Whenever the dragon appears, it always triggers a media frenzy. This period is the busiest time for media workers and, of course, also the time with the highest ratings.
“Good afternoon, everyone. This is Nick, a reporter from TNT, bringing you the latest report. Just this noon, that suspected dragon creature attacked the United States once again. Yes, you heard it right, the dragon has appeared in America again. Right behind me, you can see the massive crater...”
During the time Brandon was training, the news of the dragon appearing in San Francisco spread worldwide. This time, the dragon had grown even stronger, with human weapons unable to cause it any harm. Moreover, the dragon's mysterious and powerful magic successfully summoned a meteor from the void, causing devastating damage to downtown San Francisco. The area within a kilometer radius was leveled. What used to be streets lined with tall buildings is now a wasteland. One can clearly see a crater 200 meters in diameter and over 50 meters deep in the city center, with wisps of smoke rising from it, yet no traces of the meteor were found as if it vanished into thin air.
Everywhere around, you can see crushed tanks and armored vehicles, with numerous large craters dotting the landscape. The American troops sent to attack the dragon were completely annihilated. The dragon left San Francisco unscathed and flew elsewhere, and its whereabouts are currently unknown.
America's setback has been met with mixed feelings worldwide. Other countries are glad to see America finally facing defeat and humiliation. However, there is also a growing concern—if even the U.S. cannot stop the dragon's attacks, what about their own countries? This has become the most pressing question for nations around the globe.
The increasing strength of the dragon highlights a growing and sharp issue that humanity must face head-on. How can humans and non-human creatures coexist peacefully in the same world? How can humans and dragons coexist? This has become the hottest topic of the moment.
Many national leaders have subtly indicated on various occasions that they have no ill intentions towards the dragon and have pledged not to attack first. Public opinion is also shifting; besides expressing regret over America's attack, there is more focus on describing the dragon's power and mystery, with a growing inclination towards friendliness.
Various dragon myths are being widely reprinted, and people are gradually realizing that a powerful dragon can even rival gods. In some sense, the dragon is god-like. Moreover, judging by this dragon’s size of only about 15 meters in length, it is not even fully grown according to mythological records. People are beginning to ponder this: if it is already this powerful when immature, what will it be like when it reaches adulthood? Will humans still have any weapons capable of countering a fully grown dragon?
Humans, especially the youth, have started to idolize the dragon fervently. They are buying dragon pendants and decorations, even getting dragon tattoos, hoping the dragon can grant them great power.
The number of dragon followers is growing exponentially. Various underground dragon cults are coming to the forefront, preaching the greatness of the dragon and openly recruiting followers. Previously, dragon cultists who operated in secrecy are now boldly posting dragon church posters in public.
The activities of these cult organizations would normally have had the police at their doorsteps, but now, they can only turn a blind eye.
The dragon's immense power has made humanity cautious. It is no longer a light topic for casual conversation or a negligible national threat; it has become a formidable presence that could potentially threaten human survival.
Especially for smaller countries, their capabilities are no match for a dragon's attack. A single misstep could lead to national destruction. In such a critical moment, they dare not provoke the mighty dragon.
The United States cannot be offended, and neither can the dragon! This is the consensus of most countries and the prevailing international opinion.
While nuclear weapons might be able to destroy the dragon, they are akin to Pandora's box—once opened, they bring endless trouble. Furthermore, whether they can actually annihilate the dragon remains uncertain. Humanity cannot afford to gamble. As long as your cards are not revealed, there is always hope, regardless of the opponent’s hidden cards. But once they are laid out and you fail to win, the only outcome is deep despair.
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When humanity is down to its last card, it will not be played easily until the very end. Humans are fragile, not just in body but also in spirit.
Brandon looked at the mess around him, feeling a bit puzzled. However, he couldn't think about it too much, as the giant Jiao was still unaccounted for. His power had more than doubled now, and Brandon felt more confident than ever.
With a gentle leap, he flew into the sky. Since his dragon essence reached the lesser heaven level, he felt his domain becoming clearer and more defined. This domain was like his own little world, where he could manipulate all energies at will. His mental power had also increased dramatically, now extending up to a two-kilometer radius.
