Capítulo 786: A New King The Tristan Kingdom wasn’t just any kingdom, but a close ally of the Vermilion Kingdom. In fact, during his time in the academy—before the dragon realm incident and the demon invasion—Nox and his classmates had helped contain a high-level 6 portal that had been a major threat to the kingdom. In a way, even though he and the students had won only because of the alliance between the Vermilion Kingdom and Tristan, he felt they still owed him… at least, that’s what he thought. “The last time they had been very cool. You think now that you’re no longer part of the Cromwell Kingdom, they’ll still reciprocate that energy?” Jack asked as they inched closer to the kingdom. Now that Nox recalled… Jack had been part of the students back then, but at that time he was still disguised as Glen. “There’s only one way to find out.” Nox smirked as he gently tapped the dragon, signaling it to descend. ‘Huh, what’s that?’ “It’s huge!” “Is that a dragon?!” When the citizens of the Tristan capital saw the massive shadow covering them, panic and curiosity flashed in their eyes. “I remember Commander Luthair offering me a spot in their army once. Let’s see how things play out.” “Look—they’re showing signs of hostility,” Jack called out. Nox glanced down. Sure enough, archers were already aiming their arrows at them. Calmly, he stood up and raised his hand. Seeing the gesture, the one who was in charge raised a hand as well, and the others quickly lowered their bows. The dragon descended and landed in the middle of the flat plaza, causing dust to ripple outward. Thud! Nox and Jack jumped down, landing with a soft thud. People had already gathered, pointing at the dragon while whispering in not-so-silent voices. “A dragon… a real dragon…” “I thought they went extinct?!” “No—didn’t the Vermilion Kingdom say a few appeared during the Demon Invasion?” “But seeing one this close… look at those scales… gods above…” Parents pulled their children close. Some hid behind stalls. Others leaned forward excitedly. Merchants abandoned their stands mid-sale. Even rooftop guards froze in shock. Never in Tristan’s history had a living dragon landed this close to the royal district—not even during the alliance war. “It’s… beautiful…” “So strong…” “Wait are they riding it?!” “That boy, look at him. He’s so calm!” Nox ignored the chaotic admiration. He adjusted his cloak and stepped forward so sunlight hit him directly. Jack followed with his hood still up. “Feels weird being stared at like this,” Jack muttered. “They’re acting like we’re celebrities.” “We kind of are,” Nox replied casually. “It’s not every day a dragon lands in their backyard.” The guards remained tense, but the moment Nox raised his hand earlier, one of the captains had recognized him. Now that same captain pushed through the crowd, eyes trembling as he approached, unsure whether to salute, bow, or kneel. “Young Master Cromwell!” he called out loudly. “Hm?” Nox was slightly confused. How did this person know him? “Do I know you from somewhere?” he asked. “Yes—well, you might not know me, but I know you,” the captain replied. “It was mostly because of you and the special-class students that we were able to contain the Level 6 portal. I was among the soldiers.” “Oh, I see.” Nox nodded. He still didn’t remember this exact soldier—there had been too many—but he remembered the important ones. “You may rise,” Nox said. The captain nodded and stood. After clearing his throat, he asked, “So… what brings you to the Tristan Kingdom?” “I would like to have a word with Commander Luthair,” Nox replied. Commander Luthair was the commander of Tristan’s forces—the same one who had proposed giving Nox shelter after he killed Ainsworth and Brandon. [Chapter Reference: 424 – Brandon Attack] There was a moment of silence. When Nox requested to see the commander, the atmosphere among the archers suddenly became awkward. A gleam of confusion flashed in the captain’s eyes… but before Nox could ask anything else, the man spoke. “It’s King Luthair now.” “King?” Nox narrowed his eyes. He clearly remembered the king of Tristan being Darius Tristan. What could have happened? Had Luthair staged a coup? But Luthair didn’t seem like that type… at least, from the impression he gave Nox back then. The man had radiated loyalty. “What happened to King Darius?” The atmosphere immediately turned gloomy. Some guards looked away. Only the captain was brave enough to hold Nox’s gaze. “He died during the demon invasion… along with all the heirs,” he said solemnly. Nox’s eyes flashed—he finally understood what had happened. “How about I take you to the king? He can explain better,” the captain asked moments later, clearly uncomfortable discussing it further. “Sure.” Nox shrugged. Moments later, they were escorted to the castle and into the king’s courtroom. Nox stepped inside, his thoughts a mess. Luthair had clearly shown interest in him, but that was years ago… was he still the same? The large doors closed behind Nox and Jack. The Tristan throne room wasn’t as grand as the Vermilion Palace, but it still held an imposing aura. White marble floors. Crimson banners. A long path leading to the throne. Nox walked quietly. Jack followed behind him, fingers tapping lightly on his dagger hilt while his eyes scanned the surroundings. Nox’s mind, however, wasn’t on the decorations. It was on power. And how intoxicating it could be. How quickly people changed once it touched their hands. He had seen it too many times. His only hope was that Luthair had remained the same loyal general—one willing to lay down his life for the Tristan Kingdom. After some time, they arrived before the throne, where a muscular man with a scar along the side of his face sat with cruel eyes and a glass of wine in hand. — Thanks to all those that supported Supreme BeastTamer with their valuable Golden Tickets and power stones. This month has come to an end! Save your Golden Tickets, and let’s vote again next month!!!