Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1427 - 488: Abnormal Fire Dragon

Menia and Reginald exited the cabin almost at the exact moment Rein reached the ship's railing.

The group cast their gazes toward the horizon simultaneously.

Below and to the right of the airship fleet, Rein spotted a mountain range featuring a pass that rhythmically spat out thick plumes of smoke and glowing red magma.

The volcanic discharge intensified as time ticked by, billowing into the heavens like a dark tide and instantly obscuring a vast portion of the sky.

"A volcanic eruption?" Reginald remarked, his brow furrowing slightly.

"No, this is something more than just an eruption." Menia shook her head, her intuition sensing something deeper.

Rein narrowed his eyes, catching a glimpse of a colossal shadow flickering near the mouth of the crater.

"Roar!!!"

Suddenly, a thunderous dragon's cry erupted from the heart of the volcano!

This roar seemed to defy the vast distance, vibrating through the hearts of every soul aboard the joint airship fleet, even though they were kilometers away in the sky.

While everyone remained frozen in shock!

"Boom!"

A massive, fiery red silhouette burst forth from the volcanic depths!

Moments later, it spread immense crimson wings capable of blotting out the sun, sending waves of lava and soot surging hundreds of meters into the air.

"Wait? Is that truly a fire dragon? Why is its scale so gargantuan?" Rein pondered, his voice filled with shock.

He was no stranger to fire dragons and had even engaged them in combat before.

However, compared to the Molten Fire Dragon 'Hermados'—who had fled the moment it saw him—this beast was several times larger and possessed an abnormal physique.

Its hide lacked the typical smooth, refined red scales, appearing instead as a rugged, uneven surface composed of keratinous growths or a strange red crust.

"This must be an ancient fire dragon that has slept within the magma for ages, likely undergoing a mutation," Menia observed gravely, noting the creature’s bizarre exterior and its seventy-to-eighty-meter length.

After escaping the volcano, the strange fire dragon glided through the air for a short duration, seemingly reacquainting itself with the world.

It was then that its blood-red vertical pupils locked onto the combined fleet of the Federation and the Empire.

Flapping its wings once more, the peculiar dragon let out a defiant roar and began a rapid descent toward the airships.

The fleet, consisting of over twenty vessels of various sizes, was an incredibly conspicuous target.

It was impossible to miss.

Yet, Rein noticed a specific glint flashing within the dragon's crimson eyes.

It was a peculiar expression, resembling a deep, intense craving for something.

"Huh? It appears to be heading straight for us."

"That is quite odd, considering our combined fleet looks formidable even at a distance."

"Dragon-kind are typically intelligent; they don't usually seek out battles with powerful enemies for no reason." Rein lowered his head, lost in thought as he tried to solve the puzzle.

After some reflection, Rein glanced at the Red Queen, Menia. He felt that the Federation would likely struggle to repel this suddenly awakened beast on their own.

At that moment, 'Earth Pulse' Reginald spoke in a low tone: "Princess Menia, the power of this strange fire dragon is quite extraordinary. I fear the Federation cannot handle this threat by themselves."

"There is no rush; let us observe for a moment. Do not forget that we are currently in Federation territory," Menia replied, shaking her head.

Rein nodded immediately, understanding the subtext of Menia's words.

Her point was clear: they were in Federation lands. Furthermore, the timing of the dragon's arrival—neither too early nor too late—was highly suspicious.

Most importantly, this crisis would provide the Empire with more bargaining power during the upcoming negotiations with the Federation.

In the realm of international relations, interests always remain the priority.

"Report! Princess Menia, a signal has come from the Federation. They request that we accelerate and bypass the battlefield while their fleet deals with the fire dragon," a messenger announced, approaching the side of the ship.

"Very well, increase speed," Menia commanded with a nod.

Rein felt a surge of respect for Menia's foresight upon hearing the news.

As a member of the Imperial Royal Family, her political instincts were remarkably sharp.

Unlike a pre-planned joint operation, the Federation would naturally try to resolve a sudden internal incident like this on their own.

Rein remained calm, turning his attention back to the unfolding drama.

However, a sudden realization caused him to flash a bitter smile.

"Wait, if the Federation fails to hold the line and Senator Trena’s flagship is put in danger, I will have to intervene."

"After all, I just gave my word to Lady Trena to serve as her Guardian Knight. I can hardly break such a promise, can I?"

"I assumed the role of Guardian Knight was merely a symbolic title, but it seems it is becoming a practical duty much sooner than expected."

...

One minute prior.

Inside the captain’s quarters of the Federation’s massive flagship.

The abrupt arrival of the strange fire dragon instantly soured Vice Speaker Bertrand’s good mood.

"Smack!"

Bertrand slammed his palm onto the table, shouting in a rage: "What has the intelligence department been doing!"

"A strange fire dragon awakens at the exact moment our fleet passes by? Is that supposed to be a coincidence?"

"What will the Empire's delegation think of this mess?"

"If these types of incidents keep happening, our Federation will look utterly incompetent!"

"This will leave us completely exposed during the cooperative talks with the Empire!"