Ashen Dragon

"Master, you... finally returned."

In front of the portal to the Gloomy Region, Ramp waited cautiously.

He lowered his head, his ugly nose keenly smelling the blood on the Red Dragon, but he didn't say a word.

"Mortifael—that rat in the gutter is dead."

Cassius spoke in a flat tone, as if he were stating the most ordinary matter.

Ramp suddenly thought of Dragon Shadow City, which Mortifael ruled, a city with an advantageous location and thriving trade. Perhaps it could become a frontline stronghold for the Ashen Kingdom's advance into the Gloomy Region.

But the Ogre Mage, observing the Red Dragon's expression, found that Cassius seemed unwilling to speak further, even appearing somewhat impatient, so he immediately abandoned his inquiry.

"Your great power is enough to make the gods tremble."

"From now on, nothing can threaten Northwind Castle again."

Ramp knelt on the ground, respectfully flattering, his massive body resembling a mountain of flesh.

But Cassius seemed somewhat distracted, merely nodded slightly, then flapped his wings and flew towards the Steel Dragonwing Palace in the suburbs of the city.

It was a long time before the kneeling Ramp dared to lift his head, and after confirming that the Red Dragon's figure had disappeared, he took out a golden silk handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

"The master... has become more powerful, but his personality has also changed."

"I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing."

The Ogre Mage looked up at the fiery twilight in the sky, anxiously muttering to himself.

...

Meanwhile, inside the Royal Palace.

Cassius exhaled a breath of sulfurous smoke, his entire body surrounded by white smoke, even sparks flickering in his pupils, and hot flowing flames seeping through the gaps in his scales.

He coldly watched the panel.

[You killed [Lion Guard, Auckland], gained 1800XP]

[You killed [Sword Guardian, Tyrande], gained 1600XP]

[You killed [Human Soldier], gained 400XP]

...

[You killed [Human Groom], gained 5XP]

[You killed [Human Merchant], gained 1XP]

On the way from Northwind Castle to the Royal Palace, he casually destroyed a human caravan coming from Stratholme Fortress for trade.

This caravan was quite wealthy, guarded by several advanced professionals. They were more than sufficient to deal with roadside bandits, or even the snowmen in deep mountains, but it was all futile in the face of the Red Dragon.

These unfortunate humans merely found themselves covered by a massive shadow, looked up in terror, and before they could even shout "Danger!" or "Alert!" the dark red searing fire descended from the sky like a divine punishment.

The flames engulfed and annihilated them, leaving not a trace of struggle.

No one would notice the disappearance of this caravan; it would probably just be a minor entry in a ledger.

Yet this caravan had provided Cassius with the final bit of meager experience.

After hesitating briefly between the "Bloodscaled Fury" and "True Dragon Sorcerer" professions, he made his final choice.

[Your total occupational level reached 17]

[You chose to advance [True Dragon Sorcerer] to level 14]

[Due to dragonkin's innate spellcasting, your current spellcasting level is: 19]

[You are among the top sorcerers in this world, gaining an ability granted by your sorcery origin]

In his memories from a previous life, this level of advancement was a new leap for all professionals. Sorcerers would gain abilities from their sorcery origin, becoming true advanced professionals, kingdom-level masters. This was why he ultimately chose to forego further advancing the Bloodscaled Fury.

[You gained a sorcery origin ability: [Incarnate Ancient Dragon]]

[Incarnate Ancient Dragon]

[True Dragon Sorcerers often seek wisdom from older predecessors or trace those ancient beings their bloodline comes from. To better understand, they might even transform into ancient dragons themselves.

You can choose to incarnate into one of the ordinary true dragons: five-colored dragons, metal dragons, or gem dragons, consuming a drop of True Dragon Blood for the transformation. While incarnated, you become an authentic ancient dragon, possessing all base attributes and spell-like abilities. However, these abilities are mainly for comprehension and can be used only briefly, gradually fading in battle.]

"A good ability."

Cassius commented.

An ancient dragon was among the most powerful beings in the Material Plane. Even a brief experience would be highly beneficial, not to mention the "short duration of use"?

The challenge level of an ancient Red Dragon was 22, and an ancient Gold Dragon a terrifying 23. This strength allowed one to dominate in Erezer; even Cassius would find it hard to defeat an ancient Gold Dragon without using the Breath of Chaos.

[You gained an extra Dragon's Spell: [Primal Hunter]]

Primal Hunter

2nd-level Transmutation

Your muscles swell with ancestral power memories, tensing for rapid movement.

This spell causes your body to recall your ancestors' strength, harking back to the era when they fought for survival. You gain a +5 performance bonus on Climb, Jump, and Swim checks.

"Useless thing."

Cassius's expression turned sour; such a spell was scarcely of any use to a dragon of his level.

[You gained an extra Dragon's Spell: [Dragon's Justice]]

Dragon's Justice

6th-level Transmutation

Bright yellow light emanates from your body, appearing as if you were covered in glowing spikes.

You create a field of arcane force around yourself that deals retaliatory damage to those who attack you. While the spell is active, any creature attacking you with a weapon will suffer piercing damage from the force field.

"This one is still useful."

Cassius casually swayed his head, sparks escaping from the corners of his mouth, feeling the heat flow within.

But he was still pondering that tempting thought just now.

"Kill all life forms in the Prime Material World."

"Continue ruling the Ashen Kingdom... or destroy this world in pursuit of supreme power."

"This might truly be a kind of purification."

The Red Dragon pondered excitedly, the "Heart of Karex" beating powerfully with his strong heart, supplying endless energy through his veins.

He had never felt such abundant energy in his body, as if infinite vitality awaited his release.

"Power."

"This is everything that exists in this world."

Cassius extended his claw, dark red flames spraying from his palm, then suddenly clenched it.

At once, immense energy erupted, making hot winds sweep several miles around.
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He felt unprecedented power surging through his dragon body; even if a deity's incarnation descended, he was confident he could devour it with Chaos Flame—that felt more like boundless ambition.

"Hehehe..."

The Red Dragon bared his fangs in a menacing smile, his wings trembling uncontrollably, seeming to have made a choice.