In the expansive back garden of the Dragon Kings Fortress, the naturally emitted life aura resulting from the planting and growth of the World Tree Ovo had already stained a small portion of the originally desolate dirt ground with a faint layer of green.
Many tender sprouts of grass took root and germinated from the soil, and a three-meter-tall World Tree sapling, thick enough to be hugged by a person, stretched its tender green branches in the center of the garden.
Thanks to the spring water from the magical spring in the Green Field Forest, the World Tree sapling had grown in just half a month to a size that ordinary trees would take several years, or even more than ten years, to reach.
Moreover, unlike ordinary trees, the World Tree's growth height and trunk diameter consistently followed a fixed ratio, so even though it was only three meters tall, it was much thicker than other trees.
The initial branches of the growing World Tree only held a few points of tender green leaves, making it look a bit bare.
Two plump Titanoboas were diligently trying to wrap their short, fat bodies around the branches of the World Tree, lest they fall off the tree.
Kalon had left the two snake cubs here to grow alongside the World Tree, which was an extremely important benefit for them; Magic Pythons bathed in the World Tree's aura for a long time would also experience an increase in their life essence, making their future achievements immeasurable.
The two snake cubs could also serve, to some extent, as a barrier to guard the World Tree, even though they were still very weak now.
"Hiss, hiss,"
The larger snake cub laboriously coiled its tail around a thick branch, extending its forked tongue into the air to detect the intensity of the life energy emanating from the World Tree and attempting to capture it.
The other snake cub was lazily curled up in the hollow between a branch and the main trunk, allowing itself to be permeated by the gradually thickening life aura.
"Ovo, the life energy you naturally emit is beneficial to us. I wonder if I could taste you—perhaps your body would help us even more!"
The larger snake cub said greedily, its eyes, which had shifted from round pupils to vertical slits, glowed with avarice. It rubbed its short, fat body against the trunk of the World Tree Ovo, alleviating the itching sensation caused by scale growth.
Ovo was the name Kalon gave the World Tree, carrying a meaning in both the True Dragon Language and the Elven Language: 'A God who created heaven and earth.'
This was an explanation of the World Tree's essence, and also a kind of expectation Kalon held for this sapling that was close to him.
"The name Dad gave you truly matches your personality, Grenek. You are always an insatiably greedy and malicious snake, unlike Haninek, who is quiet, kind, and restrained,"
The thick World Tree sapling, Ovo, shook its branches, lowering an exceptionally thick and long branch, and gently flicked the greedy Magic Python Grenek away.
"Ouch!" The greedy snake cub Grenek was flicked away, its short, fat body twisting in the air as it let out a startled sound.
"Not only will I punish your greed, but I will also tell Dad!" The consciousness of the World Tree Ovo pulsed with cheerful excitement, clearly feeling very proud of its action.
"Haninek, you'll stand with me, right?" The World Tree Ovo lowered another branch and gently tapped the head of the smaller, drowsy snake cub.
Affected by Mind Power, a power bearing Kalon's extremely strong personal imprint, these three younglings clearly inherited or magnified certain characteristics from Kalon.
The other snake cub, Haninek, shook its groggy head and opened its vertical pupils. Even Haninek, whom the World Tree Ovo called the kind and restrained snake, was like his older brother, only changing into humanized round pupils in front of Kalon.
Although Haninek's vertical pupils looked a bit hazy, it blinked its eyes and then said in a soft, gentle voice: "That wouldn't be good, Ovo. Dad is busy right now. We shouldn't bother him with such a small matter!"
"You're right. Dad has been busy with something lately and hasn't come to see us for days. Dad's power tastes better than those natural auras and elemental magic power,"
The consciousness of the World Tree Ovo replied, and its active branches also quieted down, seeming to gaze toward the Red Dragon's Dragon Nest along with the confused snake cub Haninek.
Kalon was indeed very busy. Although most matters of the territory had been distributed by him according to the rightful authority of others, there were still many things that only he could decide, and his exploration of power and knowledge never ceased.
Kalon's massive body coiled in his Dragon Nest, within the perpetually boiling magma lake. The dim magma lake illuminated Kalon's body, his scales glowing brightly, and the various treasures and Divine Iron floating in the magma, casting layers of shimmering light.
Blocks of precious minerals, either scorching hot or frigid, excavated from deep within the earth's core, and clumps of Mythril radiating silver light, floated in the magma. Kalon exhaled a stream of scorching yet stable, continuous high-temperature Dragonfire, melting the materials one by one.
In his mind, Kalon reviewed the knowledge inherited from the ancient Magic Empire. Following the knowledge for forging Magical Treasures, he fused the materials, connecting their inherent properties so that they could harmoniously exert their optimal functions.
Among these materials, even minerals that had condensed and formed in the earth's core magma and were extremely heat-resistant gradually melted in the Dragonfire Kalon breathed out. Under Kalon's power, they began to take shape, and a large bell, intended to be struck as a Time Standard, gradually formed within the Dragonfire.
