Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei Returns from the Elden Ring

After some time had passed.

“Your Majesty, you have arrived.” Melina rose. “This is the final…or rather, the latest sight of your soul. I have nothing left to do but sleep.”

"I have good news and bad news." Lu Mingfei didn't immediately delve into the information-laden words Melina had spoken. "Which do you want to hear first?"

"Bad news, huh?" Melina glanced at the firelight in the fireplace, took a piece of wood from the neatly stacked firewood in a box beside her, and handed it to Lu Mingfei.

Lu Mingfei threw the wood into the fireplace, and the flames climbed up the slightly damp pine wood. The bark was the first to turn black and catch fire, and the flames on the pine wood trembled and flickered, with occasional popping sounds from the resin.

The flames grew warm, making Lu Mingfei's face glow.

"I don't have enough material for the dolls, so I can only make them up to arm height," Lu Mingfei said.

"A doll?" Melina said softly, a hint of doubt in her eyes. "Is this bad news? What's the good news?"

Lu Mingfei smiled slightly, "I created a vessel that can potentially contain a soul."

“The laws of this world do not concern the soul. It must have taken you a lot of effort to create such an item,” Melina said. “But thank you anyway. I look forward to walking in the same world with you.”

“The materials this time are not products of alchemy; they are more like fragments of some kind of natural substance.” Lu Mingfei said no more. “Make yourselves ready, and let’s leave here together.”

“Okay,” Melina said calmly, “but before that, I would like you to see something.”

Amidst the vast larch forests and heavy snow, Lu Mingfei and Melina, cloaked, strolled along in the biting wind. Their footsteps were swept away by the snow, and ahead lay an endless expanse of white mist.

These scenes are both real and illusory, and the chill they bring directly affects the soul. Even Lu Mingfei is just an ordinary person here.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, Melina stopped after climbing a hillside. The wind and snow had subsided considerably. Lu Mingfei stood beside her, gazing into the distance.

A bustling city appeared on the far horizon. Lu Mingfei was very familiar with those buildings and roads; it was his hometown, this small city.

“This city appeared here in the sixteenth year since the heavy snow began,” Melina said. “I tried to get closer to it, but it seemed like an illusion, forever hanging on the horizon.”

Leave

I was dragged back to work before I even finished my dinner after getting home from work. It's 23:09 PM now, and I've just left the office. I'm not even doing my own work.

The company has two parallel systems, each responsible for different businesses. The departmental structures on both sides are mirror images of each other, and they often borrow people from each other when things get busy. I was called over last month because the things I did there now need to be registered as electronic files, which was very urgent. The person in charge of this project could have used my form to register it, but he was on a business trip, so the general manager on the other side called me directly.

This incident also solidified my decision to switch departments. Now, when there are many projects in my position, even if I had three heads and six arms, I still wouldn't be able to handle them all.

Just then, the general manager of the department next door was fired, the supervisor ran away with the general manager, and half of the young men under him resigned. Two of the men I knew, one went home and the other changed jobs.

That department is being restructured, and my mentor is going to transfer there. The downside is that there's no performance-based system, but the upside is that the base salary will be increased by 1,000 yuan, the job content will be fixed, and there won't be situations like today where we have to work overtime until 11 pm.

I'll fill out the form tomorrow, then finish what I'm doing and head over there. Once that's done, updates will be more consistent, and I might even be able to slack off and write a little something while at work.

Chapter 164 The Lion in the Cage

In the hotel suite, wisps of golden light rose from Lu Mingfei's body. These threads moved along his body, slowly gathering in his hands, and gradually weaving into the shape of two curved blades.

The blade dimmed for a moment, then burst into golden flames. The clear flames rose and leaped, calming even the raging wind elements around it.

Lu Mingfei then took the alchemical doll and placed it in the center of a small alchemical matrix. This matrix was so small that it shouldn't have been stable. In fact, it wasn't self-circulating. A mountain-like spiritual barrier suppressed it, so the four elements obediently transformed and became active according to the predetermined trajectory, while the spirit "jumped" between pure elements of different forms and attributes.

The laws of the world have changed here.

A sapling grows, its trunk ethereal, its translucent branches radiating a soft glow, sheltering the dolls and spirits beneath it.

After a brief wait, the doll's eyes slowly lit up, and its limbs trembled slightly.

“This body…” Melina’s voice came from the doll, “is able to carry the spirit, but not the soul. There is some kind of residual spirituality inside. I think you should listen to what I perceive.”

Melina's phantom detached from the doll, "The tree's fate had withered, yet someone broke the taboo and found a way to live."

"A tree?" A hint of doubt flashed in Lu Mingfei's eyes.

“The Black King Nidhogg dwelled at the base of the World Tree, gnawing off its roots before Ragnarok, thus severing the reproduction of his future enemies,” Melina explained. “The puppet was not pure enough; the impurities within it were the spirit of the tree. During the fusion, I heard its whispers. One of Nidhogg’s offspring broke free of its shackles, restoring the World Tree to life.”

