Dragna Capital City, the Main gate.
Zanis and Ouroboros stood in front of the gates, after teleporting from the other end of the continent.
Even though they teleported, it still took them almost a day. Traveling via teleport normally took a lot of magic, especially a long distance teleportation like what they did took an enormous amount of magic; so much, it wouldn't be surprising if Zanis had collapsed from Magic Exhaustion.
The reason he wasn't tired was because of his [Divinity] that allows him to access the power of infinity. In other words had an almost unlimited amount of magic.
“So this is the famous Dragna Kingdom?”
Zanis swept his eyes over the guards guarding the main gates. He frown and turned to Ouroboros.
“Aren't the people here too weak?”
Ouroboros smiled.
“Use [Recon] as far as you can.”
Zanis frowned for a bit, and then closed his eyes.
A dark glow appeared at his feet, it then spread at an alarming rate.
In mere seconds the glow swept over the entire city. A minute later it stretched all over the kingdom.
The glow then retracted faster than the rate it expanded, and returned to Zanis’ feet.
“….This place is filled with hidden monsters.”
He muttered with awe.
[Recon] was a technique that allowed someone to search for presences around them, just like a radar. The scan will let the user pinpoint others, and learn their [Class] at the same time.
It was a simple technique that can be learnt by anyone. However, the range which a person can scan is dependent on the individual’s ability.
The average person could scan a few meters radius, while the more talented could scan miles.
Some could even scan an entire country, just like what Zanis did.
“Seven in the east, and eleven in the city. Eighteen in total. They are eighteen persons stronger than me, who is a [X Class], here.”
“That's right. And now that you've used [Recon] they know that you're here.”
There was a fatal flaw that came with using [Recon]. That was if you use it on someone stronger than you, they will be alerted of your presence and location.
It was for this reason people developed more efficient scouting techniques when they got strong enough. Of course, this goes for Zanis too.
When one was as strong as Zanis and used a mediocre skill like [Recon], it meant one of two things.
One was that he wanted to announce that he wasn't an enemy.
The other was, because he's an idiot.
“Now that we've announced our presence, there shouldn't be any problems later on.”
Saying so Ouroboros started walking towards the city. Zanis walked beside him.
“But to think there was a [Tyrant] other than Nova and Nero here.”
Zanis heard the mumble and couldn't help to ask.
“Which [Tyrant] is it?”
“Arsene.”
“That Cursed King? Wasn't he supposed to be in the Night Continent? I heard he was a nomad, but this is on the other side of the world you know.”
“Its better for you to not think about it too much. That man can't be defined by common sense after all.”
Zanis nodded in agreement and they continued their walk.
They walked through the commercial district, through the middle class district, through the high class, and finally stopped in front of a giant gate.
The gate was the same size as the one found at the main entrance of capital. However this gate was made of gold and had a dragon design on it.
The walls were also very high and had a high-tech security system on it, which prevented others from even thinking of jumping over.
Zanis walked over to the guards who were a bit stronger than the ones stationed at the front.
“I'm here to meet with King Marcel.”
The guards looked at Zanis with a suspicious gaze before responding.
“Your name?”
“Zanis Zebul.”
“?!”
Hearing Zanis’s name, more specifically the name Zebul, the guards almost wet themselves and cowered in fear.
“Z-Z-Zebul Empire?!”
Ouroboros sighed when he saw how frightened the guards got from just hearing a name.
“Tia should really pick a Proxy and rebuild this kingdom. This display is just pathetic.”
The guards didn't hear his complaints, and continued to shake in fear in front of Zanis.
Zanis opened his mouth to say something, but just before he did a light flashed before his eyes.
The next thing he knew, the heads of the guards fell from their bodies.
Their corpse weren't able to hit the ground, instead they turned into mist and disappeared; leaving only their heads behind.
(You may enter.)
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
A monotone voice echoed in Zanis’ mind.
He paid the heads left for display no mind, and entered the Royal District.
Upon entering through the gates, Zanis saw three roads all leading to a different directions.
This was called Triad Road.
Each road led to one of three clans that resides in the Royal District. Namely, the Saevio, Flameheart, and Dragna Clans.
Zanis unhesitatingly walked on the middle road.
The road was long and desolated. No matter how long he walked he couldn't meet a single person.
When he looked to his sides all he could see were empty fields. It made it hard to believe that he was in the city.
“I see. The palace is in another dimension.”
He looked behind him and saw that the scenery at the end of the road was completely different from the one he was experiencing now.
“So the roads serve as entrances to three different dimensions, which means that you can't reach the palace unless you take this road. This renders aerial and underground attacks useless.”
Zanis was impressed by the person who thought of such a thing.
After walking some more, Zanis noticed that the scenery was gradually changing.
He started to see farms and warehouses on the side, and buildings ahead of him.
The building at first were nothing special, but after a while he started to see some with majestic designs and appearance, like he was in Ancient Rome.
He also saw a lot of people moving about, as well as vehicles. It wasn't long before Zanis was at the center of a city.
“I can finally see the palace.”
Zanis looked ahead and saw a beautiful silver palace that looked like it stretched for miles.
