CHAPTER 663

【 GOLD AND SILVER DRAGONS 】

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Divine Kingdom of the World Tree, Garden of Eden.

Beneath the magnificent tree at the center of Eden, the naturally curious elemental fairies could not resist flying over to observe the hatching cocoons after sensing the stirrings of life within them.

Suddenly, the three cocoons hanging from the upper canopy began to glow with a hazy brilliance. Waves of powerful pressure swept outward in every direction. A moment later, fine cracks appeared on each cocoon, which only made the little fairies even more excited as they circled in anticipation.

With a series of sharp cracking sounds, the fissures spread rapidly and in no time, the entire surfaces of the cocoons were covered in web-like fractures. The growing pressure pulsed like a heartbeat, and within that rising force, three ancient consciousnesses stirred, signifying that the three bone dragons were slowly awakening from their slumber.

In a burst of dazzling radiance, the cocoons finally split open as three massive figures emerged one after another: three colossal dragons, one gold and two silver.

Their bodies were extraordinarily large, stretching several hundred meters in length as they unfurled their broad wings, which seemed to blot out the sky, and soared above Eden like sovereign kings.

Leading the pack was the gold dragon.

Dignified and majestic in appearance, it possessed soft whisker-like tendrils beneath its enormous head, which gave it a sage-like countenance. Its sail-like wings stretched from its shoulders all the way to the tip of its tail. Its golden scales shimmered like molten metal, further enhancing its regal bearing.

The two silver dragons were slightly smaller but more slender in form. Their bodies gleamed like flawless sculptures of pure metal, each movement sending ripples of cold light across their scales. Their high-set eyes and exposed whisker-like jaw fins shaped their distinguished visages, lending them an air of subtle authority. Thorned crests rose prominently atop their heads and continued down their necks to the tips of their tails, each spike faintly glowing with silver radiance. Yet their most striking feature was their deep, mercury-like eyes, filled with sharp intelligence and a calm steadiness.

The three dragons circled through the sky and raised their heads in unison. Their resounding roars echoed throughout the Garden of Eden and spread farther and farther.

Their voices resounded with unmistakable excitement and exhilaration, startling the elemental fairies and sending them scattering in every direction.

The three dragons kept flying around excitedly until brilliant motes of light gathered in midair. Accompanied by a faint holy chant, the clusters of golden light gradually coalesced into a humanoid shape, instantly drawing the attention of both the fairies and the three dragons in the vicinity.

Seeing that the true sovereign of Eden was manifesting, the dragons stiffened with reverence and immediately descended, folding their vast wings and lowering their proud heads as they bowed toward the forming light.

Likewise, the elemental fairies halted and offered respectful bows, although their tiny bodies and cute expressions created a humorous contrast beside the imposing dragons.

When the radiance faded, Evé appeared before them, wearing a laurel crown on her head and an elegant celestial gown.

The three dragons grew visibly emotional as they bowed deeply in gratitude.

“Great and benevolent Yggdrasill, we thank thee for granting us a new lease of life.”

Evé nodded gently and replied with a smile.

“There is no need for such formalities. Calling me by my full name feels unnecessary and overly formal. Thus, you may address me as Evé.”

The three dragons bowed once more.

“As you command, Your Grace Evé.”

Looking at the three majestic dragons, Evé was very satisfied.

Each of them exuded an incredibly powerful aura and had attained the ranks of a mythical demigod dragon.

What surprised her even more was that they not only retained their mythical status but had also developed rare and formidable bodies belonging to the gold and silver dragon lineages, which were renowned for their exceptional strength even among their own kind.

Back when they were still undead bone dragons, their lineages had been difficult to determine, and she had only vaguely sensed that none of them were black dragons like Meryer. Although she had been somewhat curious, in the end she decided not to investigate further during the reconstruction of their bodies and instead chose to leave the matter as a small mystery for herself. РÃNỘ฿ЁⱾ

Now, seeing the three immense figures, she considered it a pleasant surprise.

Her gaze settled on the gold dragon leading the pack and asked, “Mars, how do you find your new body?”

The gold dragon was indeed Mars, the former leader of the three bone dragons. As for the two silver dragons, they were called Mercury and Venus, and they had revealed their true names to Evé back when they were still undead.

