Chapter 322: New Slaves Are Always Welcome
“I’d like you to hand over the Dragon Heart.”
“Dragon… Heart? What is that?”
The Azure Dragon tilted its head in confusion.
Oh, right.
This guy is from the East.
I had been so used to dealing with Western dragons that I completely forgot.
In the martial world, I needed to use a more appropriate term that fit the context.
“Hmm. It’s the place where the energy within a dragon’s body is concentrated. Simply put, it’s your heart.”
“So, you’re asking for my heart?”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
At Jinhyuk’s words, the atmosphere grew icy.
Asking for a heart was equivalent to asking for one’s life.
“You should be careful with your words from now on, human. While it’s true that I owe you, that doesn’t mean I’ll give you my life.”
“I heard that dragons are very particular about settling debts. Was I mistaken?”
“Don’t twist my words. I don’t have the patience for your word games.”
The Azure Dragon’s claws twitched.
It seemed its temper was starting to flare.
“If that’s too much, we can settle this another way. Normally, I’d consider this a big loss, but let’s just settle for a simple mark.”
*Whoosh!*
Flames flickered at the tip of Jinhyuk’s finger.
The ability to impose subservience.
It was the ‘Flame of the Soul’ brand.
“You want to place a restriction on my soul?”
Sharp as ever.
Being a divine beast, it could tell just by the mana what kind of ability this was.
“Better than giving up your heart, isn’t it?”
“I refuse. I have no intention of becoming a mere tool for a human. And there’s no reason I should.”
Refuse, huh…
I was hoping this would go smoothly, but if this is how you want to play it, I have no choice.
*Vrrrrm!*
Jinhyuk pulled something out of his subspace—a black object.
“Oh? Are you going to draw your weapon and fight me? That might be interesting… huh?”
The Azure Dragon’s words were abruptly cut off.
“Tweat!”
The most terrifying voice in the world echoed through the air.
Goguma flapped its wings while snuggled in Jinhyuk’s arms.
“Yeah, our Goguma. Did you sleep well?”
“Tweat! Tweat tweat!”
“Hmm? You’re asking if I’ve been doing well? No, not really. Someone crushed my sincere request. I even saved their life, but they tried to kill me instead. Can you believe that?”
“Mooo…!”
Goguma let out a low growl.
Its adorable amber eyes rolled around, searching for the source of its master’s distress.
And then, suddenly.
Its gaze locked onto the Azure Dragon.
The two dragons stared directly at each other.
“Gasp!”
The Azure Dragon sucked in a breath.
Its body instinctively flinched, and it tried to lift off into the air.
Its instinct took over, knowing that challenging an ancient dragon might really lead to its death.
“If you run away from here, you’ll really regret it. I hate wasting time and effort on unnecessary things.”
“I-I wasn’t trying to run away.”
“Then?”
“That flame… now that I think about it, it’s not so bad. It might even leave a rather impressive scar. If possible, could you place it on the thick scales of my shoulder?”
The Azure Dragon’s attitude did a complete 180.
“Sorry, but that ship has sailed.”
If it had been cooperative from the start, I would have just placed the Flame of the Soul and ended it there.
I truly meant it.
But…
You forced me to bring out Goguma, so now you have to face the consequences.
“I-I agreed to follow your orders. Isn’t that enough?”
“The brand is something you owe me for helping you. But as for punishment, that’s an extra matter.”
“What… do you want?”
“The Dragon Orb.”
I saw you snatch up the ‘White Flame Dragon Orb’ from Sama-ja.
You were quick to grab it, prattling on about your dragon pride and whatnot.
“I can’t do that. I can’t hand over the sacred relic that holds the pride of my clan…!”
“Would you like me to show you what’s more important than pride—your life? Goguma, it seems our new recruit hasn’t quite grasped the company culture yet. Kindly assist them in bowing halfway.”
“Tweat!”
Goguma cracked its knuckles.
“…Come to think of it, I don’t have enough hands to carry all four Dragon Orbs. Ahem! Take it… take it all.”
The Azure Dragon, with tears in its eyes, handed over the white Dragon Orb.
[White Flame Dragon Orb]
*Acquisition Difficulty: SS*
*Description: A top-tier Dragon Orb that controls rain and clouds, with the power to create small dragons (소룡). Additionally, as a powerful crystallization of magic, the White Flame Dragon Orb is a versatile item that can be used in various applications.*
The sacred relic of the dragon race, imbued with immense magical power.
While its ability to control the weather and create small dragons was impressive, there was another use for this Dragon Orb.
‘I should use it as material to enhance a new weapon later on… that would be the best choice.’
In addition to Balmung, a close-combat dagger would be useful.
The White Flame Dragon Orb will play a significant role in creating another violet-grade relic.
Good.
Next…
“Don’t make such a fuss. It won’t hurt as much as it looks.”
Jinhyuk branded the ‘Flame of the Soul’ onto the Azure Dragon’s scales.
*Shhhh…!*
Having resigned itself to its fate, the Azure Dragon accepted its destiny.
But…
The Azure Dragon’s suffering was far from over.
It was only just beginning.
“Hmm, what should we name our Azure Dragon?”
“N-Name?”
“Yep. All the divine beasts that join the Veteran Corporation get cool and easy-to-remember names. Oh! Don’t worry too much. I’m pretty skilled when it comes to naming.”
