Star Iron: The Past and Present Life of the Gender-Swapped Dragon Lord

Dan Heng became more and more excited as he thought about it, and eventually, under the astonished gazes of the five people present, he even chuckled strangely.

Cocolia, who was the target, felt a chill run down her spine, as if something strange and malicious was watching her.

But she couldn't pinpoint the source of this feeling.

Could this seemingly foolish girl in front of me really be a threat?

As a woman, Cocolia believes in her intuition.

"Hiss, Danheng, what happened to Sister Danheng?"

"As the person closest to her, you should know more than I do."

"Uh... well, what kind of look is that?!"

Dan Heng and Qiong exchanged a glance, then cast a meaningful look at March 7.

Through Dan Heng's undisguised, direct gaze, Dan Heng and Qiong roughly knew what Dan Heng was looking at.

A similar, graceful figure with purple hair appeared in Qiong's mind.

I keep feeling like I miss my mom.

Is this a common characteristic of the "motherly" type?

Qiong fell into deep thought.

Looking at Dan Heng's silly grin, Dan Heng guessed that he was thinking about some random things again.

Is this guy really my counterpart from another world?

Life is tough, Teacher Danheng sighed, feeling that the difference in their personalities was a bit too much.

In this strange atmosphere, Cocolia, who felt like ants were crawling all over her body from Dan Heng's stare, chose to speak up to defuse the awkward situation.

"Having heard about your heroic deeds, I, Cocolia Rand, would like to express my sincere gratitude to you all."

"If it weren't for your help, the Iron Guard might have suffered heavy casualties."

Seeing the sincere expression on Cocolia's face, March 7th scratched his head sheepishly.

"It's nothing, just an act of bravery, hehe."

Dan Heng took a step forward and raised his head slightly.

"Your Excellency, the Great Guardian, we are deeply honored to have you take the time to meet with us. However, we have only one purpose in coming here."

"It's for something called a 'star core'."

Cocolia's eyes were deep, but her tone was slightly doubtful.

"A 'star core'?"

"It is a substance that suddenly descends upon various worlds, and its appearance signifies disaster. Many planets we passed through suffered from the poisoning of their star cores."

"Along the way, we also learned about the issues of 'cold waves' and 'rifts,' which, in our view, are calamities brought about by the star core."

Cocolia nodded. "You all have analyzed our situation very thoroughly, but please forgive my intrusion."

His body leaned slightly forward, revealing the oppressive aura emanating from his superior.

"But what does this have to do with you all? Even if you have lent us a helping hand, I don't see how resolving the Star Core has anything to do with you."

"Although it may seem a bit inhumane, as the leader, I must be responsible for the entire country. I don't believe anyone would go to such lengths to help a world that has nothing to do with them and have no ulterior motives."

But Dan Heng remained unmoved and his tone unchanged in the face of Cocolia's pressure.

“Your concerns are valid, but that’s what I’m going to talk about next.”

"The reason we're seeking cooperation ultimately boils down to our shared interests—we can't leave this planet without sealing the 'Star Core.'"

Danheng's argument was well-reasoned, and March 7th echoed it.

“That’s right. Once you destroy the star core, your world will be safer.”

Cocolia paused for a second, then crossed her arms.

"Do you... have a way to seal that thing called the 'Star Core'?"

"We have the corresponding means."

Cocolia chuckled softly upon hearing this.

"Oh? Then I'll leave it to you all. If the current situation is truly related to this so-called 'Star Core,' your arrival will be Belloborg's hope for the next seven hundred years. I'm willing to provide all possible assistance to help you find the Star Core."

"It's getting late. I've arranged the most comfortable hotel in town for you all to rest and get a good night's sleep. We'll discuss this matter again tomorrow."

"Of course, you are welcome to wander around, just don't let it interfere with your business. You are distinguished guests of Belloberg and have the highest authority."

“I also need some time to investigate all records that might be related to the ‘Star Core’… Bronya, see the guest out.”

Bronya, who had been lost in thought, snapped out of it and nodded.

"Yes, mother."

The three exchanged a glance, and on March 7th, they grabbed Danheng's sleeve and walked outside.

Before leaving, Sora seemed to sense something and turned back to look at Cocolia, who was watching her group.

His gaze wasn't fixed on them, but rather seemed to be looking at something in the distance.

Perhaps I'm overthinking it...

Qiong shook his head and followed Dan Heng and the others ahead.

"boom--"

The crisp sound of the door latch clicking shut echoed in the large office, creating an eerie atmosphere.

……

"Don't worry, I'll handle it."

……

"Oh? It's her... It seems that force alone won't work."

……

"...Don't worry, I have a way."

"Commander Bronya? Why have you come in person?"

The four people who were led out of Kripper Castle by Bronya met a girl with a round face and round-framed glasses the next second.

"Oh, it's Pera. My mother asked me to show some guests around Belleburg."

Upon hearing Bronya's words, Pera glanced at the four people behind Bronya and nodded.

“Is that so? Commander Jepard originally asked me to show these guests around Belloberg.”

March 7th, curious, poked Bronya's arm from behind. The group chatted briefly on their way out of Crepper Castle. Knowing that the four had helped the Iron Guard deal with a large number of Rift Creatures, Bronya was very polite to them, considering them friends.

Now, upon seeing this intelligence officer, who appeared to be commissioned by Jepard, March 7th curiously inquired about the visitor.

"Gentlemen, let me introduce myself. I am Pelagia Sergeevna, an intelligence officer with the Silver Mane Iron Guard. You can just call me Pelagia."

Pera bowed. "I learned from Commander Jepard that your help has been invaluable."

Dan Heng: "How are the Silvermane Iron Guards doing?"

After a couple of seconds, Danheng realized that asking the question might be a bit impolite, so he added a sentence.

"If you can't say it, then don't say it."

Pera sighed.

"There's nothing I can't say. It's not good. The number of Rift Creations is increasing, and the Iron Guard's casualties are also rising..."

Bronya raised her hand to interrupt Pera.

"We still have some time, so let's not let the guests hear about these things."

"Let's go, I'll recommend a few places in the city worth visiting."

"The Golden Opera House, the History Museum, and the 'Perpetual Motion' Machine House are all good places to visit."