Ember Dragon
Chapter 604: Mecuria and the Call for Aid
Chapter 604: Mecuria and the Call for Aid
The plane form of Mount Celestia is exceptionally miraculous. Majestic and unbelievably vast mountain ranges rise from the truly boundless ocean, with each layer arranged according to the mountain’s structure, spanning a total of seven layers.
Here, justice, mercy, order, divine grace, and compassion are eternal rules. Vigilant eyes guard against any form of evil, and everything radiates boundless beauty.
With each ascent, the souls of visitors are refined and elevated. Only kind-hearted souls can climb Mount Celestia.
Upon reaching the summit of Mount Celestia, even the most benevolent and orderly beings are absorbed into the plane’s essence of pure goodness, offering up their individual consciousness for glory—it is said that many powerful deities reside here, but no one can confirm it.
"Swish—"
Pure white wings spread out, and a divine warrior clad in silver armor, radiating brilliance, soared into the sky. He wielded a greatsword, swiftly ascending the Holy Mountain.
—He was Walter Graham, an angelic scion from the Material Plane. He had just presented his token at the Star Citadel and received the assistance of the "Messenger" Balachiel.
Now, his target was the second layer of Mount Celestia, Mecuria.
In the silver heaven dominated by the Celestial Host, Walter did not particularly stand out. There were even more angels flapping their wings, striving to fly upward.
Soon, accompanied by the howling wind, he passed through the pitch-black night sky of Lucia.
"Swish—"
Instantly, golden light shone upon his face, evaporating the evil and sins that had tainted him in the Material Plane.
Walter instinctively raised his greatsword, holding it like an umbrella above his head to shield against the overwhelming light that made him uncomfortable.
But soon, bathed in the radiance, he unconsciously lowered his greatsword, closed his eyes, and embraced it. His furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and even his soul seemed purified.
"Such a familiar feeling."
That golden light reminded him of the once-glorious Fadlan Empire decades ago. During the Ascension Ceremony, the sunlight he felt was just as intense and warm.
Walter opened his eyes, now much calmer, with all hostility in his heart dissipated.
He looked around at the unfamiliar plane and murmured to himself, "Finally, I have arrived, Mecuria."
The second layer of Mount Celestia, Mecuria.
The air here is thin yet filled with hope. Golden light bathes everything, which is why pilgrims call it the "Golden Heaven."
Here, the hills are flat, streams are rapid, and lush vegetation is everywhere. The highlands and passes provide ample living space for the Celestial Host, Ghaele Eladrin, and other benevolent beings.
Mecuria is adorned with grand and majestic tombs, allowing the noblest of warriors to rest eternally. On the annual Day of Remembrance, the residents of heaven pluck their harps to sing praises of their glorious deeds.
Armories and parade grounds for the Celestial Host are spread across the plane. Mount Celestia gathers armies from these grounds whenever needed. Divine armies often assemble and train on this layer.
Bahamut’s palace is also located here—and that was Walter’s destination.
Because the opponent he was about to face was a chromatic dragon, and the most powerful of its kind—a Red Dragon. To seek aid from the Metallic Dragon God who opposed it was undoubtedly a wise choice.
Walter spread his pure white wings, flapping them as he soared at full speed through the sky. After an unknown amount of time, he finally saw the palace in the distance.
Atop the billowing clouds stood a splendid sanctuary. Its windows were inlaid with gems set in gold and silver, its walls were embedded with red copper and jade, and even the floor was made of refined mithril.
Gold Dragons, Silver Dragons, Bronze Dragons, Brass Dragons, and other Metallic Dragons guarded the palace entrance. Numerous benevolent half-dragons flew about, and armored Dragon-Oath Paladins patrolled the surroundings.
Even Walter, who had fought across the multiverse and seen much, had never witnessed such a luxurious and grand palace.
He couldn’t help but gape, sighing from the bottom of his heart: "Is this truly Bahamut’s sanctuary? It’s unbelievable."
At the same time, he felt a surge of gratitude. If he could obtain the aid of such a powerful being, he would surely be able to repel that Red Dragon.
Walter folded his wings, using his greatsword for support as he respectfully knelt on one knee atop the clouds.
