Chapter 24: Grixx

Words : 1046 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

She moves her hand toward the center of the forest. "Now, about Tolga..." Nyssara's voice lowers slightly. "This is where it gets difficult. I've heard rumors he roams around here, but no one knows for sure. He doesn't stay in one place for long, and anyone who tries to track him either vanishes or comes back empty-handed." Nyssara circles a broad area in the center of the map. "This is the best I can do for him. He's like a ghost in the forest." Nyssara takes a deep breath as she finishes marking the locations, her claw hovering over the map. She looks up at Alix and hands the map back to him carefully. "Here, Your Majesty," she says. "This is all I know." Alix takes the map, his crimson eyes scanning it briefly before rolling it up. He leans back in his throne, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Uhm," Nyssara ventures hesitantly, her voice quieter now. "Are you... planning something?" Alix glances at her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I am. If I want to make this forest mine, I need every creature in it to submit to me. Voluntarily or otherwise." Nyssara blinks, her eyes widening slightly. "You... plan to conquer the entire forest?" "Yes," Alix replies smoothly. "We'll start with the strongest. Once they fall, the others will have no choice but to yield." Nyssara nods slowly, her mind racing as she imagines the scale of his plans. The thought of him subjugating monsters as strong as Tolga seems both daunting and inevitable. Alix studies her for a moment, then leans forward slightly, his tone shifting to something more casual. "What about you? Have you considered living here in the city instead of that cave?" Nyssara's crimson eyes widen in surprise. "What? Really? I... I could live here?" "Yes," Alix says with a faint smile. "There are plenty of houses here, as you've no doubt noticed. You can choose any unclaimed one in the city." Nyssara's gaze flickers with excitement, though she quickly tamps it down. She had seen the empty houses—especially the ones near the palace, with their grand designs and prime locations. Her mandibles twitch slightly as she tries to contain her enthusiasm. Alix notices her reaction immediately. "But," he adds, raising a finger, "the properties in Velirion Heights—the noble district—are off limits. They already have owners." Nyssara's excitement dims slightly, but she nods quickly. "I understand, Your Majesty. Anywhere else is... more than generous." "Good," Alix says, leaning back again. "You can make your choice today if you wish." After Nyssara leaves, Alix sits on his throne, unrolling the map she marked. His crimson eyes narrow as they settle on the territory of Thurn. The spider-like monster's domain sprawls across the dense eastern forest, marked by webbed paths and venomous traps. "This guy is the second strongest of them," Alix murmurs to himself, his voice low but decisive. "So, I'll start with him." He rolls the map back up. "Tomorrow, then." The next day, Alix steps into his flying carriage, its sleek black frame gleaming faintly with magical energy. His trusted lizardman royal guard is already waiting inside, standing stiffly at attention. The carriage lifts off smoothly, the city falling away below them as it glides through the sky. Alix settles into his seat, gazing out at the vast expanse of forest stretching toward the horizon. After a moment of silence, he turns to the lizardman. "What is your name?" Alix asks. The lizardman stiffens, his golden eyes widening slightly. For a moment, he seems unsure if he heard correctly. "M-my name, Your Majesty?" "Yes," Alix replies, his tone firm but not unkind. "You've served me well. I'd like to know who I'm addressing." The lizardman's chest swells with pride. Being asked his name by the king himself feels like the greatest honor. He bows his head slightly, his gravelly voice steady despite his excitement. "Your Majesty, my name is Grixx. It is an honor to serve you." Alix nods. "Grixx. A strong name. You've proven yourself reliable. Let's see if you can continue to meet my expectations today." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Grixx replies, his voice filled with determination. "I will not fail you." Alix leans back in his seat, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Good. We'll need your strength where we're going." The carriage soars over the trees, the dense eastern forest coming into view. The towering canopy stretches endlessly, its dark green depths hinting at the dangers lurking within. Alix's eyes flicker with anticipation as the carriage begins its descent. "Prepare yourself, Grixx," Alix says, his tone calm. "We're entering Thurn's territory." Shortly after, Alix orders Grixx to land the carriage. The flying vehicle descends gracefully into the heart of Thurn's domain, where the air grows thick with a faintly shimmering, green miasma. As the carriage touches the forest floor, the surrounding area reveals itself just as Nyssara had described—dense trees covered in thick, glistening webs stretching from branch to branch. The ground is hidden beneath a layer of sticky threads, and faint clicking noises echo in the distance. Alix steps out of the carriage, his crimson eyes surveying the area. The poisonous miasma hangs heavily, but he feels no effect thanks to the divine ring on his finger. Its subtle glow protects him from any toxin. He glances at Grixx, who follows close behind, showing no signs of discomfort. Alix narrows his eyes slightly, his mind calculating. "So," Alix says, his voice breaking the silence, "this miasma doesn't affect you." Grixx looks at him, his golden eyes sharp. "No, Your Majesty. I feel nothing." Alix smirks faintly. "That's good to know. Your resistance confirms something for me." Grixx tilts his head slightly, curious. "What is that, Your Majesty?" "This gas," Alix says, gesturing to the faint green fog surrounding them, "is potent enough to weaken lesser beings. If it doesn't faze you, then Thurn's strength is likely around level 280 or higher. Poison this concentrated wouldn't even register to someone like you unless it came from a significant threat."

Chapter 24: Grixx

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