Chapter 17: Kaelthar

Words : 1049 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

The air around it is heavy, oppressive, as though the door itself resents being opened. Two gargoyle-like creatures stand motionless on either side, their glowing eyes fixed forward, waiting for a command. Alix places his hand on the door, and the runes flare brighter, recognizing their master. With a low rumble, the door begins to part, revealing a swirling crimson vortex that serves as the entrance to the dungeon. As he passes through the vortex, the scene changes entirely. The air grows dry and thick with heat, the ground beneath his feet rough and cracked like dried blood. The sky above is a haunting red, dominated by a massive, unblinking eyeball that hovers like a moon, its gaze fixed upon everything at once. "It never gets less unsettling," Alix mutters, his eyes narrowing at the grotesque moon-like eyeball. It seems to pulse faintly, almost as if acknowledging his arrival. "Even the sky here feels like it's watching." Ahead lies a massive fortress-like structure carved from blackened stone. Its spires twist unnaturally toward the crimson sky, and at its base stands another enormous door, this one covered in pulsating veins of dark energy. Alix strides toward it without hesitation, his boots crunching against the brittle ground. When he reaches the door, it responds to his presence, the veins retracting and the stone parting with an ear-splitting groan. Beyond the door is a massive chamber, illuminated by an eerie red light. But instead of the ominous dungeon you would expects, the scene inside is startlingly different. The chamber is lavish, almost surreal in its opulence. Plush crimson carpets cover the ground, and ornate black-and-gold furnishings line the walls. Chandeliers made of glowing red crystals hang from the high ceiling, casting a soft, otherworldly glow over everything. The air is filled with the faint scent of incense, rich and intoxicating. At the center of the room is an enormous, canopied bed draped in dark silks. Lounging lazily on the bed is a strikingly handsome humanoid man with long, flowing black hair that shimmers faintly like scales in the light. His eyes are a piercing gold, slitted like a predator's, and his smile is sharp and knowing. This is Kaelthar, Alix's most powerful subordinate, an ancient evil dragon currently taking his humanoid form. Two humanoid monster maids attend to him, one feeding him grapes while the other pours crimson wine into a crystal goblet. Both are impeccably dressed in maid outfits that somehow manage to blend elegance and menace, their demonic features softened but still visible—horns curling gracefully and tails swishing idly behind them. As Alix steps deeper into the room, Kaelthar's posture shifts immediately. He rises from the bed with a fluid motion, his gold eyes locking onto Alix's. "Your Majesty," Kaelthar says, his voice filled with deep respect, almost exaggerated in its formality. He kneels before Alix, lowering his head with a dramatic flourish. "You honor me with your presence." Alix stops in his tracks, his brow furrowing slightly. He crosses his arms, watching Kaelthar with an unamused expression. "Why are you acting like you didn't sense my presence the moment I stepped into your dungeon?" he asks flatly. Kaelthar freezes, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. His gaze flickers for a brief moment, and he straightens up, looking slightly embarrassed. "Ah, well... you see, Your Majesty, I was... preoccupied," he says, his tone a bit awkward. Alix doesn't respond immediately, merely observing the dragon's discomfort. There's no real anger in his gaze—Kaelthar's willful personality is something Alix is well aware of, as it aligns perfectly with his in-game character traits. Kaelthar has always been fiercely loyal, but his lack of concern for the world and his own freedom often leads to moments like this. "It's fine," Alix says after a moment, shrugging off the slight disruption. Kaelthar lets out a small, relieved chuckle, but there's no mistaking the genuine respect he holds for Alix. He stands fully now, his imposing form towering over the smaller figure of his master. His golden eyes are filled with admiration, yet they also have that same detached look—like he doesn't much care for the world outside of Alix's influence. Alix tilts his head slightly, eyeing Kaelthar as he asks, "Do you still can't get out of the city? Even in this new world?" Kaelthar's expression shifts, a subtle frustration clouding his usually calm demeanor. "I still can't," he confirms, his tone measured but tinged with resignation. "I tried, you know, when you were still asleep. I thought maybe if I flew high enough, I could break through it. But no. An invisible barrier stops me every time, like it always has. It's frustrating, but..." He pauses, his lips curling into a half-smile, "I've grown used to it." "Well," Alix says aloud, "it's not like I ever relied on you for invasions. Defending the city suits you better." Kaelthar grins, his sharp teeth glinting faintly. "Defending is far less tedious," he says, his tone light. "Why would I want to leave this city anyway? Everything I need is here. Good wine, loyal servants, and,"—he gestures lazily around the room—"this cozy little palace of mine." Alix smirks at Kaelthar's nonchalance, shaking his head slightly. 'I guess I should thank the devs for making this guy like this,' he thinks. Fiercely loyal yet entirely content within his boundaries—Kaelthar's personality, no matter how carefree, is perfect for his role. He stays for a few more minutes, exchanging casual remarks with the dragon, who seems in no hurry to see him go. When Alix finally rises to leave, Kaelthar gives him a playful bow. "Don't stay away too long, Your Majesty," Kaelthar says, his golden eyes glinting with mirth. "The capital can get rather dull without you." "I'll manage," Alix replies dryly before stepping back through the massive door. But instead of heading to his throne room or office, Alix veers toward the palace gates. The guards bow as he passes, their gazes filled with respect, but Alix waves them off before they can speak. He walks past the towering walls of the city, as he exits the capital alone.

Chapter 17: Kaelthar

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