Ashen Dragon

Inside the gates of the City of Isdalia, banners fluttered and the crowd surged.

Tens of thousands of Imperial People gathered here, crowding along the wide roads, waving banners and flags in their hands, releasing tidal waves of cheers to welcome the returning Imperial Army.

"For the Empire! For His Majesty Cassius!"

"Welcome home, National War Heroes!"

"Under the wise leadership of His Majesty Cassius, the Empire has once again achieved a great victory!"

"Warm celebration for the return of our Imperial Heroes!"

In this fervent atmosphere, the soldiers of the Empire lined up in neat formations, marching forward with heads held high into the city, their standard boots striking the ground in loud, synchronized sounds.

One after another, steam tanks slowly entered, their engines running at low intensity, emitting dull roars.

They too were "heroes" of the National War, having killed countless demons on the battlefield, their tracks stained with the purple-black blood, turning them spotty with blood.

"Cassius above..."

"It's a steam tank! This is our Empire's trump card!"

"What kind of Monster could possibly damage these heavy Imperial weapons!"

"Look, that's the Emperor's Furious Wrath! It's said it has slain tens of thousands of demons on the battlefield!"

At that moment, the "Emperor's Furious Wrath" was not only covered in scars, but its left side armor also bore a frighteningly long scratch.

However, this was not merely damage, it also showcased the steam tank's distinguished service in battle against large monsters like the Demon Hunting Spider and the Massacre Demon.

A Dragon Vein Goblin with a "National Hero" medal emerged from the tank, excitedly waving at the crowd and shrieked:

"Long Live the Empire!"

"Long Live His Majesty Cassius!"

And the onlookers, not caring about this "hero's" Goblin Race, enthusiastically responded, following his lead in shouting "Long Live the Empire."

This Goblin named Bill, also featured in the Imperial Daily for his achievements in killing several Demon Hunting Spiders,

was given honorary titles such as "Loyal Imperial Tank Commander" and "Three-Foot Giant," and was seen as a hero by many physically weaker, oft-despised races like goblins and Kobolds.

"Whirr——"

Steam whistles spouted bursts of white smoke, like steel beasts roaring, and this grand procession amazed the spectating citizens.

"This is the Empire's steam tank legion indeed!"

"How majestic!"

"Even a Goblin can be a battlefield hero, I want to drive a tank too!"

Meanwhile, in the infantry's ranks, dressed in the standard Imperial military uniform and also adorned with several medals, George stood in the front line. He looked at the jubilant crowd with mixed emotions.

He could feel his scorching heart, flowing with Dragon Blood, throbbing vigorously.

"Another glorious victory... just as always.

No matter the enemy, His Majesty always leads us to victory—even if the enemies are divine."

On that brutal battlefield, George had relied on the grace of the Red Dragon, enduring the surrounding Bazut Demons until reinforcements arrived.

Just days ago, George had also witnessed that earth-shattering battle, Ancytica was reduced to ruins, while the godlike Abyssal Giant Dragon fell thunderously at the Emperor's feet.

"Cassius above..."

George quietly looked up, gazing at the towering Isdalia Grand Altar in the distance, where the majestic figure of the Red Dragon seemed to reappear before his eyes.

The triumphal procession continued into the city, featuring the Empire's Ogre artillery corps, Goblin Infantry legions, Red Scale Conquerors, and Dragonsworn Holy Warriors...

These battle groups that performed well in repelling the demon invasion now appeared before the citizens, showcasing the Empire's robust military might and igniting a sense of pride and belonging from deep within them.

"Long Live the Empire!"

"Long Live His Majesty Cassius!"

Such cheers echoed incessantly, filling the City of Isdalia for almost the entire day.

Until dark, under the dim street lamps and in the flickering taverns, drunkards still staggered, lifting their bottles and shouting those slogans.

In the post-war Ashen Empire, it is always the liveliest and most beautiful, with squares in various cities often filled with days-long festivities.

The victorious soldiers return, needing alcohol and tobacco to forget the pains of war, and freely expressing and flaunting their rich spoils.

Thus, returning soldiers often spend generously, especially those just off the deadly front lines, truly spending money like water.

Seeing this, keen-nosed Imperial Merchants often hang banners by their shop doors with "Military Priority," "Welcome Heroes Home," "Discounts for Imperial Soldiers,"\\ and mount an array of "special price" products for the soldiers to splurge on, earning a fortune in just a few days.

And those entering the business sector concocted limitless marketing strategies to leverage the hype, usually gaining an advantage in the market and earning endless Ginnar.

Even establishments offering special services sported banners saying "Rewarding Imperial Heroes," "Sacrificing for the National War Heroes," which was amusing to some.

At the same time, this war brought numerous orders to every imperial armament factory, workers toiled day and night, also receiving handsome bonuses—they suffered yet rejoiced.