Chapter 104: Unearthing Draeogorths powers
### **Chapter 14: Unearthing Draegoth's Powers**
The sprawling **Obsidian Estate** sat on the outskirts of Draegoth's wealthiest district, shrouded by towering iron trees and thick, enchanted fogs that deterred intruders. Noah had secured the estate shortly after arriving in the city, its secluded nature aligning with his penchant for privacy. The estate was vast, with winding corridors and darkly beautiful architecture, a reflection of its previous demonic owners. It was here that Noah began to plan his integration into the enigmatic and dangerous city of Draegoth.
---
Draegoth was a bastion of ambition and darkness, a place where demons had carved their dominion from the remnants of ancient wars. The city had been built over centuries of bloodshed, its origins tied to the **Demonic Unification War**, where warring demon clans fought for supremacy. Four clans emerged victorious, establishing themselves as the rulers of the city and guardians of its chaotic balance.
Kalis, Noah's loyal subordinate, had spent weeks in Draegoth's labyrinthine streets gathering information. He returned to the estate under the cover of night, his **Crimson Stalker** class allowing him to slip through shadows undetected.
"My lord," Kalis began, kneeling before Noah in the grand hall of the estate. "I've uncovered much about the powers that control this city. Draegoth is ruled by four great clans, each more formidable than the last."
Noah leaned back in his chair, the flickering light of a crimson fire casting eerie shadows across his face. "Tell me everything," he said, his tone commanding yet calm.
---
Kalis began his report, detailing the city's rulers with precision:
1. **The Malgrim Clan**
- **Leader:** **Lord Zareth Malgrim**, the Eternal Tyrant (Level 40)
- **Domain:** Military strength and city defense.
The Malgrim Clan was synonymous with Draegoth's brute force. Lord Zareth was a towering figure, said to have crushed his challengers with his bare hands. His clan controlled the **Ironshade District**, a fortified region teeming with demon warriors.
2. **The Umbraen Covenant**
- **Leader:** **Lady Nyssara Umbraen**, Mistress of Shadows (Level 38)
- **Domain:** Espionage, intelligence, and assassinations.
The Umbraen Covenant thrived in the shadows, their influence extending into every corner of Draegoth. Lady Nyssara was a master manipulator, wielding shadow magic that rendered her nearly untouchable.
3. **The Zephyrix Syndicate**
- **Leader:** **Archon Valtheris Zephyrix**, Storm Herald (Level 35)
- **Domain:** Trade, commerce, and the black market.
The Zephyrix Syndicate controlled Draegoth's wealth, dominating both legal and illegal trade. Archon Valtheris was a cunning tactician, his lightning-based powers feared throughout the city.
4. **The Infernal Cabal**
- **Leader:** **Highlord Xoranth Kaelthar**, the Flame Sovereign (Level 40)
- **Domain:** Forbidden magic and ancient relics.
The Infernal Cabal dealt in arcane knowledge and dangerous artifacts. Highlord Xoranth was said to wield flames that could reduce entire armies to ash, his power rooted in dark pacts with otherworldly entities.
---
While the leaders maintained Draegoth's balance, their descendants—scions of the clans—vied for dominance among themselves. These heirs, most between Levels 15 and 20, were ambitious and reckless, constantly scheming to prove their worth.
"They are dangerous," Kalis continued, "but their infighting makes them exploitable. The heirs are powerful, but their arrogance blinds them to subtle threats."
Noah listened intently, his mind already working through the possibilities.
"And the leaders?" Noah asked.
"Formidable," Kalis admitted. "Even the weakest among them could crush most opponents. Their influence extends beyond their levels; they control the city itself. Challenging them directly would be suicide."
---
Noah rose from his chair, walking to the large window that overlooked the city. Draegoth was a maze of towering spires and glowing sigils, a city alive with power and ambition. Yet, despite its formidable rulers, Noah saw opportunities.
"This city thrives on strength," Noah said, his voice low. "But strength alone cannot rule. Influence, fear, and manipulation are the true currencies of power here."
Kalis nodded. "Then what is our next step, my lord?"
"For now, we observe," Noah replied. "The clans are too powerful to confront head-on. We'll gather more information, identify weaknesses, and exploit them when the time is right. This city will serve my goals, not the other way around."
---
Despite his growing understanding of Draegoth, Noah couldn't shake his frustration. His escape from the human city had been harrowing, and yet, he had gained no levels. He remained at Level 15, a paltry number compared to the city's rulers.
"I need to grow stronger," Noah muttered, more to himself than to Kalis. "This stagnation is unacceptable. Without power, I am vulnerable."
"The city offers opportunities for growth," Kalis said, rising to his feet. "The descendants of the clans are formidable but not untouchable. Their arrogance could be their undoing."
---
Noah spent the following days entrenching himself within Draegoth. He used his wealth to secure contacts and purchase valuable information, all while keeping a low profile. The estate became a fortress of planning and secrecy, its halls filled with the whispers of schemes yet to unfold.
Kalis continued to scour the city, his **Crimson Stalker** class allowing him to gather intelligence without detection. He reported back regularly, detailing the movements of the clans and their heirs.
"My lord," Kalis said during one such meeting, "the heirs are preparing for a grand tournament. It's an annual event, a chance for them to showcase their strength and gain favor with their leaders."
Noah's eyes narrowed. "A tournament, you say? That could be useful."
"It's risky," Kalis warned. "The clans will be watching closely. If you're discovered…"
"I won't act recklessly," Noah assured him. "But opportunities like this cannot be ignored."
--
As Noah plotted his next steps, one thought burned brighter than the rest: the remnants of the **Avaros Clan**. Their betrayal had forced him into exile, and for that, they would pay.
"They think they can escape me," Noah said, his voice cold. "But I will eradicate them, every last one."
Draegoth was a city of opportunity, a sanctuary for those like him. Here, Noah would grow stronger, gather allies, and prepare for the inevitable. Humanity had turned against him, but he would rise above them all.
"This city will be mine," Noah vowed, his eyes gleaming with determination. "And with it, the world will follow."