A biting northern wind swept across Dragon Valley.
Red Dragon Samantha had already returned to the Black Iron Plain, and Iron Dragon Sorog had also set off, returning to the stronghold where he was originally stationed.
Red-Silver Dragon Deborah was currently standing on the highest observation deck, lightly flicking the tip of her tail with great interest. She withdrew her gaze from the distance and turned it toward the Red-Iron Dragon who had just folded his massive wings and landed steadily on the platform before her.
"Garros, I just realized that these 'Dragonkin talents' under your command are truly extraordinary, completely different from the ordinary Evil Dragons I have known in the past."
She said with a hint of awe: "An Iron Dragon who is calm, rational, and can suppress his primitive desires to a great extent; a Red Dragon who is hot-tempered but can settle down to conduct alchemy research; and a White Dragon who displays shocking wisdom in such harsh, blizzard-ravaged weather..."
Deborah blinked her bright dragon eyes, the tone of admiration in her voice becoming more pronounced.
"In short, all of this is simply incredible."
From the moment the Young Dragons were brought back, to their conversation with the older dragons, and then the appearance of the White Dragon and her arrogant attitude toward the little dragons—she had been quietly observing everything happening below from the high platform, and was particularly shaken by the Niche Theory expounded by that White Dragon.
She had not expected this.
The White Dragon, generally regarded by the Dragon Clan as the dullest of the Dragonkin, could actually propose such a profound and philosophical concept.
This was knowledge that had never existed in their Legacy.
If the Chromatic Dragon could widely recognize and follow this Niche Theory to survive, trying to avoid unnecessary premature deaths and smoothly pass through their most fragile and difficult Early Stage of growth.
Deborah pondered that, given time, the number of Chromatic Dragons would surely see an explosive growth.
A scene involuntarily surfaced in her mind:
Evil Dragons that should have been flamboyant, hiding their claws in the dark, enduring humiliation, suppressing their nature, until they grew strong enough to bully others wantonly, venting their long-suppressed anger with a vengeful mindset... Just imagining such a scene caused a chill to involuntarily pass through the Red-Silver Dragon's heart.
By then.
If the Metallic Dragon Race could not find an effective countermeasure, they might truly be completely overwhelmed by the Evil Dragon side.
However, she thought again, this situation was actually unlikely to happen.
The deeply ingrained nature of Dragonkin was just there.
Only White Dragon Tereshi, as the creator of this theory, understood, identified with, and thoroughly grasped its essence from the bottom of her heart, and thus could endure external insults without any psychological burden, willingly lowering her own niche.
If it were any other Dragonkin, it would likely be extremely difficult to reach her level of 'transcendent' state of mind and resilience.
However, in any case, as long as those young Evil Dragons could have a bit more patience to endure and lie low, and a bit less blind, impulsive arrogance, their overall survival rate could be improved as a result.
Once this theory was spread, it would surely have some positive impact, more or less.
It was not only applicable to Evil Dragons, but also to Metallic Dragons.
There were not a few examples of some Metallic Dragons who, relying on the protection of their elders and their noble Bloodline, provoked enemies far stronger than themselves when young, only to be killed in a fit of rage by the powerful enemy without regard for the consequences.
She thought carefully, and after shaking off some limitations in her thinking, she suddenly realized that none of the Dragonkin gathered around Garros seemed simple; it was as if they had undergone some kind of evolution on top of their original foundation.
"You don't even have to think about whose command they are serving under."
Red-Iron Dragon Garros said lightly, his tone carrying a sense of being taken for granted: "Whatever kind of leader there is, there will be the same kind of followers."
Hearing this near-boastful remark, the Red-Silver Dragon rarely failed to refute it, and instead nodded thoughtfully: "Birds of a feather flock together, Dragons of a kind gather together... That principle is correct."
Her gaze wandered and sized up the Red-Iron Dragon's rugged and majestic massive body.
"The words and actions of the leader of The Dragon Flight will have a profound impact on the Dragonkin under their command."
She exclaimed sincerely: "Except for the occasional display of a little harmless vanity, Garros, your will is as firm as steel, your self-discipline and tenacity are admirable, your Heart-Nature is cautious to the point of being watertight, and you have excellent foresight that looks to the future... On you, I can hardly find any obvious flaws."
"With an existence like you as an example and core, it is highly possible that the Dragonkin gathered around you have become different, exhibiting traits that transcend their peers."
(I love hearing these words, give me more.)
