Ashen Dragon

However, it wasn't just Xin Dog, other guilds also noticed the anomaly in Dragon Valley.

[Royalty] was now the most prestigious of the powerful families, boasting over eighty members with strict standards. Most of its members were professional gamers. They had even built a rudimentary castle within Barto City to serve as their guild headquarters, naming it "Royalty Hall."

The guild leader was a well-known, wealthy professional gamer called "Tyrant," a towering and robust Paladin Conqueror.

At this moment, the core members of the guild were gathered in the Royalty Hall.

Tyrant sat in the main seat, asking, "So if the intel is accurate, we're facing a war?"

The vice leader, "Fengyun," responded, "Yes, according to our eyes in Northwind Castle, the enemy should be the Allied Forces of the Northern Countries. Three prominent ducal families are participating, and it's said they have assembled nearly thirty thousand troops, gathering in the Stormy Ridge area."

Bibo Sword Rain asked, "Can we win? If we can't, can we defect to the other side?"

Fengyun shook his head, "I don't recommend defection. Our guild's roots are already established in Barto City. We monopolize the city's alcohol production and wall construction industries. Switching sides would mean starting over from scratch, placing us back on the same starting line as everyone else. The advantage we hold would be completely lost, and that is a price we cannot afford."

Tyrant asked, "What's our strength assessment?"

Fengyun pondered for a moment before replying, "It's hard to say. On paper, we should be evenly matched. Although we might be at a numerical disadvantage, these Dragon Vein Monsters are likely far stronger than ordinary human soldiers."

His tone paused.

"But there are too many uncertain variables, such as their spellcasters, and… our faction leader."

"You mean that Red Dragon?"

"Yes, so far we've only seen his avatar and statues. The lair in Dragon Valley is off-limits to most, making it difficult to assess his role in the war."

Tyrant made a decision, "Then we'll fight our best. If we win, we'll certainly gain contribution points. If we lose, no big deal. If the enemy breaks in, we'll switch sides as guides. After all, our race is human. Even if the Northern Countries' forces occupy Barto City, we could still run things locally."

Fengyun agreed, "That's what I think too."

Tyrant turned to the elite warrior player "Big Blade," asking, "How many contribution points do you have? When can you get the Red Scale Conqueror?"

Big Blade responded loudly, "I have 9300 points already. I should be able to exchange it by tomorrow, though I still need to buy some items to tame the Wyvern from Xin Dog."

Tyrant nodded, "Good. I'm planning to use the Mysterious Invitation tomorrow. Let's prepare the money and contribution points. We'll buy everything we need in one trip."

The construction brother "Bucket Runner" weakly suggested, "Since we're going to war, shouldn't we get some special weapons?"

"Indeed, we shoul—"

Tyrant was about to reply when a loud roar came from the sky, distinctly different from the raspy cries of Wyverns. This sound was deep and powerful, filled with majesty, compelling a desire to kneel in submission.

Fengyun asked in confusion, "What's happening?"

The guild members guarding the door rushed in, shouting, "Come quickly!"

"The faction leader has descended!"

Tyrant immediately said, "Let's go see."

All the Royalty guild members followed Tyrant to the hillside area of Barto City.

"Roar—"

Another long roar echoed.

A large crowd of players had gathered in the hillside area. The Tiefling residents were also present, along with the Tiefling Guards led by Mezulash.

In the sky, a massive shadow appeared, casting many into darkness.

Next, the red figure descended thunderously, landing on the highest rock in the hillside area.

Dust flew, even the ground trembled slightly.

Everyone looked up in shock. As the dust settled, they saw the visitor clearly—it was a terrifying Red Dragon. Its immense body was strong and muscular, covered in armor-like red scales. Backward swept horns resembled a crown.

Cassius stood on the rock, spreading his wings tens of meters wide, casting a shadow over the people of Barto City below.

He looked down from his high perch, golden pupils flashing with authority. An invisible aura emanated instantly.

The crowd felt a profound fear of this mighty creature, instinctively lowering their heads. This is what they felt as Dragon's Might.
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Cassius then slowly spoke, his voice rumbling like thunder, "My subjects, war is upon us."

His voice echoed throughout Barto City.

"The Allied Forces of the Northern Countries are gathering. They march towards Stormy Ridge, intending to destroy my city, slaughter my retainers, and plunder my wealth."

"Yet my strength will show them this is a mere delusion. All they have will turn to ashes under the flame."

"Subjects, prepare yourselves. Prove your loyalty with blood and fire. The crucible of battle is about to begin, and we will undoubtedly crush the feeble forces of the Northern Countries."

"For Ashen Nest!"

"For Barto City!"

"For the great Red Dragon!"

"For… revenge!"

Mezulash was the first to raise his sword and shout, followed by the Tiefling Guards raising their spears and cheering.

Soon, more joined, the shouts forming waves of fervent cries. The people of Barto City yelled passionately, vowing to crush the invading forces.

Players also joined the fervor, adding cries of "For Dragon Mother!" "For experience!" "For the Succubus!" and other personal tags. The Tieflings, used to this, pretended not to hear.

Tyrant looked up at the colossal Red Dragon, whose wings shadowed them all, and sighed, "What challenge level can this reach? With our whole guild, we wouldn't last a few minutes."

Fengyun murmured, "I don't know, but I know one thing."

"This war… we shouldn't lose."

Player panels refreshed with information.

[Main Mission: The Beginning of War]

[Led by the "Flame Wing Dragon" Cassius, the expansion of Ashen Nest has alarmed the three Northern Duchies of Rackman, Boske, and Notte. They have therefore formed an allied army of over thirty thousand, preparing to march on Stormy Ridge to eradicate this evil force.

You can freely choose your faction in the war to strive for victory. For each enemy killed, you'll earn 150 Faction Contribution Points. The mission will start in about 30 days, so make all necessary preparations for the upcoming war.]