Chapter 11: Blood Lotus
The knight, a woman named Lysa, half-drew her sword. "You insult our house, River! Don’t blame us for being bold! Our young master is a genius. When he awakens, he’ll surpass even your precious Naide."
Jaedan burst into laughter, his eyes gleaming with defiance. "A genius? He’s never faced a real opponent. I slew C-rank monsters at sixteen. What has Daemon done besides tormenting peasants? And raping innocent girls?"
Erwan took a step forward, his armor creaking. "You talk too much, River. If you want a duel with our young master, name the time and place. But don’t slander his honor behind his back like a coward."
Jaedan’s knights closed in, hands on their weapons. Torren, Jaedan’s right-hand man, a bearded veteran, murmured, "Young master, stay calm. A brawl here would be reckless."
Jaedan ignored the warning, unhooking the Misi-Genebig lance from his back. The runic steel tip glinted in the pale moonlight. "No need for a duel, Torren. If Daemon’s so great, where is he? Dead in that cave, no doubt, crushed by his own arrogance."
Lysa spat on the ground. "You’ll regret those words soon enough." She drew her sword.
Like everyone else.
Jaedan opened his mouth to retort, but a low rumble shook the earth. The cave before them vibrated, cracks zigzagging across its facade. Stone blocks collapsed, raising a cloud of dust. An inhuman, guttural roar echoed from the depths.
"What’s happening!?" Jaedan shouted, stepping back, his lance pointed at the entrance.
"Young master!" Torren rushed to his side, sword drawn. "A cave-in! Something’s gone wrong in there."
Erwan paled, staring at the cave. "The young master... Daemon’s in there!"