The Psychopathic Beast Emperor

Chapter 260: In Solaria. Meeting the Second Son of the King of Solaria

The journey to Solaria began quietly. Unlike their previous missions, which often started with excitement, arguments, or Ren causing some kind of trouble, this one carried an entirely different atmosphere. It felt heavy, dangerous, and important.

The group stood inside one of the Shadow Fang Sect’s restricted teleportation chambers. Ancient runes covered the floor while massive pillars engraved with countless symbols surrounded the circular platform. This was not a public teleportation array. This was one used for communication between major powers. Only kingdoms, supreme sects, and organizations of equal standing possessed access to such circles.

Bahamut stood near the center of the formation with Exildra leaning against his shoulder. Lily held one of his arms possessively while Alana stood close enough that their sleeves were touching. They didn’t even bother hiding it.

Sel looked as calm as ever, or at least he tried to, but with Apollonia standing beside him, he was bound to falter. They acted as if they were just... normal, but everyone there knew that their relationship had moved a step further. It was progressing smoothly. They liked themselves, but they were unsure of how to go about it, and the others had no interest in helping them. Gabi, as usual, appeared nervous. Rakia just stood beside them, enjoying the show. The Black Fang Prodigy stood slightly apart from the group, her black veil swaying gently in the magical winds produced by the formation, while Ren sat on her shoulder.

Bahamut knew of his relationship with Sylvia, but they had yet to tell the others, probably soon, though. They had no reason to hide it.

At the front stood Elder Silvia, speaking to them for the last time. Her gaze was particularly on Bahamut, Sel, and Ren.

"The moment you arrive, you will be under the authority of the Solarian Royal Family." Her gaze swept across everyone. "Do not cause unnecessary trouble."

She paused and looked directly at Bahamut again. "That especially applies to you."

Bahamut looked offended. "I am very peaceful."

Nobody believed him, not a single person. Even Ren snorted.

"Exactly what worries me," Silvia sighed.

The teleportation circle suddenly began glowing. Runes lit up as mana surged, and space distorted, causing the chamber to tremble.

"Good luck."

The last thing they heard was Elder Silvia’s voice and then...

FLASH!

The world vanished.

...

The sensation of long-distance teleportation never became pleasant. Bahamut felt as though someone had grabbed reality and shaken it violently. His stomach twisted, his senses blurred, and his vision distorted. This wasn’t like the normal teleportations they experienced when heading to Senkhet or Farronhold.

Everything stabilized soon. The first thing he noticed was the floor. It was made of smooth white marble. The second thing he noticed was the ceiling. It was very high. Far higher than most buildings within the Shadow Fang Sect. The third thing he noticed was the sheer amount of mana in the surroundings. The group found themselves inside a colossal hall.

Towering white pillars stretched toward a vaulted ceiling decorated with golden murals depicting kings, wars, dragons, angels, demons, and legendary heroes of humanity. Massive crystal chandeliers floated overhead with blue flames burning inside elegant braziers. The entire place radiated wealth, power, and authority.

This wasn’t merely a noble estate. This was a royal palace. It was that obvious. Several armored guards stood around the hall. Each one carried themselves with enough confidence to suggest they weren’t ordinary soldiers.

Many of them were Tier 2, and a few even reached Tier 3. Waiting for them near the center of the hall stood a young man. He was tall and handsome. His golden hair was neatly combed back while sharp blue eyes observed the newcomers with curiosity. He wore elegant white and gold noble attire embroidered with countless royal symbols. The crest of the Gandhal Family rested proudly upon his chest. The man smiled genuinely, not the fake kind nobles usually wore.

"Welcome to Solaria."

His voice echoed throughout the hall as he stepped forward gracefully.

"My name is Victor Gandhal."

Most of them, except Bahamut, Ren, and Alana, immediately recognized the name. Even Sel’s eyes widened slightly. Victor noticed it and winked at him. He recognized who Sel was: the Crown Prince of El’goroth. Amusement flashed across his face.

"Yes," He bowed politely. "Second Prince of Solaria."

The room became noticeably quieter, not because of respect, but because none of Bahamut’s group knew how to react. The second prince was greeting them personally. That was a tremendous display of importance.

Victor seemed to find their reactions entertaining. His gaze eventually landed on Bahamut, then Ren, then the Black Fang Prodigy. Something strange flickered through his eyes: recognition, interest, and curiosity.

"Lord Hakar’s disciples," He smiled. "I’ve wanted to meet you for quite some time."

"Why?" Bahamut asked in confusion.

Victor laughed. "A direct question."

"Should I not ask?"

"No, no," Victor chuckled. "I simply expected something more diplomatic."

"I don’t know what that means," Bahamut nodded thoughtfully.

Sel immediately covered his face while Exildra looked away. Lily started laughing. Victor laughed even harder.

"I like him already."

The guards nearby looked horrified. Nobody spoke to royalty like that, but Victor seemed genuinely delighted. Eventually, he gestured toward one of the large exits.

"If you’ll follow me."

The enormous doors opened automatically. Beyond them stretched lavish corridors lined with paintings and statues. The group followed. As they walked, Victor casually spoke.

"The investigation is already underway." His tone became more serious. "Unfortunately, every lead we discover seems to create three more mysteries."

Nobody interrupted him.

"The disappearances are spreading, the noble families are becoming increasingly concerned, and the king is concerned."

His expression darkened slightly.

"And recently..." He paused. "The bodies started appearing."

The group froze; even Bahamut’s expression changed. Victor continued walking. His voice had become colder.

"We initially believed people were simply being kidnapped, but that is no longer the case."

A heavy silence followed. The prince eventually stopped before a pair of enormous doors. The guards immediately opened them. Beyond lay a spacious meeting room. Maps covered the walls, documents filled large tables, while several marked locations glowed on magical projections. The atmosphere immediately screamed one thing.

War room and investigation headquarters. Victor turned toward them. His smile was gone now; only seriousness remained.

"Welcome." His blue eyes swept across every member of the team. "To the place where your mission truly begins."