NOVEL NEXT Chapter 188: Where Did You Go Wrong?
Almost as soon as David's words had faded, the divine power mark on his right claw suddenly lit up.
Then he felt as if an invisible claw, perfectly sized, had grasped him and pulled him straight up toward the endless Dragon Cliff.
"You've got to be kidding me!"
Honestly, at that moment, David was somewhat baffled. Exhausted to the extreme, he had already braced himself for a long, arduous journey. He had even imagined encounters with Devils from the Bronze Citadel and obstructions from Chromatic Dragons of factions different from his Red Dragon ancestor, Ephelomon. Yet, the moment the divine power mark gleamed, the scene abruptly shifted. It was as if he had just arrived at the doorstep of his mother's mansion—the one she occupied as a corporate CEO—without even a chance to ring the bell, only to be eagerly pulled inside by a prepared host. Thus, what should have been a long and arduous ascent felt as if the cliffs had transformed into flat plains. He had the distinct impression of being invited into an ancient dimension encircled by malevolent forces. It felt like his first entrance into the Pantheon, that sensation of the soul gradually leaving the body. Yes, he was truly on his way to the dominion of a true god.
The sky here was always filled with dark clouds, underlit by uneasy red lightning. Dragon Cliff was the only path to Evil Scale Fortress; or rather, Dragon Cliff was part of Evil Scale Fortress, perhaps its outer interface. This was similar to how the Garden of Joseph related to the War God's Divine Realm, Warrior's Rest. And on this road to the Dragon God's Divine Realm, there were also numerous Chromatic Dragons on pilgrimages and guardianship duties. With the Dragon Queen's tacit approval, they had built their nests on this boundless and edgeless Dragon Cliff. This Dragon Cliff also seemed to naturally adapt to the magical reactions of various Chromatic Dragons' Nests, transforming parts of itself into the lava, deserts, forests, marshes, and glaciers that suited them. The higher one ascended, the larger the nests and, correspondingly, the older the Dragons.
At first, some idle Chromatic Dragons attempted to obstruct newcomers or collect a 'toll.' However, before they could even open their mouths, they saw the molten lava-like divine power mark on David's arm. Some, like Black Dragons, retracted faster than they had poked their heads out. Others, like White Dragons, bowed in worship on the glaciers. Only the Red Dragons held their heads high, staring at David—this lucky recipient of God's favor—and made no effort to conceal the envy, jealousy, and resentment in their hearts. Because further up, those who were unable to let go of their obsession with treasure and greed, or whose faith was insufficient to sustain a connection to the Dragon God's Divine Realm, would see nothing but a vast emptiness.
Finally, as David's speed increased, he leaped beyond the end of Dragon Cliff and at last saw the Divine Realm as it manifested to his spiritual vision in the material world. It stood upon a volcano that seemed to rise from an infinite void. The fortress itself appeared to be constructed entirely of black iron, its surface covered with rippling, scale-like patterns. Around the fortress, runic stone pillars sloped towards the five cardinal directions of the sky. Boundless, vile energy surged from their upper sections, with black and red lightning occasionally darting from one pillar to another.
However, this Divine Realm in the void currently bordered an immense Crimson Battlefield. Countless Chromatic Dragons took flight from the distant walls of this battlefield, heading towards the seemingly endless expanse. Moreover, innumerable 'threads' connected to the distant Bronze Citadel, with Demons streaming along these celestial ladders in an unending succession.
One hardly needed to think about it; this was the epicenter of the divine war, the War God's Divine Realm—Warrior's Rest.
Within the fortress walls lay a limitless expanse of palace complexes. Here, five colors perfectly intertwined, merging the grotesque and sinister with the majestic and grand. Fallen Chromatic Dragon worshippers were constantly resurrected in these palaces. After a brief rest, they would rejoin the divine war, one that could last for decades or even centuries. And in this Divine Realm's rear, there were also many summoned beings like David, being trained in the Chromatic Palace, feasting endlessly at opulent banquets, or endlessly fighting each other.
However, as David—a Red Dragon caked in blood, flying towards Evil Scale Fortress—appeared in the sky, many Chromatic Dragons were drawn by the overpowering stench of gore clinging to him. This aroma, acquired from over a month of bloody battles, caused them to pause their activities and turn their gaze toward him.
Even from afar, David could tell from the expressions of these Dragons that the ones glancing his way were discussing him. How could he not know? This was likely because, in a fit of rage, he had dug up the Styx River, making himself 'famous' in Barto Hell and even Evil Scale Fortress.
Gradually, he noticed more and more Chromatic Dragons, who usually stood on the high palace terraces like guards within the fortress, now flanking him on either side as he flew.
What are they trying to do? Just as this question emerged in David's mind, the divine force guiding him turned his body, and he began flying towards the upper regions of Evil Scale Fortress.
At that moment, he saw a dark cloud emitting an endless, multicolored radiance. As he drew closer, he perceived within that vast, boundless cloud an 'Evil Scale Fortress' that seemed to be inverted, hanging from the void above. Compared to the fortress below, this one appeared even more majestic and ethereal. Countless Dragons seemed to fall into it, as if they had seen what they most longed for in life. Thousands gathered, soaring through the heavens, weaving amidst a five-colored aurora. Their draconic cries intertwined, forming a grand chorus that resonated as if from their very souls.