Chapter 119: Budding Feelings
The room seemed to tremble under the impact of the monstrous blows exchanged between Lazare and Belgaroth. Each of their exchanges released terrifying shock waves, distorting the air, fracturing the stone walls, making the floor itself vibrate. Belgaroth’s ardent flames crackled around him, snaking along his massive arms, carving trails of fire on the ground. His arrogant, almost savage smile never left his face as he swung his fists like war hammers, each blow releasing an incandescent wave.
Lazare dodged, his movements subtly deflecting the energy, compressing the air around him to propel himself with millimetric movements. The flames never touched him directly, turning away around him, sometimes exploding in bursts of light. But Belgaroth, far from being annoyed, seemed to be enjoying this incessant ballet.
- "So this is the best humans have to offer?" he mocked, his rumbling voice resonating throughout the room. "Running... hiding... playing the dancing shadows."
Lazare, his breath measured, observed his movements with piercing acuity. Each of Belgaroth’s attacks was methodical, brutal, but with calculated precision. The red dragon was far from being a simple brute; each strike seemed to anticipate a possible retreat, forcing Lazare to move into zones of weakness.
- "Why are you here?" whispered Lazare, his eyes scrutinizing Belgaroth with icy intensity. "What is your mission?"
Belgaroth laughed, a guttural and contemptuous laugh, slightly shaking his broad shoulders.
- "Mission? Oh, you really think we act out of obligation? No, guild master... it’s a pleasure. We’re here for the simple pleasure of destruction. You know what’s most amusing about you humans? You’re so fragile, so easy to break... especially your females."
Lazare didn’t flinch, but his fingers tensed slightly. His mana vibrated around him, the air charging with a subtle pressure, as if the molecules themselves were responding to his contained rage.
- "Why now? Why here?" he insisted, his voice taking on a harder tone.
Belgaroth tilted his head, his eyes glowing with an amused glint.
- "Why not? The Empire is tired of waiting. It’s time to have some fun... And this land, this world you love so much... it will burn. Slowly. Just enough for you to see it disintegrate beneath your feet."