“Ragnarok…” Lu Mingfei frowned. “So the World Tree is actually the genetic tree of the dragon race. That means a dragon king successfully bred a new first generation species… The Black King is known as the ultimate being of the world, yet we have to clean up his mess.”

"Do you have an idea?" Melina patted the doll's head, then walked to the balcony and drew back the curtains. It was dawn outside.

"It's most likely Odin, but we can't rule out the other two dragon kings that haven't appeared yet," Lu Mingfei said.

“Do as you wish.” Melina turned her back to him, looking out at the city awakening in the morning light. “Although I cannot possess that doll, I can see things through its eyes.”

“The doll is just the first version,” Lu Mingfei said. “It at least shows that there are indeed materials in this world that can bear spirituality.”

"I believe you won't let me ruin things. Until then, let me look forward to it." Melina turned around, her figure already transparent in the morning light, and she lightly tiptoed and jumped up.

Lu Mingfei opened his arms and caught her, and golden flames ignited on the twin swords beside him.

After a brief moment of thought, he dialed the branch manager's number, gave some instructions, and then turned on his computer to give Norma a simple command.

……

Italy, Pantheon, Hall of Greenery.

Bright sunlight streamed down from above, like the first ray of light at the beginning of time. There were no windows on any of the walls; the only lighting came from the reflection of the mirror-like marble floor.

Caesar stood at the foot of the steps, while the elders of the Gattuso family sat at a round table above, all dressed in white robes, solemn as if they had stepped out of Roman history. These elders had all once had their own names, but after being enshrined in the Pantheon, they abandoned their original names and were addressed only by code names; the head of the group was code name Alpha. In the council of elders, only Alpha spoke; the other elders remained silent and expressionless, like clay or wooden statues.

Caesar expected to be interrogated, but to his surprise, Alpha didn't mention BJ at all, instead showing interest in his marriage.

The only thing these withered old people cared about was the continuation of their family bloodline. This obsession even surpassed their concern for the world situation. "Caesar, my child, the fate of the world has changed. The family needs new blood. We know you don't like the brides the family has chosen for you. After consideration, we agree to your marriage with Chen Motong."

Caesar's expression remained unchanged, his tone mocking, "What a huge concession! She doesn't have a noble surname to add to Gattuso's glory... So, what is the price of this concession?"

"My child, you must know that we love you." These words, spoken by an old man who looked like a skeleton, only sent chills down Caesar's spine.

“The family has prepared the 'Holy Grail' for you,” Alpha continued. “You just need to stay within the family for the foreseeable future…”

"Household confinement? Or direct detention?" Caesar coldly interrupted him. "I will propose to her, but without the family's consent! So it will be my engagement, and it has nothing to do with the family! You're all wrong. I have no reason to pay any price for this."

“But that is true power. Haven’t you experienced your own weakness?” Alpha said calmly. “In that subway, we almost lost you. Everyone in charge of this matter is being punished for it, but even if they suffer hellish punishment, it cannot make up for their mistakes… Our gift is called the ‘Nibelungen Project,’ which allows hybrids to safely break through the critical bloodline limit.”

Alpha's introduction to the "Nibelungen Project" was brief enough; Caesar would understand what it meant.

Caesar truly understood. He had used the Blood Explosion technique and experienced unparalleled power. If this power could remain stable... if this power truly became his own... if... he could continue to ignite the Dragon Blood upon this power...

A person's image flashed through his mind, calming him down.

“I am not a lion in a cage,” Caesar said softly, turning and leaving.

Alpha watched Caesar through the window until he was out of sight, then turned back. The elders also turned in unison, gazing at Alpha.

Alpha's mind was filled with their discussions, each person's voice was intense and high-pitched, like the roar of a group of dragons.

"This child is testing our limits! To this day, he still hasn't learned the virtue of obedience!"

"The family has already been tolerant of him time and time again! Continuing to tolerate him will only make him think we are weak!"

"How could someone with his level of understanding inherit our great family? Let alone stand against that supreme being!"

“We should try to persuade him more. If we can’t get him to obey through gentle persuasion, then we should resort to the iron whip!”

It's not that the elderly don't need to communicate; rather, their consciousnesses are directly connected in some way. It's as if their brains are linked in parallel to think about problems—this is one of the secrets of the Pantheon.

"Enough!" Alpha ended the argument with an even louder roar. "What's the point of saying all this now? Weren't you all scared the moment he was about to roar?"

Chapter 165 Elemental Turbulence

Rain clouds drifted in from the distant horizon, and the weather bureau issued a rainstorm warning. Everyone who checked the weather online or on TV frowned in confusion, marveling that the climate was becoming more and more bizarre each year.

Meanwhile, another group of people were not only filled with emotion, but also felt as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

The elemental turbulence phenomenon of the Dragon King's awakening is beginning to emerge. The Kassel College branch has already sent a request for help to the headquarters, while at the same time dispatching all its specialists to carry out the capture plan.

