Ashen Dragon

Aivendel, the Dwarves finally emerged from the joyful atmosphere of victory and began to silently clean up the battlefield, collecting the bodies of their kin.

The city walls were covered with dark scorch marks and patchy traces of blood, and below lay large areas of solidified metal.

Thousands of Dwarf Warriors bravely sacrificed themselves in this battle; even in death, they did not forget to struggle against the Orcs, protecting their common homeland.

The elder Dwarves lifted up the corpses that still bore the posture of fierce fighting, gently stroking their cheeks, closing their angrily staring eyes.

"Child, rest assured, Aivendel has not yet fallen.

May you...find eternal life in the realm of Moradin."

At the end, his voice choked up; facing the departure of loved ones, even the typically hearty and rough Dwarves could not help but feel sad.

The Dwarf beside him also stepped forward, patting his shoulder: "It will be so, Karl.

These fallen comrades are heroes of our Dwarf clan; the gods of Modin Saman will not neglect them.

Our heroes will lead a carefree life on Heavenly Mountain, forging the finest armors and weapons for the Father God."

The Dwarf called "Karl" nodded heavily, his eyes growing more determined.

"I must stand with His Majesty to hold Aivendel, drive the Orcs back to the North; only then can we console their heroic spirits."

"Indeed, the onslaught of the Orcs is far from over; now is not the time for sorrow."

In the end, the Shield Dwarves of the High Mountain Kingdom had only withstood the first wave of the Orc assault.

The vast army composed of hundreds of thousands of Orcs that surrounded Aivendel loomed over the Dwarves like a persistent dark cloud.

...

"What a fierce battle...

Thank goodness, we ultimately still defended Aivendel and preserved the dignity of the High Mountain Kingdom."

Standing on the towering city walls, looking down at the scorched ruins below, Ed, as King, could not help but emit a long sigh.

Even when the army of Holy Fadlan invaded a hundred years ago, he was not as nervous, since this time the Orcs came out in full force without reservation.

Moreover, as age-old enemies, the blood feud had already become indelible; there was absolutely no room for reconciliation between the Dwarves and the Orcs, it was a fight to the death.

Bjorn appeared beside Ed, his face still bearing traces of relief: "Your Majesty, we must also thank this mysterious visitor."

Ed sincerely said: "Indeed, without that Gold Dragon, Aivendel might have been in peril today.

But... Bjorn, do you not recognize him?"

Bjorn shook his head: "Gold Dragons that reach this size are at least of Ancient Dragon Level; they seldom appear on the Fianso Continent.

He very likely could be a reinforcement from Heavenly Mountain, a champion of faith to Lord Bahamut."

Ed looked up towards the sky, just to see the Gold Dragon still circling high above, seemingly observing the situation of the Beastman Army.

Thus, the Dwarf King waved towards the sky, shouting loudly.

"Mighty and noble Gold Dragon, you are a benefactor to both our High Mountain Kingdom and to the entire Dwarf Clan!

I am the King of the Shield Dwarves, please descend upon Aivendel City, and let us converse—"

"Roar—"

The Gold Dragon in the sky seemed to hear the Dwarf's call, letting out a loud roar.

Then, the Gold Dragon fluttered its wave-like wings, elegantly circling above the city walls, gracefully descending.

Many scholars agree that Gold Dragons are the most elegant flyers among all true dragons, and Gold Dragons are particularly proud of this view.

The shadow of the giant dragon swept across the city walls, covering many Dwarves.

"Moradin above..."

"Gods."

Facing such a gigantic creature, even though they knew it was an ally, the Dwarf Warriors were somewhat nervous, swallowing hard and gripping their crossbows tightly.

"Boom!"

The thirty-plus meters long massive body landed on the sturdy tower with a booming sound, its form appearing quite light.

—The Gold Dragon was being as careful as possible, almost tiptoeing, yet it still crushed the rocks under its feet.

Countless pairs of surprised, shocked, and even admiring eyes looked up at this magnificent Gold Dragon, resembling a statuesque golden sculpture.

And Ed also looked up in surprise, gazing at this unfamiliar guest.

The Gold Dragon, like a gigantic golden moth, had its wide wings that extended to its tail folded on its back.

This Gold Dragon had eyes like ponds of molten golden pool, and around its mouth floated several slender whiskers.

—This gave his exterior a look of wisdom and maturity, overflowing with the dignified and noble temperament unique to Gold Dragons.

Indeed, it was a Gold Dragon, and possibly an elder among them, very likely a venerable Ancient Dragon.

Ed and Bjorn simultaneously thought to themselves.

As upper echelons of the High Mountain Kingdom's ruling class, they had also visited Heavenly Mountain and seen those gigantic and majestic Metal Dragons.

And as the acknowledged leaders of the Metal Dragons, the Gold Dragons, with their golden scales and whiskers, were undoubtedly the most unique and most dazzling among them.

The Gold Dragon looked around, finally fixing its gaze on the Dwarf King.

In the proud eyes of the giant dragon, only the Legendary Ones among the Dwarves could barely be worthy of association.

Ed quickly bowed his head, deeply bowing: "Noble Gold Dragon, please forgive my rudeness, your magnificent appearance has left me in awe.

This time, our High Mountain Kingdom was able to withstand the Orcs' assault, thanks to your help; your kindness, our Shield Dwarf Clan will never forget."