When Chiron led the Heavy Armored Legion and Auxiliary Legion back to the Kings Capital, a thunderous uproar ensued.
By this time, the Kings Capital had become the most important and core city of the Dragon Clan Territory. Most of the residents of the Golden City had been evacuated and settled here, continuing to build and strengthen the defenses of this increasingly large city.
There were also countless merchants and adventurers from various places stranded here. The war between the Dragon clan and the Orc Kingdom had blocked the best channels for the True Dragon Group to interact with the outside world, and these large numbers of stranded people were also trapped here.
Fortunately, the order of the Dragon Clans Territory had already been established, so these people did not have to worry about their lives and property being plundered. They hated the Orcs far more than the residents of the Dragon Clan Territory.
Because those Orcs not only constantly threatened their safety but also delayed their money-making plans, their sins were unforgivable.
Therefore, when these people saw countless Orc skulls nailed to stakes outside the Kings Capital, they all cheered and applauded, their celebratory voices even louder than those of the residents within the territory.
The Golden People, now united, loudly prayed for the fallen warriors, asking that their heroic spirits find peaceful rest in the True Dragon Temple atop the mountains.
They collectively praised the warriors who returned bathed in blood, hailing them as the spears of the Holy Lord, Kogmora, shattering all enemies.
The bells and songs of the Kings Capital rang out at dusk, accompanying the rising smoke from the city, drifting towards the mountains.
A large number of Orc prisoners were housed in camps outside the city. These Orcs came from various Orc tribes on the plains. Their leaders and power structures had been completely executed, leaving them leaderless and forced to accept the transformation and exploitation of the Dragon Clans Territory.
There were no more audacious troublemakers among these Orc prisoners. The heads of those who dared to incite the Orcs to resist hung from stakes erected beside the city wall, their hollow, numb eyes delivering the most profound lessons and warnings to the Orc prisoners.
After being reorganized and tamed, these Orcs would be armed in batches and serve as the vanguard legion within the territory, fighting against their own kind.
If they were fortunate enough to survive, their sins would be forgiven, and their lives would not be ended. Instead, they could 'voluntarily' become members of the Dragon clan's legions, serving but also enjoying normal treatment, no longer being treated as expendable sacrifices.
There were also quite a few bards in the city. Some of these bards were hired by Alfred to specifically engage in propaganda work.
They were responsible for spreading the victory of this war to every corner and every village and town within the territory, allowing all the people to share in the joy of victory.
Other bards were traveling through. The news of the war between the Orcs and the Dragon clan had already been spread by returning ships, attracting these curious bards to gather material.
There is no need to doubt the abilities of these bards; they always manage to infiltrate the Dragon Clans Territory through various strange means. After all, the Orcs only blockaded large-scale port operations, not the entire Dragon Clan Territory.
As the territory's law enforcement officer, the Ocean Dragon Nakson's recent tasks were no easier than those of the True Dragons on the front lines. The sharp increase in population made maintaining order more difficult, and the war stretched the originally sufficient guards thin.
However, fortunately, the laws promulgated by the Dragon clan had begun to be accustomed to by the people, and no major chaos broke out. The Ocean Dragon Nakson's primary concern was still to guard against those who were stranded there. Their number was already close to 20,000, which could easily cause various disturbances.
The Ocean Dragon Nakson also discovered the traces of one or two Bronze Dragons among those bards who made chaos their poetry. Unlike their kin, Alina, these Bronze Dragons preferred the art of war.
Many Bronze Dragons, because they liked to study the art of war, would sometimes even personally transform into soldiers and participate in wars. They would help the good and righteous side to defeat the evil side.
The Orcs, who actively initiated the war and invaded the Dragon Clans Territory, certainly belonged to the evil side. However, in the eyes of these Bronze Dragons, the Golden Land, led by the Chromatic Dragons, did not belong to the righteous and good side either.
Therefore, they merely transformed into bards, observing the art of war between the two sides and enjoying the show.
Carlit and Ellie returned from the battlefield and successively entered a short period of slumber. These two female True Dragon s lived up to their dragon blood, fighting like mad on the battlefield and killing a large number of Orcs.
However, their injuries were also relatively severe, especially the excessive exertion of their bloodline abilities, which had left them somewhat overwhelmed. They could only recover their condition better and faster through slumber.
And the powerful Centaur Warrior, Chiron, after two days of rest, once again led the remaining 1,300 heavy armored knights and other beast knights on the road to the Golden City.
These heavy armored warriors were the elite of the elite under the True Dragon Group, capable of sweeping through professional elite legions several times their size on the battlefield, but facing the numerous Orc Army, they still lost nearly a third of their warriors.
