novelraw Chapter 187: Lord of the Convergence Lands, the 18th-Level Mature Silver Dragon
Chapter 187: Lord of the Convergence Lands, the 18th-Level Mature Silver Dragon
Initially, Garoth only desired a peaceful life, not minding roughing it through wind and rain.
But each victory was like adding fuel to a fire.
As he progressed step by step, he began craving exquisite food, proper dwellings suited to his form, more servants to attend him, and a lifestyle of complete freedom without restrictions... His desires became a bottomless pit, with greed and ambition festering in his heart.
Huuuu— The red iron dragon took a deep breath, suppressing his restlessness.
Every time he achieved victory or grew stronger, his heart would become unsettled.
"The wicked dragon's nature grows alongside my changes. A single misstep could lead me to irrational actions under its influence. I must remain ever vigilant," Garoth silently reflected.
The wicked dragon's ambition roared in his chest, but chains of reason restrained his claws.
With dragon sleep approaching, now wasn't the time for further expansion. The Clan of Molten Iron, having just emerged from war, needed rest to consolidate their gains.
Some time later.
Dragon Valley.The dragon group led by Garoth was the first to return.
"Great Redwing Lord, Death's Harbinger."
"Your triumphant return bears scars that each speak of glory."
The Earth Rampage Bear Mobel came trotting obsequiously, offering flattery and praise.
"Were there any incidents while we were away from Dragon Valley?" Garoth casually inquired.
"None! With us Rampage Bears guarding, the sleeping grounds were impregnable!" Mobel declared with conviction.
The sleeping grounds of iron dragon Sorog lay in Dragon Valley's deepest reaches, primarily guarded by the Rampage Bears.
The Earth Rampage Bears rarely participated directly in battles—except for Mobel, the others possessed too little intelligence to distinguish allies from foes in chaotic melees once bloodlust took over.
Their role in Dragon Valley was akin to the lord's personal guard.
None but Garoth could command the Rampage Bears—not even other dragons among his followers.
The current Rampage Bear group included five adults including Mobel, with many more adolescents and cubs added to their numbers.
Though these magical beasts were among Garoth's earliest subordinates, they remained one of his stronger follower groups.
Earth Rampage Bears grew quickly, reaching an average life level of 8 upon adulthood and about 10 at their peak maturity. Were it not for their intellectual shortcomings, each could serve as a leader.
"Return to your posts. Remember—allow no creature near the sleeping grounds," Garoth ordered.
Just then, the brass-silver dragon Deborah circled several times overhead, surveying Dragon Valley before landing beside Garoth.
"You were always in the Ser Wilderness before. Why suddenly come to the convergence lands?"
"I found it quite strange when I first detected your presence here," said the brass-silver dragon.
Having completed her dragon sleep and activated her hybrid bloodline, she'd intended to return to the Ser Wilderness. But encountering red dragon Samantha midway, she was shocked to discover Garoth had come to the convergence lands.
"The Ser Wilderness has too many human garrisons restricting my actions," Garoth explained. "The convergence lands may be barren, but they offer greater freedom without requiring excessive restraint. Here I can develop better—it's not impossible I may fully conquer this territory someday."
The brass-silver dragon clicked her tongue. "I see—you want to become lord of the convergence lands."
"But that's no easy feat. I don't think I've mentioned—my parents reside in these lands."
"【Frostmark】 and 【Copperflame】—they are mature dragons with official titles."
Her lips curled into a smile. "I acknowledge your strength, but current you facing my parents in conflict? No chance of winning. They'd knock your teeth out."
Garoth didn't argue.
Mature dragons... were those aged between two hundred and four hundred years.
And silver dragons and brass dragons weren't disgraceful like the White Scales.
A mature brass dragon was at least level 16, while a mature silver dragon reached at least level 18—already approaching legendary realms, completely outclassing Garoth.
"Would your parents attack a young dragon without reason?" Garoth inquired.
Given mature metal dragons' pride and dignity, they generally refrained from attacking young dragons beyond minor disciplinary lessons.
"Oh, my father's a silver dragon—rigid and stern, but deeply principled to his very scales."
"He normally wouldn't bully the weak, but if he found you slaughtering innocents or committing atrocities, his righteous heart would compel him to punish you—perhaps even seal you away."
"My mother's a brass dragon—obsessed with riddles and pranks. Falling into her sights might be worse than being sealed by father."
The brass-silver dragon freely shared her parents' nature with Garoth.
While newcomers might not know the names Frostmark and Copperflame, to convergence lands' long-term inhabitants they were legendary.
Their Red Maple Valley remained aloof from worldly affairs yet stood as one of the convergence lands' dominant powers.
The land's various races instinctively avoided Red Maple Valley.
"Relax—I know despite your fierce appearance, you're fundamentally different from other wicked dragons."
Deborah patted Garoth's shoulder with a 'I've got your back' expression. "I'll put in good words. As long as you don't go too far, my parents won't interfere."
An ordinary wicked dragon might take offense at such words, feeling belittled.
But Garoth simply nodded naturally. "Is that so? My thanks then."
The red iron dragon's face broke into a brilliant smile, starkly contrasting his ferocious appearance—leaving the brass-silver dragon momentarily stunned.
She hastily looked away, pretending to adjust her wing membranes while her voice unconsciously softened. "N-no big deal... We're accomplices—no, companions now. Mutual help is expected."
Garoth pressed, "But if your parents insist I'm wicked and attack without hearing me out?"
Deborah shook her head. "Won't happen. They believe wickedness stems from nurture—even considered adopting wicked dragon offspring to raise them virtuous. They're not strongly prejudiced."
Adopt wicked dragon offspring?
How about me? I'm a naturally wicked red iron dragon!
If you'll have me, I'd gladly call you father!
Garoth's draconic eyes gleamed.
He'd never reject clinging to powerful figures—had iron dragon mother not exiled him, he'd have happily remained in her territory until adulthood.
"Unfortunately they found no suitable wyrmlings or hatchlings. They feel young adult dragons' personalities are too fixed for gradual influence—harsher methods like imprisonment work better."
Hearing this, Garoth regretfully abandoned his thigh-clinging ambitions.
"But what if? What if they insist on attacking despite my lack of wicked deeds?"
"Ugh, I told you it won't happen!"
"But if it did—" Deborah paused, "—it would mean my parents violated their moral code."
"Betraying their moral code is serious for metal dragons. I couldn't stand by."
"Then I'd stand before you to dissuade them. If all else fails, I'd fake being captured to help you escape."
Garoth nodded satisfactorily.
"Care for a riddle?" He changed topics.
The brass-silver dragon immediately agreed. "Yes! You first."
"What walks on four at dawn, two at noon, and three at dusk?" Garoth presented a classic riddle from his past life without thinking.
After brief contemplation, Deborah tentatively answered, "Humans? Or humanoids?"
Garoth's tail swished approvingly. "Correct!"
"My turn!" Excited, Deborah posed riddles to Garoth—some he solved, others requiring hints, thoroughly enjoying the process and greatly satisfying her.
Time flowed quietly by.
Garoth's days regained their peaceful fullness.
Having brass-silver dragon and White Dragon alternate as sparring partners to train frost resistance and explosive scales, honing wings and tail, fusing life energy with magical energy into dragon qi, strengthening his draconic heart through Bloodburst spells...
Meanwhile.
After the battle with the Bloodhoof Clan, the Clan of Molten Iron took over their resource points—focusing on garrisoning, consolidation and digestion rather than further expansion. Beyond occasional trade with merchant ships along waterways, they remained largely inactive—like a sated tiger quietly sharpening claws awaiting the next hunt.