Dragon King: Throne of Demons and Gods-Chapter 75: Let The Fools March

Later that day, Bel returned to the Guild Hall, mostly to keep the others from coming to look for him.

His appearance sparked immediate surprise and relief. Sienna nearly leapt from her seat, grinning wide, while Lyraen offered a calm but genuine smile.

Even Crest looked up briefly, though he stayed in the back, arms crossed, observing quietly.

The official story spread by the Guild was simple.

Bel had overextended himself, ten consecutive dungeons without rest, and after defeating a powerful boss, his body finally gave in.

He passed out from sheer exhaustion. That’s what the reports said, and that’s what everyone believed.

Now, the group celebrated his return at the guild bar. The rising stars of the Adventurer’s Guild. Their name was starting to echo through the city.

New Horizons. A clan formed from three different teams, now united and stronger than ever.

They drank, laughed, and shared stories, a quiet pride swelling through their growing legend.

Even the guild staff peered over occasionally, some of them whispering how the party might one day rival even the elites.

That night, as the celebration dimmed and only the core members remained, a more serious conversation began.

Ronan, full of energy and fire, slammed his mug down.

"Alright! So. Back to the grind tomorrow?"

Arkel nodded, grinning.

"Yeah, let’s hit another one. We’ve got the momentum. Everyone talks about us, it’s the moment to make waves."

But Cassandra, sitting calmly with her cup of coffee, shook her head.

"No. Not yet. Bel is out for a few days, we can’t go without him."

Several heads turned.

"Why not?" Ronan asked.

"What a stupid question... Who will clear a category D dungeon boss? We need him. It’s not safe otherwise. Unless you unlocked a mysterious power to solo a dungeon," she said.

Some murmured in agreement. Cassandra’s words had weight.

After all, Bel had carried them through every raid. In a category D dungeon, a single mistake could wipe out half the party, and Bel had become their safety net. Without him, the risk was too high.

Crest leaned back and scoffed.

"Since when did New Horizons become a one-man circus? We’re adventurers. Not leeches."

The group went quiet.

"If one person being out means we cancel missions, then we’re admitting we’re useless. Is that what we are now?"

A few party members shifted in their seats, clearly uncomfortable.

Cassandra stood up and approached Crest slowly.

"You should watch your tone. You’re a young member, Crest. You don’t get to interrupt a conversation between leaders."

Crest scowled.

"I’m not a kid. I know what I’m saying."

She leaned closer, eyes narrowing.

"Then know that you never bite the hand that feeds you. You think you have big shoulders? We know what we’re doing and why. Everything we’ve done so far, we’ve done under the shelter of this clan, under the protection of Bel. Don’t forget that."

Arkel raised his voice.

"Enough. I’m with Crest. I don’t like the guy either, but this is pathetic. He doesn’t even want to be seen as part of the team."

Cassandra opened her mouth again, but Ronan cut in.

"I’m with them. If the problem is that we don’t know if we can’t do anything without him, then let’s prove it. We relied too much on him. That should end now. We go back to Category E. Rebuild from the bottom. Sharpen ourselves."

He raised his voice, full of pride.

"New Horizons was made to defeat the Demon King. Not to follow an adventurer. I’m tired of waiting outside a dungeon."

For a second, silence.

Then someone slammed their mug.

"He’s right."

"We’re adventurers too!"

"Train harder!"

"Together!"

One after another, the voices joined.

"NEW HORIZONS!"

As the group chanted around the table, Crest, Ronan, and Arkel all shot her teasing glances, smirking like they’d just won a long battle.

Cassandra groaned, dragging her hand down her face.

"Idiots..." she muttered, watching her plan crumble into dust.

Later that night, Bel was lying down in his hospital bed, while Sienna, perched on the chair by his side, gave him a summary of what happened in the guild hall.

"So, uh... the party decided to keep going," she said, avoiding his gaze at first. "Ronan and the others think it’s better to continue raiding, so they’ll be doing a few dungeons while you rest."

She looked at him with a faint pout, clearly worried.

"Honestly, I think it’s kinda reckless. They really believe they can do anything without you. But hey... maybe they’re just trying to prove something. Still, it’s not the same."

Bel’s lips almost twitched.

