Chapter 586: The Paradise of the Gold Dragon
"Senior Titus, if you'll follow me," Orola murmured softly, then withdrew a Teleportation Rune from the fissures of Scales' Gaps.
With a flash of shimmering runes, the space around them warped and twisted. A massive Portal, wide enough for a Dragon to pass through, unfolded within the cave.
Sensing the unfamiliar Spatial Disturbance, Kai Xiusu’s Golden Eyes flared, piercing through the veil to reveal the Portal’s destination.
Half-Plane.
Like all common Realms, it was a bounded Extradimensional Space—a realm with measurable dimensions and limited access. Unlike other Realms, which could be infinitely vast, a Half-Plane was finite, sometimes barely spanning a few hundred feet.
Half-Planes could come into existence for many reasons. They might be conjured by Arcane or Divine Spells, born from a Powerful Deity’s Wish, or forged by some other Supreme Force. They could also arise naturally—folded off from a collapsing universe, or as a nascent cosmos in the throes of energetic expansion.
Recalling what he had learned from his Memories, Kai Xiusu stared at the Space Passage, and asked softly:
"Is this… a Half-Plane?"
Orola answered with quiet pride:
"Yes. Our Lorze possesses its own Half-Plane, known as the Eternal Order Realm. It is the shared Homeland of the Carved Skin Dragons, and our most sacred place of cultivation."
"Eternal Order Realm," Kai Xiusu murmured, tasting the name on his tongue. "Sounds promising."
Orola smiled. "Indeed, Senior Titus. Once you step through, you’ll understand—this place is even greater than you imagine."
One after the other, the two Gold Dragons—large and small—folded their wings and entered the Portal. For Kai Xiusu, a creature over thirty meters long, it required considerable effort to squeeze through.
They traversed the Astral Plane, and within mere minutes, Kai Xiusu had fully grasped the method of reaching the Eternal Order Realm.
Half-Planes typically anchor themselves to a specific point on a larger Prime Material Plane. While the Prime Material Plane is most common, Portals to Half-Planes can also be found in the Stellar Realm, the Astral Plane, or any number of inner or outer Realms.
These Half-Planes possess specific Entry Points. Most can only be accessed from a designated spot on the larger Realm. Some connect to multiple Realms, each with its own unique Portal Site.
As such, Half-Planes often serve as Passages between otherwise disconnected Realms, or as contact points between different Cosmic Systems.
And the Eternal Order Realm was a rare and special one—linked to both the Prime Material Plane and Heaven’s Mountain. Within the Aether Passage, Kai Xiusu could see multiple Astral Conduits stretching toward the Outer Plane.
Swish—
A flash of White Light cut through the darkness. Before him, the world abruptly shifted—suddenly, vivid colors flooded his vision. The once monochrome void burst into life.
He had emerged from the Aether Passage and arrived at the so-called Eternal Order Realm—the Homeland of the Carved Skin Dragons.
"This Half-Plane," Kai Xiusu surveyed the surroundings, his gaze sweeping across endless, rolling Mountains, gentle Streams, and vast, open Highlands.
Before him lay a colossal floating island—hundreds of miles in diameter—encased in a faint, golden Force Field. Beyond its borders stretched only emptiness.
A Sun hung high in the Sky, bathing the Earth in radiant light. Kai Xiusu instantly recognized it: not a true star, but a Projection of the Prime Material Plane’s Sun.
Everything here—plants, soil, flowing water—followed simulated rules of the Prime Material Plane, though subtly altered.
For instance, under the influence of the mysterious Force Field, the Weave of Magic ran with greater regularity. Magic Spells reflected with a calm, harmonious resonance, rarely producing destructive power.
Bathed in Sunlight, the land flourished—lush forests swayed, grasses thrived, and beautiful, peaceful creatures roamed freely: Pegasus, Linglu, Unicorns—all symbols of purity and grace.
Even more striking was the fact that every creature in this realm seemed to glow faintly with a soft, ethereal Aura.
A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, whispering through the leaves. The Streams tinkled over stones, forming a serene, tranquil symphony.
Deep within the Mountains, nestled among the trees, stood a grand, imposing Monastery—built from pure, white stone. Its walls were carved with intricate, mystical patterns.
Staring at the flawless Intricate Carvings, even Kai Xiusu in his true form beyond the world felt a deep sense of peace. It was as if a gentle breeze brushed through his mind, effortlessly sweeping away the remnants of violence, bloodshed, and chaos.
