"And not just that," Lyra continued, her voice lowering into a tense whisper that carried an eerie weight. "He's not acting alone. That demon brought others—demons who shapeshifted into dwarves. They walk among the people, wearing their faces, copying their voices. They pretend to be them… and when no one is looking, they kill the real dwarves."

Nolan's jaw tightened, the muscles along his neck tensing. "So those disappearances…"

"Yes," Lyra said softly, her expression falling with a somber heaviness. "The dwarves have been dying one by one… replaced."

She paused, a faint crease forming between her brows. "Well… that can be annoying. But Nolan, why can't you just shapeshift into the dwarf leader yourself? If you look exactly like him, you can lure the demon out or catch his servants off guard. Clear the room fast."

Nolan shook his head before she even finished, the answer already firm. "That won't work."

"Why?" Lyra asked, her frown deepening.

"Because I'm sure the one controlling the throne is a ranking demon," Nolan said with solemn certainty. "Probably a 4th Rank. And demons of that level… they hold pride and honor above everything. They don't shapeshift to imitate others. They see it as beneath them."

Lyra clicked her tongue in irritation, her tail swaying. "Belial truly wrote demons with ridiculous pride."

Nolan nodded once. "Exactly. They have their own twisted code. They would rather fight openly than hide behind another's face."

He exhaled slowly, letting the tense air settle around them as he processed everything.

"So this demon sees himself as a king… sitting on a throne that isn't his."

"A king of corpses," Lyra whispered, her voice barely audible but chilling.

Nolan's eyes darkened, a dangerous calm flickering behind them. "Good. Then I'll drag him off that throne myself."

Lyra's eyes softened, flickering with a mix of worry and determination. "Master, the situation in the dwarf kingdom is more dangerous than you realize. The current leader… he's already been killed. Or at least, someone—or something—is controlling him. Probably a demon. They've taken over the throne and are using the dwarves to cover their tracks."

Nolan leaned back, folding his arms as the weight of the truth settled in his chest. "A demon controlling the king of the dwarves… that's bold. And dangerous. But it makes sense. Their absence from the outside world explains the sudden chaos and the missing dwarves."

Celia frowned, her hands clenching at her sides. "So the demons are systematically hunting the dwarves and using portals to invade the human world. But why? What could their ultimate goal be?"

Lyra tilted her head slightly, her expression sharpening as she thought aloud. "High-ranking demons are precise. They don't move recklessly. They're trying to destabilize the region, but it's more than just conquest. I suspect they're searching for something… an artifact, a being, or perhaps someone who can amplify their power. Someone like you, Master, could attract their attention, intentionally or not."

Nolan rubbed the bridge of his nose, already feeling the burden of the coming conflict. "Then we have to be cautious, but also smart. I can't just storm the dwarf kingdom and crush every demon I see; that could alert them, and the dwarves might think I'm the enemy."

Lyra nodded, her voice firm and unwavering. "Exactly. You have to let them see you as their savior, not their destroyer. Make them trust you. Protect them in front of the demons, but don't immediately reveal the full force of your power. Show restraint. Make it clear that you're there to save lives, not to dominate them."

Celia leaned forward, her eyes wide with genuine concern. "Master… if the leader is already possessed or replaced, how will you even know who's controlling him? And how do you fight a demon without the dwarves getting hurt?"

Nolan's expression hardened, his voice steady. "I'll rely on observation first. I'll watch their movements, their behavior, and I'll figure out which ones are truly dwarves and which are demons in disguise. And when the time comes, I'll strike in a way that minimizes risk to the innocents."

Lyra's tail twitched thoughtfully as she added, "And the sword… you'll need a weapon capable of handling this. Something that can contain your magic without breaking. If the dwarves forge it correctly, it could even rival the weapon Malric wields. But gaining their trust will be the first test."

Celia's voice softened, the worry lingering in her tone. "It's going to be difficult. Many of them have never trusted outsiders before, especially humans or demi-humans. If they see you as a threat, it could turn into a massacre."

