Iron Dragon's Advancement Journey

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Iron Dragon's Advancement Journey

Author: Wei Luo

Summary:

On the continent of Faerûn, besides the well-known metal dragons, chromatic dragons, and rare gem dragons, there is also a fourth type of dragon race with numerous subspecies. They were the true rulers of Faerûn in the past, the shining light of the true dragons...

Now, they have fallen to the point where they can hardly maintain the continuation of their race. They have completely faded from the sight of the major races of Faerûn. The five subspecies can only surround the wings of the Supreme Dragon. Even those from different factions are closely connected and stick together for warmth. They struggle to survive under the malicious gaze of the two most famous dragon gods of Faerûn.

They are the Atheros.

The story begins with a tiny iron dragon cub from the Iron Dragon race.

sequence

　A warm, fiery current flowed through, and a dazed consciousness awoke, unable to open its eyes, seeing only faint flickering light.

　"What happened...where am I?"

　"Sleep, sleep, my baby..."

　Before it could even fumble for the answer in its obscure memories, a lullaby sung in an unknown language came to it, bringing it immense peace. Weariness overwhelmed it once more, and as it felt the sweet, metallic scent of iron and the scorching heat of fire, it drifted off to sleep again...

　As time flowed by, the hazy consciousness gradually cleared, and the memories were sorted out by the years. It finally remembered its former name and understood its own fate.

　It stroked its curled back with its curved tail in the cramped space, wriggled its wings to hook its head shield, and slightly moved its limbs curled under its belly. Now it finally realized that it had indeed been taken away by a dump truck.

　"Sleep, sleep, my baby..."

　The lullaby, however, remained always there, providing it with warmth and care, and infusing it with magical power.

　The deceased are gone, and new life is about to mature.

　"Sleep, sleep, my baby..."

　The newly awakened consciousness drifted off to sleep once more.

1. Hatchlings hatch

　There were no other dragon eggs in the nest where it hatched; it was the only one. The broken eggshell covered the top of the ore pile, and the slime inside had quickly oxidized and dried in the warm air, turning into something like a plastic film.

　During its time inside the eggshell, ambiguous information went in and out of its mind, and it was basically certain that it had transmigrated and become a dragon.

　It didn't seem to have any appetite for the eggshell. Before hatching, Daenerys took good care of it, constantly using her dragon magic to replenish its elemental power. In addition, the suitable incubation environment maximized the conversion efficiency of nutrients inside the egg, so it was basically full. The only nutrient it lacked now was a metallic mineral that was difficult to obtain from the eggshell.

　"Tsk tsk, no wonder dragon eggs are almost impossible to hatch without a dragon mother's care. Luckily, I'm not one of those unlucky colorful dragons."

　What pitiful creatures! Their first meal after hatching was just the eggshell.

　It makes it seem like I'm missing something of the ritual if I don't eat the eggshells. Also…”

　What happened to the promised inheritance after hatching? And the ceremony of calling out one's real name?

　"Could I be a dragon beast? No wonder I haven't seen any other dragon eggs!"

　Having confirmed that the environment was safe, it turned around and examined its own body. Its entire body was covered with neat, black scales, and a huge back plate, like a shark fin, extended from its neck to its back. Several protruding iron ore tumors were embedded in the high-rising pectoral muscles above and behind its forelimbs. Its unique claws, with its thumb and little finger side by side on the palm and all five toes exposed, and its peculiar armor plates at the knees of its hind legs, resembling barrel-shaped knee pads, confirmed that the information flowing through its consciousness was correct.

　It is now an Iron Dragon of the Iron Dragon race.

　Unlike the well-known metallic dragons and chromatic dragons, and the gem dragons that hide in the inner realm, the Atheros are another large and diverse subspecies of true dragons.

　Regardless of whether they are evil or good, the Aetherian Dragons are staunch allies of order, and they will take good care of and raise their offspring. The Iron Dragon, as the leader of the Aetherian Dragon race, especially cherishes its offspring.

　Thus, the fact that there was no dragon mother guarding the cave after it hatched essentially foreshadowed its current fate—before it even hatched, the dragon mother had already discovered that it could not accept the inheritance and could not chant its true name, so she abandoned it early on, taking other dragon eggs to other nests to incubate, leaving this nest for it as her only gift...

　"I thought it was a perfect start, but it turns out I'm still going to be eating dirt... No, wait, the iron ore piled up here is enough to feed me until I'm old. Sigh, even abandoned infants are provided with ample essential nutrients. Truly, the Iron Dragon Clan loves their children dearly."

　Sure enough, only the chromatic dragon is the poor, unlucky creature who eats dirt.

