Chapter 359 359: Coming Home

Words : 1989 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Three dragons soared through the sky, their shadows stretching over the landscapes below as they cut through the air with speed and precision. Strax, in his massive red dragon form, carried Xenovia on his back, the young warrior still weakened by exhaustion but with a determined gaze. Beside him, Ouroboros and Tiamat floated like majestic specters, their imposing presences filling the sky with an almost tangible energy. The biting wind passed over their scales and long tails, while the earth below seemed to distance itself rapidly, signaling that they were finally approaching their destination: Scarlet's mansion. The Vampire Kingdom, vast and darkly imposing, with castles and fortresses hidden deep within dense forests, gave off a sense of complete isolation from the outside world. It was the perfect place for them, after all—far from the capital of the Human Empire, making it difficult to locate and stage an immediate battle. As they flew, Scarlet's mansion rose against the dark horizon, a large building with towering dark spires that seemed to challenge the sky itself. Its gothic architecture was imposing, with black stone walls reflecting the surroundings, giving the impression that it was rooted deep in the kingdom's soil. It was a safe place, far from the threats that were hunting them, and the residence of Strax and his wife, Scarlet, the only one who could offer any kind of refuge for those now in danger. With a swift movement, Strax began his descent, his enormous dragon form hovering for a moment before landing with a thud, sending a cloud of dust and leaves into the air around the mansion. Ouroboros and Tiamat followed, landing with equal grace, their claws touching the ground gently despite the magnitude of their bodies. Strax, still with Xenovia on his back, quickly transformed back into his human form, his dark clothes adjusting to his body as he carefully placed his sister on the ground. He then turned to the other two, who were still in their dragon forms. "Stay here and watch the surroundings," Strax said firmly. "I'll go find Scarlet. We need to make sure we're ready for what's coming." Ouroboros and Tiamat nodded, their figures still imposing as they stood in alert, ready for any attack that might arise. Strax, now with clear determination in his eyes, entered the mansion, the heavy doors swinging open with a thud as he pushed them. The air inside the mansion was cool, with a touch of dark elegance, as expected from Scarlet's residence. The crystal chandeliers swayed gently, lighting the path toward the main room. As he entered, Strax found Scarlet standing, her red hair like fire cascading over her shoulders, her red eyes glowing like the sun reflected in water. She seemed to be waiting for him, a calm and serene expression on her face, but with a hint of concern when she saw Xenovia's condition. "You took your time," she said in a soft voice that carried undeniable authority. "I already knew you would come. The entire human world is looking for you." "I figured... I destroyed a prison," Strax replied, his eyes narrowing with a mix of frustration and worry. "Well, it doesn't matter now." Scarlet took a step forward, her gaze turning toward Xenovia, who was now being carefully helped by Strax to sit on a comfortable sofa, while he approached his wife. "You did what was necessary," she said with confidence, looking at Strax with admiration but also with the certainty that new challenges awaited them. "But you provoked a lot of people with that." "I know," Strax sighed. "But if anyone wants to interfere, I'll just kill them. I'm done." He glanced toward the door, where his other wives—Beatrice, Monica, Samira, Cristine, Belatrix, Daniela, and Cassandra—were waiting anxiously, knowing that now was the time for difficult decisions. Beatrice, with her light purple hair and proud posture, was the first to step forward. "Is she alright?" she asked, her keen eyes assessing the situation. "Yes," Strax confirmed, looking at each of the women. "She's with us, needs to recover, but she's fine." Monica, with her calm and serene demeanor, was the first to respond. "I'll prepare a bath for her, and some tea," she said with a smile. "Thank you." Strax smiled back. Cristine, with a determined expression, added, "The Empire has underestimated our strength so far, but that won't last long. They'll react, and we need to be ready for that." "So, what will we do?" Strax asked, his voice now more serious. "Should we attack, or wait for a more favorable opportunity?" Samira, with her orange hair and always strategic attitude, responded coldly, "We'll go back to Vorah and inform your father. I believe he already knew that something like this would happen sooner or later, as he's been preparing for war." "We'll gather information," Tiamat said, now entering through the door with a serious expression. The blonde woman was resolute. "We'll discover the Empire's movements and make a decision based on facts. But in the meantime, we must ensure that no one else is harmed." Strax nodded, feeling the tension rise. The Empire was on the move, and now, more than ever, he knew the road ahead would be a constant battle. They needed a plan. And with Xenovia and their allies, they were ready to confront the forces threatening their freedom. "Stay alert," Strax said, before turning to Scarlet. "What do we have in terms of resources here?" Scarlet smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with an enigmatic tone. "Whatever you want, dear. Have you forgotten who I am?" ... [Duchy of Vorah] The hall of Albert Vorah was dark, except for the lamps that illuminated the heavy wooden furniture and the luxurious carpets that covered the stone floor. The walls, lined with ancient tapestries and relics from past