Holden's Floating City, Dragon Energy Bomb and the Wall of Time

Chapter 515 Holden's Floating City, Dragon Energy Bomb and the Wall of Time

Theo, Silver City, Royal Court

King Torrey stared at the projected image before him, his face turning slightly pale.

In the projection, apart from the giant red iron dragon hanging high in the sky, there was only endless light and heat.

That was the scene at the front lines of Lorthorn in the final moments.

Even through the projected image, the catastrophic power still sent a chill down Torifen's spine. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.

"One strike... just one strike destroyed the entire Lorthene position?"

The king repeated the intelligence officer's report in a low voice, his voice somewhat hoarse.

The minister standing below the throne lowered his head: "Yes, Your Majesty."

“No one dared to stop us throughout the entire process, not even a Grand Master from Lorthorn showed up.”

Torifen's gaze returned to the projection.

The footage is replaying the last moment.

The crimson iron dragon spread its wings, and the sphere of light that condensed between its claws expanded and fell, turning the earth into incandescence.

Lorthorn's meticulously constructed fortifications, war golems, and rune turrets all evaporated in the light. Even across the records of time and space, the destructive and terrifying power remains clearly perceptible.

When the light finally faded, the king realized he had been holding his breath for too long.

He slowly exhaled, his chest churning with complex emotions.

Fear, shock, and... relief.

Fortunately, Theo chose this side.

I'm glad I didn't make the wrong choice on the summit of Dragon Ridge.

Who could have imagined that in less than a century, that Red Emperor could have grown to this level?

Even during the Battle of the Two Olympians, Garo Ignas, though strong, did not perform in such a manner.

Torrefin still remembered those battle reports.

In the Battle of Norton Pass, the Red Emperor faced an encirclement by several legendary figures from Theo. Although he eventually broke through the defenses, he paid a price: his scales were shattered, his dragon blood spilled across the pass, and he was even killed once.

But what if the current Red Emperor faced the same situation...?

Toliffe closed his eyes.

He didn't even need to imagine; he could understand just by glancing at the projection.

The Red Emperor didn't even need to personally approach Norton Pass.

He only needs to hang high in the sky and cast down such a 'sun'.

The entire pass, along with its garrison, fortifications, and legendary warriors who dared to obstruct it, will be reduced to nothing.

What about Silvershine City? The capital of Theo, a magnificent city that has stood for many years, is completely unable to withstand such a bombardment and will be razed to the ground.

Isn't it said that dragons grow at an extremely slow rate?
Especially after entering the legendary realm, it often takes hundreds of years to make significant progress.

But what's going on with the Red Emperor? The changes over time, even including his growth during his dormant period, are simply too exaggerated.

Not only does he possess a physique far superior to his peers, but his growth rate is comparable to that of human legends—no, even faster than many human legends.

This terrifying being no longer resembles a dragon.

He is more like some kind of ultimate life form wearing a dragon's skin.

The royal court was deathly silent.

The ministers stood with their heads bowed, and no one uttered a sound.

The only sound in the air was suppressed breathing.

Torrefin's gaze swept over each face.

Those nobles who usually talked big, those ministers who advocated neutrality, and those generals who were dissatisfied with Theo's allegiance to Aura—at this moment, all of them were pale-faced, with lingering fear in their eyes.

After a long while, Torifen spoke again, his voice now calm: "Ancestor Henderson."

On the right side of the royal court, an elderly man with white hair and beard slightly raised his head.

He wore a simple gray robe, his face was as aged as the bark of an ancient tree, but his eyes were still clear and sharp.

Henderson Chapman, the oldest living senior legend of the Theo royal family, and the guardian of the royal family.

His status was equivalent to that of Sodrian of Lorthern.

He did not participate in the war between the two Os, and instead used secret methods to sleep and prolong his life until recently, when King Theo was captured by Aura, which awakened him.

“I’m listening, Your Majesty.”

Henderson spoke calmly and slowly.

Thorifen rose from his throne, walked down the steps, and personally approached his ancestor as a sign of respect.

"I hope you can lead our legends to the Lion Highlands to assist the Aura Legion. What do you say?"

These words caused a subtle commotion within the royal court.

