“What did I do?” Kashi stared at the raging Nornesh, wondering what had gotten into the proud dragon. What did Nornesh have to be angry about? Kashi was the one who got killed. He was about to repeat the question when he spotted Syèl laughing at pointing at the ground. Kashi suddenly felt terrible foreboding. The daeben swallowed hard and then looked around him.
Kashi instantly groaned. Just as he feared, the mana pool no longer existed. Yggdrasil sucked up everything, not sparing a single drop. Now, Kashi understood Nornesh’s rage. Pulling up, taming, and then maintaining this violent mana could not have been easy. Anyone would be pissed if a guest came in and cleared out their fridge and storeroom.
A thousand thoughts ran through Kashi’s head at once, until his eyes shone with mischief. Kashi met Nornesh’s gaze and then said, “So, I guess I won, right?”
Nornesh froze for a moment, in disbelief of his own ears. Suddenly, the flames on his hands turned black as they flared up. “WHAT DID YOU SAY!?”
Kashi winced as the flames burned his chest. Damn, now it was apparent Nornesh had gone easy on them. If the dragon had used these black flames from the start, neither Kashi nor Syèl would have survived. Contrary to expectations, Kashi’s expression remained neutral despite staring death in the face. Instead, he curled his lips as he said, “I won. We bet that I could survive for three hours in here.” Looking around, the daeben chuckled, “But there’s no more mana in this pool. I can remain here for the remainder of the time if you want. But either way, that favor is already mine.” Nornesh opened his mouth, but Kashi interrupted, “My favor is that you let this go.” The daeben then added with a shit-eating grin, “I suppose that leaves me with only one favor.”
Nornesh’s eyes burned. “You!”
“Let it go, man,” Syèl called from behind. “Old ginger might be the spiciest, but the student will eventually surpass the master.” Shrugging, he added, “He’s got you on a technicality. You gotta let him go.”
Nornesh glared at Syèl, but the halben only responded with a helpless shrug. His eyes said, ‘Don’t blame me, chief. Blame the game.’ Even though Nornesh would have loved nothing more than to snap Kashi’s neck, he was honor-bound to respect his rules.
Thus, Nornesh, after a long, internal debate, freed Kashi and then turned to Syèl. The essence blood floated in his hand as he spat with a spiteful grin, “Nothing says I have to give you th—”
“[Dawn Pelmut]”
Nornesh’s jaw dropped to the floor, stunned silly by Syèl’s audacity. He was so shocked that he failed to react until the Essence Blood was dancing on Syèl’s palm. “You!” Nornesh exploded with rage. “You dare steal fr—” *Cough* Kashi’s sudden cough caused chills to run up the dragon’s spine. He looked at the daeben, shock in his eyes. “You wouldn’t.”
Kashi, however, replied with a smile, “A few hours ago, maybe not. Now, though, I do not intend to rely on external power, so…” Glancing at Syèl, he said, “My last favor. I ask that you overlook Syèl’s slight.”
Nornesh regarded Kashi with disbelief. “You would waste an Elder Dragon’s favors this way?”
“Is it really a waste if you appreciate the reason you wasted something?” retorted Kashi with a profound smile. He then said, “So, will you grant me this final favor?”
“Heh.” Nornesh’s maw twitched but then spread in exaggerated laughter. “He-hahahahaha!” The dragon’s laughter turned increased as he bent his head backward. Eventually, after a short while, and a few tears later, Nornesh clamped his right hand on Kashi’s shoulder. “Good Kid. I like you.” He then glanced at Syèl and added, “Your friend, not so much. Are you certain you do not wish to swap out your favour to killing him?”
Kashi shook his head, sighing sadly as he said, “Maybe some other day.”
“I can hear you guys, you know,” complained Syèl as he played with the Essence Blood. “I’m standing less than three meters away from you guys.”
Nornesh let out a regretful sigh. “I suppose I must let you go. This request does not cross my bottom line.” His eyes then sparked with a vindictive light as he glared at Syèl. “You, however; I shall not teach you the safe absorption method for that Essence Blood. Wallow in pain, you ingrate.”
“Oh? This will hurt?” questioned Syèl with a skeptic look. The halben raised the blood to his mouth and then swallowed it. Nornesh watched, eyes glittering with anticipation, but apart from a momentary wince, Syèl had the most relaxed expression. Anyone would think he just ate a berry, not one of the most destructive essences on the planet. Several seconds later, Syèl’s eyes widened. “Oh? This is really something.” He opened his right hand and then admired the blue flame that appeared.
