War, Hero, Goddess

Nexusia Magic Kingdom—the neighboring kingdom of the Falran Kingdom, situated in the south of the Falran Kingdom.

At the moment, the two Court Magicians of Nexusia Kingdom sat at a table with the King, Divine Knight, and Hero of Nexusia Kingdom.

"Your majesty, we sensed great disturbance from Falran kingdom's capital. Communications to there are strangely closed off as well."

"Something must have happened during their Hero Summoning. They were going to do it today."

Both court magicians spoke one by one. One was a busty red-haired woman wearing a maroon dress, while the other was a white-haired old man with a long goatee.

The Divine Knight was a dark blond-haired man in his forties. His brows creased as he said, "Anything more specific?"

"One of my skills did give me a hint," the blue-haired handsome Hero said with a faint smile. He looked in his mid-twenties.

"Hero Jackran, what did you discover?" the King curiously asked.

Jackran narrowed his eyes and said, "I sensed a great amount of demonic aura from there. Given that communications are off right now, I believe that we should send a team to check out the situation at Falran Kingdom's capital."

"Demons? But we are at the south-east of Lightdusk Continent. The invading demons from Demonic Continent shouldn't be a threat to us so soon," Divine Knight frowned.

Jackran shrugged and said with a smile, "I have no idea, but my detection skill can't be wrong."

"Demons at our back…" King Nara frowned, his brows wrinkling. 

After two seconds of silence, King Nara's expression turned stoic and he looked at the red-haired woman, "Court Mage Lara, please select some subordinates to your liking and head to Falran Kingdom. I want to know what is happening there."

He then looked at the Divine Knight and continued, "Knight Sumeran, you are well known throughout the Falran kingdom. I want you to contact the four Dukes of Falran and other big nobles for a meeting."

"Make haste."

The Divine Knight and Court mage Lara stood up and nodded.

"Understood."

"Hero Jackran, the Empire's call for all Heroes will soon come," King Nara looked at Jackran with a somber expression, "How is your progress in conquering our kingdom's Labyrinth?"

"I just cleared the 85th floor yesterday," Jackran grinned before he released his aura, making the court magician and King adopt a surprised expression.

"You triggered your Legendary Awakening? Impressive," Court Mage Ramba said while caressing his white goatee and smiling. "The better one's achievements in the coming war, the more Goddess Elysia will favor one. You should work hard.'

Hero Jackran stood up and nodded while smiling, "Indeed. I shall return and resume my endeavors."

"All the best," King Nara nodded.

After Hero Jackran left, Court Mage Ramba frowned and turned to King Nara, "Your majesty. Hero Jackran is on the same rank as us now. His power is impressive, but his nature is a bit problematic."

"Hmm? What did he do?" King Nara raised his eyebrows.

"Although he is clearing the Labyrinth Floors fast and getting stronger, his lascivious nature has extended from maids to various noblewomen, even those who are married. He had made moves with his charm and entrapped several wives and daughters of Nobles already."

Court Mage Ramba sighed and added, "So far he has only forced himself on maids several times, but this might change with his growing power."

King Nara frowned and rubbed his temples, "the Demonic Continent was quiet for two hundred years, but they started making moves again and we had to initiate Hero Summoning as per the Goddess Elysia's command."

"But why do these Heroes do not have the Heroic qualities? Sigh…" King Nara sighed as his head slightly drooped. 

However, his eyes changed sheen soon, appearing cold and ruthless. "Ramba, prepare a powerful Slave Sigil."

"A-Are you sure, your majesty?" Ramba asked in a startling voice. 'Could it be that he is feeling a threat from the hero?'

"I am sure. Before he grows any stronger, I have to tame him."

…

Falran Kingdom, Luxadia city—one of the four major cities.

High above in the sky, Aleron and Darzax rode on a golden bone dragon with shadowy energy instead of flesh filling it.

"My lord, this city below is the best city of this kingdom with connections and transport to various nearby kingdoms via their flying ship."

Darzax smiled and added, "We can register as Adventurers here, and learn more about this world."

"Great! Let's go fast," Aleron grinned, thrilled. "I want to become powerful and go on adventures."

"We shall descend after I use some spells on you. Please wait," Darzax said before his aura changed and Aleron started hearing notifications while feeling strange, but comfortable.

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-12 Dark Support.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-15 Dark Resurrection.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-11 Basic Elemental Resistance.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-11 Advanced Elemental Resistance.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-12 Invisible Shield.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-14 Invisible Shadow Armor.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-13 Unrivaled Empowerment.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-13 Death Empowerment.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-15 Death Connection.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-15 Death's Embrace.]

[You have been buffed by the skill: Tier-9 Grave Sense.]

'Holy shit!' Aleron was dumbfounded as he read those skills' effects!

"This city doesn't seem to have anyone coming close to my power, so you will be safe with these buffs, my lord," Darzax smiled.

'Safe? I am fucking unkillable now,' Aleron internally laughed out loud. 

Most of the skills were supportive, but the last one was different. 'Grave Sense is cool. So I can sense the location of anyone who has the intention of killing me within 1 kilometer around me.'

"Thanks, Dax," Aleron grinned. "Let's go now."

Darzax nodded and waved his staff, causing the black crystal ball on it to glow faintly before both of them disappeared.

The Golden Shadow Undead Dragon also vanished into the mist a second later while Darzax and Aleron emerged from the darkness in a narrow alley near the slum area of the city.

"The Adventure Guild is nearby, let us go," Darzax said as the duo joined pedestrians on the footpath of the street.