unyielding Stand, and Undying Life. All could coordinate with Defy Death in Fury, interlocking and augmenting each other to eventually produce a terrifying effect.
"The next skill for the Eternal Death Path requires Rank 11; I'm still quite a bit away."
Galos thought to himself: "As for the Star-Self Path, it requires Rank 17. I'm currently at Rank 16, so it won't take long. Moreover, the next Star Self skill will be extremely powerful; its boost to me won't be weaker than Defy Death in Fury."
"Continue. I need to become even stronger."
The Red Iron Dragon gradually reined in his wandering thoughts and immersed himself in training once more.
At dusk a few days later, lead-gray clouds hung low, and fine grains of snow began to flutter again.
Galos finished a round of Path training and was preparing to start a new round of Domain tempering; this round would take about seven days.
Just then, his movements paused slightly.
Immediately, Galos took out a glowing insignia from his spatial equipment and gazed at it quietly.
The insignia was dark gold, engraved with the coat of arms of the Lossern royal family. Its light flickered rhythmically, like breathing.
This was a communication tool he specifically used to communicate with the King of Lossern.
However, more than forty years ago, the King of Lossern that Galos was familiar with had passed away.
That king named O'Brien had turned to dust in the passage of time. The current new monarch of Lossern was O'Brien's ninth son, who O'Brien had said was most like him.
"O'Brien's ninth son."
The Red Iron Dragon's eyes flickered, and then he activated the insignia.
The light suddenly intensified, bursting forth and twisting to converge in the air ahead, quickly constructing a clear humanoid projection.
This person wore a simple gold crown set with a sapphire. Other than that, he did not have the flamboyant attire of a king; instead, he wore light armor with a sword at his waist, looking like a warrior about to head into battle with light equipment.
His facial features were sharp, and he had the appearance of an ordinary person in their thirties.
He looked young, his blond hair was combed meticulously into a simple bun at the back of his head. He had thick eyebrows, deep eye sockets, a high bridge of the nose, and lips pursed into a straight line, giving an overall impression of efficiency and determination.
The Red Iron Dragon's gaze shifted, lingering for a second on his face and the sword at his waist.
This person's appearance was sixty to seventy percent similar to O'Brien's, especially those eyes.
The sword at his waist was also the Dawn King Sword that once belonged to O'Brien and had seen battle with him. The wear marks on the scabbard and the way the cord was wrapped around the hilt were exactly the same as the old king's.
However, while the King's Sword remained unchanged, the wielder was no longer the same person.
The person before Galos was the current King of Lossern, Raymond Lossern.
Raymond was also observing the Red Emperor, his pupils contracting for an instant.
Although he had long known the Red Emperor's appearance through paintings, magical images, and descriptions from others, seeing him in person now still brought a sense of shock.
It was hard to imagine that such a profound and awe-inspiring creature could exist in the world.
This was completely different from any dragon in his knowledge.
"Greetings to you, respected King of Aura, Galos Ignas."
The King of Lossern's expression remained normal as he controlled that moment of shock, giving a slight nod to the Red Iron Dragon.
"First, please allow me, in my personal name and that of the entire Lossern royal family, to offer my most sincere congratulations on your successful awakening from your slumber and your becoming even stronger."
Raymond's voice was steady as he said, "We in Lossern have always cherished our friendship with Aura."
"This friendship began with my father and, having stood the test of time, has become an indispensable cornerstone of the relationship between our two nations."
The Red Iron Dragon gave a slight nod of his massive head as a response but did not speak, only quietly watching the King of Lossern, waiting for what he had to say next.
He knew that such a formal magical communication would never be just for greetings.
Raymond choosing to contact him at this point in time most likely meant there was something important.
Under the Red Iron Dragon's gaze, Raymond stood tall, and the smile on his face faded slightly, replaced by a more solemn expression.
His hands hung naturally at his sides without any superfluous movements. His whole being was like a sharp sword sheathed, hiding its edge but ready to be drawn at any moment.
This king himself also possessed good talent and had stepped into the Legendary Realm.
"My father, the Late King O'Brien, mentioned you to me more than once during his lifetime."
Raymond began the formal conversation: "He said that when Lossern and Rippos were at a stalemate, it was the support from Aura that created an opportunity for Lossern."
