The Young Red Dragon Kadilos lay quietly in the burrow he had dug out, with only his large red head exposed, which he had covered with torn thick vines and wild grass—a crude camouflage he had learned during his solitary, wandering life.
It was indeed crude enough. He was completely unaware that the two thick True Dragon horns on his head had already pierced through the camouflage of vines and grass, sticking out like two upside-down, oversized carrots.
Above and beside him grew several tall trees, their dense branches crowded with rows of perching birds.
Among them were ravens, woodpeckers, jays, magpies, and sulfur-crested cockatoos—birds considered relatively intelligent within the avian world.
On another branch stood several falcons and kites, predators that typically feed on ordinary birds. These normally incompatible species were now gathered together.
The chirping, loud eagle cries, and raucous cawing mingled together, nearly deafening the Red Dragon Kadilos.
Yet, he remained completely oblivious to the fact that the edges of his territory had recently seen a sudden increase in the activity of birds and beasts.
He was simply delighted that his prey had become more abundant and his domain richer.
Caw, caw!
Two cockatoos and several ravens fixed their small eyes on the two thick, exposed 'carrots,' then squawked loudly at the other birds.
The rest of the birds responded with a cacophony of croaks and cries. Only the proud falcons and kites held their heads high, their sharp eyes fixed intently on the Red Dragon's movements, ignoring the commotion.
The cockatoos and ravens dared not provoke these birds of prey. Even though they were all driven by the Green Dragon Antagena, it was common for these fierce falcons and kites to occasionally snatch a couple of their 'colleagues' for a snack.
The Green Dragon Antagena couldn't be bothered to intervene. True Dragon s preferred fierce, beautiful birds, or larks with pleasant songs.
Caw, caw! The cockatoos and ravens cried out twice, spread their wings, and flew toward the Nest of Dragons in the mountainous range.
The Red Dragon Kadilos paid no attention to the birds' movements. His focus was on the low cliff beneath the distant hill.
That group of cackling Gnolls. He pricked up his ears, listening to their words, trying to discern the purpose of these Gnolls who carried the scent of other True Dragon s.
Over the past half-month, these Gnolls had established a crude camp at the base of this low hill's cliff.
In the following days, a group of mages arrived at the camp, directing the busy Gnolls in the construction of some large-scale project.
Although the Red Dragon Kadilos himself did not possess the technical knowledge related to Planar Portals, he could still recognize one when he saw it.
A True Dragon with Draconic Heritage could become a learned scholar if they were willing to invest the time to study.
But that alone was somewhat demanding for most True Dragon s.
In fact, due to the inherent laziness common among many True Dragon s, the vast majority let this knowledge gather dust in their heritage, only experiencing it like a random prize during slumber as it brushed across their cerebral cortex.
The Draconic Heritage within these True Dragon s' bloodlines was like a library whose doors had never been opened.
Some knowledge required delving deep into the bloodline to obtain, while much could be learned simply by gently pushing the door open. Yet, True Dragon s never cherished it.
"Haha, that plane is exactly as the boss said. Not only are the creatures there weak, but there are also many white-skinned women with big butts, big chests, long legs,"
a burly Gnoll Barbarians shouted at the top of his lungs, as if afraid no one would hear,
"Once we conquer that weak plane, won't each of us get five, six, seven, or eight tender, juicy white-skinned women? Boss, and with so many Life Trees, I think we could even drink water steeped with their leaves every day, just like those effeminate human nobles."
The Gnoll Barbarians thrust his hips forward, making a crude gesture as he laughed heartily.
"We can finally enjoy the life of human nobles, haha! And enslave those weak natives, make them mine for our Dragon clan. Those fools don't even pick up the gold piled as high as mountains on the ground. They must have turned into goblin idiots from eating leaves."
Thud!
The talkative Gnoll Barbarians was kicked over by the Gnoll leader, Yug. Ever since he was kicked flying by a Red Dragon, Yug had developed a habit of kicking others.
"Brainless fool," Gnoll Yug scolded. "The juiciest, most tender women should be offered to the True Dragon s first. A fool like you dreaming of seven or eight women? You'll be lucky to get two males."
"Hehe, males... males aren't so bad either,"(TL Note:gay)
the thick-skinned Gnoll Barbarians scrambled back to his feet, eyes wide, drool unconsciously dripping from his mouth.
Huff...
The Red Dragon Kadilos's breathing suddenly grew rapid. A True Dragon's keen ears allowed him to hear the Gnolls' voices from afar, especially since they sounded like they had megaphones in their throats.