It seemed as if there was some hidden connection between the Golden Bell and the dragon crystal. This was just his intuition, but since the appearance of the dragon crystal, the Golden Bell inside him had become much more active, spinning nearly twice as fast. The dragon crystal's presence appeared to amplify the Golden Bell Shield.
Brandon flapped his wings lightly, flying down the mountain. His now larger wings and stronger power made his speed even faster.
His enormous body flew close to the mountainside, kicking up a massive cloud of dust and scattering leaves. The area he passed through looked as if it had been hit by a hurricane, with trees leaning in all directions, creating a scene of utter chaos.
In just a few breaths, Brandon flew down the slope and reached a vast plain.
This was a broad expanse of land, dotted with farms of various sizes. In the distance, there were a few scattered small villages. This place was far from the city, remote, and sparsely populated.
In a small village tavern, things were not as usual. The entire tavern was packed with people, making the already cramped space even more crowded. Everyone was silent, eyes glued to the television. The TV was broadcasting news about the dragon:
“The United States has not yet found the dragon. Its whereabouts are unknown, but various signs suggest that the dragon is still in California. It hasn’t left and seems to be searching for something…”
After the news broadcast, the tavern immediately became lively. Old John downed a pint of beer in one gulp. So far, he had already finished three large pints, well beyond his usual drinking limit. His face was flushed, and he slammed the glass on the bar, saying loudly:
"The dragon must have heard our prayers and came to destroy the demon. I can't believe the military attacked the dragon. This time, they've really angered it. Fortunately, the great dragon wasn't hurt."
"Yes, the military can't catch the demon, let alone deal with the dragon. The dragon will surely be safe," an old lady said loudly, her eyes filled with fervor.
"This attack might have angered the dragon. I hope it won't retaliate against humanity," a middle-aged woman said, her face full of worry. She was clearly a bit anxious and continued, "If it leaves the United States, there will be no one to deal with the demon."
"How about we go to the village entrance and pray together? Maybe the dragon will hear our call!" someone suggested.
His suggestion immediately met with approval from everyone. The villagers in the tavern put down their drinks and headed towards the village entrance, leaving the tavern empty.
As the group moved forward, more people joined in, mostly drawn by the large crowd. Humanity tends to follow the herd, and when a massive group gathers, individual rationality is often swept away. Most of the people in the town gradually left their homes and headed towards the village entrance. Emotions, like a contagion, spread, and even those who initially had no particular faith became fervent.
Their excitement grew as they marched towards the dragon statue at the village entrance. Thousands of people looked like a vast sea of humanity.
The dragon statue stood seven or eight meters high, with a massive body and a ferocious head, carved with lifelike detail, giving off a subtle sense of oppression. Looking at the statue, it almost felt like seeing the real dragon. Everyone bowed their heads, clasped their hands together, and prayed devoutly. Of course, human hearts are complex and desires are endless. Only they knew what they were truly praying for.
Some hoped for strength and health, others for more wealth, some wished to find their lost pets, and many more hoped the dragon would subdue the demon and bring peace to the town.
Brandon flapped his wings lightly, flying low over the ground, heading towards the distance. Below him were green crops, full ears of corn, and lush fruit trees. Not far ahead was a small town, and Brandon looked in that direction.
Suddenly, Brandon's eyes narrowed. He saw a dragon statue, shimmering in a purple-gold hue, strikingly similar to his own form. A large crowd stood in front of the statue, seemingly engaged in some activity. Brandon was immediately drawn to the statue.
Adjusting his massive body, he flew in that direction. As he got closer, the crowd became clearer. They bowed their heads, crossed their hands, and wore solemn expressions, muttering something. The dragon statue was intricately carved, almost like a replica of himself. His curiosity was piqued, making him feel like a cat being scratched.
These humans had actually made a statue of him. He wondered what they were doing in front of it. If it was some form of desecration, Brandon wouldn't mind teaching them a lesson, at least to show that the dragon's dignity was not to be trifled with.
Although Brandon was flying low, this "low" was still at least five or six hundred meters high. He covered the vast distance in an instant, his enormous body swooping down from the sky with a roar.