Chapter 85: Looming Threat of The Dragon Demon God (Patreon)

Rigrit Bers Caurau.

One of the Thirteen Heroes, a master of necromancy, and a woman whose mischievous personality was at odds with her fearsome nickname, the ‘Lion Heart.’ 

Though over 200 years old, she could still move with the agility of someone much younger. Her abilities were so honed that she had even managed to evade the Platinum Dragon Lord’s keen perception, which could usually see through the highest level of concealment, such as [Perfect Unknowable].

She had been a close companion of the Platinum Dragon Lord for many years, and this meeting marked the first time they had seen each other in what felt like ages.

The Platinum Dragon Lord smiled, shifting his gaze to her fingers, and his amusement mirrored hers.

“Huh? The ring’s gone. Where did it go? I can’t imagine anyone could take it from you, considering its power far exceeds anything within human reach. I’d hate to think it’s fallen into clumsy hands.”

“Don’t worry,” Rigrit replied with a casual wave. “I gave it to a young friend. It’s in good hands.”

The Platinum Dragon Lord frowned slightly because he knew that the ring wasn’t the kind of item one could easily part with. 

Created through the rare and ancient power of Wild Magic, it was an artifact of immense power, nearly impossible to replicate in this age when magic had been corrupted and weakened. 

But, despite his curiosity and concern, he chose to trust Rigrit. Though part of him wanted to press her on who this “young friend” was, he decided to leave it alone for now.

“If it’s your judgment, I’ll trust it,” he said. He paused, then changed the subject. “By the way, have you heard about the incident in the capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom?”

Upon hearing those words, Rigrit’s playful demeanor instantly vanished, and her expression was serious. 

“I’ve heard rumors.”

“Yes, according to those rumors, that kid from Inveria and some others are missing. Is this true?” The Platinum Dragon Lord asked solemnly.

Rigrit let out a heavy sigh. 

“I was shocked too. That kid... That crybaby is gone. And most of the Blue Rose members are missing as well.”

“Have you traced her movements? If she vanished from the capital without a trace, it could mean she used some form of teleportation.”

“That’s what I can’t figure out,” Rigrit admitted. “She’s not the type to just disappear without a word.”

The Platinum Dragon Lord nodded thoughtfully. “If she didn’t hide herself, then she may have been abducted.”

“You think so too?” Rigrit asked. "There are rumors in the kingdom that Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth is responsible for bewitching her and others, making them betray humanity."

Jaldabaoth... the name made the Platinum Dragon Lord’s eyes narrow. A monstrous demon who had attacked the Re-Estize Kingdom’s capital, leading hordes of demons in a brutal assault and kidnapping tens of thousands of people.

“Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth,” he repeated slowly. “I’ve never heard of him before. Is he the one who led the attack on the capital?”

“That’s right,” Rigrit confirmed. “According to the rumors, Jaldabaoth’s power is beyond common sense.”

“I haven’t seen him myself, so I can’t say for sure. But is there any chance this is related to a ‘Player’ from Yggdrasil? We’ve seen the effects of the 100-year aftershock.”

“We’ll need to gather more information to know for sure. But one thing’s clear—this demon is dangerous. The rumors must be true, and he has most likely indeed kidnapped those kids.”

The Platinum Dragon Lord exhaled slowly, processing the information. 

In fact, his primary focus was the looming threat of the Dragon Demon God, not the kingdom’s internal matters and some missing kids. 

However, his friendship with Rigrit made this incident more than just a passing concern. 

Nonetheless, as the guardian of the world, he couldn’t afford to ignore the greater threats to its stability.

Prophecies from the Six Great Gods had foretold a great calamity—one they believed would come in the form of the Dragon Demon God. 

The Platinum Dragon Lord had long known that his duty was to face this cataclysmic being. But there was no guarantee he could defeat it. Even the Six Great Gods and the Eight Greed Kings had feared the Dragon Demon God, a creature of such overwhelming power that its mere existence threatened the world.

Tsaindorcus had no clear idea just how powerful this god was, but as the world’s protector, he had no choice but to face it head-on when the time came. That god could appear at any moment, disrupting the fragile order of the world.

