novelraw Chapter 481: Power is the only passport
Chapter 481: Power is the only passport
New Calendar Year 346, March.
The snow on the Dragonback Mountains had not yet completely melted. The higher peaks still wore crowns of pristine white, but sporadic tender green shoots and new buds had already stubbornly pushed through in the mountains, heralding the approach of spring.
Behind the Citadel of Crimson Flame, on the back mountain.
The steepest peak, named Stargazer Cliff, was where the Red Iron Dragon stood atop the cliff's edge, gazing down upon the vast expanse of his kingdom's territory.
A biting wind blew from the direction of the northern frontier, carrying the lingering chill of the dying winter.
His broad dragon wings were folded at his sides, his eyes calmly reflecting the mountains, rivers, and sea of clouds.
It had now been over two years since the pause in the Twin-Ao War.
During this period, through recuperation and post-war reconstruction, the Aola Kingdom had recovered considerably from the wounds inflicted by the war.
After all, due to the Red Emperor's personal leadership in the campaign, the losses suffered by the Aola legions could hardly be called severe.
Compensation for the fallen, restoration of damaged areas, preliminary pacification of newly occupied territories... all these tasks were proceeding in an orderly fashion.The tense nerves throughout the kingdom had relaxed slightly.
Crops grew again in the fields, the rhythmic sound of hammering echoed from the mines, and the markets regained their former bustle.
Later, once the reparations from Theo arrived and the fruits of victory were digested, the losses caused by the war would be made up in an extremely short time, and the Aola Kingdom would grow stronger at an even faster pace.
The chilly spring wind continued to sweep across Stargazer Cliff.
Garoth's gaze passed over the borders of his own kingdom, settling on the distant horizon, the heart of the Romanian Plains, the stage where numerous human kingdoms vied for supremacy.
"Garoth, important news has arrived."
A deep voice sounded in his mind.
Garoth's gaze shifted slightly. He did not turn his head, responding similarly in his mind.
"Sorog, speak."
The voice of the Iron Dragon Sorog was steady and clear, stating the intelligence just received.
"The Kingdom of Rybos dispatched a formal diplomatic mission, arriving at the capital of the Lothrian Kingdom yesterday evening."
"The mission's rank is very high, led by a Royal Duke and the Chief Court Mage. Considering Rybos's successive defeats in the Quine Heights campaign and the consecutive fall of their border fortresses, they are likely about to surrender this time. Hmm, surrender in the name of 'peace talks'."
Garoth was not surprised by this.
He remained silent for two seconds, then slowly said, "It was bound to happen sooner or later. I'm even somewhat puzzled as to why Rybos is only proposing peace talks now."
After the fall of Quine Heights, the gateway to Rybos's heartland lay wide open, and the signs of defeat were already glaringly apparent.
If they had the courage for drastic measures and timely loss-cutting, they should have chosen negotiations earlier, perhaps retaining more bargaining chips.
Dragging it out until now, Lothrian's military might was probably already approaching their core regions.
Peace talks at this point would inevitably come at a much heavier price.
"Perhaps, the invisible hand behind Rybos can no longer provide them with support."
Garoth's eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered internally.
During the first Romanian Plains civil war, Rybos's victory had been quite suspicious.
Producing some secret magical artifacts or new-style military equipment was within reason, but those strategic-level weapons capable of turning the tide of war—their research, development, manufacture, and use—were absolutely not something that could be independently completed in a short time.
Behind them, there must have been a much larger power providing support.
As for who...
The upper echelons of the various kingdoms on the plains all had their suspicions.
The Halden Empire, that behemoth dominating the Atlantis Continent, focused on the "Abyssal Development Plan," was the prime suspect.
It was just that everyone tacitly understood, feigned ignorance, and didn't bring it up for specific discussion on the surface.
Garoth and Sorog had no such reservations.
The Iron Dragon Sorog stated bluntly, "The Halden Empire is focused on their Abyssal Development Plan. The Federation has already disbanded, and that Holy King has been confirmed dead."
"The Halden Empire's gaze and resources likely no longer fall upon the Romanian Plains."
"Therefore, their support for Rybos has probably been cut off, or drastically reduced."