The nobles exchanged glances, but none dared to stand up and object.

Henderson remained silent for a moment.

During his time in power, Theo, though not a powerful nation, always maintained its independence and dignity.

But now, this country is sending a legendary expert to aid another country in its war effort, a country that once cast a dark shadow over its own.

This tantamount to vassalage had deeply disappointed him.

After waking up, he remained dissatisfied with Thorfinn's close relationship with Aura.

If he were younger, he would have chosen to replace Thorfinn and put a new king on the throne.

But he was basically at the end of his life and couldn't take any more trouble. He might burn himself out after another battle, so he didn't interfere with Thorfinn's choice, but he never gave this younger man a kind look.

But at this moment, looking at the lingering heat and light in the projection that had not yet completely dissipated, Henderson's thoughts underwent a subtle change.

"Aura did not ask us to fight."

He said slowly, "Given the power the Red Emperor is currently displaying, our assistance is merely icing on the cake, and may even invite some ridicule."

He paused here, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials in the royal court.

"However, it's always better to show some loyalty than nothing, and demonstrating loyalty at the right time will benefit Theo's future."

These words garnered support from ministers and nobles who had previously expressed reservations about the king.

"Lord Henderson is right!"

"This is a wise move!"

"Theo and Aura should have worked together... Theo is Aura's Theo."

Praises poured in, a stark contrast to the previous indifference.

Torrefin looked at these ministers who had so quickly changed their stance, his eyes showing neither joy nor anger.

He had long since come to terms with this reality.

Faced with absolute power, stance and dignity are often extremely fragile.

“Then please set off as soon as possible, Ancestor.” Torifen nodded, then, as if suddenly remembering something, added, “Also, there is something I hope you can convey to His Majesty Ignas.”

Henderson looked up: "What is it?"

Torrefin was silent for a few seconds.

All eyes in the palace were on him, waiting for him to say something next.

"About Reinhardt," the king finally spoke.

"Our top genius, whom we had fifty years ago, is not truly dead."

This made Henderson frown slightly.

Reinhardt, a true genius, entered the legend before he was twenty years old and was once expected to revive Theo.

However, he was severely injured in a conflict with Aura's Edge fifty years ago and is said to have perished.

This incident plunged Theo into a prolonged period of depression.

“My father poured enormous resources into him, even using a long-standing life-saving relic from the royal treasury, which pulled him back from the brink of hell,” Torifen continued, his voice filled with complex emotions. “But the injury was too severe; Reinhardt’s body was seriously damaged, and his potential was greatly diminished.”

Even so, the king still regarded him as Theo's last hope.

“He adopted Reinhardt as his godson, gave him a new identity, and then…” Torifen paused, then said, “In order to prevent Aura’s spies from discovering this, and also in order to find a way to restore Reinhardt’s body and potential, the king secretly sent him away from Theo and to the Holden Empire.”

A suppressed gasp echoed through the royal court.

This is a secret that even many high-ranking officials are unaware of.

"After that, I lost all contact with Reinhardt."

Torrefin looked at Henderson, “But I think that if he is really still alive, if he had some experiences and growth in Holden, then given the current situation on the Romanian plains… and given his character, he might return here.”

Henderson listened in silence.

He had heard about Reinhardt's survival after he awoke, but he didn't know the details.

After hearing Torrefin's account, a sense of regret welled up in his heart.

The previous king was steady and far-sighted, but lacked decisiveness.

He shouldn't have given the choice to Reinhardt.

What can be expected of a young man who has been elevated to a pedestal and is unaware of his own limitations? If he had been more assertive in retaining Reinhardt back then, perhaps Theo's situation would have been different.

However, no one is perfect.

However, what's done is done.

Henderson glanced at Torrefin, the young king who, though he had seemed impulsive at times, was more decisive than his father in crucial moments, and once he set his mind on a path, he would follow it steadfastly.

"it is good."

Henderson finally nodded. "I will pass this on to the Red Emperor."

Atlanta Land, Holden Empire.

Never-ending city, a sea of ​​clouds and an airport.

The wind howled high in the sky, stirring up the ever-present clouds.

