Defeating the World with the Power of One Dragon!

Chapter 403: Invitation to Challenge

Ser Wilderness, northwest region.

The black-red dragon stood like a mountain, and now, this already immensely powerful body was being covered piece by piece with dazzling, gorgeous armor components that seemed entirely forged from gold.

Gold Dragon Nasha and Gold Dragon Alberto stood quietly to the side, their gazes intently fixed on this process.

Nasha's golden pupils reflected the figure of the red iron dragon.

She watched as each armor plate precisely conformed to the rugged lines of the red iron dragon's body, watching as the intricate runes on key parts like the chest plate and shoulder guards lit up one by one, emitting a warm yet majestic golden glow.

When the final arm guard seamlessly covered Garoth's dragon arm.

The entire set of armor perfectly took form.

Garoth's already imposing and mighty body was further accentuated, appearing even more majestic and grand. A temperament that blended the primal ferocity of a dragon with the solemnity of armor spread out, enough to make any witness feel awe.

He softly uttered a few words, activating it, and stretched his body.

After a period of adaptation and fine-tuning, under the red iron dragon's control, the overly dazzling magical glow on the armor's surface gradually receded and calmed."Indeed, even with the strength of my current body, the enhancement effect of this armor is still quite considerable."

Garoth's deep voice echoed through the air, carrying a hint of satisfaction.

Nasha's gaze remained firmly locked on the red iron dragon, examining him carefully from head to tail.

Compared to the red iron dragon she first saw thirty years ago, the Garoth before her had undergone earth-shaking changes.

The deep black base color and crimson patterned scales exposed directly after shedding the camouflage scales, that pair of structurally peculiar dragon wings, the dangerous yet aesthetically pleasing unique double wings, and the profound dragon might that had almost reached its limit below the Legendary tier.

All spoke of his transformation.

"Garoth, your change is truly immense."

"Just from a long period of sleep? This is truly incredible."

She carefully sensed Garoth's aura, her tone carrying unconcealable astonishment.

Beside her, Alberto, habitually holding his head high, glanced at his dragon sister, giving her a 'what a country bumpkin' look.

Nasha directly ignored Alberto's gaze, her eyes still focused on Garoth.

"It seems this armor can truly shine with its proper brilliance and realize its true value only on you."

Gold Dragon Nasha's gaze shifted as she slowly spoke.

The red iron dragon's massive head moved up and down in agreement.

Immediately, he grinned, revealing a smile: "I quite agree with your statement."

"Then, Nasha, can you give it to me? It matches me so perfectly."

Upon hearing this, Nasha's golden eyes instantly widened slightly, as if hearing something utterly preposterous. She flicked her tail in annoyance, stirring up a gust of wind.

"Garoth! How can you have the nerve to say that? Truly the shameless, greedy nature of an evil dragon!"

Her voice paused, then she explained: "This armor belongs to my father. Lending it to you to face a strong enemy is naturally fine, but I cannot presumptuously give it away."

"If you really want it, it's not impossible."

"In the future, when you have the chance, you can personally go to the Vophal Dragon Domain and ask my father for it face to face."

"Of course, the premise is you can persuade him."

Hearing this, Garoth slightly shook his head and didn't say more on this topic.

He always lacked a sense of security and disliked staying around beings stronger than himself.

The red iron dragon instead steered the topic back to the armor itself, saying: "Nasha, no matter what, this armor is very important to me."

"Your generous loan, this kindness, I will remember it."

Hearing this, excitement instantly flashed in Nasha's eyes as she quickly said: "As long as it works well!"

"However, I am very, very much looking forward to what kind of intense sparks will fly when you, wearing this armor, meet that human Legendary Sword Saint."

As a gold dragon with battle fervor flowing in her bones, one who venerates strength and glory.

Feats like slaying a Legendary being, only recorded in heritage, held unparalleled attraction for Nasha, almost her dream.