"He emphasized that the King of Aura is a powerful and reliable ally, and he exhorted me to ensure the continuation of the friendship and Alliance with the Aura Kingdom. He also said that in an era full of variables, a trustworthy ally is more precious than ten legions."
"There are some stories about the Red Emperor that I have heard since I was a child."
Listening to these words, the dragon's pupils were calm and without a ripple.
Though the content of the retelling by O'Brien's son was similar, the context had already changed.
Opposite him, Raymond observed the dragon's reaction and continued to push the topic forward.
"I have always remembered my father's teachings and have personally witnessed the vigorous development of the Aura Kingdom."
"Therefore, since ascending the throne, I have been thinking about how to make our Alliance even closer and more in line with the needs of the new era."
"The old Alliance was built on the urgent needs of war, but now, peace and development are the main themes of the Romanian Plain."
At this point, his tone shifted: "To tell you the truth, I am very proud of my father's achievements."
"In Lossern's time of peril, he stepped forward decisively, supporting the crumbling Lossern with his own spine, allowing the kingdom to be reborn through the disaster."
"He was a true king, a leader who knew how to make the right choice at the right time."
"And I, on the day of my succession, swore never to fail the glory of the Late King."
Raymond's voice rose slightly as he continued, "Lossern will be great again in my hands, and the peace and tranquility among The Nations of Romania will endure. This is no empty slogan, but a promise I am actively fulfilling."
"To this end, I have been pursuing a plan to rebuild the former Lossern Federation."
As he spoke, light flashed in the king's eyes.
"With Lossern's prestige and the efforts of these years, we have successfully won over nearly two-thirds of the original federal states."
"They are willing to reunite around the banner of Lossern under a new framework. This is not a simple vassal relationship, but a more equal and mutually beneficial Alliance system."
"Two-thirds..."
The Red Iron Dragon narrowed his eyes, thinking that if Raymond was telling the truth, Lossern's influence had recovered to a considerable degree.
But he did not say much and continued to listen.
In the projection, Raymond took a step forward, closing the sense of distance.
"This is exactly the important reason why I am contacting you today."
Raymond looked directly into the Red Iron Dragon's eyes and said frankly, "I believe it is time to review and update the covenant between our two countries. Although the old covenant is solid, it can no longer adapt to today's era."
"Back then we needed to fight enemies together; now we need to create prosperity together."
Hearing this, the Red Iron Dragon raised his head slightly.
He spoke bluntly, asking, "You want to sign a new covenant with Aura?"
Raymond nodded calmly.
"Yes, and not just with Aura," he replied. "This covenant is named the new federation treaty, and Lossern will sign it with all countries willing to rebuild the federation."
"It will replace the scattered treaties of the past and form a unified Alliance framework."
Pausing, he briefly described the core content of the new federation treaty to Galos.
"After signing, the Aura Kingdom will receive more favorable trade tax rates; militarily, Lossern will promise to provide assistance if any member state is attacked from outside. Of course, member states also have an obligation to provide support when Lossern needs it."
"The federation is also willing to recognize the Aura Kingdom's interests in some disputed areas."
"We will support Aura's legitimate rights in disputed areas."
The Red Iron Dragon's gaze suddenly became sharp.
His voice was low as he said, "Recognize interests? Disputed areas? King Raymond, which land are you referring to? Be more specific."
Raymond's voice paused slightly, then he looked directly into the Red Iron Dragon's eyes without avoiding them.
"The two major provinces that Aura seized from Xio—their ownership is currently still a matter of some dispute."
"Moreover, although the Kingdom of Xio signed the Norton Treaty, some of its contents are actually inappropriate, such as the restrictions on the Legendary, and the permanent clauses on territorial cessions."
"Disputed, inappropriate."
OBrien would never say such things.
This descendant of his was not truly like him, or rather, only like him in part.
The Red Iron Dragon's expression became calm again, his emotions hidden beneath the heavy faceplate.
"I hope Aura and Lossern sign the new federation treaty."
Raymond looked at the Red Iron Dragon with burning eyes and said, "This will be the opportunity to open a new chapter in the relationship between our two countries. The new Alliance will surely dominate the future of the Romanian Plain."
Having said this, the king waited for the Red Iron Dragon's response and stopped speaking.
A brief silence followed, with only the wind and snow howling past.
Snowflakes fell on the Red Iron Dragon's scales, instantly evaporated by body temperature into fine white mist. In the distance, the sound of an avalanche came from the ridge, dull like thunder.
