Dragon King: Throne of Demons and Gods
Chapter 54: The Beast Will Come

Chapter 54: The Beast Will Come

The party looked at Bel, completely confused by his sudden announcement.

"What do you mean, finish this alone?" Crest snapped, stepping forward. His face showed both frustration and disbelief. "Are you saying we’re not good enough?"

Bel sighed calmly, crossing his arms.

"I’m saying that you’re holding me back," he explained plainly. "With all of you here, I can’t fight at my fullest. It’s better if you leave and let me handle this myself."

Ronan frowned deeply, exchanging looks with the others, clearly troubled. Crest shook his head firmly, his voice sharp and angry.

"Absolutely not. This is our raid too! You can’t just decide for us. This is our party and we won’t accept this humiliation!"

Bel tilted his head slightly, observing Crest carefully.

"I’m not deciding for you. I’m offering you peace of mind," he said coldly. "Those monsters were probably the weakest creatures here. Do you honestly think you can handle what’s deeper inside?"

Crest’s fists clenched tightly, his eyes burning with determination and pride.

"We’re adventurers. We’re supposed to face challenges together. We won’t abandon our mission because you say so!"

Bel’s gaze moved calmly over the group, settling briefly on Will and Dusteria.

"If you’re confident enough to continue while carrying two dead weights who can’t even fight, feel free. Just don’t expect me to babysit anyone. Like a wise man told me, you’re on your own now."

Dusteria flinched slightly, looking down, clearly hurt by the remark. Will’s eyes widened in embarrassment, his fists trembling.

Bel turned sharply to the others.

"Letting non-adventurers join your party was irresponsible. If this is what your party is all about, then no wonder you took a dungeon too strong for you."

The party fell silent, exchanging uneasy glances. They knew deep down Bel was right, even if they didn’t want to admit it.

Meanwhile, Sienna quietly realized something important. Bel mentioned two dead weights—and she wasn’t one of them. The thought made her smile awkwardly, and she felt a small surge of pride.

Crest was about to argue again when Ronan stepped forward, placing a calming hand on his shoulder.

"Crest," Ronan said gently, "Iron dude has a point. It was our mistake to come here. Maybe it’s better to step back now."

He turned hesitantly towards Bel.

"But are you really planning to raid alone? You’re strong, sure, but perhaps you should find a stronger party to assist you?"

Bel’s eyes widened slightly, then he promptly shook his head.

"No, this was my condition from the start. I intend to finish this dungeon alone. I don’t mean for you to return to town. Just wait outside until I’m done."

Everyone stared at Bel in surprise. Was he really allowing them to reap rewards from his victory, simply by waiting? This felt strange, almost unfair.

Slowly, the party nodded, accepting Bel’s conditions. They stepped back, believing Bel was being generous, giving them an easy way out while still sharing the rewards.

But in truth, Bel was secretly relieved. Now, finally alone, he could fight exactly how he wanted.

No strong members to reduce his exp, no one to contest if could find several fascinating magic cores, just pure freedom to test his strength fully against the dungeon’s strongest creatures.

Bel took a step forward, ready to start his exploration, when another voice called out.

"Bel! Wait!" Lyraen shouted. "I want to come with you!"

Bel sighed, annoyed.

"I thought I said I’d do this alone."

Lyraen hurried closer, laughing nervously.

"I know, I know... But I’d feel terrible leaving you all by yourself. I’m the one who brought you after all ... We’re a party, remember? Plus, I’m a support, I can heal. I promise I won’t slow you down."

Bel stared at Lyraen thoughtfully for a moment. She was practically begging to be picked. Finally, he shook his head slowly.

"Fine. But I’m warning you, I won’t hold back just because you’re tagging along."

Lyraen jumped joyfully, clapping her hands.

"Thank you! And what about holding back? Who said I want you to hold back? Go all out, Bel!"

Bel rolled his eyes, about to continue, when another voice softly spoke up.

"I’d also like to join, if you’ll have me."

Everyone turned in surprise as Ronan murmured, "Cassandra...?"

Cassandra, the mage, stepped forward.

"Don’t worry, I don’t plan on interfering either. But, just in case something goes wrong, wouldn’t it be safer to have someone else besides a healer? Someone who can give a distraction?"

Bel narrowed his eyes, uncertain, as Cassandra walked toward him. Leaning in, she whispered.

"Of course, I have no doubts about your strength, Bel. I simply want to discuss something with you. May I have your permission?"

Bel frowned, then turned away with a sigh.

"Do what you want," he muttered, walking forward.

Cassandra smiled softly, and Lyraen giggled happily. They quickly fell into step behind Bel, following closely.

Bel, Lyraen, and Cassandra walked away from the others, heading deeper into the dungeon.

