Chapter 682 - 413: Breakthrough on the Eve of Battle? Four Claws Shatter the Legendary Dream! (Part 2)
Under the deep gaze of the Red Iron Dragon, King of Mountains Groom continued, "We can become your most steadfast ally of the Molten Iron Tribe, no, even your vassal! I am willing to regularly offer the resources we collect to the mighty Molten Iron Tribe, in exchange for your permission to let us keep this last home, allowing my people to thrive and propagate their lineage."
While showcasing his immense strength and legendary equipment, he also lowered his posture, appearing very sincere in his tone.
He even carried a sense of pleading.
This made him seem like he was not a very threatening enemy.
However, this was not a sincere submission.
The real intention of the King of Mountains was to stall for time and seek a breathing opportunity.
As long as he could get through the current crisis, and with some time using the energies of the earth veins to successfully breakthrough into the Legendary Realm, then no matter what price is paid at this moment, he could reclaim it with interest in the future.
All the humiliations endured today will be repaid a hundredfold!
According to the records of the Dragon’s Legacy, the thinking of Hill Giants is considered the most sluggish among several types of giants, their characters as steady as mountains, also known for being very stubborn, straightforward, and not skilled at scheming or deception.
If it were other dragon types who believed deeply in the legacy, they might be convinced by the inherent impression and believe the King of Mountains’ words at this moment.
However, at this moment, his opponent was Galos.
The Golden Dragon with a head full of conquest desires or combat thrill, the Silver Dragon whose exterior was cold yet was scheming and cunning, the insightful White Dragon who could understand niche theories... Galos had seen too many dragons not to be judged by common sense.
He knew very well that the group impressions recorded in the legacy could only be referenced but not fully trusted.
However, he was also calmly weighing things.
If the King of Mountains genuinely chose vassalage, the long-term benefits for the tribe were indeed greater than directly waging war and annihilating them.
The gaze of the Red Iron Dragon was sharp and tranquil, as it looked down at the King of Mountains Groom on the surface.
"I can tell that your compromise is primarily for the survival of your kin."
His deep and authoritative voice resounded, proposing his own terms, "Want peace? It can be done."
"Then, hand over the weapon in your hand first to express your sincerity."
The King of Mountains hesitated, showing a troubled expression on his face, explaining, "Honored King of Molten Iron, this ’Earth Ripper’ is the last memory left by my father, carrying the tribe’s legacy and honor, and it can only be activated by a warrior with pure Hill Giant blood."
The expression on Galos’ face remained unchanged, as he calmly presented another request.
"It seems that this request is indeed quite demanding, so I’ll change it to a relatively simpler one."
He said indifferently, "Then, cut off one of your arms and follow me alone back to the Molten Iron Territory, where we can sit down and discuss in detail the terms of your vassalage."
Above the ground, King of Mountains Groom was plunged into deeper silence, internally turbulent.
Whether it was surrendering the legendary equipment he relied on, or going alone to the core of the King of Molten Iron’s territory, they both harbored risks too great to bear.
If the other party turned hostile, then he’d surely die without the benefit of the terrain and the support of his people, with no chance of resistance.
He couldn’t stake his life and the future of his entire tribe on the whimsical mercy of a Giant Dragon.
Seeing the King of Mountains’ delay to respond, the gaze of the Red Iron Dragon gradually turned cold.
"I do not see in you any sincerity as you claimed, it seems that your so-called submissiveness was just feigned compromise to bide for time."
How astute and quick-witted Galos’ mind is?
He guessed that King of Mountains Groom might harbor some hidden ace or trump card but needed time to brew or activate it.
Which was probably why he had stayed entrenched there for decades, never significantly expanding.
The next moment, the giant dragon’s wings unfolded suddenly, covering the sky and blocking out the sun, with membranes on the wings beginning to flow and glow with scorching scarlet light, fluttering like banners in the air.
"Crush them."
The King of Molten Iron, calmly issued the final attack order.
"Arrogant dragon! I will personally sever your head as the best decoration for my throne!"
Seeing that negotiations had broken down, King of Mountains Groom simply tore off all disguises, letting out a berserk roar that was enough to shatter the surrounding rocks, rolling like thunder.
"Warriors! For the glory of the Giants! Follow me to fight—!"
With the King of Mountains’ war cries resounding across the battlefield, all the Giant Warriors in formation, as if plucked by the same string, simultaneously unleashed a heaven-shaking, skyward roar, their battle intent instantly boiling over!
In the blink of an eye, the dragon roars and the giants’ rugged fury intertwined, orchestrating the prelude to war.
Simultaneously, with Galos’ command, the massive dragon group, already poised in the sky, like layers of overcast clouds, carried an unmatched momentum, launching an incomparably fierce assault.
From the very beginning of the battle, the dragon group leveraged their innate aerial advantage, seizing absolute dominance.
They were not in a hurry to land on the surface and engage in a scuffle with the giants who excelled in ground battles, opting instead to utilize their power to command the skies, initiating wave after wave of ferocious attacks against the giants with overwhelming superiority from high above.