He couldn’t help but murmur inwardly:
"Remarkable. No wonder they’re Metal Dragons—such wealth, such extravagance."
Orola gazed at the distant, pristine Palace, her voice calm yet laced with quiet pride:
"Senior Titus, we’ve arrived. This is the Eternal Order Realm—a sanctuary for the Spiritual Soul, a place of ultimate Order, and the gathering ground of the Carved Skin Dragons."
She paused, blinked once, and then added with playful mystery:
"Oh, by the way… can you guess what our Lorze is most famous for?"
"What?"
Before she could answer, a soft whoosh echoed from within the Palace. Kai Xiusu turned toward the sound.
In his surprise, he watched as several Golden Dragons, their scales gleaming like molten gold, soared into the air. With effortless grace, they unfurled their Waves-like Wings, dancing through the sky.
Bathed in Sunlight, their Scales shimmered with a sacred radiance—each one seemingly wrapped in a halo of divine light.
Orola finally smiled.
"You were right, Senior Titus. The members of the Order of Eternal Order are all our Kin—the most noble, the most elegant of Dragons, the cherished offspring of King Bahamut—the Gold Dragons."
Seeing the young Gold Dragon so proudly proclaim her kind, Kai Xiusu couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. Yet he felt no offense. Gold Dragons never concealed their pride. From the moment of their creation, they had considered themselves the eldest sons of Bahamut, the natural Leadership of the Metal Dragons, and the living Symbols of Goodness and Justice.
And truth be told, they were often right—though other Metal Dragons would never admit it.
Kai Xiusu feigned astonishment:
"So the Carved Skin Dragons of the Eternal Order Realm… are all Gold Dragons?"
Orola spread her wings, proudly puffing out her chest.
"Yes. When Ferdinand first created this Half-Plane, he declared:
Unlike the Silver Dragons’ childish laziness, the Bronze Dragons’ endless curiosity, or the Copper Dragons’ endless chatter, we Gold Dragons are calm, disciplined—naturally suited to be Carvers of Skin. Only we possess the strength of heritage to uphold justice and order in the world."
As for other Dragons—the Five-Colored, the Gemstone, or half-dragons—Ferdinand hadn’t even deigned to mention them.
To Gold Dragons, these beings were flawed—some tainted by Evil, others of inferior Bloodlines, unworthy to stand beside them.
No wonder they’re Gold Dragons, Kai Xiusu mused. Then he smiled.
"Indeed, Orola. Your Eternal Order Realm has truly surprised me."
Roar—
A chorus of soft, joyful Long Roars echoed from afar. The Gold Dragons were arriving, having sensed the presence of a new, mighty Ancient Gold Dragon.
The lead Adult Gold Dragon glided down, landing just before Kai Xiusu. His body bore even more complex Runes than Orola’s—layered and intricate.
"Orola! Wonderful! You’ve returned so soon—and brought this guest!"
"Of course, Uncle Elhernan. Senior Titus has agreed to join the Order of Eternal Order."
The Gold Dragon named Elhernan turned to Kai Xiusu, bowing his head with perfect reverence. He lowered his front limbs, folded his wings tightly, and followed Gold Dragon etiquette flawlessly.
"Good morning, esteemed elder," he said, voice smooth and respectful. "You are the legendary Dragon of Dawn, as spoken of in the tales. A truly powerful and noble presence."
Then, he lifted his head, his Scales shimmering, his Gills fluttering. A warm smile graced his dignified Dragon Face.
"Welcome to the Order of Eternal Order, Senior Titus."
Kai Xiusu nodded in greeting.
"I do wish to become a Carved Skin Dragon, though I must warn you—I still have duties to fulfill. The High Mountain Kingdom faces a threat from Ogres, and I must assist in resolving it. I may not remain here permanently."
Elhernan sighed, awed.
"Senior Titus, your devotion to Justice is admirable. No wonder mortals call you the Dragon of Dawn. There is no concern. The Eternal Order Realm was founded to preserve the Heritage and Ancestral Strength of our kind—so that Justice may endure."
He turned, gesturing toward the distant Palace.
"Come. Let Orola show you our Monastery."
"Very well."
Orola chirped, her voice light and cheerful.
"Senior Titus, please follow me."
Truly, this Half-Plane was tailor-made. The Wavelike Flight of Gold Dragons here felt effortless, as if every breeze lifted their wings with tender care.
