Chapter 355: Chapter 297: Exalted State as the Norm, Hidden Sword, War (Part 3)

During this process, he must seize the opportunity to investigate the true leader of the Molten Iron Tribe—the whereabouts, strength, and habits of that Mixed-blood Dragon, aiming for the optimal time to launch a decisive strike, to completely fulfill the Count’s revenge commission.

But now.

The prosperity and order he witnessed were completely different from the brutal rule he had envisioned, making his originally clear plan suddenly become blurred and full of variables, and his course of action needed to be adjusted accordingly.

"Although the leader of the Molten Iron Tribe is a Five-Colored Evil Dragon, their current conduct can hardly be called evil."

Shire walked alone on the town streets covered by night, his thoughts surging.

He was respected as the Flower Knight, not just because of his appearance and charm, but also because he always upheld the noble principles of a knight: punishing evil, promoting good, upholding justice, and protecting the weak.

He was not a racist.

He had indeed slain giant dragons, but those were the evil dragons that wantonly burned villages, slaughtered fishermen, and plundered wealth in coastal areas. His criteria for attacking was conduct, not the color of dragon scales.

Even if a Metal Dragon committed atrocities, he would draw his sword against it.

Conversely, even if a Five-Colored Dragon’s rule was not built on trampling life and order, he would not have a natural bias or hostility towards it.

Years of adventurous life had already taught him a profound truth.

—To judge whether an intelligent creature is good, evil, or neutral should not be based on biases brought by its race or bloodline, but should be observed through its specific actions.

However, the grace of Count Mills was just as real and as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Those hands extended in times of trouble, those shelters at crucial moments, were the irreplaceable foundations of his adventuring path.

Receiving a small favor has to be reciprocated many times over; this is the knight’s foundation.

If he completely ignored the Count’s commission because what he saw did not align with the Count’s description, it would undoubtedly seriously violate his principle of repaying kindness.

After much thinking and weighing.

The Flower Knight decided to stay a little longer in Ximu Town, temporarily refraining from taking action.

Perhaps this brief appearance of peace and prosperity is merely a carefully constructed facade by the Molten Iron Tribe?

A trap specifically set to confuse potential attackers and righteous individuals?

He did not mind rooting himself in this peculiar monster-governed town, living like a true resident, patiently and carefully observing every move, every word and action here.

To delve into its essence, see its true nature.

If in the coming days he discovers any evidence of the Molten Iron Tribe harboring evil plans, oppressive actions, or posing a substantive threat to the surroundings, he will not hesitate to fulfill his knightly duty, unleashing thunderous might in a fierce counterattack.

"The private army dispatched by Mr. Miles should also be arriving in this area soon."

"Just right, taking this opportunity, let me personally see how formidable the dragon ruling this Molten Iron Tribe truly is."

The Flower Knight contemplated secretly.

Whether it would lead to battle or peace, whether to attack or make other plans thereafter, it is crucial for his subsequent actions to ascertain the true level of strength of the dragon here, especially the one known as the Death Omen Star, the leader of the Sky-Splitting Wings dragon group.

Moreover, the private army sent by Count Mills inherently includes intentions to cover him, creating chaos.

Through the Count’s channels, he had long known the planned attack route and approximate timing of this private army.

Soon, three days passed.

At this time, the Molten Iron Tribe was in a critical period of establishing its foothold here. To be safe, Galos still remained stationed in Needleleaf Valley, not having returned to the Border Area.

With his current terrifying speed.

If any incident occurs around the Scale Earth Rift, he can rush to support at the first moment.

At this moment, bright golden lightning danced around Galos; he had activated his exuberant state. But his breathing remained long and steady, as if bearing an insignificant burden.

"Once I officially enter the youthful period, maintaining this exuberant state should be as easy and natural as breathing."

Galos silently calculated in his heart.

As of now, the energy consumption of the exuberant state was not too severe for him, and he could maintain it for a considerable length of time, although it was still somewhat short of being able to maintain it effortlessly, as instinct.

Shoo—!

He took a deep breath of the valley’s cold air, and the violent and leaping golden electric snakes around him retracted like a tide, all disappearing beneath the thick dragon scales.

Almost simultaneously, the calm and steady telepathy of Iron Dragon Solrog resounded in his heart.

"Around fifty kilometers from the outer defense line of the Scale Earth Rift, a human army has been detected."

"They are not small in scale, their direction is straightforwardly pointing towards the Scale Earth Rift, and they are well-equipped. The armors and banners are clearly imprinted with the emblem of the Albert Family."

What was destined to come has ultimately arrived.

The Albert Family indeed could not stand by idly as their territory was occupied by the Molten Iron Tribe and has dispatched a family’s private army to attack.

The Red Iron Dragon pondered briefly and then responded calmly.

"Keep the battlefield outside the Scale Earth Rift. I do not wish for Molten Iron Tribe’s territory to be affected. Lead the followers to prepare for the enemy."

To firmly plant the first stake at the wilderness’s edge and pave the way for the large-scale military advance to follow, the vanguard dispatched by the Molten Iron Tribe this time was not weak.

Besides those powerful monster leaders, the three Wild Monster Lords, whom they had subdued earlier in the Border Area, were also resting in the Crescent Valley, occupied by the Werewolf Race, sharpening their claws, ready for the call of war.

The Molten Iron Tribe nurtures so many ferocious followers under its command, not to consume food wastefully.

Now is the time for them to show value and earn glory and rewards with their battle achievements.

"Got it! Those humans, unaware of their inevitable fate, are destined not to return; this wilderness shall be their final resting place."

The mental link then interrupted, as the Iron Dragon had evidently begun preparing and mobilizing the army.

Basking in the cool and bright moonlight, the Red Iron Dragon narrowed his eyes slightly, peering towards the distant mountains, his pupils flickering with thoughtful light.

The Count’s private army was discovered too quickly, as if they were walking through the wilderness with a torch, without any concealment.

In principle, whether detected by the scouts’ dark posts along the way or not, a covert and unexpected raid will always outweigh a frontal confrontation in effectiveness.

Galos could hardly believe a human Count would have any so-called noble knight spirit, insisting on an open and fair duel.

Besides this openly displayed force.

In the shadows, there might be another sword, more dangerous and deadly.

Perhaps, Galos was being overly suspicious, but he was always cautious and would not overlook potential dangers. This, besides talent, has been a key factor in his growth so far.

Nonetheless.

Considering the Count’s insight, it is hard to imagine he can turn a mere twenty years into transforming from a young dragon with not much sharpness back then to the current King of the Borderland. Whether his means are overt or covert, the danger posed to him wouldn’t be too great.

If it hadn’t happened to him.

Galos himself wouldn’t believe it.

"My sleep stage is always far beyond the normal range... Before that, moving this body around more would never hurt."

As the decision gradually formed in his heart, the Red Iron Dragon no longer hesitated.

He stretched out his wings, soaring straight into the sky, his strong figure disappearing into the layers of night.

ps: There is an [Eternal Dragon] title activity in the book friend circle to participate in, and tomorrow, I will try to finish the battle in one go