Deep in the dense forest, sunlight shines through the dense leaves on the narrow path. Aralos is riding a war horse, galloping in this territory that belongs to him. His loyal companion Falcon Skarlin is soaring in the sky, chasing prey with other companions.
Suddenly, a sudden noise broke the tranquility of the forest. During the fierce sprint, Alalos suddenly felt a violent shaking, and then he fell heavily from his horse. The dust flew up and the horses galloped in panic, separating him from the rest of his companions. He lay on the ground and shook his head, trying to clear his head of confusion.
The thick forest made Aralos' vision narrow. After a moment, he found that he was surrounded by a strange scene. He had never seen this scene in his territory, as if he had entered an unknown land. He tried to recall what had just happened, but there was only confusion in his mind. He walked aimlessly in this unfamiliar forest, trying to find traces of his companions. Time seems to have stagnated in this quiet sea of trees, and every step seems to be stepping into unknown territory.
Suddenly, Aralos came to a clearing, sunlight filtering through the sparse canopy of trees. The open space is covered with wild flowers, and colorful butterflies dance among the flowers. He stopped and stared at the strange and peaceful scene before him. He could feel an unusual energy, as if there was some mysterious power hidden in this clearing.
Curious, Aralos plunges into exploring the unknown and embarks on a journey through this mysterious clearing.
Araloth is the woodland lord of Tarsien in Athel Loren's "Eternal Forest". Because the Oak of Ages is in Tarsien, Tarsien has become the largest and most prosperous territory in Athel Loren. Warriors have always been the backbone of this great forest.
Although Araloth is the woodland lord of Tarsain, his virtue is not worthy of this position, and he currently does not have the title of "bold" or "brave". On the contrary, there is only "cowardice". Now he is not a hero, but a cowardly lord who has no courage to hunt any prey that can kill him. While others fought in his place, he caroused and hunted with his so-called friends and tried to forget the shame he had escaped.
Lords and spellcasters of the Council of Athel Loren have long been dissatisfied with Tarthayne's status, claiming that it was not due to merit but because both King's Glade and Age Oak were located within Tarthaien. Aralos' cowardly behavior aggravated the mood of the powerful, and dissatisfaction and jealousy arose. There is a kind of posture where I can do it even if I do it.
The dim light of dawn tore through the darkness and illuminated Aralos's face. However, he saw a crescent moon hanging low in the sky above the forest. However, he did not have time to indulge in this beautiful picture, because his His eyes were drawn to the center of the glade.
In the center of the forest glade, an elf girl stood alone. The girl's figure was like a flower in the morning light, exuding a pure and charming atmosphere. Aralos felt a strange power, as if there was an indescribable connection between the elf girl and the low hanging crescent moon.
However, before Aralos could become obsessed with the beauty of the elf girl, his heart suddenly became heavy, because behind the elf girl, a terrifying four-armed demon appeared. The demon's eyes revealed evil cunning, and its four strong arms were full of ferocious power. He realized that the elf girl was facing a crisis.
Alalos mustered up his courage, and his eyes shone with firm determination, because he understood that he must not let the elf girl become the plaything of the terrible demon. Even he was timid and could not accept the elf girl being torn apart by the demon. He took a deep breath and felt the courage surge in his chest. His legs took firm steps, and the hunting spear in his hand shone coldly in the sun, adding firmness to his decision.
As Araloth flew, the hunting spear quickly stabbed the terrifying demon's flank. The demon roared and blood spurted out, but the demon's ferocity was not stopped. The devil's figure was strong and he could easily knock him to the ground in one swing. However, at this critical moment, his partner Falcon Skarlin fell from the sky and tore the demon's eye socket like a bolt of lightning.
The sightless demon fell into a frenzy of flailing. It twisted its body angrily and swung its four arms, but Aralos flexibly avoided its claws with the help of his companions.
The sun and the moon shine together, and the light shines on this open space, reflecting a thrilling life-and-death struggle.
