Chris left the arena, his steps confident, though he could feel the weight of every gaze on him. The duel had changed the dynamic; no longer was he an unassuming Baron. He had proven himself as a contender, someone to be reckoned with in the hierarchy of demons.
Nyx followed close behind, her usual sharp demeanor softened by admiration. "You made them see, Master. Even Lazarius had to acknowledge your strength."
Chris gave her a sidelong glance, the corners of his mouth tugging into a faint smirk. "Acknowledgment isn't enough. This is just the beginning. They need to understand what true power looks like."
The Pride Fragment pulsed faintly in his chest, feeding his resolve. It wasn't just about proving himself—this was a stepping stone toward something far greater. If he was going to claim the remaining pieces of the fragment, he needed to solidify his standing.
As they exited the main hall, Salazar intercepted them, his ever-present smirk in place. "That was quite the show, Chris. I didn't think you had it in you."
Chris stopped, his gaze cold and unyielding. "You thought wrong."
Salazar chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, I'm not here to pick a fight. Quite the opposite, actually. Let's just say I'm... intrigued."
Nyx bristled at his tone, but Chris held up a hand, stopping her from speaking. "Intrigued, huh? And what does that mean for someone like you?"
"It means I'll be watching closely," Salazar said, his tone light but laced with an undercurrent of threat. "You've stirred the pot, Chris. Don't expect the other nobles to stay quiet after this."
Without waiting for a response, Salazar turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving an air of unease in his wake.
Chris exhaled slowly. He didn't trust Salazar—no one with his kind of demeanor was ever straightforward—but there was no denying his words held truth. The duel had drawn attention, and attention in the demon world was both a boon and a curse.
As they walked through the streets of Kaelwyn, Nyx broke the silence. "What's our next move, Master?"
Chris's eyes scanned the city's towering spires and bustling alleys. "We head back to the dungeon. The defenses need to be fortified, and I need to prepare for what's coming."
Nyx nodded, her determination matching his. "Understood. I'll ensure everything is ready upon our return."
Their journey back was uneventful, but the weight of what lay ahead lingered heavily in the air. Chris's thoughts drifted to the Pride Fragment, its fragmented nature a constant reminder of his incomplete power. He would need to locate the remaining pieces, no matter the cost.
Upon reaching the dungeon, Chris wasted no time diving into preparations. Caelum appeared instantly, ready to assist.
"Master, I've completed the initial phase of the Shadow Labyrinth," the sprite reported. "The Mana Absorption Fields will take another day to fully integrate."
"Good. Focus on reinforcing the outer layers. If anyone tries to invade, they shouldn't make it past the first corridor."
"Of course, Master!" Caelum said before vanishing to carry out the orders.
Chris turned to Nyx. "We'll need more minions to strengthen our forces. Start summoning additional defenders and ensure they're well-trained."
Nyx nodded. "Consider it done."
As the preparations continued, Chris allowed himself a moment of reflection. The duel with Lazarius had solidified his resolve, but it had also exposed the fragility of his current position. If he wanted to survive and thrive in this world, he would need to ascend the ranks quickly.
The Pride Fragment pulsed again, a reminder of its dormant potential. Chris placed a hand over his chest, his expression hardening. He would claim the remaining fragments, rise through the ranks, and show the demon world the true meaning of power.
And when the time came, he would confront the past—his sister Luna, the only family he'd ever had, and the one person he had failed to protect. He didn't know how or why she might appear in this world, but the thought of her was both a comfort and a burden.
For now, though, his focus remained on the path ahead. The dungeon was his foundation, and the Pride Fragment was his key. Together, they would pave the way to his destiny.