　After a short while of lamenting, the consciousness with perfect memories of its past life became smug again, and then immediately thought of an even more serious problem: "No, this cave doesn't look like it has any defenses. The wind blowing in is also very fresh, and it has the smell of temperate jungle. There are probably hills outside the cave entrance."

　With so much high-grade iron ore piled up here, it won't be long before those drunken dwarves come knocking on our door!

　How am I supposed to defend these iron mines?! I don't even know what my own name should be... Uh, Casalos, is that my name...?

　A vague memory flooded back; it remembered hearing Daenerys's soft call when it was still dazed and confused inside the egg.

　So I do have a real name, huh? Does that mean...?

　"My name is Casaloz!"

　It gripped the ground firmly with its four limbs, spread its wings wide, straightened its tail and neck, raised its head high, and shouted its true name in a dragon language that it didn't know it had somehow learned.

　But nothing happened.

　They shouted the same common phrase again, which they didn't even know how to use, but still nothing happened.

　Celestial language, Purgatory language, Dwarven language, Underground common language, and even Chinese and English from his previous life… Casalos recited his true name in every language he knew, but still did not receive the so-called inheritance, and had to lower his noble iron dragon head.

　"I'm sorry to all those 'predecessors' who transmigrated into colorful dragons, I'm just an unlucky orphan too..."

　Casalos may be its name, but it may not be its real name.

　It is said that the true name of a dragon is associated with its family tree, although Casalos does not recall any version of the D&D Dragon Book or Monster Compendium having this setting.

　"As an orphan who transmigrated, what is my cheat ability... could it be this thing?"

　Casalos has tried everything it could and complained enough; it really needs to seriously consider its future survival. As a member of the transmigrator army, its first thought is naturally to rely on the cheat system that's likely to accompany transmigrators.

　The newly hatched dragon merely closed its outer eyelids to sense its surroundings, and through the elemental subspecies' innate perception of magic, it keenly discovered that its tender dragon body seemed to be enveloped by a strange "magic power," which was darkly rotating and devouring the fire element "energy" that naturally dissipated from the dragon's blood vessels.

　As Casalos sensed the presence of this energy, an abstract message quietly emerged in his consciousness.

　Neither text nor images, and without any interactive interface, Casalos seemed to be born knowing the effects of this "energy." Its function was very clear: when it received sufficient energy support, Casalos could enter it during its slumber as a higher-level spiritual entity, similar to a deity, to undergo a "trial" in accordance with the nature of a dragon. From this trial, it would strengthen its concept of a true dragon, acquire the essence of a true dragon, and use it to replace the original prerequisites. This process, without any negative effects, gradually unlocked the specialties and exclusive advancement methods possessed by any dragon in the multiverse, allowing the true dragon to complete its true ascension.

　Although it seems a bit complicated, according to Casalos's self-translation, it means that you enter the dungeon in a spirit state to run random dungeons, and after completing a dungeon, you get currency to buy enhancements. Because you enter the dungeon in a spiritual form, the items dropped in the dungeon can only be used in the dungeon and cannot be taken out. Only the enhancements will be reflected on the dragon body in the real world.

　Is it like a roguelike game?

　Casalos could sense that, given his current small size, besides being able to unlock his basic feats without training using this energy, he could also choose to unlock several dragon-type advanced classes that he was somewhat familiar with: Leatherhide Dragon, Bloodscale Berserker, and Elemental Master. These were classes exclusive to the true dragons of Toril and even the entire multiverse, not some kind of warrior-mage-priest-roaming thing developed by humanoid species!

　Unfortunately, the energy cluster is clearly undercharged, and it has only acquired zero "essence," so it can't be relied upon for the time being. Even with the Dragon Mother's abundant dragon magic nurturing it before hatching, the elemental power naturally dissipated by the hatchling will still take some time to fully feed it.

　Without Daenerys's protection and with no immediate means to rely on, this pile of high-grade iron ore isn't exactly a good thing for Casalos.

　The dwarves weren't just bluffing; those guys could smell metallic minerals from hundreds of miles away, a feat not far off from the innate metallic senses of the Atheros.

　The Atheros's own need for non-precious metal minerals, coupled with the overlap in their habitats, determined that conflict between them and the Dwarves was inevitable.

　When Daenerys was alive, most of the self-aware dwarven clans were able to restrain their covetousness of the ore in the Artheon's lair, thus coexisting peacefully with the non-evil Artheons in the vicinity. But now that Daenerys is gone, the dwarves in the vicinity may have already set off with shovels and pickaxes, full of pride and high spirits.

　The threat from the dwarves is manageable, since their only target is the ore. As long as Casaloz is willing to abandon the ore and run away, the dwarves won't pursue it.