Just like Goguma and T-Bone, I’ll give it a magnificent name.
After pondering for a moment, Jinhyuk smiled as an idea came to mind.
“Soft Black Crane.”
Someone who always makes the wrong choices and hops on the bandwagon too late.
That’s what a soft black crane is.
“Black Crane? What nonsense is that? My body is tinted blue!”
That’s true.
No matter.
“I’ll ask Orun to craft you a black suit of armor or something.”
Due to being specialized in long-range attacks, its scales are relatively soft compared to Western dragons.
Since it’ll be involved in close combat often from now on, it needs at least one sturdy piece of armor.
“Well then, let’s get along well, Soft Black Crane.”
“…”
The Azure Dragon—no, Soft Black Crane—foamed at the mouth.
Gone were the days of guarding the martial world with dignity, balancing the forces of nature.
That life of noble pride ended today.
‘Mother…’
Soft Black Crane muttered to itself just before losing consciousness.
—
In a library filled with countless books.
Jinhyuk, who had come to Rick’s private office, sipped on freshly brewed coffee.
The rich aroma lingered in the air.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again after so long. The past few days, the Tower has been abuzz with stories about you, Jinhyuk.”
Rick chuckled heartily.
He seemed excited, thrilled by the growth and achievements of the player he had been keeping an eye on.
“It’s been a bit busy.”
“So, what brings you to me today?”
Jinhyuk got straight to the point.
“The martial world and the Empire seem to have formed a peculiar bond after fighting against the Heavenly Demon Cult together. The martial artists, in particular, are grateful to the Empire for helping them in their direst moment.”
Two forces that had once fought fiercely, showing their fangs and claws, had now established peace.
They had promised to bring new prosperity to their respective domains.
“I’ve heard the stories. I understand they’re planning a large-scale event together.”
“Yes, which brings me to my point…”
Jinhyuk brought up the main topic.
“I’d like to request permission, using your administrative authority, to broadcast the event. I’m thinking of letting people outside the Tower participate by placing bets on the winner. We could share a portion of the commission, so it’s a win-win situation. There’s no downside.”
The world, trembling with anxiety due to Shub Niggurath.
This was a way to reassure people while also engaging them through participation.
After all, entertainment is most essential during times of war or crisis to relieve tension.
‘I can’t afford to waste a single moment. I need to secure everything I can.’
Thanks to Sama-ja’s early move, the situation in the martial world had been resolved quickly.
It meant two additional days beyond the predicted timeline until Shub Niggurath’s full manifestation.
Whatever Yoo Yeonhwa and Lee Taemin were preparing would still take at least another day to complete.
Jinhyuk intended to make the most of this opportunity.
“Hmm. Not a bad idea. But do you even know what kind of event this is?”
“Uh? I thought it was a martial arts tournament where contestants fight one-on-one?”
Jinhyuk’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I figured you didn’t know. That’s why you can be so calm.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
Jinhyuk trailed off, completely lost.
He had heard from Pennheimer that only one person could win the event, but he hadn’t been told the specifics.
Something about top-secret matters or some other nonsense.
But…
‘Why do I have this uneasy feeling…?’
A shiver ran down Jinhyuk’s spine.
There was something about Rick’s sly smile that reminded him of the grin he saw on Fenheimer last night.
Maybe… it’s just my imagination.
“You’re a lucky man, Jinhyuk… or maybe you’re not so lucky.”
Rick left a cryptic comment.
“So, does that mean you accept my proposal?”
“Sure. I have no reason to refuse when I can watch something interesting and make some coin at the same time. Since you’re someone who has a significant impact on the Tower, I can grant this with my discretionary authority.”
Rick nodded, still wearing that mischievous smile.
—
The evening of the banquet.
Jinhyuk, who had been spending his time leisurely, wrapped up some unfinished business.
[Current Level: 126]
He had gained a level.
He hadn’t expected to earn enough experience to level up since he hadn’t dealt the final blow to Sama-ja…
Unexpected pleasant surprises are always welcome.
[Mana has increased from 369 → 372.]
He invested the points into Mana.
‘This is pretty sweet, too.’
Jinhyuk smiled in satisfaction.
But.
*Ding!*
A status window appeared before his eyes, causing everything to take a strange turn.
[Due to the authority of the two factions, the ‘Battle for a Spouse’ event has begun.]
…Huh?
What did it just say?
Jinhyuk slowly reread the words that appeared in the status window.
[Difficulty: Unmeasurable]
*Description: The ‘Eternal Rose’ will appear on Player Kang Jinhyuk’s chest. The person who obtains this rose will be the winner of this event.*
*Reward 1: The winner will receive a pair of ‘Rings of Enchantment.’ These rings increase the wearer’s favorability with others and grant the bearer full support from both the Empire and the martial world.*
*Reward 2: A couple’s item granting access to various notable locations within the Tower (Cloud Garden Entrance Ticket, Sea Lake Hotel Stay, and a meal at the finest restaurant operated by Administrator ‘Metel’).*
The status window seemed unusually red.
‘I must be seeing things. Or maybe I’m dreaming…’
No.
That wasn’t it.
Jinhyuk swallowed hard.
[Broadcast system activated.]
[Viewers are joining.]
[Those within the Tower who wish to participate in the trial, please start registering.]
The event had begun.
At the same time…
*Ding!*
*Ding!*
*Ding!*
Application forms flooded in like crazy.