The Unfallen City, one of the cities of the Holden Empire, is not situated on the earth, but rather is built upon countless enormous, unimaginably large floating stones, with magnificent magical and alchemical achievements as its foundation, suspended between flowing winds and drifting clouds.

Looking around, similar floating cities are scattered throughout Holden, like the dwellings of gods.

Due to energy constraints, even within the Holden Empire, the number of such floating cities was not large. However, since the Abyss Development Project, Holden has made breakthrough progress in energy, and floating cities have been rising one after another.

Cloud Sea Airport is located on a giant platform extending from the outer perimeter of the City of Neverfall.

This is one of Holden's busiest transportation hubs, where all kinds of warships and airships are moored.

There were transport ships shaped like giant whales, covered in shimmering runic metal scales; there were high-speed cruisers with sharp, sword-like lines, exuding aggression; and there were magic airships that resembled mobile mage towers...

They rise and fall, maintaining a precise and orderly rhythm amidst their busyness.

Merchants, scholars, adventurers, and diplomats from all over the empire gathered and dispersed here, their diverse races, accents, and attire creating a vibrant tapestry of life.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, a young man stood alone on the observation deck at the edge of the airport, gazing into the distance.

The sea of ​​clouds surged beneath his feet, and the sunlight poured down without obstruction, giving his already radiant golden hair an even more dazzling luster.

He looked to be only in his early twenties, handsome enough to make any painter stop in his tracks.

But in those eyes lay a composure and tranquility far beyond his apparent age—a gaze that comes from experiencing great ups and downs, witnessing life and death, honor and disgrace.

Reinhardt, or, as he is now more accustomed to being called "Rhein".

At over sixty years old, he is still considered young in the realm of legend.

More importantly, after Holden recovered his body and spent many years honing his skills, he is now very close to the threshold of the Grand Prix, and his aura is deep and long-lasting. He is only one opportunity away from his next breakthrough.

However, the sharpness and flamboyance that once belonged to Theo's Light have all been restrained and transformed into a deep silence.

The greatsword and arrows of Aura's Edge once knocked him down from his pedestal to the bottom of the valley, but they also made him humble and prudent.

Whenever he felt happy about his progress, that night would come to mind.

Iron hooves obscure the moonlight, sharp swords shatter glory.

He went from being a celebrated genius to a near-death loser, and this memory constantly reminds him to remain humble.

"Rhine".

A crisp sound came from behind.

A beautiful woman walked up to him and stood beside him, gazing at the sea of ​​clouds.

She wore a simple mage's robe, her long hair swaying gently in the wind, exuding a gentle and intellectual air.

Alice, a friend Reinhardt met during his travels in Holden, has a profound background, extensive knowledge, and is also a legendary spellcaster with exceptional talent.

"You've probably heard the latest news from Theo's side, right?"

Alice asked softly, her gaze never leaving the sea of ​​clouds.

"Aura's Red Emperor, Garros Ignas, destroyed Lorthen's front-line positions with a single blow on the Dusk Plains. The situation on the entire Romanian plains may be rewritten because of him."

Reinhardt remained silent for a moment.

The sea of ​​clouds surged below, much like the subtle ripples in his heart.

Even though he had been away from Theo for decades and no longer had much attachment to that land, he still couldn't remain completely calm when he heard news of his homeland.

"I've heard about it."

He finally spoke, but his voice was devoid of any emotion.

"Aren't you going to go take a look? Or... do something about it?"

Alice turned her head and curiously examined his calm profile.

"You come from Theo, once the beacon of hope upon whom they placed their hopes. Now your homeland has become a vassal state, and a powerful enemy is locked in a fierce battle with Lorthen. With your current strength, perhaps you can do something to change things?"

She had a close relationship with Reinhard and was one of the few people who knew about his past.

Reinhardt shook his head slightly.

"If it were me in the past, I would have returned to the Romanian plains immediately."

He said, "But now... I don't want to."

"Why?" Alice asked, puzzled. "Is it because you are no longer the Light of Theo you once were, and you no longer have any attachment to that land? Or is it because... you feel that even if you go back now, you won't be able to fight against that Red Emperor?"

"All."

Reinhardt turned his gaze from the sea of ​​clouds to Alice.