"Just as I thought. I knew these people had discovered treasure, but I never expected a complete, weak plane. That's far more precious than mere treasure,"
the Red Dragon Kaidilosi's mind began formulating a grand plan. He would seize this otherworldly plane, enslave all its creatures, and establish a monster kingdom belonging to him, Kaidilosi.
"Perhaps one day, I, Kadilos, will earn a distinguished title among the endless Astral Plane as a Great Red Dragon through such a magnificent conquest."
The wandering Young Red Dragon's momentary greed shattered his feeble rationality and caution. He arched his body, shook off the thick vines and grass covering the burrow, and took to the skies.
It must be said, the Gnolls' plan was simple and crude, yet remarkably effective against Chromatic Dragons—almost a racial-specific attack.
The contradictions inherent in all living beings manifested in these True Dragon s in a completely lopsided manner.
All Chromatic Dragons, especially Red Dragons, could only shed the chaotic nature lurking in their bloodlines since birth upon reaching the Ancient Dragon Stage.
Before entering Adulthood, particularly during their Youth, Red Dragons suffered high mortality rates due to their frenzied, impulsive minds, insatiable greed, reckless personalities, and overestimating their own strength.
This flash of greed instantly shattered the slight caution the wandering Red Dragon Kaidilosi had cultivated during his solitary travels.
He spread his sturdy wings, and his massive body descended from the sky, landing on the cliff of the low hill. The dense draconic aura of a young True Dragon spread, enveloping the entire outpost camp.
"Gnolls, and you human mages, submit to me! Submit to the Great Red Dragon Kadilos! I will magnanimously spare your lives, granting you the chance to become my obedient dogs. Hahaha!"
The Young Red Dragon laughed uproariously, his intense draconic aura pressing down on the minds of all creatures, his maniacal laughter ringing in their ears.
The mages constructing the Planar Portal in the camp were led by a high-ranking Scholar-Mage, with ten Intermediate Mages as the main force, plus twenty Low-Ranking Mages and their apprentices.
These mages' mental strength was sufficient to resist the Young Red Dragon's psychic pressure. But facing a Red Dragon at such close range, even the high-ranking mage, Luman, dared not make any rash moves.
At this distance, the Young Red Dragon named Kadilos could kill all the mages with a single pounce.
Even the high-ranking mage's spell shields, he had no confidence they could withstand the sustained output of the Young Red Dragon's scorching Dragonfire.
"Damn it, how could a wild Young Red Dragon appear in this place?"
High-Ranking Mage Luman's face instantly turned pale. He glanced at the other mages and, as expected, saw panic on all their faces.
Only the group of Gnolls, led by Gnoll Yug, remained oddly composed. Though still somewhat fearful, they didn't seem worried and simply bowed down to the Young Red Dragon.
"Ah, mighty Red Dragon, Lord Kadilos! Your form is so majestic, your scales so beautiful, your majesty so awe-inspiring, your greatness like the eternal stars in the sky. We Gnolls are willing to submit under your noble wings, but we are vassals of other True Dragons and dare not betray them lightly,"
Gnoll Yug praised the Young Red Dragon's form in a chanting tone, speaking haltingly in the Dragon Language, word by word.
It took him several minutes to finish this string of words. He was doing his best to stall for time.
"Damn it all, these monsters are truly untrustworthy, utterly devoid of loyalty,"
High-Ranking Mage Luman looked disdainfully at the groveling Gnolls before him, feeling some resentment toward Kalon as well.
"We still can't think too highly of these Chromatic Dragons. Entrusting such important matters to these fickle monsters, not even realizing their territory has been infiltrated by other True Dragons. What a failed, foolish lord."
Although Mage Luman was a high-ranking mage like Hsiusir, he was not included in the core sequence of scholars.
Unaware of many details regarding the cooperation between his group of mages and the True Dragon, he still held prejudices against Chromatic Dragon, as their ingrained reputation in the outside world was far too profound.
"Hahaha, you need not worry,"
the Young Red Dragon Kadilos laughed arrogantly, his tone dripping with contempt. "Those True Dragon s are nothing but lambs to the slaughter in my eyes. If they are smart, I will allow them to become my slaves."
"If not... hmph! I, Kadilos, will send them back to the divine realm of the Five-Colored Dragon God, where they can repent for endless eons for daring to oppose me."