Kashi and Nornesh’s eyes twitched as they looked at the flame. Did this bastard just skip straight to a Tier 3 flame? Why were the heavens so unfair? Kashi, in particular, looked at that flame with trepidation. He was immune to Tier 1 flames. He possessed a partial immunity to Tier 2 flames, but from Tier 3 up, he had zero immunity. Even with Syèl’s multitude of skills, Kashi always took solace in the fact that he was resistant to Syèl’s favorite attack element: fire. From today onward, that was no longer a guarantee.
Syèl, meanwhile, grinned as he flexed his arm and examined a prompt that informed him that he had advanced to Vampiric Prince. As a result, his Strength and Agility had both risen by 200 points, his magic-skill potency had increased to 200%, and finally, his health regen had increased to 3%/s. Syèl grinned as he examined the prompts. Indeed, the fastest way to Vampire King was to find dragons and other rare creatures.
More importantly, however, the Essence Blood not only granted him 10,000 HP, free, also gave him a few passive skills. [Bloodline Sense] granted him the ability to sense dragons or dragonkin nearby. [Divine Aura] covered him in a holy aura that offered protection against both black and holy magic (It also had the side effect of making him seem trustworthy to strangers.) [Dragon Tongue] granted him an understanding of an ancient draconic language. The language possessed powerful magic, but he had to go searching for them himself.
Syèl glanced at Nornesh. Unfortunately, the dragon’s stormy expression belied his most likely response. His question might just be that straw that broke this dragon’s back. Sighing, Syèl said as he walked over to Kashi, “Thanks for the save.”
“No problem,” stated Kashi with a smile. “If you weren’t here, he might have burned my corpse to ash. Don’t know if I can come back from that.”
Syèl laughed and then wrapped his hand around the daeben’s neck. “So, what did you get from your torture? Anything sweet?”
“Sweet?” mused Kashi. “Don’t know.” He muttered and then opened his system logs to see the past few logs. Seconds later, he and Syèl’s jaws dropped at the veritable waterfall of notifications that poured out. Hundreds of [Mana +1] poured out until finally, they hit the summary.
Congratulations! You have unlocked Blessed Body
Well, well, well, It would seem your secret hankering for torture has finally paid off in the ultimate reward. Through immense punishment unfit for even the worst devils, you have successfully forced your body to unlock and improve its mana potential. Your Blessed Body’s affinity to mana is at its current peak. As a result, you are more sensitive to mana, and mana wishes to be used by you. Here are your rewards:
MP Increase: Through torture, you have gained +5,000 MP. You will find it much easier to absorb violent mana in the future.
Mana Lord: The Blessed Body has ordained you a lord of mana. All MP Costs halved, and Mana-related skill potency increased by 20%
Mana Affinity: Your affinity for mana is now at its peak. You will gain an additional point each to Wisdom and Intelligence each time you level.
Kashi and Syèl stared at the prompt with blank expressions. Finally, the daeben looked at Nornesh with trembling eyes. “Uh… It seems I owe you a favor.” This was far too much! The additional 5000 MP was nice, but the real kicker was Mana Affinity! Anyone would tell you. Rather than instant growth, growth in potential was what ultimately differentiated top warriors from riff-raff down the line. No one took increases in leveling points lightly.
Syèl, at a loss for words, patted the daeben’s back as he exclaimed. “You’re truly something else. Why do you always seem like a walking cheat code?”
“Says the guy with Tier 3 flames,” snorted Kashi with derision. “You had the explosive growth. Mine’s just potential. It’ll take a while before I can boast about it.”
“Says you,” challenged Syèl with a snide grin. “You think I don’t know what this Mana Lord means? This’ the equivalent of having your mana doubled in a second. It doesn’t even have any restrictions on skill proficiency, which means there should be some skills you can now use indefinitely.”
Kashi hid a bitter smile. Yes, that was true. A lot of his earlier skills already cost next to no mana. If he added the halved mana cost and then coupled that with his MP Regen, then yes, there were many skills he could indefinitely use. However, something about being called an overpowered cheat by Syèl did not sit right with the daeben, so instead, he challenged. “Alright then. Let’s compare skills side by side. See who’s the real cheat.”
Syèl paused, but then suddenly grinned with confidence. “You’re on. Okay. On the count of three. 1… 2… 3…”
“!!!”