This was also why Chiron was eager to end the battle and wanted to support the most important main battlefield. Otherwise, with the True Dragon Group's heavy armored cavalry, they could slowly wear down the vast Orc Army. On the flat plains, the power of heavy armored cavalry was irresistible.
As Chiron defeated the Orc tribes as planned and embarked on the path of reinforcement, the battle in the Golden City was also nearing its end.
In these few days, the curved barbican wall, built with defensive artillery fire, was repeatedly breached by the combined assault of the Orc Kingdom and the Fishmen army, but most of the time, it was the Dragon clan's army that voluntarily retreated.
Whenever the Orcs' artillery roared, the Blue Dragon Akzi would command the legion to retreat behind the defense line, avoiding the concentrated artillery fire and giant crossbow bombardment, and then launch a counterattack when the Orcs and Fishmen poured into the barbican, engaging with the opposing army.
The Bloodthirsty Wolf Pack, led by Gnoll Centurion Yug, and the Mixed Berserker Legion, led by Barbarian Gibb, were like steel-clad demons. Even the most elite Orc legions could not break through the dome of these steel warriors or stop their advance.
Inside the barbican, the Orcs and Fishmen, unable to fully deploy their forces, became fish on a chopping block. Blood and flesh had long since permeated every inch of the barbican's ground.
The Elf Archer Legion and the mixed Firearm Legion inflicted heavy casualties on the Orcs, even those protected by spellcasters.
After repelling the Orc and Fishmen attacks, the breached barbican was again reinforced before the next attack. With the help of the Elf Druid Legion and War Treant, the forest was driven into the barbican, blocking each breach.
Through such repeated entanglement, consuming the Orcs' military equipment and supplies, this temporarily constructed barbican surprisingly held out for nearly half a month.
Akzi's massive body stood on the fragmented western barbican wall, looking at the wall that had been pulverized countless times, with a thick layer of Wood chips already covering the ground.
Blood and bones congealed these wood fragments together, trampled by countless warrior footsteps into solid patches of bloody earth.
Even after countless repairs, this barbican was now collapsing everywhere, reaching a point where it could no longer be repaired and could only be rebuilt.
The defense it provided was no longer sufficient to withstand the next attack.
Alina descended from the sky to the Blue Dragon's side. This Bronze Dragon was not only responsible for governing the territory but also sometimes had to execute certain plans.
For example, intercepting Orc supply ships at sea and harassing Orc rear positions at night with the Wyvern Legion. This clearly caused the Bronze Dragon to lose weight.
"Akzi, it's time to retreat. We are ready, and Centaur Chiron has also arrived with the cavalry legion. They will be responsible for intercepting the army pursuing us, which should allow us to retreat smoothly behind the next defense line."
The Blue Dragon nodded, took one last look at this once prosperous and wealthy city, then spread his wings and issued his command: "All legions retreat in order, according to the plan, withdraw into each defense line."
All the legion warriors immediately moved in an orderly fashion. In this war, these warriors had developed the discipline and habit of strictly obeying orders.
The steel warriors, bathed in blood and bones, silently evacuated this memorable battlefield. After a long period of attrition, these steel legions also lost many powerful and brave warriors.
The surviving warriors didn't even have time to pray for and mourn the fallen heroes; they had to throw themselves into the next battle. They also didn't have time to carry away the bodies of their comrades and companions, only silently praying in their hearts that these brave and loyal souls could find the direction of the True Dragons Temple of Heroes on the mountains.
Farn was also among the legions, retreating in an orderly manner with the main army. He looked up at the western wall of the barbican, which was almost just a single wall, with hundreds of archers and musketeers standing on it, ready for battle, preventing the Orcs and Fishmen from launching another attack, providing cover for the army's retreat.
Farn's squad had almost completely changed. In this intense and prolonged repeated entanglement, even these reserve legions suffered considerable losses.
Those who are still alive can now be called veterans. And the reserve legions to which these veterans belong are preparing to be organized into formal legions under the military's plan, becoming the Dragon Clan Territory's regular army without a specific designation—the First Legion.
And Farn, due to his military merits and outstanding performance, was personally received by Blue Dragon Akzi and promoted to Centurion of the First Legion, the First Company Commander of the legion.
He will lead his company to be stationed in a sentinel fort checkpoint, becoming a nodal point in the territory's defense system.
Farn stepped out of this dilapidated city and couldn't help but look back. The letter in his arms was the last trace of his comrades who had fallen on this land, which made him hate the Orcs and Fishmen even more.