She deeply desired to replace Garoth and fight the Legendary herself.

Unfortunately, she had good self-awareness, clearly knowing her current strength level. If she really went, she probably wouldn't last more than a few moves before having to desperately send an emergency distress signal to the dragon domain.

However, as a second-best option, the red iron dragon wearing the armor she personally brought and lent to fight the Legendary was, in Nasha's view, also a unique way of participating.

If Garoth won, she would naturally share in the glory, having indirectly participated in this feat.

If Garoth unfortunately lost, then she and Alberto would immediately reveal themselves, joining forces to block that human Legendary and buy time for Garoth's survival.

If the other party disregarded the Gold Dragon clan's identity and the potential consequences, insisting on continuing the attack.

They would not hesitate to call for help from the dragon domain.

With two Gold Dragons simultaneously in danger, the Vophal Dragon Domain absolutely could not sit idly by; rescue forces would inevitably descend at the fastest speed.

Of course, both Nasha and Alberto, deep down, hoped it wouldn't come to that step.

Alberto had essentially fled the dragon domain back then, having grown accustomed to freedom outside, and really didn't want to be caught and dragged back to face potential punishment just like that.

As for Nasha, her original mission was to arrest Alberto and bring him back, but she herself ended up enjoying her stay in the wilderness so much she forgot about home.

Not only did she fail the mission, but she stayed behind just like Alberto, and during this time had repeatedly hung up on or perfunctorily dismissed her old father's remote communications.

Once they called the dragon domain for help, the two of them would most likely be forcibly taken back to the dragon domain, losing their current freedom.

"Garoth, you must win."

"At least fight to a draw."

Alberto said: "Nasha and I, right now, still don't want to return to the dragon domain so soon."

The red iron dragon turned his massive head to look at Alberto, saying: "I'll try my best."

"However, Alberto, when do you plan to go home?"

Hearing this, Alberto puffed out his chest, speaking with utmost seriousness: "When I, Alberto, relying on my own efforts and talent, successfully reach the Legendary Domain and become a mighty Gold Dragon who shakes the world in all directions! At that time, I shall return to the dragon domain in glorious style, bringing supreme honor and power!"

Just then.

Iron dragon Sorog's steady yet urgent mental transmission sounded once more in the red iron dragon's mind.

"Garoth, latest intelligence. The commotion of battle over at the Fungus King's territory has already subsided and disappeared."

He reported: "Some of our flying avian scouts deployed nearby observed that the fungal carpets that originally covered the land have all lost their vitality, becoming withered and decayed. Those human soldiers are currently conducting battlefield cleanup and incineration work."

"Based on this, it is judged that the Fungus King has either already perished, or has completely abandoned that territory and chosen to retreat."

The red iron dragon remained unperturbed inside, responding: "I understand."

Iron dragon Sorog continued requesting instructions, saying: "The two sets of plans for war and retreat, I have already issued to the various subordinate race chieftains and territory lords. They are all awaiting further orders."

"We... when do we officially commence the war?"

The red iron dragon pondered slightly, then responded.

"This war will be completely different from any we have experienced before."

"The key to victory or defeat lies in whether I can match that human Legendary."

"Soon, I will proactively issue a one-on-one challenge to that 'Unfinished Sword'. I believe he will not refuse such an opportunity to swiftly behead and eliminate a regional king in the shortest time."

After a quick and efficient communication with Sorog via the mental link for a moment.

The two soon finalized the general strategic framework for this battle.

The main members of the dragon flock, the lords of the various territories, the elite chieftains from the subordinate army... all would follow under the red iron dragon's dragon wings to the agreed-upon battlefield, to personally witness the duel between the Lord of Molten Iron and the Unfinished Sword.

This was both to demonstrate the tribe's unity and strength, and to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

Should Garoth show signs of being outmatched in the battle, then the dragon flock and elite subordinates would not hesitate to swarm in, providing support regardless of cost.