　But the lava-flowing caves in the hills and mountains, and the few bright red scales in the ore piles, reminded Casalos that it might still be facing a deadly threat—the red dragon!

　Iron dragons like to build their nests on towering mountain peaks, and it's even better if there are iron ore rivers and lava fields.

　Red Dragon likes it too.

　Furthermore, due to certain historical and physiological/psychological reasons, the Iron Dragon and the Red Dragon are absolutely hostile to each other and extremely hate each other. The red scales in the ore pile are undoubtedly Red Dragon scales, and the marks on them tell Casalos that his Dragon Mother had fought several battles with a certain Red Dragon near this nest.

　Daenerys Targaryen may have had the upper hand, but she was unable to kill the red dragon.

　Now that Daenerys Targaryen has left, only an abandoned baby dragon is left hiding in the dragon's nest. What will this red dragon do?

　Buzzing...

　Just then, the sound of wing membranes rubbing against the air rang out outside the cave, and the aura of a fire dragon subspecies, which did not belong to the Iron Dragon, flowed into the cave entrance with the airflow.

　Casaloz's black scales stood on end as he tumbled and crawled into the lava river.

2. French tongue... no, feeding

　"Casaloz!"

　The clear dragon's call echoed through the spacious cave, creating a reverberating bass, but it couldn't reach Casalos, who had retreated beneath the lava, relying on his fire immunity as a fire-type subspecies. The significant difference in sound speed between the lava and the air created a strong sound wave barrier, preventing the sound waves from penetrating.

　Therefore, it had no idea that the dragon that had entered the dragon's nest was calling its name, and could only tremble in its crimson vision, waiting for the "red dragon" to leave.

　But that was obviously impossible. With such a keen sense of smell, how could a dragon not detect the traces of a newly hatched dragon covered in egg yolk?

　An invisible force, like a giant hand, pried open the flowing lava, grabbed Casalos by the scruff of its neck, and threw it back onto the ore pile.

　"Little brother Casaloz, instead of munching on ore after you hatched, you ran into the lava and are just causing trouble!"

　Before Casalos could make any effective reaction, a fire dragon with long, curved metal horns, a slender neck covered with several layers of sharp metal thorns like hair, and bright red and green rings like poisonous insects at the base of the thorns, and a dark green body, stood upright in front of Casalos.

　Compared to Casaroz, who was born at the limit of medium size, Casaroz's body was even larger, and the scales that reflected the metallic light provided Casaroz with a great sense of security. This was not Casaroz's Iron Dragon Mother, nor was it the Red Dragon that Casaroz was worried about, which was the mortal enemy of the Iron Dragons. Instead, it was the Tungsten Dragon, an old and kind dragon in the Iron Dragon tribe, which was a fire-type subspecies like the Iron Dragon.

　Due to some unspeakable historical reasons, the five major races of the Atheros include both good, neutral, and evil factions, and opposing factions are not necessarily on good terms with each other. However, out of respect for the Supreme Dragon and the entire race, such discrimination remains at the level of verbal communication rather than physical confrontation, and generally does not result in any substantial conflict, especially when it comes to offspring of other races.

　The continuation of the entire Atheros race is far more important than that little bit of factional conflict.

　Tungsten dragons are the kindest dragons in the sub-iron dragon race, that is, the true dragons of good order. In most cases, they have good social relationships with the iron dragons of neutral order, and they regard protecting other sub-iron dragon cubs without dragon care as their inescapable duty and responsibility.

　From the visitor's words, it can be inferred that this tungsten dragon is not an isolated case of betraying its own side, and it also knows the name Casalos, perhaps indicating a good relationship with Daenerys Targaryen.

　In short, Casalos knew he was probably safe.

　It guessed correctly. The tungsten dragon, having entered the dragon's nest, spoke in a measured tone:

　"Oh dear, you hatched a few hours earlier than expected! Luckily, Aunt Quitamiz told me to come back and check on you. Otherwise, with your silly look, you would probably have been swept away to the Underdark by lava when she came back in a few hours. She would be heartbroken. She's only had you as her baby dragon in all these centuries!"

　"Quetamiz, is she my mother? Where has she gone? And who are you? Why did she send you to see me?"

　The long-necked tungsten dragon lowered its head, squinted at Casalos, and opened its sharp beak: "What do you mean, 'you you you'? You have no manners at all. You should call me Sister Fiona Milon!"

　Of course, Quetamiz is your mother.

　Unfortunately, your hatching day coincides with a big day for our Atherosthus tribe. Aunt Quitamiz is extremely busy right now, so she had to ask me, the kind Fionamiron, to help take care of you. I've been fostered by Aunt Quitamiz for decades, so I'm practically your older sister!

