Akun grunted, wearing an annoyed expression on his face. "Personal space, Nexus," he growled, trying to free himself from her embrace.
Chrono Nexus, unfazed by his words, simply batted her eyelashes playfully. "Oh, come now, darling," she purred, her voice dripping with mischief. "Can't a wife congratulate her glorious darling?"
Akun's eyes narrowed. "I told you not to call me that, Nexus."
Chrono Nexus giggled, then said. "But you are my darling," she replied, acting innocent. "And wive's are allowed to use pet names for their husbands, aren't they?"
Mellin, stepped forward, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Congratulations on your victory, master," she said, offering a genuine compliment. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Though, I must admit, I was a bit worried you might go overboard with that final display."
Akun's gaze flickered to Mellin, a hint of amusement flickering in his cold eyes. "You didn't have to worry,," he replied calmly. "I know when to stop." Then, with a pointed look at Chrono Nexus, he added, "Unlike some of us."
Chrono Nexus puffed out her cheeks as she pretended to frown. "Fine, fine," she grumbled. "But you can't blame a woman for wanting to congratulate her amazing husband, can you?"
As the group bickered playfully, Kaldarix, his brow furrowed in deep thought, lagged behind. While the others celebrated Akun's victory, he couldn't shake off the strange feeling that gnawed at him.
Akun's aura, undeniably draconic, held something… more. A power that transcended the very essence of dragons.
Kaldarix, the ancient dragon who once ruled over all dragons, prided himself on his vast knowledge. Yet, he couldn't place Akun within one of the tribes of dragonkind. "Akun.... Father," he muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper. "He's powerful, that much is certain. But what is he?
A dragon unlike any I've ever encountered, a new branch of our race? or something else entirely?"
It was clear Kaldarix was unable to trace Akun's origins, and he couldn't risk trying to use his dragon eyes to look at his status window again. So, it seemed the topic of his origin would remain a mystery for now.
"Enough with the daydreaming, Nexus," Akun's voice cut through the air, imbued with a hint of annoyance. "Your… celebration has drawn enough stares. It's getting dark. Point us towards the inn."
Chrono Nexus giggled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yes, darling," she chirped, clearly enjoying the way the word flustered Akun. This time, he simply sighed, resigning himself to the playful jab.
Genreia, sensing an opportunity, leaned in. "So, master," she purred, her voice sounding sweet and gentle, "does that mean I can call you darling too?"
A faint blush crept up Akun's neck, a rare display of vulnerability quickly masked by his usual stoicism. "Do whatever you want," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kaldarix, observing the exchange, couldn't help but crack a smile. He had to admit, Akun's past was inteed a massive mystery, but perhaps it wasn't the most pressing concern. After all, the he had brought him back to the land of the living, and for that alone, he deserved respect.
However, a different concern flickered in Kaldarix's mind as he watched Chrono Nexus playfully swat Akun's arm. "I refuse to live in the same space with that goddess," he muttered to himself.
Then, a memory jolted him. A memory of a certain white dragon, a powerful being who had defied their kind and ascended to godhood. A dragon who had betrayed her own people, forging a pact with the very gods they fought against.
The memory surfaced along with all the pain her actions brought – the white dragon's name, Vino Velora. Kaldarix remembered she said she would found a "holy nation" one that would worship her, futher securing her place among the gods.
As all those memories vame back to him, Kaldarix's expression suddenly turned cold, his purple eyes glowing slightly.
"Well, isn't it ironic? The name of this empire just so happens to simply be 'Holy' Valora. You were never creative with names. How could you simply name a nation Holy? No matter; I'm grateful for your lack of creativity. I will be sure to get revenge the only way I can."
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His words hinted at his intentions. It was clear chaos would be coming, and perhaps he would be the harbinger.
Unbeknownst to Kaldarix, Akun could hear everything he was saying, but he decided to keep quiet as he silently wondered what Kaldarix would now do with this new realization that had dawned upon him.
***
They stood before the inn, where Hestria and Chrono Nexus had secured their rooms. Akun, his gaze sweeping across the building's appearence, turned to Hestria. "This is it, then?" he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
Hestria, offered a warm smile. "Yes, master. This is it." As they entered the inn, the welcoming aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread wafted past their nostrils as Akun and his companions pushed open the inn's ornately carved doors.
The lively chatter that had filled the common room died down abruptly as all eyes turned toward the newcomers. Whispers rippled through the crowd, a mix of awe and speculation.
"Isn't that him? The one who won the tournament?"
"They say he's an ancient dragon in disguise!"
"I heard he turned down an invite to the castle from the king."
"No way, that must just be another over exaggeration."
"You know nothing I was there myself."
Akun, unfazed by the sudden attention, held his head high, his dragon eyes looking around the room with indifference. Ignoring the curious gazes, he directed a curt nod at Chrono Nexus. "Lead the way to our rooms, Nexus."
Chrono Nexus, with mischievous grin plastered on her face, said. "Second floor, darling!" she called back, keys jingling in her hand. "Follow me all the way up!"
Bypassing the flustered innkeeper, Chrono Nexus, already in possession of the room keys, confidently led the group up the wooden staircase to the second floor. The whispers of the patrons below followed them, a faint echo amplifying the mystery surrounding Akun.