[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system":3,"chapter-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-97":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Exiled Duke's Lottery system",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1366805,1809,"Chapter 97 - 90: The Hunt Beneath the Smoke","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-97",97,"\u003Cp>The alarm bells echoed across Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold metallic sounds rolled through the industrial city while workers stopped along factory streets and rifle patrols flooded the districts beneath falling snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Search lanterns ignited across the fortress walls. Checkpoint gates slammed shut. Steam whistles screamed through the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And hidden within the lower administrative quarter—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassins realized the mission had already failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader’s voice remained low and controlled while the four men pushed through a narrow alley between brick refinery buildings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow mixed with drifting steam around them while distant rifle patrols spread rapidly through the district.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One assassin glanced behind nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How did they react this fast?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This city was waiting for infiltration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer unsettled everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because it felt true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elarion did not react like a peaceful noble territory surprised by danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It reacted like a fortress expecting attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somewhere ahead, whistles echoed sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Checkpoint coordination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassins immediately changed direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But every street now contained:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>patrols,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>barricades,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>or armed workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even civilians moved with alarming discipline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One blacksmith carrying a hammer calmly pointed toward another alley after spotting them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not frightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reporting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassins vanished into the smoke-filled side streets before nearby rifle patrols arrived moments later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now they understood the problem clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city itself was hostile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far above the industrial district atop the fortress walls, Aurethar slowly rose to his full height.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden scales reflected the firelight of Elarion below while smoke drifted from his nostrils into the freezing night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s ancient eyes scanned the city carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning Aurethar spread his enormous wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force alone sent snow exploding from the fortress towers while nearby soldiers instinctively grabbed onto the walls for balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the ancient golden dragon launched into the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the lower city, the assassins finally reached an abandoned warehouse district near the inner rail construction yards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader stopped sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regroup.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All four men gathered quickly beneath the shadow of a steel storage building while distant patrol lanterns swept across nearby streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One assassin pulled out a concealed blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can still reach the fortress.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader shook his head immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Security already locked the upper districts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another assassin cursed quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This place is insane.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not entirely wrong honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Elarion no longer resembled a medieval city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It resembled an industrial fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every district connected through:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>checkpoints,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>signal systems,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>patrol routes,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and alarm coordination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien had prepared for sabotage long before tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now the assassins were trapped inside the system he built.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All four men froze instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rhythmic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something enormous landed nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm wind rolled through the freezing alleyways while golden light reflected faintly across the surrounding steel structures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One assassin slowly looked upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And nearly lost the ability to breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar stared down at them from above the warehouse rooftops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient golden dragon’s massive form towered over the district while glowing golden eyes fixed directly upon the assassins below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smoke drifted slowly from between his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon sounded almost disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You people certainly make poor life decisions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobody moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobody breathed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One assassin instinctively stepped backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar noticed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s expression somehow became amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh good.\" \"The nervous one understands the situation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader recovered first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All four assassins split instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional reflex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Efficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar’s massive tail smashed through the alley entrance before two assassins even reached it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stone exploded outward violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man disappeared beneath collapsing masonry instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second tried to roll away—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden claws pinned him against the frozen ground effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin screamed once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining two fled deeper into the warehouse district while rifle whistles echoed nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elarion patrols were closing fast now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader sprinted through drifting steam while drawing a concealed enchanted dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep moving!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep rumbling sound rolled through the industrial district like distant thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You came to assassinate the ruler of my city.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s massive wings unfolded slowly across the rooftops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And somehow expected this to end well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One assassin suddenly turned and threw several enchanted knives upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blades struck Aurethar’s golden scales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They bounced off harmlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Aurethar slowly blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Adorable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fire exploded downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not full dragonfire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a burst of controlled golden flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire alley vanished beneath heat and light instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the fire faded—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing remained except burning stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last assassin froze completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because now he finally understood the scale of his mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not merely Lucien’s territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dragon guarded it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not a distant dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not an indifferent dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar was invested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Personally invested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That realization shattered whatever courage remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final assassin turned desperately toward the outer streets—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only to find riflemen waiting there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark-coated Elarion soldiers blocked the road ahead while bayonets glinted beneath lantern light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen stepped forward from the center formation calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Drop the weapon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin looked behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rifle line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lunged anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional until the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rifle cracked instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin collapsed into the snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence returned slowly afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steam drifted through the ruined warehouse district while Elarion patrols secured the area carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar lowered his massive head slightly toward Malen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These southern nobles are becoming irritating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen calmly cleaned snow from his gloves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They attempted assassination.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden eyes narrowed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That generally irritates people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fair point honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later Lucien arrived alongside Cedric and additional guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ruined district still glowed faintly from dragonfire while broken stone and scorched steel littered the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric looked around slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Subtle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar sounded offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I used restraint.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several soldiers nearby quietly avoided commenting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien approached the dead assassins silently while officers searched the bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One guard finally looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Southern forged identities confirmed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well.\" \"There goes political deniability.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That honestly worried Cedric slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because assassination changed things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pressure. Blockades. Military standoffs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those still belonged to politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This crossed into something darker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar observed Lucien quietly for several moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the ancient golden dragon spoke softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are afraid now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow continued falling across the burning district while distant factory whistles echoed through the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien looked toward the southern horizon silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally answered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They should be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1059,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","ff3c15e8c1a235aed91e06af1af03915dc1f35e534687ac8befdd2e707500391","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-98","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-96",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]