Chapter 86

In a dimly lit room, a figure sat on a throne of bones, surrounded by the dancing shadows as the flickering candles struggled against the wind. The atmosphere was eerie, intense, and dark. The room itself seemed to hold a lingering sense of malevolence.

Tap! Tap!

A rhythmic sound echoed through the room as a finger tapped against the armrest of the bone throne. The figure appeared deep in contemplation, lost in its own thoughts.

Fwoosh!

The doors to the throne room were forcefully flung open, revealing another figure rushing in. The figure approached the throne, addressing the seated one as "Tiamat sama", a name that sent a chill down the spines of all who heard it.

"Kajit has returned and requests an audience with you," the underling spoke, bowing respectfully.

"Hmmm, let him in," Tiamat responded, her tail swaying from side to side while the candlelight reflected off her black scales.

A few moments later, Kajit spoke, bowing his head in respect. "Tiamat sama, I have returned."

"How did it go?" Tiamat demanded impatiently, her glowing eyes narrowing as she observed the bloodstains on Kajit's clothing.

"I delivered your message to Bahamut and completed the side quest," Kajit replied, recounting the events that had unfolded in Orario.

"Hmmm, is that blood? I didn't know there was someone who could injure you with your current strength besides your brethren," Tiamat asked, her eerie gaze fixed on Kajit.

"Forgive me, Tiamat sama. I ran into trouble after delivering your message to Bahamut," Kajit quickly responded.

"Speak," Tiamat commanded, her voice cold and commanding.

"After delivering your message, I anticipated some sort of reaction, but I never expected such violence. Bahamut's power was overwhelming. I was flung from the top of Babel and crashed into several buildings. While I managed to handle members of Freya and Loki Familias, my injuries hindered me, and I had to prioritize returning home," Kajit concluded his report.

"Will they pose any threat to us?" Tiamat questioned, her voice laced with intrigue.

"Possibly, if allowed to grow," Kajit replied.

"Hmmm, that could be interesting. You all have become lazy, anyway," Tiamat responded, her contemplation revealing a bone-chilling smile.

"Anything else?" Tiamat demanded, her eyes narrowing once more, sending a shiver down Kajit's spine.

"Ah, yes. One of Bahamut's children has died. That's why she was on the tower with Erebus," Kajit revealed.

"How delightful. Too bad I can't directly involve myself for now," Tiamat muttered, her delight unfathomable.

"Anything else?" Tiamat asked, the atmosphere growing heavy as the candles were extinguished by an increased wind in the room.

"I... I may have punched the boy once," Kajit shakily confessed.

Tiamat stood up, her presence intimidating and ominous. The air grew tense and heavy with her rising anger.

"Do you not want me to return?" Tiamat asked, her voice laced with anger.

"Yes….I….I mean No!!!" Kajit stammered, his voiced filled with fear.

The room shook with a resounding "wham!" as Tiamat smacked Kajit with her tail.

"Don't engage in unnecessary actions and break the pact," Tiamat warned, her words dripping with venom.

"Yes, Tiamat sama," Kajit responded, his voice trembling.

"Leave," Tiamat ordered, her command leaving no room for hesitation. Kajit quickly exited the room, meeting someone waiting outside.

"I told you," the person said smugly.

"Shut up," Kajit snapped, his nerves frayed.

As Kajit turned to leave, the weight of Tiamat's presence lingered, leaving behind an eerie and intense atmosphere in the wake of their encounter.

After Kajit exited the throne room, Tiamat sat back down in the darkness, her form blending into the shadows. She resumed swaying her long, draconic tail and closed her eyes, lost in deep thoughts.

Snap!

At the sharp snap of some fingers, the candles that lined the room suddenly ignited, casting flickering light across the space. Tiamat's eyes flew open, and she turned her attention towards the figure that approached her from the door. The figure's presence emitted an eerie and intense aura, matching the dark tone of the room.

"Aren't you a bit too harsh on your subordinates?" the figure questioned, stepping closer to Tiamat.

"Don't tell me how to run my familia," Tiamat retorted sharply, her tail ceasing its movement. "Now speak your business here!"

The figure seemed unfazed by Tiamat's hostility, maintaining a calm demeanor. The air crackled with energy as silence hung in the room.

"Tsk, anyway, I need your help with something," the figure finally spoke, breaking through the tense atmosphere.

Tiamat's interest was piqued, her eyes narrowing. "Go on," she responded coolly, and the room regained its calmness.

"I may have found Hera," the figure revealed slowly, the words hanging in the air, thick with intrigue.

Tiamat's expression shifted, displaying genuine interest. "Now, that is an interesting piece of information," she replied, her voice tinged with a dark undertone. The two figures then delved deeper into their conversation, discussing secret plots and schemes.

...

Meanwhile, back in the dungeon, the Astraea familia and I had finally returned to the 18th floor. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon me, my body yearning for rest. It had been a tumultuous day, battling a green dragon alone and uncovering the evilus' plans on the 24th floor. There were countless mysteries lurking in the shadows, waiting to be unraveled.

But I pushed those thoughts aside. "It doesn't matter," I muttered to myself, determination seeping into my words. "I just need to become the strongest, and these plots will become meaningless."

Approaching my tent, my tired eyes caught sight of Lili vigorously training, repeatedly stabbing her spear into a wooden dummy. Piles of broken dummies lay scattered on the ground beside her. Standing silently by her side, I observed her dedication and skill. Eventually, she became aware of my presence.

"Draco nii, when did you get back?" Lili asked, her voice interrupted by breaths of exertion.

"A while ago," I replied, my tone purposeful. "I was just watching you train. I will be leaving now."

She simply responded with a thoughtful hum, swiftly returning to her training. Trusting in the diligence of my familia, I retreated into my tent, collapsing onto my sleeping mat. Before I succumbed to sleep, the thought of taking a well-deserved bath upon my awakening consoled my weary mind.

POV: Michalis Black.

'Shifting the narrative to Michalis Black's perspective, a sudden change in tone reflected the dark intensity of his internal struggles'

Swoosh!

Splash!

Underwater, Michalis swung his daggers against the water currents in a repetitive motion, his muscles aching and his lungs desperate for air. This gruelling training routine was his personal way of seeking strength.

Haunted by guilt and remorse, Michalis carried the weight of causing Clair's death on his shoulders. He had also put his own siblings in danger and even came close to losing more loved ones. Night after night, Clair's smiling face tormented his thoughts, leaving him drowning in a sea of regret and "what ifs."

Gasp!

As he emerged gasping for air and reached the safety of the shore, Michalis collapsed onto the dirt, fighting a tide of self-hatred.

"I hate myself" Michalis muttered.

But his moment of despair was interrupted by a voice that echoed in the eerie silence.

"Now, that isn't something someone as young as you should be saying," the figure said.

Startled by this Michalis jumped to his feet and entered a combat stance.

"Celty" Michalis said after he recognized the person.

"That's Celty nee to you, I am older than you" Celty replied.