“It feels excellent, Your Grace! I am currently filled with power. If I could devour a few more tons of arcane gold, I believe I would soon return to the former peak of my strength!”

Mars spoke with joy.

Devour a few tons of arcane gold…?

Evé could not help but twitch the corner of her mouth after hearing such a bold statement. After all, arcane gold was a metal even more precious than mithril. It contained purer mana than the finest mana stones and was widely used by the gods for forging divine artifacts.

A few tons of arcane gold, if converted into divine power, would roughly amount to over a hundred points. Honestly, these gold dragons truly deserved their reputation as gluttons for precious metals.

Evé thought to herself, recalling a certain player who had formed a companion pack with a young gold dragon.

What was his name again…?

I think it was Optimist?

If she remembered correctly, that player had reportedly become so impoverished from raising the dragon hatchling that he could not even afford to repair a low-grade artifact, despite being a well-known silver-ranked veteran listed on the leaderboard.

“Your Grace Evé, we are truly grateful for the new bodies you have bestowed upon us. Henceforth, according to our agreement, we shall serve you for a thousand years. Do you require anything from us?”

The three dragons asked respectfully.

Evé snapped out of her thoughts and regarded them quietly.

“Nothing at the moment, but in ten months, the gods will launch a crusade against the forces of the Abyss. As such, I will participate in it as well, and I may require your assistance when the time comes.”

“You will serve as my attendants throughout the coming crusade, and together we will wage battle against the evil gods in the Abyss.”

Upon hearing this, the three dragons brightened with excitement. Metallic dragons, particularly those of the gold and silver lineages, were naturally inclined toward upholding justice and the eradication of evil. Although Mars and the other two were ancient dragons from an era when the distinction between metallic and chromatic dragons was far less clear, their general disposition remained unchanged. Therefore, the prospect of battling the evil forces of the Abyss stirred their hearts and spirits without a doubt.

“Your Grace Evé, you are truly benevolent and righteous. It would be our honor to stand by your side in battle and serve you faithfully! Those evil gods lurking in the Abyss are the enemies of all sentient life. We are eager to assist you and punish these forces of corruption,” the three dragons answered without hesitation.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Evé nodded with satisfaction.

She gave a faint smile and continued, “Of course, during the several months before the crusade begins, I ask that the three of you familiarize yourselves with your new bodies as quickly as possible, restore your strength, and communicate frequently with my believers so that you can coordinate smoothly when the time comes.”

“Your Grace’s believers?”

The dragons stirred with curiosity. They had lived in an ancient era when the World Tree had not yet created the elves, so obviously they knew nothing about them, let alone the players who bore the appearance of elves.

With this in mind, Evé spoke gently,

“Yes, you’re familiar with the Emerald Forest and the Emerald Mountains, right?”

“Indeed, we are.”

“Well, at present, my believers live there. However, these places are now called the Elven Forest and the Dark Mountains.”

“The Elven Forest?”

A trace of curiosity appeared in the ancient dragons’ eyes.

“Mhm, they are called as such since my believers, the Elves, now inhabit these areas. Once you meet them, I’m sure you three will understand.”

Evé showed a meaningful smile.

“I believe you will easily grow fond of them.”

After she finished speaking, Evé lifted her hand slightly and traced a massive portal in midair.

“Alas, my Divine Kingdom isn’t an ideal place for you three to stay for a prolonged period. Once you are ready, you may enter this portal to return to the realm of Seigües.”

“I hope you can get along well with my believers and teach them some of the knowledge from ancient times.”

“In the near future, you will stand as comrades in arms working toward the same purpose.”

With that, Evé dissolved her manifestation. Naturally, she also did not forget to issue via the game system the quest she had long prepared for the players to convert these dragons.

The three mythical dragons bowed once more, seeing her off with respect.

After the divine radiance faded, they exchanged glances and began to speak among themselves.

“Her Grace, the Goddess of Life, truly is a benevolent deity. I never thought I would feel a body full of vitality once again,” Venus, the silver dragon and the only female among the three, spoke with emotion.

“Lady Yggdrasill has always been this way. I am now quite curious about her so-called believers. I wonder what kind of beings they are,” Mars, the gold dragon, spoke with reverence.