His eyes were calm, like a deep pool. "Theo's hopes should never be placed on one person."

"To place the rise and fall of a nation on the shoulders of a genius is the greatest fallacy and tragedy."

“I was once… perhaps unconsciously immersed in this illusory sense of responsibility, thinking that I could change everything.”

He paused, his voice lowering slightly: "But now I understand that the strength of a nation lies in its system, its heritage, its foundation, and the choices and efforts of every citizen, not in one or two powerful individuals."

"Theo's problem is not the lack of a Reinhardt."

"As for confronting the Red Emperor..."

Reinhardt's lips twitched slightly, revealing a self-deprecating smile.

“What can I do if I go back now? Join forces with Lorthorn? Even with Lorthorn’s Grand Master status, what are our chances of winning? The terror of that dragon is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.”

"His age and rank are actually a disguise."

"I think it's perfectly acceptable to treat him as a Grand Primordial Dragon."

He looked at the sea of ​​clouds again: "Faced with such an existence, impulsiveness and passion cannot solve the problem, but will only bring unnecessary sacrifices. And I am now past the age of risking everything for a moment of passion."

Reinhardt truly had little affection left for Theo.

The only thing that made him feel guilty was the deceased old king, the elder who had devoted all his resources to saving his life and giving him a new life.

He failed the old king's expectations.

Now, the only way he can repay this debt is to become stronger and, when he has the ability in the future, try his best to make up for the regrets of the past.

Alice smiled faintly, "It seems that your years in Holden have broadened your horizons."

"Yes."

Reinhardt readily admitted it.

"Here, I saw what a truly powerful empire looks like: a complete system of inheritance, a mature mechanism for cultivating strong individuals, and a profound foundation in magic and alchemy..."

"In contrast, the conflicts on the Romanian plains are merely localized disturbances on the edge of the continent."

"My goals are no longer limited to that place."

His gaze was fixed on the distance, as if piercing through the endless sea of ​​clouds and looking towards a more vast world.

"My goal is to break through the Grand rank, reach the Mandate of Heaven, and even... glimpse immortality."

Reinhardt's voice was soft, yet firm as iron.

"Only by reaching that level can one truly control one's own destiny and be qualified to think about changing the future of a land or a nation. At that time, whether Theo is revived or not may just be a matter of my thought."

A hint of admiration flashed in Alice's eyes.

Most people rot and perish after hitting rock bottom, but Reinhardt was able to climb out of the mire and become more determined and mature.

They were elevated to a pedestal, then plunged into the abyss.

These experiences became the whetstones that tempered his character.

But then, a hint of worry appeared in Alice's eyes.

“But… Rhine, you’ve recovered well now, but the injuries you sustained that nearly killed you back then still left some hidden dangers.”

"With your original talent, if you had been born in Holden and had a good environment, you would have had a very high probability of achieving immortality."

"It's a pity that you were born in Theo, which caused you to waste some time and suffer a severe injury when you were young. Your ceiling is probably... breaking through to the Grand rank is possible, but achieving destiny will be difficult, and as for immortality, it is hopeless."

Alice said it very bluntly.

Across from him, Reinhardt smiled.

“I know,” he said. “So, I’m leaving Holden.”

"Where to go?"

"The kingdom ruled by elves, the continent of Aurotara."

Reinhardt calmly replied, “Go seek the Fountain of Life of the Elves. Only the Fountain of Life can fully heal the damage caused by my old wounds and resume my path to a higher level.”

The continent of Aurotara, under the rule of the elves, is a land of abundant resources, said to flow with honey and milk.

But that was a long time ago.

According to Reinhardt's information, Orotar is not peaceful at present; in fact, it is fraught with danger, and the entire continent is shrouded in the shadow of turmoil.

But he still made the decision.

Alice remained silent for a moment.

She knew that once Reinhardt made up his mind, he wouldn't easily change it.

She smiled and took out a charm inlaid with an emerald green gem from her bosom, handing it over.

“The elves are not necessarily friendly to outsiders, especially those seeking the Fountain of Life.”

“Take it. My family has some connections with some high elves in the Emerald Court. This amulet might save you some trouble in Aurotara.”