The Red-Iron Dragon gave Deborah an imperceptible look full of encouragement, as if silently signaling that she might as well say a few more words of praise.
"What about me? What about me?"
Just at this moment, a crisp and cheerful voice rang out.
A small door in the side spire was pushed open, and the tiny, delicate body of Faerie Dragon Vera nimbly squeezed out from a hidden little attic.
She happily circled the Red-Silver Dragon's massive head a few times lightly, and finally hovered steadily in front of Deborah, her delicate little face filled with eager expectation, asking impatiently:
"Then, compared to other Faerie Dragons, what differences do I have?"
"Smart!"
The Red-Silver Dragon responded almost without thinking, her voice filled with a smile: "Vera, you are definitely the smartest Faerie Dragon I have ever seen!"
Hearing this rather familiar assessment, Garros glanced at the Red-Silver Dragon with a trace of surprise, while the latter blinked her eyes cunningly at him, revealing a tacit understanding.
The excited Faerie Dragon obviously did not notice the small interaction between the two.
She happily danced in circles in the air, her colorful wings flapping rapidly, scattering a lot of shimmering magic dust that fell down rustling, illuminating the surroundings.
"Yes! I am the smartest Faerie Dragon!"
She announced proudly.
Vera stopped, affectionately rubbed her cheek against the Red-Silver Dragon's cold and hard faceplate, and then excitedly suggested: "Deborah, do you want to play a riddle game now? The smartest Faerie Dragon is always happy to accompany you!"
"Sure!"
The Red-Silver Dragon readily agreed and turned to invite the Red-Iron Dragon: "Garros, do you want to play together?"
The Red-Iron Dragon shook his head slightly, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible fatigue: "No, I'm a bit tired and need to rest."
The previous intense training and fighting had made him feel a little exhaustion from deep within his body; it was time to relax and rest appropriately. He had always understood the importance of balancing work and rest.
Immediately, the Red-Silver Dragon and the Faerie Dragon remained on the spacious observation deck and began their riddle game.
The Red-Iron Dragon turned and stepped into the deep interior of the Burning Steel Fortress.
This magnificent fortress had a distinct structure, divided into four levels from top to bottom.
In the strict Rank concepts of Dragonkin, status is often closely linked to the height at which one is located.
Therefore, the highest fourth level was Garros's exclusive private Domain. Without his explicit permission or formal summons, neither his dependents nor other Dragonkin were absolutely forbidden from entering.
This level housed Garros's living quarters, the trophy room displaying his glorious achievements, and other core spaces.
The massive treasury accumulated by Dragon Valley had also been entirely moved and placed here, adjacent to Garros's residence.
The third level was the grand council hall where the dragons discussed important matters.
The space here was extremely vast and open, supported by several thick, gigantic pillars holding up the dome. The ground was paved with hard stone, equipped with small doors for attendants to enter and exit, as well as wide stone platforms for Dragonkin to comfortably crawl or coil... Most striking of all was the Golden Throne placed on the main seat, symbolizing supreme authority and belonging exclusively to the leader of The Dragon Flight.
The structure of this throne was quite different from conventional seats; its design was more suited to the massive and unique curves of the Dragonkin's body.
It was cast from rare gold and mixed with a variety of hard precious metals. The surface was also carefully engraved with runes that could maintain its brilliant luster for a long time. It was currently emitting a dazzling golden light, silently declaring the supreme status and power it represented.
It is worth mentioning that both the third and fourth levels were equipped with high platform facilities leading directly to the outside.
This meant that Dragonkin who were good at flying did not need to pass through the first or second levels and could land directly here from the air.
The second level of the Burning Steel Fortress was mainly used as a front hall and a place for receiving guests.
In the future, if it were necessary to meet important attendant representatives, or to conduct formal meetings with other Dragonkin, it would usually be arranged on this level.
As for the first level at the very bottom, it was the daily living quarters for the fortress guards and attendants.
The guards responsible for the Burning Steel Fortress were mainly elite combat forces such as Dire Bears, Wyverns, and Ogres that had been strictly screened; while the attendant group was mainly composed of carefully selected Snake-folk, among whom there were even outstanding individuals with Warlock or Shaman abilities.
It is worth mentioning that all attendants were female.
Even if Garros had not personally requested it.
Considering the strong possessiveness of male Dragon lords, and the boost to their own tribe if they could give birth to Dragonkin descendants, the dependents under his command, when providing attendants, all very consciously chose beautiful and pure females.