Stormy Ocean, Golden Sea.
Beneath the azure sky, the sea shimmered like molten gold, forming the marvelous Golden Sea, rich with elemental energy that nurtured countless mighty sea beasts.
At the heart of the Golden Sea.
Buzz.
Ripples appeared in the air, followed by a dispersing golden light that revealed the massive form of the Golden Dragonfather, accompanied by a golden and a red hatchling dragon.
"This is Metal Dragon Island, and the deep sea area around it is the Deep Sea Dragon City," said the Golden Dragonfather, pointing to a location within the Golden Sea.
Saga followed his gaze.
In view was a colossal island, so vast it could be mistaken for a continent, dotted with dragonic structures not naturally formed, alongside icebergs, volcanoes, hills, forests, deserts, and more. Dragons of rare kinds were commonly seen here.
Ninety-nine percent were Metal Dragons.
But there were also non-metallic dragons.
Those who lived on Metal Dragon Island and in Deep Sea Dragon City were not necessarily Metal Dragons; any dragon recognized by the Metal Dragon clan could settle here.
Saga took a deep breath.
The mix of countless dragon scents was overwhelming.
"Even legendary creatures would dare not act rashly here, bowing their heads to the dragons' whims," he thought.
There were too many legendary dragons here.
Just within Saga's sight, dragons over thirty meters in length were commonplace, and those of such size were often legendary beings.
Countless dragons spread their wings across the sky.
The roaring sound of their wings was incessant.
Beneath the sea's surface, many dragons swam freely, with golden waves churning endlessly.
Any pride from easily defeating higher beings vanished in this moment.
"I am confident I will reach the pinnacle of the world, but it will take time to grow. To these centuries-old legendary dragons, I am probably as insignificant as dust," Saga mused, calming his mind.
"But I have unique advantages. I will eventually become a force to be reckoned with. How many of these legendary dragons were stronger than me at six years old?"
The golden hatchling licked its lips, thinking silently.
His heart was awed by the powerful dragons, but he felt no discouragement, only anticipation and longing.
"Metal Dragon Island and Deep Sea Dragon City."
"You can choose where to go first. Let Yekaterina show you around. It's also a good opportunity for you siblings to catch up and strengthen your bond," the Golden Dragonfather suggested, valuing the bond of blood.
"And you, Father?"
"With so many dragons gathered, there are many matters to attend to. I have my own duties to fulfill," the Golden Dragonfather said quietly.
After giving the hatchlings some advice, he vanished as if teleporting.
"Some kind of teleportation magic," Saga thought, watching his father's departure.
"When I have time, I can learn some teleportation-based mind abilities."
Strictly speaking, Saga was also a caster, as Mind Warlocks were considered a special type of caster, and mind abilities were sometimes seen as part of the many spell systems. Some casters referred to mind abilities as mental or psychic magic.
"Where would you like to go?" Yekaterina turned her head, asking her brother who had just arrived in Dragon City.
"Let's start with Metal Dragon Island."
"Don't be too shocked by what you see on the island. Don't embarrass yourself in front of the other dragons and say you're related to me, Yekaterina."
Yekaterina teased him habitually.
"Oh, I see. You embarrassed yourself when you first arrived at Metal Dragon Island? Don't worry, I won't be like you," Saga replied casually.
"Hmph, sharp-tongued. I'll tear your mouth apart during the competition."
"I doubt you have that ability," Saga retorted.
Yekaterina huffed and turned her head, flying straight toward Metal Dragon Island.
Soon after, the two hatchlings folded their wings and landed almost simultaneously in a hilly area of Metal Dragon Island.
Atop a high hill, Saga perched on the lush canopy of a giant tree, curiously looking up and surveying his surroundings.
The diverse terrain was filled with dragons of all shapes and sizes, all new to Saga.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind arose.
The sunlight was obscured, and a vast shadow swept over.
Looking up, Saga saw a legendary Silver Dragon, dozens of meters long, flying past overhead, its silver scales reflecting a metallic luster, elegant and beautiful.
The common and pure Five-Color Dragons, Metal Dragons, Gemstone Dragons, and others.
If there were a beauty ranking among the female True Dragons based on draconic aesthetics, the Silver Dragons of the Metal Dragon clan would undoubtedly top the list.
Sensing the young dragon's gaze, the legendary Silver Dragon paused, then lowered its head, locking eyes with the golden hatchling and smiled gently and elegantly.
