The night air bit into my skin as I stepped out of the dungeon gate.
The wind carried the scent of damp earth and torch smoke from afar.
For the first time since this so-called "reincarnation," I could finally breathe free air.
But freedom in this world was nothing more than an illusion.
Behind those stone walls below, the guards had already found the corpses.
And their last words still echoed in my mind:
> "He's alive… The Demon Prince has returned."
I exhaled slowly.
"Good. Guess I'm officially a living nightmare now."
> [Side Mission Active: Survive 24 hours outside the palace.]
[Remaining time: 4 hours 58 minutes.]
Four hours.
Four hours to stay alive before the entire royal army came hunting for me.
I moved down the stone steps into the castle's back courtyard.
The sky above was pitch-black, the moon veiled by thick clouds.
Only the flickering torches on the watchtowers gave faint light.
Every step had to count.
One mistake, and my head would hang by dawn—no execution required.
Heavy footsteps echoed nearby.
I pressed myself against the wall, holding my breath.
"Catch him—alive or dead! King's orders!"
"I heard he slaughtered five dungeon guards!"
"No way a human escaped from there!"
Their voices grew louder.
I looked down—blood was still dripping from my axe.
Damn it. I left a trail.
> [Suggestion: Activate 'Ring of Shadows'?]
I glanced at the black ring on my finger.
"Do it."
> [Duration: 5 minutes.]
A thin mist wrapped around me.
The world grew quieter, my own breathing fading into silence.
I dashed across the stone yard, vaulted over an iron fence, and slipped into a narrow corridor behind the watchtower.
It was damp, dark, and strangely warm.
I ran my hand along the wall—it felt smoother than the outer stones.
"A hidden passage… or a secret tunnel," I muttered.
> [Blood Sense automatically activated.]
[Life forms detected: none within 15 meters.]
"Good. Safe for now."
The passage sloped downward and split into two paths—
Left, completely dark.
Right, faint light seeping through cracks in the wall.
I crouched and peeked.
Two guards stood in the next chamber, whispering as they studied a map under the torchlight.
"...If he escaped through here, the captain said we'll burn the whole tunnel."
"And roast ourselves along with him? No thanks."
"Shut up. You know what happens if we fail to catch the prince."
I almost laughed. They were terrified of the shadow they were chasing.
> [Action Options: Eliminate or Hide.]
[Recommendation: Avoid combat. Host energy -15%.]
I sighed softly.
"So I'm not allowed to go on a killing spree, huh?"
I stepped back quietly—
Creaaak.
The floor betrayed me.
One guard spun around. "Who's there?!"
Shit.
I froze, but the black mist on my finger began to fade—
the ring's effect was gone.
> [Ring of Shadows: Duration expired.]
[Host aura detected!]
"There! After him!"
They charged.
I turned and sprinted down the left corridor.
The passage grew narrower, barely wide enough for one person. Stones rumbled above me with every step.
"Stop! You can't escape!"
"If I stop, I die, idiot!"
Their footsteps thundered behind me, closer and closer.
> [Host in pursuit state. Activate 'Shadow Instinct'?]
"Yes! Activate!"
> [Movement sync: 60%. Warning: stamina 40%.]
My body grew light again.
An arrow hissed past my head as I ducked.
I grabbed a loose rock and hurled it at the wall—
the sharp echo bounced rightward.
"He went that way!" one shouted.
I veered left instead.
The passage began to slope upward—faint light ahead.
An exit? Or a trap?
I didn't care. I kept running.
But something felt off—the walls around me… they were trembling. Breathing.
"What the hell—?"
> [Hidden location detected: Royal Family Secret Chamber.]
[Access requirement: Royal blood only.]
I froze. "Royal blood…? I am a prince."
I bit my thumb, letting a drop of blood fall onto a carved sigil on the wall.
The stone shuddered, then slid open—revealing a narrow stairway downward.
Behind me, the guards' voices grew louder.
"Alright, if this is a trap, I die with style."