"Ah, mighty Lord Kadilos, but... but those True Dragon s are a True Dragon, a whole True Dragon with many True Dragon s, including a Young Blue Dragon. I wonder if Lord Kaidilosi is confident?"
Gnoll Yug's slender, crimson eyes shifted slightly, expressing doubt toward the Young Red Dragon before him, intentionally highlighting the Young Blue Dragon Akzi.
"You dare doubt the power of the great Kadilos?" The Young Red Dragon snorted sparks of anger from his nostrils and roared, "Gnoll, I should burn you to a crisp for questioning a True Dragon's might. But now, I will make you watch as those True Dragon s are defeated and trampled underfoot, forcing your once-lofty master to bow to my power!"
"Perfect timing to conquer the True Dragon's territory today. Today marks the rise of Kaidilosi, the future great evil True Dragon of the Astral Plane!"
The Young Red Dragon spewed sparks, turning his head to gaze down with fiery eyes at the mages who dared not make any unnecessary movements.
"As for you humans, obediently open your minds, let me plant a contract of enslavement, become my hounds, and serve me. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind tasting mage flesh."
The Young Red Dragon Kadilos grinned viciously, opening his maw to reveal long, sharp teeth stained with traces of blood.
"Mage flesh, filled with magic, should satisfy my palate."
Kaidilosi, his body over eighteen meters long, stepped forward, his thick claws causing the front edge of the low hill's cliff to crack and collapse beneath his feet.
Chunks of broken rock and soil tumbled down from the cliff, crashing into the edges of the camp.
High-Ranking Mage Luman's face showed bitterness. He even considered fleeing alone, diving into the planar Teleportation Magic Circle.
But activating the massive magic circle required time; it couldn't run continuously—a Consumption even wealthy mages were unwilling to bear.
He could only set aside his pride and step forward,
bowing his head to the Young Red Dragon and saying, "We... are willing to submit, mighty Red Dragon Lord. But I demand the respect due to a High-Ranking Spellcaster."
"Heh," the Young Red Dragon folded his wings and leaped down from the low hill. His heavy body sank into the soft earth, leaving four distinct, deep impressions.
The Young Red Dragon slowly walked up to the high-ranking mage, then suddenly extended a claw and flicked it, sending the motionless mage tumbling to the ground.
"Respect? Before the Great Red Dragon, all creatures are only worthy of bowing their heads and becoming obedient slaves. Even you, a spellcaster, are no exception," said the Young Red Dragon, his crimson pupils revealing his arrogance and contempt for the mage.
"Unless you are more powerful than I am, stuff that idea of seeking respect back into your big ass. Obedience is the prerequisite for your survival, mage. Next time, do not utter such foolish words in my presence, or I will crush you directly!"
The Young Red Dragon's menacing tone and brutal nature were unmistakably evident, reflecting the typical personality and behavior of most Red Dragons.
Perhaps the other great True Dragon s that High Mage Lumen encountered within the True Dragon's territory had given him a mistaken impression. Kalon and his True Dragon were entirely different.
Faced with the choice between preserving his pride or his life, the High Mage did not hesitate for a moment.
He once again lowered his head deeply and responded in a low voice, "Yes, mighty Lord Kaidilosi!"
Satisfied, the Young Red Dragon paced and cast a contract spell of enslavement upon the High Mage.
This Contract Magic used the True Dragon's bloodline to enslave others, placing little mental burden on the True Dragon itself.
Traditionally, True Dragons used it to enslave other powerful warriors, as not all of a True Dragon's minions were as loyal as Dragonborn.
Even among those monsters influenced by dragon blood or created by True Dragon s—the Dragonborn—there were many instances of rebellion against their True Dragon masters.
Within the lore of many True Dragon s, there were numerous examples of powerful True Dragon s being betrayed and slain by their own Dragonborn.
Their scales became the Dragonborn's armor, their teeth and claws their weapons, and their bones their trophies.
Interestingly, White True Dragon s topped this infamous list.
The most famous example was a Mature White Dragon defeated by its own created Dragonbornin a one-on-one duel.
This Mature White Dragon was then slain by its Dragonborn, who usurped its lair and territory.
This Dragonborn was the infamous Dragonwing King, Dismasen, renowned for his pair of enormous black True Dragon wings.
It was said that Dragonwing King Dismasen possessed the bloodline of a certain Abyssal Demon God, which awakened after he became a True Dragon's Dragonborn.
His massive wings could fan destructive flames, and his True Name, hidden within the True Dragon's blood and his own awakened Demon God's blood, held the power of devouring.
