A Dragon against the Whole World

The dense layers of black clouds covered the sky, and fine, continuous rain fell from the horizon, slanting through the howling wind, soaking every inch of land on the wilderness.

Centered around the abandoned mining pit, the Molten Iron Tribe established several simple outposts here.

Sturdy rock-built fences and high walls surrounded all sides, with guards in rainproof cloaks standing like sculptures in the rain.

Their sharp eyes pierced through the rain, scanning vigilantly in all directions, guarding against any potential danger.

Suddenly.

The already dim sky darkened further, as if some colossal entity had blocked the scant sunlight.

The guards’ pupils suddenly contracted, and they all looked up in unison, gazing towards the heights.

A huge Dragon Shadow could be seen circling beneath the clouds, with rain falling on its steel-like scales, immediately shattering into finer mist spreading in all directions.

It was King of Iron Solrog.

Recognizing the figure, the guards slightly relaxed their tense nerves, returning to their respective posts, though their gazes still carried awe, occasionally glancing skyward.

Meanwhile, Iron Dragon Solrog hovered slowly at low altitude.

His colossal wings stirred the wind and rain, creating roaring air currents. He gradually descended, finally landing steadily on the edge of the abandoned mining pit.

He lowered his head, his sharp dragon eyes scanning over the rugged and uneven mining pit below, eyes showing a pondering expression.

Regarding whether a Legendary Artifact truly existed here, Solrog had his doubts.

After all, Galos only stumbled upon a map clue from a low-level adventurer, and its authenticity was questionable, possibly just part of a shoddy scam, unable to fully convince them.

However, as the ruins of Marne’s Dungeon were indeed discovered and exploration progressed.

Some unusual discoveries gradually heightened the sense of anticipation in Solrog’s heart.

The historical records of the Gray Dwarves being annihilated due to their created treasures seemed not to be baseless rumors, with the likelihood of the Legendary Artifact’s existence growing stronger.

Moreover, to explore these ruins, searching for the precise clues of the Legendary Artifact, the tribe had already invested considerable manpower and resources, expending substantial time and effort.

These sunk costs themselves also urged the tribe to not easily abandon the effort.

Now, the moment of harvest had finally arrived.

"Honorable King of Iron."

A Snakefolk leader, who had long been awaiting here, slithered to the front of the Iron Dragon, intermittently flicking its slender tongue, making hissing sounds.

"We have explored a hidden area deep within the dungeon, but there we encountered an attack from Spirit Bodies."

"It can be completely confirmed, hiss... those are the Spirit Bodies of Gray Dwarves, and unlike ordinary mindless undead, they exhibited considerable intelligence and cooperative capabilities, even showing emotions."

"Their numbers are not too high, but they seem to be able to resurrect and regenerate continuously, proving very troublesome."

The Snakefolk leader reported the situation in detail.

"The Marne’s Dungeon was initially one of the main cities of the Gray Dwarves, and it’s rumored that they brought about their own doom by creating a powerful Legendary Artifact."

"Now, discovering these intelligent and revival-capable peculiar spirit bodies, could there be some connection between the two?"

"Does the effect of that Legendary Artifact manifest here?"

Iron Dragon Solrog’s eyes narrowed slightly, his mind pondering.

Simultaneously, the Snakefolk leader bowed his head and said, "Due to the persistent resistance of these Gray Dwarf Spirit Bodies, our exploration progress is currently on hold, requiring stronger reinforcements."

Solrog asked straightforwardly, "What was the specific situation of the previous battle?"

The Snakefolk leader immediately responded, "The forces responsible for exploring the dungeon and those Gray Dwarf Spirit Bodies are evenly matched, and the battle reached a deadlock at one point."

"Without unexpected interference, in my estimation, sending in an additional elite team will be enough to break through their defense line and defeat them."

Iron Dragon nodded his massive head, the heavy scales rubbing against each other, producing a dull sound.

He said no more, redirecting his gaze towards the deep mining pit, quietly waiting in the fine rain.

Minutes passed by, with rainwater flowing down the gaps of the dragon scales, and about half an hour later, slight tremors began to emerge from the ground.

Accompanied by the rustling sounds from nearby shrubs, under the leadership of Dragon Vein Werewolf Russell, a mixed elite troop of several hundred emerged through the rain, arriving at the garrison of the abandoned mining pit.

This force comprised races such as the Jackal-Wolf Folk, Kobolds, and Werewolves.

Their eyes fierce, their equipment refined, they were clearly not just ordinary warriors, but elites honed by multiple battles.

"Russell, relax your spirit."

The voice of the Iron Dragon directly sounded in the werewolf’s mind, forging an invisible psychic connection between them.

The werewolf did not resist, and the connection was quickly established.

"Lead this elite troop personally to the dungeon to support the exploration team."

Solrog commanded, "Everything occurring in the dungeon will be personally observed by me through your eyes."

Initially, due to the importance of the Legendary Artifact, Solrog considered entering the dungeon personally.

But considering the dwarf-constructed underground spaces are generally low and narrow, his colossal dragon form would find it hard to maneuver, potentially becoming a burden.

Moreover, his previous injuries hadn’t fully healed; encountering a formidable enemy, rashly entering a confined environment might not be effective.