A few seconds later, the Red Iron Dragon spoke slowly, his voice low and steady, showing no emotion.
"King Raymond."
"I admired your father, OBrien. He was a monarch who possessed both wisdom and bravery, who knew how to assess the situation and understood the value of allies. He knew when to be tough, when to compromise, and when to fight."
"His friendship has not been forgotten by Aura."
The Red Iron Dragon gave the Late King of Lossern high praise, causing a trace of a smile to appear in Raymond's eyes.
This king was truly proud of his father and took him as a role model, hoping to make contributions to Lossern that would not pale in comparison to his father's, or even surpass them.
"Similarly, I also admire your ambition."
Galos continued, his tone steady, "Rebuilding the Lossern Federation and integrating The Nations of Romania is no simple matter. It requires boldness and skill."
Raymond nodded slightly and smiled, "Thank you for your understanding."
"Father often said that the truly strong know how to appreciate the ambitions of other strong people. The friendship between Lossern and Aura will last forever and shine even more brilliantly in the new era."
However, the Red Iron Dragon's next words made the king's smile freeze slightly.
"But regarding the matter of the covenant, my choice is clear."
"Our existing covenant with the Kingdom of Lossern was concluded with the approval of both parties. It clearly stipulates the rights, obligations, and boundaries of each."
"In the past, it has played its due role, safeguarding the interests of both countries and avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings."
"To this day, it remains valid and solid."
"Aura does not intend to change the covenant."
Raymond's smile faded, and he said, "With all due respect, times are changing."
"The old treaty may be solid, but it can no longer bring maximized benefits to both of us. Under the new federal framework, Aura can gain more..."
"If Aura wants benefits, Aura will take them itself."
Galos interrupted him, saying, "I respect your ambition and your national policy, but the future and path of the Aura Kingdom are for me to decide; they need not be bound to a federation framework that has yet to be established."
After rebuilding the federation, Lossern would undoubtedly gain more benefits.
But where would these benefits come from?
The new federation treaty in Raymond's mouth was a piece of poisoned honey. No matter how good it looked, Galos did not intend to sign it.
"...I understand."
Raymond finally said slowly, his tone steady, but lacking the initial enthusiasm.
"The King of Aura's meaning is clear to me."
The king said, "Lossern still values its friendship with Aura and respects your decision. The existing covenant will continue to be valid. It may be a bit outdated, but as you said, it is clear and reliable."
He paused and continued, "If you change your mind, we also welcome Aura to sign the new federation treaty."
"This invitation is valid for a long time. The gates of the Lossern Federation will always be open to Aura."
Having said this, there was no longer any need to continue the conversation.
But before ending the dialogue, the Red Iron Dragon suddenly spoke again.
"King Raymond, one more question. The Kingdom of Xio... have they already signed this 'new federation treaty' you mentioned with Lossern?"
Raymond was silent for a moment.
Then, the king nodded, choosing to be honest.
There was no need to hide the signing of the new federation treaty. As long as Aura kept a close eye on diplomatic trends and observed the interaction between Lossern and Xio, they would discover the changes in the relationship between the two countries.
"Xio is now one of Lossern's allies."
"They signed the new federation treaty three months ago. Xio believes that joining the federation will help their economic recovery and also provide a safer environment for Xio."
"However, Lossern will not interfere in the matters between Aura and Xio."
"Under the federal framework, historical issues between member states should be resolved through peaceful negotiations and diplomatic consultations, rather than war."
"We only hope that the two countries can coexist harmoniously and, together with all other countries that long for peace, make the Romanian Plain more prosperous and let peace become the main theme."
"War only brings pain, while cooperation will bring common prosperity."
After these words, the light of the projection dimmed and gradually dissipated.
The Red Iron Dragon stood among the mountains, recalling the conversation with the King of Lossern just now, and suddenly let out a sneer, flames emerging from his nostrils.
"Peace?"
What Lossern wants today is not peace.
More accurately, it only wants peace under its own leadership.
If another word were to be used, it would be 'dominion'.
As for the non-interference the king spoke of... no, they are already interfering.
However, Galos did not care about this.
The King of Lossern has ambitions and wants to go further; why wouldn't he?
Strength is the ultimate language. Galos has had enough of the red tape between nations. When the two Aura Princes return as Legendary figures, he, who has been silent for many years, will show his fangs once more and personally tear through the false facade of peace.