I descended quickly. The stone door sealed shut above me.
Darkness.
Only my heartbeat echoed.
> [New Area Unlocked: Royal Secret Passage – Restricted Access.]
[Exploration Bonus: +50 Villain Points.]
A grin crept onto my face.
"My instincts never fail me."
The tunnel stretched endlessly, lined with glowing blue runes etched into the walls.
Every step echoed softly.
> [Warning: Life signature detected. Distance—25 meters ahead.]
I tensed. "A guard? Or something worse?"
> [Unknown. Probability: Non-human entity.]
"Fantastic. New world, new monsters."
At the end of the path lay a small chamber.
In the center stood a massive stone statue of a dragon—its crimson eyes glowing faintly.
The light reflected on the walls, and I realized… the carvings weren't decoration.
They were seals.
> [Analysis: Ancient Seal Chamber detected. High-tier magic presence confirmed.]
I approached slowly.
Cold energy flowed from the statue—but it wasn't just cold. It was… calling me.
"Don't tell me this is the royal family's secret vault..."
Then I heard footsteps again—from above this time.
Torchlight seeped through cracks in the ceiling.
"Check below! He must be hiding in the tunnels!"
> [Warning: Three human entities approaching. Distance—10 meters.]
I clenched my jaw. "Great. Can't catch a damn break."
I looked at the dragon statue… then at the approaching steps.
"Two choices—get slaughtered by humans, or awaken something that might kill me."
I placed my hand on the dragon's head. The cold stone pulsed beneath my skin.
> [Interaction initiated.]
[Royal blood synchronization detected.]
The statue trembled violently.
Its eyes flared bright red, heat flooding the chamber.
The voices above grew frantic—they were almost here.
I stepped back, breathing hard. "Okay… this might be the dumbest thing I've ever done."
The ground quaked. Dust rained from above.
Then—
A deep, ancient voice shook the air.
> "Who dares disturb… the blood of dragons?"
I froze.
From within the statue, a blazing crimson light erupted, and a shadowy black dragon spirit emerged—half-transparent, yet radiating immense power.
It hovered above me, eyes glowing like twin infernos.
Its massive wings stretched, covering the walls with its shadow.
I swallowed hard. "Yeah… definitely not a small trap."
> [Entity identified: Guardian Spirit of Royal Bloodline.]
[Status: Sealed for 300 years.]
[Activation condition: Blood of the Exiled Royalty.]
"Exiled royalty, huh? Guess that's me."
The dragon's gaze locked onto mine.
> "Who are you… weak blood, daring to summon me?"
"I…" I steadied my breath. "I'm the Seventh Prince of Valemont.
But this world decided I don't deserve to live."
The dragon's eyes narrowed.
> "A prince? No prince kneels in a dungeon."
I chuckled bitterly. "You're right. I'm no one now."
> [System Analysis: Entity shows interest in Host.]
[Suggestion: Display dominance to avoid elimination.]
I raised my head, meeting its fiery eyes without flinching.
"If you think I fear you, you're dead wrong.
This world's tried to kill me twice today. I'm done bowing to ghosts."
The chamber trembled. The dragon growled—but there was something different in its tone now. Curiosity.
> "Courage… or stupidity. The two often feel the same."
"Let's call it courage," I said quickly. "Now—will you help me, or go back to sleep for another three centuries?"
For a moment, silence.
Then the dragon laughed—a deep, thunderous sound that rattled the stones.
> "Ha! You speak like your ancestor—the arrogant founder of Valemont.
Perhaps his blood truly flows in you."
> [Blood Synchronization: 12% → 40%.]
[Partial connection with Guardian Spirit established.]
A searing heat coursed through my veins.
Power. Wild and untamed.
My eyes trembled as the dragon's aura merged into me.
> [New temporary ability acquired: Dragon's Gaze (Lv.1).]
[Effect: Intimidation +30%. Enemy reaction speed drastically reduced for 10 seconds.]