Kashi’s brow shot up as he stared at Syèl’s seemingly endless skill window. The halben had learned hundreds of magic spells, most of which were self-taught. The daeben sneered as he then looked up at Syèl. “I’m supposed to be the OP one? When did you have time to learn all these?”
Syèl laughed and scratched the back of his head. “Well, you see. I like to experiment with my spells when I’m bored.” Waving his hand, he defended himself. “Don’t be fooled by the numbers. Most of them are failures. I only use a handful from these.” Syèl then examined Kashi’s skills and said, “You might not have as many skills as I do, but yours are far more Overpowered… Huh. See? They’re so good, you only felt the need to add one original skill. I need dozens just to boost the basic skills to acceptable levels.”
Kashi winced. “Well, I’m sorry I don’t have original skills. I’ve been busy, you know.”
“Why are you complaining to me?” questioned Syèl with a raised brow. “I was praising, not condemning you?”
“I—” Kashi snorted and then shook his head. “Forget it. Let’s see your stats. That will paint a clearer picture of who’s truly OP between the both of us.”
“Oh? Stats, huh?” Syèl’s smile strangely faltered for a minute. “Yeah, that might be the best way to judge.” He swallowed hard, and then, once again counted down, “3…2…1.”
Name
Kashi
Alignment
Blessed Neutral
Level
157
Profession
Dimension Artist
Title
King Maker
Fame
1578
Health
30820
Mana
30870
Ki
33820
Vitality
175 + 20
Stamina
195 + 20
Wisdom
142 + 20
Intellect
80 + 20
Strength
452 + 20
Agility
255 + 20
Dexterity
200 + 20
Endurance
Phys END
323
Mag END
614
Charisma
240 + 20
Charm
100 + 20
Stealth
60 + 20
Instinct
190 + 20
Fighting Spirit
550
Leadership
30
Luck
27 + 20
Art
261 + 95
Attack
Physical ATK
5821
Magic ATK
1357
Defence
Physical DEF
4033
Magical DEF
7525
Poison Resistance
Immune
Electricity Resistance: 175%
Fire Resistance: 175%
Ice Resistance: 50%
Dark Resistance: 50%
Light Resistance: 50%
Name
Syèl
Alignment
Chaotic Neutral
Level
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172
Profession
Vampire Prince
Title
Butcher
Fame
1350
Health
181,200
Ki
8110
Vitality
620 + 200
Stamina
193 + 20
Strength
493 + 20
Intellect
355 + 50
Dexterity
100 + 20
Agility
375 + 20
Leadership
5 + 20
Endurance
Phys END
135
Mag END
234
Charisma
70 + 20
Charm
210 + 20
Stealth
130 + 20
Instinct
300 + 20
Fighting Spirit
213 + 20
Luck
51 +20
Attack
Physical ATK
4285
Magic ATK
7795
Defence
Physical DEF
2800
Magical DEF
3592
Poison Resistance
+ 75% Resistance
Electricity Resistance: 85%
Fire Resistance: 175%
Ice Resistance: 50%
Dark Resistance: 65 %
Light Resistance: 30 %
Holy Resistance: 15%
Kashi and Syèl stared at their statuses for a good minute, then looked at themselves.
“CHEAT!”
“CHEAT!”
“I’m a cheat?” Kashi bellowed with exaggerated laughter. “Look at those Hit Points! What are you, a BOSS? Is that it? Are you the final boss? What kind of OP shit is th—”
“Sharrap!” interrupted Syèl with a belly full of rage. “I’m a vampire! I don’t have wisdom stat, so I don’t have mana, idiot! Both my mana and health come from that HP. Does it sound so ridiculous now?”
“Heh, don’t try and hoodwink me,” sneered Kashi. “Even if we say an even 50-50 spread, that’s still over ninety-thousand HP and MP. Do you think that’s normal? Cheat Code!”
“Bull!” Syèl spat with a snide grin. “You think you’re smart. Focusing on my HP? What about you? 30k across the board? What kind of perfect all-rounder are you? How is any of that even fair? Most people would kill to have just one of those stats at your level, and you have them on all three fronts? And I’m the cheat code?” Syèl then jabbed his finger at Kashi’s stat page as he continued, “And what’s with that Attack and Defence? Huh? 7,500 Magic Defence? You’re the final boss of final bosses! The asshole that uses mages’ ultimate infernos as bath steam!”