The former Paladin Farn, now Captain Farn, his declining power, under this intense hatred, actually began to rise again.
However, the object of his prayers now was no longer the former Sun God Pelor, so his power was no longer the light of justice, but rather the flames of revenge and destruction, like a Red Dragon.
The Golden City was close to the coast, and the main camp of the Orc Army, where Prince Garn was sitting in a spacious tent.
And that giant iron cage, under his personal protection, the sleeping giant beast, was the central point surrounded by the Orc Army, under the strictest protection.
The tent's curtain was lifted, startling Prince Garn, who was studying the Dragon Clans Territory map on the table. Gahn looked up and saw his excited adjutant, the powerful Orc Warrior Cole.
"Prince Garn, there's no need to organize the next attack. Those True Dragon s and True Dragon Warriors have already retreated voluntarily. They know they can't withstand the next assault."
As the chief officer in charge of the entire siege, Orc Cole's excitement was palpable.
"That's great! To reduce our warrior losses, we let those Fishmen charge for us, which allowed the True Dragon s to hold out until now. I originally estimated it would take two more days to completely break their defenses and drive them out of this city."
Prince Garn's composed face couldn't help but show a smile. For the first time, his voice clearly expressed his joy.
"Immediately send someone to notify the Kingdom, tell those foolish fellows that we have achieved a crucial victory, and it's time for them to smell the blood of victory."
"Also, send a large army to station in the Golden City, leave that barbican to the Fishmen to plunder, and for now, don't conflict with them. Our main priority is to start using the Golden Cityas a base, wait for reinforcements, and gradually invade."
Gahn excitedly clapped his hands, "Let the fighting warriors rest in the city for a while, and then start rebuilding and repairing this city. This will be the first city of our Orc Kingdom on the continent, and the starting point of our re-emergence."
That night, the dilapidated Golden City finally became brightly lit again. The Orc vanguard legion had already entered the Golden City and set up camp in this ruined city.
However, these Orc legions did not have such strict discipline and cultivation, so the Orc vanguard legion abandoned their tents and went into the largely intact houses and buildings, enjoying a rare rest.
Even after extensive bombardment and spell attacks from the caster legions, the Golden City still retained a large number of buildings.
Especially the former Dragon clans Library and gladiator arenas, which were not at the center of the Golden City and avoided the main battlefield's core, their ancient magic arrays were still operating. Although plundered by the Fishmen, they were largely intact and served as beloved resting places for these Orcs.
There were also large numbers of Fishmen rushing into the barbican. The massive barbican contained many buildings, and these Fishmen rushed into the buildings to plunder wantonly, even rummaging through the ruins, completely disregarding a counterattack from the Dragon clans legions. They were more afraid of the Fishmen Prince's punishment.
Until deep into the night, most of the Orc legion warriors had already fallen asleep, but these greedy Fishmen were still plundering forgotten treasures in every building and every corner of the city.
A strong Fishmen Warrior gleefully kicked open the wide door of the house in front of him.
Around its neck hung a string of agate necklaces and some jewelry, its body was draped in exquisite silk, and its waist was adorned with beautiful handicrafts. Even its claws wore several rings.
But a strange, strong, and pungent smell startled this Fishmen from its bountiful harvest. It followed the smell, passed through the house's hall, and came to a room where there was a rustling sound in the dark room.
The Fishmen Warrior gripped the harpoon in its hand and kicked open the door. In its limited dark vision, it saw a pair of green eyes and a Kobold with a lizard-like head.
Next to this Kobold, the wooden floor had been opened, revealing a deep hole, and this Koboldwas pouring a pungent, viscous liquid across the room.
The liquid in the room had already covered the entire floor and was flowing out of the room. This strong, pungent smell made the Fishmen Warrior suddenly recall the fire on the vast sea.
"Napalm! This is napalm!" The Fishmen Warrior cried out in terror. It actually fled directly in front of the weak Kobold Warrior. It stumbled and ran, wanting to escape this house, to escape this city.
Bang! A jar of napalm was thrown from the room, smashing against the wooden wall of the house. The pungent smell instantly spread. In its terror, the Fishmen Warrior only heard a loud shout from inside the room.
"My body burns in the flames, my soul eternally returns to the Temple of Heroes! Great Red Dragon, my Lord, may Your will guide my loyal soul!"
The pious prayer, more potent than a demon's whisper, was accompanied by the flare of fire. Black spheres were ignited, emitting booming sounds. Flames and explosions swept through the house, and the ground collapsed.
