Chapter 727: The Volcanion Envoys Arrive
The crimson-gold vessels finally reached the outer boundary of [Divine Celestial Gym Island No.1].
One by one, the gigantic dragon-shaped warships slowed down and came to a stop, hovering silently in the surrounding cosmic space.
The volcanic patterns covering their hulls pulsed like living magma, casting waves of crimson-gold light across the island’s defensive formations.
A bridge of burning crimson energy extended from the leading vessel and slowly connected with God Gym’s main reception platform.
The leading Volcanion Dragon Clan envoy stepped onto the bridge first.
Several other envoys followed closely behind him.
Garion watched them approach calmly.
Just as he had expected from members of the proud Dragon Race, none of them bothered completely hiding their draconic traits.
They appeared mostly humanoid, but practically every part of their appearance loudly announced exactly what they were.
Curved horns rose from their heads, powerful tails moved behind them, folded wings rested against their backs, and patches of crimson or dark-red scales covered different parts of their bodies.
Garion could also feel the heat radiating naturally from them.
It was deep, ancient, and powerful, almost like each envoy carried a sleeping volcano inside their flesh.
Garion could also feel the heat radiating naturally from them.
It was deep, ancient, and powerful, almost like each envoy carried a sleeping volcano inside their flesh.
The leading envoy’s golden-red eyes swept across Rachel, Dahlia, Raviel, Aveline, and the others before finally settling on Garion.
His gaze paused for the briefest moment. Garion’s current appearance was not exactly easy to ignore.
His deep purple hair now carried strands of black and silver-white. His strange eyes seemed to contain gravity, darkness, and light all at once, while his relaxed body released a faint pressure even though he was deliberately restraining himself.
More strangely, the space surrounding him occasionally seemed to bend almost imperceptibly with each movement.
The envoy approached until only a short distance separated them. "So... it seems you are Garion."
Garion’s lips curved slightly as he stepped forward, finally pulling both hands out of his pockets. "That’s right. I’m Garion, the owner of God Gym."
The leading envoy studied him for another moment before extending one hand. "Varkhazan Volcanion. Envoy of the Volcanion Dragon Clan."
Garion reached out and accepted the handshake.
The instant their palms met, however, Varkhazan’s grip tightened slightly. A wave of scorching volcanic force surged through his hand.
It was not a genuine attack.
More like a greeting between powerful beings, mixed with a little bit of the natural pride of the Dragon Race.
Garion immediately understood, a quick grin spreading across his face as purple-black gravity quietly gathered around his hand.
The volcanic pressure surging toward him suddenly grew immensely heavier, surpassing even Varkhazan’s directly.
For the briefest moment, his arm sank several centimeters before he swiftly steadied himself.
The surrounding Volcanion envoys noticed the subtle movement, and their expressions shifted slightly.
The man they had come to investigate had just suppressed Varkhazan’s casual test without even changing his expression.
Garion released the handshake first as though nothing unusual had happened. "Welcome to God Gym, dear guest Varkhazan."
Varkhazan looked down at his own hand for a moment before raising his gaze toward Garion again, intrigued. "Interesting. This God Gym is quite intriguing."
---
Garion turned slightly and gestured toward the main hall behind the reception platform. "Since you came all this way, let’s not keep standing outside. We can talk properly inside."
Varkhazan gave a calm nod. "Very well."
The Volcanion envoys followed without hesitation, their long tails moving slowly behind them while their wings remained folded against their backs.
As the group began walking, Bruno moved closer to Garion while Paren followed beside him.
Bruno lowered his voice slightly. "Garion, please don’t speak carelessly."
Garion gave him a reassuring look. "I know."
Bruno stared at his expression for a second and immediately felt less reassured. "That face says the exact opposite."
Garion completely ignored him.
Paren glanced between the two of them and wisely decided not to get involved.
As they continued toward the main hall, Garion’s gaze moved past the Volcanion envoys and landed on several familiar figures who had apparently accompanied the fleet.
One of them was Kaelvar Ignis.
Compared to the last time Garion had seen him, Kaelvar’s aura had become steadier and noticeably more controlled.
Beside him stood the elder Garion had met during the Newbie Tournament, Varan.
The old Ignis Dragon elder noticed Garion looking toward him and gave a measured nod. His expression was far more respectful than during their first meeting.
Garion casually returned the greeting.
His attention soon shifted toward the third figure standing nearby.
This man was different.
He possessed deep red eyes and mature, dignified features, while a calm but heavy presence naturally surrounded him.
His horns were crimson-red with faint golden patterns running across their surfaces, and patches of red scales covered parts of his neck, hands, and arms.
Even without anyone introducing him, Garion could immediately tell that this was someone accustomed to holding authority.
The man stepped forward first. "Garion."
His voice was calm and dignified. "It is good to finally meet you properly. I am Dravion, the current Patriarch of the branch Ignis Dragon Clan within the Astral Cosmic World."
Garion gave him a small nod. "I see. Nice to meet you, Patriarch Dravion."
Dravion’s gaze briefly moved across [Divine Celestial Gym Island No.1].
His attention lingered particularly on the distant [Disaster Zones], each filled with dangerous calamities. "As expected, your island is quite extraordinary."
Garion raised an eyebrow. "Extraordinary?"
Dravion looked back toward him. "Dangerous, chaotic, and filled with powerful environmental pressure suitable for training."
His deep red eyes carried genuine interest. "Seeing this place personally, I can understand a little better why the people trained by God Gym become so powerful."
Garion’s expression immediately brightened. "Right? Finally, someone understands."
Atlas floated beside his shoulder and muttered dryly.
[He called it extraordinary. He did not call it reasonable.]
Garion ignored him without hesitation as they finally arrived at the main hall.
He stepped inside first, then casually glanced back at his guests with a grin. "Come in. Now we can finally talk about why all of you traveled this far just to visit my little gym."