Piece after piece of material was picked up by the Mage Hand spell Kalon cast, successively thrown into the Dragonfire, melted into liquid, and then integrated with the gradually forming large bell.
When the last piece of Mythril melted into liquid and merged into the body of the large bell, staining the entire antique bluish-brown bell with a faint silver sheen, Kalon stopped his Dragonfire.
His will activated the Domain covering the entire Dragon Nest, and then he infused the entire bell body with his Mind Power, leaving his own imprint and a connection point for the Domain's radiation.
Hoo, Kalon exhaled, and a few sparks scattered from between his fangs.
Even though he drew upon the continuous stream of magic power and energy from deep within the earth's core, the prolonged, precise output of power still placed a mental burden on him.
However, through this method of training, his control over power had advanced another level. Spells that previously required extra concentration could now be easily cast, maintaining stability and accuracy in their execution.
Dong,
Kalon bent his Dragon Claw and lightly tapped the heavy bell body, producing a loud and resonant chime that echoed throughout the Dragon Nest sealed by the Domain.
Kalon nodded in satisfaction, then extended his Dragon Claw to press down on the two-meter-tall bell, inputting his power and vibrating the magic power within his body. The excellent power conductivity and magic power extensibility of the Mythril allowed Kalon to easily expand his power.
Immediately, the heavy, tall giant bell hummed and vibrated, emitting a deep, low sound. The invisible fluctuations it dispersed were like a Domain, resonating and connecting with the Domainof the Dragon Nest, emanating a terrifying suppressive force and latent destructive power.
"Very good. It seems I have the talent of a master Craftsman," Kalon nodded contentedly, flicking the heavy bell, which landed in the magma flow.
Many identical large bells were already submerged and floating in the bubbling, boiling magma lake, along with many scrapped bells, which were discarded in the magma lake, left for the boiling magma to slowly corrode and melt the failed creations.
These intact large bells were soaked in the magma, permeated by intensely rich magic power, connecting with the Dragon Nest's Domain, and gradually generating a rhythmic resonance.
This was Kalon's magical mystical-side time experiment, based on the incomplete Time Apparatus of the ancient Magic Kings.
These large bells would be hung in every city and every village in the Dragon Territory, serving as both the Time Standard and a Ritual Implement for the territory.
When the Master Bell, hung at the Peak of Dragons in the Giant Dragon Sanctuary, was struck, the sound would spread throughout the entire territory.
Morning bells and evening drums—these sounds represent the beginning and end of each day, as well as the division of various time periods.
These great clocks also serve as ritual vessels for Kalon to receive and transmit the power of faith, and they are the King's Artifacts for ruling the territory.
Kalon, who leaves his power beacon within the great clocks, can also utilize them when necessary to transmit and spread his own Domain, achieving a form of power suppression across the entire territory.
Furthermore, Kalon intends to use these great clocks as the bugles for the Dragon Legion. When the bells ring, it will be the moment the Legion advances, bestowing the favor of death upon his enemies.
On ordinary days, the bells can also be used to synchronize the warriors' steps, bolstering military might.
Their functions are varied, and although their primary purpose is an experiment exploring the Essence of Time, this is typical of Kalon's style—he likes to maximize the utility of any resource.
"It seems my conception can be attempted," Kalon said, watching the finished products gradually change with a slight sense of accomplishment, before spitting out Dragonfire again and continuing to complete his plan.
As the territory gradually develops, this number of great clocks is far from sufficient, and Kalonintends to discard some of the earlier ones due to lack of proficiency.
Most importantly, the Master Bell—the one that will connect all great clocks in the territory, is destined to hang above the Giant Dragon Sanctuary, and will be struck by the souls of heroic warriors—is not yet complete. Kalon must continue working hard.
Whoosh,
Azure flames spewed forth, scorching precious materials. One after another, valuable Magic Gems and Elemental Crystals were also thrown into the Dragonfire by Kalon, supplementing abundant energy for the Magical Treasures he was about to forge.
Just then, Kalon, immersed in exploration and practice, suddenly looked up slightly. The Domaincovering the entire mountaintop informed him that the warrior he had summoned had arrived.
Kalon did not stop his Dragonfire. Amidst the misty, steaming aura of magma, his figure faintly shimmered and fluctuated, and a human figure stepped out from behind him.
Kalon, in his Dragonborn Form, about 3.5 meters tall, stepped out of his Dragon Nest.
Yug, the Gnoll leader, equally tall but slightly shorter than Kalon's current form, was already waiting outside the Dragon Nest, on the broad steps below the mountaintop.
"My Lord, My King," Yug, the tall Gnoll leader, now the Battle Group Commander and Chiliarch, bowed and reported to Kalon: "All warrior rewards within the Battle Group have been distributed; every warrior has received their corresponding reward."
