Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 938- The Shadow Lurks

Now, Vargel realized, perhaps for the first time, that his father's caution was well-founded. That said, there was still a hint of skepticism in his gaze.

His father's caution seemed unnecessary to him. How could someone whose influence lay on the far side of the world reach all the way to them? That being said, he knew better than to overstep his bounds. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

After Gelford was done with his explanation, the room fell silent for a while. But just when it seemed like this silence would stretch on, the sudden clamour of footsteps echoed from the far end of the hall.

A figure rushed into the grand chamber. Sharp-eyed, beak-like nose, and wiry frame, he was one of the most trusted subordinates of Gelford, the demon duke of Sphinx.

The latter's presence in such a setting was unexpected and rude, and the tension in the room thickened immediately.

"Gavis… it is disrespectful to barge into the hall like this" Gelford's voice was a low growl, his crimson eyes narrowing dangerously at the interruption.

"Didn't I tell you that I am entertaining guests and will be occupied?"

 Gavis visibly trembled under his lord's glare, his face pale as he quickly lowered himself in apology "My lord, please forgive my intrusion, but I thought it necessary for you to hear this urgently".

 "What is it?"

At his subordinate's insistence, Gelford realised that the situation was not simple. And he was right, the next words that came out of the other party's mouth solidified his suspicions.

"Avrox is here"…

"Avrox?!! What is he doing here? Has he already completed the mission I gave him?"…

"My lord... about that," Gavis hesitated, his eyes flicking again toward Arctaurus, knowing that the implications of what he was about to say were not to be shared lightly in front of someone of his stature.

"He has something urgent to report."

 "Avrox?! Isn't that the Demon Earl who serves lord Pasha? What is he doing here?"

Arctaurus questioned, his eyes narrowed. Instantly, the atmosphere in the room changed, the once casual conversation over wine was now replaced with a palpable, suffocating tension.

The subtle clashing of auras between Gelford and Arctaurus was undeniable, a silent battle of dominance that only demons of their calibre could engage in.

Just moments ago, they had been relaxed and drinking, exchanging barbs and stories. Now, they were poised for conflict, a hairsbreadth from bloodshed.

"What are you hiding from me Gelford?"…

Vargel, Sargel's eldest son, exchanged a glance with his father. His expression asked for guidance, silently inquiring if he should prepare for battle.

Though only a Demon Marquess, Vargel was not afraid to face a powerful opponent. Yet, even he knew that a fight here, in the heart of their dungeon, could have disastrous consequences.

Gelford on the other hand weighed his options. Avrox timing couldn't be said to be absolutely worse… at least the being in front of him was someone he understood very well.

 "Alright, bring him in. I want to hear what report he has for me" And so he made his decision.

The subordinate bowed and left to carry out his orders. It wasn't long before he returned bringing along with him a grinning demon.

The figure that entered was unsettling, even to those accustomed to the company of monsters and demons. His sharp, serpentine smile was the first thing anyone noticed—too wide and too menacing.

His aura was equally eerie, radiating malice despite his nonchalant appearance. Though not particularly handsome, his chiselled, demonic features and the constant smirk gave him a dangerous charm.

He was someone who stood out even among other demons.

If Simon were here, he would have instantly recognized this demon—the very same Demon Earl who had tried to interfere with him during his battles in Walpurgis, Hexennacht, and even the kingdom of Ellesmere.

This was none other than Avrox, a cunning manipulator who had caused more trouble than his rank would suggest.

"Lord Gelford,"

Avrox bowed slighty, his manner as well as his voice was as flimsy as ever and dripping with insincerity. Yet despite all that, Gelford did not mind it too much.

 "Talk Avrox, why are you here?"…

 "Hehe, I'm afraid I'm here to deliver a bad news my lord. The plan we hatched has failed".

At those words, the audience in the hall reacted in surprise. Their eyes wide and their bodies arching forward as if in disbelief.

"Plan?" Arctaurus looked at Gelford whose eyes despite burning with intensity, remained calm.

It was instead his children who displayed their surprise. Delphyne was the first to react.

"What do you mean, 'failed'?" she snapped, her voice carrying the sharpness of a blade "The Ogre King was sent to crush that demon and his dungeon. How could he fail?"…

Vargel, too, was incredulous "I have personally assessed that demon's potential. Even though he holds the rank of a Demon Earl, there was nothing about him that suggested he could take on the Ogre King! It's impossible."

"Is it as brother says," Delphye added, her tone layered with skepticism.

 "We investigated Gelgar's destroyed dungeon thoroughly. That Demon Earl while resourceful, wasn't anything to be worried about. He gathered a few powerful subordinates by sheer luck, but none of them should've been able to stand against the Ogre King."

Facing their questions, Avrox simply grinned. His attitude seemed to be that of a third party simply observing a farce from the distance.

"You two stop!!"

It was at this moment, that Gelford spoke up. He got up from his seat and addressed Avrox.

"Avrox tell me what exactly happened".

"I understand your doubts, my lords and lady," he said smoothly "But allow me to assure you... this isn't a matter of underestimating him. The Ogre King, in all his might, attacked that dungeon and fought valiantly. But something... unexpected occurred. Something we didn't account for. The Ogre King was not just defeated—his fate is now unknown. He has simply vanished."

"Vanished? You're telling me that an Ogre King, one of the most fearsome beings in the Ghastly Winding Forest, simply vanished in a fight against a Demon Earl?"