Chapter 868 Dragon of Divine Mystery (2/2)
Though they were unlucky in the preexistence and were even used as scapegoats, their luck holds in this life. The Draconic Plague was handled relatively swiftly without much losses, with the enmity against all dragons diminishing in a few years aside from the far southern regions. Those who were rational could also discern the difference between the Metal Dragons and the Pentashade, which was why there were many Metal Dragons still allowed to roam over the Mycroft Continent—in fact, there a silver dragon lady lived in Moldavia. A hidden funder of one of the magic factories that specialized in producing top-quality enchanted clothing, her brand is famous in the north… in fact, the black coat Joshua now wore was made by her.
Furthermore, the Diamond Family—the royal house of the Northern Empire had seen marriage with golden dragons over generations, with the present Empress being an obvious mixed-blood golden dragon herself.
”But those are details about the Metal Dragons… data is especially lacking when it comes to the Million Steel Dragon.”
Even Joshua found things unusual when he thought about that. ”Isn't that god being a little too discreet?”
Be it the golden dragons, the silver dragons, the yellow-coppers, the scarlet-steel or the blue-tin, the Metal Dragons did not gather like the Pentashade Dragons in a clan or tribal region. Most lived solitarily, solitary creatures that were prudent in act, something of which their patron deity refined to an ultimate level—there was no news about that Dragon God apart from the Abyssal Invasion.
And when Joshua thought about it, that world had millions of players moving around its every corner, and yet it was never once seen… that level of anonymity could only be of True God-class.
Joshua was unsure whether it was recuperating from mortal wounds or born with such behavior, but he would soon meet it, and thought no more on the matter.
***
It was then that Joshua entered the Multiverse Sacrificial Grounds, which now had a very different sight from one or two years ago.
There were not too many of them, but there was certainly a steady stream of people entering or leaving the various facilities in the central zone of the demiplane. There were some small cities and towns built around the heart of the Multiverse Sacrificial Grounds, with many Gold and Supreme champions walking around, resting, even sparring and dueling at the nearby desert.
Such was the ensuing development brought forth by everyone from the Mycroft civilization after slaying the Evil God of Death, purging the Chaos in the galaxy.
After reaching out to many otherworld civilizations through the Multiverse Sacrificial Grounds, the horizons of many Gold and Supreme champions were hence broadened. They realized that the Mycroft continent which they lived in was but a speck in the Multiverse, and that there were many otherworlds that were equally beautiful and resource-rich realms beyond that seemingly horrifying Void.
Without plundering, invasion or colonization, these champions of another world just needed to aid the natives in certain missions to gain fine rewards and earnest gratitude. Along with the constant supervision of Legendary champions and the Multiverse Sacrificial Grounds' Commanding Will, no sinister ideas could be brought to fruition.
It was naturally the reason why present-day Mycroft population did not carry out much colonizing. They do not have the decades to slowly assimilate the colonies, and compared to the long time needed for annexation and adjusting, they were happier with the quickly rewarded deals.
Either way, as the havoc that the Evil God of Death wreaked slowly diminished after Joshua and the Seven Gods destroyed its main body, some of the champions who had conducted quests in worlds beyond had shown clear reluctance of returning to their small home, and would rather show off their might in the new quiet corner they found.
There were certainly cowards who hid in their own homes after witnessing the greater world, afraid to ever come out again.
However, most who could ascend into Gold and Supreme had courage.
Even if they held ominous intent and were reckless, they were not without bravery—if they stepped out of fishing ponds to face the oceans, pirates could be historical founders too.
Moreover, those hundreds of Gold and dozens of Supreme champions were simply the first batch of pioneers. As time passed, more Extraordinary individuals would join after they had made proper arrangements for their home and property.
”After seeing such a cast world, I don't have the patience to stay in some little mountain ditch.”
Even the noblest of hermits living in seclusion were moved by the idea of otherworld exploration. After all, was not living in unpopulated otherworlds with beautiful scenery their best option since they were living ascetically? Why stay in Mycroft, when they would still be disturbed occasionally?
Either way, such was the prosperous sights of the Multiverse Sacrificial Grounds now. With many champions of high purchasing power coming to stay here, small satellite cities, auction shops and appraisal facilities were built here, one after another.
Joshua quietly flew past those little towns and arrived at the center of the Multiverse Sacrificial Grounds, with the snoozing Commanding Will waking up upon sensing his arrival, sending out a gentle signal.
”Greetings, Joshua. Where do you wish to head for this time?”
”Fort Pioneer. Oh, by the way, help maintain a link with Mana Net.”
”Glad to be of service.”
It had been a long time since Joshua spoke to the Glorious Era Artificial Intelligence. However, now was not the time for nostalgia—with faint dimensional ripples, his figure hence vanished from the skies.
***
At the edge of the galaxy, around Fort Pioneer.
Joshua and Zero Three's projection appeared by the silver chain of fortresses.
Once built around Joshua true form, Fort Pioneer was now an independent floating city. Many small Void vessels were moving in and out from it, just as there was the occasional sight of Supreme champions flying here and there through the Void.Find authorized novels in Webnovel,faster updates, better experience,Please click visiting.
”It's time I set up a small server there too.”
Zero Three flapped her little wings and watched the fortresses, murmured in slight awe. She seemed to have something to add, but quickly realized that the warrior beside her was making an unusual face.
”What is it, Joshua?” She asked, puzzled.”
”Nothing.”
The warrior's expression returned to normal, and he calmly said, ”Just felt a familiar presence.”
In truth, Joshua was still very puzzled inwardly.
What is happening? He thought. It's scarce and thin, but…
It's clearly the presence of a Steel Python!