Bel closed his eyes briefly, using his perception to sense where the monsters were hiding. Bright spots appeared in his mind, each showing a cluster of creatures.

"Are you planning to blast them from far away?" Cassandra asked curiously.

Bel didn’t respond. Instead, his stance dropped lower, his eyes glowing. The girls watched in awe as Bel’s claws lengthened, his teeth grew sharper, and his muscles expanded. In moments, he took a semi form of his draconic transformation.

"Stay here," Bel warned.

He jumped high, kicking up snow and making both girls cough from the sudden flurry.

He quickly leaped from spot to spot, landing right in the middle of a group of large bears and swift snow foxes.

The beasts barely had time to react before a terrifying red aura surrounded them.

[Bloodlust][FEAR]

A superpredator had engaged the battle.

From their safe distance, Cassandra and Lyraen saw the glowing red light in the distance.

"Wow," Cassandra said softly, impressed. "He’s really fast. But at least we don’t feel that like before."

Lyraen nodded slowly, then crossed her arms thoughtfully.

"But Cassandra, what are you really doing here? I doubt you’re here just to be a substitute."

Cassandra laughed lightly.

"What’s wrong with not wanting to be dead weight? Aren’t you here for the same reason? You shouldn’t underestimate a lady’s generosity."

Lyraen gave her a stern look.

"You’re centuries too young to fool me, Cassandra. I have no problems with Bel, and I want the truth. What are you planning?"

Cassandra’s smile faded slightly. She studied Lyraen carefully, then shrugged calmly.

"Relax, granny. It’s just business. I found the perfect way to boost our party, that’s all."

Meanwhile, the rest of the party waited near the first battlefield.

Crest paced impatiently, clearly upset. His pride was hurt, feeling humiliated by Bel’s words.

Nearby, Dusteria watched him sadly. She wanted to help but was afraid he’d push her away again. With a sigh, she turned to Will.

"Will, can you help cheer Crest up?" she asked softly.

Will frowned, if Crest was annoyed, he wasn’t better, being himself called a dead weight.

"Why ask me? Go ask to Sienna instead, she isn’t a dead weight apparently."

They both glanced toward Sienna, who was lost in her own happy bubble, smiling dreamily since Bel hadn’t called her useless.

Dusteria rolled her eyes.

"Fine, I’ll do it myself."

Gathering her courage, she approached Crest slowly.

"Hey... Are you okay?"

Crest glanced at her quickly, replying with a short, annoyed grunt. But noticing how her expression fell, he quickly shook his head and sighed.

"Sorry, Dusteria. It’s not your fault. I just feel... so weak right now."

The warrior, watching their interaction, suddenly stepped forward, looking puzzled.

"Crest, who exactly is this guy anyway? You two seem to know each other. Is he another one of your friends?"

Crest’s expression hardened, and he answered sharply.

"My friends don’t insult or attack the people who matter to me."

As Crest and the others talked, a gentle, girlish voice began humming softly nearby.

"Hush, my child, don’t make a sound,

The Monster King is all unbound.

Four heads whisper, four hearts drum,

All as one, the beast will come..."

At first, no one paid attention, assuming it was just one of them humming absentmindedly.

But suddenly, Crest frowned, looking around.

"Wait... who’s singing?"

"Huh?" Dusteria blinked, confused. "I thought it was Sienna."

"Wait what?" Sienna snapped out of her dream.

Everyone grew silent, eyes wide with confusion as the eerie lullaby continued.

"Tear and pull, break and bind,

Lock his body, chain his mind.

One by one, they took their part,

Severed limb and shattered heart."

They stared at each other nervously, realizing none of them were making the sound.

A chill crept down their spines as the blood from the defeated bears slowly spread across the snow, forming strange, twisted lines.

Soon, the purple streaks connected, creating a dark circle with unknown symbols and languages.

Ronan quickly drew his weapon.

"Everyone, be ready! Something’s wrong!"

Purple flames suddenly burst from the bloody circle, making everyone jump back in shock.

The voice sang louder, clearer.

"Marionettes in hollow light,

Shadows bleeding, black as night.

Lies were sung, the war was won,

But hush, my child... it’s not yet done."

As the haunting melody continued, the flames intensified, crackling with an eerie glow.

Everyone stared, frozen in fear, as something slowly rose from the fiery circle.

"Seven chains across the land,

Seven keepers, blade in hand.

But should they wane, should one piece stray,

The King will rise... and none shall stay."

From the flames emerged a terrifying sight: a pig skull, its empty eyes glowing faintly. The voice, now echoing ominously, sang the final verse.

"Hush, my child, don’t close your eyes,

If you dream, you’ll hear his cries.

Four heads whisper, four hearts drum,

All as one... the beast will come."