I, Valon, am frantically searching for my mother.

Such a cruel and terrifying scene was laid bare before tens of thousands of people!

However, faced with such a brutal punishment, the vast majority of people present did not show much surprise or fear on their faces.

Clearly, they knew, or rather, had been told, that this would happen!

This is part of the ritual, a necessary means of distinguishing truth from falsehood, good from evil! It is also a manifestation of the majesty and justice of the Platinum Dragon!

Finally, as Mrs. Anne's increasingly faint screams faded, the hymns of praise drew to a close.

As the last syllable slowly dissipated in the air, the magnificent holy white light that had enveloped the ten people also receded like the tide, quickly returning to the platinum dragon statue.

In the center of the square, only nine figures remained standing.

Annie, who was just screaming in agony, vanished along with the white light!

The ancient golden dragon, a veteran of many years, was already used to this, and didn't even linger on the spot where Annie had disappeared for a second longer.

He slowly lowered his massive head, his gaze sweeping over the remaining nine people, his voice becoming solemn and gentle once more:

"very good."

"Your virtues and purity have been approved by the great Platinum Dragon."

Although, to truly complete the transformation into a dragonborn and gain full power, further rituals are still needed…

"But from this moment on, you are already members of the glorious Platinum Knights! Great knights who walk the earth, defending the Platinum Dragon!"

"May we, in the future, join hands and move forward together on the path of fighting evil, safeguarding order, and spreading light!"

As he spoke, this ancient golden dragon, enormous as a mountain, of unparalleled status and unfathomable power, actually lowered its noble head slightly towards the nine humans below the stage, who were as insignificant as ants.

He performed a simple yet profound salute, a gesture of respect between comrades and fellow soldiers!

"For the Platinum Dragon!"

The nine prepared Platinum Knights trembled with excitement, tears welling in their eyes, and shouted at the top of their lungs.

"For the Platinum Dragon!"

In the square, countless people were moved by this sacred and glorious scene, and once again burst into a thunderous roar of shouts and applause!

The atmosphere reached its peak!

"very good."

The ancient golden dragon raised its head, as if it had completed an important mission, and spoke in a calm voice.

"Therefore, the award ceremony for the Star of Good Deeds of Hel and the recognition ceremony for the Dragonborn are now officially concluded—"

"etc!"

"Who got first place in this competition?!"

"Yes, what about that wandering golden dragon of justice? He's done so much for our city; he deserves to come to Mount Valius, and we deserve to see him too!"

The old dragon's voice was interrupted by the noise from the audience, most of whom were ordinary people, and many nobles also nodded frequently.

After all, many people know that the first place winner of Hel Star this time is a wandering golden dragon, so they are particularly curious.

The veteran Jinlong gave a perfectly timed, slightly apologetic smile, and explained in a gentle but authoritative voice:

"My kind citizens of Hel, please be patient."

"Regarding that young member of our clan you mentioned..."

"His matter is an internal affair of our Golden Dragon Clan. All related matters will be handled within our clan and are not convenient for everyone to see in this public setting."

"The Hel Star Awards Ceremony has now come to a successful conclusion."

Please leave in an orderly fashion and return to your peaceful and beautiful lives. May the glory of the Platinum Dragon forever be with you.

"Why is this happening?"

"Exactly! They were voted number one by everyone, but they're not letting anyone see it..."

"Sigh, after all, it was the decision made by the Golden Dragons..."

A murmur of disappointment and discussion arose from the audience.

However, seeing the renewed commotion and discontent on the field, the veteran Jinlong remained completely calm. He seemed to have anticipated this situation and had prepared a response plan.

He raised his head slightly and spoke again in a steady and powerful voice, announcing a new and bombshell announcement that was enough to divert everyone's attention!

"Quiet, everyone! Please be quiet!"

The faint dragon's might contained in the voice instantly silenced the entire audience.

"I know many people regret not being able to meet that young man of their own race. But please don't feel that way!"

"Because I have even better news to announce, concerning every citizen of Hel!"

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the expectant faces of everyone in the room.

Then, he said clearly and forcefully:

"After joint discussions between the officials of Mount Valius and the city of Hel, and with the praise of the great Platinum Dragon—"

"Starting next month! The evaluation cycle for Hel Star will be officially shortened from once a month to once every fifteen days!"

"Furthermore, the number of 'Good Deeds Stars' selected each time, who will be eligible for an audience and receive awards, will increase from ten to fifteen!"

"In other words—"

"Everyone will have more opportunities and a higher probability to strive for this supreme glory and to enjoy the blessings and protection of the great Platinum Dragon!"

"Whoosh—!!!"

All disappointment, dissatisfaction, and doubt vanished in an instant in the face of this amazing good news!

Instead, there was unparalleled excitement, fervor, and boundless anticipation for the future!

"Great! Great! Life is getting better and better!"

Some elderly people were so moved that tears streamed down their faces, and they kept wiping their eyes with their sleeves.

"Oh dear, it's expanded again! Our good days are yet to come!"

The middle-aged people were beaming, patting each other on the shoulder, as if they could already see their family members producing a dragon descendant who would bring glory to their ancestors.

"What an honor, what a blessing it is to be born in the city of Hel!"

The young people closed their eyes in rapture and opened their arms, as if to embrace the bright future that was about to arrive.

The shouts of praise for the Platinum Dragon once again resounded through the sky, rising and falling, lasting for a long time! The entire square was immersed in a frenzied atmosphere of celebration!

Wayne lay quietly on his seat, his red vertical pupils calmly watching the boiling sea of ​​people below and the senior golden dragon on the platform with a satisfied expression.

His claws unconsciously gripped the soft, gold-threaded velvet blanket.

To be honest, this fanatical atmosphere reminded Wayne of the Dragon Cult in the caves.

However, this is a world with gods after all. If being a human is so difficult, then being a dog for the gods doesn't seem so bad.

Moreover, this deity is the father of the benevolent dragons, known for their justice and kindness, the Platinum Dragon.

Sigh, besides, why think so much?

Let's think about how to find a suitable "Golden Dragon Mom" ​​for our baby's constitution!

Just as the audience in the hall was leaving, a small voice suddenly came from next to Wayne.

"Um...can I stay?"