Half a day ago, all of Lu Mingfei's acquaintances in the city—his high school classmates and relatives—received messages from different people with different tones and contexts. All the senders and different phone numbers were played by Norma, using big data profiling to maximize the success rate of the invitations. Lu Mingfei's aunt's sister even received news that her own sister had cancer and rushed to the "hospital" address with a fruit basket.

A luxury building in the CBD played different roles among hundreds of invitations, including restaurants, hospitals, shopping malls, and conference rooms. Some of the people who came here knew each other, while others did not. The underground parking lot of the building was filled with cars ranging from Bentleys, Mercedes-Benzes, and BMWs to some family cars worth tens of thousands of yuan.

In the middle floor of the building, an office had been emptied to make room for a command center, but only one person was in charge of the command center.

The branch manager knocked on the door a few times before pushing it open and entering.

Lu Mingfei did not sit in the chair that symbolized power and belonged to the branch manager. When the branch manager gave up the meeting room, he also gave up command authority. This was an order jointly issued by the executive director and the principal of Kassel College. Lu Mingfei's current title is temporary battlefield commander.

But this young man didn't seem interested in power. The branch manager and Lu Mingfei hadn't had much contact, and he didn't think he understood people's hearts well; it was just a feeling. In his mind's eye, he saw the image of his captain when he was young in the figure sitting cross-legged with his back to the door. That Norwegian with the Sovereign Flame was calm and collected in his dealings with people, only displaying the imposing presence befitting an A-level hybrid on the battlefield.

He ultimately died on the battlefield, but in return, his squad survived.

"Commander Lu, all three task forces have set off and are checking each of the suspicious locations provided by Norma," the branch manager said. "However, the people downstairs are getting a bit restless; they're all demanding to see you."

"Ignore them. Release some harmless sedatives if necessary," Lu Mingfei said without turning his head. "Also, evacuate the people and vehicles on the elevated road."

"It's already underway. Actually, there was an accident six years ago caused by a typhoon, and this time the warnings for the severe rainstorm have prompted officials to cautiously and systematically close highway entrances," the branch manager continued, "Your Maybach is undergoing modifications..."

"Has Chu Zihang arrived?" Lu Mingfei asked.

"They're putting on the operational equipment for the execution department." The branch leader paused, then said, "I see only you and him on the mission roster, is this...?"

“Don’t worry.” Lu Mingfei turned around and handed a heavy tablet to the branch manager, his tone gentle. “You’re in charge from now on. Maintain order and minimize casualties caused by chaos.”

The branch manager took the command tool that could connect to all the specialists' personal terminals and said seriously, "Leave it to me."

Lu Mingfei said nothing more, turned back to the window, and saw that the clouds hung unsettlingly low, the leaden-gray layers seemingly clinging to the tops of the city's skyscrapers. Tumultuous droplets and ice crystals formed spectacular mammatus clouds, and the dry winter air collided with warm, moist air currents, brewing a thunderstorm. In his eyes, all the elements of the city were rising, trembling, sinking, and even transforming, surrounding the distant eye of the storm.

The branch manager took one last look at Lu Mingfei's retreating figure before leaving the room, which was no longer the command center, leaving the space to Lu Mingfei.

On the table next to Lu Mingfei was a glass of wine, Aquavit, a prized collection from the branch manager. This strong liquor, known as "shochu," is the national spirit of countries such as Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Iceland. It is generally called "Aquavit" in Germany and Norway, and "Akvavit" in Denmark and other countries.

While at the border, Lu Mingfei learned to drink, but in the war-torn land, all he could find were low-alcohol fruit wines, most of which tasted dry. Drinking was a rare form of relaxation, and getting thoroughly drunk was a luxury. Later, at Melina's urging, Lu Mingfei finally gave up his drinking problem.

His body is now closer to that of a dragon; no matter how strong the liquor he drinks, the alcohol is quickly broken down in his bloodstream, and he hardly feels drunk.

He took a sip, as if he were back on a journey many years ago, a feeling that felt strangely unfamiliar.

He raised his glass, gesturing towards the distant storm, "Let's begin."

……

The storm shut down the city, paralyzing the airport and port, and gradually closing highways. On real-time flight tracking websites, the number of airplane icons representing normal flights was rapidly decreasing, and a clear zone was emerging around this small southern city.

The only way in and out was Highway 10. Caesar landed at the nearest airport. He originally planned to call in military aircraft to rush directly into the cloud, but considering that Nono was with him, he had to choose the safe route arranged by Percy and travel by land to the city where the Dragon King was suspected of being resurrected.

To his surprise, after the conversation at the Pantheon ended, his family made no attempt to stop him, and even the stubborn Frost turned a blind eye to his actions.

“I thought you’d get PTSD in Beijing; I heard you almost died,” Nono said.

They were waiting for their car in the airport's VIP lounge. The rain had already affected the area, and only civilian airliners equipped with military-grade HUD systems were allowed to take off. After the flight cancellations, the crowds were stuck in the airport, and even the roads outside were congested with cars. Everyone was upset, and the sounds of horns and shouting filled the air.