I Received System to Become Dragonborn

Chapter 509: Source

King Aethor's face remained stern like he always had but the shock in the room was so clear and thick. His advisers standing on either side of him and exchanged worried glances. The youngest of them, a man barely out of his twenties, stepped forward with expression of disbelief and concern.

"Archmage Adrius," the young adviser said, "with all due respect, you shouldn't present such grave news without solid evidence. Accusing a long-dead Mage of returning from the grave with such dark power… It's a claim that could cause panic."

Adrius turned to the young adviser. Before he could respond, another voice emerged.

This adviser was much older and his eyes carried the weight of decades of service to the kingdom.

"I remember those days," the older adviser said with slow and deliberate voice. "Theron... Yes, there was indeed a Mage by that name, executed and beheaded for practicing dark Magic. The council of that time was convinced that his death was the end of it. But you're saying he's returned?"

The room fell silent as everyone turned back to Adrius, waiting for his answers.

Adrius gritted his teeth, the memories of his past colliding with the present danger.

"I'm not entirely certain, but I'm almost sure," Adrius said, "I've checked the signs on the giant beast, the blackened veins, the corruption in its soul, and I also had used the artifact to confirm the traces of the transformation Magic. Everything points back to Theron, that black Mage."

He paused, glancing around the room, meeting their eyes in turn. "This isn't a baseless accusation. The Magic I detected isn't just any dark Magic, I can feel and see a glimpse of Theron. His spellwork was unique, twisted in a way that no other Mage would dare to replicate. I know what I'm saying is hard to believe but we can't afford to dismiss this.

If I'm right, and I believe I am, then we are facing a great threat."

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King Aethor absorbed Adrius's words, his face unreadable.

The older adviser nodded slowly. "If what you say is true, Adrius, then we must take action. But we must also be cautious. We need more information."

The young adviser still looking skeptical but he then nodded in reluctant agreement. "If it's true, then we need a plan, and we need it fast."

Aethor finally spoke, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "We'll take no chances. Adrius, I want you to investigate this further."

Adrius nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll begin immediately, and I strongly advise that we mobilize the priests and priestesses immediately. Their prayers and sacred Magic can fortify the city's defenses against any dark forces that might be lurking. We need to create a barrier of protection around Astoria and we need to do it quickly.

We cannot allow any more of these abominations to get through."

King Aethor nodded.

"And what will you do?" Aethor asked.

"I'll investigate the situation directly," Adrius replied. "I need to follow the trail of this dark Magic. It's likely the source is beyond the city walls. I'll try to find it. When Lysander back, thell him to go and find me."

Without another word Adrius turned toward one of the tall windows of the throne room. The heavy velvet curtains fluttered slightly in the evening breeze. Holding his staff tightly in one hand, Adrius approached the window. He whispered a word of power and the window swung open.

With a final glance at King Aethor who gave him a firm nod of approval, Adrius stepped onto the windowsill. His long robes billowed around him as he called upon his Magic. In an instant, his body lifted off the ground and rose into the sky. Adrius ascended quickly, the city of Astoria growing smaller beneath him.

Meanwhile, in the throne room, King Aethor watched as Adrius disappeared into the clouds. The king turned back to his advisers.

"Adrius's suggestion is mostly wise," Aethor said. "Send word to the High Priest and Priestess immediately. They must begin the rituals. We'll fortify the city with all the power we have. There's no time to waste!"

The advisers sprang into action. Orders were dispatched, messengers sent running through the palace corridors to relay the king's commands.

The sacred bells of the temples began to toll across the city, calling the priests and priestesses to their holy duties. The air buzzed with the urgency of the preparations as the city of Astoria braced itself.

Adrius hovered silently in the air above the city of Astoria. The city below stretched out in a sprawling maze of streets, alleys, and buildings, illuminated by the faint glow of lanterns and the flickering lights of hearths. He can see the citizen and soldiers still busy after the beast's horde attack.

He closed his eyes, allowing the cool night air to brush against his face as he extended his Magic senses.

Adrius frowning in concentration and began to sharpen his senses even more. He delved deeper into the layers of mundane energy to search for the force he knew was present. It took a few minutes of intense focus, but then he felt it — a sharp pulse of dark Magic that cut through the ambient energy like a knife. It faint, but he can feel it pretty clear now.

Adrius's eyes snapped open, his gaze narrowing as he locked onto the source. It was not far—just a few meters in front of him, concealed on the ground among the forest. The dark Magic pulsed again, more strongly this time, confirming its location.

Without hesitation, Adrius adjusted his position and began to descend. The wind whipped around him as he flew down toward the ground. His grip tightened on his staff.

As he neared the ground, the source of the dark Magic became clearer, a shadowy presence hidden within the shadows of the forest.

Adrius landed softly, his boots touching the ground with barely a sound. He was now standing inside the forest. Adrius Steeling himself and took a step forward to confront whatever evil awaited him.

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