The First Dragon God-Chapter 139: The Capital

Leo and his group finally arrived at the outskirts of the beastkin capital, the towering gates of wood and reinforced metal coming into view.

The walls stretched high, their construction blending natural elements with sturdy fortifications.

Vines coiled around massive wooden beams, and carvings of ancient beasts and tribal symbols adorned the gate.

Torches burned with a soft blue glow, their enchanted flames flickering under the twin moons overhead.

As the massive wolves slowed their pace, Leo exhaled, his muscles finally relaxing.

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The ride had been unlike anything he had ever experienced—fluid, yet untamed. The way the wolves navigated the terrain with effortless grace made it clear why the beastkin favored them as mounts.

Rhaun, their guide, dismounted first, his movements swift and practiced. His golden eyes flickered toward Leo and his group as they climbed off their respective mounts.

"You're lucky you made it here before sunrise," Rhaun said, running a hand through his wild, dark brown hair. His wolf-like ears twitched.

"The deeper parts of the forest aren't kind to outsiders. If you had arrived any later, well... let's just say the local wildlife wouldn't have been as welcoming as us."

Leo nodded, steadying himself after the long ride. "Thanks for the ride... and for not leaving us to fend for ourselves out there."

Rhaun smirked, crossing his arms. "Don't thank me yet. You'll find that the capital isn't exactly welcoming to strangers.

The beastkin respect strength, and outsiders? They'll have to prove they belong."

Leo noted the warning but chose not to respond. He was used to being an outsider. That wasn't going to change any time soon.

Rhaun turned toward his pack and let out a low whistle. The wolves that had carried them flicked their ears before vanishing into the night, their silent departure making Leo wonder just how intelligent they truly were.

"Be careful," Rhaun said, taking a step back. "You might have made it here, but that doesn't mean you're safe."

Without waiting for a reply, he vanished into the shadows of the forest, leaving them standing just outside the capital gates.

Tatiana let out a small sigh. "Well, that was dramatic."

Leo smirked. "Yeah, but he's not wrong. We need to be careful."

Tatiana nodded, then gestured toward the city. "First things first—we need a place to stay."

They turned their attention to the structures beyond the gate. Unlike the cities Leo had known, the beastkin capital had a unique blend of nature and civilization.

The buildings were constructed from wood, stone, and thick vines, merging seamlessly with the landscape. Streets were lined with torches emitting soft glows of blue and green, powered by some unknown energy. The air was rich with the scent of earth and wildflowers, tinged with a hint of something distinctly primal.

Tatiana scanned their surroundings before pointing toward a wooden building with a sign hanging above the entrance.

"That looks like an inn."

Leo followed her gaze and read the inscription. The sign was carved with symbols that shifted before forming words he could strangely understand: The Burrow's Rest.

As they entered, they were greeted by a warm, rustic atmosphere. The inn's interior was cozy yet spacious, with wooden beams arching overhead and soft pelts covering the seats.

A fire burned in the stone hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls. The scent of freshly cooked meat and spiced tea filled the air.

Behind the counter stood the innkeeper—a rabbit beastkin with large ears that twitched at their arrival. Her fur was a soft brown, and she had sharp, perceptive eyes.

"Outsiders," she murmured, her tone neither welcoming nor hostile. "Don't see many of your kind around here."

Tatiana stepped forward. "We need rooms for the night."

The rabbit beastkin studied them carefully before nodding. "We have space, but you'll need to pay in advance. No offense, but I don't make exceptions for newcomers."

Tatiana nodded and waved her hand on the table, and a couple of silver coins appeared on it.

The innkeeper examined them before nodding. "Alright. You'll get four rooms."

Tatiana made the room arrangements. "I'll take one for myself," she said.

Ves glanced at Mia before deciding. "We'll share one."

Leo turned to Fiona, who was still recovering from the journey. "She's staying with me."

Miguel shrugged. "Guess that leaves me with my own."

The innkeeper nodded. "Follow me."

She led them down a wooden hallway lined with woven rugs and lanterns that emitted soft golden light. The scent of lavender and chamomile lingered in the air.

One by one, she pointed them to their rooms before stopping at Leo's.

"Your companion looks exhausted," she said, glancing at Fiona. "Make sure she rests."

Leo nodded. "I will."

With that, she left them.

Leo stepped inside, guiding Fiona toward the bed. The room was small but comfortable, with a thick fur rug on the floor and a small window overlooking the city. A basin of water sat on the nightstand, along with fresh cloth for cleaning.

Fiona let out a tired huff before collapsing onto the bed. Leo sat beside her, running a hand through her fur.

"We made it," he murmured. "Now, we rest."

He leaned back, his body finally relaxing against the mattress. But even as exhaustion threatened to drag him into sleep, his mind was already racing toward what came next.

...

The night passed in silence, save for the occasional rustling of the wind outside the inn.

Yllandor's nights were different from Earth's—there was no lingering scent of smoke, no distant howls of starving creatures, no oppressive weight of an impending attack.

Instead, the air carried the earthy scent of wet grass, the chirping of unseen nocturnal animals, and a sky so vast and clear that Leo could see the countless stars hanging above.

Yet, despite the peaceful setting, his mind refused to rest.

Leo lay on his back, staring at the wooden ceiling, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the coarse fur of Fiona, who slept beside him.

Her breathing was slow, steady, but her occasional twitch suggested she was still recovering from her injuries. He glanced at her massive frame, her powerful muscles now resting after the brutality she had endured at Lucian's hands. The memory of it sent a bitter taste into his mouth.

Lucian.

The thought of that name alone sent a slow, simmering rage burning inside him.

Leo clenched his fist, feeling his nails bite into his palm. That encounter had exposed just how weak he truly was.

He had spent days, weeks, pushing himself beyond his limits, surviving in a world that wanted nothing more than to kill him, and yet, none of it mattered in front of Lucian.

He had been completely powerless.

He had watched as his wolves, the creatures that had followed and protected him and fought alongside him, were drained of their blood like discarded husks. He had been forced to his knees, humiliated, mocked, and he could do nothing.

That was the worst part.

Not the pain, not the injuries—but the powerlessness.

His fingers curled tighter. He would never feel that way again.

He had no illusions about his situation. Yllandor was nothing like Earth, and Lucian was proof that the realms beyond his home contained creatures and beings that he could barely comprehend. If Lucian was what an Exalted Rank could do, then what of those beyond him?

He wasn't just behind. He was insignificant.

But he would change that.

He had no choice.

Leo exhaled sharply, closing his eyes. The Abyssal Realm. That was his path to power. If the others could evolve and become stronger from it, so would he. And he wouldn't stop until he reached the Exalted Rank and beyond.