novelraw Chapter 432: Declaration of Nationhood, Kingdom of Aura
Chapter 432: Declaration of Nationhood, Kingdom of Aura
Garoth and his group set out from the Vophal Dragon Domain, beginning their return journey to the Ser Wilderness.
Although he had already broken through to the legendary rank and grown incomparably stronger, Garoth did not swell with arrogance; instead, he became increasingly composed.
Along the way, just as on the outbound trip, he maintained a steady subsonic cruise, carefully skirting the skies above the major kingdom capitals and the vast territory of the Halden Empire, to avoid attracting unnecessary trouble or unknown risks.
Time quietly passed, day and night cycling.
In the end, they crossed the wide Atlantis Continent without incident and once again entered that familiar, savage land,
the Ser Wilderness.
A biting yet pure wilderness wind howled across his thick black-and-red scales, bringing a comfort to his dragon heart, a familiar breath of freedom.
The red iron dragon soared above the clouds, his keen self-light looking down at the increasingly familiar mountains and plains below.
Alberto and Nasha followed close behind, two dazzling golden dragon silhouettes streaking across the sky like moving dawns.
Before they reached the core ruling area of the Molten Iron Tribe, several strong draconic auras approached rapidly from afar.They were Iron Dragon Sorog, Red Dragon Samantha, and Blue Dragon Zoraya.
They had received word in advance and waited at the wilderness’ outskirts to greet Garoth’s return.
Over the years, Sorog and Samantha’s auras had become more concentrated and weighty, and both had successfully advanced beyond their previous ranks, with life levels generally reaching eighteen.
They had already been near the peak of seventeen shortly after awakening.
With the tribe’s abundant resources tilted in their favor, their breakthrough to eighteen was only natural.
Zoraya, a Blue Dragon in her prime phase, was likewise eighteen now.
She was one age bracket older than Sorog and Samantha, yet shared the same life level, a testament to how following the right leader matters for personal advancement.
“Garoth, my brother, you’ve finally returned.”
Iron Dragon Sorog emitted a low rumble and beat his wings first to approach.
His huge draconic eyes fixed tightly on the even more majestic red iron dragon, glittering with barely contained excitement.
Now that Garoth had reached the legendary rank, an ordinary legendary would likely not be a match. Their long-planned nation-building endeavor had undoubtedly gained greater confidence.
Up close, the oppressive presence brought by a legendary red iron dragon was even more intense.
From snout to tail his body measured a startling thirty-five meters, paired with a physique as mighty as cast steel and an innate fierce temperament. Even without activating Majestic Dragon Might, he made all creatures nearby instinctively feel pressed down and shaken.
“Hiss, these muscles... let me feel!”
Red Dragon Samantha could not help but reach out a foreclaw, marveling and curious, gently touching the bulging, powerful arm muscle of the red iron dragon.
The touch was unbreakable, filled with explosive power, and it stirred longing in her heart.
“When will I be able to have a body as strong as yours?”
She tilted her head up, eyes full of undisguised envy as she asked.
Garoth extended a claw and gave Samantha’s head a firm but not harsh pat that made a dull thud, his tone teasing: “If you grit your teeth and keep up with my training pace, you’ll have the chance.”
Nearby, Blue Dragon Zoraya swished her long tail and moved in affectionately.
She nearly burrowed herself into the wide embrace of the red iron dragon while whispering in a soft voice, “My king... you have become more majestic, more powerful... I sincerely hope for the opportunity to receive your private guidance.”
“I promise to obey all your orders without reservation.”
Her words were rife with ambiguous seduction and obvious innuendo.
At Zoraya’s side, Gold Dragon Nasha sniffed forcefully, wearing a puzzled look as she loudly said, “Weird, the wind up here is so strong, what’s that strange smell floating by?”
She then laughed heartily, beating her wings and lunging forward, grabbing the blue dragon’s body with her claws and pulling her away from Garoth without ceremony.
Nasha said with enthusiasm, “You want guidance? Perfect timing — I specialize in the Battle Dragon path and love coaching other dragons.”
