Fertile Plains, near the Abyssal Rift.
"By the Evil Gods! I want to go back to the Abyss!"
"Which idiot led the way?!"
"Run! Run! Don't stay in this damn Material Plane any longer!"
A series of terrified Abyssal screams, mixed with dying roars and painful wails, echoed intensely and rose and fell in this place.
With the last scream abruptly cut short, all the clamor gradually ceased, dissipating into the whistling of the snow-filled sky, leaving only two deep and heavy dragon breaths.
"Garros, with such a good place, you should have brought me here sooner."
Golden Dragon Alberto shook his body violently with pleasure. The high-speed trembling made his massive body almost blur into a golden afterimage, shaking off the demonic filth and minced flesh adhering to his scales, restoring their original dazzling luster.
"Punishing the wicked and eliminating the evil demons."
He looked around at the messy battlefield and said with a satisfied tone, "This is truly interesting; I had a great time!"
For a Golden Dragon whose nature values order and kindness, slaughtering these demons from the lower realms not only carried no psychological burden but instead brought a strong sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from practicing justice and purifying the world.
As for the rift that continuously produced demons, an ordinary Golden Dragon might first think about how to completely close and Seal it, but Alberto's thought process was clearly different from his kind.
He felt that keeping it might be better.
Only in this way could it continuously lure more demons to come, providing him with the means to carry out this great cause of eliminating evil.
Of course, whether to eventually eradicate it or temporarily keep it, the real decision-making power did not lie with him.
"The demonic invasion is almost endless. Since you are so interested in this, you can come here more often in the future to help me share the burden."
While speaking, Garros also shook himself into a blurry afterimage, shaking off the demonic filth and residue from his body.
Accompanying the venting of his anger, the bloodshot eyes caused by the Frenzied Flame faded significantly, and his mental state returned to a controllable range.
Almost at the same time, hearing these words from the Red-Iron Dragon, the Golden Dragon's eyes suddenly lit up.
He immediately asked, "Helping you share the burden is certainly no problem! I am very willing! It's just..."
He changed the subject and said, "What about the reward? You know, I am a noble Golden Dragon; I can't work for you for free."
Garros heard this and glanced faintly at the Golden Dragon beside him.
"Alberto, you need to understand one thing: I am already very generous for not charging you an 'admission fee'."
"Essentially, it is you who desires to come here to slaughter demons for fun, not that I truly need your help."
Golden Dragon Alberto automatically filtered out the key parts of Garros's words.
He nodded to himself, pretending not to hear, and said, "However, having said that, considering our solid alliance friendship, I, Alberto, will reluctantly agree to help you share the burden for free."
Garros did not care too much about the Golden Dragon's face-saving behavior, nor did he bother to expose it.
He raised a huge dragon claw, aimed it at the piles of demon remains, slightly opened his claws, and then clenched them suddenly.
Hum—!
An invisible ripple instantly expanded from Garros's body, covering a large surrounding area.
Immediately after, all the demon corpses within the range rapidly shriveled and withered at a speed visible to the naked eye, as if all their essence had been drained. At the same time, wisps of thick, blood-colored energy threads were forcibly condensed and extracted, flowing towards Garros's body as if attracted, and were eventually completely absorbed by him.
Some of the consumption caused by the previous battle was almost replenished to Perfection in an instant.
After many attempts and applications, Garros was already very clear about the characteristics of this skill.
When extracting the residual life energy from the bodies of creatures that had just died, the skill was most effective, consumed the least, and had the highest efficiency.
If the target was to directly extract the life essence of living creatures, there would be many limitations, such as the opponent's resistance, the strength of their willpower, and so on; however, this was also related to his current cultivation Rank on this path, which was not yet too high.
"Life Extraction... Is this a skill of the Eternal Death Path?"
Golden Dragon Alberto recognized it and asked in surprise.
Garros nodded gently and admitted frankly, "Yes, I just started practicing it a while ago."