Nolan leaned back slightly, staring at the ceiling as he weighed every possibility. "Then I'll start small. I'll save a few dwarves, protect them in front of others. I'll fight the demons in a controlled way, making sure they can witness my strength without risking their lives. That way, I'll gain trust… slowly, but surely."

Lyra smiled faintly, a quiet pride in her eyes. "That's the right approach, Master. And once you gain their trust, they'll forge the sword. Only the dwarves have the knowledge and skill to craft a weapon worthy of your power. They won't just hand it to you, though. You'll have to prove your strength… and your intentions."

Celia leaned back in her chair, exhaling sharply. "This… is going to be a long journey. But if anyone can do it, it's you, Master. You've faced far worse and come out alive. These demons and corrupted dwarves will be no exception."

Nolan's eyes glimmered with renewed determination. "Then we leave at dawn. We'll go to the dwarf kingdom, assess the situation, and save them from whatever evil is lurking in their castle. And when the sword is ready… I'll have the weapon that can contain my power fully."

Lyra tilted her head slightly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "And after that, Master, maybe you can finally enjoy a bit of peace. Or at least, a calm moment before the next demon pops up."

Celia smiled, her voice warm. "Even if it's brief, I think you deserve it, Master. After everything you've done… you deserve a moment to breathe before the next storm."

Nolan allowed a rare, subtle smile to surface. "Peace… maybe one day. But for now, we have work to do. Let's get ready."

As they stepped out of the portal, the familiar sights of Sindra greeted them. The cobblestone streets stretched beneath their feet. The tall spires of the mansion rose beautifully in the distance. Sunlight glimmered across the rooftops, casting a golden sheen over their home. Nolan inhaled deeply, letting that calm air settle over him like a blanket.

"Yes… we're home," he murmured, his voice quiet but filled with genuine relief.

Celia and Linda's laughter rang out as they dashed ahead, their keys jingling in their hands. "Finally! Home sweet home!" Celia exclaimed, spinning lightly as she threw open the heavy mansion door. Linda followed close behind, grinning brightly as she nudged her sister. "We've missed this place. It feels… normal again."

Damien trailed behind the group, carrying a heavy bag of gold coins. The usually composed guardian seemed unusually quiet, and Nolan noticed the subtle tension in the way Damien's shoulders carried themselves.

"Master, Damien has been silent for days," Celia remarked, glancing back with concern. "Is something wrong?"

Nolan paused, his fingers brushing the strap of his bag. "I don't know," he admitted. "He hasn't said a word. Maybe he's thinking about the Dwarf Kingdom. Or maybe he's worried about the demons still lurking around."

Inside the mansion, Nolan set the bag of gold coins down in his room. He knelt briefly, opening it carefully, letting the sight of the shimmering coins wash over him. His mind raced, not with greed, but with possibility.

"So… this is it," he murmured. "Enough capital to start my business. Enough to expand… to build something lasting. And not just that… my kingdom. I'll start small, then grow. Trade, merchants, even craft. And eventually… my kingdom won't just be mine—it'll be a safe haven. A place where humans and monsters can coexist."

He leaned back against his desk, rubbing his temples as new plans layered themselves in his thoughts. "The Dwarf Kingdom comes next. I need their sword. It has to be perfect… a weapon that can hold my magic, that can withstand everything I throw at it. Only the dwarves can forge something like that."

Lyra entered silently, her ears twitching as if she could hear the rhythm of his thoughts. "Master, I can feel your resolve. But remember… the dwarves are wary. They've been living in fear of demons for a long time. Gaining their trust won't be easy. You'll need to show them your strength… but also your intention. Protect them. Show them you're not a threat."

Nolan nodded once. "I understand. Rescue first. Sword later. And then… the real work begins."

Damian finally spoke, his voice breaking the heavy silence that had lingered around him for days. "Master… I've been quiet because I was thinking.

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