Chapter 665: Wings of Steel
"This Aerial Corps actually has Titles you can earn?" Stuffed Bun stared at the Information displayed on his System Panel, his face instantly lighting up with delight.
Knowing that Titles were personal, non-transferable, and extremely rare—only obtainable through specific high-tier Quests like Conqueror of the North or Imperial Champion—he couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Some Titles even came with dazzling visual effects—golden halos, blazing fire, or rainbow auras—making their wearers instantly stand out from the crowd, drawing envy from every newbie in sight.
For Kai Xiusu, crafting these Titles cost next to nothing—essentially a risk-free, zero-investment operation. But to other players? They were worth their weight in gold. Some ultra-rich players had even spent over a hundred gold coins just to secure the most flashy, intimidating Title imaginable.
After all, for players, showing off was the number one priority.
Singo, feigning indifference, chuckled. "Unbelievable. You’ve never seen a Title before? I’ve given you dozens of Internal Quests—how could any of them be worse?"
Before he could finish speaking, a cascade of over a dozen titles erupted above his head—Conqueror of the North, War Hero, Judicator of Aethel, Sky Hunter Cavalry—each glowing with its own radiant effect. The overlapping lights created a near-light-pollution spectacle, nearly blinding Stuffed Bun’s titanium dog (slur) eyes. He gaped in shock, mouth agape.
"Ugh, what a show-off," Stuffed Bun muttered, turning away and addressing the Great Goblin. "Captain, lead us to the Quest briefing. I’m ready to dedicate myself to the Empire’s Great Blueprint—For Emperor Kai Xiusu!"
Older players had long since mastered a standard dialogue template with Non-Player Characters—when in doubt, go straight for Loyalty.
"For Empire! For Emperor Kai Xiusu!" The Great Goblin’s lips twitched slightly, but he still placed a hand over his chest and gave a formal Loyalty Greeting.
Then, he turned and led the two into the depths of the Ammunition Depot.
Stuffed Bun couldn’t help but glare at Singo, still adorned with a dazzling halo of titles. "Come on, Hardcore Player. Get on with the Quest already. If showing off were a crime, you’d be sentenced to life without parole. These days, guys like me—humble, no-frills players—are rare."
Singo replied flatly, "You really hate showing off? I saw you strut around like a king in front of those newbies just now."
He stepped forward, placing a hand on Stuffed Bun’s shoulder. "Listen, Stuffed Bun… face the real world. You don’t hate showing off. You just hate that others are the ones doing it."
.
Lies don’t wound. Truth cuts deep.
Stuffed Bun fell silent, memories flooding back—his earlier humiliation when Singo had stolen all the spotlight, the cold shoulders from the new players. He was speechless. No tears. Just the hollow ache of being outshone.
Clank—
The iron gate slowly rose with a crisp, metallic sound.
"This..." Stuffed Bun’s eyes widened instantly. All previous irritation vanished.
Before him stood a vast chamber lined with transparent glass display cases. Inside were massive, futuristic-looking armors—each sleek and imposing, their surfaces etched with intricate Dragon Flame patterns, radiating unmistakable Imperial Style. It was clear at a glance: these were custom-made armors for Wyverns. The helms fit perfectly over the dragon’s head, and the set even included specialized Wing Armor designed to attach directly to the wings.
Singo raised an eyebrow. "These are... the standard issue for the Imperial Air Bombardment Force?"
Over the past few months, the Empire’s air forces had dominated the Northern Aether War and the Dwarf Kingdom Conquest War, becoming nightmares for every enemy. These armored, two-headed dragons screamed through the skies, their spines flaring as they swooped low, devouring life force like grim reapers.
Even today, many indigenous inhabitants of Northern Aether still suffered from deep psychological trauma—just the sound of that scream could send them trembling, instinctively dropping to the ground, curling into a tight, terrified regiment.
"In a way, yes," the Great Goblin replied with a proud smile, gesturing toward the display cases. "But these are far more advanced—cutting-edge technology at the very forefront of Empire innovation. We call this set the Tianhuo Armor. Literally, 'Heaven’s Fire'—the great wrath of the Dragon descending from the sky, turning any rebel who dares defy the Empire into ash."