“Let's get a closer look.”
Zanis took a step forward, and everything beside him looked like it was being fast forward.
When his feet touched the ground, he was standing in front of the palace gates.
He cut the several miles distance with a single step.
He looked up at the silver gates that shone like pearls. He pushed them open, and entered the palace.
The fact no one stopped him meant that he was free to enter.
He walked and looked around at several sculptures made of silver and gold.
There was one of a dragon, one of a warrior, one of a beautiful goddess, and one of a mighty king.
“Lord Zanis Zebul.”
A woman in a maid uniform appeared from behind one of the statues. Her face was beautiful, but lacked any emotions. It was as if her face was a mask. Zanis recognized the voice as the one he heard inside his head earlier.
“My master is waiting in the throne room.”
“King Marcel?”
“No.”
The maid said nothing more and walked away from Zanis and Ouroboros.
They followed closely behind her.
After walking through several luxurious halls, the maid stopped in front of a giant door made of white wood.
The maid knocked and pushed the door open.
Zanis could see 5 persons in the throne room.
Four who stood in front the throne, and one who sat on the throne.
“You may enter.”
Said the maid.
Zanis nodded and he and Ouroboros walked inside the room.
As he walked, he scanned the faces of everyone inside.
First there was a teen boy with azure hair wearing luxurious clothes. His expression was serious and he gave off the feeling of a soldier.
Zanis recognized him as the crown prince Dario Dragna.
Beside him was a tall and handsome young man with purple hair. On his face was a smile that seemed friendly at first, but gave off a dangerous feeling.
Zanis recognized him as the first prince Karim Dragna.
On the other side of the room, was a beautiful woman who had a benevolent aura, golden hair, and green eyes.
She was the queen Vivian Dragna.
Beside her was a man with a muscular build who gave off the feeling of murderer. His purple hair was wild and beastly.
He was the King of the kingdom, Warrior King Marcel.
And lastly, was a man who looked like he was in his early twenties or late teens, who sat on the throne.
His hair was well-kept and was the perfect mixture of azure and purple. He was wearing black and purple robes, and had a dragon shaped ring on his finger.
His eyes were ferocious and pierced through Zanis with every step he took.
He was someone Zanis didn't recognized. Not only that, he was someone of the highest [Class], just like his master.
Zanis was curious who he was, and why was he on the throne instead of Marcel the king.
Under the gaze of the man, Zanis walked up to throne and spoke.
“My name is Zanis Zebul. I apologize for not kneeling, but I only kneel for my emperor.”
The man looked at Zanis from head to toe before responding.
“I don't mind. I never expected a Black Scripture to bow down to me anyway.”
“….You already know my identity?”
“Of course.”
He gestured to the maid at door, and she started speaking.
“Zanis Zebul. The adopted son of Zara Zebul, the founder of one of most powerful demon empires the Zebul Empire. Zanis is also one of 13 Black Scriptures of Beelzebub, where he is ranked 7th despite being only a [X Class]. It is speculated that the reason for this is because he’s also the Proxy of Ouroboros, which grants him endless potential. As a Black Scripture he has destroyed several countries, and slaughtered countless people.”
The man looked away from the maid, and stared back at Zanis.
“That's all we’ve know about you.”
“I see. That's quite a lot.”
The man rested his head on his hand and looked down on Zanis.
“So? What does that brat Zara wants with my kingdom? I hope he's not foolish enough to be picking a fight.”
Zanis glared at the man when he heard him call his father a brat. He suppressed his anger and spoke.
“Before that, may I know who you are? It'll make talking easier.”
“Ah, I haven't introduced myself have I?”
The man smiled playfully and looked at Ouroboros.
“But still, I would think that you would've already told your Proxy about me, Ouroboros. Or are you counting on the fact that you're good friends with my grandmother, that I wouldn't kill him. If so it would mean that you haven't learned from Gamiko and Jr killing your Proxies twice.”
Ouroboros shrugged and didn't replied. The man also turned his attention back to Zanis and spoke.
“I'm Rouge Dragna. The leader of the Secundus Branch of the Dragna Clan, as well as the one with the highest authority in this kingdom.”
“…. The Walking Apocalypse.”
“That one.”
Zanis stared cautiously at the man, Rouge. He knew for sure that the nickname Walking Apocalypse wasn’t just an over the top name. It was a title that perfectly describes the monster in front of him.
“Then you'll do.”
He straightened his back and spoke with a business-like tone.
“My emperor sent me here to collect something from this country's leader.”
“That brat did? From the look on your face, you don't know what it is do you?”
Zanis shook his head.
“Well, I already know what he wants anyway.”
The maid walked up to Zanis and took something out of her pocket to show him.
“This is the Necklace Of Bael.”
She said with a flat voice.
Zanis’ eyes widen when he heard the name of the necklace. He quickly grabbed it from the maid’s hands and stared at it.
“This is a national treasure of the Zebul Empire!”
He shouted.
“Ah, I took it from the brat when he was still a rookie. I promised to give it back if he survived another 1000 years. That was 2000 years ago. I think he waited an additional 1000 years just to be spiteful.”