"Otherwise, the conflict between Rybos and Lothrian wouldn't have turned so one-sided so quickly; there would have been at least a few more twists and turns."
Garoth pondered for an even longer time, the mountain wind whistling through the gaps in his hard scales.
Then, he suddenly pulled his thoughts back to the domestic situation within Aola.
He said, "The two Abyssal Rifts within our territory seem to have had little activity recently."
"According to normal patterns, large-scale war and death on the Material Plane often stimulate Abyssal energy, causing increased rift activity and frequent demonic surges."
The voice of the Iron Dragon Sorog paused for a moment, as if also retrieving relevant memories and information.
"It is somewhat abnormal."
"And, to be precise, the Abyssal Rifts aren't 'having little activity'; they are 'completely calm.' This abnormal state of calm has persisted for several years now, but we previously didn't pay it much mind."
From the moment the Abyssal Rifts first appeared within Aola's territory, they had been like two wounds that could never fully heal.
Demons were always trying to crawl through from the other side of the rifts, requiring the stationed armies and mages to remain constantly vigilant and conduct regular cleanups.
Now that they had remained calm for so long, at first glance it seemed like a good thing, saving a great deal of manpower and resources.
But within Garoth's heart, this fact instead gave rise to deeper caution.
That was the Abyss, the most chaotic and evil plane in the multiverse, bar none, fundamentally incompatible with the word "calm."
This abnormal tranquility was more like the calm before the storm, harboring greater dangers.
"Abyssal Rifts have frequently appeared across the continent. According to intelligence analysis, it's most likely inextricably linked to the Abyssal Development Plan promoted by the Halden Empire," Garoth sorted through his thoughts. "Now that it has become so calm, perhaps this is also an effect of that development plan entering a new stage."
"The Halden Empire... what exactly have they done in the Abyss?"
This question currently had no answer.
Garoth reined in his wandering thoughts and gave the Iron Dragon clear instructions: "Notify the relevant parties to strengthen the control and alert level for the two Abyssal Rifts. Do not be deceived by the surface calm and lower your guard."
The Iron Dragon Sorog responded immediately, "Understood. I was thinking the same. I will issue the orders shortly."
His attitude towards potential threats was highly aligned with Garoth's.
After a pause, Sorog brought the topic back to the current situation: "The news of Rybos's impending surrender has already spread. Our lengthy negotiations with Theo should also be at the point of finalization; they won't drag on any longer."
"Once the first installment of Theo's reparations arrives, we can officially launch the first step of the 'Northern Frontier Development Plan'."
"Use these funds to recruit large numbers of experienced craftsmen and scholars, systematically train our own people, accelerate the construction of roads, establishment of towns, and improvement of defensive fortification systems in the newly occupied territories, while further expanding and arming the Aola legions... We must quickly transform the gold coins and materials from Theo's reparations into the kingdom's tangible strength."
After stating these concrete plans, the Iron Dragon fell silent for a few seconds.
When he spoke again, his tone carried a trace of emotion.
"If the peace talks between Lothrian and Rybos proceed smoothly and conclude, this means the large-scale warfare that has swept the Romanian Plains for years will, before too long, officially draw to a close."
"An era of chaos is ending."
"Yes, an era is ending."
Garoth repeated softly, his gaze still fixed on the distant horizon.
Sorog continued, "Theo's backbone has been broken, Rybos is being forced to bow its head and sue for peace... and Aola, we rose from the wilderness, underwent baptism by blood and fire, and leapt to become a significant existence capable of influencing the entire situation on the plains."
"Garoth, we did it."
"This is only a beginning, Sorog."
Garoth's voice remained as calm as ever, without a trace of complacency. "Peace is merely the interval between two wars."
"The ambitions of the human kingdoms will not vanish because of one peace talk. Aola's development and expansion will not cease."
"Our enemies, the old ones may lie dormant, but new ones will inevitably appear, perhaps even more numerous and more hidden. Strength is our only passport."
Afterwards, the two discussed some other matters. Roughly half an hour later, this communication concluded.
Garoth shook his massive head.
He stretched his powerful limbs and wings, then dove down, beginning to temper himself in a clearing among the mountains.
