Demonic Dragon: Harem System

"It's good to see you… M-Mother-in-law," Strax managed to murmur, his voice hoarse and trembling as he struggled to catch his breath.

"How perceptive," she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I thought you were a more intelligent man." Scarlet stood, her presence towering.

"I figured one would be enough. Daniela's a bit scatterbrained, so that was tolerable. Cassandra? I tried to ignore it—she's been looking for a husband for years… But all three? Do you have a death wish?" Scarlet asked, her tone dangerously sharp.

"No, not particularly," Strax answered with a cocky smile, even as he lay pinned to the floor under her overwhelming aura. "Could you spare me, your dear new son-in-law?"

"Oh, of course, Prince," Scarlet mocked, her tone dripping with irony as the oppressive weight of her killing intent surged even stronger.

"I do admire your courage, boy—or your recklessness." She smirked, her voice mocking.

Suddenly, Scarlet's aura vanished entirely as she returned to her seat, crossing her legs with casual elegance.

[Survive the Conversation with Scarlet Vermilion]

The message flashed before Strax's eyes and disappeared just as quickly. Of course, he had no options, but now… seeing the System's warning meant one thing: Strax was in real danger.

"I don't care enough about what you do with my daughters," Scarlet said coldly. "But if you dare to hurt even one of them…" Her voice dropped to a low murmur as Strax's body trembled.

This wasn't just any killing intent; this was the killing intent of a fiercely protective mother.

Strax swallowed hard, sweat trickling down his forehead as every word Scarlet spoke weighed on him like a hammer against his soul. He knew he was in dangerous territory, and every fiber of his being screamed for caution.

"I wouldn't hurt any of them," he said, trying to sound firm, though his voice still carried a slight tremor. "They mean too much to me."

Scarlet raised an eyebrow, the glint in her eyes growing even sharper. "Mean too much?" She leaned forward, her fingers tapping the armrest of her chair. "Do you think empty words like those will convince me? You have no idea what it means to protect them, boy."

Strax felt the pressure on his body lessen slightly—enough to allow him to stand, though his knees were still shaky. "With all due respect, Lady Scarlet," he began, striving for confidence, "I'm not someone who runs from responsibility. I'm here to fight for them, to ensure no one dares harm them."

Scarlet laughed, a cold, disdainful sound that sent chills down Strax's spine. "Fight for them? You can't even fight for yourself yet. Don't make me laugh, boy."

Clenching his fists, Strax felt anger bubbling beneath his skin. "I'm not perfect, but I'm trying. I may not be the strongest man right now, but I'm no coward. I won't back down, no matter what."

Scarlet tilted her head, her sharp gaze scrutinizing him. "You have courage, I'll give you that. But courage without strength is just an invitation to death. And I have no interest in watching my daughters suffer because they got involved with a fool who thinks he can protect them with pretty words."

Strax took a step forward, despite the palpable weight of Scarlet's presence. "I'm not asking for your approval," he said, his words resolute. "But know this—with or without it, I'll do whatever it takes to take care of them. And for that, I will become stronger."

Scarlet was silent for a moment, her eyes examining his every movement and word. Then, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curved her lips. "Interesting," she murmured. "You've got more fire in you than I expected."

Strax took a deep breath, relieved as the killing intent diminished once more. But before he could fully relax, Scarlet pointed a finger at him.

"That doesn't mean I trust you," she said, her voice still commanding. "If I even suspect that you're not living up to your promises, you'll wish I had just killed you today."

Strax nodded, understanding the weight of her words perfectly. "I understand. And I won't let them down—or you."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Scarlet reclined in her chair, crossing her arms as she regarded him with something that almost resembled respect. "Then prove it, boy. Prove you're worthy of the name you carry and the hearts of my daughters."

She suddenly tossed a strange book toward him.

"Your dear mother created this twenty years ago. She wanted to pass on everything she knew for you to learn, but we both know what happened to her," Scarlet said, her tone softening slightly as she continued.

"The first page contains a letter from your mother."

Strax held the book carefully, feeling the symbolic weight of it in his hands. The worn black leather cover bore intricate runes that still glimmered faintly, pulsing with ancient energy. He glanced up at Scarlet, who now watched him with a neutral expression, though her gaze still carried a weight of expectation.

"A letter?" he asked, trying to keep his composure despite the rapid pounding of his heart.

Scarlet nodded, a faint sigh escaping her lips. "Yes. Your mother knew she wouldn't be there to guide you, so she poured everything she could into that book. Techniques, secrets, lessons… but most importantly, her words to you."