Aralos's heartbeat was accompanied by the sound of violent struggle. He held the hunting spear in his hand tightly and stared at the four-armed demon intently. In the moment when the demon twisted his body angrily, he once again nimbly dodged a violent claw. His eyes were deep and determined, and the hunting spear pierced the demon's heart like lightning, and the violent impact spread throughout his arms.
The demon let out a shrill howl, and its black and red body trembled violently. Blood spurted out, staining its twisted and evil chest red. However, Araloth did not give it a chance to breathe. The next blow was more accurate, and the hunting spear penetrated deeply into the demon's heart.
With Araloth's blow, the demon let out its final wail, and its body began to collapse in the light of the sun and moon. Black and red smoke filled the air, as if the evil breath was dissipating, and then disappeared into the air, as if it had never appeared. He stood on the open ground, his forehead soaked with sweat, but his eyes were no longer full of timidity and hesitation like before, but full of victory and determination.
Then Aralos fell, closing his eyes in amazement at his victory and the courage to win it. Although he fell, his figure still looked solemn and heroic under the light. When he opened his eyes again, the elf girl appeared in front of him. He was just cowardly and timid before, but this does not mean that he is stupid. His perception is that the elf girl is just a disguise and appearance, and the person who really stands in front of him is a goddess.
Lilith's eyes sparkled with the crystal brilliance of the moonlight, and she gently helped Araloth up. The goddess and the noble were walking in the open space, the moon's light gradually overshadowed the sun's light, and they started communicating under the silent night sky. He told how He had observed and counseled the spirits since the beginning of the world, speaking out when the Creator permitted it, and sending messages through dreams when the Creator did not.
"Thank you, Aralos. I saw the courage and justice in your heart, so I chose to appear in front of you." Lilith's voice was like a whisper in the wind, revealing a mysterious and charming atmosphere. His voice is melodious and clear, like a stream flowing in the silence of the night. His eyes stared at Aralos tenderly, as if he could penetrate every thought deep in his heart.
"Then now?" Aralos was speechless for a moment. Lilith in front of him showed endless beauty, as if she were the most dazzling star in the night sky. But he felt that what Lilith said was somewhat inconsistent with his knowledge. He never thought that he was brave. After a moment, he asked curiously, his eyes full of anticipation for the future.
"Now, we will face the next journey together. You are a brave and determined guardian. I chose to appear in this clearing because your heart has always been full of courage and faith." Lilith responded with a smile, His voice is like notes in the night wind, soft and beautiful.
Lilith's response was not what Aralos wanted, but he reacted and he knew that Lilith would appear in front of him, probably because of the tacit approval of the Creator.
"Even the power of the gods will have an end. This is my gift to you. You have got rid of the fear in your heart. In the future, you will become the guardian and hero of the elves. Under the gaze of the gods, you will Shoulder the sacred responsibility." Lilith's voice sounded softly in the night sky, and her tone was full of melancholy. As a prophet, he did not know whether his decision was right or wrong, like Morayig Heg. Place your hopes on Darkus.
"Soon, a great being will come to this woodland. His current name is Darkus..."
Lilith's figure gradually faded with the words, and her beauty in the moonlight seemed to blend into the depths of the night.
As Lilith's figure disappeared, Aralos fell into a deep sleep. When he reopened his eyes, he found himself lying in his own hall, his friends guarding his bedside. Friends told him he fell unconscious from his horse. When he told his friends about the appearance of the goddess and his adventures, they laughed, thinking that it was all just a reverie in his dream.
Aralos felt the ridicule of his companions, and he laughed too. However, the smile was just a faint cover on his face. In his heart, he knew that everything he experienced was real. He didn't want others to think he was crazy, but he understood that some things couldn't be downplayed with words.
"Perhaps, this is really just a dream, a mysterious dream. But no matter what, I will cherish this experience." Alalos said calmly when the laughter faded.
The friends looked at each other, maybe Alaros really had a strange dream when he was in a coma. When they observed Aralos again, they keenly discovered that Aralos was very different from before. Aralos's eyes shone with a firm belief that transcended ordinary people.
"Darkus?" Aralos muttered silently after his friends left.