“I’m planning to travel the world and follow Lakyus’s trail,” Rigrit said, interrupting his thoughts. “What will you do?”

The Platinum Dragon Lord wished he could help her, but he had his own burdens to bear. He couldn’t afford to be distracted from his preparations to confront the Dragon Demon God. It wasn’t something he could explain to Rigrit, nor was she aware of just how dangerous this entity was.

“I’m sorry, Rigrit,” he said after a moment. “There’s something I need to investigate regarding the Slane Theocracy. I can’t join you.”

Rigrit shrugged, nodding in understanding. “I get it.”

But her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized him. “You’re chasing something, aren’t you?”

The Platinum Dragon Lord smiled slightly, knowing he couldn’t hide the truth from her. “You’re right. I’m pursuing something. The one I’m after is called the Dragon Demon God.”

Rigrit’s eyes widened, and her voice dropped to a whisper. 

“The Dragon Demon God... Tsar... Are you afraid?”

For the first time in their long friendship, she saw something in the Platinum Dragon Lord that unsettled her. The once unshakable guardian of the world now seemed troubled and shaken. 

He lowered his eyes, and Rigrit could see that whatever he was facing, it was something that even he feared.

"You look afraid," Rigrit said, concern in her voice.

"You're right. I'm afraid. This is the first time in my life I've felt fear like this. You don’t know much about the ‘Dragon Demon God,’ but I do. It’s dangerous. Very dangerous."

"Are you okay?"

"Do I look okay?"

"Well... no," Rigrit admitted, awkwardly shifting.

"Exactly. I must look pathetic right now." The Platinum Dragon Lord let out a bitter chuckle.

Rigrit sighed, still unsure. "I just don’t understand why you're so afraid."

"I’ll explain in detail later," he replied with a weary smile. "But for now, all you need to know is this: if you ever come into contact with the one calling himself the ‘God of the Dragon,’ run. Don’t hesitate. Just run. He’s the one who brought the Slane Theocracy to the brink of ruin."

"I’ll remember that advice," she said, taking his warning seriously. "But I’ve heard of him before... is it really impossible to ask for help from the other Dragon Lords?"

"The answer’s the same. It’s... difficult. The ones who live in this world now didn’t fight against the Eight Greed Kings. They don't fully grasp the threat that the 'Dragon Demon God' poses. Those who do, like the ‘Lord of Darkness’ or the ‘Deep Darkness Dragon,’ are holed up in their underground lairs, cut off from the world. I doubt they’ll lend their power."

"Is that so?" Rigrit mused. "What about the ones who’ve had children with humans, like the Brightness Dragon Lord’? If we approach him, maybe he’ll listen."

"Perhaps." The Platinum Dragon Lord’s gaze drifted as he considered. "He stayed neutral when we allied with the Slane Theocracy, so he’s more aware of the danger than the others. But I still can’t guarantee he’ll help."

"It’s a complete mess, isn’t it?" Rigrit said, shaking her head.

"Exactly. Even with the 'Dragon Demon God' possibly already here, most Dragon Lords are reluctant to move. We’ll definitely need their cooperation to confirm his presence."

"What’s the current situation?" Rigrit asked.

"Nothing definitive yet. But if he makes any moves, I’ll have to act immediately."

Rigrit nodded, her trust in him clear. “Alright. If you need anything from me, just ask.”

"Actually, there is something," the Platinum Dragon Lord admitted, his gaze shifting to a nearby sword. It was an ancient weapon, far sharper and more dangerous than anything modern magic could create—a remnant from the Eight Greed Kings’ era. 

"I know you’ve given up on adventuring, but I need your help. Can you gather information on artifacts as powerful as this sword? Weapons, armor, anything from Yggdrasil, like the kingdom’s adamantite armor, ‘Red Tears.’ And if you hear anything—anything—about the ‘Dragon Demon God,’ let me know immediately."

Rigrit glanced at the sword and nodded. "You can count on me. I’ll keep my ears open for anything useful."