Ashen Dragon

"Woo——"

Accompanied by the roaring whistle, the steam train slowly entered the platform, adorned beautifully, its interiors luxurious compartments. It also stood within the Upper City of Isdalia.

However, this "special train" had already arrived at a rather central area, named after the former location of Ashen Nest—New Stormy Ridge.

Around the station stood various buildings of bizarre and unique styles, including rough and fierce caves, rugged and free tents, and grand reinforced concrete houses.

Those who resided here were the Ashen Empire's renowned "Important Figures," with the minimum status required being the Dragonblood Earl.

"New Storm High Slope Station has been reached, esteemed passengers please disembark in an orderly manner.

Thank you all for your contribution to the Empire, long live Cassius!"

As the attendant's fervent voice rang out, those with distinct dragon-like characteristics—Humankind, Great Goblins, Tieflings, Ogre Nobles—all disembarked one after another.

At a distance, a Nobility clad in military attire, holding a briefcase, hurried toward the train, similarly bearing Noble Bloodline insignias of Dragon Scales and golden vertical pupils.

But at this moment, this Dragonblood Nobility seemed rather weary, his golden vertical pupils shadowed by black bags, barely showing the vibrant energy characteristic of the Red Dragon's Kin.

—He was George, who, just a few days ago at that knighting ceremony, had been promoted to Dragonblood Earl.

As an Empire's special train, the inside of the compartments were the epitome of opulence. Gold-framed Red Dragon paintings hung on both sides, soft carpets laid on the floor, and sofas crafted from leather.

George sat on the sofa, sipped the tea that had already been prepared on the table, and glanced at the silver watch on his wrist, frowning slightly.

"Another emergency meeting, does the Military Department have so much going on recently?"

No wonder George found it strange; within these few short days, the Imperial Military Department had convened over a dozen meetings.

However, having just been promoted to the commander of the Third Army Division, busy with integrating and handing over troops, he hadn't been able to spare any time.

But this time, Marshal Dolores had personally ordered that all high-ranking officers must attend, no one may be absent; hence, George had no choice but to carve out time from his busy schedule to rush to the meeting location.

The Empire's special train was exceptionally stable and fast, rumored even to have High Rank Magic protection, capable of withstanding Sixth Tier Spells.

Before long, the train had sped out of the Isdalia City area, racing across the vast wilderness on the outskirts of the city.

The scenery outside the window shifted rapidly, often obscured by the steam emitted from the train's operations, yet George still turned to look outside the window, silently gazing toward the South.

In the distance were vast fields, in those golden paddies, the wheat undulated like waves, and giant steel beasts roared and operated within.

But George's eyes were firmly fixed on the cloudless blue sky, as though he saw the rich, vast lands of Fianso—that would become his battlefield in the future.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, George's eyes lit up, he murmured to himself: "Yes, no wonder the Military Department is holding so many meetings...

Perhaps, the Empire's massive expansion is about to commence, and our expeditionary army will head South, to conquer the vast Fianso Continent."

Expansion, conquest, achievements... Isn't this what he had always dreamed of?

He had imagined this scenario countless times in his dreams: himself raising a Longsword, trumpets blaring behind him, Artillery Fire booming, as he led his troops to conquer stronghold cities in the South.

Ultimately, he would stand before His Majesty Cassius, reaching the pinnacle of power in the Ashen Empire, becoming a real "Important Figure."

Now, he was already a Dragonblood Earl, the seemingly distant goal—perhaps not so far off, just lacking an opportunity.

Thinking of this, George's expression grew more excited, his golden, reptilian vertical pupils faintly shimmering.

The previous weariness and impatience in his eyes swept away, the Dragonblood Earl revitalized, his face filled with soaring ambition.

"Add some water for me."

George gulped down the tea on the table and summoned the attendant with a wave of his hand, even beginning to look forward to the upcoming meeting.

...

"Woo——"

"Imperial First Military Training Base Station reached, esteemed passengers please disembark orderly, remember His Majesty's kindness."

Escorted by attendants, George walked down from the special train, instantly spotting Grace not far away, waving at him.

"Good day, Count George."

"Count George, I have long admired your brave deeds on the battlefield."

"Do you remember me? I once served in the same battle zone with you."

"So you are that Count George, I've heard about you in 'Imperial Daily'..."

Seeing George descend from the train, lesser Dragonblood Nobilities around hurried to greet him, hoping to make a good impression before this "new noble."

George, slightly impatient, still forced a smile and dealt with each one before arriving in front of Baron Grace.

Grace removed his hat, bowed respectfully, and said with a smile: "Good day, Lord George."

George waved his hand, somewhat helplessly saying: "Enough, Grace, we've known each other for so long, no need for such pretense here."

Instantly, the surrounding Dragonblood Nobles turned their gaze towards Baron Grace as they whispered among themselves.

A mere Baron, yet he speaks on equal terms with an Earl? This Baron Grace is also someone worth connecting with.