Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1588 - 548: The Long-Awaited Dragon Knight (Part 2)

"I expect full compliance in executing the decrees and issues we've already deliberated and resolved; no delays, no interference, and certainly no concessions from anyone," Prince Menia declared with utmost seriousness.

...

Several hours stretched out as the meeting continued.

Once it concluded, the others departed, yet Rein remained behind.

Just as Rein prepared to exit, a female attendant approached, inviting him to the adjacent garden because Prince Menia wished to see him.

This particular garden sat at the farthest eastern point of the Imperial Palace, standing as the sole side garden that had endured somewhat intact from the previous brutal conflict, though countless flowers lay with petals scattered, leaving behind mere clusters of bellflowers and lisianthus that radiated an aura of desolation.

Menia continued holding intimate talks with Elder Ivan and the remaining royal elders, leaving Rein to stroll solitary through this regal garden, his mind drifting far and wide.

From the rise of righteous gods back in ancient days to the brilliant array of demigod-tier might during antiquity, there's no denying that today's world marks a clear downturn.

This stems in part from the effects of energy tides.

Additionally, the bulk of powerful figures these days shy away from daring advancements, convinced they can't measure up to the gods and stand no chance against the Evil God.

In such a bleak setting, how might one truly seize control of their fate?

"Rein, what's on your mind?" came a refined woman's voice at that instant—Menia, elegant and composed.

"Not much, just a touch of melancholy."

"Oh, and Menia, I suspect you'll face tough challenges ahead," Rein replied, shaking his head.

Carlos II's downfall had abruptly thrust a massive weight of the Empire onto Menia's back, and amid the present chaos, even her ascension to Empress would feel like enduring relentless torment.

Steering clear of deeper discussion on that, Menia chuckled and remarked:

"Rein, on that note, ever since you took on the role of Imperial Guardian, you haven't picked a Giant Dragon companion yet. Have you settled on one? Will it be the Red Dragon, or perhaps another from the Five-Colored Giant Dragons?"

"Given your prowess, you could straightaway bind a contract with a Five-Colored Giant Dragon at the Extremely Old Dragon Level."

Rein had pondered this choice before.

Initially, he'd leaned toward a Red Dragon to boost the potency of his Red Dragon Secret Technique 'Molten Core Flame.'

Yet after acquiring the unique talent 'Multi-Headed,' he managed to unleash 'Molten Core Flame' independently, rendering a Giant Dragon alliance unnecessary.

Thus, Rein now favored selecting a Giant Dragon excelling in melee combat, enhanced by his metallic armor to sharpen his fighting edge—like a Black Dragon...

Naturally, one with swift aerial speed would prove ideal as well.

His special skill 'Shadow Shifting' shone brightly, but it drained spiritual energy heavily and fell short for extended journeys.

Still, partnering with a Giant Dragon hinged on the creature's consent; it demanded mutual agreement.

As for Red Dragon King Straz, Rein had mulled it over, but first, its role carried profound emblematic weight as the ally to the prior and the one-before-last Empire Emperors.

Moreover, Rein figured on reserving the Red Dragon King for Menia.

"Maybe the Black Dragon? What are your thoughts, Menia?"

"That suits you well; looks like you've decided. Shall we head there now? I'll join you for a visit."

"Absolutely!"

Before long, guided by Menia, Rein navigated past multiple layers of sentinels and descended below ground.

Rein at last grasped that hidden enigmas lurked beneath the Imperial Palace.

"This is a... Half-plane?" Rein blurted out in astonishment.

Unlike the tangible realm, a Half-plane resembled an additional compartment in a cabinet, offering distinct storage, yet distinct from a full Secret Realm, it skipped teleportation needs and allowed direct entry, much like slipping into a creased dimension.

"Yes, this Half-plane dates back to the era of Atlas the Great," Menia clarified.

"That said, its inherent instability demands ongoing fortification, and to avert mishaps, it functions solely as a lounge for mature Giant Dragons."

"Got it." Rein acknowledged with a nod.

No surprise there.

Had the baby and juvenile dragons from Dragon Valley Secret Realm been sheltered in this Half-plane under the Imperial Palace, their safety would have soared.

Rein spotted vast dragon lairs stretching in sequence, lining the lengthy passageway's flanks.

For the first time, he beheld such a multitude of dragon lairs; in the outside world, encountering this grand display would prove elusive.

The Dragan Empire's dragon heritage truly justified its foundations.

"Truth be told, Rein, I first planned to suggest a spot possibly hiding a slumbering Metallic Dragon lair for you, but I realized that while Metallic Dragons align with your style, their fiery dispositions make partnership improbable." Menia noted while they proceeded.

"Metallic Dragon?" Rein halted, arching his brows.

Metallic Dragons appeared in old chronicles he'd read, but they seemed to vanish from records by antiquity's close, with scant mentions in modern eras.

To think a live Metallic Dragon persisted.

"Correct, clues point to an ancient Steel Dragon's repose site, uncovered centuries prior, though to spare intrusion, the Empire stationed watchers without pursuing more." Menia detailed.

"Where exactly?" Rein inquired with keen interest.

Rein knew well he held four contract slots for pets, and following Swift Hoof Little Black's demise, two spots stood empty.

This allowed him to claim a Black Dragon now and still pursue the fabled Steel Dragon if it proved real.

Besides, via the system turning it into a combat pet, he'd bypass any wrath from its temperament.

"Oh? You're quite intrigued, Rein? Still, my warning stands: Metallic Dragons possess wildly unpredictable tempers."

"I get it; I only wish to check it out."

"Fine, it's in Casweis Province; I'll have the attendant pass the precise details to you shortly." At Rein's words, Menia agreed with a nod.

"We've arrived; up ahead lies a Black Dragon's lair, home to Azurax, one of the Empire's mere two Extremely Old Dragon Level Black Dragons."

Abruptly, Menia paused and gestured toward a cavern branching from the forward corridor, announcing.

"Just two? What's the whereabouts of the second?" Rein questioned with curiosity.

...

At the same time.

Federation Capital, Anthohol.

Within the Parliament Building's uppermost conference chamber.

Around a lengthy table, over a dozen esteemed Federation officials gathered, engrossed in debate. This occasion, Vice Speaker Bertrand occupied a seat midway on the right.

Presiding centrally was Lawson Powell, the Federation Speaker, a silver-haired elder drawing on a pipe, his features etched with years, though sharp glints often ignited in his narrowed gaze.

"Gentlemen, you've reviewed the situation report and proposals from Sword Saint Lord Terrio; I'd value your views on this." Lawson intoned heavily.

"I stand against it; the Floating City Ruins conceal ancient Goblin tech vital to the Federation. Partnering with the Empire means they'd harvest plenty of that Goblin knowledge during the delve."

"I concur in opposition; this deal harms Federation gains while benefiting the Empire. I hold deep admiration for Sword Saint Lord's individual skill, but in affairs of state, Lord Terrio evidently lacks finesse."

"Er... If the Empire provides fair exchanges, perhaps joint exploration merits a thought."

"Bertrand, your take? You hosted Menia's Empire Delegation last time; Prince Menia now effectively leads the Empire." Lawson solicited Bertrand's input nearby, adding.

...