I smirked. "Now that's a skill worth using."
But time wasn't on my side.
Footsteps echoed from above again—metal on stone, followed by shouts.
"Quick! I see light down there! He's in the chamber!"
I looked up.
"Persistent bastards, aren't you?"
> "Do these humans… seek your blood?"
"Seems that way."
> "Then make them feel it."
I stared at the dragon. "You mean—?"
> "Use me. But your body won't hold long. One strike only."
I nodded. "One strike's enough."
> [Resonance Mode: Activated.]
[Duration: 15 seconds.]
Red light engulfed me.
My skin darkened into faint scales, my pupils turned vertical.
Heat exploded from within, lighting every rune in the chamber.
The guards reached the stairway.
"I see you, false prince! You think you can hide in this rat hole?"
I smiled thinly. "You just knocked on hell's door."
> [Skill: Dragon's Gaze – Activated.]
The air froze.
Crimson light flared from my eyes—
the first guard's body went rigid instantly.
"W-what… is this—?"
One dropped his torch, and the flame crawled up his uniform, spreading panic.
I stepped forward, voice low and cold.
"I gave you a chance to live."
Then I exhaled—
and fire burst from my mouth.
Red flames consumed the tunnel, devouring all three men at once.
Their screams echoed briefly… then faded to silence.
> [Three human entities eliminated.]
[Level Up: 2 → 3.]
[New Skill Unlocked: Heat Resistance (Passive).]
I staggered, the aura fading fast. Blood dripped from my nose—
the cost of power was real.
> "A fragile body… but a will I admire," the dragon rumbled.
I wiped the blood away. "Don't worry. I'm starting to like you too."
The dragon's massive head lowered slightly.
> "You may call me again… when your blood can bear my weight."
> [Guardian Spirit entering dormant state.]
[Connection saved.]
The spirit vanished, leaving only embers behind.
I stood in the half-burned chamber, staring at the scorched stone and ashes.
"So… where now?"
> [Secret Passage Map updated.]
[Nearest exit: 200 meters east.]
I started walking.
Each step felt heavier, the air thick with smoke and iron.
> [Status: Stamina 35%.]
[Warning: Spiritual energy unstable.]
"Yeah, I know. I'm not a damn machine."
I squeezed through a cracked wall into a narrow tunnel—
crawling slowly, silently.
Then—footsteps again.
Heavy. Metallic.
Not guards. Something higher.
I froze, breath caught in my throat.
A figure appeared at the far end, holding a blue torch.
The flame glowed coldly—unnatural.
Through that light, I saw him: silver armor engraved with a golden dragon emblem.
Eyes sharp as blades.
And an aura that screamed death.
A knight.
But not an ordinary one.
> [System Analysis: High-level entity detected.]
[Name: Ser Kael – Knight Commander of the Royal Vanguard.]
[Threat Level: S.]
[Recommendation: RUN.]
I gulped.
"Great. Even the System's panicking."
The knight stopped—his gaze locking directly on me through the gap.
He didn't look surprised.
He looked like someone who'd been expecting me.
> "Finally, I've found you… Exiled Prince."
I froze.
His voice was calm, but sharp enough to cut steel.
"The King wants you alive," he said softly. "But I don't like dirtying my hands."
He raised his sword—its edge reflecting that eerie blue light.
I stepped back once, my grip tightening on the dagger at my belt.
Metallic steps echoed closer.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Then the System spoke again, cold and merciless:
> [Suggestion: Survive.]
I took a deep breath.
"Yeah. Thanks for the 'advice,' System."
The knight stopped right in front of the tunnel's opening, lowering his head slightly.
His thin smile gleamed under the blue light.
> "Are you ready to return to the palace, Your Highness?"
I clenched my weapon, blood still warm from the resonance.
"Sorry," I whispered.
"I haven't finished enjoying my freedom yet."
He paused—then swung.
A flash of blue tore through the air.
And for a moment, the world… stopped.