“I can do this for Garoth and guarantee you’ll benefit greatly.”
On the other side, Alberto lowered his gaze, surveying the vast wilderness below.
“So many places... which one should I choose as my testing ground?”
Since arriving in the wilderness, he pondered with both delight and quandary.
At that moment, Red Dragon Samantha seemed to recall something and grew a little irritable.
She flicked her tail and asked Garoth, “Have you suffered any persecution or slights from those Metal Dragons?” Before Garoth could answer, she continued angrily, “Those self-righteous Metal Dragons are despicable! They dared to ambush you in secret. Thank goodness you were powerful enough to survive and even breakthrough to legendary.”
A warlike flame ignited in her eyes as she went on: “Once we grow stronger, we must find a chance to strike into the dragon domains and make those Metal Dragons pay in blood! I’ll avenge you properly!”
The two genuine Metal Dragons nearby, Nasha and Alberto, glanced sideways with displeasure, giving Samantha a reproving look.
Seeing it was mere hotheaded talk, they said nothing further.
Garoth heard this and gave a wry chuckle, waving his claw and saying, “It wasn’t that bad, no need to worry so much.”
“The dragon that wanted to kill me is long since torn apart, while I’m alive and have Everbright Dragon King’s assurance.”
Samantha reluctantly nodded but still hummed, “That’s good... Since that’s the case, I’ll let the Metal Dragon domains go for now. I’ll decide later, based on my mood, whether to destroy them.”
Then the red iron dragon turned his self-light to Iron Dragon Sorog.
He cut straight to the point and asked in a deep voice, “During the years I was gone, how has the wilderness’ overall situation been? Any open-eyed fools come stirring trouble?”
He did not stop beating his wings while speaking, only slightly slowing their pace as he continued toward the wilderness’ interior.
The other great dragons naturally clustered around him and flew along.
Iron Dragon Sorog beat his wings, flying shoulder to shoulder with Garoth, and shook his head slightly: “A few reckless idiots occasionally popped up, but our thunderous measures ripped them apart and left their bodies to rot in the wilderness as an example.”
“The tribe is safe and strong now, order is sound.”
“All followers wait eagerly, only for your return, ready to follow you to new heights.”
After reporting the overall stability, he paused, then added: “However, the Permafrost Tundra over there has been uneasy lately, showing signs of unrest.”
“According to reports from Heriam and Kahir, those frost giants who rested for many years seem restless; recently they’ve initiated conflicts more than once.”
“Their war with the barbarians looks likely to flare up again.”
Garoth glanced briefly and asked, “Any news of a legendary being being born among the frost giants on the ice plain?”
Sorog showed a thoughtful expression and answered cautiously: “Not yet, but I suspect their actions likely have backing; otherwise they wouldn’t rashly start a war at this time.”
He paused and offered a hypothesis: “Suppose... there really is a newly born legendary among the frost giants.”
“To avoid scaring off their barbarian enemies prematurely and to ensnare all the barbarians at once, that legendary might choose to hide its strength for now, waiting for a suitable moment to reveal its fangs. That’s quite possible.”
It was a reasonable conjecture.
Garoth nodded and said, “Issue orders to the Permafrost Tundra to pay close attention to subtle shifts in the ice plain’s situation.”
“Soon, the Permafrost Tundra will raise not just our Molten Iron... no, our newborn kingdom’s dragon banner.”
Sending dragons to expand territory on the ice plain initially secured an escape route in times of crisis.
But now that Garoth had reached legendary, his situation and power had changed dramatically.
The Ser Wilderness’ south gradually neared the prosperous civilized regions of the Atlantis Continent with many human kingdoms; further north lay the harsh convergence lands and the vast Permafrost Tundra; beyond the tundra spread the boundless Coldwater Ocean, which was also the sea region of one of the Five Great Dragon Domains, the Daylight Dragon Domain.
It was said that a powerful White Dragon adept in methods also lurked somewhere in the Coldwater Ocean.
After founding a nation, Garoth’s strategic vision would be entirely different.