Perfect!

Internally, he grinned.

Brilliant! This is perfect. Everything went exactly how I wanted—and I didn’t even do anything!

He kept his expression blank, giving a small nod.

"Hm. Interesting... What kind of raid are they doing?"

Sienna tilted her head.

"Some Category E dungeon. Nothing too special, I think. But honestly? I doubt they’ll do more than one."

Bel raised an eyebrow.

"They? You’re not going with them?"

Sienna’s lips curled into a small smile.

"Nope. Dusteria and I decided to stay here in protest. We’re staying with you until you’re better. That’s our way of cheering you on."

Bel’s soul screamed internally.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no...

"If you ever need anything," Sienna added sweetly, her tone turning shy, "like help... or food... or even just a cup of water... I’d be really happy to help. Really. Anything."

Bel stared at her, eyes wide.

"Where are you sleeping?"

Sienna’s face went red immediately.

"Wha—uh—I’m staying with Dusteria and her dad at an inn near the market square. But... if you want... I could move. I mean, I wouldn’t mind... maybe being a bit closer—"

"No," Bel cut in quickly. "Actually, I was thinking of moving out too. Back to my place... My place. Somewhere... But thank you. If I need anything, even a cup of water... "I"... will call for you."

Sienna blinked. Then slowly smiled.

"You promise?"

He gave a slow nod.

But her curiosity wasn’t done.

"Oh, speaking of that... Where do you live, anyway?"

Before Bel could answer, a voice rang from the hallway.

"You’re not going in?"

Then another voice, panicked.

"I—shhh! I-I’m not here! I’m totally not here! Please don’t tell anyone!"

Footsteps echoed down the corridor, running away.

Bel tilted his head toward the door, raising an eyebrow. He didn’t need to guess.

His senses told him everything, heartbeats, movement, even the number of breaths per second of every living being in the building.

Dusteria.

A nurse stepped into the room, glancing between them with a small, apologetic smile.

"Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time to let him rest."

Sienna frowned slightly.

"Right... Got it."

She stood up, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

"Will you be okay?" she asked.

Bel nodded.

"I’m biologically unable to not be otherwise."

She chuckled softly, then took a slow step back toward the door.

"Okay. I’ll let you rest. But remember... you said it. If you ever need help, I’m always around."

She paused just before walking out, then peeked back in.

"The inn’s called Moonwake. Room 3. I’m alone after dinner. Around eight. Just in case."

The nurse flinched slightly.

"Miss, you really should go."

"Y-yeah! Sorry!"

With one final wave, Sienna disappeared down the hall.

The nurse sighed and shook her head, muttering, "Teenagers..."

Bel nodded.

"I swear."

The nurse glanced around the room one last time as she folded a cloth and placed it on the bedside table.

"You know," she said, smiling softly, "you’ve got some really good friends. They stayed close the whole time you were unconscious."

Bel tilted his head.

Friends?

He stared at the door the nurse had just come through. Since when did he have friends?

He remembered being told to leave them alone. But now that he thought about it... they were always around.

Sienna, Dusteria, even Lyraen. Always fussing, always yelling, always getting involved. But friends?

Huh.

"Well, I feel better now," he said plainly, eyes drifting toward the window. "I think I can go."

The nurse laughed gently.

"The doctor said you need ten days of full rest. No exceptions. You’re lucky to be walking."

Bel blinked.

"Ten?"

"Minimum." She gave a small bow. "Please try not to sneak out. Rest well, alright?"

She left the room, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Bel didn’t answer.

He didn’t need to.

Because the moment her footsteps faded, he sat up.

Ten days? In hell he was waiting ten days.

He stood quietly, stretching his arms and legs. They moved without pain. His body was firm, steady, like stone under his skin.

[HP: 5,700 / 5,700][MP: 6,120 / 6,120][Stamina: 5,000 / 5,000]

He rolled his shoulders. Everything felt sharper, more connected. He was better than fine.

He opened the system and stared at the [STORAGE] tab.

Inside, in the top-left slot, it waited. A violet shimmer spinning in place.

[Void Gate Key]

They thought he needed ten days to rest?

Perfect.

He now had plenty of time to do what he really wanted.

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