Reinhardt did not refuse. He accepted the amulet and nodded solemnly, "Thank you."

When do you plan to leave?

“Now,” Reinhardt said.

Alice was surprised: "So soon?"

Reinhardt paused for two seconds, then said in a low voice, "I am a person, not an alchemical machine."

“I’ve tried my best to stay rational, but some emotions are still surging in my heart. It’s something in my blood that’s hard to completely sever. If I don’t leave soon and go to Orotara… I might not be able to resist returning to the Romanian plains.”

He didn't want to see that land engulfed in war again, didn't want to see Theo struggling in the cracks, and even less did he want to... face that red iron dragon.

He must stay away until he truly possesses the power to counter it.

After leaving those words, Reinhardt said nothing more.

He leaped from the edge of the airport, and his legendary domain unfolded naturally, enveloping his body and transforming into a streak of light that cut through the sea of ​​clouds and quickly disappeared into the horizon.

The wind from the high sky blows across the city that never falls, stirring up the flowing clouds and banners.

Driven by a magical array, the colossal floating city operates steadily, overlooking the vast land below like an indifferent deity.

Northern border of Atlanta, twilight plains, the headquarters of the Aura Legion.

The giant iron dragon lay prostrate on the makeshift platform, like a crimson mountain range.

His scales gleamed metallically in the sunlight, and each breath he took created a scorching airflow that slightly distorted the surrounding space.

Theo's legends stood below the stage, with Henderson, at the head, bowing slightly as he relayed King Thorfinn's words.

The old legend's voice was steady, but he could still feel an instinctive sense of oppression in front of this giant dragon.

That was the difference in life strength and race. Even though his legendary level was higher, he still felt like an ant looking up at a mountain in front of the Red Emperor.

“Reinhardt…”

The Red Emperor's deep voice rang out, like rolling thunder, "I am glad that you have arrived here at this time, but I do not like the idea that I would worry about a human who was once severely injured by my own people."

He lowered his massive dragon head, his vertical pupils fixed on Henderson.

The mere sight of them was enough to make Theo's legends feel a sense of oppression.

Henderson's expression remained unchanged, but cold sweat was already seeping down his back.

He said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, we simply wish to provide all possible intelligence."

"Theo is willing to fight for Aura and assist you in achieving victory. Please give the order, and we will do our utmost."

At his age, any intense battle could mean the end of his life.

But Henderson was not afraid.

If it can secure a better future for Theo, then exhausting this remaining lifespan would be worthwhile.

Theo has already betrayed Lorthen and sided with Aura, so he has no choice but to go down this path to the bitter end.

He understood Thorfinn's choice and was willing to pay the price for it.

However, the Red Emperor did not respond after he finished speaking.

Instead, some of the surrounding Aura Legends sneered.

"Hey, you old human relic."

A mocking voice rang out.

Henderson glanced to the side and saw a large bird with feathers as bright as flames tilting its head to look at him. It was Angela, the Phoenix, one of the legendary lords of Aura.

"You look like you're already halfway into a coffin, yet you're not afraid of dying."

"However, you underestimate our Emperor. Would he need the assistance of little ones like you?"

Upon hearing this, the burly ogre Karu grinned.

He said in a deep voice, "The primary purpose of our Aura Legends and Legion is to cheer for His Majesty and witness His Majesty's power. Humans, understand this first."

Henderson fell silent.

He couldn't quite understand the mindset of these Aura legends.

But what he did know was that these legends, despite their different races and identities, had an almost blind faith in the Red Emperor.

You must know that these are all legendary beings, proud and strong individuals with their own opinions.

That's what makes them see it that way...

Just then, a clanging sound of scales rubbing together rang out.

The crimson iron dragon slowly rose to its feet, its enormous wings spreading out to blot out the sky.

He looked up at the deepening night sky, a thoughtful glint in his vertical pupils.

"It's a pity that we destroyed Lorthene's front-line positions but didn't get to see their Grandmaster of Time."

Galos's voice echoed through the camp, saying, "For this reason, I'm prepared to go again. I hope they... won't disappoint me this time."

The moment the words fell, a crimson dragon shadow soared into the sky!

The flapping of its wings stirred up air currents, causing the banners within the encampment to flutter loudly.

