Dragon King: Throne of Demons and Gods-Chapter 27: A New Path Opens

Bel blinked, his mind momentarily blank.

"Not a noble?" he repeated.

The Duke nodded, his expression pleased.

"Yes. During the council, the issue of stronger monsters was the center of the stage. Entire villages have vanished overnight, and organized groups of monsters have been sighted more frequently. The King has decided to reinvest in the Adventurer's Guild to counter this problem."

Bel listened, his thoughts racing.

"Starting tomorrow, a grand initiative will be launched to encourage strong people to become adventurers," the Duke continued. "And with your potential, I believe you should be among them. This way, you will have true freedom. No more lords to answer to, no noble chains holding you down. You will carve your own path."

Bel hesitated, processing the words. It was... good. No, better than good, it was exactly what he wanted. A chance to leave the nobility behind, to move freely, and to grow stronger without interference. This was the opportunity he had been looking for.

Just as he was about to respond, the Baron clicked his tongue and stepped forward, forcing himself into the conversation.

"With your talent, it would've been a waste to leave you as a knight. I saw your potential and insisted that you become an adventurer instead."

The air between the two nobles tensed instantly as they turned to glare at each other.

Bel observed the silent battle, tilting his head slightly. What exactly was going on between them? He had no idea why, but the tension felt... personal.

Regardless, this outcome was perfect for him.

The Duke finally broke the stare-down with a casual wave of his hand.

"Either way, this decision benefits everyone. I will inform Crest as well. Both of you will register at the guild tomorrow. The kingdom needs strong individuals, and I expect both of you to fight together for it."

Bel remained silent, watching the Duke carefully.

"If you ever require resources, my funds are open to you," the Duke added smoothly.

Bel forced a small smile, his golden eyes narrowing slightly.

Of course no, he would never ask for his financial help. What was the point of being free if he ended up owing a noble?

"I appreciate the offer," he said simply, then turned toward the palais. "I'll keep that in mind."

As he walked away, the Duke's practiced smile faded slightly, giving way to something calmer, more natural. One problem solved.

The Baron, however, clenched his fists, barely containing his frustration.

"You're interfering too much with my estate, Duke."

The Duke's expression remained simple as he turned to face him.

"With a demon lurking in your land, do you even own an estate anymore?"

The Baron's eyes darkened.

The Duke continued, his tone light but his words sharp.

"You stand at the lowest rung of the noble hierarchy now. And with the loss of your family's treasure, what else do you have left? Without my intervention, you wouldn't even be a noble anymore."

The Baron exhaled sharply.

"That's exactly why I wanted to train this boy, to retrieve it from her!"

"The knight who formally asked to quit?" The Duke smirked. "If it weren't for my idea, your estate would have lost the greatest potential it had."

The Baron clenched his jaw, his fists trembling slightly. The Duke studied him for a moment before adding.

"Unless, of course, there's something else bothering you."

The Baron flinched. He quickly turned away, muttering a curse under his breath before storming off.

The Duke merely watched him leave, his face unreadable, before exhaling through his nose and turning back toward the palais.

Later that night, Bel was sitting in his room, his golden eyes fixed on the glowing screen before him.

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[Draconic Evolution System]

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Name: Belzerion

Title: None

Race: Dragon

Class: Greater Wyrmling

Level: 21

EXP: 98/3000

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Core Stats:

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HP: 410/410

MP: 120/120

Strength: 63

Toughness: 72

Intelligence: 48

Speed: 55

Agility: 57

Stamina: 67

Pressure: 11

Unassigned Stat Points: 0

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Draconic Core: 12%

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An adventurer. The word had never meant much to him before, but now, it was the key to everything.

Hunting monsters stronger than simple beasts. Faster leveling. Access to better prey. Unlike as a knight, he wouldn't be forced to protect nobles or get tangled in political games. Instead, he could focus entirely on his own growth.

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And the money.

Adventurers had countless ways to earn: slaying monsters for bounties, retrieving rare materials, and even escorting merchants, though this one wouldn't be an option for him.

He had heard stories of adventurers traveling from town to town, slaying monsters, claiming rewards. A nomadic existence, dictated only by strength. Perfect.

As long as he was strong, he could dictate his own path, with no restrictions and no orders.

For the first time since his rebirth, he would be truly free, just like the spiders he used to watch from the stables months ago.

He clenched his fists, his pulse quickening. Things were about to get interesting.

The next morning, Bel stood in the garden, stretching his arms. The sky was clear, the morning air crisp. He rolled his shoulders, already going over the day's plan.

Step one: Register at the Adventurer's Guild.

Step two: Take the first available quest.

Step three: Hunt.

Step three: Feast.

Just as he was about to leave, a voice called from behind.

"Bel."

He turned, eyes narrowing slightly as he saw the Duke approaching, Crest walking beside him. But what caught his attention was the third person, a woman in black armor, her long hair flowing behind her.

Bel's instincts flared. The way she moved, her confidence. She was surely a seasoned warrior.

"Bel," the Duke said smoothly. "This is Elysia, my best knight, but also the sister of the knight you defeated. She'll be escorting you and Crest to the guild."

Bel's gaze flickered toward her. Will's older sister. He briefly considered whether she was here to avenge her brother's humiliation. But before he could test the waters, she clapped him on the back with a grin.

"So you're the guy who wrecked my brother?"

Bel blinked.

Elysia laughed, throwing her head back with genuine amusement.

"I've been waiting for someone to put him in his place! That little brat's been too full of himself for way too long." She wiped a fake tear from her eye, shaking her head. "Oh, if only I could have seen his face! That must have been priceless!"

She clapped Bel on the shoulder again, her grin widening.

Bel stood there, completely speechless. This was... not what he had expected. He had braced for resentment, maybe even hostility, but instead, she was celebrating it? He wasn't sure how to react.

"Good work. Really, you've done a great service."

Crest exhaled sharply.

"Elysia..."

She smirked at him.

"Oh, lighten up, Crest. Or is your pride hurting too?"

Crest crossed his arms but said nothing.

The Duke watched them, then spoke.

"Elysia will not only escort you but also guide you through the guild process. Consider it an opportunity to learn from one of the best."

Bel shrugged.

"Fine by me."

He was eager to get started. If anything, it would save him time figuring things out himself.

Elysia grinned.

"I like the enthusiasm. Too bad my brat of a brother can't follow your example."

She turned, gesturing toward the carriage waiting for them.

"Come on, let's not waste time. The sooner we get there, the sooner you can start your new life."

Crest simply nodded and walked toward the carriage. Bel followed, his mind already racing ahead.

As they stepped inside, Elysia fell in step beside the Duke.

The Duke's voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.

"He's in your hands now. Don't let him disappear."

Elysia's smile didn't falter, but something in her eyes sharpened.

"Relax. I told you, with that much pressure, an anomaly can't hide anywhere."

The carriage doors shut, and with that, they were off toward the Adventurer's Guild.