Stuffed Bun whistled. "Just the name sounds legendary."
Even Singo nodded in approval.
The Great Goblin stepped forward. "The Imperial Technology Department’s Military Engineering Division took the standard air assault gear and upgraded it relentlessly—adding a Rocket Propulsion System, a Gravity Levitation Device, and Spell Targeting tech. This set is revolutionary. It allows a fully grown Wyvern to carry over two tons of ammunition, striking targets with pinpoint precision from thousands of meters in the air."
He paused, emphasizing the next point. "And despite the added weight, the Wyvern’s speed and maneuverability don’t just remain—they improve. Top speed reaches a staggering 700 kilometers per hour."
Stuffed Bun leaned in, practically pressing his face against the glass. The Wing Armor stretched for meters, shimmering with a metallic luster, perfectly streamlined. Dozens of long, slender steel feathers covered its surface, capable of adjusting flight direction instantly based on the rider’s needs.
The Great Goblin grinned proudly. "And that’s just the beginning. This set does far more than you imagine."
Snap!
With a sharp clap, the rear edges of the Wing Armor extended—revealing multiple tubes that erupted with blazing, colorful flames.
"This Rocket Propulsion System delivers explosive thrust in seconds," the Great Goblin explained. "It can accelerate the Wyvern multiple times over in an instant."
Singo and Stuffed Bun listened intently, studying the armor inside the case. Beneath the Wing Armor, several complex metal discs were visible—these were the Gravity Levitation Devices. They allowed the Wyvern to carry heavier payloads and stay stable even when hit, preventing catastrophic crashes.
Even the claws had specialized armor, with small wheels embedded on either side—enabling the armored Wyvern to accelerate down a ground runway for takeoff, despite the heavy load.
Stuffed Bun stared, utterly mesmerized, his eyes glowing with awe. If he hadn’t been so focused, one might’ve thought he was staring at his long-lost lover.
"Absolutely stunning," Singo murmured. "No wonder it’s a creation of the Mechanical Divinity. It’s like turning a Wyvern into a living warplane."
The Great Goblin puffed up with pride. "All thanks to King Kai Xiusu’s wise leadership."
Singo nodded eagerly. "Of course. The Great Emperor of the Ashen Flame is omnipresent—every facet of the Empire’s economy, politics, military, and technology owes its success to His Supreme Majesty. His wisdom permeates every corner of the realm."
"Excellent! Truly, you’re a loyal son of the Empire. Your insight is admirable." The Great Goblin nodded approvingly, even clapping his hands.
Watching the two of them exchange flattery like seasoned courtiers, Stuffed Bun, normally thick-skinned, couldn’t help but mutter inwardly: “Damn it… why wasn’t I invited to this party?”
"Yes," Stuffed Bun said, wiping a fake tear from his eye, his voice suddenly sincere. "Thinking of His Majesty’s tireless dedication… I feel a deep, burning loyalty rising within me. I must sing the Hymn of Kai Xiusu—what gratitude can ever repay such sacrifice?…"
He launched into a dramatic, heartfelt performance, adding his own flair to the Empire’s signature cultural ritual. After a round of exaggerated praise, they finally returned to business.
Staring at the Tianhuo Armor, Singo paused, then asked, "With this armor attached, our old Wyvern-riding techniques will need a complete overhaul, won’t they?"
The Great Goblin nodded. "Exactly. This set represents a leap across eras. The new Dragon Riding Technique is nothing like traditional horsemanship. But—"
He chuckled softly. "Given your natural talent, mastering this new gear will be effortless. The mechanics may have changed, but riding a two-headed dragon is actually easier now than before."
"I spent half a year just learning to control a Wyvern," Stuffed Bun recalled. "You mastered it in less than a day."
"Same applies now," Singo said confidently.
"Then let’s begin your training immediately!" The Great Goblin snapped his fingers. "We need you to complete His Majesty’s Quest as soon as possible—eradicate every last Ogre!"
Clank—
With a heavy, resonant thud, the two massive iron gates slowly swung open.
Before them, the world opened up—azure sky, endless blue, no clouds in sight. Beyond the chamber lay a long, perfectly smooth runway, custom-built for Wyverns.