He raised his head with a resolute expression and called out in a loud voice: "Oh, noble and mighty Lord of the Northwind! I, the angelic scion of Holy Fadlan, Duke of North Aether, Walter Graham—humbly seek your aid!"
Walter gazed at the distant palace, his eyes burning with passion, and in his golden pupils, flames seemed to dance.
"Swish—"
"What is this."
Walter’s face showed surprise as a gust of cold wind suddenly roared beneath his feet, lifting the angelic nobleman into the sky.
Immediately, the cold wind surged into the sky, carrying Walter toward the sanctuary suspended in the clouds.
Along the way, Dragon-Oath Paladins and half-dragons courteously stepped aside, even the Gold Dragons and Silver Dragons guarding the entrance did the same, for they knew that this gust of wind represented Bahamut’s will.
The golden doors engraved with holy emblems slowly opened, and the cold wind carried Walter into the grand hall, setting him down on the mithril-refined floor. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮
In that treasure-laden hall, surrounded by resplendent gold and jewels, Walter kept his eyes fixed on the ground, feeling somewhat nervous, afraid of offending this god of the good dragons.
Bahamut did not reveal his form, but his solemn and majestic voice echoed throughout the hall.
"So, the angelic scion of Holy Fadlan survived such turmoil and maintained a pure soul untainted by evil. You are quite remarkable."
"Walter Graham, would you be willing to reside on Mount Celestia and become my vassal?"
Walter was stunned for a moment before he knelt quickly on the floor, cupping his hands respectfully as he answered: "Your Majesty Bahamut, I am deeply honored to receive your praise. Becoming the vassal of someone as glorious and magnificent as you would indeed be a supreme honor. However, I still have responsibilities in the Material Plane, and hundreds of thousands of Fadlan citizens are waiting for me, so I must decline."
His voice was firm and unyielding, as if forged from steel.
Bahamut’s voice seemed to grow distant, yet it remained calm and gentle. "Guest from afar, so—why have you come?"
Hearing the deity’s inquiry, Walter’s face lit up with joy, and he quickly responded: "Your Majesty Bahamut, my domain is under threat from northern invaders. So...I wish to seek your aid."
"As for my enemy, you might have heard the name—Cassius Claudious Norrixius. He is a brutal, ambitious Red Dragon who established a vast empire in the north and now covets Fadlan’s homeland."
"I suspect he is involved in the schemes of the Chromatic dragon Queen. I hope you can lend your aid to help us repel the invaders."
Bahamut’s voice carried a hint of hesitation. "I admire your adherence to justice, but...I cannot give you direct assistance. I abide by the decrees of the World Will, which dictate that deities must not interfere with the affairs of the Material Plane. This is merely a mortal war, unconnected to the Chromatic dragon Queen."
Hearing such a response, Walter felt somewhat disappointed, but he still respectfully said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. Then I shall not disturb you any further."
"The people of my territory and the warriors under my command are still anxiously waiting for me."
"Very well."
"Swish—"
Bahamut did not respond again. Another whirlwind surged forth, instantly sweeping Walter out of the palace.
Walter looked at the distant palace, but he did not feel disheartened. Instead, he unfolded the wings behind his back once again.
This request for aid was just an attempt. Although the God of Good Dragons could not provide him with direct assistance, the Metallic Dragons who pursued order and justice could. And the Golden Dragon Council, which he had once helped, was his best choice.
In the deepest part of Bahamut’s palace, within that grand hall covering tens of thousands of hectares, lay eternally accumulated treasures, along with the remains of thousands of audacious thieves.
This was Bahamut’s dwelling place, usually accompanied by seven loyal and powerful Ancient Metallic Dragons.
"He is a remarkable mortal—brave and kind, fitting almost all my expectations. But unfortunately, he has chosen a path doomed to fail."
A long, slender platinum-colored dragon coiled majestically upon the throne. Its form had long surpassed mortal comprehension, resembling a towering mountain.
Its entire body was covered in silver-white scales, reflecting a brilliant light. Its deep eyes were a glacier-heart grayish blue—this was the Platinum Dragon King, Lord of the Northwind, the God of Good Dragons, Bahamut.
A massive Silver Dragon, crouching at its feet and holding a scepter in its claws, asked curiously, "Your Majesty, do you mean..."