Kashi refused to back down as he, too, jabbed at Syèl’s page. “Aren’t you a mage? How is your Strength higher than mine? The fuck have you been eating?”
“My strength’s higher, but your attack’s ultimately higher,” argued Syèl. “I guess Dragons are better attack dogs than vampires, eh?”
“Fair, but what about your Magic Attack? Seven thousand!? Are you a walking nuclear bomb!?”
Nornesh, unable to stand their arguing, roared, “That’s enough out of the both of you!” The dragon, who was already in a bad mood, huffed and grumbled, “Are you both trying to show off in front of me? Is that it? Here’s our potential. We shall soon surpass you. That sort of thing?” Nornesh glared at Kashi and then waved his hand, “You have what you came for. Leave. I will see you at Oni Hill.”
Kashi and Syèl paused to regard the dragon. Following Nornesh’s rebuke, they looked at each other, nodded, and then bowed toward Nornesh.
Kashi spoke for both of them as he said, “All joking aside, thank you, Nornesh, for your help. You might say you only helped us because your honor dictates so, but we are grateful that you held up your side of the deal.” The duo then stood straight, firm smiles on their faces as Kashi declared, “And yes. We were showing off. You might have trounced us today, no contest. But soon… Soon, we shall return and defeat you in a fair, all-out battle. Until then, please take care of us.”
Nornesh’s eyes gleamed as he regarded the duo. Suddenly, his lips parted as he revealed a toothy grin. “You want to defeat me?” The dragon snapped his fingers, and soon after, the Elder Dragons in the pass burst into the cavern. Nornesh chuckled, exclaiming as he once again snapped his fingers, “You will have to go through them first.”
Kashi and Syèl watched, slack-jawed as the Elder Dragons rapidly shrunk until they were naught but a bunch of red scales floating in the air. Those scales flew down and then embedded themselves onto Nornesh’s right arm.
“Oh…” muttered Kashi in disbelief.
Syèl, in turn, replied, “Now, that is the true cheat code.”
“Now, do you understand?” Nornesh boasted a smug grin, pleased by Kashi and Syèl’s stunned expressions. These two had been flying on cloud nine ever since they got here. It felt good to finally put them in their place.
“Ah. I understand.” Kashi looked at Nornesh with a strange gaze. “You must have been lonely.”
*COUGH* Syèl nearly choked on the laughter he barely held back. Instead, he violently coughed, beating his chest as he succumbed to a heavy fit, which only got worse as Nornesh’s darkened expression.
Kashi, seemingly oblivious to the heavy atmosphere, suddenly looked at the empty crater where the lake once pooled. “Say, do you mind telling us how long it takes you to stabilize a pool of that size?” The daeben regarded Nornesh with a skeptical gaze. “Surely something of this scale would require months or even years?”
“Months?” Nornesh sneered. He saw through Kashi’s basic provocation. But his pride as a dragon would not let him ignore it. “A pool of that size would only take me a week at most. However, do not even think about it. I will not work for you.”
“I see.” Kashi sighed in disappointment. “I suppose I will have to build the Mage Academy elsewhere. I was looking forward to having a dragon as the headmaster too.”
“What are you talking about?”
“What Mage Academy?”
Nornesh and then Syèl questioned. Nornesh saw the confusion in Syèl’s eyes. So even the halben did not know about this. What was this blasted daeben planning?
Kashi looked at Syèl. The daeben’s eyes shone with a peculiar glint as he said, “You know we are building an academy at Rosendun, right?”
Syèl nodded. “Yeah, sure. Shokō said it’s gonna be the guild’s next top priority project.”
“Academy?” Nornesh cocked his head to the side. What in the blasted hells was going on? Why were Summoned, known for their extreme selfishness, talking about building an academy?
“Yes. An academy.” A weird smile played across Kashi’s lips as he looked at the dragon. “The greatest academy this world has ever seen. Large enough to contain a full town. It will accept children from all over the continent for free. It will teach the basics of magic, combat, sciences, math, history, and ethics. An academy that does not discriminate by race, talent, gender, or status. That sort of academy.”
Nornesh smacked his lips. “You have a large appetite.” The dragon looked at the youth with praise and disdain. He praised the daeben’s sneaky dream of teaching the next generation to humbly follow the Empire. He, however, viewed the method with disdain. “I know you Summoned are rich, but not even you can afford something of that magnitude. Not unless—” Nornesh stopped talking when he saw Kashi’s smirk. “Of course. You have your king’s backing.”