In just a few breaths, he transformed into a crimson shooting star in the sky, hurtling towards Lorthorn's base camp.

Henderson looked up at the vanished dragon shadow for a long time before looking away.

He glanced at the Aura Legends around him. These alien powerhouses showed no worry on their faces, only excitement and anticipation, as if what they were about to witness was not a lone battle, but a grand performance.

"Is this... the prestige of the Red Emperor?"

Henderson silently recited it in his mind.

He fully understood Thorfinn's choice.

Faced with such a Red Emperor and the legendary beings completely gathered around him, what other way out did Theo have but to submit?
Lorthorn's Northern Expeditionary Army Headquarters
General Varesia, with his iron fist, stood before the sand table, his face even colder and more hard than usual.

His eyes were still bloodshot, because he hadn't closed them for a long time since the front-line positions were destroyed.

However, his thinking was exceptionally clear.

"Gentlemen."

Varesia broke the silence in the command room, saying, "The Red Emperor's 'Sun' is essentially composed of highly compressed dragon energy. We've all seen it; its power is unbelievable. But that doesn't mean we're helpless."

The officers surrounding the sand table looked up, their eyes filled with weariness, but also with a burning resentment.

"Based on the analysis of residual energy, the observation reports from the frontline mages, and our understanding of dragon-like creatures, we can deduce several key points."

Varesia pointed to the location marked on the sand table where the Red Emperor would appear.

"First, that powerful dragon energy bomb needs time to build up and compress. From the moment the Red Emperor begins to charge up to the moment it is launched, the entire process will take quite a while. This time is the critical window for our early warning and response."

He moved his finger and tapped the original site of his own position.

"Secondly, the main reason why the position was severely damaged this time was that the Red Emperor displayed such powerful long-range attack skills for the first time."

"Before this, he had always impressed us with his unparalleled physical strength and close combat ability, and we were unprepared to deal with this kind of attack."

At this moment, a middle-aged military officer spoke up.

"Does the general mean we need to change our tactical rhythm? Abandon our previous step-by-step, steady approach?"

“Yes.” Varesia nodded slowly. “We must acknowledge the fact that the Earth Manipulator, our key to quickly building a fortified position, was destroyed in the first wave of attacks. Although it tried to burrow underground to avoid the attack, it was still within the kill zone and its internal structure was severely damaged and cannot be rebuilt in a short time.”

A brief silence fell over the command center.

"This means that we can no longer rely on strong defenses and positional advantages to deal with Aura."

Varesia surveyed the crowd, his voice resolute, "We must be more flexible and more dispersed."

"At the same time, we need to develop multiple contingency plans to deal with such attacks by the Red Emperor, including early warning mechanisms, evacuation routes, countermeasures, and tactics to seize the opportunity to counterattack when he is preparing an attack."

As a result, Lorthern's plan to establish prestige and unite the Federation through this battle will be thwarted.

But this was a last resort.

Given the power displayed by the Red Emperor, it was already difficult enough to minimize losses and strive for victory.

Varesia sighed inwardly.

If the late king were still alive, Lorthen and Aura should have been a steadfast ally, facing the threats from other forces on the continent together.

Unfortunately, politics is never driven by ideals.

Now that the two sides are at war, it's too late to turn back.

“We need to force Aura into a more complex war with us, rather than allowing them to concentrate their forces and make a small breakthrough in conjunction with the Red Emperor’s devastating attack.”

Varesia focused and continued speaking.

The atmosphere at the meeting became a little more lively.

The generals began discussing specific adjustment plans.

Break down large legions into more flexible tactical clusters, increase the density of aerial reconnaissance and magical early warning networks, and prepare more war machines for disrupting high-energy gatherings and long-range strikes...

However, just as the discussion was halfway through...

Another anomaly has occurred!

A familiar, terrifying pressure crashed down from the sky.

The magic lamp in the command room flickered violently, the water glass on the table rippled, and the map on the wall moved automatically without any wind.

"Alert! Extremely high energy response!" The messenger's voice echoed throughout the entire base camp through the megaphone array. "Right above us! Repeat, target right above us!"

Varesia's pupils suddenly contracted.