Conversely, if that Legendary Sword Saint were about to be defeated in the battle, the human legion under his command would absolutely not sit idly by, and would inevitably try every means to intervene and rescue.

At that time, it would depend on which of these two armies could provide more assistance to their respective leader.

"Sorog, the specific deployment of the army, formation arrangements, and on-the-spot command will be entrusted to you to coordinate."

The red iron dragon finally instructed: "Now, I need to select a suitable messenger to formally deliver the challenge letter to that human Legendary on my behalf."

Immediately, he ended this urgent communication with Sorog.

The red iron dragon looked at the phoenix, saying: "I need a messenger to issue a challenge to the Legendary on my behalf. Ankhia, select a suitably intelligent one from your avian beast army."

The phoenix was preening her feathers.

Hearing this, she raised her head, a flash of eager anticipation in her eyes, then said happily: "Garoth, I can personally be this messenger."

Gold Dragon Nasha flicked her tail, saying: "Ankhia, what if the other party is a hot-tempered, unreasonable one? Aren't you afraid you'll be casually cut down by his sword before you finish speaking?"

"Although you possess the Nirvana rebirth skill, if a Legendary truly wants to kill you, you probably won't have time to react."

The phoenix showed no fear, instead proudly lifting her neck, saying: "With my beauty and divine bearing, even a human Legendary, as long as his aesthetic sense is normal, will inevitably feel appreciation and be reluctant to kill."

As she spoke, she added another line: "Moreover, I have recently, by chance, comprehended a new innate skill that allows me to create a clone. If the clone is destroyed, it won't cause fatal damage to my main body, at most consuming some energy and spirit."

Among the several lords under Garoth, Phoenix Ankhia undoubtedly had the highest growth ceiling. It was almost a certainty that she would step into the Legendary Domain in the future.

Next was the Amethyst Dragon Lion, followed by the Holy Spirit Deer.

Clearly, Ankhia had not been idle these years, and her abilities had improved to some extent.

The red iron dragon pondered briefly, then nodded, making a decision: "Good, the matter of delivering the challenge letter to the Legendary Sword Saint will be entrusted to you."

Immediately, he explained to Ankhia in detail the specific location for the duel, the agreed time, and other key details.

Afterwards, Phoenix Ankhia asked: "When do I depart?"

Garoth raised his massive head, looking towards the southern direction of the Ser Wilderness, saying solemnly: "Now."

Phoenix Ankhia gladly accepted the order.

She elegantly spread those gorgeous wings composed of light and fire. Pure and dazzling golden-red flames ignited around her body. As the flames flickered, her main body's form slightly blurred. A clone, almost indistinguishable from the main body in solidity and appearance details, as graceful as a mirror reflection, lightly separated from the flames.

This clone also possessed the nobility and beauty of a phoenix.

It gave a flap of its wings, transforming into a dazzling streak of light that pierced through the air, soaring into the high sky, speeding towards the direction where the human legion was stationed.

On the other side.

Edge of the Fungus King's territory, temporary encampment of the human legion.

Soldiers were, under the command of officers, methodically cleaning up the final battlefield, incinerating stubborn remnants of the fungal carpets, collecting fungal specimens that might have research value.

Not only did she fail the mission, but she stayed behind just like Alberto, and during this time had repeatedly hung up on or brushed off her old father's remote communications.

Inside the tent, Legendary Sword Saint Kailos stood with his hands behind his back, listening to a bowing officer's report.

"Sir, the patrol teams on the outer perimeter of the camp report that a peculiarly shaped, flame-wreathed giant bird has appeared at the edge of our legion's patrol perimeter. It specifically named you, demanding an audience."

"Flame giant bird?"

Kailos raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of interest appearing on his face: "Let it approach."

"Yes!"

The officer bowed to accept the order, quickly retreating to make arrangements.

The Legendary Sword Saint no longer stayed inside the tent, walking out with a composed stride under the sky.

