[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-578":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162787,1504,"Chapter 578: The Gold Dragon and the Elves","ember-dragon-chapter-578",578,"\u003Cp>Chapter 578: The Gold Dragon and the Elves\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Avenderdan, the dwarves finally pulled themselves from the joy of victory and began silently cleaning the battlefield, collecting the bodies of their kin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charred marks covered the walls, bloodstains were everywhere, and great patches of solidified metal lay below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over a thousand dwarven warriors had died in the battle. Even in death, they had fought to protect their home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elder dwarf lifted a corpse still frozen in a battle stance, gently closing its wide, angry eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rest easy, child. Avenderdan still stands. May you find eternity in Moradin’s realm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice choked at the end. Even the most rugged dwarves couldn’t help but grieve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another dwarf approached and patted his shoulder: \"They will. Karl. These fallen are heroes of our people. Moradin and the gods will welcome them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Heaven Mountain, they will forge the finest arms for our Father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Karl nodded firmly, his gaze resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll stand with His Majesty and defend Avenderdan. Only then can their spirits rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aye. The orc threat isn’t over yet. This isn’t the time for mourning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the shield dwarves had only held off the first assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast orc army of hundreds of thousands still loomed like a dark cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A brutal fight indeed. But we held Avenderdan and preserved the Highland Kingdom’s honor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Edd stood atop the wall, looking over the scorched ruins below, sighing deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even during the holy war with Fadlan had he felt so tense. The orcs had come with everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the grudge between dwarves and orcs was too deep to resolve—only one side could survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bjorn appeared beside Edd, still visibly relieved: \"Your Majesty, we must thank our mysterious guest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd spoke sincerely: \"Indeed. Without that gold dragon, Avenderdan might’ve fallen. Bjorn, do you recognize him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bjorn shook his head: \"A dragon of that size must be an elder, perhaps even an ancient. Rare in Faenso. He could be an agent of Bahamut, sent from Heaven Mountain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd looked skyward. The dragon still circled high above, as if watching the orcs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf king raised a hand and shouted loudly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mighty and noble dragon, you are a savior to our kingdom and people!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am King Edd Kraine of the shield dwarves. Please descend so we may speak—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roaaar!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon let out a loud cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flapped his rippling wings and began to descend in elegant spirals above the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scholars agree gold dragons are the most graceful fliers, and they themselves embrace this truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s shadow covered the wall, casting awe over all below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Moradin...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gods...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing it was an ally, the dwarves instinctively gripped their crossbows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thirty-meter-long dragon landed atop the battlements with a crash, though it moved with surprising grace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had stepped as gently as possible, yet still crushed stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless eyes looked up in awe at the golden giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd stared, taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon folded its wings along its back like a golden moth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its molten gold eyes gleamed, with long whiskers floating about its jaws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked wise and regal, the epitome of gold dragon nobility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was certainly an ancient gold dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd and Bjorn thought the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had both seen dragons before on Heaven Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among metallic dragons, gold ones were the most revered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon scanned the area, then fixed its gaze on Edd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In its proud eyes, only legendary dwarves were worthy of notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd quickly bowed deeply: \"Kind dragon, forgive my rudeness. Your presence overwhelms me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We are forever grateful for your help. Shield dwarves shall never forget this debt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a breath, then said solemnly: \"I am Edd Kraine, King of Blackstone, heir of Dumathoin, follower of Moradin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>May I know your name, noble one?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Titus.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon gazed down and spoke in a smooth, deep voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You may call me Titus. I’m just a passing gold dragon. I merely couldn’t stand the orcs’ barbarism and chose to help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd laughed heartily: \"Lord Titus, you didn’t just help—you changed the battle entirely!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without you, Avenderdan may not have survived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As thanks, our kingdom shall gift you treasures. We dwarves take pride in our craftsmanship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd had experience dealing with dragons. He once fought alongside a silver dragon of Clan Melward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The key rule: even if a metallic dragon says they don’t care, always pay them well—or face their wrath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grudges and greed—traits even good dragons shared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Edd.