The Golden Dragon opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to remind Garros.
The Eternal Death Path is famously dangerous and bizarre; the promotion method requires the user to constantly walk on the edge of life and death, using serious injuries or even near-death experiences to improve their Rank. The more this happens, the easier it is to lose control at a critical moment, accidentally turning a fake death into a real one, leading to complete death.
However, before the words of warning could be spoken, Alberto remembered Garros's past performance.
In the fierce decisive battle against the Mad King, he personally witnessed Garros's neck being snapped, his life Aura once weakening to the point of almost dissipating, falling into a clear near-death state.
But in the blink of an eye, this Red-Iron Dragon regained his vitality, and after another fierce battle, killed the Mad King in return.
Although Alberto did not know the specific reason.
But he understood at least one thing.
Garros probably possessed some extremely powerful ultimate life-saving means, almost equivalent to a second life.
For such a rogue guy, just let him win.
Practicing the dangerous Eternal Death Path was not worth mentioning when it came to Garros.
"Let's go."
Garros did not delay any longer, his huge dragon wings flapped violently, and he soared into the sky.
The violent airflow encountered during high-speed flight gradually washed away the last bit of filth and residue remaining on his body.
Seeing this, Golden Dragon Alberto immediately followed behind, flapping his wings to catch up.
The figures of the two dragons flew rapidly side by side in the direction of the Dragon Valley.
The scenery below their vision receded rapidly, and the biting cold wind and snowflakes rushed towards them but were easily deflected by their dragon scales.
"Garros, I have decided."
Alberto said, "After I wake up from this slumber, I will stay in your Molten Iron Tribe for a while."
He organized his thoughts slightly and continued to explain his ideas.
"I increasingly realize that to establish the Golden Order of my ideals, I need a sufficiently stable and constantly thriving powerful territory as a cornerstone and model."
"In this regard... I must admit, I am currently not doing as well as you."
"So, I hope to learn more from you about managing, administering, and developing a territory. During this time, I am willing to serve the Molten Iron Tribe for free as the price for learning."
Garros turned his head slightly and looked at the Golden Dragon with a scrutinizing gaze.
Able to frankly admit his own shortcomings?
This Golden Dragon's Heart-Nature had indeed grown a lot, at least he was much more pragmatic than before.
"If you want to stay in the Molten Iron Tribe to learn, I welcome it."
Garros's voice penetrated the barrier of wind and snow and clearly reached the Golden Dragon's ears: "However, Alberto, I heard Deborah mention that your parents... wouldn't they come in person to drag you back to the Dragon Domain?"
Alberto's flight rhythm was disrupted, and his breathing choked for a moment.
After a few seconds, he regained his composure: "No, it's fine! My parents... as important members of the Dragon Domain, will not easily leave the Fubo Dragon Domain."
"Want to drag me back?"
"Heh, at most they will send some familiar messengers, or let some of my older brothers or sisters or other blood relatives come to deliver a message and persuade me to return."
As he spoke, the Golden Dragon seemed to regain his confidence and proudly raised his head.
"As long as my parents don't come in person, I, Alberto, have nothing to fear!"
Although he had a somewhat rebellious personality, his excellent Dragon Clan talent and growth over the years were evident; his current strength was already comparable to an adult Golden Dragon.
Unless his parents made a move personally.
Otherwise, other blood relatives, even if they could suppress him in terms of strength, would find it difficult to forcibly take him back to the Dragon Domain.
"Besides, isn't there you, Garros?"
Alberto suddenly laughed loudly and said, "We are firm allies who advance and retreat together, sharing weal and woe!"
"Who would dare to come to the territory of you, the dignified King of the Borderlands and King of Molten Iron, to forcibly capture your important ally? Wouldn't that be disregarding you?"
The Red-Iron Dragon heard this, and his huge head nodded slightly, seemingly acknowledging this statement.