What no one knows is that the situation in Aralos's dream has been reversed. Maybe only Lilith knows? In a certain timeline when Darkus was not around, Lilith actually gave three gifts to Aralos. In addition to making Aralos courageous, the second gift was to give Aralos' children, Lilith and Aralos. The third gift was a brand new world... However, with the appearance of Darkus, everything was broken, and the next two gifts no longer existed.
——Springtwen
, Bargeer and Berg-Schoon did not fly directly to Lauren Loren in the north, but flew to Dragon Castle.
There is a peak on the edge of the gray mountains, towering and steep, like a sleeping dragon lying on the earth. Due to factors such as the shape of the peak resembling a dragon and the fact that the peak actually has a dragon, the peak is called Dragon Castle. Below the mountain peak is the Reikland of the Human Empire. This mountain peak can be faintly seen from the human settlements from Warburg Territory to Viborg.
The vertical cliffs of Dragon Castle are like the scales of a newly awakened dragon, carved with knives and axes, carving out endless cliffs. The foot of the mountain is like a dragon's tail, winding and full of unknown dangers. The mountain is covered with a thin layer of topsoil, like the dragon scales of a dragon castle. Although it is thin, it hides endless temptations and dangers.
Climbers step on this loose earth, and every step seems to touch the deep secrets of Dragon Castle. The loose topsoil is like a thin veil, hiding the mysterious appearance of Longbao. In addition to the steep cliffs, the ridge of Dragon Castle is also dotted with jagged rocks, like the sharp teeth of a dragon, ready to tear apart any challenger. Climbers need to skillfully traverse between these rocks and be careful not to be killed by the dragon's teeth if they are not careful.
In addition, avalanches are another threat faced by climbers in Longbao. The avalanche is like the roar of a dragon castle, always ready to surge downwards and sweep all life into the ice and snow. Climbers must always be vigilant, anticipate signs of avalanches, and quickly find safe shelter.
However, in history, there were indeed fearless or death-defying climbers who climbed up Dragon Castle. In addition to flying dragons, basilisks, and manticores, the most famous resident of Dragon Castle was the one known as the "Scythe of Fire." The red dragon Caleder, but in addition to Caleder, there is actually a red dragon.
Ashdalon is an ancient red dragon full of time. He is Caleder's spouse. Unlike other red dragons who live alone, they have always lived together. His body was bathed in the wind and frost of the years, and his scales shone with ancient glory, as if he had witnessed the passage of countless time. But everything changed with the arrival of a climber. In that conflict, his heart suffered a fatal injury, and the pain was deeply engraved on his dragon soul.
Although Ashdalon's existence is as old as Dragon Castle, he has an almost desperate attachment in his heart. The elf standing in front of him could see the endless desire in his ancient pupils, hoping to continue that ancient and glorious life, no matter how high the price was.
"I can't go with you, I have to protect him." Kaledale, who was standing in front of Ashdalon, shook his head and responded after listening to Splinterwen's story.
Just like human records, Caleder, who loves apples, has not appeared for a long time, and the reason for her not appearing is to protect her spouse. Her spouse can no longer go through another battle, and she cannot accept that she is Putting her mate at risk of death while foraging, let alone heading into the northern forests.
As mentioned before, Kalledale and Springwin live in the same place, and both are active in the Gray Mountains. It's just that Kalledale and Ashdalon live further north, and Spring The place where Twin lives is further south, but it makes no difference to the flying red dragon... It can be said that if you don't see it when you look down, you will see you when you look up.
Splinterwen, who was familiar with Caleder and Ashdalon, chose to talk to the pair of the same kind when he was going to and from Lauren Loren. Being cunning, he still hoped to attract more of the same kind. Having been enslaved, he knows the horror of being enslaved, and according to Maloch's description, the enslaver now is stronger than he was thousands of years ago. Although Bajir said a lot to him, he brought more people of his kind to take care of each other. At least when something happened, he would have a chance to escape. "It's difficult... but it can be cured." The elf who accompanied the three dragons said after looking at Ashdalon's horrific wound for a while.
