Six-Armed Serpent Demon

Page 29

They are demons, humans whose ancestral bloodline was corrupted by demonic power.

“I have no doubt about your wisdom, Your Highness,” said the first demon. “This will be the great victory we have long awaited. But could you please explain what we are doing?”

The second demon, known as His Highness the Prince, fell silent.

Only the footsteps of two demons could be heard in the darkness.

His Highness suddenly asked, "Do you understand the universe, Sancheragon? I mean, the world we live in, and the planets around us."

"I...I don't know."

"Not in every world can greedy dragons rule everything. As far as I know, another world is different, Toril, Faerûn... Do you know why?"

His Highness sighed.

"If I were to go into details, it would be a very long story. But listen, that world was once a playground for dragons, but the inhabitants of that world, called the High Elves, invented a special legendary magic called Dragon Frenzy Lock. They anchored the magic to a red comet with an elliptical orbit. Every few decades before and after the comet approached the world, all the dragons of that world would fall into a hysterical frenzy. It was this magic that completely shattered the dragons' possibility of ruling the world. In order to fight against Dragon Frenzy Lock, the dragons of that world could only try their best to strengthen their rationality through alignment behavior, thereby diluting their own primitive bestial nature. In this process, they gradually split into good and evil factions."

Sancheragon took a breath.

“That sounds like a remarkable magical achievement,” he said softly. “I’ve heard of Toril; it seems to be our twin world. But since it’s our twin star, the Red Comet’s orbit must also be close to Abel’s, so why hasn’t our world been affected by it?”

"Because of the steel sky."

His Highness gazed up at the boundless darkness.

"The Dawn Titans we believe in want to monopolize the divine power of the world of Abel. In order to prevent the gods of Toril from infiltrating this world, they used powerful magic to create an iron dome that isolates all power, and the Dragon Mad Lock anchored by the red comet was also isolated."

"Ha, in the end, the Dawn Titans were defeated by the dragons who had no more scruples! Some died, some fled! Could there be anything more absurd than this?"

Sancheragon asked, "Do you wish to shatter the steel sky, Your Highness?"

His Highness said, "How could that be? Besides, the Dragon's Fury Lock is already destroyed. Over a hundred years ago, in that world, there was a lich named Samaster who one day conceived a brilliant idea. He successfully moved the anchor point of the Dragon's Fury Lock from the Red Comet to his own phylactery. Thus, he manipulated the Dragon's Fury Lock and commanded the dragons. Ultimately, in the Year of the Dragon, he was killed by several heroes, and the Dragon's Fury Lock, along with the lich's phylactery, vanished into thin air."

"But before officially transferring the legendary magic anchor to his phylactery, the lich Samaster conducted a series of lengthy experiments. This was because he needed his phylactery to be able to bear the power of the legendary magic after successfully transferring the anchor. He had to ensure a 100% success rate, otherwise he would die from the anchor transfer magic before the hero could even come to kill him."

Sancheragon's breathing became rapid.

"So you mean this lich has a prototype that successfully moved the Mad Dragon's Lock Anchor Point?"

His Highness nodded.

"The vast majority of the test subjects were destroyed because they could not withstand the power of the legendary magic. Samaster succeeded with the last few test subjects. Not only that, although the anchor point transfer of the legendary magic only lasted for a few seconds, it permanently changed them, giving them a trace of the power of the Dragon Madness Lock. Although those few test subjects could not cover the entire world like the real Dragon Madness Lock, they were more than enough to cover a city of Fiery Earth."

His Highness paused, then smiled slightly, revealing sharp teeth.

"I must thank the blue flames of the plague for transferring these test subjects to Abel as well. It took me a full fifteen years to find them! My friends, in ten days, let us witness together this city of traitors being transformed into true fiery earth by their maddened lizard masters. At that time, we will lead the ancient kingdom of Hiswollend to a new life as dragon-slaying heroes!"

Sancheragon burst into laughter.

The six-armed serpent demon returned to its original form, lay on the large bed, and embraced the still fast-sleeping cub, comfortably absorbing the softness and warmth of the owl bear cub.

She raised one of her delicate arms, gently covered her mouth, and yawned.

The six-armed snake demon glanced sideways at Brockville under the bed.

The balding, overweight man with a receding hairline was glazed over with excitement. Spellcaster, he lay naked on the floor, relentlessly thrusting his semen into the hard wooden floor. Even as blood streamed down his genitals, he showed no sign of slowing down.

At this very moment, the conversation between the two demons was being transmitted to the ears of the reborn through the Terrorclaw monster.

His emerald-like vertical pupils shone brightly.

Raphael, the dinosaur, followed far behind the two demons, lingering outside their sight.

