Ashen Dragon-Chapter 130 - 60 Threat

Seeing the people’s emotions rising, Brandon hurriedly continued to fan the flames, his voice even more resounding.

"Everyone present, four hundred years ago, Lord Terry Rackman led our ancestors here, riding a giant eagle, to establish the first Northwind Castle. Back then, there were only a mere three hundred people here."

"In these magnificent four hundred years, we have undergone countless trials and tribulations of blood and fire. Our ancestors sacrificed their precious lives one after another, which is why this magnificent city stands steadfastly on this land today. This is a city that carries the glorious history of our generations. This is also a city that carries our beautiful lives and our refuge..."

"Now, everyone has only one identity – the citizen of Northwind Castle."

"We – absolutely cannot let it fall into the hands of evil dragons!"

Brad’s Silver Sword drew a semicircle in the air.

"For Northwind Castle!"

The crowd’s emotions surged even more. After all, they had not yet seen the enemy, but they had just listened to a textbook-like pre-war speech and were moved by the Earl’s "sincere" words. Discover more stories at novelbuddy

Looking at the raucous crowd, Earl Brandon panted slightly, only thinking, "I hope they can hold out a little longer until His Grace completes the ritual."

"For Northwind Castle! For Northwind Castle!"

"Kill the evil dragons! Protect our loved ones!"

The cheers continued, soldiers raised their spears, determined to fight for their daughters’ futures. Merchants raised their arms high, determined to fight for their own and their wives’ happiness...

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"Roar——"

However, a long roar echoed, interrupting the cheers.

Everyone suddenly felt a deep-seated fear rise within them.

The wyverns came in dense swarms, blotting out the sky and the sunlight. They surged like a black tide from the horizon, emitting a cacophony of screeches.

"Damn it, aim the city crossbows!"

"Shoot them down!"

But these monsters flew so high that even the city defense crossbows barely reached them, only managing to shoot down a single, lower-positioned wyvern, which wailed and fell to the ground.

Then, the wyverns in the sky made way, revealing a massive red dragon hovering, slowly flapping its wings.

The red dragon stood with its back to the sunlight, surrounded by what seemed like a ring of flames. Under the influence of a spell, its massive shadow was cast far larger on the ground, creating an overwhelming sense of pressure.

People looked up, gazing at the bright golden vertical pupils that shone even from a hundred meters away, reminded involuntarily of the tale of the "Infernal Calamity" that annihilated thirty thousand allied forces with fire.

The soldiers’ hands holding the spears trembled slightly before the spears clattered to the ground. The merchants hid behind their wives, shivering with fear that the monster in the sky would notice them.

When this terrifying wyvern truly descended, their previous ambitions were thrown to the winds, and the Earl’s impassioned speech was forgotten.

After all – they could really die from this.

Surprisingly, the giant dragon in the sky spoke.

"Quite a decent speech, just a bit too cliché. I thought I was back in the Second Era."

Brandon looked up at the sky. Even though he was a rather powerful warrior, facing the red dragon still caused sweat to drip from his forehead.

"Evil dragon, you shall not bewitch the citizens of Northwind Castle!"

Finally, he mustered his courage and roared towards the sky.

"Bewitch?"

Cassius’s tone was tinged with mockery.

"You must be talking about yourself, using seemingly reasonable but utterly nonsensical reasons to bewitch them into selling their lives as cannon fodder for the old vampire you serve. Quite a shrewd plan."

This news had long been sealed by the City Guard Army, but many people had already known, and now it was finally spoken without care by the red dragon.

Brandon could no longer endure it, pointing to the sky and shouting angrily.

"Slander!"

"This is utter slander!"

Cassius ignored them, merely projecting the images of blood slaves inside the bunker into the sky: "Everyone, this is your beloved Duke whom you serve, turning your dear ones into these blood-sucking beasts. Serving the nobles is ridiculous enough. Serving such a thing is even more of a joke within a joke."

"If you wish to continue your loyalty and die for him, be my guest."

A sinister smirk appeared on the red dragon’s face.

"But that’s not why I’m here. I have another message – if by dusk I don’t see the gates open and white flags flying, flames will turn everything here to ash, including your parents, companions, and children, without exception."

"Note –"

"This is not a negotiation, but a notification."

The black tide of bipedal wyverns receded, and the red dragon vanished after delivering its final words.

Before leaving, Cassius thought to himself, "That bard who wrote this story must be a pervert. Am I such a particular dragon?"

"Even when eating humans, one must maintain basic hygiene. This makes even ogres gag..."

"No, I must find a chance to capture him and torment him thoroughly."

The red dragon did not want to destroy this city known as the "Pearl of the North". It would be the future main city for his planned players and the starting point of his Empire. Therefore, he adopted a strategy of besiegement without attack, threatening propaganda to avoid direct destruction.

He had already established his might after the Triel Conference. What he needed next was to consolidate his rule and establish a truly diverse empire.

In the plaza, Earl Brandon looked stern.

He watched the restless crowd, their eyes filled with fear, anxiety, or hesitation. He knew the situation was now out of control.

Admittedly, the red dragon’s threat was very persuasive because it had just destroyed thirty thousand allied forces. Brandon’s speech had inadvertently become irrefutable evidence, adding credence to the red dragon’s threat.

"His Grace said, we must hold on until nightfall."

"This is my mission."

Thinking this, a fierce expression appeared on Earl Brandon’s face.

He removed the mask of "approachable and kind" and looked down with an unparalleled cold and arrogant gaze at the people with different expressions. He said coldly, "Citizens, please remain calm and do not listen to the dragon’s bewitchment."

"Anyone who defies orders and dares to cause unrest – kill!"

The Earl’s loyal soldiers immediately took control of the situation.

However, it wasn’t just Eagle Plaza. Countless people in the city had clearly heard the red dragon’s threat. Their reactions varied: some stayed silent in their homes, some went to the city walls to contact acquaintances, and even some had already taken action against the grey-robed spies of the Rackman Family.

For a time, the city was filled with undercurrents.