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon turned, golden eyes narrowing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Payment can wait. Know this—your war isn’t over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That assault was just a probe. The orcs number over 200,000, and some rival even our power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two hundred thousand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. And more are on the move from Ugo Plains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd shuddered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The orcs vastly outnumbered his people. Avenderdan’s fall seemed inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon raised a brow: \"Are you afraid?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd sighed and gave a bitter smile: \"Of course. Who wouldn’t be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I fear not the orc army—I fear my people’s enslavement, and the fall of Avenderdan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his head, serious: \"Lord Titus, thank you again for your help. The Highland Kingdom is our legacy. Even against tenfold odds, we will never yield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon folded its wings and paced the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see your resolve. The orcs are strong, but not invincible. I shall remain in Avenderdan until... we win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd crossed his hammer over his chest: \"On behalf of our kingdom, I thank you. Lord Titus. From now on, you are our friend. Wherever you go, we shall aid you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike elves, dwarves were forthright. Even their king.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Edd’s heart, this dragon was now a true ally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew nothing of \"Lord Titus’s\" origins—but he was a gold dragon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gold dragons were righteous, the champions of Bahamut. Who would doubt such a being?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in truth, the dragon felt quite pleased. He was no ordinary Titus—he was Cassius Claudious Norrixius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, the dragon was the Ember Emperor, or more precisely, a draconic avatar bearing his will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His real body remained in the Dragonblood Mountains, refining the blood of Karrikex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving the Anzeta Wasteland, Cassius used his ability [Avatar of the Ancient Dragon] to become a gold dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With knowledge of the plot, he intervened at the climax of the famous Blackstone War, ensuring dwarven victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without him, Edd would’ve eventually repelled the orcs using divine relics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cassius turned aid into salvation, making Titus the key to victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh... dwarves, since I saved your kingdom, repay me with all of Blackstone Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My empire shall claim its due soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the dwarves’ gratitude, Titus—Cassius—chuckled inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Edd said, worried: \"Lord Titus, can you reach Bahamut of Heaven Mountain...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch. I no longer deserve an audience with Lord Bahamut, nor my kin. Only by walking Bahamut’s righteous path can I redeem myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Titus shook his head, eyes on the blue sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd, sensing the weight of those words, bowed quickly: \"Forgive me, Lord Titus. I meant no offense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But our strength is too weak. Avenderdan alone cannot stop the orc horde.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon turned, his whiskers drifting in the breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s fine, Lord Edd. If I recall correctly, it’s almost time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Time?\" Edd asked, confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon smiled knowingly: \"Time for your allies to arrive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the plot, the Elf Queen defied her council and sent her royal guards to aid the dwarves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them was the legendary paladin \"Twilight Blade\"—Rhea Nylar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh... An old friend—or rather, an enemy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius recalled their first encounter, where Rhea forced him to flee in disgrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he remembered little of the Dragon Queen, he’d never forgotten that humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A decade passed. Now he met her again, as a revered ancient gold dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoosh—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White light shimmered. The space below the wall distorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A starlit portal opened under dwarf guards’ wary gazes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A half-elf in silver armor stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked up, revealing a beautiful, cold face. Her silver hair was neatly tied back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The half-elf eyed the dwarves, then the gold dragon, and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honored Lord of the Highlands, I come bearing the will of Queen Iselyne of Serenia, ruler of the moon elves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We honor the ancient alliance and join the shield dwarves to repel the orcs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind her, hundreds of pale-skinned, long-eared elves followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wore silver light armor, wielded bows and wooden staves, and rode pegasi and unicorns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the Queen’s Silvermoon Guard—her last remaining elite force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To uphold the alliance and resist the orcs, the puppet queen had wagered everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd was stunned—then overjoyed: \"Lord Titus, your prophecy skills are astounding!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1434,"2026-06-03T12:47:18.890Z","2026-06-03T12:47:22.748Z",1,"novelbin.me","e6fe78274d1c1d32c6017ef95d23963b97de2b355e5e1b94d63fc356d0a8b186","ember-dragon-chapter-579","ember-dragon-chapter-577",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]