No matter how the winds and clouds shifted in the outside world.
He firmly believed that his own strength was the kingdom's most solid foundation.
In the blink of an eye, two weeks passed.
Garoth was in the Dragonback Mountains, immersed in deep contemplation about his Domain, pondering how to focus its development.
Just then, a clear, high-pitched dragon roar came from the sky, growing closer.
He looked up and saw a brilliant golden streak of light pierce the high-altitude cloud layer, diving down in an elegant and swift arc. Its speed dropped sharply as it neared, finally landing steadily on the ground, kicking up a ring of air mixed with dust and lingering snow.
The golden light gradually receded, revealing the figure within.
It was a female Gold Dragon with a slender, graceful yet powerful physique.
Her scales shimmered brilliantly in the afternoon sun, like flowing liquid gold, each one reflecting a pure light.
At this moment, on her beautiful draconic face, there was unconcealed excitement and pride, her tail swishing left and right.
Gold Dragon Nasha, the specially appointed diplomat of the Aola Kingdom.
Ever since the pause in the Twin-Ao War and the entry into the long, tedious negotiation phase between Aola and Theo, Nasha had repeatedly and strongly requested to be sent as the Aola Kingdom's formal diplomat to Theo, to personally participate in the negotiations and strive for Aola's maximum benefit.
In her words:
"Watching those humans bicker over every clause, racking their brains yet unable to come up with a solution, must be so much fun. Plus, I can overwhelm them with my wisdom and presence."
Garoth gave it serious consideration and ultimately granted her request.
On one hand, Nasha's pure Gold Dragon identity represented order and justice in the eyes of the human kingdoms. Her presence could, to some extent, soften Aola's ferocious image and reduce hostility.
On the other hand, Garoth had also clearly outlined to her in advance the non-negotiable bottom lines, especially regarding core clauses like restrictions on Theo's military capabilities. He also instructed her to maintain real-time communication with the Iron Dragon Sorog during the negotiation process.
"Good news! Good news!"
Nasha couldn't wait to speak before she was fully steady, her voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement.
Garoth slowly turned his head to look at her.
"Speak slowly, Nasha. It seems there's a result from Theo."
The Gold Dragon raised her elegantly shaped head: "The agreement! The 'Norton Treaty'! It's finally signed!"
"After two years, countless arguments, seventeen drafts alone, but just last midnight, in the hall of Silverglow City, the King of Theo signed his name."
Nasha spoke rapidly, her tail slapping against the cliff face, sending rubble tumbling down.
The so-called 'Norton Treaty' was the formal treaty named after that decisive battle.
This name was determined after multiple rounds of discussion between both sides.
The Aola side hoped it would remind Theo not to forget where and why they had failed, to remember Aola's strength and inviolability. The Theo side believed that naming the treaty with this humiliating place name might more deeply stimulate their people, making them remember the lesson of this crushing defeat, thus finding courage in shame.
"Tell me the specific contents. Highlight the most important clauses for me."
Nasha, however, did not immediately continue. Instead, she tilted her head, her bright dragon eyes fixed on the Red Iron Dragon.
She gave a light cough, raised one foreclaw, and seemingly casually began grooming the shining scales on the side of her neck.
Garoth was momentarily taken aback, then understood. He shook his head somewhat helplessly, a low chuckle rumbling from his throat.
"You have performed exceptionally well, Nasha."
"The Aola Kingdom is fortunate to have a diplomat as brave, resourceful, and diligent as you. The kingdom will remember your contributions."
Hearing this, the Gold Dragon finally gave a satisfied shake of her head, the look of pride on her face growing even stronger.
That's more like it! I played an indispensable, crucial role throughout the entire signing process of the 'Norton Treaty'!"
She declared as such.
Although in reality, she more often served as a mouthpiece for Aola's will and an embodiment of its imposing presence. The specific details of the clause negotiation were mostly handled remotely by Sorog.
However, for a diplomat from the victorious nation, negotiating with the defeated nation was a wonderful feeling.
For Nasha, this experience was second only to a thoroughly satisfying fight that ultimately ended in victory.
