Beneath the Red Dragon

Karon’s expression shifted as he quietly retracted the illusory figure.

But the cheers seemed never-ending, like the surging waves of the ocean, which, when at low tide, would rise again with even greater force.

Especially when the medals were awarded, the shouts from the crowd were almost unbearable even for the keen-eared Giant Dragons.

The residents, adorned with various styles of gold-crafted medals, stood on the stage beneath the Giant Dragon Lord, basking in the acclamation and adoration of the masses.

The title of Heroic Mother, awarded to a trembling group of women from various races, found them gradually straightening their backs. Under the fluttering flag of the Eye of the Giant Dragon, the cradle-engraved medals on their chests gleamed with a dazzling golden light in the sunlight.

Then there were the labor models—ordinary laborers whose dry, cracked hands trembled as they lifted medals engraved with scythes and rice. Amidst the cheers, they displayed smiles of harvest, much like those facing the fields of bountiful crops.

And dozens of warriors, either standing tall or missing limbs, with tears in their eyes, pressed battle medals engraved with swords against their chests, gazing at the fiercely blowing Giant Dragon flag.

In addition, Goblin Bang Bang, holding a medal engraved with a spark-like pattern, struggled to stand on tiptoe, proudly raising his medal to show off to the people below the steps.

Alchemy enthusiast Ticky was also admiring a medal, engraved with a brain insignia, with keen interest.

From time to time, he lightly tapped the medal against his newly replaced steel teeth, listening to the melodious sound, revealing a proud smile.

The front of these medals may differ, but on the back, they uniformly bear an inscription: "May this world shine like gold, and may civilization be passed down like a beacon of fire!"

And a simple emblem that represents the Giant Dragon, the Eye of the Red Dragon.

After announcing that the arena, the gladiatorial arena, and the grand bathhouse would all be free today, Karon, amidst the hoarse cheers of the crowd, took off with the Dragon Group.

Each Giant Dragon had its destination, and Karon chose the special bathhouse built for dragons—today, everyone celebrates together worldwide!

Two squinting mages stood on the roof of an empty tavern on the outskirts of the square. Although they could use magic to clearly see the distant scenes, both habitually squinted their eyes.

"Hey, teacher, I’m even thinking about joining the Dragon Group Territory. With my abilities, do you think Karon might directly assign me as an advanced official in the Magic Integration Department?"

The black-haired squinting mage said with some emotion, feeling less estranged with his teacher than with his own father while with Hughes.

"With your clumsy skills, you think you qualify as an advanced official? Not unless I join—that might work."

The white-haired squinting mage glanced sideways, slightly contemptuous as he mocked his disciple.

"If you diligently research and create the Mithra Core, or organize the knowledge of the Elemental Pool and build one,"

"Raise the first Mage Tower within the territory, I reckon not only would Karon appoint you as an advanced official in the Magic Integration Department, but you might also receive a medal and have a moment of glory on stage!"

"Ah, it’s not that easy," the black-haired squinting mage said somewhat dejectedly, "many materials for the Mithra Core simply don’t exist in our world, so we have to find substitutes."

"Even with the Magic Integration Department’s numerous mages and scholars working tirelessly day and night, replicating the Mithra Core is no short-term undertaking, as it is the supreme creation of another civilization."

"As for the Elemental Pool, the breadth of knowledge contained within is beyond even you, teacher. The scope is too vast!"

"Heh," the white-haired old mage Lapus squinted, watching the distant Dragon Group take flight, pensively saying, "I somehow feel that Karon might grasp this knowledge faster than us!"