Chapter 366 - Alpha
"Where are we heading anyways?" Adrian asked as he followed the two of them.
"To a ducal household of course. You did not think that every person from the five races is hiding out like the Daemos. Some actually integrated to society very well but they did hide the fact that they are a werewolf or a vampire." Solstice stated.
"The Empire is not blind though. They are rather tolerating your existence, but they will not do that unless they do not have something to use against you." Adrian thought as he remembered that Emrys told him that they are not safe even if they look human.
"You may be correct as the envoys of the empire has suspiciously lessened their visits to the duke." Lycan added.
The three of them is soon inside the ducal territory as they are now inside the town. The citizens of the town warmly welcomed the two and even asked about Adrian who is with them. Adrian noticed that the ducal territory is flourishing because the smiles of the people are not fake.
"It seems that the normal citizens have no problem with the two of them which means that it is only the higher ups that are steering the discontentment. Is there a new leader that they do not approve of?" Adrian thought.
Adrian thought that the werewolves and vampires in the game Pandemonium is much closer to their modern interpretation. The werewolves should adopt the leader of the pack is the Alpha and that all werewolves under him or her should always listen. Should someone from the pack becomes dissatisfied then they could challenge the alpha for dominance.
"Werewolves should be a species that relies on the strong leading them so if they have dissatisfaction then they would settle it using their fists. Unless the one who has dissatisfaction is not a real werewolf and is using underhanded methods to topple the hierarchy." Adrian thought as they finally arrived at the huge mansion of the ducal territory.
"Welcome to Arkadia\'s Duke Castle. It might be old looking but that does not mean it will lose to grandeur compared to the castle of other duke in the empire." Lycan stated as he guided the two inside it.
"I am not saying that our castle is better, but it is much grand than this one I tell you." Solstice suddenly added to the conversation.
The castle of the Duke of Arkadia is surrounded by trees and it is not farfetched to say that two-thirds of the castle ground is forest. The forest is well maintained as each tree is spaced apart in order for them not to steal the nutrients from the other tree.
The castle also added to the ancient aesthetic due to the walls being made of discolored white marble. The four tall spires of the castle made it look more imposing in the distance. The overall feel of the castle would be that of a family in power since the old era.
Adrian then noticed that all the guards were bowing not to him nor his sister but to Lycan. He could only think that his origins are special for the guards of a noble to bow to him. He did not feel bitter at all (lowkey he is because even his sister is a noble).
"I find it unfair that the pioneers for the other five races are basically nobility. While I am here being basically ordered around like a slave. Oh! How unfair the world is?!" Adrian thought while he made a face of someone who underwent numerous hardships.
"Why are you making that funny face that looks like you are having a hard time digesting what you ate?" Solstice suddenly questioned.
"I am just revisiting my memories of hardships unlike you people who were born with a silver spoon." Adrian stated while even shedding one fake tear.
"Uhmm…Is your brother okay?" Lycan suddenly asked as he saw Adrian shed a tear.
"He does that sometimes. He sticks to a concept and embodies it from time to time. He got it from dad as he would always suddenly act like a different person when something happens. Think of it like a skit or method acting. In other words, do not even bother paying him attention when he is like that. It would make your life easier." Solstice replied monotonously.
"Anyways, let us go inside then. I already informed someone beforehand that we are arriving so the Duke of Arkadia should be welcoming us when we enter." Lycan stated as he opened the large castle main door.
The main door of the castle opened, and a row of knights is arranged in two line is present. They even walked on a red carpet as if it is an official visit of an envoy of the empire. At the end of the carpet is a well-built man probably in his mid-forties that is dressed like a countryside noble.
[You are in the presence of an Alpha. All your stats have been decreased by 10% due to being in the presence of a natural leader.]
The nobleman in front of Adrian emitted a fierce aura that even made him freeze up for a couple of seconds. The nobleman emitted an aura that is five times more powerful than Lycan which is already shocking because the latter is a Level 145 player meanwhile the NPC in front of him is Level 220.
NPC: Lycaon
Tier: Mythical
Level: 220
Title: Alpha, The King of Ferocity, Duke of Arkadia
Adrian is actually shocked by what he found out because a Mythical Tier NPC is basically on the road to become a Transcendent tier NPC. Transcendent tier NPCs are basically one step closer in becoming a demigod.
"My son! You have returned. You told me that we are going to meet someone today, but I did not expect a dragonkin." Lycaon stated in a cheerful attitude but behind the smile is an observing eye that made Adrian feel like he was being hunted by a fierce predator.