"When necessary, I will intervene."
He first gave his promise, then asked casually as if inadvertently: "Speaking of which, what exactly is the Life Level of your parents? It seems I have never heard you mention it in detail."
Golden Dragon Alberto scratched the scales on the side of his neck with a claw, his eyes drifting, and his tone becoming evasive.
"Uh... not too high, really, just two rather... um... old-fashioned Golden Dragons with somewhat rigid concepts."
Garros's rapid flight movement slowed imperceptibly for a fraction of a second.
Old Golden Dragons?
According to the Dragon Clan's age classifications, an old Golden Dragon is at least a Legendary Rank entity!
Damn it, Alberto, are you trying to drag me down with you?
He had previously judged based on Alberto's approximate age, concluding that it was most probable his parents were in the Mature Adult Dragon stage, and had prepared himself mentally accordingly.
But now it seemed he had encountered a rare, low-probability event.
The Mature Adult stage is indeed the phase when Dragonkin have the strongest reproductive ability, but it is not the only one. Some older dragons also have the chance to produce offspring, and there are even precedents for Ancient Dragons having children late in life.
For Evil Dragons, it might be relatively casual.
But for Metallic Dragons, especially older ones, their emphasis on and protective instincts toward their offspring often become increasingly intense as their own age and strength grow.
"Alberto, leave my The Borderlands, now, immediately."
He prepared to drive the Golden Dragon away.
"Have you already forgotten what you said just now?"
The Golden Dragon reminded him.
"I haven't forgotten, but saying it doesn't mean I have to do it. Don't forget that I am an Evil Dragon; we Evil Dragons are notoriously unreasonable. Do you want to leave The Borderlands on your own, or should I throw you out?"
Garros chuckled, his gaze gradually becoming dangerous.
"Don't! Don't be hasty! Garros, listen to my explanation!"
Golden Dragon Alberto hurriedly said: "My parents have very important duties and tasks within the Dragon Domain; they would absolutely not leave the Dragon Domain and travel all the way to The Borderlands just to drag me back. I swear to you in the name of the great Dragon God Bahamut!"
Upon hearing this, the corners of Garros's mouth twitched upward, revealing a fleeting smile.
On the surface, he kept a straight face, his tone stern: "Is that all? By taking you in, I am bearing the huge risk of potentially facing accountability from two Legendary Golden Dragons in the future."
"Do you think a baseless promise like this is enough?"
Alberto sighed, then began to plead and reason, making many additional, more practical vows to Garros.
The content of these vows included, but was not limited to:
In the future, should the Molten Iron Tribe or Garros encounter a Legendary-level threat, as Garros's most steadfast ally, he would, upon receiving a call for help, immediately seek assistance from his elders, striving to bring powerful external aid to Garros, and so on.
Only then did Garros reluctantly agree to continue harboring this troublesome Golden Dragon.
After this small interlude, Alberto set aside his mental burden and turned his attention back to the initial topic, asking him for advice on territory development.
Garros looked at the vast land shrouded in wind and snow in the distance, and remarked with deep emotion:
"Dragons like to fight amongst themselves, monsters are savage and cruel, Vicious Beasts and magical creatures do not share a language, and food and resources don't just fall from the sky."
"In short, managing a territory, especially wanting to develop and expand it, is not an easy task."
He gave examples, such as Iron Dragon Sorog and Red Dragon Samantha, who only need to be responsible for specific management affairs, coordinating subordinates, developing the territory, promoting the alchemy industry, and dealing with piles of daily trivial matters, etc.
But as the master of the dragon flight, he had to consider much more, needing to find ways to improve and strengthen himself every day.
"But you are able to do it, making the Molten Iron Tribe thrive and keeping the entire Ignas Dragon Flight in perfect order."
Alberto cheekily persisted, asking: "Is there any secret you can reveal? For example, what is the most critical factor?"
