A week later, at the location of the Ice Cliff Dragon Nest.
Amidst the clanging and banging of tools, the Ice Cliff was undergoing intense tremors and shakes, as large boulders were being carved into shapes that were far from natural.
Weak kobolds, strong minotaurs, and a portion of the natural shamans capable of wielding the power of the earth, under the orders of the crystal dragon, were fervently transforming the Ice Cliff from bottom to top.
Niconina was particularly enthusiastic, entrusting Lilith and Amos to Luna's kin for care while she herself took part in constructing the fortress for Garon.
This was a monumental task, not something that could be completed in a short while, consuming much energy and effort.
However, Niconina found joy in the busy work.
The dragon's nest, previously a small mountain of treasures and magical equipment, was now empty.
Due to the ongoing construction, the area was unsuitable for habitation for a long time, prompting Garon to move his treasure to the dragon nest in the snowy mountains near the white crystal vein. He spent days casting numerous protective spells to prevent stealthy intrusions.
At this time, Garon was at the white crystal vein, examining a massive axe.
The giant axe trembled violently in his dragon claw, trying to freeze Garon's body with extending ice crystals, but such resistance was easily suppressed by him.
His claw remained steady, firmly gripping the axe.
"Winter's Fury."
From Barton's mechanical response, Garon had learned the name and origin of this legendary equipment.
Legend had it that it was a gift from Solem to the frost giant heroes, originating from the divine realm of cold hells, having drunk the blood of dragons in the Dragonfall War, claiming countless true dragon lives.
But the truthfulness of such tales was questionable.
Many races liked to create legendary stories in the name of deities, with more fabrications than truths.
Winter's Fury's true form was this giant axe, which, when infused with magic during battle, could summon matching winter armor. The armor, torn apart by collapsing planes, was actually a condensation of energy.
Winter's Fury itself was undamaged.
With proper maintenance, the armor could be reapplied to its wielder.
The armor that Barton wore, impervious even to time stops, boasted a defense so strong it was enviable.
Moreover, Garon had tested the sharpness of Winter's Fury.
Dragon scales, once thought indestructible, were cut through as easily as tofu by the axe's blade, showcasing terrifying sharpness.
This legendary equipment's quality far surpassed those crafted by Haris.
Garon frowned, observing the trembling Winter's Fury in his hand.
Legendary equipment possessed a certain intelligence, but regardless of threats or temptations, it resisted silently, refusing to serve Garon.
Upon retrieving it from the dimensional space, Winter's Fury broke free from its ice seal and swung at Garon through the air. However, lacking a wielder's control, its power was limited and easily subdued by him.
Had it been an ordinary adult true dragon caught off guard, they might have been beheaded by Winter's Fury's sudden attack.
Garon consulted Krichens and Fred, but they were helpless against it.
Winter's Fury, ancient in its creation, differed vastly from modern methods. Erasing its intelligence would render it useless, with no means of repair.
"A legendary equipment crafted by giants, perhaps it might have submitted if acquired by other beings."
"But obtained by a dragon... What a pity."
Garon shook his head slightly.
He opened his mouth, brewing a breath of plundering time.
The Breath of Plundering Time was effective in destroying equipment, as the torrent of time was insurmountable for a piece of legendary equipment, leading to its decay and fragmentation.
However, after some thought, Garon's gaze shifted, dispersing the breath without releasing it.
"If it won't serve me, what about the current Barton?"
He pondered this question.
Such a powerful piece of legendary equipment would surely attract many legends if released; destroying it would indeed be a waste.
Under normal circumstances, even if unusable, Garon would keep it as a collectible. However, equipment like Winter's Fury, hostile towards true dragons and possessing such immense lethality, was better destroyed.
Equipped with such gear, many ancient dragons would struggle against a legendary giant.
In a moment, the silver dragon left the nest for the snowy mountain peak, clawing at the rugged stones, gazing downward.
Niconina had taken some of the mining kin and slaves, but many remained, continuously mining the white crystal vein.
The white crystal vein, a small magic gemstone mine, contained limited white crystals. After months of intensive mining, it had become significantly depleted, leaving just enough kin and slaves for continued work.