The elf's words attracted Ashdalon's attention. Faced with the coming of death, he did not choose to give up lightly. He is willing to do whatever is necessary and risk everything to prevent his own death.
"How to cure it?" After a while, Ashdalon's voice echoed in the silent air, and the whole space was filled with a smell of sulfur, as if his majesty and calmness were integrated into it. He stared at the elf, longing and hesitation flashing in his ancient pupils.
The elf did not respond immediately. The staff in her hand emitted a faint and mysterious light, and the runes on the staff formed gorgeous patterns in the air, indicating that a ceremony was about to begin. Then she put her staff on the ground, and more runes on the staff gradually appeared, like stars in the sky. As the divination progressed, her eyes peered through the veil of time to see visions of the future. The flickering of the runes gradually became brighter, shining like stars in the starry sky.
In the elf's mind, images of the future began to emerge clearly. She saw that Ashdalon was out of serious trouble, the red dragon's fire of life was rekindled, and the picture of soaring in the sky was gradually outlined in her mind. However, there were also some unknown factors contained in the illusion, which made her feel a little uneasy.
The corners of Ashdalon's mouth trembled slightly, a glint of expectation mixed with fear of the unknown. Under the shadow of death, he felt the desire for life and the desire for continuation deep in his heart.
"It is not easy to heal such an injury. It requires an ancient ritual, using the power of nature, and it requires your cooperation and trust, but this... seems to have become a paradox." The elf realized that Ah Ashdalon's inner conflict is evident in the desire and desire for life to continue shining in Ashdalon's eyes, but she also detects a shadow of distrust.
"She's right. This is indeed a paradox. Can you expect them to come to your lair and provide you with treatment? And is there a natural power here?" Splinterwin interrupted impatiently, As a red dragon, of course he knows the thoughts of Caleder and Ashdalon. If they want to be treated, they have to go out, but Ashdalon cannot withstand the torment, which is likely to ruin Ashdalon's life inexplicably. Yes, this is a paradox at present.
"You two just wait here!" Splinterwin said while wagging his tail impatiently, then turned and left.
"I can help you ask..." After Bagir and Berg-Schon looked at each other, Berg-Schon said with a sigh, and then turned and left.
——After
wandering around for a few days, Darkus was idle again. He did not find any Bagir's lair. Instead, he found Drake's lair based on the information provided by Maranur, but he did not bother De. Lake, in his opinion, this is completely different from seeing Malok through the Cruel Fang. Now he doesn't even have a weapon, he doesn't want to face a sleeping red dragon, and he has killed a dragon before, so he is not interested for the time being. Killed the second one, and he and Drake didn't seem to have much to talk about.
Darkus continued to write and draw, studying what to do after returning to the New World, and what to say after meeting Finubar. He is waiting, he is waiting for his companions to recover, and after activating the three ancient saint creations in the east, west, north and west of Lauren Loren and blowing up the Silver Mountain, he can continue his journey.
After Lindyalok accompanied Darkus around the Shower Area, he said hello and left, returning to the Frostfall Area. The current Frostfall Area is full of messes. How to dismantle human settlements? Marist is now in charge of rebuilding Kol Imamoor and how to capture Hagendorf and turn it into a port belonging to Enir.
Darkus spent the night chatting with Lindyalok before he left. Compared with Marist, he felt that he had a better chat with Lindyalok. The two of them talked about many things, such as how to rebuild Cole Imamoor, how to handle the next trade, and how to purchase cold lizards. He could feel Lindyalok's distrust of Marist in his words, even though Marist had done a very good job?
However, in Lindyalok's view, this is not the case. Due to the Treaty of Leaves, there has always been an irreconcilable conflict between the Frostfall District and Tal Litanel regarding the territory and humans. Elwin As the first family to build Cole Imamoor, the family has always had the absolute right to rule the Frostfall area and has absolute claims.