battles, seemed to absorb sound, creating an atmosphere of absolute silence. Albert sat in his leather chair, his hands clasped on the table, his piercing gaze fixed on the subordinate before him. He didn't move, not even blinking, as he listened to the man's report. The subordinate, a trusted spy who had infiltrated the Empire's ranks, appeared nervous, his breathing irregular. He knew that any mistake in his report could be fatal, yet he couldn't help but sweat under Albert's unblinking, relentless gaze. "Report, and be direct," Albert said in his deep, controlled voice. There was no urgency in his words, but a palpable tension hung in the air. The man before him swallowed hard, adjusting his posture before beginning. "Sir... the escape of Miss Xenovia has been confirmed," the subordinate started, his voice trembling slightly. "She was freed from a secret prison located beneath the castle... a prison far beyond the usual. Apparently, three dragons of immense power destroyed the prison. The leader of these dragons, in particular, seemed to be one of the most powerful we've ever seen near the Empire. He... he has an enormous aura and controlled the others with ease." Albert kept his gaze fixed, but his expression didn't change. He had already suspected something, but he didn't want to believe it. He knew this type of power. He knew it very well. "Strax," Albert murmured almost imperceptibly, more to himself than to the subordinate. "Continue." The subordinate flinched but quickly proceeded. "Yes, sir. The leader, the most imposing of the three dragons, was identified as Strax Vorah by General Kryssia, sir. He had Xenovia on his back when he stormed the prison, and... the other two dragons followed him without question, acting with great synchrony." Albert didn't move, but a subtle tension passed through his shoulders. He knew his son was somewhere acting outside the Empire's rules, but hearing it so directly still provoked a reaction. He leaned back in his chair and paused for a moment, his quick, meticulous mind processing the information. "Strax..." he repeated once again. "He was able to destroy a secret prison with the help of two other dragons. The power he demonstrated... it's immense. What happened after the destruction of the prison?" "After Xenovia's escape, General Kryssia was sent to capture them, but... she retreated. She reported that Strax threatened to destroy the Empire with the help of the other two unknown dragons." Albert's reaction was immediate. He didn't need further explanations. He already knew what this meant. "He's near the Emperor cultivation stage," Albert said, his voice now firmer, yet without a trace of emotion. "This is a turning point. If Strax has reached that level, things are going to change drastically. Not just for him, but for everyone around him." The subordinate looked at Albert, searching for any sign of a reaction. But Albert, as always, maintained an imperturbable control over himself. "This is more complicated than I thought," Albert said in a low voice, still with sharp clarity. "He's already surpassed my plans... He's now nearly at a much more dangerous level. He will seek the power that is due to him. And if he reaches the Emperor stage, it won't just be the Empire at risk. This affects everything." Albert slowly rose from his chair, his eyes fixed on the subordinate as if contemplating his next moves. He already knew the situation was more than complicated, but hearing those words about Strax, his son, who was now a threat to the Empire itself, made him reflect more deeply. He had always known Strax had potential, but the idea that he had come this far troubled him because it meant he was no longer under his control. The subordinate, clearly afraid, awaited the next command. Albert said nothing, but his gaze made the man feel as if he were being scrutinized thoroughly. "You were clear, but there's one crucial point missing," Albert finally said. "Where are Strax and Xenovia now? And what are the Empire's next moves?" "We don't know exactly where they are, but they're no longer in Empire territory. Some reports suggest they fled to the Vampire Kingdom. But... the Empire's troop movements suggest that the Emperor is aware of what happened, and he's likely preparing a response." Albert shook his head, his fingers touching the edge of the table as he reflected on the information. "The Emperor... as always, is being reactive. He doesn't understand what's truly at stake." He paused and looked at the subordinate. "You'll continue monitoring the movements, and I need a full report in 48 hours. Let me know anything that directly involves Strax. This is now a priority." "Yes, sir," the subordinate replied quickly, bowing slightly. "Understood." Albert turned to the window, his gaze distant, his thoughts racing at a speed almost impossible to keep up with. He had stayed away from the Empire for too long, but now, with Strax showing immeasurable power and Xenovia on the run, he knew he could no longer afford to stay distant. The war, whether against the Empire or any threat that arose, was about to begin, and he would need all his strength to ensure he came out victorious. "It seems that moment has arrived... He imprisoned Xenovia for some reason... Fortunately, Strax rescued her..." Albert sighed. "It seems that being has already begun to control the Emperor." Albert murmured and sat back in his chair. "What do you think?" Albert asked someone... "Who knows? The Gods of Olympus aren't too happy with the way things are unfolding. We're thinking of moving fully, acquiring new vessels." The voice spoke to him. "Who do you think will reach him first?" He questioned the voice. "Persephone has already made her moves toward Strax months ago." The voice answered Albert.

Chapter 359 359: Coming Home

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