Rouge said uninterestedly.
“I'm shocked that you're actually giving this back.”
The Necklace Of Bael was a magic item that once belonged to one of the supreme kings of hell under Lucifer, Bael; who is another identity for Beelzebub.
Legends have it that this necklace possessed a power so great, that it could destroy a continent.
Most people would kill to possess it, but Rouge gave it back like it meant nothing to him.
“I don't have any use for it. I just took it because of how arrogant that brat was behaving.”
Said Rouge.
“…. I see.”
Darkness wrapped around the necklace, and caused it vanished into thin air. Zanis then did a bow of courtesy and spoke.
“Thanks for returning this treasure, I'm sure my master will be pleased. With that said, I will now take my leave.”
Zanis turned and left the throne with Ouroboros.
Rouge turned his attention to the maid.
“Celina, could you observe him a bit for me? It's not everyday you meet a Black Scripture.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Celina said with a bow.
This caused Rouge to frown.
“You know, I appreciate you taking your role seriously, but could you not bow and call me ‘Lord’? You know, considering we've been married for almost 5000 years?”
Celina said nothing and just bowed, before disappeared into mist.
Seeing that, Rouge sighed and everyone else had wry smiles on their faces.
Zanis left the royal palace and took his time walking through the town.
He looked at the people around him and realized that most of them shared two common hair colors azure and purple.
“Are all these people related?”
“Somewhat. The ones here have only an ounce of Dragna blood, so they're aren't recognized as a Dragna. Instead they're considered servants of the main branches.”
Said Ouroboros.
Zanis looked around the town that a completely different feel from his home, that has never seen the sun.
It was when he was doing this he spotted a particular person.
“…What a beautiful woman.”
It was beautiful girl with short emerald hair. She walked forward with a frown on her face. But this frown didn't diminish her beauty at all. In fact, it was the opposite.
The woman who kept her head straight, suddenly shifted her gaze towards Zanis as if she sensed him staring at her.
The woman's eyes widen when she saw him.
“Do I know her?”
Zanis asked Ouroboros.
“Huh? How would I know?”
He replied.
He looked at her again and then recalled something, but decided to watch how it goes.
When Lisa saw Zanis her formerly bad day instantly turned into the best day ever.
She ran up to him and hugged him.
Zanis was confused at first but in the end he did what most men would do when a beautiful woman hugged them.
He hugged back.
“…Um, do we know each other?”
He could feel her body twitch in his arms when he said that.
Lisa then separate herself from him and stared at his face with a sad expression.
This made a genocider like Zanis feel strangely guilty. He looked towards Ouroboros with eyes asking for help.
Ouroboros looked away as if he didn't notice.
Sensing the awkward atmosphere she created, Lisa forced a cough.
“I'm sorry. We did meet before, but it was only once a couple of years ago.”
“Is that so? Then can tell me where did we meet?”
“It was at the Noir Kingdom, on the Gold Continent. You saved when I was about to be killed in the royal palace.”
When Zanis heard that, memories of millions of people screaming in agony resurfaced in his mind.
“Ah, now I remember. You're the little girl that I brought to Falmouth Academy.”
“Yes! Thank you for all you did for me!”
Zanis felt his heartbeat racing when he saw Lisa's bright smile. He suddenly felt the urge to acquire it.
“I should be the one thanking you. I was beginning to doubt the rumors that the Dragna Kingdom had some of the most beautiful women on the Silver Continent; but you appearing in front of me proved that they weren't merely rumors, but solid facts.”
Lisa blushed at his words and spoke softly.
“My level of beauty isn't that special compared to members of royal families.”
“Really? Then let's just say that your level of beauty is more fitting to my taste.”
“Aren't you supposed to say I'm prettier?”
Lisa said with a playful tone.
“If I did that, there's a chance that others will open their eyes and see you for the breathtaking beauty you really are. If that happens I might lose the chance to monopolize you, and that would be stupid of me.”
Zanis placed his index finger on his lips.
“That's why I would like it to treat it as our little secret.”
In response to Zanis words-
“Hahahahaha!”
Lisa burst out laughing, causing him to be taken aback.
“D-Did I say something stupid?”
Lisa shook her head at the panicking Zanis.
“No that's not it. It's just that I promised myself that if we were to ever meet again, I would do what ever it takes to make you mine. And now here you are trying to seduce me. I couldn't help but laugh at the irony.”
Zanis was visibly relieved when he heard that.
He then smiled and stretched his palm out towards her.
“Since the situation last time didn't allow for much conversation, because I just grabbed you and teleported to the academy, how about we take this chance to get to know each other? If that's fine with you.”
Lisa smiled and placed her hand in his palm.
“That would be great.”
“Then may I get your name.”
“Lisa. Lisa Flameheart.”
“Zanis. Zanis Zebul.”
The two of stared at each other with a passionate gaze.
And then-
“How do you do? I'm Ouroboros and I'll be your third wheel for today.”
Ouroboros whose existence was being ignored, cut in and placed his hand on top of their’s.
This was the meeting between the three that almost caused the entire Silver Continent to be destroyed.