While the Deinonychus race has poor eyesight, their hearing is exceptional. They can even emit high-frequency sound waves like bats, using their auditory organs to receive echoes and locate enemies. No matter how low the demons whisper in conversation, they cannot escape Raphael's superhuman hearing.

A slight smile appeared on her exquisite face.

The six-armed serpent demon hummed a song, a melody never before heard in this world. Its tail slapped rhythmically against the floor, revealing its master's joyful mood.

"It's a very good plan, I like it. But allow me to make a small correction."

She licked her lips, looking rather childish.

"Your Highness, from this moment on, your plans belong to me."

Author's note: I had something to do tonight, so I updated early.

Chapter 34 The Proof of the Paladin

"Hysworth?"

The paladin Juan looked at the imposter Miss Beate with a puzzled expression. "Have you started studying ancient astrology?"

At this moment, the two walked side by side on the mountain path leading to Shangcheng.

The lower-ranking paladin, Ivy Beate, had been expelled from the church and the city guard under its jurisdiction several months ago. However, according to the laws of the City of Flame, once a person joins the ranks of paladins, they automatically possess the triple status of church membership, military membership, and eligibility for public office, so she can still serve as a public office clerk in the city.

So early this morning, Juan rushed to Fireport to personally escort Ivy Beatrice to the Central District Government Office to report for duty.

“Well, it’s not really research, just some curiosity,” she said vaguely. “I still don’t feel like I’m Ivy Beate, and my memories haven’t returned. But after hearing about the Beate family, I feel a deep sense of the capriciousness of fate… Perhaps that ancient knowledge can help me a little.”

The paladin Juan kindly advised, "Excuse my bluntness, esteemed young lady, astrology is a waste of time. There are no stars to be seen in the night sky above the Iron Sky; what good is astrology then…?"

He fell silent.

Her jade-like vertical pupils looked at him with a hint of grievance and pleading: "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Juan."

Blood rushed to the young paladin's head.

“No, no problem,” he stammered. “I’ll bring you all the family’s books on ancient astrology later.”

Her smile captivated him.

"So, the learned Mr. Juan, Hisswallend?"

Paladin Juan chuckled foolishly. "Not really, not really... Oh, right, Hisswallend. That's the name of an ancient star, though we can't see the stars now and have no idea it even exists. By the way, do you know the astrological term 'Tears of Suren'?"

She gently shook her head, then looked at him with her inquisitive, watery eyes.

That look immediately made the young paladin talk non-stop:

"To put it simply, Your Highness, according to the knowledge of ancient astrology, our world revolves around the sun, and is intertwined with the twin world of Toril. But there are many other celestial bodies that also revolve around us."

"You mean, Suren (the moon)?"

“That’s right, Your Excellency, your wisdom shines like the sun. Hisswallund is related to the moon. According to historical records, there was once a red comet with terrible power, and its name was the Kingslayer Star. Every time the Kingslayer Star approached us, all the creatures in the world would go mad.”

The description of the red comet's function seems somewhat inconsistent with what the demon duo described.

"To save the world, the great dragons gathered together and created a super-magical missile of immense power, which they launched at the Kingslayer Star, intending to destroy it completely. However, due to interference from the evil Dawn Titan, the magical missile missed its target and struck the back of Suren, nearly blowing off a quarter of it. The fragments of Suren formed a cluster of small stars, totaling several hundred. Astronomers call them the Tears of Suren. And Hisswallund is one of them."

She opened her bright green eyes wide at the young paladin, then gently covered her mouth with her hand: "Wow, this is truly... amazing."

Seeing the expression of gratitude and admiration on his beloved's face, Juan felt as if he were floating on air.

“Of course,” he said lightly. “The power of dragons is beyond the comprehension of us mere mortals.”

"Then, why is this Hisswallund so different? I mean, since there are hundreds of Tears of Suren in total, why would ancient astrology specifically mark its name?"

"Ah, that's related to the lower planes. Legend has it that a certain abyss demon lord chose the star with the most magic power in the Tears of Suren, intending to use its magic to fix a gate to another world and turn that star into a gateway for the demon army to enter and exit the prime material plane."

She understood: "So that little star..."

"Yes, that star is Heathwood."

—It sounds like it has quite a connection to me…

But Juan's words only confused the six-armed serpent demon even more.

If Hisswallund refers to the star that Juan mentioned, which is far away in the sky and cannot be seen by Abel, then what do the "ancient kingdom" and "restoration" mentioned by the Demon Prince mean?

Just as she was pondering how to subtly continue to elicit information from Juan, the young paladin said, "By the way, Your Excellency, where do you intend to take up your post?"

"Where does Mr. Juan think I should go?"