The Red-Iron Dragon hesitated for a few seconds, and finally, in a low and serious voice, said: "Alright, Alberto."
"In consideration of the rare friendship between us, I will tell you this secret."
"You, listen carefully."
Golden Dragon Alberto suddenly perked up, slowed the frequency of his wing flaps, and listened intently, afraid of missing a single word.
Under Alberto's incredibly expectant gaze, the Red-Iron Dragon slowly said: "The key lies in two words."
"Charisma!"
Alberto: "..."
He was stunned, his huge dragon head seemingly frozen in mid-air.
After several seconds of silence, he shook his head violently and protested with dissatisfaction: "Garros! I am asking for advice very seriously, don't make such jokes."
The Red-Iron Dragon shook his head slightly, his expression remaining serious.
"No, Alberto, I am serious."
As the master of the dragon flight ruling over a region, Garros had certainly thought deeply about what he needed to do to better match this identity, how to win the hearts of his subordinates, gain the trust of allies, and make enemies fear him.
Combining his various experiences during his rise, as well as subsequent deep reflection.
He gradually summarized and formed a theory of his own regarding leadership charisma.
He called it the [Charisma Rank Theory].
— Creatures in different social positions and with different statuses possess different levels of charisma attributes.
Charisma will continue to grow and manifest as status rises; conversely, the level of status is also greatly influenced by the strength of an individual's charisma.
The two are mutually reinforcing and achieve each other.
Garros explained in detail to the confused Golden Dragon beside him: "You understand the word 'charisma' too superficially."
"The charisma I speak of is a comprehensive concept."
"It includes many aspects such as imposing appearance, physical Aura, temperament and demeanor, wisdom in speech, the sense of oppression and security brought by powerful strength, as well as convincing persuasiveness."
"It is a kind of profound impression that can make others feel it at the very first moment, a strong feeling."
"Just like me, when I spread my dragon wings and stand in the sky, any creature that sees me, regardless of its race or alignment, will instinctively view me as a leader-level or chief-level entity at first glance."
"This is where my charisma lies."
As he spoke, Garros turned his head, glanced at the Golden Dragon, and evaluated him objectively.
"As for you, Alberto, your charisma is actually not bad. This brilliant golden scale of yours and your strong physique are outstanding among the Dragon Clan."
"But forgive my frankness, the first impression you give people is more like an elite-level dragon."
"Compared to someone like me, who is like an overlord or a BOSS, you are still more than a notch behind in terms of leadership Aura."
Golden Dragon Alberto carefully pondered Garros's words and did not argue back.
He felt that Garros's analysis was incisive and made a lot of sense.
He fell into pensive silence for several seconds, then asked: "Then... Garros, what do you think I should do to effectively improve my charisma?"
Garros swept his scrutinizing gaze over the Golden Dragon and said: "To be honest, among the Golden Dragon Clan, your first impression, other than appearing stronger and more muscular than your kin, lacks any other unique identifiers."
"Those grand vows, firm determination, and lofty ideals in your heart... these are all internal things that cannot be intuitively perceived by others through your appearance."
Garros thought for a moment and gave his advice after pondering.
"You should add some impressive features to yourself."
"For example, drape yourself in gorgeous golden silk, engrave runes on your dragon horns, etc. In short, you can strengthen your image through unique identifiers, making you look different, thereby initially possessing the foundation of leader-level charisma."
Garros did not need these himself.
His appearance and physique were enough to make him unique.
"Knowledge about territory management can be learned, but without corresponding charisma? Everything is in vain."
Garros was very generous in his guidance to Golden Dragon Alberto.
Sharing some of his theoretical ideas was indeed a very fulfilling thing; Garros suddenly understood White Dragon Tereshi a bit.
Golden Dragon Alberto listened to Garros's theory and gradually revealed an expression of sudden realization.
As for what exactly he had realized from these words, or how he planned to put them into practice, Garros did not know.