Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys

Chapter 1588: Chapter 548: The Long-Awaited Dragon Knight (Part 2)

”Regarding the implementation of some decrees and matters that have been discussed and decided upon, I hope everyone will not delay or obstruct them, and no one is allowed to engage in any form of compromise.” Prince Menia said solemnly.

...

The meeting lasted for several hours.

After it ended, everyone left, but Rein did not leave.

As Rein was about to leave, the female attendant invited him to the side garden, saying that Prince Menia requested his presence.

This garden is located at the easternmost edge of the Imperial Palace and is the only side garden relatively well-preserved after the last fierce battle, but still, many flowers had their petals shaken off, leaving only some bellflowers and lisianthus, exuding a sense of incompleteness.

Menia was still in small-scale discussions with Elder Ivan and other royal elders, so Rein wandered alone in this royal garden, his thoughts soaring.

From the emergence of righteous gods in ancient times to the dazzling demigod-level powers in antiquity, undeniably, the current era is a decline.

This is partly due to the influence of energy tides.

On the other hand, most strong individuals nowadays lack the courage for bold progress, believing they can never compare to the divine and will never defeat the Evil God.

Under such circumstances, how could anyone finally master their own destiny?

”Rein, what are you thinking about?” At this moment, a mature female voice rang out—Menia, graceful and poised.

”Nothing in particular, just feeling a bit sentimental.”

”By the way, Menia, I fear you’ll have a hard time recently.” Rein shook his head, saying.

With the fall of Carlos II, a significant burden of the Empire was suddenly placed on Menia’s shoulders, and given the current situation, even if Menia were crowned the Empress, it would be like being roasted over fire.

Without diving further into this topic, Menia laughed and said:

”Rein, speaking of which, since becoming the Imperial Guardian, you have yet to choose a Giant Dragon as a partner. Have you decided now? Will you choose the Red Dragon or another of the Five-Colored Giant Dragons?”

”With your strength, you can directly sign a contract with a Five-Colored Giant Dragon of the Extremely Old Dragon Level.”

Rein had indeed considered this matter.

At first, he thought of choosing a Red Dragon to enhance the power of the Red Dragon Secret Technique ’Molten Core Flame.’

But ever since he gained the special talent ability ’Multi-Headed,’ he could wield ’Molten Core Flame’ alone without needing partnership with a Giant Dragon.

So now, Rein is thinking about choosing a Giant Dragon with strong close-combat abilities, augmented with his metal covering to elevate his combat strength, such as a Black Dragon...

Of course, a Giant Dragon with fast flying speed would be great too.

The special ability ’Shadow Shifting’ he possesses is excellent, but it consumes spiritual power significantly and cannot be used for long flights.

However, choosing a Giant Dragon also depends on the Dragon’s opinion; it’s a two-way choice.

Regarding Red Dragon King Straz, Rein had entertained thoughts, but firstly, it held special symbolic significance as a partner to the previous and the one before last Empire Emperors.

Secondly, Rein also considered leaving Red Dragon King to Menia.

”The Black Dragon, perhaps? Menia, what do you think?”

”It’s quite a fitting choice for you, it seems you have made up your mind, shall we go now? I can accompany you to take a look.”

”Sure!”

Soon, Rein, led by Menia, passed through layers of guards and arrived underground.

Rein finally realized that the Imperial Palace harbored mysteries underground.

”Is this a... Half-plane?” Rein exclaimed in surprise.

Compared to the real world, Half-plane is like an extra drawer in a desk, providing a unique space, but unlike a complete Secret Realm, it does not require teleportation and one can directly step in, as if entering a folded space.

”Indeed, this Half-plane has been around since the reign of Atlas the Great,” Menia explained.

”However, due to the unstable nature of this Half-plane, constant reinforcement is necessary, and to prevent accidents, it can only serve as a resting area for adult Giant Dragons.”

”I see.” Rein nodded.

No wonder.

If Dragon Valley Secret Realm’s baby and young dragons could be housed in the Half-plane beneath the Imperial Palace, it would be much safer.

Rein could see enormous dragon nests one after another, interspersed along the sides of the long corridor.

He was seeing so many dragon nests for the first time; out there, it would be hard to witness such a magnificent spectacle.

Indeed, the Dragan Empire is founded on dragons for a reason.

”Actually, Rein, I initially wanted to recommend a location with a possibly dormant Metallic Dragon nest to you, but I considered that, although Metallic Dragons suit you, their temper is fierce, making them unlikely to become dragon partners.” Menia remarked as they walked.

”Metallic Dragon?” Rein paused in his steps, raising his eyebrows.

Metallic Dragons he had encountered in ancient texts, but they seemed to gradually fade from history during antiquity, and rarely heard about in recent times.

Unexpectedly, a living Metallic Dragon still exists.

”Yes, signs suggest a resting place of an ancient Steel Dragon, discovered hundreds of years ago, but to avoid disturbance, the Empire set up observation posts without further action.” Menia explained.

”Where is the location?” Rein asked eagerly.

Rein knew clearly, he currently had four slots for contract pets, and after the death of Swift Hoof Little Black, there were two vacancies left.

This means, even if he contracts a Black Dragon this time, he could still contract the legendary Steel Dragon if it exists.

Moreover, through the system becoming a battle pet, he wouldn’t fear the dragon’s fierce temper.

”Oh? Rein, you seem very interested? However, my advice remains: the Metallic Dragon’s temper is fiercely volatile.”

”I understand, I just want to have a look.”

”Alright, the location is in Casweis Province; the specific address, I’ll have the attendant give it to you later.” Hearing Rein’s statement, Menia nodded.

”We are here, ahead is a Black Dragon’s nest, one of the Empire’s only two Extremely Old Dragon Level Black Dragons, Azurax.”

Suddenly, Menia stopped her steps and pointed to a cave off the side of the corridor ahead, saying.

”Only two? Where’s the other one?” Rein curiously asked.

...

Meanwhile.

Federation Capital, Anthohol.

In the top floor conference room of the Parliament Building.

A dozen dignified Federation members were seated around a long table discussing something. Vice Speaker Bertrand was merely sitting in a middle-right position this time.

At the center sat Lawson Powell, the Federation Speaker, an old man with graying hair, puffing on a pipe, his face slightly aged, yet a spark frequently flashed in his half-closed eyes.

”Gentlemen, you’ve read Sword Saint Lord Terrio’s submitted situation report and recommendations; I’d like to hear your opinions.” Lawson said gravely.

”I oppose; Hidden within the Floating City Ruins is ancient Goblin technology, significant for the Federation. If we collaborate with the Empire, they will glean much Goblin technology through exploration.”

”I also oppose, in this matter, the Federation’s interests will suffer, whereas the Empire will gain. Personally, I deeply respect Sword Saint Lord’s personal prowess, but for national interactions, Lord Terrio clearly is not adept.”

”Uh... I think if the Empire offers equal benefits, joint exploration could be considered.”

”Bertrand, what’s your opinion? Last time, you were the host for Menia leading the Empire Delegation; now Prince Menia is the de facto ruler of the Empire.” Lawson called for Bertrand’s opinion beside him, stating.

...