And their Flight Speed was astonishing. Before long, they arrived at the grand, white Monastery’s Front Door.
Boom—
The door slowly opened, revealing a vast, towering Corridor, wide enough for an Ancient Dragon to pass through. Columns on either side bore Intricate Carvings, and the walls were adorned with vivid, masterful Murals—depicting lifelike Dragons.
The first scene showed a Dragon, driven by a desire to transcend instinct, seeking Pure Order. It began carving Runes onto its own Scales—thus, the origin of Carving Skin.
Orola explained:
"You already know, the Carved Skin Dragons are a unique order of Dragons and Half-Dragons. Our name comes from the Runes inscribed on our Scales—marks of immense, mystical protection. We are disciplined, devoted to personal perfection and spiritual transcendence."
She pointed to the Mural.
"Most Carved Skin Dragons are True Dragons, for creatures like Dragon Beasts, Land Walkers, Wyverns, or other Dragon-like beings lack the thick, heavy Scales required for carving. But even more important: they lack the Wisdom and Willpower necessary to become true Carved Skin Dragons."
She paused, her expression darkening slightly.
"Yet… not all are pure. Over the past thousand years, even Blue Dragons, Green Dragons—filthy, corrupt Evil Dragons—have stolen the power of Carving, seeking to build their own Evil Orders."
Her voice dripped with disdain. Then she laughed.
"Though, of course, Red Dragons—with their minds full of meat and magma—could never even dream of such a thing."
A rare, dry joke from the usually solemn Gold Dragons.
Kai Xiusu’s lips twitched. Oh, but your rules are about to be broken by a Red Dragon who’s pretending to be one of you.
Still, he kept his face neutral.
"Of course. Chaotic Evil beings like Red Dragons could never comprehend the true meaning of Order."
Orola led him to the end of the Corridor, stepping into a vast, open hall—hundreds of meters wide. The space was immaculate, silent, and orderly. Several Gold Dragons moved within—some meditating on raised Platforms, others using special conical crystals to carve Runes into their Scales, absorbed in their inner cultivation.
Indeed, their way of life resembled that of Monks. Each possessed a body forged through relentless discipline, iron will, and supernatural strength.
The hall was silent, save for the distant chime of a Bell.
Kai Xiusu looked up. At the center of the ceiling hung a massive circular disc—nearly a hundred meters in diameter—engraved with countless intricate patterns.
In the center of the disc lay a single, dull, lifeless Silver Scale, its surface etched with ancient, mysterious Runes.
What struck Kai Xiusu most was the Aura emanating from it—powerful, intimidating, almost divine. For a moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to Worship.
And when he looked upon the Runes, he sensed a perfect, unyielding Order—the most tangible symbol of justice and balance. It felt like the ultimate authority, so pure it threatened to cleanse and Purify even his Spiritual Soul.
For an instant, he nearly lost control, the urge to revert to his true form overwhelming him. Only sheer willpower kept him from dissolving his Embodiment of the Ancient Dragon.
He gasped, stunned:
"This… is—"
But Orola, still gazing at the disc, had already slipped into deep Meditation, completely unaware of his words.
Then, a calm, pure voice echoed from above.
"This is the Scale shed by the God of Balance and Justice of the Dragons—Lantis. Millennia ago, Ferdinand used this Scale as the core to forge this Half-Plane, the realm you now know as the Eternal Order Realm."
Kai Xiusu looked up.
A second Gold Dragon, equally massive—thirty meters long—descended from the Monastery’s peak, wings unfurling like golden banners.
Her Golden Eyes were calm, distant, surveying the Gold Dragons below—and Kai Xiusu, the intruder among them.
Orola snapped awake, her eyes wide with surprise and reverence.
"Senior Beatrice! The Elder!"
To clarify for Kai Xiusu, she added quickly:
"This is Senior Beatrice, daughter of the Primordial Golden Dragon Ferdinand, and the Elder of the Eternal Order Realm. She is also the Bestower—the one who carved the first Runes for our kind. Thus, all our Kin honor her as—The Elder."
Now, the ancient Gold Dragon—Beatrice—locked eyes with Kai Xiusu. Her gaze was piercing, unwavering.
Eye to eye, she spoke, her voice like still water:
"Good morning. You are the legendary Dragon of Dawn, Titus. The Eternal Order Realm welcomes any Kin who seeks Order.
But… why do I sense a veil of concealment upon you?"
(End of Chapter)
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