Kael Drakon sat inside the comfortable carriage, gazing out at the endless stretch of road leading toward the Royal Capital of Re-Estize. The sun hung high in the sky, casting its warm glow over the landscape, while the wheels of the carriage rolled smoothly along the well-maintained stone path.
Behind the carriage, Hamsuke trotted along, its large form drawing countless curious glances from passing travelers and merchants. The giant beast moved with surprising grace, its thick fur rippling with every step. Its presence alone was enough to startle many, but the fact that it obediently followed the carriage without a leash or chain only added to the mystery.
Inside the carriage, Kael remained deep in thought.
The Forest of Tob had been significantly cleared thanks to his actions. He had destroyed hordes of powerful monsters, eradicated demons, and even slain some of the great beasts that once ruled the land. If the humans wished to reclaim it, now was their best chance.
But that was not his concern.
He was not their guardian, nor their savior. He had fought not for their benefit, but for his own growth and advancement. If humans took advantage of the power vacuum he had created, so be it. If they didn't, the land would eventually be claimed by new predators.
He exhaled slowly, shifting his focus.
His hand hovered over his inventory, where nine Level-Up Scrolls were stored.
"They are renewable resources," he reminded himself. The system had proven that more of these scrolls could be obtained through the lottery.
There was no reason to hesitate.
Without further delay, Kael used five Level-Up Scrolls.
[Level Increased: 46 → 47]
[Level Increased: 47 → 48]
[Level Increased: 48 → 49]
[Level Increased: 49 → 50]
The moment he reached level 50, a surge of power flowed through him. It was unlike any level-up he had experienced before. His body adjusted instantly, his mana reserves expanding massively, and his stamina growing stronger.
[New Skill Unlocked: Demon's Covenant]
Kael's eyes gleamed.
The description was simple yet filled with endless potential.
Demon's Covenant:
Allows the user to exchange anything with an opponent at an equal price.The exchange must be mutually agreed upon by both parties.Examples of trades include granting power in exchange for an opponent's innate skill, offering longevity while taking an opponent's unique ability, or trading weaknesses for strengths.The more valuable the request, the greater the price required.Kael's fingers tightened around the armrest of his seat.
"This ability… it's beyond anything I expected."
If he used it correctly, he could extract rare and exclusive abilities from enemies, particularly those belonging to unique races like dragons. If a True Dragon possessed an ancient skill that could not be learned through normal means, Kael could trade something of value and claim it for himself.
"This might be my most powerful skill yet."
As he processed this revelation, something unexpected happened.
A pressure spread outward from his body.
It wasn't something he controlled—it was his very presence growing stronger.
The atmosphere inside the carriage shifted.
Lakyus, who had been sitting nearby, suddenly felt her breath hitch.
Gagaran, who had been casually relaxing, sat up straight. "The hell…?"
Evileye narrowed her eyes. "His aura… it changed."
Even Tia and Tina, usually indifferent, exchanged uneasy glances.
The Blue Rose members were all experienced warriors—they had fought countless battles, faced deadly monsters, and survived encounters that would have killed lesser adventurers.
But what they were feeling now was different.
It was not just magical power—it was an overwhelming sense of dominance.
Lakyus glanced at Kael. He had not moved. He was simply sitting there, yet it felt as if the very air had become heavier.
Her fingers curled around the hilt of her sword. "Did you… just get stronger?"
Kael's gaze remained calm. "I suppose you could say that."
Evileye clenched her fists. "That's not normal. Someone doesn't just sit in a carriage and get stronger. Even magic casters have to actively train to refine their mana output. Your aura just… expanded on its own."
Kael tilted his head slightly, considering her words. It was true—he had not done anything, yet his presence alone had changed.
Perhaps it was the nature of his race. As a Demon God, his power naturally grew with every increase in level. Unlike humans, who had to refine and train their abilities, he simply evolved.
He glanced down at his hands, flexing them. "I wonder… how much stronger I will become by the time I reach level 100."
The thought made his blood stir.
Before anyone could question further, the carriage slowed.
Outside the window, a massive gate loomed ahead.
The Royal Capital of Re-Estize stood before them.
The outer walls of the city were colossal, built from finely cut stone that had withstood centuries of war and invasion. The gates themselves were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of past battles and the victories of the kingdom's greatest heroes.
As the carriage came to a halt, the guards stationed at the gate immediately straightened.
Their eyes widened in shock the moment they saw Hamsuke following behind the carriage.
One of the guards—a young man with sharp features—gripped his spear tightly. "W-Wise King of the Forest…?!"
His companion, an older knight, took a step back. "What… what is that doing here?"
Hamsuke, oblivious to the fear it inspired, wagged its massive tail proudly. "This one has arrived with my esteemed Lord Kael Drakon!"
The younger guard swallowed nervously, glancing toward the carriage. "Kael… Drakon…?"
His eyes widened even further as Blue Rose stepped out of the carriage.
"That's… that's Blue Rose!"
"Why are Adamantite adventurers traveling with a man like this?"
The whispers spread among the guards and onlookers. The presence of an unknown individual, riding with Re-Estize's strongest adventurer team, accompanied by the Wise King of the Forest, was beyond unusual.
Lakyus stepped forward, presenting her identification. "We are returning from an important mission. This man, Kael Drakon, has aided us in ways that have saved countless lives. We request entry into the Royal Capital."
The guards, still reeling from the sheer shock of the situation, quickly complied.
The massive gates began to open.
Beyond the entrance, the grand capital city stretched before them—a vibrant metropolis filled with towering structures, bustling markets, and royal banners fluttering in the wind. The streets were alive with people, but as the group entered, all eyes turned toward them.
The murmurs began almost immediately.
"Who is that man…?"
"Why is Blue Rose traveling with him?"
"Wait… is that the Wise King of the Forest?"
Kael remained calm, his gaze sweeping over the sprawling city.
The capital would soon become a stage for greater things.
His journey was far from over—this was merely the beginning.
[Kael Drakon - Status]
Name: Kael Drakon
Race: Demon God
Level: 50
EXP: 24900
Stamina: 1,000
Mana: 3,500 (Fully Recovered)
Skills:
Sky Spear,Teleport,Thunder Dragon,Voice of Dominion,Demon's Covenant
Passive Abilities:
High-Level Magic Damage Reduction,High-Level Magic Damage Increase,Negative Status Immunity,Demon Wings
Items:
4 Level-Up Scrolls (Grants +1 level per use, cannot be used after level 100)
One-Time Use 10th-Tier Magic Scroll: Terra Reformation (Alters terrain at the user's will)
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