After all, the first severe beating in his dragon life was delivered by Karon's claws.

The Young Red Dragon Kedelos obediently lowered his proud head under Karon's steel-forged claws, as the resounding voice of the Giant Dragon's Dragon Language echoed in his ears.

"Kedelos, in battle, you have earned your freedom with your own flesh and blood, and your strength has gained you recognition. From today onwards, you are a member of the Gogomola Dragon Group."

At that moment, Kedelos felt the majestic power of the Ancestral Red Dragon, as vast and turbulent as the sea, surge into his body. The Dragon Contract that had bound him finally dissolved at this moment.

The iron ring around his neck also quietly fell to the ground, making a clanging sound.

He, Kedelos, had gained freedom, but now he desired much more.

So, the Young Red Dragon Kedelos lifted his head, looking expectantly at the Ancestral Red Dragon's majestic vertical pupils, and stammered, "Then, then, then what about my reward..."

"Heh, hahahaha,"

Blue Dragon Akzhi let out a mocking laugh and said, "Kedelos, did you forget that you still owe the Dragon Group over two hundred years of free service? My suggestion to Karon is that your achievements, after earning your freedom, can still cover a year's service."

In an instant, the entire Dragon Group burst into unabashed laughter. The Young Red Dragon Kedelos, with his tail between his legs, slunk back to his seat, burying his head under his wide wings. For the first time, he felt an emotion unbefitting a dragon—shame.

"Sloraka, Ronnie, Ali," Karon refrained from his own laughter, although his long fangs almost fully revealed themselves.

He addressed them: "In the war, due to your exceptional performance, you have gained recognition from the Dragon Group. Thus, you also have the right to Dragon's Covenant. Should you wish to join the Dragon Group, you will gain freedom and rewards. If not, you shall have freedom!"

"Of course we want to," the few dragons said in unison, having witnessed the wealth of the Dragon Group. Not a single one of them could resist the lure of treasure or the security that came from being part of this increasingly powerful dragon group.

Alliances among dragons, dragon nations would be incomparably powerful.

Under the Dragon Emperor's gaze, the guards placed three small chests in front of the three dragons. Though these chests contained only a tenth of the wealth of the larger ones, the dragons still showed expressions of satisfaction.

Karon's massive figure coiled on the tall throne, turning his gaze toward the uneasy Blue Dragon sitting in a corner of the Dragon Group. His scrutinizing eyes brought immense pressure, causing the heart of Blue Dragon Carlette to sink deeper and deeper into the abyss.

The sin of betrayal is unforgivable in any race, tribe, or organization. Even though Carlette had bled for redemption, she still had no assurance of obtaining forgiveness from the Red Dragon.

She even wondered, if she were not redeemed and was cast out from the Dragon Group again, where on this vast land could she find peace?

If the Red Dragon did not forgive her, naturally, no other dragon in the Dragon Group would forgive her either, for the Red Dragon's will was the will of the Dragon Group.

Only after a long while did the gentle voice of the Dragon Emperor from the distant, elevated throne draw Carlette's heart, which had gradually sunk into the darkness of the Endless Abyss, back and filled it with boundless light.

"Welcome home, Carlette!" The Dragon Emperor, high upon the throne, smiled warmly as he spoke.