“More than the King’s backing.” Kashi wagged his finger. “We have the backing of the nation’s taxes. Millions of hardworking men and women ensuring the future of the next generation.”
‘What the hell is he on about?’ Seeing Kashi like this made Syèl’s skin crawl. How was the daeben spitting lines you’d hear from politicians so easily? There had to be a catch. Kashi was not such a good soul. Luckily, Nornesh shared the halben’s unease.
“Skip the preamble.” Nornesh could no longer listen to the daeben’s nonsense. “What do you want to say?”
Kashi smiled. “Only that, while the Academy is a good all-rounder, nothing beats specialized schools. We want to build specialized Academies in both Merriheim and Serisis.” Kashi took in Nornesh’s blank stare. Despite the dragon’s seeming indifference, the fact he had yet to kick Kashi out meant he was interested. “We will build a Mage Academy in Serisis. This place has the highest concentration of mana on the continent. There is no better place to build an Academy.”
Nornesh’s gaze narrowed. “When did you decide to build an academy here? It does not seem like you came here with such intentions.”
“No, I did not come here with such intentions.” Kashi shrugged, revealing a guilty smile. “But we did decide to build a mage academy here before I met you. That much is true.” Kashi pointed at the lake. “That changed things. Unlike most other professions, magic is heavily reliant on talent. But what if we had a way to increase people’s latent talent for magic? How many do you think would rush here?”
“Forget about it.” Nornesh snorted. Bright red flames spurted from his nose. It was difficult to tell if he was angry or impressed by his glare. “Do you believe everyone is like you? Most people who enter the pool won’t even last ten seconds before they are destroyed from the inside out. You need above-average self-healing abilities to survive in that pool.”
“Maybe so, but what if dedicated healers and priests were overseeing the baptism. With ten or more, don’t you think we can heal the cells as fast as they are destroyed?”
Nornesh’s brow twitched. Indeed, in the presence of healers, that could work. However, that was not the only hurdle. “Even with healers, the progress will be minuscule. You only improved so quickly because you absorbed everything quickly. Even I require weeks to fully absorb a pool of this size. A regular hume would take years to reach the same level as you.”
Kashi shook his head. “It is not sustainable to make every student as mana-sensitive as I am. It will be enough to raise a student’s sensitivity just enough that they feel some improvement.” Kashi laid his plans bare for the dragon. “My intention is that every student will get one opportunity at enrolment to baptize in the pool for as long as they can endure the pain. After which, they will get free baptisms once a month until they graduate. Of course, extra chances may be gotten through classroom performance or some other rewards.”
“Why does it seem like you are targeting the poor and untalented?”
“Because I am.” Kashi sighed. His brows scrunched together in a troubled expression as he lamented, “What choice do I have? The loyalty of the talented and rich are not easily obtained. This way, those who are raised from nothing to powerful figures will be thankful for the country that provided these chances.” Kashi paused and then added, “Plus, more talented mages and talented individuals means more high-class work and research can be done. Which boosts the economy, fills the crown’s vault, and finally stabilizes the country even further.”
Nornesh frowned. Everything the daeben said sounded altruistic and good. It appeared like Kashi was really thinking about the good of the world. Nornesh did not buy it. No matter what, Kashi was a Summoned. Not only that but an extremely powerful one. The dragon refused to believe Kashi’s philanthropic façade. “What is your angle? Speak the truth or not at all.”
“Tch.” Kashi clucked his tongue. Dragons were suspicious by nature. It would take more than a few flowery words to hoodwink them. Realizing the jig was up, the daeben sighed and then said, “Alright. I didn’t lie. But I might have left something out.”
Nornesh and Syèl’s gaze focused on the daeben.
Kashi looked at the two men, let out a bitter smile, and confessed, “By accepting the poor, many people from other countries will willingly migrate here to learn. Not only will this reduce their military might, but also possibly bolster ours. However, more importantly, people who study here can go convince their folks at home that we are not so bad. It might induce easier surrenders when the time comes.”
“Whew.” Syèl let out a breath of air and patted his chest with relief. “That sounds a lot more like you.”
“Mm. Indeed.” Nornesh agreed. His gaze relaxed, evidently more comfortable with this scheming daeben. The dragon then looked at Kashi. “Your plan is solid. Except for one problem. How do you intend on subduing the mana pool? Do you even know how?”
