Ashen Dragon

The Dwarf King opened his arms wide, exclaiming enthusiastically: "Hahaha, come on up, guests from afar, your timing couldn't be better!"

A small door just tall enough for a dwarf to pass through swung open on the walls of Aivendel, and the elves entered, bending at the waist.

Pegasi and unicorns, by the power of magic, stepped into the sky and after circling a few times, they descended onto the battlements.

It wasn't long before Rhea, leading the elves, climbed to the walls of Aivendel.

The Dwarf King came forward to greet them, extending his rough hand, still stained with blood, seemingly to offer a handshake that symbolized friendship.

"I am Ed Klein, Master of High Mountains, please give my regards to your queen."

The Half-elf hesitated for a moment, but did not extend her hand, and merely bowed slightly, her eyelids lowered.

"Greetings, Lord Ed, I am Rheya Nairuo, General of the Silver Moon Followers, appointed by Lady Ithel, responsible for this aid mission."

Behind her, the tall and delicate Moon Elves also bowed in unison, greeting the liege lord of the Shield Dwarves.

"Ah, okay."

Ed, somewhat embarrassed, withdrew his hand, rubbing it while nodding in the manner of the elves.

Apart from having Orcs as a common enemy, Dwarves and the Elf Race didn't really get along, finding it difficult to coexist.

The Dwarves thought of elves as arrogant and pretentious; while the Elves found Dwarves to be rude, obstinate, and unreasonable. The two races had clashed several times throughout history, though these incidents never escalated into war.

However, now that Aivendel was facing an unprecedented invasion by Orcs, these minor details no longer mattered.

The Dwarf King laughed heartily: "Hahaha, so you are the famous 'Twilight Blade'.

I've heard of you. You once slew the Red Dragon alone in the North, defeated the son of Baal, and sent the Great Demon Lord, who descended upon the world, back to the Nine Prisons.

As a Half-elf, being acknowledged by the proud Elves speaks volumes of your abilities."

Rhea watched the Dwarf in front of her, her silver eyes tranquil as water, her voice still as cool and calm.

"Thank you for the compliment, Lord Ed, but my past experiences are trifles before the Master of High Mountains, the liege lord of the Shield Dwarves.

Now, I am but a Guard Captain loyal to the queen, and the will of Catherine is my guideline for action."

On any other day, the Dwarf King might have muttered, "Typical of someone with half-elven blood, still so arrogant and pretentious."

But at this moment, Ed forcibly suppressed the urge to speak, simply wiping the bloodstains on his hands in silence.

The Half-elf raised her head, looking at the magnificent Gold Dragon sitting atop the castle tower, and asked softly, "Lord Ed, who might this be...?"

"He is Lord Titus, a friend of the High Mountain Kingdom.

As you can see, he is a powerful and ancient Gold Dragon. It was he who repelled the Orcs at the critical moment, saving Aivendel.

Not only that, Lord Titus is also a skilled spellcaster; he just prophesied your arrival to me."

Ed's tone was exceptionally warm, revealing deep admiration for "Lord Titus", especially since, in his eyes, this was the benefactor who had just saved Aivendel.

Rhea, fearless, raised her head and said to the Gold Dragon atop the tower: "It's an honor to fight alongside you, Lord Titus.

If we have the support of such a powerful Ancient Gold Dragon, this war should become much easier."

Upon hearing this, the Gold Dragon too lowered its head, examining the Half-elf not far away, the light flickering in his pale golden pupils, and his whiskers fluttered in mid-air.

He spoke softly, "To become the Chosen One as a Half-elf is truly interesting..."

Rhea's eyes narrowed slightly, her brows furrowed lightly, as she always felt that the dragon's gaze did not seem like a first encounter, but rather as if it knew her well.

"This must be the Prophet Mage..."

As Ithel's most loyal and powerful follower, the Half-elf carried many secrets. She detested the feeling of being seen through.

Little did Rhea know that the Gold Dragon before her was the same young dragon she had released many years ago, and that he was also the Ashen Empire's Emperor, Anzeta.

And now, a decade later, the two met again in such a manner - a meeting filled with dramatic irony.

For some reason, Rhea also felt a piercing cold assault her, yet it vanished in an instant, as though it never existed.

"Is it an illusion?"

Rhea, resting her hand on the Silver Sword at her waist, thought to herself with a slightly solemn gaze.

Meanwhile, Cassius, in the guise of "Titus", wiped his scales, gently stroked his whiskers with his claw, and pondered to himself.

"Hehe... now is not the time.

Once Rhea helps Ithel reclaim Serinia, I'll tear off the disguise and strike at her. Only then can I reap the greatest benefit."

He buried the fleeting desire for revenge deep in his heart and continued to maintain the elegant, proud posture of a dragon.

Cassius continued stroking his whiskers, smiling meaningfully: "To have the company of a strong warrior like Lady Rhea, I am very pleased."

"Thank you for the praise."

But Ed, always straightforward and simple-minded, failed to notice anything amiss. He continued to laugh heartily, hoisting his Warhammer onto his shoulder.

"Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of the High Mountain Kingdom and Serinia formed a sacred Alliance, and today, we gather here in Aivendel, united to discuss our strategies!"