The glass display cases along the walls slid open. Two brand-new Tianhuo Armor sets were pulled out and placed before the two players.
And it wasn’t just the Wyverns that got the flashy gear—the pilots received matching gear too: windproof jackets made from dragon hide, and helmets resembling motorcycle helmets.
Stuffed Bun yanked on the helmet instantly. A translucent HUD snapped into view, displaying his current location, a map marked with red dots for objectives, and precise data in the corner—distance, altitude, wind speed.
"This helmet functions like the old Empire map," the Great Goblin explained. "You can track your position, lock onto objectives, conduct precise strikes, use the walkie-talkie to communicate with ground crews, receive real-time orders, and access all necessary information."
Stepping onto the runway, Stuffed Bun felt pure euphoria. The Pact on his forearm activated.
"Come out, Noodles!"
Roar—
With a thunderous bellow, the Wyvern burst from the sky, crashing down and kicking up a storm of dust—majestic, powerful, and utterly intimidating.
Stuffed Bun pointed at the armor pile. "Noodles, try putting that on!"
Huff?
The Wyvern shook its head, letting out a confused, low growl. To it, the towering metal structure looked like a prison. As a species, Wyverns already struggled with flight due to their size and weight. Adding a massive, heavy iron shell? It would be a miracle if it could even move—let alone flap its wings.
Stuffed Bun understood. He gently patted the beast’s head, stroking down its neck. "Relax, Noodles. I won’t let you lose your ability to fly. Just… try it. You might actually like it."
Roar.
The Wyvern gave a final, reluctant nod, brushing its massive head against Stuffed Bun’s shoulder before slowly lowering itself.
"Hey, ho!"
"Left a bit more—yes, slot the Wing Armor into the groove!"
Huff?
The assembly process was painstakingly complex—each piece had to fit perfectly, like building an aircraft from living bone.
With heavy grunts, several strong Ogre laborers heaved the massive components into place, fitting them together with precision.
Finally, a Wyvern clad in thick, futuristic armor stood before Stuffed Bun—no longer a beast of flesh and scale, but a mechanical monster from the future.
"Whoa… so cool!" Stuffed Bun rushed forward, hugging the dragon’s claw, running his hands over the intricate carvings of the armor. His eyes sparkled with pure delight.
But the Wyvern wasn’t comfortable. It tilted its head, shuddered, tried to flap its wings—only to discover they were locked in place by the Wing Armor. It took immense effort just to twitch them.
Stuffed Bun leapt onto its back. His uniform seamlessly bonded with the armor, forming a single, unified entity.
"This is the emergency brake. This is jet acceleration. And this one here—" Stuffed Bun flipped through the Skyfire Operating Manual, staring at the dozens of levers and buttons on the dragon’s back. He felt utterly overwhelmed.
After nearly fifteen minutes of fumbling, he finally gained some confidence. Gripping the control stick, he realized this was nothing like riding a Wyvern before.
Heart pounding, he spoke into the walkie-talkie. "Requesting takeoff. Runway A01. Wind speed?"
"Approved for takeoff," came Holland’s voice from the other end.
Stuffed Bun tightened his grip on the Wyvern’s neck. "Noodles… I’m still getting used to this… but no more waiting. Let’s go!"
Boom—
The tubes on the Wyvern’s wings erupted with fire and gas, producing a powerful thrust. At the same time, the wheels on its claws spun rapidly, gathering speed—so fast that sparks of ember flew from the ground.
Roar—
The Wyvern let out a panicked bellow. It had never raced across the ground at such a speed.
"Whoa… this is fast!" Stuffed Bun gasped, overwhelmed by the G-force pressing him back. But beneath the shock, exhilaration surged. He’d ridden Wyverns at high speeds before—but never this kind of acceleration. It felt like a sudden gale, tearing through him.
The wind grew fiercer. The lift beneath the wings intensified. The roar of the air, the shriek of the spines, the explosion of sound—it all merged into one.
One man. One dragon.
Lifting off the runway.
Racing toward the endless azure sky.
"Take Off!"
(End of Chapter)
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