Ashen Dragon-Chapter 546 - 15 Rekindling

Emperor’s Square was abuzz, people crowded around the notice board, discussing the recent string of significant events in the Empire.

“Those pests from The Abyss are too arrogant!”

“Yeah, they even dared to publicly assassinate Prime Minister Ramp!”

“War is about to be declared!”

“Great, my uncle died in a demon attack, and I can finally avenge him!”

“His Majesty has awakened, everything will return to normal! We’ll definitely win!”

Unlike the citizens of typical nations, the Imperial people felt little fear about the impending demon invasion; instead, they felt immense satisfaction and excitement.

They had long been enraged by the demon attacks, and even six months ago, some had started chanting “Retake The Abyss,” which garnered considerable support.

Years of military victories had ingrained in the minds of the Imperial people one certainty—the Ashen Empire was invincible, and the great Emperor of the Crimson Dragon was omnipotent.

This belief had been deeply etched into their minds, forming a psychological “steel seal” impossible to erase.

For ordinary countries, war meant high taxes, brutal battles, and declining livelihoods.

But for the citizens living within the war machine of the Empire, war instead made businesses thrive, increased job opportunities, and provided fast tracks for advancement.

It was an opportunity laden with risks, but the Imperial citizens never feared war; they even relished it.

The Empire’s “Conquest Party members” even took to the streets with high spirits, singing the newly composed “The Song of Exterminating Demons.”

“We will kill all those demons!”

“We will turn their filthy skins into insoles!”

“We will make ornaments out of their horns!”

In fact, this song still had the same tune as the “Song of Conquest of the South,” but the lyrics were changed from “Southerners” to “Demons.”

“We will let the Empire’s flag fly above The Abyss…”

“Let the Flame evaporate the Blood Pools!”

The singing continued, growing increasingly fervent, with the Conquest Party members singing with boundless enthusiasm, causing passersby to shy away.

On the roadside, a refined middle-aged man turned his head, his eyes full of astonishment.

“Jennies, did you see that? The citizens of this country have such an attitude towards demons? Have they been brainwashed by that Emperor?”

Jennies looked resigned and lowered her voice: “This is the Ashen Empire, Adrowell.

Moreover, refrain from making any comments about the Emperor, for as long as you are within the Empire, he can hear everything.”

Saying this, Jennies instinctively covered her chest, feeling a faint pain from the Flame mark.

“Jennies, you are being overly cautious, that Red Dragon is not a deity…”

Adrowell did not take Jennies’ warning seriously, merely curiously looking around.

But soon, he found himself unable to speak—it turned out Jennies had cast a Silence Spell on him.

This middle-aged man was named Adrowell Melwood, a mighty Silver Dragon in human form, and Jennies’ cousin.

He was also a formidable ally sent by the Melwood to assist this time, known across the Fianso Continent as the “Guardian Scales.”

This robust Silver Dragon had lived for over three hundred and eighty years and was about to enter his old age.

He had been active on the frontline against demon invasions for many years, possessing immense strength, rivaling even most ancient Silver Dragons.

“We will make demons tremble at the sound of our names…”

Conquest Party members’ songs echoed through the streets, rallying the Imperial citizens who cursed the demons fervently.

“It’s really…unbelievable.”

Adrowell couldn’t help but exclaim.

In over three hundred years, he had traveled to numerous countries plagued by demon invasions, and the attitudes of people towards demons were generally of extreme fear, refusing to resist.

Even the most warlike Empire of Fadlan had its common people showing some degree of terror towards demon attacks.

But in the Ashen Empire, for the first time, he sensed these emotions—joy, anticipation, exhilaration—from those about to face a demon invasion.

Were they truly humanoid beings?

Could it be that the citizens of this country were all Crimson Dragons disguised in human skin?

Watching the fervent scenes in the city and listening to the discussions on how to kill demons, such doubts arose in Adrowell’s heart.

Jennies reminded him: “Let’s go, Adrowell, the parade is about to start.”

Adrowell said: “Seeing these fanatical citizens, I am curious to see—what their army is like.”

At that moment, however, Jennies seemed absent-minded and lost in thought.

Since the notification mentioned the Emperor’s presence at the parade, the Emperor of the Crimson Dragon should appear as well…

For some reason, the enormous, awe-inspiring figure surfaced in her mind again.

…

In a fine little building in Isdalia Inner City.

George placed three Ginnar coins on the altar with the Red Dragon statue, clasping his hands together in a low prayer.

“In honor of the invincible Cassius…”

“Please bless me with victory and honor in the demon war.”

He then opened his eyes, turning to look at the Imperial Daily spread out on the table, his eyes full of determination.

“A new war, a new opportunity.”

“Whether I can become a senior officer in the conquest of the South and advance to a truly important figure depends on this battle.”

George fixed the collar of his uniform in front of the mirror, pinned the Lieutenant Colonel’s epaulet on his shoulder, and then straightened his military cap.

Seeing his imposing and commanding reflection in the mirror, he finally opened the door.

“Whistle—”

The whistle sounded, signaling the departure of the train that would take these soldiers to the military exercise ground on the outskirts of the City of Isdalia.

After the parade, they would be sent to southern Anzeta, to vital military strongholds like Black Stone Fortress, to confront the demon legion moving north from Ancytica on the front lines.

The flames of war were about to reignite.