The tension in the room was thick as Neron stood frozen, staring at the imposing figure seated in their guest quarters—the King of F'ederan… Rhogar Luceron
His regal aura was undeniable, a blend of aged maturity and raw power. The King's leonine features were commanding, with a flowing mane of silver and golden eyes that seemed to pierce through any facade. He was adorned in a mantle made of shimmering scales, a blend of blues and greens that reflected the room's light like a living waterfall.
Neron's heart raced. The King of an entire nation was sitting just a few feet away, speaking as if they were equals.
"Lilith," King Rhogar began, his deep voice carrying an air of authority, "It's been far too long. I was beginning to think you'd forgotten us."
"Forgotten you?" Lilith leaned back lazily in her chair, crossing her legs as if she were speaking to an old drinking buddy. "Please, Rhogar, you're too dramatic for your own good. You know I always pop by when I'm around."
Neron's jaw nearly dropped at the casual way she addressed him.
'Rhogar?'
The King of the Magic Beasts had a name, of course, but to hear it used so informally...
"Lilith," Neron whispered harshly, his voice barely audible. "He's the King!"
"So?" Lilith replied without even glancing at him. "He knows that."The King let out a low chuckle, a sound that was both warm and commanding. "You've never changed, Lilith. It's a relief to know some things stay the same, even in these uncertain times."
"What uncertain times?" she asked, tilting her head.
Rhogar's expression darkened slightly, and the lighthearted atmosphere shifted. "Our nation is in danger. The Dragons are preparing for war."
"Dragons?" Neron couldn't stop himself from blurting out.
"Yes," the King confirmed, his gaze now falling on Neron. "Our scouts have reported increasing hostility from the Dragon Clans. They've grown more aggressive, and their demands for territory have become unreasonable. If they attack, F'ederan will struggle to defend itself."
Lilith's eyes narrowed, though her posture remained relaxed. "And you want my help."
Luceron nodded solemnly. "You've always come to our aid in the past. You understand our people better than anyone, and your strength is unparalleled."
Lilith let out a sigh, waving a hand dismissively. "You're laying it on pretty thick, Luceron. I don't remember signing up to be your kingdom's personal savior."
"Lilith..." The King's voice softened, a pleading tone seeping into his words. "You know what's at stake. My people need you."
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Neron watched Lilith closely, trying to gauge her reaction. Her crimson eye glinted as she stared at the King, her expression unreadable.
Finally, she smirked. "I don't know. Sounds like a lot of work."
Neron's eyes widened in disbelief. "Lilith, you can't be serious!"
"Quiet," she said, waving him off. "This isn't your decision."
Luceron, however, seemed unfazed by her reluctance. "You've said that before, yet every time, you've come through for us. You're not as indifferent as you like to pretend."
Lilith groaned, slumping back in her chair. "You really know how to guilt-trip someone, don't you?"
"I only speak the truth," the King replied with a knowing smile.
Lilith's gaze flickered to Neron, her smirk turning sly.
"Fine. I'll help."
King Rhogar Luceron's shoulders relaxed visibly, and he inclined his head in gratitude. "You have my deepest thanks, Lilith. As always, your assistance is invaluable."
"But," she added, raising a finger, "I'm not doing this out of the kindness of my heart. Consider it... an opportunity for someone here to learn a thing or two."
Neron blinked. "Wait, what?"
"You'll see," Lilith said cryptically, standing up and stretching as if the entire conversation had been a minor inconvenience.
The King rose as well, his towering form casting a shadow over the room. "Whatever your reasons, we are grateful. F'ederan owes you more than we can ever repay."
"Yeah, yeah," Lilith muttered, brushing off his gratitude with a wave of her hand. "You're welcome, or whatever."
Luceron chuckled again, shaking his head. "You truly are one of a kind, Lilith."
With a final nod to Neron, the King turned and left the room, his regal presence lingering even after the door closed behind him.
Neron let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "He's the King of an entire nation, and you just... talk to him like that?"
Lilith shrugged. "Why not? We go way back."
"Still, it's... incredible. He's the King!"
"And I'm Lilith," she replied nonchalantly, flopping back onto a couch. "Trust me, I'm the bigger deal."
Neron didn't know how to respond to that. Instead, he focused on the matter at hand. "So, what's the plan? How are we going to help them with the Dragons?"
Lilith smirked, her crimson eye gleaming with mischief. "Oh, I have an idea."
"Which is...?"
"You'll figure it out."
Neron's brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Before he could press her further, Lilith raised a hand and began chanting under her breath. A strange sensation washed over him, like a wave of energy enveloping his entire body.
"What are you doing?" he asked, panic creeping into his voice.
"Just a little makeover," she replied with a grin.
Neron's skin tingled, and when he looked down, he realized his hands were changing. Scales began to form, shimmering in hues of deep red and gold. His nails grew into claws, and when he reached up to touch his face, he felt the distinct shape of horns protruding from his forehead.
"Lilith! What is this?!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying a strange, guttural undertone.
"Relax," she said, laughing. "You'll get used to it."
"Used to—wait, are you making me look like a Dragon?!"
"Bingo."
"Why?!"
"You'll see soon enough."
Before he could protest further, Lilith snapped her fingers, and the room around them dissolved into a swirl of light and shadow.
The last thing Neron saw was her mischievous grin as they vanished into the unknown.
~VWUSH!~
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