After the Dragonwing King's usurpation of the White True Dragon's lair and slaying of the Mature White Dragon became known, several True Dragon s of unknown color attacked Dismasen's lair on a dark and stormy night.
The details of the battle remain unknown, but the five Ancient Dragons of unknown color, along with Dragonwing King Dismasen and the entire region for thousands of miles around the lair, were all plunged into the endless Abyss, never to appear on the Prime Material Plane again.
This event was regarded as a disgrace by all knowledgeable Chromatic Dragon and was etched into the True Dragon's bloodline inheritance as a warning to future generations.
The enslavement magic used by the Young Red Dragon Kadilos was jointly developed by certain Ancient Dragons of unknown color after these vivid examples, specifically to enslave powerful, promising, and talented subordinates.
This was also a stroke of luck for Kaidilosi—a spell he awakened from his slumber during the transition from juvenile to young adult—which matched his personality of viewing all creatures as slaves.
However, among all present, only this High Mage was worthy of the Young Red Dragon Kadilosusing this spell.
Although the High Mage could harm the Young Red Dragon under favorable conditions, that was not the reason; rather, the Young Red Dragon feared the High Mage might escape.
The Young Red Dragon pressed his claw tip against High Mage Lumen's forehead, drawing a trace of blood.
Under the Young Red Dragon's magic, the overflowing blood droplets began to writhe as if alive. Subtle runes danced within the blood, weaving into a tiny magic circle before sinking back into High Mage Lumen's forehead.
Then, a horn mark appeared on High Mage Lumen's forehead, identical to the twin horns on the Young Red Dragon Kadilos's head.
Anyone attempting to break the contract on the High Mage would face a counterattack from the power of the Red Dragon's bloodline.
"Excellent. It seems today is indeed my lucky day," said the Young Red Dragon, retracting his claws and ignoring High Mage Lumen's devastated expression.
He turned to the Gnoll beside him and said, "Let's go. Take me to find those True Dragon s. Today, I will defeat them all and trample them underfoot. If you perform well, Gnoll, I will allow you to live."
A smile appeared on the face of the Gnoll chieftain, Yug. He looked towards the horizon, where a crimson-white line tore across the sky, accompanied by the rolling sound of wind and thunder.
He could see the layers of white clouds high above being split by this crimson-white line. The roaring gales lagged far behind this crimson scar across the sky, while the trailing white line resembled the afterburner of a red streak.
At first, the sound was faint, but the rolling wind and thunder soon erupted like lightning flashing and crashing within dark clouds.
In the next moment, it reached their ears, booming thunderously. The arrival was heralded by sound before sight.
Even the Young Red Dragon Kadilos noticed the commotion and raised his head to gaze at the sky.
Eyes sharper than an eagle's in the sky watched the surging heavens.
He completely failed to notice the Gnoll chieftain Yug muttering softly under his breath, "No need to go. He's bringing the True Dragon here. Kadilos, don't be afraid!"
The Young Red Dragon Kadilos saw the true form of that crimson streak tearing across the sky.
It was a Red Dragon—more beautiful, more ferocious, and more majestic than himself, though he was reluctant to admit it.
The Red Dragon's blazing form shattered the resistance of the air. His broad wings cleaved through the wind for the True Dragon following behind.
One by one, True Dragon s followed in the wake of this Red Dragon's wings, riding the gale.
Red, white, blue, black, green, and even a copper-brown True Dragon.
Involuntarily, the Young Red Dragon's jaw dropped. Even confident in his young adult strength, Kaidilosi could not help but be awed by the formation of the charging True Dragon.
"Damn it! To think a Red Copper Dragon—a Metal Dragon—would mix among the Chromatic Dragon. What strange creatures are in this True Dragon? Such a sight was probably only seen in ancient times when True Dragon s ruled the skies and the earth."
The Young Red Dragon Kadilos spread his wings and took to the air. Though he believed his power far surpassed the opponent's, he was not foolish enough to stand still and receive the True Dragon's charge.
He would take the initiative. As long as he knocked down the pathetic Red Dragon at the head of the True Dragon formation, the entire formation would collapse on its own.
Whoosh!
The Young Red Dragon Kadilos churned the winds, flapping his broad wings to accelerate while taking a deep breath, gathering his terrifying Dragonbreath.
After his slumber and evolution, the power of the Young Red Dragon's Dragonbreath had increased immeasurably, now qualifying as High Dragonbreath.