He would back himself with the Permafrost Tundra while his kingdom faced directly toward the southern states.
He would never allow powerful forces to lurk behind his back; that would make him twitchy and sleepless.
Therefore, seizing the Permafrost Tundra and incorporating it into his territory was imperative.
Then the Ser Wilderness, the convergence lands, and the Permafrost Tundra... the broad northern lands would be under his dragon wings.
Moreover, he would have the expansive Coldwater Ocean as a final retreat.
If one day faced with an overwhelming enemy, he could lead his core forces into the sea.
Plan for defeat before counting on victory.
Garoth always favored deep foresight and making preparations in advance; he habitually secured escape routes for himself.
For this reason, he could not let the Permafrost Tundra slip away.
If the frost giants or barbarians there lacked a legendary, then the entire tundra would be his for the taking; if a newborn legendary did exist, it would only cost him more effort and time.
To be cautious, he would closely monitor the ice plain’s situation.
Once intelligence clarified the truth, then the main army would march north to pacify the ice plain.
The red iron dragon majestically soared across the wilderness’ sky.
He lowered his gaze and noticed the bases and outposts dotting the land like stars.
The Molten Iron Tribe’s followers were like tireless worker ants; their footprints and sphere of influence covered many passes and resource nodes in the wilderness.
However...
The Ser Wilderness still contained vast treacherous primeval areas. Aside from the matured trade routes, there were virtually no major thoroughfares.
This land needed further development.
But all of that required one prerequisite: formally founding a nation, establishing a governing lineage, and reaching deeper cooperation with the southern Lothrian Kingdom.
“Sorog.” Garoth’s deep voice sounded, “immediately summon all regional lords and the important follower chiefs. Have them assemble at the Dragonback Mountains in the northwest of the wilderness.”
“I have important matters to announce to them.”
Sorog’s spirit jolted at the words.
He suppressed his excitement and confirmed: “Is this to announce... the founding of a kingdom?”
Garoth nodded calmly.
“Excellent! I’ll arrange it right away and deliver the order to every corner!” The iron dragon’s mood surged with passion, his wings beating more forcefully.
Nothing thrilled him more than building a kingdom.
If anything did, it would be making that kingdom an even greater empire.
Garoth’s gaze grew pensive and he added a reminder: “Also, do not disclose to outsiders that I have already become legendary.”
Sorog gave a slight bow and then a firm nod, indicating understanding.
“Have you thought of a name for the kingdom?” Red Dragon Samantha eagerly squeezed closer and proposed, “I think Ashes Kingdom is perfect; it means any enemy daring to provoke us will ultimately be burned to ashes!”
Alberto instantly shot a disdainful look and retorted, “Too tacky.”
He lifted his head confidently and suggested: “Call it the Golden Kingdom! It sounds noble and grand.”
Garoth had given no thought to these names biased by factional leanings.
He decisively finalized the matter in an unquestionable tone: “I have already settled on the kingdom’s name. Don’t waste time guessing.”
Soon after, Garoth’s group arrived at the wilderness’ northwest.
This was where the Molten Iron Tribe had initially grown step by step; here their control was firmest and their roots deepest.
Strong forces, clustered strongholds, and tight defenses stood ready.
Garoth alighted first upon the Dragonback Mountains.
This mountain range formed the most magnificent and lengthy natural barrier in the northwest wilderness, its peaks rolling like a sleeping giant dragon’s spine—hence the name. Around the range lay relatively open plains, offering excellent sightlines and flat terrain.
Then Iron Dragon Sorog began executing orders efficiently, summoning lords and important follower chiefs scattered across the land.
Blue Dragon Zoraya called the Blue Dragons of the Dominik clan to gather.
Red Dragon Samantha and the two Gold Dragons, Nasha and Alberto, eagerly paired up to inspect the land that would soon become the kingdom.
Garoth himself remained at the Dragonback Mountains, gazing down over his territory.