“Indeed. Her Grace’s generosity and kindness make me feel ashamed. When she reawakened us back at the Titan Tomb, I had even considered how to decline her invitation. But unexpectedly, she had only asked us to serve her for a thousand years. Compared to the price she paid to restore our bodies, such a request is hardly worth mentioning.”

Mercury, the silver dragon, nodded.

“This is why the dragonkind, the titans, and even the other ancient gods hold deep respect for Lady Yggdrasill. A thousand years of servitude is nothing for beings like us. It is akin to little more than a brief slumber. When the thousand years pass, we are naturally free to return to the realm of dragons.”

Mars sighed softly and then looked at the other two dragons.

“So, what do the two of you plan to do next?”

“Hmm, I guess I’ll head for the Emeral—no, the Elven Forest first. I am quite curious about the changes in the outside world, and I am also interested in the believers Her Grace mentioned. From her tone, it seems these elves may have developed a civilization of their own.”

Mercury sounded expectant.

Silver dragons are naturally sociable regardless of race and are considered the friendliest and most helpful among the metallic dragons. Although ancient silver dragons were far less prominent in this trait, the inclination always existed.

They particularly favor interacting with races that have limited lifespans, as they appreciate these beings’ passion for life.

In fact, many modern-day silver dragons have spent as much time in their humanoid forms as in their true draconic bodies. Oftentimes, they adopt gentle personas, such as kind sages or youthful wanderers, to form deep friendships with mortal companions.

Silver dragons also have a strong love for civilization, history, exquisite jewels, and works of art.

Hence, given all this, Mercury’s curiosity towards the elves was entirely natural.

Of course, this curiosity was not derived from equal disposition, since dragons are inherently proud creatures.

Even when befriending mortals, they view such companionship as a mere diversion to ease the boredom brought on by their very long lives. Thus, to beings as powerful as they are, insects will always remain insects.

And only those who truly earn their recognition could form lasting relationships with them, which could sometimes last for several generations.

Venus shared the same interest. As Mercury spoke of his intentions, she nodded repeatedly in agreement.

After explaining their plans, Mercury and Venus turned to Mars.

“And you, Lord Mars, what are your plans?”

Mars lifted his head slightly and said, “I too am curious about Her Grace’s believers. If opportunities arise, I will offer them guidance in their development.”

Hearing this, the two silver dragons nodded in approval.

Gold dragons are respected among metallic dragons for their wisdom and fairness. They also sometimes disguise themselves, much like silver dragons, and travel among other races to offer aid.

However, gold dragons in general are more solitary and aloof. They do not always assume humanoid forms but instead, they often take on the form of animals, secretly befriend mortals for a few days or weeks, and then, just as silently, depart.

After explaining his immediate plans, Mars’ gaze softened with a hint of longing.

“Afterward, I will search for a suitable place to build a nest. I remember the Emerald Forest has beautiful scenery, so I should be able to find a tranquil lakeside or riverside location, or perhaps an island shrouded in mist, or a cavern hidden behind a shimmering waterfall. If there are any ancient ruins, those would be excellent choices as well.”

“Such places are peaceful and charming. They are ideal for rest.”

“Although I owe Lady Yggdrasill a thousand years of servitude, it is impossible to sleep through all of it. Therefore, if I remain awake for much of that time, finding a comfortable lair will be absolutely necessary.”

The two silver dragons nodded at once.

They were uninterested in lakesides or caves, but the idea of turning an ancient ruin into their lairs appealed to them greatly. Ideally, their preferred location would be either an abandoned mountaintop fortress built by a long-gone sentient race or a remote tower left behind by deceased mages.

Such places had not been difficult to find in the ancient era, before the civilizations of mortal races declined due to the war between the dragons and titans. They had once served as the perfect lairs for every silver dragon.

Hopefully, such places still existed at the present day.

As these thoughts filled their minds, the three mythical dragons grew visibly expectant. Their anticipation for their new lives continued to rise.

“Come, it is time to leave this place.”

The gold dragon Mars rose to his feet, his long golden whiskers swaying.

With that, he released a long roar and spread his wings.

With a powerful flap, he lifted into the sky and flew toward the shimmering portal of light.

The two silver dragons exchanged a glance, roared in response, and followed after him.

Once the dragons departed, the portal disappeared, and Garden of Eden returned to its usual peace.

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