Even a Fire Elemental Lord would suffer damage under the scorching might of High Dragonbreath.
The Young Red Dragon Kadilos did not believe the Juvenile Red Dragon opposite could withstand his Dragonbreath, despite its unusually large physique.
But every True Dragon could roughly discern another True Dragon's age stage, not only by physical characteristics but also through a unique perceptual connection among True Dragons.
Huff!
Accelerating to his maximum speed, the Young Red Dragon's body began to emit flames, with sulfurous vapors steaming from between his scales enveloping him.
Like a cannonball from a heavy artillery piece, he shot through the air, charging straight toward the True Dragon's triangular wedge formation.
Only those on the ground—the mage and the Gnoll—could see clearly. Though the Young Red Dragon's speed was immense, it seemed somewhat sluggish compared to the True Dragon formation, like an old car charging toward a speeding heavy truck.
The two forces drew closer. The True Dragon's charge grew more imposing, and under Kalon's lead, the formation actually accelerated slightly.
Where the True Dragons passed, gales surged, and countless dense, tall forests were bent and broken by the wind, leaving a trail like a giant serpent's path.
"Closer, closer. This distance is enough," the Young Red Dragon Kadilos stirred the magic within him.
Just before colliding with the True Dragon formation, he unleashed his Dragonfire, filled with destruction and the power to incinerate everything to ash.
Rolling Dragonfire, crimson verging on deep red, erupted from the Young Red Dragon's maw.
Amidst the violent sound of air tearing and the explosive crackle of scorching, curling air, the Dragonfire surged toward the True Dragon.
In the eyes of those on the ground—the mage and the Gnoll—the very air seemed to twist and expand under the intense Dragonfire, with exploding vortices roaring in the sky with thunderous might.
Some apprentice mages even covered their ears with their hands to dampen the terrifying noise.
In the next moment, an immense spell shield enveloped all the True Dragons in the Dragon clan.
The source of the surging magical power for this immense spell shield came from several High Mages, led by the Squinty-eyed mage, firmly positioned on the Red Copper Dragon Alfred.
Crackle, crackle!
The moment the Young Red Dragon's Dragonfire met the spell shield, a violent reaction erupted, like blazing fire meeting boiling oil. Their collision rapidly consumed each other, producing crackling explosions.
Meanwhile, Kalon twisted his body. Far more agile than the other True Dragons, he soared upward, avoiding a direct collision with the Young Red Dragon and the latter's lunging claws.
Following his command, the True Dragons behind him scattered to both sides, sweeping past the Young Red Dragon's left and right flanks.
Roar! Kalon bellowed, extending and unsheathing his claws wrapped in Psychic Energy.
In the instant he passed the Young Red Dragon Kadilos, claws as sharp as enchanted armor-piercing weapons tore through the scales on the Young Red Dragon's back, leaving a long, deep gash.
The True Dragons sweeping past the Young Red Dragon's flanks also attacked simultaneously. Though the Green Dragon Antagena and the Black Dragon Rosani had also grown stronger, their power was still too weak compared to the Young Red Dragon.
Their claws scraped across the scales on the Young Red Dragon's sides, leaving only white scratch marks without breaching his defense.
The White Dragon s Gemott and Camid were much cleverer. Gemot was genuinely intelligent.
And Camid, because although White Dragons are the weakest of the Chromatic Dragon, they possess the most exceptional hunting skills among them, as evident from the True Dragon's first hunt of the Wild Boar King during their Juvenile Period.
The two White Dragons claws raked across the Young Red Dragon's wings, tearing them apart like tattered sails.
As they passed the Young Red Dragon, the Blue True Dragon s Akzi and Dos not only extended their claws but also breathed their lightning Dragonbreath onto him, the electricity coursing over his scales.
Only the young the Red Copper Dragon Alfred, though unable to defeat the Young Red Dragon in a head-on confrontation, possessed claws and strength sufficient to breach the Young Red Dragon's body, leaving several wounds on his right side no less severe than those inflicted by Kalon.
This series of actions occurred in an instant, but in that instant, the Young Red Dragon Kadilos's body suffered severe blows.
The wounds on his back and sides instantly gushed copious amounts of boiling dragon blood, causing the confident Young Red Dragon to let out a roar of immense pain.
The damage to his wings also made it difficult for him to maintain balance, and he continued his forward momentum.
In the next moment, he plummeted like a Peng Bird with broken wings, dragon blood raining from the sky.