“Of course I would prefer that you at least stay in the Middle City,” Paladin Juan sighed. “It would be best if you moved out of the Lower City. Fireport, that chaotic place where ignorant people gather, is really not suitable for you. Would you really not consider my relocation suggestion again? My house in the Upper City is at your disposal.”

The city of Fiery Earth, perched atop a sheer cliff, has eight levels, divided into the top city, upper city, middle city, lower city, and bottom city according to altitude.

Top City is a city on the plateau. The sleeping palace of the ancient bronze dragon, the headquarters of the church, and the headquarters of the three major legions of the city guard, the northern army, and the navy are all located on the top floor.

The Upper Town is the first level of settlement on the cliff face descending from the top of the city. This level was home to the residences of many nobles. The original Beate family and the Giulio family of Juan resided on this level.

The second to fifth levels of the cliff lead to the central city. This area is lined with churches and is the residence of military dependents. The city government is also located in the central city, but on the fifth level.

The sixth and seventh floors are the lower city. Here, order is far more chaotic; wealthy merchants' mansions stand side-by-side with ordinary people's neighborhoods, and the decadent dens of iniquity are also havens for evil. But compared to the lower city, this is practically a peaceful paradise.

Bottom City refers to the lowest level of Fire Harbor.

Even in the most civilized and orderly cities, there are lawless, shadowy corners. Fire Harbor was undoubtedly such a place. It seemed abandoned by the entire city, inhabited by impoverished and destitute people with no hope for survival. Violence was rampant, and crime was rife. Hence, it was also known as the cesspool of the city of scorching earth.

"No need."

The demonic figure, disguised as Miss Beatrice, spoke with unwavering conviction, her entire being radiating holy light as she uttered each word.

“I came to the City of Flames not to become a nobleman. When I left, my heart was weak, and my feeble will defeated me. Now I am back, and I should make amends for the mistakes I made in the past. And now, I firmly believe that my path to redemption lies at the bottom. I hope to serve in Fire Harbor.”

The smile on the face of the paladin Juan gradually disappeared, replaced by respect and admiration.

"I understand, dear lady, I fully agree with and respect your wishes."

He spoke earnestly, raising his hand to draw the emblem of a bronze dragon on his chest.

"A true paladin's heart beats in your breast. Juan Giorello, I will always be proud of your friendship."

"Thank you so much."

The six-armed snake demon asked casually, "By the way, Mr. Juan, what procedures are required to report to the government office?"

"Ah, that's very simple."

"As long as it's confirmed that your candidacy for public office is still valid," said Juan, the paladin.

"So that's it."

"Yes, as long as you are still a Paladin of the Bronze Dragon, you are still a candidate for public office in the City of Flame and Earth and can serve as a public office clerk in the city."

Wait… The six-armed serpent demon suddenly sensed something was wrong…

“So,” said Paladin Juan matter-of-factly, “we just need to confirm with the government office that you are still a Paladin of the Bronze Dragon.”

“WTF…”

Chapter 35 Losques-Otucan

The elderly supervisor, well past seventy, sat behind his large desk, his cloudy eyes staring directly into the emerald green vertical pupils.

“So, you’ve lost your memory,” the old supervisor said tremulously, “and even forgotten the Five Rules for Dragon Affairs?”

"Correct."

"I've also forgotten how to cast Detect Evil?"

"Uh, yes."

"And you've forgotten how to use Holy Light?"

She shrugged.

"What about your Demon-Slaying Slash? You've forgotten it too?"

“Actually,” she said shyly, “I feel my memory is gradually returning, and I think I’ll remember soon.”

"How long will it take to remember?"

"Uh...three, four, five, or six months?"

The old supervisor stared at her, clutching his chest as if he were about to have a heart attack.

She looked at him with an innocent expression.

The old man wanted to get angry, but he was old and weak, so even when he was angry, he was powerless: "Paladin, no, former Paladin Ivy Beatrice, go home. If it weren't for the fact that you can still activate the holy properties of this greatsword, I would have used Detect Evil and Exorcism Slash on you right now."

She was somewhat unwilling: "Then, my alternative for public office..."

The elderly supervisor coughed violently.

"With your performance, you still want to join the city's public sector? Stop disgracing your family name!"

He said angrily, "You'll have to pass the test again in three months when your memory returns. Damn it, next time at least memorize the 'Five Rules for Dragon Affairs' before you come back!"

Her beautiful face fell.

She cried out, "Please, Your Excellency, I really need a job. Enforcing the law in the city will help me regain my Paladin memories... even a dock clerk position at Fireport will do."

The government affairs hall was very quiet. The paladins who came to handle various matters were arranged in a dozen orderly lines, moving forward silently without exchanging any words. Her shout immediately attracted the attention of everyone in the hall.

Suddenly becoming the center of attention, anger and a flush crept up the old supervisor's neck and face.