Ashen Dragon

Until they flew out of Dragon Head City, Mantou couldn't help but curiously ask, "What kind of mission is it that you rushed over here so urgently? Where are War Maniac Bro and Autumn Rain?"

"They've been ready for a while and are waiting by the portal."

"Where does it lead to?"

"Flying Dragon City, which was once the capital of the High Mountain Dwarf Kingdom—Aivendel."

Mantou slapped his forehead in realization, "So that's where it is. Has the war mission in the High Mountain Kingdom not ended yet?

I heard that there wasn't much to do in that siege battle; it was all about being labor transporting supplies. The summoned players didn't get much reward; it was just the tanks from the Mechanical God Cult that had fun."

"Well, it wasn't a total loss. Brother Kai's exclusive cutscene was pretty spectacular, like watching a movie."

Singo gave a self-mocking smile, "When the Dwarf God's divine incarnation descended, the players participating in the battle—including myself—were all thrilled. Who has ever seen such a lofty boss before? If we could get the first kill, wouldn't we be able to call ourselves God Slayer?

But unexpectedly, despite our relentless bombardment, that dwarf boss didn't lose even a bit of skin. Not long after, Brother Kai came out to clean up the mess. What a hard worker."

"Indeed."

Upon hearing this, Mantou nodded in deep agreement.

The Ashen Empire, among the many camps in Fianso, could be considered a bug-level existence, with abundant resources, diverse promotion channels, powerful faction subclasses—and, of course, most importantly, an emperor who could be called a Mechanical God descending from the heavens.

A few months ago, there was a newbie player who chose to pledge allegiance to Duke Walter, eagerly joining the "North Aisier Garrison," and even publicly challenged the empire camp players on the forum.

However, it wasn't long before the Empire waged war on North Aisier. The city that the player guarded was bombed into ruins, and faced with the crushing tanks, the player let out a desperate wail, "This is simply not magic!"

Later, the player swore to resist to the death, leading the remnants of Aisier's soldiers in street battles, but was eventually captured by the Imperial Army and was forced to join the Ashen Empire.

The Empire's wartime tribunal even judged him, requiring him to do three years of obligatory labor as well as pay thousands of gold coins in war reparations, but that's another story.

This event spawned a popular meme on the forum: new players who haven't joined the Ashen Empire shouldn't worry; one day, you'll be passively forced to join the Empire.

Thinking of this, Mantou asked, "So are we going to suppress the rebellion in Aivendel this time? That kind of task is pointless, filled with sneaky ambushers hiding in corners."

"No." Singo shook his head.

"It seems a lot of dwarf citizens evacuated early, but their soldiers were stubborn as rocks, almost all perishing on the battlefield, commanding respect as worthy opponents.

Now Aivendel, or Flying Dragon City, has completely become an Imperial military base, also a new wyvern breeding ground, similar to Anzeta's Wyvern Valley."

"Then what are we going to do?"

"Ah, you don't know this. I have insider information. The empire officials will soon release a special mission—to cleanse the Wuge Prairie."

"Cleanse?"

"Exactly, cleanse. From what I know, there are nearly three million orcs on the Wuge Prairie now, and the empire officials' directive is—to kill them all."

"Three million?" Mantou exclaimed in shock, "Where did so many come from, almost catching up to the total number of players; did they grow out of the ground?"

"Well, yes indeed."

Singo laughed and said, "According to the Biological Priests of the Mechanical God Cult, these orcs are more like a combination of fungi and animals, capable of asexual reproduction."

Mantou clicked his tongue, "Goodness, that's true green skin, but they won't harbor some unsettling force, will they? That would be a bit terrifying."

"Probably not. However, what you should focus on is—three million orcs, think of all the experience we'll gain!"

"Swoosh—"

The silver-edged wings of the Bipedal Wyvern sliced through the air, sparks trailing from behind, as it flew towards the large portal in the distance.

"Whoa, slow down! You think you're fancy with a mount set—" Mantou leaned forward, diving down on his Bipedal Wyvern.

This place had the sense of "conquering the south" that was Tahan.

The Ashen Empire's Space Mages poured all their efforts, expending enormous resources to forge a giant permanent portal.

Through this portal, the Imperial people could travel to Anzeta's Isdalia, Northwind Castle, Stratholme Fortress, and other cities, or head to the newly connected Aivendel, and even reach the Black Iron City located on the Fire Elemental Plane.

Summer Night Autumn Rain and Natural War Maniac had been waiting by the portal to Flying Dragon City for quite some time.

Mantou glanced over, and after months apart, Natural War Maniac's appearance had begun developing into something more "non-human."

Those iron block-like muscles were about to tear through his clothes, those robust arms were thicker than an ordinary person's waist, covered in hard scales, and bony spurs protruded from his elbows.

Natural War Maniac's gaze was sharp as a blade, seemingly like some large carnivorous monster, the depths of his pupils emanating a frenzied murderous intent—except that shiny bald head of his was still as glossy, with an additional layer of patina.

Meanwhile, Summer Night Autumn Rain had also undergone significant changes. Perhaps due to the modifications by the Dragon Vein, her skin became even whiter and smoother, barely showing any pores, reaching a near-immortal state, with scarlet scales appearing on her cheeks.

At the same time, Summer Night Autumn Rain's aura grew increasingly noble, the dragon horns on her head had become quite elongated, those golden vertical pupils exuding a mysterious air, and a pair of tender wings had grown on her back, her whole body emanating a faint Dragon's Might.