I Received System to Become Dragonborn-Chapter 816: Meet The King

Eccar let out a soft chuckle under his breath and shaking his head. Somehow, in the span of a few days, he had gone from being the man they were supposed to escort… to the one they apparently expected to hack his way through every obstacle.

As they turned a corner, they came upon another set of guards—these ones clad in finer armor, marked with the royal crest.

The royal guards stiffened as the party approached, but seeing that the gate guards had already allowed them entry, they made no move to block their path.

Mark stepped forward, keeping his tone firm but respectful. "We need an audience with the king. It's urgent."

The royal guard studied them for a heartbeat, then gave a sharp nod. "Follow me."

Without further delay, the guard led them down the corridor, past arched doorways and tapestries depicting battles and ancient kings.

Finally, they reached the grand doors of the throne room. With a gesture, the guard signaled the guards stationed there to push the doors open.

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The throne room stretched wide before them. It was a high-ceilinged chamber that bathed in golden light from the tall windows.

At the far end, seated upon a great throne of dark stone and gilded metal, was King Roderic Vaelthorn.

He is a broad-shouldered and imposing figure even while seated. The king's presence filled the hall. His hair was streaked with iron-grey, tied back from a face marked with old scars that told them about campaigns he fought long before he ever took the crown.

His eyes that looked dark and sharp as obsidian flicked toward the new arrivals with immediate focus.

Beside him stood a woman in deep green robes, her posture graceful but commanding. She looked like a trusted advisor. Her hands folded neatly before her as she leaned in slightly to speak to the king.

The hall fell into a tense hush as the adventurers stepped in, all eyes drawn to the dust-streaked travelers now standing before the king himself.

"I have already received word," king Roderic said with his deep voice, his eyes now fixed on the group before him. "You are travelers from Astoria, bearing urgent news you wish to deliver to me."

Mark and the others exchanged quick glances, confusion flickering between them. None of them had spoken a word yet and there had been no time for messages to travel ahead of them.

The only explanation that made sense was standing right behind the king. The woman in green who had her unreadable gaze lingered on them, and it wasn't hard to guess that she had used her Magic, perhaps telepathy, to receive the news from the gate guards the moment they stepped through the gates.

Realizing that this moment called for him, Eccar stepped forward, straightening his posture.

"Your Majesty," Eccar began, bowing his head respectfully. "I come on behalf of the Astoria Kingdom, and yes… there is an important matter that demands your attention. An old god tied to the forests is awakening. And its return spells nothing but disaster. On our way here, we were attacked by forest tribes that seemed driven mad and go berserl, acting as though possessed by something. Not just that, we also encountered shadowed creatures. The creatures spoke of their old king rising again."

A murmur rippled through the courtiers and guards present, confusion and alarm flashing across their faces. Even King Roderic's brows drew together in a deep frown.

Yet, the woman behind him showed no sign of surprise. Her expression remained composed and even as her sharp eyes held on Eccar. It was as if she had already known or at least suspected the truth of what he was saying.

King Roderic leaned back slightly in his throne, his stern gaze never leaving Eccar.

"I see no signs of this awakening you speak of," he said bluntly. His voice rumbled through the hall, edged with skepticism. "The forest tribes have always been unpredictable. Perhaps there is some ritual or event among their clans that has stirred them into frenzy. As for monsters, those have always existed if you ventures deep enough into the wilds."

His words carried the weight of a ruler who had heard too many false alarms before.

"Your Majesty, I understand your doubts. But this is no ordinary unrest. I have this knowledge from a divination performed by a trusted friend. His visions have never been wrong before."

King Roderic's mouth tightened, ready to speak again, but the woman in green stepped forward at last. Without a word, she placed a slender hand on the king's shoulder.

"We should hear them out, Your Majesty," she said softly, her voice calm yet carrying an authority that cut through the room.

The king turned his head slightly, studying her for a long moment. Then he exhaled through his nose and gave a slow nod.

"Very well," he said at last. "I will listen to you."

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