Kashi shook his head. “No. I do not. But I am confident my researchers will figure it out eventually.” He paused a sly smirk curling up the side of his lips. “Of course. It would be much easier if a great and mighty Dragon taught them. Perhaps even choose to head the school?”
“As I said, you have a large appetite. You even dare suggest a Divine Dragon work for you?”
“Work for me? Of course not!” Kashi adopted an innocent expression, eyes wide in disbelief. “The Academy belongs to the country. You would not be working under anyone. Rather, it will be yours.”
Nornesh shook his head. “Nice try.” The dragon chuckled as he regarded the brazen daeben. Kashi reminded him of his youthful days following the Calamity. Back then, when chaos reigned supreme, he lived without fear, challenging everything in sight. Unfortunately, with time, that fire died. Nornesh shook his head, scattering the wayward thoughts. He then focused on the daeben. “Unfortunately for you, I refuse to participate in any of this continent’s political squabbles. Unless it affects this continent’s stability, I will not interfere.”
“Naturally.” Kashi nodded in agreement. “I would not ask you to do so either.” He then argued his case. “However, the Academy is not political in any way. It will be an institute for learning, to bring up the next generation. Political propaganda and campaigning of any kind will be prohibited. What better way to ensure this remains as intended than with a nigh-omnipotent dragon at the head?”
“I—”
“And you will get paid. Handsomely.” Kashi pounced on Nornesh’s hesitation, choosing this moment to target every dragon’s inherent flaw. Greed. One of the significant differences between Divine Dragons and regular dragons was their ability to control their desire and the things they were greedy for. Regular dragons were content with gold and precious treasures. Divine Dragons, on the other hand… “Also, you will attain the respect of the entire continent. The headmaster of the greatest school shaping the great mages of tomorrow. That is prestige and respect that cannot be obtained by being an Emperor or General. One born solely of respect, without an iota of fear.”
Yes. Divine Dragons sought respect. Not fame, infamy, or fear. But respect. Almost akin to worship. Perhaps it was because they were beings closest to becoming gods, but they viewed respect as more important than gold.
Usually, a Divine Dragon would obtain that respect from other dragons by default. Unfortunately, until recently, dragons were almost extinct on the continent. Razznik’s breach had allowed a couple to wander in, but they were mostly wild dragons. Only the intelligence of Elder Dragons could offer the respect a Divine Dragon sought – or a hume.
Nornesh’s brows twitched. Kashi was offering respect on the scale of a country. That was millions of sentient beings who would view him with respect and reverence. Nornesh would have loved to pretend he was not moved by the offer. But, there was a reason, he had those scale-clones guarding the entrance. He did not need protection, but it felt good to see someone treating him with respect and reverence – even if that someone was himself.
Kashi noticed the struggle in Nornesh’s eyes. He thus decided to go in for the kill. “These are desperate times. Wars are being fought endlessly all over. The people are looking for something or someone to save them. I guarantee that there will be nothing but gratitude from parents who can send their children to study at the academy. Perhaps, you might even find disciples worthy of teaching?”
‘Disciples?’ Nornesh’s eyes burned at the thought of finally having someone to pass on everything he had learned. The Divine Dragon had lived for over a thousand years. Even for Divine Dragons, this was quite lengthy. He was undoubtedly nearing the end of his life span. Perhaps he only had a few decades to two centuries left in him. This could be the last chance to leave a lasting mark on the continent. A stamp to show that he, Nornesh, once lived.
Nornesh blinked, suppressing the tears that almost formed. He then looked at the daeben and remarked, “You are good with your words. I must commend you.”
Kashi laughed and scratched the back of his head. “I try.”
Nornesh sighed and then looked to the sky. “Perhaps, this as well is destiny.” He then looked at Kashi and asked, “Child, do you have one of those communication devices. What do you call them… rinks?”
Kashi nodded and pulled out his rink, all the while suppressing his excited hand.
Nornesh looked at the rink and then let out an embarrassed smile. “You would not happen to have a spare, would you?”
Kashi stared at Nornesh in disbelief. What the hell did he mean a spare? Who would carry around an extra Rink?
“Here. Use mine.”
Nornesh caught the rink thrown by Syèl. He gave Syèl a strange look as he asked, “Do you not require this?”
Syèl shrugged. “Everyone in there is also on my Friends List.” He then looked at Kashi and grinned. “I don’t have any Resident friends, you see. Not everyone is like Mr. Connect over here.”