It was also worth noting that brass-silver dragon Deborah and faerie dragon Vira had, after receiving the Gold Dragon King’s directive and once matters had calmed, returned ahead to the Ser Wilderness and were currently in Dragon Valley of the convergence lands.
Garoth had already notified them to come to the Dragonback Mountains.
As time passed, powerful lords of various forms and the major follower chiefs began crossing mountains and ridges from different parts of the wilderness, racing day and night toward the Dragonback Mountains.
Ten days later.
Heroes had already gathered around the Dragonback Mountains.
Dragon flocks, lords, and important follower chiefs had all arrived.
Garoth circled slowly in the sky, then, with unmatched dignity and momentum, descended upon the highest peak, his four talons armored in thick scales gripping the battered rock.
He slowly turned his rugged head and scanned all his people gathered below.
On the plain beneath the mountain stood follower chiefs from many races, each bearing fierce auras.
Gluttonous Ogre Karu, Grand Artificer Scott, Werewolf Russell, serpentfolk Narys, Centaur Elvy... a parade of leaders renowned within the tribe stood in array, each lifting their head and gazing up at the majestic figure atop the peak with reverent eyes.
In the air were his kin, allies, subordinate lords, and entire dragon flocks.
Some beat massive wings to hover, others used skills or magic to maintain their positions midair, powerful auras interweaving and swelling.
Like those on the ground, all eyes focused on the red iron dragon.
“Good.”
Garoth’s gaze swept over every assembled creature, both ground and sky.
Then his voice suddenly rose like a thunderclap, clearly reverberating across the mountain range.
“The wilderness is the foundation of our rise, the source of our strength! But a tribe is not our destination!”
With his words, dragon might surged outward like a tidal force, shaking the minds and hearts of all present, forcing many to bow their heads.
He paused slightly, letting the declaration echo in each listener’s heart.
“Today, I, Garoth Ignas, your king, hereby declare!”
“The Molten Iron Tribe shall become history!”
Under many stunned gazes, he continued with a solemn, steady voice.
“One month from today, when the sun hangs at the center of the sky, I will hold the nation-founding ceremony atop the Dragonback Mountains and formally establish our realm.”
“It will be called — the Aola Kingdom!”
At this proclamation, the intelligent follower beings below looked momentarily bewildered.
All the great dragons first gave a concurrent bow.
Then almost simultaneously they burst into more rousing, excited roars that shook the heavens.
Ordinary followers might not fully grasp it, but as dragons they knew exactly what the word Aola represented in draconic language:
sacred, origin, glory, brilliance...
Dragons once ruled the Material Plane in the First Age, recorded under various names in different races’ histories.
In all dragon memory and ancient songs, that era shared a single name:
the Sacred Aola Era!
To name a newborn kingdom with a word bearing the dragonkind’s most splendid memories ignited pride and blood-deep fervor in every dragon present, as if they could see the golden age of dragons soaring above all life returning.
Now it was the Aola Kingdom. Might it one day become the Sacred Aola Empire?
Even...
whether chromatic or metallic dragons,
in this moment, the name Aola struck a chord in their hearts and stirred deep resonance.
“All who come with goodwill to offer congratulations may attend the ceremony on the founding day to pay respects!”
“All who harbor ill intent or seek to sabotage shall, on that day, offer their blood and lives as sacrifices to the birth of our kingdom!”
“The kingdom’s borders will radiate from this core and extend across the entire wilderness!”
“The kingdom’s will shall be my will!”
“The kingdom’s glory shall be with you all!”
Garoth raised his head and issued a sovereign draconic cry across the broad skies,
ROAR!!!
In response to his summons, the other great dragons also cried out to the heavens, their roars full of fervor, followed by countless followers on the ground of every race issuing thunderous shouts and cries in their own ways.
The innumerable soundwaves converged, shattered the clouds, and echoed between heaven and earth.
They proclaimed the birth of a sovereign, the birth of a kingdom.
The red iron dragon stood upright on the mountain peak and looked into the distance.
His gaze seemed to pierce time; he already saw the grand scene of dragon banners flying, saw his kingdom rising and ascending to the world stage.