The bitter cold wind blew through the gate of Rock Fortress, causing the goblin guarding the entrance to sneeze involuntarily.
"Damn, it's really cold…"
"Yeah."
The goblin next to him agreed, rubbing his red nose, but accidentally scratching a long gash on his face with his claws.
"Ouch!"
The goblin yelped.
Beads of blood oozed out but quickly solidified.
Over the past few months, many of the retainers of Ashen Nest had begun to exhibit "Dragonification" traits, though not as pronounced as their leader but showing some distinct characteristics of a Red Dragon.
For example, the occasional sparse scales, sharpened claws and fangs, the fringes on their ears, and a preference for warm or even hot climates...
The Red Dragon, who had been long asleep in the cavern, acted like a massive radiation source, using its Bloodline Gift to influence and transform all the retainers within Ashen Nest.
Cassius still lay sideways in the cavern, his enormous body heaving gently.
