Celestial Pit Territory, Iron Dragon's Nest.
At the top of the stairway forged from swords, spears, and halberds, Iron Dragon Lady was as usual coiled on her throne, her massive Dragon Wings lazily drooping and covering many of the steps.
As the three young dragons arrived.
Iron Dragon Lady lifted her eyelids, her Dragon Wings spread wide to cast a deep shadow, and she straightened her posture.
"Mother, the brilliance of your scales outshines a thousand morning stars."
Galos was the first to greet, starting with flattery.
Iron Dragon Lady was slightly taken aback, showing a pleased expression, and a bit of delight appeared on her dragon face.
Even though Iron Dragon's scales were dark, only showing a hint of silver shimmer, which couldn't really be called brilliance, hearing such a beautiful compliment was enough to make her feel joyous.
As for the Red Dragon Sister and Tie Longdi.
The pair of dragons, lacking in culture, flatly called out "Mother."
"Galos."
Iron Dragon Lady focused her gaze on Galos, scarcely glancing at the other two young dragons.
"You are now seven years old, and your growth rate has exceeded my expectations."
Her voice paused briefly, and Iron Dragon Lady said candidly and straightforwardly, "Keeping you living within the territory was an exception, but now, a year has passed, and you must face the dust and storms alone."
Her tone was as resolute as metal clashing.
Unwavering, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Mother, I can offer more precious metal ores."
Galos said.
Iron Dragon Lady gave no verbal response, only shook her head calmly.
Seeing her reaction, Galos understood that Iron Dragon Lady's determination to expel him was firm, and their previous dealings were no longer effective.
Actually.
Since the Celestial Pit Territory belonged to Iron Dragon Lady, and Galos had ordered the two young dragons to excavate precious metal ores, by the territorial nature of the Dragon Race, in Iron Dragon Lady's eyes, it was essentially her wealth from the start.
Galos used his offspring to excavate her wealth, then offered it to exchange for shelter and food.
It was rather like getting something for nothing.
Iron Dragon Lady was indifferent and rigid, but unlike the two nestlings, easy to deceive. She was willing to let Galos stay mainly because she appreciated this offspring and felt a bit of nostalgia.
During this year.
Galos's rapid growth gradually made Iron Dragon Lady feel a slight threat, prompting her to make up her mind to expel him.
As is the nature of Evil Dragons, they often disregard kinship.
There are instances where offspring grow up and covet the Dragon Lady's territory, attempting to seize it and engaging in fierce battles with the Dragon Lady.
Unless a servitude contract has been established with the Dragon Race.
Otherwise, Iron Dragon Lady was unwilling to let any gradually strengthening Dragon Race, including her offspring, remain in her territory.
Officially expelling Galos and conveniently driving out the other two young dragons as well, out of sight, out of mind, and she no longer had to look after young dragons.
Iron Dragon Lady felt a surge of comfort.
"I understand."
Galos sensed Iron Dragon Lady's determination this time.
Moreover, his training and growth during this year, along with his exploration in the wilderness, gave Galos some confidence to survive on his own.
The young dragon lowered his head and said to the giant Iron Dragon above, "Mother, thank you for your protection during this time. I will always remember this carefree time living under your Dragon Wings."
No matter his true feelings.
Iron Dragon Lady had sheltered him for seven years and adequately provided blood food and guidance.
Even though he was expelled, Galos would not hold a grudge.
At the same time, hearing the young dragon's sincere words, Iron Dragon Lady was slightly taken aback.
Perhaps let Galos stay another year? As soon as this thought emerged, when Iron Dragon Lady noted Galos's excessively robust physique, she immediately snuffed it out.
"Hehe, you bastard Galos, you can no longer bully us."
Red Dragon Sister and Tie Longdi were overjoyed.
Heh, don't get too happy just yet.
Galos thought to himself.
Sure enough, noticing the two delightedly hopping young dragons, Iron Dragon Lady's expression turned stern, coldly saying, "Samantha, Gordon, the six lunar phases have been enough for you to shed your soft scales."
Eh?
These words sounded somewhat familiar, as if heard somewhere before.
The two young dragons blinked, not yet comprehending, somewhat dazed.
And Iron Dragon Lady, not even bothering to change her lines, directly recited the expulsion words coldly.
However.
The two were not like Galos.
They were not worried about Iron Dragon Lady's expulsion; instead, ambition burned in their eyes, appearing particularly excited.
The two dragons knew nothing about the danger and hardship of surviving independently. With the arrogance and pride typical of the Dragon Race, they naively thought that once they left the Dragon Lady's territory, they'd have an open sea to swim in and a wide sky to fly in, with vast lands awaiting their arrival and countless inferior creatures waiting to submit.
Seeing the expressions of the two young dragons, Galos could roughly guess their thoughts.
They were ultimately too young and lacked the heavy blow from reality.
"I will leave your territory before Dawn rises."
Galos turned to leave.
"Wait."
Iron Dragon Lady suddenly called to him.
"Is there anything else?"
Galos was somewhat surprised, asking.
Could it be that Iron Dragon Lady has changed her mind? If possible, Galos was willing to stay under her protection until the end of time, until he evolved to be stronger than her.
"My dear Galos."
Iron Dragon Lady, firm in her decision, said, "In you, I have seen extraordinary potential and an indomitable spirit and will. I have never admired a young dragon so much before."
She waved her claw.
Buzz!
A dark golden Iron Ring engraved with complex, fine runes slowly flew over, landing in front of Galos.
"This Tail Ring once followed me. Now I give it to you, as a farewell gift. The runes engraved on it are not mere decorations. You can explore and study it yourself; I believe it will give you some surprises."
Iron Dragon Lady said slowly.
Galos was even more surprised.
A farewell gift? With an Evil Dragon's stinginess and reluctance over its treasure, it was surprising they didn't take away the pitiful little treasures of the young dragon instead.
Iron Dragon Lady's gaze was calm yet profound as always, her thick steel-like Face Armor blocking her facial expressions, revealing no fluctuation.
But since she was willing to offer a gift, she definitely had her own thoughts.
"Thank you."
Galos extended his tail and put on the Dark Gold Tail Ring.
In the aesthetic culture of the Dragon Race, decorations do exist, and a Tail Ring is one of them.
Besides common items like necklaces and bracelets, there were also shawls, horn rings, or engraving favorite patterns on the dragon's horns or Scale Armor, and embedding gemstones, among others.
The dark golden Tail Ring had a substantial texture, yet it wasn't ostentatious, appearing understated and stable.
Galos swayed his tail, feeling it rather attractive.
"Mother, what about us?"
Red Dragon Sister and Tie Longdi looked hopefully at Iron Dragon Lady.
Galos's sweet words and limitless potential made their mother regard him differently; as for you two fools, forget about it.
Iron Dragon Lady couldn't be bothered with the two young dragons. With a sweep of her Dragon Wings, she created a gust of wind, flinging them towards the exit of the nest.