Chapter 2:

The Black Dragon (2)

Reborn as the Dragon God in Another World, I Only Wanted to Sleep


In the Demon world, the royal palace of Zholm was very quiet. Three demon commander figures stood surrounding a table made of polished black stone.

Dim light from crystals on the wall reflected faintly on its surface. No one spoke until one of them began.

"Is Lorveth really dead?"The question came from Rezhael. He had a slim and tall body with pale reddish skin. His long black hair fell to his waist, and a pair of small horns curved from his temples. His red eyes stared sharply at the demon across from him.

He was Amon. His posture was upright with dark grayish skin and short black hair. A pair of small horns on his head curved backward. His expression was always flat.

"Yes," Amon answered. The tone of his voice left no room for doubt. "He is truly dead. He was defeated by a dragon during the war against the Sacred Empire around the Yndroval mountains."

"A dragon?" A hoarse and old voice interrupted. It was Yveros. His appearance was like an old grandfather with long white hair and beard, wearing a black robe like a wizard. "Is there really a dragon in that place? We're talking about Lorveth the Immortal. He's an Elder Lich. 

He could rise from death and keep regenerating, how could he die so easily? Among us commanders, he was the oldest."

"I also don't know how that's possible," Amon replied, looking at Yveros. "But Lorveth's death is certain."

Rezhael leaned forward. "Certain? From whom did you get this information, Amon? From our spies or from reports of remaining troops who managed to return?"

"From both," Amon said. "Their reports are consistent. Lorveth's physical body was completely destroyed by the dragon's fire breath. There were no remains of necromancy magic, no traces of energy flowing back to his phylactery." Amon paused for a moment. "His soul just vanished."

The other two commanders fell silent.

"Vanished?" Yveros was the first to react. He stroked his beard, his eyes narrowing. 


"That's technically impossible. An Elder Lich's phylactery is protected by the most ancient curse magic. Even if his body is destroyed a thousand times, his soul will return. Unless..."

"Unless what, Yveros?" Rezhael asked directly.

"Unless that dragon didn't just destroy his body," Yveros explained. "Ordinary dragon fire wouldn't be enough. This must be something else. Something that could purify or annihilate the soul itself. Sacred magic at a level we've never seen."

Amon cut in. "Your magical analysis is interesting. But it doesn't change the facts. Lorveth is gone. His position as Commander of the Eastern Border Guard is now vacant."

"In that case, aren't we in danger? The Sacred Empire won't remain idle after this victory. They will press the remaining demon forces in the human world."

"He's right," Rezhael agreed. "The defeat at Yndroval and Lorveth's death is a double blow. Troop morale will fall. Who will you appoint to replace him, Amon? The Eastern Border is too vital to be left without a leader."

"Don't panic. The Sacred Empire also won't immediately attack the remaining forces anytime soon. They also suffered very heavy losses due to the death of one of their Paladins, Tarn the Unbent," Amon replied, calming them both. "Then, I'm sure the reason Lord Zauren called us all isn't just about replacing Lorveth. This is about how we respond to this new threat. That dragon, and whatever power it used."

"So, we will take revenge for Lorveth?" Yveros asked.
"No," Amon answered firmly. "Revenge is a momentary emotion. I'm talking about strategy. We need to know more about this dragon. Where it came from, what its purpose is, and whether the Sacred Empire can control it. I don't want to send troops again just to be burned to ash. I'm sure Lord thinks the same."

Rezhael looked at Amon. "In that case, you need scouts, not war commanders. Someone who can enter undetected and bring back information. Do you want me to go?"

"Your abilities are indeed most suitable, Rezhael. But you're also a commander. Your presence is important here to maintain stability while Lord Zauren returns," Amon replied.

"Maybe we could use another way," Yveros suggested. "Curses, long-distance vision, or summoning spirits from fallen soldiers to testify..."

"Too risky," Amon interrupted. "If there are sacred powers involved, your magical attempts could easily be tracked and bring enemies directly to our gates. No. We must use conventional methods."

Amon straightened his body. "We will send an elite squad from the spy corps. For now, I myself will oversee the Eastern Border and go meet that dragon. You two prepare your respective forces. Prepare for the worst possibility."

***


I think about a month has passed since the war between humans and demons near my home (which is actually just a cave).

Since then, there hasn't been another war.

Of course, I can sleep peacefully.

So, I immediately closed my eyes, and my consciousness drifted away.

In the next moment, I saw a "scene."
It wasn't a beautiful scene or anything like that. On the contrary, it was a blurry scene that felt familiar. I saw a middle-aged man who was shouting angrily at me.

I couldn't clearly hear what was being babbled by his foul mouth. His voice sounded like a strange buzzing, only the tone of anger reached my ears. I also couldn't clearly see his face from my current point of view, only his trembling silhouette.

What I felt was just a very heavy burden in my head. My feelings felt empty, with only one emotion dominating: shame. I knew that man was my former boss, and 

I knew the reason.

I fell asleep again at my work desk.

This wasn't because I was lazy or anything like that, but it was because this damn old man kept telling me to work overtime.

Yes, the company where I worked was a black company.

I really had no other choice at that time because I desperately needed money to live.

The fact that I still survived for five years in that place was already like a miracle.
The extreme fatigue was felt throughout my body. Tired from constantly trying, constantly working, and constantly falling. I had no energy to argue, not even just to lift my head.

However, at that moment, the scene immediately vanished just like that.

I even immediately forgot what I had seen in that dream.

Everything felt empty.

Replaced by a very pungent smell of blood.

A very fishy and disgusting smell.

"Are you the Black Dragon who stopped the war one month ago?"
Ame Otoko
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