Chapter 364: The Ancient Dragon Takes the Stage

After receiving the notification that Belladion was ready to enter, in the Demiplane of the Forest of All Beasts, Muria, who had been waiting listlessly, transformed into a majestic golden dragon of great dignity.

Then, accompanied by nearly six hundred Storm Giants who were already fully equipped and ready, he descended through a simultaneously opened spatial gate to the sky above the palace, under the scrutinizing and evaluating gazes of countless onlookers.

Muria's entrance was nothing short of breathtaking. His dragon form alone, stretching over one hundred thirty meters in length, surpassed many ancient dragons in size. Moreover, having merged with the blood of the Dragon King, his form bore a close resemblance to that of Emperor Demos, instilling awe in many.

Not to mention the ninety-seven Storm Giants riding splendidly feathered giant birds alongside him. Further out, nearly six hundred more Storm Giants stood in neat rows. These giants, who had not tamed giant birds, held a slightly lower status than their kin who had.

It was a truly astonishing scene—nearly six hundred Storm Giants surrounding a golden dragon radiating authority, with thunder roaring and hurricanes howling, as they descended toward the central palace's council hall.

Such a display instantly captivated all the commoners who were watching through the magical screens, and even within the capital, the vast majority were overwhelmed by Muria's presence, showing expressions of reverence—except for a select group standing in front of Muria.

Legendary!

They sensed Muria's realm the instant he made his entrance. Although his aura startled many legends and posed a threat, his actual level—a peak fourth-tier Soul Intent, still a step away from legendary—laid bare a qualitative difference. Between legend and Soul Intent, the concepts were entirely distinct.

Thus, aside from the awe-inspiring glances cast from all over Skalrett towards him, Muria also felt the curious, scrutinizing, and disdainful looks coming from the council hall—typical of legends looking down on those beneath them.

"What's this, a golden dragon that isn't even legendary? Such a large form, all for naught," grumbled Magni Bronzebeard, the dwarf king, his voice booming despite his attempt to speak softly. His voice carried clearly in the hall, where everyone was either legendary or at the level of Soul Intent.

"To appoint such a superficial dragon as the Grand Duke, what were they thinking?" a legend from another kingdom whispered sneeringly.

No sooner had he spoken than he caught the gaze of a pair of eyes like molten magma fixed on him as if looking at a fool. It was the gaze of Xisar, the king of the Dragonmen, who had transformed into his dragon-human form: "Human, ignorance isn't a fault, but flaunting it shamelessly is rather ridiculous, don't you think?"

"You..." Mocked by a dragon who had evolved from a kobold, the legend who had spoken was instantly furious, his body radiating a dazzling light of combat energy.

"Want to make a move? Come on!" Seeing the legend's reaction, Xisar's face, covered in red dragon scales, twisted into a fierce grin. "Merely humans, daring even to insult the progeny of the Dragon King."

"Dragon King's progeny!" Not everyone was aware of what the horns on Muria's forehead represented, given the scarcity of Dragon Kings and their descendants. But the mention of this title alone signified a highly esteemed status.

Regardless of how the legends in the hall felt upon discovering Muria's identity, Muria, along with the Storm Giants, landed outside the council chamber, facing many scrutinizing and even hostile glances with equanimity.

Then, the golden dragon transformed into a handsome young man with black hair and golden eyes, walking towards the throne at the highest point, where Belladion and Remilia were already waiting for him...

"Duke Muria, I entrust the kingdom to you today, may you lead Lockman to prosperity and flourishing…" Before a crowd of onlookers, Belladion first conferred upon Muria the title of Grand Duke of the Kingdom of Lockman, then spoke at length before handing over the scepter symbolizing royal authority to Muria.

"I will not fail your expectations." Muria, serious in demeanor, took the scepter that could also be used as a spear in battle. In fact, the founding king had carved out the kingdom with this very spear-like scepter.

After receiving the scepter, Muria turned to face the many legends, and the high mages broadcasting everything happening here to the entire country, his expression solemn yet commanding.

"I am Muria, the ruling Grand Duke of the Kingdom of Lockman. From this day forth, I will protect every citizen of the kingdom from foreign enemies. Any who dare violate my kingdom, no matter how far, will be punished!"

Hearing Muria's declaration, the commoners

, merchants, believers, adventurers, and nobles watching all showed different expressions, predominantly ones of delight.

A strong and kind king is what most commoners prefer. Of course, for nobles and merchants, it's better if a king is merely kind but not too authoritative, though they often find many matters challenging.

However, the expressions among the legends in the hall varied, being those who had clearly sensed Muria's strength. Some couldn't understand how Muria could make such a statement. Yes, he had a powerful lineage, but he still needed time to grow and prove himself.

"Even if distant, must punish? Hah." Among the watching legends, from the dark territories and slightly more formally dressed to not expose too much, Zorielis displayed a hint of scorn. Although she wasn't particularly obedient to her queen, she fully supported her queen's ambition to invade the surface, a common aspiration among all dark elves raised in shadow.

Not just Zorielis, many legends around showed disdainful expressions, amused smiles playing on their lips. If Muria had been a legend, his words would have been imposing and impressive. But he wasn't, and in front of a group of legends, his bold declaration seemed somewhat presumptuous.

As Muria surveyed the indifferent or contemptuous looks from the legends, he lightly shook the scepter in his hand, causing the Terminal Staff within him to resonate. Subsequently, ten narrow spatial rifts appeared beside him, and ten imposing figures, each with dragon horns, stepped out and lined up on either side of Muria.

Then, the legendary dragon might unrestrainedly unfolded, filling the vast council hall. Instantly, the faces of all legends present changed. The collective might of these ten visitors, signified by ten distinct dragon mights, lent Muria's previously presumptuous words an undeniable deterrent power.

The appearance of the ancient dragons marked the conclusion of the ceremony.

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