In Lindyalok's view, the successive Queens of Lauren Loren sacrificed the interests of the Frostfall Zone in exchange for other political interests. This is why he allowed Marist's dead brother to stay in Cole Immamore. one. In his opinion, everything Marist did in their absence was for himself, not for the Frostfall Zone. If he had not needed to recuperate in the Golden Pool, he would have returned to the Frostfall Zone long ago.
The conversation that night left a deep impression on Darkus. To a certain extent, Lindyalok's words directly taught him a lesson, just like looking at the same thing. Everyone's perspective is different. And within Lauren Loren, just like Ulthuan and Naggaroth, there is a sense of living together and staying together for warmth. There are various overt and covert contradictions and differences between them, central and local? Monarchs and nobles?
Lindyalok left, but Elano did not. After seeking Elano's opinion, he agreed with Elano's opinion. Elano's service period is over, and Elano will follow Dak next. Us. In his opinion, this is not bad. Elano is a senior officer in the Frostfall Zone, but it is different with Darkus. Elano has changed from an officer to a messenger and observer, and can observe Dark While keeping Us and the New World together, it can also feed him some information, allowing him to keep in touch with Dako Us at any time.
As for Elanor's brother Gavinor... it's a bit embarrassing. After the experience of Amanweil, the huge Lauren Loren no longer has a place for him. He and the sons of Asuryan were exiled by Aenir society. . Darkus chatted with him once, and with the expression of sign language and expressions, he chose to go with Elanor to accompany Darkus to see the outside world, stay away from this land that no longer needed him, and prove again One's own worth and belief in Asuryan.
Tolandir? He chose to follow Darkus. In his opinion, following Darkus was more exciting than staying in Lauren Loren. Moreover, he was the last bloodline of the Hongye family. Apart from the dependents, he had no worries or anchors.
Darkus has a complicated attitude towards Tolandir. He can feel that his sister is in love. He can feel that Colonia likes the eloquent bard. However, some rules cannot be broken. , there are default rules in the Hell Calamity family, and Colonia has a very important presence in the family. Its direct lineage and high strength have a posture of being second to Anasara. Unless Tolandir is willing to give up Hongye's surname? However, he didn't think Tolandil could get used to staying in Nagaroth. Nagaroth and Lauren Loren were completely different styles and environments.
While some rules cannot be broken, there is room for maneuver. Maranur didn’t want his sister’s second love affair to end in vain again, so he shared some sexy moves with Dacus, such as naming rights...
Dacus laughed at Maranur’s idea. In his opinion, this can be done, but... there will be many troublesome things in the future. He has adopted a laissez-faire attitude for the time being. At least there are no particularly obvious signs between Colonia and Tolandir. Maybe they are just lovers? He wouldn't use his own morals to restrain the people around him, and then he pulled Tolandir and said what does it matter if he has something or not? When Tolandil is scared away, what will his sister think?
In addition to some bad accidents, Maranur also brought back some information. Although Morkin's ax has not been traced so far, some new things have appeared during the excavations, including the dwarf's power system, which is a steam engine. , used to drive those logging devices, a second nuclear bomb-level doomsday anvil also appeared.
In addition, there are some new things, which are a bit like experimental repeating ballistae, and they look different. One looks like an enlarged version of the Druch repeating crossbow, and the other is a bit strange. Looking at the sketch, Darkus feels more like the FLAK38*20mm quadruple anti-aircraft gun, which is Santoku's. The quadruple 20mm cannon was probably used by the dwarves for anti-aircraft purposes during the War of Revenge?
As long as the dragon dives, the quadruple-mounted crossbow can fire four crossbow arrows into the air at the same time, achieving concealment and sudden effect? Otherwise, in Darkus' view, this thing would be an experimental product and completely useless. Highlighting a one-shot deal, after all, being able to shoot four at the same time also represents a long CD of repeated reloading.
But overall, these two experiments have great reference significance, and the most important thing is that with the upgrade of steel quality and mass production, Druch actually has the ability to make artillery, and adding sugar to a gas tank is even more important. The sprinkle thing. As for whether to point out the Napoleonic artillery, which is a collection of front-loaded artillery, or point out the breech-loading artillery before World War I, or stick to the ballista, this question has been bothering Darkus.
