Chapter 58: Slumber
Cassius instructed Langpu to cast several "Guardian Inscription" spells at the cave entrance.
Any creature attempting to intrude without permission would be met with rune explosions, suffering damage from flames, lightning, and strong acid.
He also arranged for his followers to guard the entrance in shifts. Soon, hobgoblins, bear goblins, and lizardfolk would guard the entrance around the clock, ensuring absolute protection for the cave's interior.
With all affairs settled, Cassius made his way alone to the depths of Giant's Maw Cave, his wings folded loosely at his sides.
He was now near the lava zone, where white-hot steam rose everywhere, filling the air with intense fire elements and molten rock seeping from the ground.
To most, this environment was a death trap, but to Cassius, it was extremely comfortable.
The scent of sulfur and pumice clinging to him grew more intense, signaling that his body was eager to slumber and enter the next age stage. This magma-filled cave would be the perfect place for him to absorb and store elemental energy while asleep.
All true dragons are homeothermic. Due to their elemental nature, it's practically impossible for them to be otherwise. Dragons of fire, like Cassius, only grow warmer with age.
Unlike most warm-blooded creatures, dragons lack obvious means to dissipate excess heat. They do not sweat, and they rarely pant. Instead, a dragon's primary blood vessels draw heat from the bloodstream and store this energy.
In a way, dragons can be considered ectothermic as they utilize external heat sources.
However, when deprived of external heat, a dragon's metabolism and activity level remain unchanged; it does not slow down or go dormant due to exposure to cold.
"It's time for slumber."
Cassius murmured, inhaling the scents in the air.
Since arriving in Erezaghe, he had been ceaselessly strengthening himself, with few opportunities for extended rest.
A true red dragon, besides the occasional rampage and plunder, spends the majority of its time eating and sleeping.
Dragons possess a long lifespan and innate power. Simply by sleeping, a dragon can amass strength beyond what ordinary beings could ever imagine.
This leads them to be incredibly proud and equally lazy.
Though they crave power, they rarely waste time seeking it like ordinary creatures, as this is born from both their confidence and disdain for mortal concerns.
"How could anyone imagine anything grander than a dragon—the epitome of creation?"
—Bheilorveilthion, an ancient red dragon.
Yet, it's thanks to dragons' laziness and arrogance that they can be defeated by adventurers.
A "diligent" dragon like Cassius was a rarity among his kind, and such a dragon, in some ways, was the most terrifying—a diligent evil dragon could bring about a global catastrophe.
"I wonder how long this sleep will last."
"Hopefully, Ember Nest will still be intact when I wake."
"But I have yet to find the demon among the mountains."
"And my actions may have drawn the kingdom's attention. If they send troops..."
Cassius mused to himself.
Slowly, he lowered his massive body, lying down on the warm ground and feeling the steady influx of underground energy.
"Enough. Sleep."
"Without power, everything else is empty talk."
"Like a true dragon, I will grow stronger in slumber."
Deep within the lava-filled cave, the red dragon curled up, closing his eyes and drifting into sleep like a true red dragon.
Violent fire-elemental energy continued flowing into his body, filling every inch of his flesh as it circulated through the primary vessels to his beating heart.
Cassius's massive frame rose and fell slowly with each breath.
Northwind Fortress.
In the underground chamber of Lackman Castle.
The space was dark and quiet, with flickering candle flames casting shadows on the walls.
A man in his fifties lay in a cold stone coffin.
His face was unnaturally pale, with a pair of meticulously groomed mustaches and silver-framed glasses on his nose.
His hair was jet black, and he wore a black and red robe trimmed with luxurious gold.
He was Brad Lackman.
The current duke of the Lackman family and ruler of Northwind Fortress.
He rarely appeared before the public, except for that speech in the dim hall and during feeding times.
A faint sound filled the basement.
It was the murmuring and wing beats of bats.
A pale, slender woman in a dress with heavy ruffles stepped in, slowly approaching the stone coffin.
"Father."
The man in the coffin slowly opened his eyes, a deep red glint flashing in his pupils.
"What is it, Alexia?"
The woman lifted her skirt and bowed, her voice cold as ice.
"The Eagle Guards have returned with news. They've found traces of Tieflings on the Storm Highlands. Those filthy creatures have established a camp there."
Brad's expression remained unchanged as he replied:
"Then send someone to slaughter them all."
"But..."
Alexia hesitated, her voice uncertain.
"It appears they are under Ember Nest's protection. Our scouts were killed by wyverns; only a few managed to escape."
Duke Brad's pale face creased slightly, a hint of anger flashing across it.
"Again?"
"That damn red dragon."
The duke harbored a deep resentment for his lost Eagle Guards. Each of these elite riders cost the Lackman family thousands of gold to train, and Alger, in particular, was a prized asset Brad had hoped to make his eternal servant.
"Do you think we should seek out..."
"That person?"
Watching the duke's expression closely, Alexia tentatively asked.
"No, do not engage Ember Nest directly."
"And do not summon that mage."
"We have no control over his power; it would only bring us disaster."
The duke's response was firm, thoroughly dismissing her suggestion.
He gazed at her with a fatherly tone and said:
"Patience, Alexia."
"I've granted you eternal life. As noble immortals, not base human creatures, we must learn to wait."
"Once I complete my ascension..."
"All problems will be solved."
"Yes, Father."
Alexia pLangputly responded, bowing respectfully.
Duke Brad involuntarily licked his lips, revealing sharp fangs, with a deep crimson gleam in his eyes.
"Alexia, when does the feast begin?"
"I am rather hungry."