Ashen Dragon

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It folded its wings behind its back, like a gigantic golden moth.

The dwarves observed this unfamiliar Gold Dragon, which was much smaller than Lord Titus.

Its form was more slender, its actions more graceful, and the golden scales on its surface were etched with intricately complex patterns, while an aroma of saffron and spices lingered around it.

Lord Ed nodded in a dignified greeting, his tone neither humble nor overbearing: "Most noble and elegant Gold Dragon, welcome to our presence. I am Ed, the Master of High Mountains.

May I inquire as to why you grace our city, which has just been through a war?"

The Gold Dragon's mouth opened slowly, and a crisp, pleasant yet somewhat youthful female voice echoed above the city walls: "Lord Ed, my name is Aurora, a Gold Dragon from the south.

I am here to visit the 'Dragon of Dawn,' Elder Titus, whose deed of aiding the dwarves against the invaders has earned my great admiration."

A look of "as expected" appeared on Ed's face, and he pointed his hand towards a cave in Black Stone Mountain.

"No problem, Lord Titus is currently residing there, and he should be resting inside the cave right now.

Indeed, he is a kind, just, and responsible powerhouse, and also our eternal benefactor of the High Mountain Kingdom.

In the time since the war ended, Lord Titus would always circle above our city to heal the wounds of our Dwarf Warriors."

"Thank you, Lord Ed."

The tone of the female Gold Dragon, who claimed to be "Aurora," was quite sincere.

She simply nodded, then lightly flapped her wings and took to the sky from atop the city wall, heading towards the cave.

Watching the Gold Dragon's departing figure, Ed mused, "Bjorn, maybe you're right...

Perhaps today's High Mountain Kingdom truly needs a firmer, formidable ally to protect us for centuries."

...

"Good day, Elder Titus, I am Aurora, daughter of Akaro, a Gold Dragon from the south. May I ask if you are available now?"

Flying to a few dozen meters away from the cave entrance, Aurora landed on the rocks, asking with caution.

Even for dragons, it is impolite to intrude into a nest uninvited, as it is a place where treasures are stored.

Aurora was especially cautious; she did not wish to anger the mysterious elder or cause any displeasure.

After all, she was not sure of the other's temperament, and based on her experience, those Ancient Gold Dragons were often quite stubborn.

"Come in."

It didn't take long before a deep voice came from inside the cave.

Overjoyed, Aurora hastily entered the cave, even making a point to control her gaze in accordance with dragon etiquette.

——But this temporary nest had not much in the way of treasure; the dwarves had indeed delivered plenty of Gold Coins, but they were all blocked off by Cassius in the deeper parts of the cave.

After exiting a slightly narrower entrance, the young Gold Dragon finally arrived in the "hall" of the nest and saw the true face of the elder who had made a name for himself recently.

Aurora quickly and submissively bowed her head, folded her wings, and slightly bent her forelimbs, before greeting in a soft voice: "Good day, Elder Titus."

She quietly lifted her head and saw the "Dragon of Dawn," with a massive dragon body of over thirty meters, entirely in gold scales, and exceptionally broad wings.

A dozen or so whiskers grew from its mouth, and those deep eyes resembled pools of molten gold, conveying a sense of mystery and wisdom.

To a Gold Dragon's aesthetics, this elder was an utterly "Handsome Man".

Indeed an Ancient Gold Dragon!

Aurora's heart swelled with joy—it was known that the older Gold Dragons often opt to go to Heavenly Mountain to serve at the side of Lord Bahamut and rarely stay on the Material Plane.

Almost every Gold Dragon who remained on the Material Plane held a strong sense of responsibility and justice.

Meanwhile, Titus, or rather Cassius, was also observing this visiting Gold Dragon with his golden pupils.

[Aurora Vipsania Agrippina]

Challenge Level: 16

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A young female Gold Dragon, who looked somewhat inexperienced, was significantly stronger than ordinary Gold Dragons, her strength comparable to that of an adult Gold Dragon.

What was unusual was the intricate, elaborate patterns engraved on her scales.

Gold Dragons of this age were rarely envoys sent by Bahamut.

Therefore, he asked in a flat tone, probing, "Young kin, why have you come here?

Is it... the time for the Golden Dragon Council?"

In fact, Cassius was fishing for information. There is a global hierarchical system among dragons; at its pinnacle is a leader known as the "Governor,"

who is elected for life from the ranks of Ancient Golden Dragons, until they decide to resign. Council meetings, which discuss various matters, are held every few centuries.

Aurora was somewhat puzzled but replied, "Lord Titus, if I remember correctly, the next Golden Dragon Council should be in thirty years.

Moreover, as a Young Gold Dragon, I do not have the qualifications to invite you."

Cassius shook his head helplessly, chuckling bitterly, "Ah, it seems that after that war, I have left this world for too long.

I've gotten a bit... fuzzy on the time."

The Riddler.

As long as one speaks ambiguously, they can make others feel that there is more to them than meets the eye.

Aurora listened quietly to the Elder's words and indeed imagined a period full of vicissitudes and tragic past.

As expected of an Ancient Gold Dragon Elder who has lived for thousands of years!

After silently admiring for a moment, the young Gold Dragon dared to continue speaking.

"Lord Titus, I have only heard of your heroic deeds and admire them greatly; thus... I wanted to visit you."

But Cassius replied with a smile, "Aurora, there must be more than just that, tell me, what else do you request?"

The Young Gold Dragon scratched her claws, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Your wisdom is indeed profound. If that's the case, then I will speak frankly.

Lord Titus, we admire your steadfastness in justice and order, and we sincerely invite you to join the Carving Skin Organization and become an Elder of our 'Lodz'."

Engraved Skin, a familiar term.

Cassius looked at the exquisite carvings on Aurora's body and immediately associated with the meaning of the term.

Carved Skin Dragon, a member of a mysterious organization composed of dragons and half-dragons.

Their name comes from the markings etched onto their scales, granting them incredible mystic protection.

In terms of rigorous discipline, dedication to self-improvement, and mystical transcendence, dragons from the Carving Skin Organization are similar to human monks.

However, Carved Skin Dragons do not establish monasteries; they form small groups called "Lodz."

These communities, composed of many dragons or half-dragons, share a large territory and occasionally gather. If one of their members is threatened, they will rapidly convene to assist.

Suddenly, Cassius felt a leap of joy in his heart; he had been planning to seek out this organization and unexpectedly, they had taken the initiative to approach him.

As an advanced occupation similar to a martial monk, Carved Skin Dragons possess an iron-strong will of order capable of resisting many supernatural forces—among them, Chaotic Power.

And after obtaining this advanced occupation, Cassius could muster even greater confidence to combat abyssal demons.

At the same time, he could better maintain his sanity, no longer influenced by Karex's will.

Despite his internal elation, Cassius maintained a calm exterior and said placidly, "Carved Skin Dragon, I have heard of this occupation; indeed it is an order-focused organization.

It sounds... quite good."

Aurora hastily responded, "Lord Titus, we will provide you with the entire inheritance of a Carved Skin Dragon and..."

She hesitated briefly, then continued, "We will also gather a portion of Gold Coin as your stipend."

Cassius revealed a genial smile typical of an elder, softly saying, "I accept, as long as your efforts are for justice and order."

Aurora was exceptionally delighted and approached eagerly, saying, "Lord Titus, you are indeed as good and powerful as the legends say, welcome to our ranks."