Soon, the vein would be exhausted.
A plethora of white crystals would adorn Garon's treasure mountain, shining brilliantly, pleasing to his heart. Of course, adorning it with an equal or greater amount of other gems would be ideal.
Nearby winter wolves, seeing Garon, issued respectful, deep howls.
Garon observed that the winter wolves appeared somewhat larger and more vigorous than before.
Consuming the blood and flesh of the frost giants in the city of extreme cold had provided them with rare nourishment, benefiting them greatly.
Not all the wolves were present at the vein. After the battle in the city of extreme cold, Wolf Evil, along with two other winter wolf leaders, led a large pack to campaign across the far north ice plains.
Learning from past lessons, Wolf Evil became more cautious, cunning, and ruthless.
Though the Wolf Heart clan had three leaders, Wolf Evil undoubtedly held the most sway, with Wolf Fierce and Wolf Row appearing somewhat younger by comparison.
Garon's gaze lingered momentarily on the physically enhanced winter wolves.
Turning, he looked towards the silent, black giant standing against the snow mountain wall.
Barton, expressionless, was covered in a layer of silver-white snowflakes, but his dark skin and formidable aura remained unmistakable.
Even with eyes closed and leaning against the wall, the legendary dark frost giant's presence was imposing.
"Barton, activate this equipment."
Garon commanded deeply.
Following the order, the dark giant opened his eyes, his ice-blue pupils void of emotion.
Whoosh! Winter's Fury was thrown by Garon.
The white giant axe traced an arc in the air, spinning towards Barton.
Thud! Barton extended his massive, broad palm, instinctively grasping the axe just inches below the blade's junction with the handle.
Holding Winter's Fury, Barton's otherwise lackluster eyes flickered slightly.
Simultaneously, within the soul cage, Barton's soul abruptly opened its eyes, struggling against the calm. However, tightly bound by soul chains, it remained immobile, with the struggle only hastening the penetration of control runes due to the exertion.
Still, the fierce struggle had some effect.
For a moment, the dark giant seemed fully alive.
Turning its head with burning rage, it glared at Garon, raising the giant axe and roaring to the heavens.
"Winter!"
With a roar, Winter's Fury burst into dazzling light, instantly dispersing the descending snow and wind.
Barton roared with all his might, body tensed, ready to leap and strike Garon with Winter's Fury.
But in the next instant, its frenzied movement halted.
Within the soul cage, a collar of runes appeared around Barton's soul's neck, chains binding its limbs. A mass of gray-white essence formed runes, continuously penetrating its head.
Its expression returned to calm.
Simultaneously, Garon noticed the dark giant's facial muscles twitch slightly.
Though still expressionless, its intelligence seemed heightened, eyes slightly more lively.
"Just like this, it won't be long before this legendary giant is fully enslaved by the soul cage."
Garon's eyes narrowed in satisfaction.
Barton, holding the axe, had his entire right arm encased in fierce armor.
The Winter's Armor, previously damaged by plane collapse, had now restored its structure to one arm.
Indeed, Winter's Fury in its hands unleashed corresponding power, now fully resplendent.
Through the connection with the soul cage, Garon issued a command directly in his mind.
He flapped his wings, approaching Barton.
Barton's massive body moved, bowing its head, kneeling, and presenting Winter's Fury to Garon with both hands.
Garon reached out, taking Winter's Fury.
The moment it left Barton's grasp, Winter's Fury trembled violently, emitting extreme cold that wrapped around Garon's claw, to no effect.
Garon forcibly took Winter's Fury, expending magic and spirit to create a new dimensional space.
Winter's Fury was then tossed into this space by Garon.
When needed, it would arm Barton, enhancing his combat capability.
Garon was uneasy leaving Winter's Fury with Barton.
He anticipated that with Winter's Fury, Barton would serve as his ace for a considerable period.
This dark lord of the city of extreme cold, without Garon's time powers, merely relying on his giant dragon form and spells, would likely face a challenging battle.
Meanwhile, Barton, bereft of Winter's Fury, stood in the snowstorm, silent and immovable, like a lifelike giant black statue.
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