Not long after, from the horizon's edge, a fiery bird pierced through the air, instantly attracting the gazes of all soldiers on the ground.

With an innate elegance and composure, under countless wary or curious stares, it slowly descended, finally coming to a steady stop, hovering in mid-air not far in front of the command tent.

The flowing light gradually subsided, revealing the true form of the creature within.

It was a creature breathtakingly gorgeous to the point of suffocation.

Its body was graceful and slender, its feathers presenting a corona-like golden-red gradient. Its long tail feathers and other plumage were composed of flames, carrying an indescribable beauty.

"Phoenix..."

A flash of surprise passed through Kailos's eyes.

Such creatures were rarer than dragons.

The wilderness had undergone massive changes during the civil war. The Far Regions Strategy Office's intelligence was also mainly focused on regional kings, lacking very specific information about the creatures under them, only generalities.

Kailos hadn't expected to encounter a phoenix here.

"I am the messenger of the Lord of Molten Iron, Garoth Ignas. The phoenix, the most beautiful of beings, Ankhia."

The phoenix elegantly lifted her beautiful head. Her clear, melodious voice, carrying natural nobility and pride, clearly reverberated throughout the camp.

The Lord of Molten Iron's messenger?

Under an evil dragon, there was actually a creature like a phoenix serving... Kailos's gaze flickered, many thoughts instantly turning in his mind.

Being able to recruit a phoenix meant that the Molten Iron King entrenched in the central and northwest regions was by no means an ordinary evil dragon.

This raised his assessment of the upcoming opponent by a notch.

However, just a notch.

As long as the other party wasn't a true Legendary, then in his eyes, there wouldn't be an essential difference from other so-called regional kings.

The chasm between Legendary and non-Legendary was not something that could be bridged by having some special subordinates.

"By my king's command, I have come specifically to convey a challenge to you."

Ankhia's clone continued, her tone neither subservient nor arrogant: "My king, Garoth Ignas, invites you to a duel!"

"The location is at the vast land named the 'Silent Plains', situated at the border between the central and southern regions."

"That place has open terrain, suitable for dragons to spread their wings, and also no hindrance for the Sword Saint to unleash his peerless edge. Do you dare accept the appointment?"

On the opposite side.

Listening to the phoenix messenger convey the challenge information, the surprise on Kailos's face gradually transformed into an expression of keen interest.

His original plan was, after clearing the Fungus King, to rest briefly, then lead the legion to march on the Lord of Molten Iron's territory and eliminate him. He just hadn't expected the other party not only didn't turtle up in defense, but instead took such initiative in sending a challenge, and in such a formal manner, dispatching a messenger of distinguished status to issue the invitation.

"Quite bold."

"However, it also fits my impression of those dragons. Proud, arrogant, and reckless."

Kailos smiled, muttering to himself.

The other party choosing a battle location at the Silent Plains, such an open area with no cover, was clearly considering the massive scale of destruction that might result once both sides clashed. Simultaneously, it also made plain that no ambushes were set.

The Lord of Molten Iron's straightforward attitude made Kailos regard the other party slightly more highly.

"Go back and tell your master."

Kailos lifted his head, saying: "His challenge, I, Kailos, accept."

"Seven days from now, at high noon, the Silent Plains. Let him prepare to meet my sword's edge."

"This will be his final battle as a 'living' being."

He did not consult any of his adjutants or strategists beside him.

The will of a Legendary being is itself a decision.

Ankhia's clone gave a slight nod: "Your reply, I will faithfully convey to my king."

Having said that, this gorgeous clone formed from light and fire transformed into specks of resplendent light, gradually dissipating into the air, as if it had never appeared.

Kailos gazed at the place where the phoenix disappeared, his eyes profound.

Lord of Molten Iron... Phoenix messenger... He felt a deeper interest in the upcoming battle than when facing the Fungus King.

That dragon entrenched in the northwest and central regions seemed much more interesting than he had anticipated.