Before he could think, his body moved instinctively, and he appeared outside the command post in a flash, looking up at the sky.

Then, his heart almost stopped beating.

Two suns.

Two suns appeared in the azure sky.

One of the rounds is smaller, but it is rapidly taking shape and expanding!

And supporting this new sun was none other than the red iron dragon they had just been discussing how to deal with.

The Red Emperor, the Undying Dragon, Garo Ignas!

He bypassed the front lines of the battle and appeared directly above Lorthen's main camp.

The sphere of intense sunlight between the dragon's claws appeared to be even larger than when it destroyed the front lines, and the heat and light it emitted caused the air below to distort.

Varesia could feel the air temperature rising.

"Activate all defensive formations! Maximum power!"

Varecia roared the order: "Notify all legendary units to prepare for interception! Magic satellite, requesting emergency support! Repeat, requesting the highest level of support!"

The piercing alarm blared through the sky.

The layers of defensive magic arrays were activated to their limit, and colorful magical shields intertwined to form a dazzling curtain of light above the base camp.

Multiple legendary powerhouses rose from various places, staring intently at the Red Emperor in the sky.

The radiant orb of sunlight between the dragon's arms grew increasingly dazzling. At close range, its diameter seemed to exceed that of the real sun. It was as if it were another star imprisoned in the dragon's claws, ready to fall at any moment and turn everything to ashes.

Time seemed to stand still.

Varesia clenched his fist, his nails digging into his palm.

He could feel the soldiers around him trembling, and hear suppressed gasps and prayers.

This is the deterrent power of strength.

Even before the attack, fear had already spread.

Just then, a dazzling silver light descended from the sky!

The beam of light landed precisely above the base camp, positioned between the Red Emperor and the camp below.

As the light faded, a figure appeared.

He was a young man who looked to be no more than twenty years old, dressed in simple gray cloth, with a worn-out round shield and an ancient sword hanging at his waist.

He had an ordinary face, black hair and black eyes, and a gentle appearance; standing there, he looked like any ordinary traveler.

But the moment he looked up, the entire sky fell silent.

Crowned charioteer, Sodrian Lorthern.

The Grand of Lorthion, the Guardian of Lorthion.

Sodrian's gaze fell on the energy ball between the Red Emperor's claws, as calmly as if he were looking at an ordinary object.

Then, he made a simple gesture, gently placing his right hand on the worn-out little round shield at his waist.

Something incredible happened.

As he touched it, time on the round shield seemed to begin to flow backward.

The cracks healed and disappeared at a speed visible to the naked eye, the mottled rust faded quickly, revealing the original color of the clean metal, and even the missing corner on the edge regenerated and was completed in the flow of light and shadow.

In the blink of an eye, a complete and smooth shield appeared in his hand.

The shield surface was covered with silver ripples, like moonlight reflected on water.

"Lothane's Grand Time..."

High in the sky, the red iron dragon grinned. Without saying anything more, it pressed down with its claws and hurled the dragon energy ball that had expanded to its limit.

This time, the dragon energy bomb did not land.

It exploded abruptly in mid-air, before it even got close to Sodrian!
The blazing sun burst forth in the sky, and destructive flames and lightning, like ferocious beasts baring their fangs, devoured the nearest humans.

This abrupt change did not faze Soderrian.

He didn't move; just as the first wisp of lightning was about to touch him, he raised the brand-new round shield above his head, tilting the shield slightly to make a simple blocking stance.

Then, the shield came into contact with the lightning flames.

There was no loud noise, no explosion.

The moment the destructive energy of the dragon's energy ball struck the shield, time seemed to stand still.

The rolling flames and rushing lightning paused for a moment in front of the shield, as if they had crashed into an invisible wall.

The next second, it was as if time began to flow backward.

Instead of advancing, the flames and lightning began to retreat, converge, and merge again!
They tumbled before Sodrian, reforming in a way that defied logic, transforming back into that sun-like energy sphere, and then returning to its original form!
hum!
The dragon energy bullet followed a completely opposite trajectory, moving even faster than it had come, and hurtled towards its original owner!

The reversal of the two poles can happen in an instant.

The Red Emperor seemed taken aback, but his reaction was equally terrifying.