　"Huh?" Casalos let out a meaningless hum.

　What's the big day for the Atheros? A tungsten dragon will be fostered by an iron dragon family... Aren't Atheros usually formed in clans and "socialized" to raise cubs who lost their parents in accidents? Why would Fionamiron be fostered by an iron dragon? Is there something wrong with her clan?

　"What do you mean, 'ah'? You're nothing like the other cubs. You should eat as soon as you hatch! Aren't you hungry? Look at you, it's been so long since you hatched and your scales are still pitch black. You even spent half a day soaking in lava, and now you're all limp and weak. You don't look like a tilapia at all. Do you want to suffer from stunted growth?"

　While chattering away, the tungsten dragon picked up a clump of iron ore with its beak, chewed it up, and brought it to Casalos's mouth.

　"Open your mouth!"

　"Wait……"

　Before Casalos could finish speaking, the tungsten dragon, which resembled the bronze dragon in that its four forelegs formed a giant, upturned claw, grabbed its neck, causing its mouth to open wide uncontrollably like a baby bird crying for food.

　Then, a soft thing wrapped in a hot liquid with a strange smell was rolled up and stuffed into its mouth, unfurling as iron ore fragments with a sweet and pungent aroma exploded, making its head buzz and go dizzy: Oh my god, was I forced into a French kiss the moment I hatched...? Dragons regurgitate food too? But you're not my dragon mother, what kind of nonsense is this?

　Unable to resist, Casalos could only close his eyes and silently enjoy the sensation. The dragon's tongue moved in and out, carrying chewed iron ore that gently grazed his upper and lower jaws, touching his tongue and causing him to unconsciously extend his tongue to entwine with it...

　"What are you doing? That's my tongue, not food!"

　Despite having his tongue tangled, it didn't stop Tungsten Dragon from speaking normally. Fiona Milon questioned him as if performing a ventriloquist act: "Are you out of your mind, little guy? You can't even tell the difference between iron ore and a tongue."

　Casalos awkwardly released its tongue, and the strange feeding continued. This time, it only dared to touch the soft, slippery, and hot tongue intentionally or unintentionally, secretly absorbing a little of the fire elemental dragon magic contained in its saliva.

　I'm doing this for the dragon's magic power, not to take advantage of the little female dragon... Yes, that's it...

　As Casaroz continued to feed, its magically powerful body, well-nurtured by Daenerys Targaryen, rapidly digested and absorbed the iron and other trace elements from the iron ore, sending them to every part of its body that needed these nutrients via its basal vessels.

　Its somewhat weak muscles gradually became full of power, its slightly brittle bones became harder and stronger, and its teeth and beak became sharper and sharper... But the most significant change was that its jet-black scales gradually began to gleam with a metallic sheen, reflecting the flowing lava river and making it shine brightly.

　"Alright, this much mineral is enough for the first day. Eating too much at once is not good for digestion."

　Before she could fully enjoy the hot, soft texture, the feeding quietly stopped. Fiona Milon tilted her head and instructed Casalos, "In a little while, your wings will be fully hardened and able to support your flight. Then will be your first lesson after hatching, and your first short sleep. Judging by the timing, you should be able to make it in time... When you can go out later, follow behind me and watch this Supreme Dragon inheritance ceremony with me."

　"Wait, what did you say? The inheritance ritual of the Supreme Dragon?" Casalos's scales stood up again.

　This time, however, it wasn't fear, but rather a sense of excitement, pride, and awe that came from the very depths of Atierone's soul.

3. The Vanished Legacy?

　“Yes, you’re a lucky little guy, to hatch on the day of the Supreme Dragon’s Legacy.” The tungsten dragon Fionamiron exclaimed, then proceeded to explain the ritual to Casalos: “We atheros were once the rulers of this world…”

　On the continent of Faerûn, the Atheros were once the dominant force in the world, and all other dragon races, including metal dragons and chromatic dragons, had to take a backseat. Of course, strictly speaking, the Atheros are also a subspecies of metal dragons, but they are not the five major dragon races of gold, silver, and bronze that the people of Faerûn are familiar with.

　According to Casalos's own idea, those colorful creatures should be called colored metal dragons.

　The glory of the Athelon has long been buried by history, a time so distant that most dragons have forgotten it. Now, the Athelon race has declined to the brink of extinction.

　Casaloz's mother, the extremely old female iron dragon Quetamiz, had only this one child in hundreds of years, which is the most accurate reflection of the current situation of the sub-iron dragon race - not because they can't lay dragon eggs, but because the sub-iron dragon race's living environment has been compressed to the point where it is difficult to continue.