This scene, as it boomed at this moment, seemed to trigger a chain reaction, instantly setting the entire city ablaze.
One by one, Kobolds and Green Goblins ignited napalm and gunpowder bombs. They didn't even think of crawling back into the tunnels, burning together with the flames.
"Woof woof! Even in the True Dragon's sanctuary, there are Kobolds!" A Kobold, with a spear piercing its chest, but with a triumphant smile, ignited the oil in front of him, igniting everything in sight.
The Orc sentry could only watch in despair as the raging fire instantly engulfed him. He could not escape, for flames were erupting everywhere around him.
Rumble! The massive Golden City, on this night, erupted with sounds like a landslide and a tsunami. The ground collapsed, burying everything.
Flames raged, burning everything. The fire in this city, built primarily of wood, could not be contained, could not be stopped, could not be escaped.
The entire city seemed to be in the Red Dragon's fiery inferno, until everything was destroyed, everything turned to ash. The towering flames were clearly visible even dozens of miles away, and the continuous tremors could not be quelled even by the angry roar of the sea.
The shockwaves and blast waves generated by the excessive burning were like a god wielding thunder, roaring with celestial power, unstoppable.
That night, Akzi exchanged a ruined Golden City and thousands of his dependents for tens of thousands of Orc and Fishmen troops.
Prince Garn and his closest adjutant, Cole, stood blankly in the Orc's main camp, watching the all-consuming flames devour the twenty thousand elite Orc vanguard legion, powerless to do anything.
Countless powerful and brave Orc Warriors who survived the explosions and collapses rushed out of the city, but the flames on their bodies had already ignited all their flesh, and then they were burned alive in the eyes of the remaining tens of thousands of Orcs, until their flesh turned to ash and their bones to charcoal.
Tens of thousands of Orcs and the remaining Fishmen were uncharacteristically silent at this moment. They stood from deep night until dawn, watching the massive city turn to ashes in the flames, burying all sin and glory. The scorching residual heat was still baking their hearts and bodies.
Fear began to grow in their hearts, spreading, and confusion filled the heart of every warrior.
...
"Rejecting me, rejecting your tolerant and benevolent mother, is not a good choice, stubborn child."
Tiamat's five heads simultaneously extended forward, each fierce head radiating anger. An invisible pressure rapidly intensified, and a majestic and immense aura oppressed Kalon's spirit.
And there was that irresistible power and unyielding divine majesty.
"I have my own path to walk, benevolent and tolerant mother."
Kalon's will resisted the immense pressure. Resisting this invisible pressure was dozens of times more difficult than taming his ancestral dragon blood, but it still could not shake his heart.
"Heh heh, although I don't like failures, your outstanding talent generously grants you a second chance, Kalon Kogmora. I await, before you step into death, when you are on the verge of death, pray to me, open your heart, and offer your faith."
The enraged Tiamat regained her calm at this moment. Her body was dissipating, and her consciousness was gradually moving away.
"By then, you will know how much your benevolent mother truly favors you!"
Peace finally returned to the Dragon Nest. The invisible pressure instantly dissipated. In Kalon's perception, the Dragon God Tiamat's consciousness had already departed.
Apparently, even if their consciousness descends into the Ekania World, these deities still have to pay a price.
"Favor me? Heh heh,"
Kalon sneered inwardly. He had no intention of being Tiamat's henchman. Although this meeting with Tiamat was harmonious, Kalon was unwilling to be controlled by others, even if the path he had to take was far more dangerous than he imagined.
However, Tiamat was very generous in sharing a lot of information with him, which made his perception of this Chromatic Dragon Goddess quite normal, not as resistant as other True Dragons.
"Those Mages are truly insane," Kalon's consciousness returned to calm. The information he learned from Tiamat was far more extensive than what he learned from Lapers, the white-haired Old Magician, a descendant of the Ancient Magic Empire.
Those Kings of the Ancient Magic Empire actually used the characteristics of Legendary Mages, leveraging the essence of the World Tree, which connects countless multiverses, as a tool to spread the Mages' cognitive essence.
Through the real-world cognition constructed by thousands of Legendary Mages and hundreds of Magic Kings, semi-divine Mages, they wanted to instantly cover all living beings and worlds at the moment of connecting countless worlds, creating the ideal land in the Mages' hearts, the only true source world.
They aimed to collectively ascend to godhood through this and then achieve an even greater goal.
This was the information Kalon inferred from Tiamat's fragmented words. Although it may not be entirely accurate, it would not deviate too much. Even with Kalon's firm will, he couldn't help but marvel at the Mages' madness.