"The Holy Fadlan is utterly dead—from the moment that arrogant mortal chose that path, there was no possibility of its rebirth."
"Without the help of the Sun God, those mortals, gradually losing their strength, attempting to rebuild Holy Fadlan is nothing more than wishful thinking."
The Ancient Gold Dragon picked up a crystal orb placed nearby with its claw, gazing at the image of Walter soaring through the sky inside. He hesitated and said, "But... Your Majesty, if that Red Dragon truly descends southward, wouldn’t it cause an irreversible catastrophe in the Material Plane?"
"That Cassius is indeed a difficult one to control. Although he has the potential to become a Dragon King, he could also easily switch sides at any moment."
Bahamut slowly spoke, and countless complex images appeared in his azure slit pupils.
The Heavens, Elysium, the Beastlands, Baator’s Nine Hells, the Abyss... His profound gaze seemed to encompass the many outer planes within.
"It is a reluctant choice. Letting a dragon that barely has hope rule the land is still better than allowing devils, demons, and the Dragon Queen to exploit the opportunity."
The Platinum Dragon stood up, spreading its vast wings: "That mortal named Walter is not wrong. It’s just that the Material Plane can no longer accommodate a pure idealist."
Mecuria, the Glorious Mansion, is the residence of every elected Golden Dragon Governor. Inside, there is an Astral Pool that connects to the Golden Dragon Council in the Material Plane.
This luxurious mansion is built from solid metal, encrusted with gems and pearls everywhere, and even its walls are plated with gold.
At the entrance of the mansion, several young armored Gold Dragons stood guard. They were Bahamut’s loyal followers, known among dragons as the "Guardians of Justice."
The current Golden Dragon Governor was an Ancient Gold Dragon named Crassus. He had served for six hundred years, renowned and respected by the good dragons as the "Gilded Sage."
Every century, this venerable Golden Dragon Governor would travel to the Material Plane, gathering Golden Dragons from around the world for a council meeting to elect the next governor and discuss important matters.
Decades ago, because Walter had rescued an Ancient Gold Dragon, the Golden Dragon Council owed him a favor, and Crassus had given him a solemn promise.
"Stop, mortal."
At the entrance of the Glorious Mansion, two Golden Dragon guards blocked Walter’s path, spreading their metallic wings with expressions of pride and indifference.
Walter held his greatsword, unmoving, and shouted firmly, "Lord Crassus, do you still remember me? I am your friend and a recognized ally of the Golden Dragon Clan—Walter Graham of Holy Fadlan."
"Let him in."
The low-pitched voice, like an ancient bell, resonated with the depth of life and the wash of ages.
"Yes, Lord Crassus."
The two Golden Dragon guards bowed their heads respectfully and obediently stepped aside.
Walter walked quickly along the path that seemed excessively wide by human standards, soon reaching the depths of the mansion, where the Golden Dragon Governor revealed his form.
—It was an immensely colossal Golden Dragon. It had a short face with spikes on its nose, two matte, metallic horns atop its head, and dozens of whisker-like tendrils around its mouth.
The Ancient Gold Dragon had extremely narrow and deep eyes. Its pale golden pupils resembled faded gold, exuding the aura of ages past.
The combination of its eyes and tendrils gave this Golden Dragon an exceptionally wise appearance. Atop its head was a platinum crown, and in its claw was a scepter engraved with a milky star cloud and polar stars, adding to its noble demeanor.
This was the current Golden Dragon Governor, the mighty Ancient Gold Dragon, known as the "Gilded Sage," Crassus.
Crassus gazed at the angelic scion not far away with his pale golden eyes, as if he had been waiting for a long time. He calmly spoke, "Long time no see, Walter. My friend, why have you come?"
Walter looked at the Golden Dragon, feeling as if it had not changed at all from decades ago.
He sighed helplessly, then said, "Lord Crassus, I have no path left. I can only turn to you—or more accurately, to the Golden Dragon Clan for help."
Crassus seemed to have anticipated this. His expression remained unchanged as he calmly asked, "Who is your enemy?"
"Cassius."
Walter answered truthfully, but he could clearly feel that when he spoke that name, the Ancient Gold Dragon before him visibly paused in his breathing.