Nornesh looked at the translucent, cloudy ball and then back at Syèl. “This ‘Friends List’ should be some form of communication between Summoned, correct?”
“Yup.”
“Alright. Then I will accept this.” Nornesh then held out the Rink to Kashi. “I will contact you when I make my decision.”
Kashi tapped his Rink against Nornesh’s. He had to resync his connection because Nornesh’s mana wiped out Syèl’s, which removed the previous links. After the synchronization was complete, Kashi returned the rink to his inventory. The daeben smiled, evidently in a good mood. Although Nornesh had said he would make his decision later, that was most likely only because he had to preserve his dignity as a Divine Dragon.
Indeed, Knowledge was the greatest Weapon. Without Razznik’s past experiences, Kashi would not have known the best way to bring Nornesh onboard. Of course, Nornesh would never fight for him, but he would provide the greatest protection for the academy. Who would dare touch what a dragon had claimed?
Plus, even though Nornesh was not aware, the dragon would also become the most famous mascot and attraction for the academy. How many people would get a chance to see a single dragon in their lifetime – let alone a Divine Dragon?
To Mages, Dragons, who were loved by mana, were the pinnacles of existence. They would undoubtedly flock over by the droves.
Kashi nodded, pleased with himself. This was a fruitful trip in more ways than one. Although he had only spent about an hour here, it felt like days had passed. That was the magnitude of the accomplishments made.
Kashi thus looked at Nornesh and said, “Thank you for your generosity. Syèl and I will take our leave now.”
“Yes, you should.” Nornesh regarded the youth with amusement. The child’s audacity was quite refreshing. Was Kashi fearless or brainless? It was hard to tell… No, the fact that he survived this meeting proved it was fearlessness. Smiling to himself, Nornesh decided to add an extra warning, so this audacious youth would not die too early. “Be careful, child. You are not the first to figure out the strengthening effects of the mana pool.”
Kashi’s joy evaporated. His brows furrowed as a sense of foreboding came over him. “No. Don’t tell me—”
“They have been coming here for years to extract mana,” Nornesh explained. “We have an agreement. They would not make a move on this territory, but once a month, I would allow them to extract mana from the ground. Untamed, of course.” The dragon grinned as if finding the realization amusing. “I never considered what they did with that mana, but listening to you, I am sure they have something similar to your plan. A way to improve mana sensitivity and talent.”
Kashi groaned and rubbed his face in anger and frustration. Why were those bastards always one step ahead?
Nornesh observed the daeben’s frustrated expression. It was quite refreshing to see the daeben without his smug attitude. “Yes, it is as you feared. The Chaos Order already beat you to it.”
???
“I didn’t think this was possible.” Within a dimly lit room, Myra Locktree happily exclaimed as she looked at the goblin sitting within a bubbling, dense pool.
The goblin screamed bloody-murder as blood burst out from thick veins popping from his skin as if looking to jump out. Terrible injuries ran across the goblin’s skin, making his body look like a child’s terrible patchwork. A dozen hooded figures sat around the goblin, sweating profusely as they poured healing aura his way. Eventually, one hooded figure swayed.
“Next!” Myra shouted.
The hooded figure stood up and was then swiftly replaced by another. The figure sent a wary glance at the goblin as it accepted a restorative potion and then walked to the side to rest.
Myra, meanwhile, looked at the priest standing next to her. The old Frogger held a massive notebook in his hand. “What’s the record for the longest baptism?”
“First time?” The Frogger flipped through the book’s pages and then said, “Three months. The Princess.”
Myra rolled her eyes. “Do not add that freak. I mean the rest of us.”
“You should have said second then. The Princess is always first.” The Frogger harrumphed and then flipped the page. “Ah. Here we go. Lord René appears to hold that title. He lasted nine days, seven hours, and three seconds.”
Myra turned to look at the goblin. Anticipation shone in her eyes as she said, “I wonder how long he will last…”
Within the pool, the goblin, Bok gritted his teeth, enduring the devastating pain as his cells were ripped apart. Whenever he felt like giving up, he would recall the flames. The laughing Summoned. The blood. The stench. The absolute despair of powerlessness.
“This… is… nothing.” Like the breath of a growling beast, Bok breathed in and then out. Through pain, he would sharpen his fangs. A pair of blood-red eyes glared at the burning future only he saw. ‘Wait for me.’