Dragon Monarch System Chapter 1006:- Terror of Ancient Dragon

~4 minute read · 999 words
Previously on Dragon Monarch System...
Leo awakened an ancient black dragon imprisoned for nearly 10,000 years, recounting its past ambitions for empire and its capture as an experimental subject. He revealed a weapon forged from divine dragon blood to slay the Dragon Monarch, ordering the enraged beast to assault the Istarin Empire as bait before turning it into a mindless puppet. The dragon then approached Aetheria City, unleashing golden flames on the guards amid their peaceful morning.

Once a key city before the Radiant Empire's massive split, this place saw its people react with fury when news spread that their Emperor had disastrously scattered tens of thousands of spies across the Dragon Monarch's domains. Not one soul in the empire refrained from cursing him.

From nobles and elites to ordinary folk, everyone whispered curses against the King.

Such idiotic moves baffled both commoners and aristocrats alike. Why provoke the Dragon Monarch, supreme among all empires spanning the six continents? Endless choices existed, yet their ruler targeted the forbidden one.

Repeated tales and sights warned of the perils in challenging the Dragon Monarch. Just a year prior, a grand coalition boasting the mightiest empire on the Dying Isle Continent failed utterly against him and his lands.

Many foresaw the clash dragging on for months or even years, given the vast armies and supplies both sides commanded for prolonged warfare.

In signature fashion, the Dragon Monarch seized control personally, obliterating the foes entirely. He spearheaded frontline assaults, shattering their top cultivators.

His dominance left the enemy empire—particularly the Oracle Alliance—with no option but to dispatch assassins aiming for his demise.

That was back then, when his fledgling Istarin Empire's forces remained relatively weak. Circumstances have shifted dramatically now. Even absent their Dragon Monarch, the Istarin Empire could overrun this puny realm in mere days.

Rumors swirled strongly of the Istarin Empire possessing hundreds of aerial vessels primed to raze any city—or entire empires—via relentless cannon barrages.

Thus, the King's folly exacted a hefty toll: the empire's great schism. Though some grumbled at the division, most citizens buzzed with joy at joining the Istarin Empire.

Swift transformations swept the city within days, enhancing daily lives positively rather than harming them.

A baseline wage now applied universally, barring nobles and wealthy from underpaying workers based on race or class.

Taxes dropped, delighting all save the nobles. Lower levies paired with free schooling for kids and cut-rate medical care for families—who could complain?

Integration into the Istarin Empire unlocked myriad prospects instantly. Affiliation slashed costs, rendering everything more accessible.

Another swift shift: upon annexation, city troops shipped off for six weeks of drills to match Istarin standards.

For instance, unlike other empires' forces, the Dragon Monarch's soldiers showed superior discipline and drive, free of graft—with corrupt ones facing instant execution or cultivation ruin.

Capital detachments arrived to fill the gap, assuming duties during training. Safety soared overnight. Gangs and thugs faced massive sweeps in days, while theft and robberies plunged 90% in the first fortnight.

Over just two months, residents' living standards skyrocketed. Beggars and homeless vanished from streets these days.

Previously, beggar factions brawled over street territories for exclusive begging rights.

Peace and stability now reigned.

Yet tranquility shattered soon enough. As though envious fiends plotted against their calm, a colossal Black Dragon descended to shatter it.

Golden flames erupted in a vast surge from the Dragon's maw.

Guards hastily erected mana shields for cover, yet the blaze struck an unseen force.

A shimmering, bubble-shaped shield materialized visibly. Flames splashed outward upon impact, scattering every which way.

"This is the barrier our King crafted personally for us." Soldiers thrilled at the sight.

"Inside the city, we're secure." New recruits' budding panic evaporated. Veterans, having endured graver perils, stayed stoic.

Their faces held steady focus, unlike the rookies.

Simultaneously, alarm bells pealed across the city, alerting dwellers to the assault.

Gates slammed shut at the signal. Queuers and recent exiters dashed back inside, knowing no delays awaited.

Hundreds stranded outside, too slow to reach safety.

"Hey! Let us in!" Terrified crowds eyed the Black Dragon, then pounded the massive entry doors desperately.

Door-closing soldiers exchanged hesitant glances, torn on action.

Prime protocol demanded sealing gates instantly during attacks—open ones risked massive losses or breached defenses.

"What do we do?"

"I don’t know." Unease flickered among them. They loathed abandoning sworn charges to death—blame would haunt them. Yet defying drilled rules invited dire penalties post-battle.

Suddenly, the Captain crested the wall, fresh from his office amid the Dragon's strike.

"Crack the doors just enough for safe entry. Meanwhile, distract and occupy the Black Dragon." His mana-amplified command reached every ear. Spotting their leader, relief washed over all; direction enabled flawless synchronization.

"On my mark, ready solar cannons." Troops unveiled and primed the weapons. Enhanced models needed 30 seconds to charge for full potency.

"Archers and mages, unleash arrows and spells. Harass the Black Dragon."

"Fear not. His Majesty's barrier endures even its assaults." Not even volleys from several Peak 5th-order experts could crack it.

Dozens of arrow-firing contrivances aimed at the beast. Per orders, they loosed thousands simultaneously.

Arrows blotted the Black Dragon's sky, resembling swarms of tiny insects hurtling toward it.

The Dragon twitched briefly before mighty wingbeats whipped up gales that scattered the volley.

Nearly 50 mana-infused arrows pierced the winds, striking true.

Harmless pricks at worst—like mere tickles to the beast.

Spells followed in droves, hundreds slamming the Black Dragon, igniting blasts. Soldiers eased, assuming impact.

"Don't celebrate yet. This Peak 5th-order Dragon shrugs off such barrages—lucky if scales get scratched." Captain's caution sobered them, faces darkening.

True to his words, winds cleared smoke revealing pristine Black Dragon hide.

"No way!"

"Zero damage!!"

"I'd wager this Dragon tops even elite Peak 5th-order foes, dominating peers effortlessly." Ordinary ones would've shown wounds from that onslaught.

And casters were mostly Beginner 5th-order or Peak 4th-order troops.

"No sweat!!"

"Solar Cannons, fire on command." Golden orbs bloomed at cannon muzzles, intensifying steadily.

The Black Dragon refused to permit it. Briefed beforehand on these odd guns, the Ancient one acted.

Its jaws parted, forging a diamond-form Golden Flame for devastation.

"Fire!!!!"

Five solar cannons blasted as one, beams merging into a titanic ray. Its brilliance mimicked a tiny sun hovering over the city, dazzling wall sentries and ground watchers alike.

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Truly, heartfelt thanks to everyone for the golden tickets and gifts! Let's keep the momentum!!!