Darkus is actually quite resistant to engaging in a magic-like battle mode. This is no longer a question of steel and artillery. Druchi's entire military and social system must abandon tradition and adapt to the new era. And it involves a lot, such as the elves' aversion to firearms and the fine tradition of using crossbows. Of course, this is not important. What is important is the upgrade of gunpowder across the ages, from black gunpowder to yellow gunpowder.
Maybe let humans help? Be a cannon fodder? Look at Tzeentch’s attitude? If Tzeentch pinched his nose and recognized it, he would definitely turn his head to study the artillery when the elves and humans were fighting. Or perhaps seek change when the water pipes are repaired and the winds of magic become thinner?
Darkus, who was still sleeping in, was awakened by a sudden loud noise. There was a rush of footsteps outside the tent, and then Genevieve rushed into the tent.
"Dragon!" Genevieve's voice was full of panic and nervousness, and her eyes showed an expression of disbelief.
"A forest dragon..." Darkus, who was still a little confused, looked at Genevieve and asked. However, he got up from the bed in the middle of the sentence because he knew that Genevieve had met him when he was in Jinchi. After passing Bajir, if Genevieve saw Bajir, it would be impossible for her to have such a big reaction.
"Three! In addition to the previous forest dragon, there is another forest dragon, and the other one seems to be a red dragon!" Genevieve said while holding Darkus' clothes.
When Darkus came out of the tent, the other companions also rushed out of the tent, holding weapons and with solemn expressions ready for battle. As for the Enils who were camped near the Golden Pond, a riot broke out. In shock, they retreated into the forest with their families, relatives and friends.
In Darkus' field of vision, a red dragon was flapping its wings in mid-air, and the air flow swept over the ground like a tidal wave, shaking the tent near the golden pond. The red dragon's pupils flashed with warning light, filling Jinchi with a tense atmosphere. However, he found that the red dragon showed no obvious fighting intention, did not emit threatening flames, and did not adopt an aggressive posture. The fanning of its wings and the vigilant eyes seemed more like a defensive posture.
If the red dragon wanted to fight, it should have spit out destructive flames, instead of remaining in this relatively calm state. By the time the elves were ready for battle, the red dragon would have had no chance.
"What, shaking people?"
Darkus knew that this red dragon was not the Marlock he saw a few days ago, could it be? Marlock can't come by himself, so why not send a little brother? However, this posture didn't seem like it. He looked at Berg-Schoon and Bagir who had already landed. Although he didn't know Berg-Schoon, he knew Bagir. He pointed at Bagir. Pointing at the red dragon in the air, he asked.
"He was a little wary. During the war between you and the dwarves, he was killed by you..." "
If you want to have a conversation, I suggest you come down. My neck is not good and I am not suitable for lying up all the time." Bagir said. , Darkus understood. He knew that during the Battle of Revenge, Elandriel not only controlled Maloch, but also controlled some other red dragons. Although he still didn't know why this red dragon, which had hatred against the elves, appeared here, he still stretched out his hand, waved friendly to the red dragon, and then pointed to an open space and said.
Splinterwen was surprised. Darkus's attitude was beyond his expectation, which made him hesitate secretly. He could feel that the bow and arrow held by Darkus contained powerful power. After some psychological struggle, he finally chose to land. His huge wings flapped gently and his figure slowly landed. After landing on the ground, he still remained alert and made a gesture of taking off at any time.
Just when Splinterwen landed, Darkus noticed an elf he had never seen before standing next to Bagir. He looked like he was dressed like Enil? But then he recognized who this person was. After all, the dress was too iconic and unique, but there was something missing that prevented him from recognizing it immediately. What he didn't expect was an Aslay. It's so rare to actually visit Lauren Loren with the dragon.
Darkus ignored Splinterwen who had already landed, but handed the Star Bow to Drusala. He adjusted his appearance and walked enthusiastically towards the Aslay. Spread your hands, then turn into a hug.
"Liv!"
No one likes to watch elves fighting magic battles, right?