Chapter 183: The Fall of Winter (Part 3)
Kasa Eternal Frost closed his eyes.
Even through his eyelids, he could feel the blazing light before him—a fiery glow.
[Maximized Fire Breath]
The overwhelming flames engulfed Kasa in a torrent, reducing the once-mighty Frost Giant warrior—who had slain multiple white dragons with his bare hands—to ash.
Only the remnants of his white dragon scale armor remained, barely recognizable.
Within the Kingdom Domain, all of Cassius's spell-like abilities were significantly enhanced. That breath of fire was comparable to a legendary spell, instantly annihilating a Frost Giant warrior renowned for his ability to battle ancient white dragons.
"Within this domain... it feels almost like... my divine realm."
Cassius gently flapped his wings, marveling.
He gazed at the ice crystal in his claw, a fragment containing a trace of divine power.
Though faint, its supreme and frigid essence, embodying the law of cold, was unmistakable.
Unfortunately, this power was entirely incompatible with Cassius. Attempting to use it recklessly could lead to irreparable consequences.
Cassius carefully stored the ice crystal in his dimensional bag.
His interface refreshed with several notifications.
[You have slain [Son of Winter - Kasa], gaining 18,000 XP.]
[Kasa was meant to lead his tribe to glory, gather faith, and awaken their father god. By killing him, you have earned the enmity of a deity and gained the debuff [Enemy of the Frost Giants].]
"Tch, what a petty god,"
Cassius remarked.
He had no desire to provoke a god lightly, but the Eternal Frost Tribe's expansion inherently conflicted with the Ember Kingdom's order.
Since conflict was unavoidable, he decided to thoroughly offend the Frost Giant deity, ensuring its dwindling faith left it eternally slumbering.
A fierce expression crossed Cassius's face.
"But first, let's focus on increasing my power."
"With enough strength, what would even a god's avatar do to me?"
[You have chosen to advance [True Dragon Sorcerer] to Level 11.]
[You can select an additional metamagic feat.]
[You have gained the metamagic feat: [Distant Spell].]
With the ability to surge his magic, Cassius greatly extended his spells' range and area. As a dragon sorcerer, his long-range spellcasting became even more formidable.
Next came the most nerve-wracking part: spell selection.
[You have gained the spells [Scorching Hail] and [Aerial Maneuverability].]
[Scorching Hail]
Level 7 Evocation Spell
You become like a moving volcano, surrounded by white-hot embers that shoot outward. Hundreds of fiery volcanic rocks are launched at your enemies, dealing devastating damage while releasing thick volcanic ash that blinds and suffocates foes.
[Aerial Maneuverability]
Level 4 Transmutation Spell
This spell grants perfect flight maneuverability, enabling sharp stops, abrupt turns, rolls, and highly agile movements in the air.
Cassius exhaled deeply.
A powerful 7th-level evocation spell and a practical 4th-level transmutation spell—while not transformative, both would significantly enhance his capabilities.
For instance, [Scorching Hail] could combine with [Control Weather] to simulate a volcanic eruption across a large area, while [Aerial Maneuverability] paired with Draconic Grace enabled extreme aerial agility.
"Now that Kasa is dead..."
"It's time to clean up the aftermath."
A cruel smile appeared on Cassius's draconic face.
He cast "Bag of Greed" to gather Kasa's ashes and remaining equipment, displaying them triumphantly behind him.
North of Terial Maw.
Both the Frost Giants and the Ember Kingdom's forces ceased fighting.
It wasn't out of a love for peace but due to their faith in their respective leaders. If one of them returned, the war would end decisively, with no miracles to change the outcome.
Baya stared anxiously at the sky, murmuring:
"He'll come back, Kasa..."
"He's Solem's chosen. There's no way—"
Before he could finish, a searing wave of heat rolled over the battlefield. The sound of massive wings beating grew louder as the colossal red dragon approached.
Suspended beneath him were the tattered remnants of white dragon scale armor and ash contained through unknown means.
The Ember Kingdom's forces erupted in cheers.
"Oh! The master burned him to ashes!"
"This is the master's power!"
"For the mighty red dragon!"
"What did I say? The Ember King could never lose!"
In stark contrast, despair consumed the Frost Giants.
"Impossible... impossible..."
"He was Solem's chosen..."
Baya stood frozen, shaking his head in denial and mumbling incoherently.
Cassius's golden eyes swept over the battlefield, his commanding voice ringing out:
"Frost Giants, your leader has been reduced to ash by my flames!"
"Now, I give you two choices."
"Become the lowly slaves of the Ember Kingdom..."
"Or—death!"
The Frost Giants' expressions varied—some clenched their teeth with unyielding hatred, while others showed signs of hesitation.
The Frost Giants, inherently neutral-evil beings, respected strength above all. Kasa had commanded their loyalty through might, but the red dragon before them had burned him to ash.
Suddenly, Baya raised a dragonbone pickaxe, his eyes bloodshot as he shouted:
"This red dragon lies!"
"Kasa is Solem's chosen; he's not dead!"
"This red dragon is spent! Warriors of the Eternal Frost Tribe, charge with me!"
Baya charged fearlessly, his determination mirroring Kasa's, inspiring dozens of Frost Giants to follow.
Thirty Frost Giant warriors, mostly Kasa's comrades from his hunting party, responded to Baya's call, launching themselves at the red dragon like knights charging a windmill.
"Thank you for your sacrifice.
"It will let me... practice a little."
Cassius watched the Frost Giants' reaction with amusement, surrounded by glowing embers.
[Scorching Hail]
Hundreds of scorching volcanic rocks launched toward the charging Frost Giants, followed by plumes of thick volcanic ash that enveloped all thirty of them.
Coughing, wailing, and furious roars filled the air.
These Frost Giants, once considered walking calamities, now resembled helpless victims caught in a raging torrent, utterly powerless.
Having dealt with this resistance, Cassius prepared to consolidate his victory and tighten his grip on the region.