Immediately, Nasha cleared her throat, straightened her posture, and began reporting as if enumerating family treasures.
"First, territorial changes."
"Formally confirming that all regions north of the Emerald Ridge Mountains, formerly the border areas of the Theo Kingdom, including the entire provinces of Eisen and Yalis, are permanently ceded to the Aola Kingdom. The Theo Kingdom must recognize Aola's complete sovereignty over the aforementioned areas and renounce all claims."
"Second, war reparations."
"Theo must pay a total of 180 million gold coins in reparations over twenty years, in installments. The purity and weight of each gold coin must meet the standard of our minted 'Gold Aola.' Theo is permitted to partially offset this amount with equivalent value in magical materials, rare minerals, alchemical products, military equipment, and technical blueprints. The first installment of 80 million gold coins must be delivered within three months of the treaty taking effect."
"Third, trade and commerce."
"Theo must open its trade routes and markets, establish formal trade relations with Aola, must grant Aola merchants and goods most-favored-nation treatment, tariffs must not exceed five percent, and they must not in any way hinder or restrict the circulation of Aola goods."
"Fourth, political and diplomatic relations."
"The Theo Kingdom recognizes the Aola Kingdom as a sovereign state and establishes formal diplomatic relations. Theo shall not form alliances with any country that explicitly or implicitly shows hostility towards Aola. If Theo wishes to form an alliance with other neutral countries, it must first consult with the Aola Kingdom and reach a consensus."
"Fifth, and most importantly, military restrictions."
"The Theo Kingdom is prohibited from researching and constructing strategic-level weapons, prohibited from investing national-level resources in cultivating legendary powerhouses. The number of its existing legendary powerhouses must be maintained at the current level. If new legendaries emerge, Theo must report them to Aola. Aola has the right to send observers to periodically inspect Theo's military-industrial facilities and magical research institutions to ensure compliance with this clause."
Nasha finished in one breath, then took a deep breath: "There are a bunch of detailed clauses, like prisoner extradition, airspace development, etc., but the core is these five."
She paused, then added, "To make them sign, I smashed the table at the last moment."
"I said, 'People of Theo, if you think these terms are too harsh, we can have the Red Emperor fly a couple of circles over Silverglow City.' The Theo diplomats didn't dare utter a word, their hands trembling so much they could barely hold the pen, haha! In the end, their king compromised and personally signed."
Garoth listened quietly.
He was not completely unaware of the two-year tug-of-war in negotiations.
The Iron Dragon Sorog regularly reported progress, and he himself had given unequivocal instructions on several key clauses.
Now, as he had expected, stimulated by the news of Rybos's surrender, the Theo side no longer held any hope, completely abandoning the tug-of-war and delay tactics, and the matter was settled.
Previously, the Theo negotiation team had consistently employed stalling tactics, pinning their hopes on Rybos gaining an advantage, or even victory, in their war with Lothrian.
In that case, with Rybos's influence at that point, they could have intervened in the peace talks between Aola and Theo, mediating or amending the 'Norton Treaty.'
This would have at least reduced the price Theo had to pay to an acceptable range.
Unfortunately, now that the news arrived that Rybos itself was in dire straits and preparing to sue for peace, Theo's last hope was shattered.
They had no choice but to face reality.
Enduring Aola's conditions was the only option.
"You've worked hard, Nasha," Garoth said slowly. "You've done very well these two years."
"Go to my Treasure Vault and select some gems. That is your reward."
Receiving the praise, Nasha showed no false modesty: "Of course! Just look at who I am. I am a noble and powerful Gold Dragon."
"Those old foxes from Theo, including their king and their legendaries, were all worn down by me until they had no fight left."
Saying this, the Gold Dragon adopted a more serious expression and looked at the imposing figure of the Red Iron Dragon: "However, the reason they finally signed in the end was because they were afraid. Afraid you would descend from the heavens once more, diving straight from the sky onto Silverglow City."
Garoth exhaled a breath of scorching air, saying nothing more.
The Aola Kingdom, this nation he had founded with his own hands, risen through blood and fire, had finally, through a hard-fought battle, earned the capital for development, and... the qualification to be feared.