At the same time.
From the legendary Silver Dragon's long tail, a small head peeked out.
A young and tender Silver Dragoness blinked curiously at the golden hatchling below, and upon seeing Saga, she was momentarily stunned, dazzled by his appearance.
Horned like a regal crown.
Golden scales with countless facets, diamond-like in texture, reflecting a dreamlike luster, and a well-toned body honed from exercise, with perfect proportions of wingspan and tail length, a charm and presence unmatched by other Metal hatchlings on the entire island.
"Mother, I want to go down and play with that Golden Dragon brother; he's so pretty," the little Silver Dragoness said to her legendary Silver Dragon mother.
"Iliyaga, go ahead, but return to the nest early and don't play too late," the legendary Silver Dragon replied, admiring Saga's appearance and feeling proud of her daughter's taste, which matched her own.
Beautiful things are always worth pursuing.
The legendary Silver Dragon encouraged her daughter to befriend the handsome golden hatchling.
"Yay!"
Iliyaga, the little Silver Dragoness, released her mother's tail and flew down.
"Eh?"
Saga noticed the descending Silver Dragoness.
She was a nine-meter-long little dragoness, petite and adorable, with bright silver scales shining like mirrors, curiously staring at him as she flew towards his location.
"Little one, my daughter Iliyaga would like to be friends with you. You can play together. She's a bit scatterbrained and not very smart, so don't bully her," the legendary Silver Dragon's gentle voice echoed in Saga's mind.
After speaking, the Silver Dragon spread her wings and disappeared into the wind, leaving Saga's sight.
"Hello, Golden Dragon brother," Iliyaga greeted as she landed, smiling sweetly.
"You're so pretty, your scales are beautiful, and so are your horns, wings, and tail. Are you an Outsider Golden Dragon?"
The little Silver Dragoness immediately showered Saga with compliments.
Sigh, as a half-blood of Golden and Red Dragons, I wanted to keep a low profile upon my arrival, but alas, my strength wouldn't allow it, Saga thought, flicking his tail with a hint of pride.
"Yes, hello, Silver Dragon sister. You're beautiful too," Saga replied with a smile.
If innate charm could be materialized, Saga would surely be at the top tier, more easily gaining favor, trust, and admiration from those with lower charm values.
"My name is Iliyaga, and I'm ten years old," she responded cheerfully, introducing herself.
Ten years old, Saga was slightly taken aback, then scratched his head, "Well, you can call me Saga."
"Hello, Saga brother."
"Hmm, you might not believe it, but I'm only six years old, just entered the hatchling stage."
"Oh, six-year-old Saga brother! Six years old?"
Staring at the ten-meter-long Saga, the little Silver Dragoness's eyes widened.
"Saga brother, you're amazing. You're bigger than me at just six years old. But even though you're younger, I like being the youngest among all the dragons I know, so I still want to call you Saga brother, is that okay?"
Regaining her composure, the little Silver Dragoness didn't change her address, speaking with a sweet voice.
"That's fine," Saga said with a smile.
"Hmph."
A cold snort came from the side.
Yekaterina watched the chatty little Golden and Silver Dragons with an inexplicable irritation.
In fact, Yekaterina was also quite beautiful, with scales of red tinged with gold lines, stylish like Saga's. Her charm was also high, provided she didn't show her fiery temper, which was unlikely.
"Wow, it's the Dragoness Queen Yekaterina, the last Hatchling Champion!"
"I've watched every one of your matches and cheered for you."
The little Silver Dragoness blinked and praised Yekaterina, "You're so beautiful, strong and lovely. Can I call you Sister Yekaterina?"
Yekaterina felt pleased inside but remained cold on the surface.
"How you call me is none of my concern," she said coldly.
The little Silver Dragoness cheered, seemingly oblivious to the rejection, and exclaimed, "Great, Sister Yekaterina is so cool, truly worthy of the Hatchling Champion. I'll continue to cheer for you."
Meanwhile, Saga's gaze swept over the little Silver Dragoness.
"Is she really scatterbrained with such social skills?"
He thought to himself.
Iliyaga seemed naive and clueless, but her ability to make friends was indeed strong. Having just met for a few minutes, she managed to endear herself to both Saga and Yekaterina.
Saga guessed that the little Silver Dragoness probably had a large group of 'brothers and sisters' behind her, with a wide Dragon Vein.
"This land of Metal Dragons seems to be full of talents," Saga thought to himself.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas