Evolution begins with an ant colony

Chapter 344 Kaldarix's Doubt: A Stom Brewing Benith The Surface

Akun grunted, wearing an annoyed expression on his face. "Personal space, Nexus," he growled, trying to free himself from her embrace.

Chrono Nexus, unfazed by his words, simply batted her eyelashes playfully. "Oh, come now, darling," she purred, her voice dripping with mischief. "Can't a wife congratulate her glorious darling?"

Akun's eyes narrowed. "I told you not to call me that, Nexus."

Chrono Nexus giggled, then said. "But you are my darling," she replied, acting innocent. "And wive's are allowed to use pet names for their husbands, aren't they?"

Mellin, stepped forward, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Congratulations on your victory, master," she said, offering a genuine compliment. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Though, I must admit, I was a bit worried you might go overboard with that final display."

Akun's gaze flickered to Mellin, a hint of amusement flickering in his cold eyes. "You didn't have to worry,," he replied calmly. "I know when to stop." Then, with a pointed look at Chrono Nexus, he added, "Unlike some of us."

Chrono Nexus puffed out her cheeks as she pretended to frown. "Fine, fine," she grumbled. "But you can't blame a woman for wanting to congratulate her amazing husband, can you?"

As the group bickered playfully, Kaldarix, his brow furrowed in deep thought, lagged behind. While the others celebrated Akun's victory, he couldn't shake off the strange feeling that gnawed at him.

Akun's aura, undeniably draconic, held something... more. A power that transcended the very essence of dragons.

Kaldarix, the ancient dragon who once ruled over all dragons, prided himself on his vast knowledge. Yet, he couldn't place Akun within one of the tribes of dragonkind. "Akun.... Father," he muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper. "He's powerful, that much is certain. But what is he?

A dragon unlike any I've ever encountered, a new branch of our race? or something else entirely?"

It was clear Kaldarix was unable to trace Akun's origins, and he couldn't risk trying to use his dragon eyes to look at his status window again. So, it seemed the topic of his origin would remain a mystery for now.

***

They stood before the inn, where Hestria and Chrono Nexus had secured their rooms. Akun, his gaze sweeping across the building's appearence, turned to Hestria. "This is it, then?" he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

Hestria, offered a warm smile. "Yes, master. This is it." As they entered the inn, the welcoming aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread wafted past their nostrils as Akun and his companions pushed open the inn's ornately carved doors.

The lively chatter that had filled the common room died down abruptly as all eyes turned toward the newcomers. Whispers rippled through the crowd, a mix of awe and speculation.

"Isn't that him? The one who won the tournament?"

"They say he's an ancient dragon in disguise!"

"I heard he turned down an invite to the castle from the king."

"No way, that must just be another over exaggeration."

"You know nothing I was there myself."

Akun, unfazed by the sudden attention, held his head high, his dragon eyes looking around the room with indifference. Ignoring the curious gazes, he directed a curt nod at Chrono Nexus. "Lead the way to our rooms, Nexus."

Chrono Nexus, with mischievous grin plastered on her face, said. "Second floor, darling!" she called back, keys jingling in her hand. "Follow me all the way up!"

Bypassing the flustered innkeeper, Chrono Nexus, already in possession of the room keys, confidently led the group up the wooden staircase to the second floor. The whispers of the patrons below followed them, a faint echo amplifying the mystery surrounding Akun.