"The spouses—oh, the families—of the fallen warriors have also been properly settled, enjoying the preferential treatment stipulated by the territory. The nameplates worn by every warrior have been collected and interred in the Heroes' Cemetery, with tombstones erected for commemoration..." The Gnoll recounted the disposition matters following the last war to Kalonone by one.
"Yug, I once promised you that since you and your tribe have proven your loyalty and capability to me, I will not be stingy with my rewards,"
Only after quietly listening to the words of his current capable subordinate did Kalon slowly speak.
The Gnoll maintained a slightly bowed posture to show his respect for the Dragon King, and also as a way to mitigate the increasingly prominent pressure emanating from Kalon, but the heat in his eyes still betrayed his desires and thoughts.
"I can bestow dragon blood upon you, but you must know what the dragon blood of a True Dragon is: he who desires the object must bear its weight. Even for you, undergoing the tempering of dragon blood, there is only a fifty percent chance of success! And the price is death!"
Kalon looked at the Gnoll, who was not eager to speak but quietly waited for his next words. His spiky cheeks twitched slightly, and the corners of his mouth curled up, revealing a somewhat ferocious smile.
"And you, Yug, are now my trusted Kin, my capable subordinate, and a brave warrior. I do not wish for you to leave my side so quickly due to an accidental failure,"
Kalon fixed his gaze on the Gnoll's movements, speech, and expression, watching his reaction.
Thud. This brave and wise Gnoll knelt on one knee. He responded in a low, hoarse voice: "My Lord, it is my honor to serve you. I still have a few years left in my peak, and I am willing to dedicate everything to you during these years."
The Gnoll raised his head, his blood-red eyes concentrating a resolute will.
"I only hope that in the final years of my old age, My Lord will allow me to attempt and accept the glorious trial of dragon blood!"
"Heh," Kalon's Dragon Claw turned upward and clenched slightly. He chuckled softly: "What kind of master do you take me for? A stingy ruler who squeezes out the remaining labor of his subordinates and forces them into certain death attempts when they decline!"
Yug, the Gnoll, was greatly alarmed and quickly slammed his head heavily onto the ground, which had been rendered incredibly solid by the Dragon Nest Domain. Although the Gnoll had indeed felt a hint of resentment just now, he had never doubted the generosity of the Red Dragonbefore him.
He just felt that perhaps he hadn't done enough, but he also couldn't do any better!
Yug, the Gnoll's voice trembled. He pleaded softly: "Please forgive me, Great Master, Yug did not harbor such thoughts! Perhaps it was just my greed that led me to this presumptuous action!"
"No, Yug, every creature has its own desires. I will let everyone loyal to me know that they will receive their due rewards,"
On Kalon's outstretched Dragon Claw, a dark scale appeared. This was an Old Scale shed by the Red Dragon, carrying his unique aura and mark.
He tossed the Token made from this Old Scale to the Gnoll, who was kneeling and dared not rise, and then said in a deep voice: "I have another path for you, my loyal warrior. Go, Yug."
"Take my Token, go to the Department of Magical Integration and find Tichi, the head of the Alchemy Section. Have him take you to withdraw several portions of Water of Life, which can extend your peak period and lifespan."
Kalon turned and walked toward his Dragon Nest, leaving his final words: "Tell Tichi that I permit him to use Kadilos's dragon blood for Potion Research. This is also one of your future guarantees."
"Remember to go with Tichi to find Kadilos. That Young Red Dragon might still possess a rare bit of rebelliousness. Protect Tichi; he is a talent! He's a talent I bought from the Orcs for two Silver Coins!"
Yug, the overjoyed Gnoll leader and Battle Group Commander of the Dragon Territory, suddenly looked up. Something never before seen in a Gnoll appeared in his crimson eyes: tears!
Yug slammed his head heavily onto the hard ground. He responded with a trembling voice: "My Lord, My King, Yug shall be your eternally loyal hound!"
Yug, the Gnoll, turned and strode down the mountaintop toward the Imperial Guards stationed on either side of the stone steps leading to the Dragon Nest.
A Batwing Wyvern covered in magnificent scales was resting behind the Imperial Guards, being watched over by them. Although flying was prohibited on the mountains of the Nest of Dragons, those summoned by Kalon were exceptions.
This six-meter-long Batwing Wyvern was currently looking smugly at the mountainside of a distant peak, where many Wyverns of its own kind were flying up and down the mountains, traversing between the caves and cliffs on the mountainside.
Although these Wyverns had been subdued by the True Dragon, they were not allowed to ascend the Peaks of the Mountains.
And this Batwing Wyvern, which served as Yug's mount, had ascended the Peaks of the Mountains, so it was inevitably smug, especially since even Swift Shadow, the King among the Batwing Wyvern species, could only nest on the mountainside.
"Let's go," Yug put his index finger and thumb to his mouth and blew a loud Whistle, summoning the smug Wyvern that was fanning its wings. He flipped onto its back and rode the Wyverndown in a rush.
Not far away, hundreds of Wyverns were chasing each other among the mountains under the setting sun, their speed swift as the wind, their wings numerous as clouds.