Alex moved through the entrance, his steps fast and precise—like a shifting shadow, flickering from one point to another. He was heading straight for the streets, where the church stood, and beyond it, the forest where the artifact rested.
Yet, with every step, his thoughts surged.
"That kid, Rizark… I can't say I pity him, but I do feel a sense of something—maybe it's a little compassion deeming his usefulness towards my future schemes.
He is Abandoned by his own kin, despite being from a major family.
his intellect is sharp, and he already understands the ways of the world. He will not just survive in this ruthless world. He'll rise above it.
Alex exhaled. Yet, I've already said my farewell to him.
"Don't trust anyone… Not even me."
That was the only real advice he could give him.
His thoughts shifted back to the situation at hand.
How did he pull off that illusion? I don't think he'll manage to pull the artifact out. But if he does…
That would work in Alex's favor. No need to deal with the ritual or that ridiculous devotion to Goddess Uxil.
For once, things might actually be going his way.
But then, another thought intruded.
Can I defeat him?
Even if he could, the kingdom itself was a problem. He needed a cover, a deception—something to keep them blind while he moved.
That came later. Right now, he just had to keep going.
His mind kept working. The pieces weren't random; they were forming something—a full-fledged plan.
Raven's sudden appearance. The Church pulling older students out for dungeon raids. A blood-red sphere around the artifact.
None of these were coincidences.
But one question remained.
Why do they want the artifact?
The Head Bishop—the King's own son—wouldn't sabotage his own kingdom, would he? No, not willingly. That meant there was a deal.
But what did Raven gain from it?
If Raven was a god—or even a fragment of one—why would he want the Dragon Kingdom to suffer?
Unless… she is allied with the Tower Lord.
But then why was she still granting people affinity power to protect themselves?
Alex's eyes narrowed.
No matter. Eventually, I'll find my answers.
As he neared the street, a heavy silence pressed against him, thick with the coppery scent of blood. The air was still. Shops stood dark, their doors eerily ajar, as if abandoned in a rush.
Only the eerie clang of bone against stone echoed through the empty streets.
The dead are here.
Alex exhaled through his nose.
"I don't have time for these petty bones."
….
"Are you even listening to yourself?" Fafner asked, narrowing his eyes at the shadow knight.
"I swear it, my king," the shadow knight insisted.
Fafner waved a hand dismissively.
"Return at once. Take a battalion of Fireknights with you. I'll send reinforcements from the Ten Families—and call upon the Golden Dragon Descendants as well. They are one of the Ten, after all."
The Ten Families of Dragons were the strongest bloodlines of their kind. Their origins could be traced back to an era when dragons ruled undisputed.
Long ago, the great Golden Dragon—known in myths as IZANAGI, the Primordial being, From his divine essence, had ten offspring emerged, Unlike ordinary dragons, these ten inherited something far greater than power; they each gained a fragment of their father's wisdom, unlocking different truths about the world itself.
Each offspring developed their own understanding of existence—some mastered the forces of nature, some delved into the mysteries of the soul, while others sought dominion over elements unknown even to mortals. Their strength grew beyond mere might; it became a legacy.
As centuries passed, these ten established their bloodlines, marking the birth of the Ten Major Families of Dragons. Each family wielded a unique authority—some still ruling over vast territories, others serving as guardians of the hidden knowledge of the dragon kingdom, and a few even secluding themselves to preserve their ancient traditions.
But one truth remained absolute.
Among all the creatures, dragons stood as the pinnacle of potential. And among dragons, the Ten Families were unmatched.
The shadow knight bowed and vanished.
Lars, Shelly, Ember, and the others watched Fafner with curiosity, eager to know what was truly going on.
Fafner sighed and leaned back.
"Don't worry, kids. Someone tried to steal something, but it's under control. Let's continue our conversation."
Their curiosity was mostly satisfied, but Lars wasn't convinced. He pointed a finger at Fafner.
"I know I'm speaking out of turn as a knight, but can't you just tell me what's really happening?"
"Nothing too serious, kid. Just not for everyone's ears," Fafner said, his tone softening. "Trust me, we have it under control. If things change, you'll know."
But in truth, his mind was troubled.
What is happening?
It had been a long time since anything had truly shaken the kingdom. Calamities hadn't worried them much lately, but this… this was different.
According to the reports…
I'll wait for now. If things escalate, I'll summon the heads of the Ten Families for a meeting.
And if this mess had anything to do with his spoiled son—
I won't forgive him this time.
He knew, his son was foolish, but not to this extent. He loved his kingdom.
Fafner chuckled twitching his eyebrows darkly.
"And where's that five-affinity bastard?" he muttered in his breath. "He hasn't given me a single piece of information about the Church or my son."