The Return of the Betrayed Heir

25

When Alex turned around, he found a black, bipedal ant standing amidst the rubble, its body drenched in blood. Despite sustaining heavy injuries, the creature radiated an extraordinarily potent aura. Without hesitation, Alex drawn Greed and enveloped it in Blood Flames, while Tessarion gathered dragon fire within his jaws and unleashed it toward the creature.

Alex closed the distance with swift footwork, circling behind the burning ant and severing its arms in a single slash. However, even as the flames attempted to consume the monster, its regenerative capabilities proved dangerously rapid. Tessarion maintained a relentless stream of fire, but the ant regenerated its limbs instantly, extending its razor-sharp claws to carve deep lacerations across Alex's chest before he could react.

Alex's eyes widened in surprise. The ant possessed terrifying speed; even in its severely weakened state, its raw power remained formidable. Utilizing the passive trait of the Mist Lizard, Alex rapidly regenerated his wounds and launched a counterattack. The ant vanished instantly, reappearing directly behind him. Though Alex reacted swiftly, turning to face the threat, the ant had already driven its claws back into his chest. Driven purely by predatory instinct, its sole objective was to hunt the strongest presence in the vicinity.

Tessarion snapped his jaws shut, but the ant successfully evaded the dragon's bite. However, it failed to react to the heavy tail strike that followed immediately after. Narrowing its blue eyes, the ant assessed the Golden Dragon, recognizing the density of its scales and sharpening its claws further to breach the defense.

With the ant's focus fully anchored on Tessarion, Alex activated the skill of the Night Hound, slipping behind the creature undetected. In one swift motion, he severed its head and bisected its torso with the three-eyed blade.

Gazing down at the bisected carcass with disgust, Alex spat, "Bastard... completely ruined my clothes."

Sighing as he surveyed his shredded attire, Alex approached Tessarion and patted his snout. "Good distraction, my friend."

"What did you expect?" the Golden Dragon replied with pride. "I'm better at this than you are."

With that, the Golden Dragon melted back into Alex's shadow. Moments later, sensing five distinct mana signatures descending from the sky, Alex sheathed his weapon. He knew precisely who was arriving: King Zephyr and four elite royal guards.

Anticipating their questions regarding the destruction, Alex took a seat on a nearby rock, leaning back casually. King Zephyr and his guards touched down. Alex adjusted his posture slightly. "Welcome, Your Majesty."

King Zephyr surveyed the decimated landscape before turning his gaze to Alex. Observing the shredded clothing, he knew a fierce battle had transpired, though he found it strange that such torn attire bore no corresponding deep wounds beneath.

"What happened here?" King Zephyr asked.

"After rescuing Elrond, the ants kept coming," Alex explained smoothly. "I fought my way here, followed a fissure into the mountain, and descended into their primary nest."

"The Slaughter Ants were breeding here?" one of the guards interjected, startled.

"They aren't anymore," Alex replied.

Observing the reactions of the group, Alex noted that King Zephyr was the only one who showed no surprise upon hearing that the hive was located here. Alex had harbored suspicions about the King ever since arriving in the realm, though he had yet to decipher his true motives.

"And then?" King Zephyr inquired.

"I went deeper into the cavern and located the Queen," Alex continued. "Fortunately, the area was heavily saturated with sulfur gas. I ignited the gas with fire, and the resulting detonation blew the entire mountain apart."

Alex recounted the event as though it were a mundane occurrence, leaving the guards staring at him in disbelief. King Zephyr continued to scan the area until his eyes rested upon the severed remains of the black ant.

"It seems one of them survived the blast," the King noted, gesturing toward the carcass.

"Yes," Alex nodded. "Luckily, it was already severely weakened, which made putting it down much easier."

King Zephyr approached the remains. Having never encountered a Slaughter Ant variant like this, he manipulated wind magic to construct a pressurized sphere, lifting the biological fragments into it for transport. Generating a pair of glacial wings, the King rose slowly into the air.

"Let us return to the palace," Zephyr stated. "I wish to examine this specimen more closely."

