Chereads / The Hero's Return: Reborn as the Demon King / Chapter 8 - ** Chapter 8: The White Fortress **

Chapter 8 - ** Chapter 8: The White Fortress **

In the dungeon, Caesar worked swiftly to release the chains and shackles binding the Blue Dragon, asking softly, "Why is our healing magic ineffective on the Blue Dragon?"

"The injuries are far too severe; our level of restorative magic isn't enough to heal him… Moreover, this body of mine is tailored for combat, not the supportive arts of a healer," Barn responded solemnly from within Caesar's mind.

"Lord Barn… please, leave me," the Blue Dragon whispered weakly. Caesar, surprised, murmured, "A dragon… can speak?"

"Now that you are of the Dragon race, it's no surprise you understand him. But really, Caesar, you've spent these past days in one shock after another—are you still not accustomed to this?" Barn said with a tinge of exasperation.

Caesar scratched the back of his head and chuckled, "Haha, apologies… I often forget I'm now the Demon King."

"…"

Barn fell silent, retreating once more to the depths of Caesar's consciousness.

Caesar turned to the Blue Dragon and asked gently, "Why say that? Just gather a bit of strength, and you can fly out of here. We could reach the Southern portal… no, perhaps we should move to the Misty Forest instead. There, a few demon mages skilled in healing await us. And Zoe still waits for me to bring you back!"

The Blue Dragon shook his head slowly, sighing, "It's not necessary. I am too old… the wounds from the Sage's Slaughtering Party are beyond healing. You need not risk yourself for me… Lord Barn."

Caesar sighed, feeling a pang of empathy, thinking to himself, "So even creatures labeled 'monstrous' possess such depths of feeling… I realize now how narrow my past views truly were. I always thought them merciless."

In that moment, Caesar resolved that, no matter the cost, he would strive for a world where Dragons, Demons, and Humans could coexist in peace, leaving behind senseless bloodshed.

"Blue Dragon, can you transform into human form like me? It would make our escape much easier," Caesar inquired.

"No longer possible. I lack the strength… Please, convey my gratitude to Zoe, but Lord Barn must not be put in danger for my sake," the Blue Dragon replied faintly.

At a loss for words, Caesar considered this before responding, "Barn, it seems he cannot escape on his own. Should we return to the Misty Forest and bring back a few skilled healers?"

"That won't be necessary. The Blue Dragon's life is fading fast. Heed his wishes… For safety's sake, we should withdraw from here," Barn whispered, a hint of regret in his tone.

Caesar gave a parting gesture to the Blue Dragon before turning and ascending the staircase that led to the surface. However, midway up, he felt an unsettling weight press upon him, as though bound by invisible chains, each step heavier than the last. "Barn, something feels wrong. It's as if I'm being bound…"

"There are enchantments above—someone's casting a spell to trap us," Barn replied calmly.

Caesar muttered in annoyance, "Such nerve. I've shown them nothing but restraint, and yet they persist in setting these traps. Truly, they're in need of a lesson."

Throwing open the dungeon doors, Caesar saw that the Grand Elder had already established a formidable defensive line ahead. Guards stood in tight formation, their arrows aimed, bows taut. Above them, a massive magical array hovered, casting an eerie glow.

"Barn, do you recognize that magic circle? I've never seen one like it…"

"No, I'm not familiar with it either, but I can sense it's draining my power…" Barn's voice betrayed a trace of alarm.

"What? Are you certain?" Caesar asked, shocked.

"Certain. Though I'm only a consciousness tied to this body, I still wield my former draconic power. But that power is now fading," Barn's tone grew graver.

Caesar frowned, muttering under his breath, "This array… could it be designed to seal our strength?"

"It's likely, Caesar. We must break through, or I fear I'll be unable to withstand this force," Barn warned.

Scanning his surroundings, Caesar quickly considered ways to escape without harming any humans. Just then, his gaze met the Grand Elder's steely eyes, filled with cold resolve. Caesar sneered, "So, the rumors were true. This array was crafted for creatures of my rank… Even the Demon King Barn is not immune to its power."

"My strength is restrained because you now inhabit this body. For now… you're on your own," Barn's voice was faint but resolute.

"Leave it to me!" Caesar replied without hesitation.

The Grand Elder spoke with an icy finality: "Barn, you may be powerful, but the nations of this world have long united in devising sealing magic to counter you. Even if it cannot fully bind you, it will at least weaken you. This array, crafted by the Wind Elves, is your prison."

Caesar's brows furrowed as he murmured, "The Wind Elves? Even they have joined the fray… You really do attract trouble, drawing even neutral tribes like them against you."

Barn sighed, "Every race has alliances. To humans, the Wind Elves may appear neutral, but to dragons, they are anything but allies."

Caesar nodded slightly, drawing a deep breath as he gathered his strength, his gaze fixed intently on the sealing magic circle. "One way or another, we're breaking through together."

He strode forward, declaring boldly, "I am the Demon King Barn! Your weapons, numbers, and magic are no match for me. Lay down your arms, and perhaps I'll spare the White Fortress. Otherwise… don't expect mercy. Yet, should you let me go, I promise that dragons and demons will establish peace with humankind. Together, we will build a new world order where humanity no longer fears dragons or demons—a world of peace."

His words stirred a flicker of doubt in the ranks; many soldiers yearned for an end to endless war, to finally share time with their families, to witness their children grow, free from the bitterness of loss. But their thoughts were swiftly shattered as the Grand Elder's commanding voice rang out—

"Do not be swayed by Barn! How many have fallen to the dragons' fury? How many of us have gathered here at the White Fortress for the future, to resist this menace? Don't be deceived by his honeyed words!" The Grand Elder's impassioned speech reignited the warriors' spirits.

Caesar scoffed inwardly, thinking, "This old fox… What a pity. I thought my words would sway at least a few of them."

"E-Elder… perhaps we could consider the Demon King Barn's proposal… this way, no one would have to keep fighting…" A guard tentatively suggested, his voice wavering.

Before he could finish, a searing fireball fell, engulfing the soldier in flames, his agonized scream piercing the night.

"This is not a discussion; it is an order," the Grand Elder's once-kind expression turned vicious, so ruthless it was hard for those present to believe this was the elder they had long revered.