Strax carefully opened the book, his hands trembling slightly. The first page did indeed contain a letter. The words were written in elegant, firm handwriting, but there was something deeply personal about the way each letter seemed deliberately crafted. He began reading aloud, his voice soft:

"My dearest Strax,

If you're reading this, it means I'm no longer there to hold your hand and guide your steps. But know that, even from afar, I am always with you. This book contains everything I've learned, everything I believed would help you grow into the man I know you can be.

I didn't just give you my name, but my legacy, my heart, and my strength. Use them wisely and never lose sight of what truly matters: protecting those you love and staying true to yourself.

With all my love,

Your mother, Scathach."

Strax felt a tightness in his chest as he read. The words resonated deeply within him, stirring memories of his mother—imposing yet kind, a presence that once felt unshakable. He ran his hand over the page, as if he could somehow feel her presence through the parchment.

Looking up from the book, Strax met Scarlet's gaze. "Why give me this now?"

"Because I want to see what you'll do with it," Scarlet replied, her voice unwavering. "Will you honor her expectations, or will you let them crumble into the dirt? This is your first step, boy. Consider it your test."

Strax clutched the book tightly to his chest, as if protecting something precious. "I won't fail. Not her. Not your daughters."

Scarlet scoffed, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "We'll see, Strax. We'll see."

She stood slowly, her presence as commanding as ever, and began walking toward the door. Just before leaving, she paused and glanced back over her shoulder. "Oh, and boy… read the third page too. You'll need it to survive what's coming."

With that, she disappeared down the corridor, leaving Strax alone with the book and his mother's words etched into his mind.

"Well…" Strax murmured, looking down at the book again. He took a deep breath and opened it.

Carefully turning past the letter, he came to the next page. It was filled with intricate symbols and lines of text that seemed to shimmer faintly, as though written in fire. At the top of the page, the title stood out in bold, elegant handwriting:

"The Draconic Runes."

Strax read silently, his eyes absorbing every word.

"My son, the power you carry in your blood is not ordinary. It is the legacy of an ancient lineage, one that unites the mastery of runes with the strength of dragons. These runes, known as Draconic Runes, are the purest expression of the connection between body, mind, and magic. They are not merely symbols; they are words of power, representations of the very force of the universe."

Alongside the text, detailed illustrations of runes adorned the page, each accompanied by explanations of its meaning and use. The runes seemed to almost dance on the parchment, alive with an energy that he could feel pulsing through his hands as he held the book.

"To wield these runes, you must understand that your body is their vessel. The Demonic Dragon Physique you've inherited allows these runes to manifest, but it requires discipline, focus, and determination to activate them. They do not respond solely to brute force; they respond to the balance between raw power and inner wisdom. This is the foundation of the training I've prepared for you."

Below, clear instructions detailed the steps to begin using the runes. He read aloud the first phrase:

"Feel the warmth of your blood, the pulse of your heart. Let the spirit of the dragon within you awaken."

As soon as he spoke the words, Strax felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. It was as if something ancient and dormant within him was beginning to stir. His heart raced, and he watched in awe as his skin began to faintly glow, revealing the outlines of invisible runes slowly emerging on his arms.

"This is… surreal," he murmured, struggling to process the sensation. He read the next set of instructions:

"Focus on the first rune: Kael'Vyr. It is the Flame of the Dragon, the foundation of all power. Trace the symbol in your mind and let it burn in your heart."

Strax studied the illustration of the Kael'Vyr rune in the book. It was intricate yet deceptively simple in form, resembling a spiraling flame. Closing his eyes, he began to visualize the rune, tracing its shape in his mind as the instructions directed.

As he did, he felt an intense heat building in his chest. It was nearly unbearable, yet there was an odd sense of control, as though the heat was waiting for his command.

Suddenly, the heat surged into his right hand, and a golden flame erupted, wrapping around his fingers without burning him. He opened his eyes, startled, and watched as the flame danced gracefully in his palm.

"Kael'Vyr is your first trial," the text continued. "Master it, and you will begin to understand the true potential of being a bearer of the Draconic Runes. But be warned, my son. This power is as dangerous as it is magnificent. Control it, or it will consume you."

Strax clenched his fist, extinguishing the flame, though the warmth lingered on his skin. He knew this was only the beginning, but he also felt the weight of what it meant. His mother had prepared this for him because she believed in him. And he wouldn't let her down.

"Draconic Runes, huh?" He glanced at the book again, a determined smile spreading across his lips. "Let's see what I'm capable of."