The guards took to the sky behind their ruler. Alex channeled wind magic, accelerating to match the King's pace alongside him.

"Why do you not summon your dragon?" King Zephyr asked casually.

"There's no need," Alex replied. "Tessarion is resting, and there's no reason to disturb him. I can fly using wind magic just fine."

Zephyr found the response intriguing. Dragon riders typically flaunted their companions at every opportunity. Alex was the exact opposite; throughout his three-year stay in the Elven Kingdom, he had never summoned his dragon in public view. Zephyr knew Alex possessed a rare Golden Dragon and harbored a strong desire to see it, though he lacked a valid reason to demand a display. As time passed, the King's curiosity had only grown. He suspected Alex kept the dragon hidden because it remained underdeveloped in size.

In reality, Alex's primary objective was absolute discretion. Displaying a Golden Dragon would inevitably draw unwanted attention and keep him in the spotlight. He was determined to remain hidden until he reached adulthood. At merely nine years old, he had seven years remaining before reaching maturity. During this window, he preferred to operate quietly from the shadows.

King Zephyr glanced at him. "So, you will be departing soon."

Alex offered a slight smile. "Yes, I will be returning home shortly. To be honest, part of me doesn't want to leave, but..."

"Then stay," Zephyr offered directly.

Alex was taken aback by the proposal. Stunned for a moment, he cleared his throat to regain his composure. "I appreciate the generous offer, Your Majesty, but I must return. A dragon's place is always near the flames."

Hesteria, the kingdom of the dragon riders, was situated in the western region of the continent—a volcanic landscape characterized by high ambient temperatures, making it the ideal habitat for dragons.

"I am serious, Alex," Zephyr pressed. "If you wish to remain, I can speak with your father and arrange for an extension."

"Your offer is deeply appreciated, but I must decline," Alex replied politely. "I have already extended my stay by a year, utilizing the last of my leeway."

Alex was originally scheduled to stay for two years, but he had requested an additional year under the pretext of his close friendship with Laena. In truth, Alex knew the exact timeline of the Slaughter Ant emergence and had extended his stay specifically to use the outbreak as a training opportunity.

King Zephyr sighed softly. "I understand. Though I wonder how Laena will take the news. You two have become quite close."

A cold sweat broke out on Alex's neck as he realized he had overlooked that detail. "Ah... I forgot to tell Laena... I hope she isn't too furious with me."

Zephyr looked ahead. "Parting was inevitable. You could not remain side by side forever."

"You are right," Alex agreed. "Leaving saddens me, but I will adjust. My main concern was how Laena might react to my departure."

In truth, this was entirely insincere; Alex cared little for her emotional state and wanted nothing more than to distance himself from her possessive nature. Over the past year, Laena's attachment had grown uncomfortably intense, forcing Alex to put up a front of harmonious friendship.

"It seems the responsibility of informing her falls on you," Zephyr remarked.

"I will handle it," Alex replied.

The silhouette of the elven palace came into view. Alex took in the sight one last time, aware that he would not behold it again. He felt a mixture of relief and subtle nostalgia.

"Alright..."

Accelerating ahead of the group, Alex landed directly in the palace courtyard. Observing his sudden burst of speed, Zephyr knew the boy intended to address the matter immediately.

At this hour, Laena was typically in the training hall. Stepping into the courtyard arena, Alex found her practicing her swordsmanship—and she was not alone.

Standing beside her was Godrey... the individual Alex had been tracking for the past three years.

Noticing Alex, Laena paused her routine. A bright smile illuminated her face as she sprinted toward him and threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. Over the past years, she had grown significantly, her features maturing gracefully.

"You're finally back," Laena said with a sigh of relief.

Godrey's expression darkened instantly at the sight of Alex. He deeply resented the intimacy between Laena and the outsider. Aware of Godrey's hostility, Alex deliberately tightened his embrace around Laena.

Godrey's jaw clenched in fury as Alex met his gaze with a twisted, mocking smirk.

After years of waiting, the two rivals stood face to face once more. Would Alex permit him to live this time, or eradicate him where he stood?