The crimson wings, hundreds of meters long, suddenly unfurled and swung violently!
The dragon's majestic and imposing body shot straight up into the sky like a crimson lightning bolt, its trail of light trailing behind it dazzlingly bright.

Boom!!!

The Dragon Energy Bomb exploded with a bang in the sky slightly behind the Red Emperor's original position.

This was a real explosion, completely tearing apart the clouds high in the sky. Light and heat rained down, but because of the distance, the aftershocks were completely intercepted by the layers of defensive arrays when they reached the ground, only causing ripples on the shield.

Meanwhile, a host of legends, led by Sodrian, stood guard around him.

Their gazes were fixed intently on the crimson iron dragon, their eyes filled with fighting spirit.

"The power of time, humankind, you have surprised me."

The Red Emperor stood in the burning sky, gazing down at the crown of humanity.

After saying that, he did not linger in battle. With a flap of his wings, he transformed into a streak of crimson light and quickly disappeared into the sky. He came suddenly and left just as quickly, giving the legendary Lord Lorthorn no chance to surround and kill him.

After a brief silence.

A deafening cheer erupted from Lorthene's headquarters!

"It's the Grand Driver! Our Grand Rank!"

"The Shield of Time! He blocked it! No, he reversed the Red Emperor's attack!"

"Long live Lorthorn! Long live the Crown Driver!"

"…………"

The previously low morale was restored at this moment.

The soldiers brandished their weapons, the generals were overjoyed, and even Varesia breathed a long sigh of relief, his eyes filled with respect and gratitude as he looked at the young figure in the air.

However, Sodrian, who was in the air, did not show any signs of relief after the Red Emperor left.

He slowly lowered the round shield.

The light on the shield quickly dimmed, and cracks and old marks reappeared, as if the previous transformation was just a fleeting illusion of time.

With his back to everyone, Sodrian's face was slightly pale, and his breathing was a little more rapid than usual.

The moment he lowered his shield, dense wrinkles appeared on his face. Although these wrinkles gradually disappeared with a few deep breaths, the exhaustion they caused did not disappear.

"Just one rebound... and the cost is so high."

Sodrian glanced down at the restored, worn shield, then looked in the direction where the Red Emperor had disappeared, his brow furrowing slightly.

He was aware of his situation.

As a user of the power of time, every time time is reversed, a price must be paid.

Attacks of this caliber as the Dragon Energy Ball consume not only magic power but also his own time.

Those wrinkles are the most direct manifestation of this.

His life is slipping away faster than ever.

"If he uses this move repeatedly, how many times can I block it?"

Sodrian was calculating silently in his mind.

Just three nights later, the Lorthern Legion readjusted its lines according to the new tactical plan. Sodrian's arrival did indeed boost morale, and long-lost conversations could even be heard in the camp.

However, the calm did not last long.

The sky was once again torn apart by dazzling light, and the night suddenly became as bright as day.

The Red Emperor has descended once again.

He hovered high in the night sky, the dragon energy blast he held in his hand like another huge blazing sun.

The next moment, the destructive ball of light was hurled violently to the ground.

Crowned Charioteer Sodrian had no choice but to intervene.

He raised the ancient round shield, which burst forth with silver light, and the Wall of Time unfolded once more.

The buzzing sound vibrated the air as the dragon energy bullet was reversed and bounced back the moment it touched the barrier, shooting upwards into the sky.

The Red Emperor had anticipated this, and with a light and agile movement, he gracefully evaded the counterattack. He then transformed into a crimson shadow and soared into the sky, disappearing into the depths of the night without a backward glance.

Silence returned, with only the lingering energy waves in the camp crackling softly.

Sodrian slowly lowered the round shield, and wrinkles reappeared on his face, deeper and denser than before.

Although he gently stroked them and smoothed them out, he knew in his heart that they were not mere appearances, but rather the marks of time accelerating its passage on him.

"We can't keep playing defensively like this."

Sodrian gazed at the silent mountains in the distance.

“My life was already nearing its end. If this battle is destined to be my final battle... then in my last moments, I will fight for a glorious future for Lorthorn.”

This time, whatever the king decides, he has made his choice.

(End of this chapter)