[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-498":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162467,1504,"Chapter 498: The Demon","ember-dragon-chapter-498",498,"\u003Cp>\"Note:For anyone who was subscribed to my previous Patreon, please send me a message on my new account. If I recognize you from before, I’ll happily give you a free month.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 498: The Demon\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asher’s face first twisted in disbelief, then contorted with fury. His entire body trembled uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, a noble demon, had been deceived by a lowly human!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an utter humiliation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did that human discover his identity, and where did he find the courage to report him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had that red dragon so thoroughly bewitched the people that even those who resented him were willing to risk their lives for him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You shameless, ungrateful wretches of the North should be slaughtered to the last!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humans, I will make you understand the consequences of angering a demon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asher’s face grew more and more grotesque, his gray-robed body trembling violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Screech—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His human skin suddenly tore apart, revealing black spines, chitinous pincer-like claws, and a grotesque, fanged visage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asher had finally revealed his true form—a Succubus Demon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These demons were born from the souls of betrayers, masters of deception who lured victims into self-destruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asher’s body swelled, his gray robe shredded, his horned head smashing through the tavern ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, dust filled the tavern, debris rained down, and the crowd panicked, scrambling in terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Run!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is that?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aahh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pathetic humans! Hahaha! Feel fear! I will slaughter you all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know nothing of the power of the Abyss!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Succubus Demon cackled horrifically, swinging its massive pincers, slicing fleeing victims in half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An overwhelming abyssal aura radiated from its massive, twisted form, striking fear into the very souls of those around it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tiefling security patrol immediately raised their rifles, aiming at the monstrous silhouette within the smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ogres and goblins, who had just been brawling, now stood grim-faced, drawing their pistols and opening fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shoot! Kill the demon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang! Bang! Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gunfire erupted, bullets rained upon the demon, but the Succubus Demon’s thick carapace deflected them with sharp, ringing sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its body was immensely strong, wielding destructive power. Were it not for the city’s high-level magical wards, it could have unleashed despair-inducing illusions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These demons were both powerful spellcasters and ruthless warriors—enough to instill fear even in the bravest of heroes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asher stepped from the smoke, sneering, \"Are you scratching an itch for me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Foolish mortals, how could you ever understand the majesty of the Abyss!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His crimson eyes locked onto Raj, who was cowering behind the soldiers, trembling on the ground. A murderous gleam filled his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Human, I have a debt to settle with you! As punishment for your betrayal, I will make you watch as your body is torn apart!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shoot its eyes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tiefling security captain raised his rifle and barked out the command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang! Bang! Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a hundred bullets rained down, striking the demon’s head and even piercing its eyes, forcing it back a few steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asher raised its pincers to shield itself, advancing with a guttural roar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You ignorant mortals! I will annihilate you all! I will bring down this empire!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Succubus Demon charged into the crowd, its enormous pincers slicing several tiefling soldiers in half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the surrounding tieflings, goblins, and ogres did not retreat. They formed a loose battle line, continuing to fire at its weak spots. Some even hurled explosives—after years of military training, these actions had become instinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One ogre even lifted a table as a shield, standing in front of the demon and bellowing, \"Big bug, Ruk will smash you flat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon rammed into the ogre, then crushed more soldiers under its pincers, charging straight for Raj.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Human—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its cover was blown, and its mission to undermine the empire from within had failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Asher had only one thought—to kill this damned human, vent his rage, and escape!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"N-no! Don’t kill me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Help!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raj, staring at the monstrous demon, scrambled backward on the ground, but it was futile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon’s gruesome pincers loomed ever closer in Raj’s vision. He could see the fresh blood dripping from its jagged teeth, smell the overwhelming stench of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this how he would die?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unacceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t received his gold dinars, hadn’t repaid his debts, hadn’t attained first-class citizenship...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of how he was about to be torn apart, Raj shut his eyes in terror, his pants already soaked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You dare cause chaos on Coronation Day! This is blasphemy against His Majesty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crisp female voice rang out, filled with boundless fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raj did not feel the expected pain—only intense heat. He cautiously opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames roared, ashes danced, and an overwhelming draconic aura filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young woman with dragon horns floated above, her fiery red hair wildly flowing, golden slit pupils burning with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To those who gazed upon her, it was as if a colossal red dragon had spread its wings and roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the master of the Tower of Infernal Flames, the contract-bearer of Emperor Cassius, the Ember Empire’s \"Dragonflame Maiden\"—Misha!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s Lady Misha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raj gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the emperor’s contract-bearer, it was said that the \"Dragonflame Maiden\" held a rank equal to a duke. He had only ever read about such a figure in the \"Kingdom Gazette\".\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those who blaspheme His Majesty shall be reduced to ashes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha extended a slender hand, flames swirling like silk, forming a scorching hurricane that blasted toward the demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Succubus Demon was sent crashing into the ruins, its body charred, its once-impenetrable carapace nearly melted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asher propped itself up with its pincers, glaring at the young woman, its crimson eyes filled with hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A powerful demon—wounded by a mere mortal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abyssal energy swirled over Asher’s body as he gritted his teeth. \"You are one of the red dragon’s vassals...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha did not answer. She merely watched coldly, her hands crossing before her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within a hundred-meter radius, fire elements coalesced into a vortex of energy, forming a fireball as blinding and scorching as the sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Dragon’s Breath!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asher sensed danger. He lunged forward, attempting to kill Misha before she could release the spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha lifted her hand, pointing skyward, unleashing the terrifying power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white pillar of fire tore through the air, vaporizing the demon’s carapace, incinerating its abyssal flesh, piercing its chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha showed no mercy, raising her hand higher, directing the fire to rip the demon’s upper body in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaghh—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mortal, you can never truly kill me! I will be reborn in the Abyss and return for revenge against the red dragon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a piercing wail, chaotic mist gushed from the wounds of the massive body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blinding yellow light burst from the Succubus Demon’s eyes and ears, cracks forming along its skin as a majestic force tore its body apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as its sinful soul was about to return to the Abyss and be reborn in the Blood Pool, a force of order halted and erased it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Imperial Domain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Red Dragon had long slumbered, his power still shrouded this land, barring all unwanted intruders from coming and going.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha watched the humanoid shadow disintegrate into dust and sneered. \"Abyssal scum, this is His Majesty’s domain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned, clapping her hands lightly, her golden eyes locking onto the trembling Raj. \"Alright, the trouble is dealt with. Now, tell me—what did it say to you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raj nodded frantically, his damp pants nearly dried by the surrounding heat.\u003C\u002Fp>",1251,"2026-06-03T12:47:02.951Z","2026-06-03T12:47:07.061Z",1,"novelbin.me","c69bb5a83a2928d985b5b87660a818f53011ac046fa6a781d9d86dd88b777630","ember-dragon-chapter-499","ember-dragon-chapter-497",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]