Sky Qi felt extremely uneasy.

His strength was gradually fading, showing signs of dropping to C Rank.

Worse, this dragon followed him everywhere he went.

No matter where he walked, she trailed behind nonchalantly, keeping a fixed distance.

It was like a quarreling couple avoiding each other.

Sky Qi spun around abruptly, forcing a flattering smile.

"Um, could you please stop following me?"

"Didn’t you say following you would lead to Sky Qi? What’s wrong with that?" she replied matter-of-factly.

Sky Qi’s mouth twitched. Had he ever said that?

If she kept this up, he’d be exposed.

Maintaining the Unicorn Mage Mask required mana.

Once his power fully drained, it would revert to its true form—the Silver Mask with golden horns.

Then, he’d be finished.

He knew why dragons sought slaves.

By forging contracts with other beings, dragons siphoned their energy to grow stronger and extend their lives.

A selfish, exploitative practice.

An Infernal Dragon with a hundred B Rank slaves could destroy the world.

But hunted Infernal Dragons now hid in shadows.

Weak ones struggled to survive, let alone collect slaves.

So, he had to ditch this childlike dragon fast.

But if he even hinted at escape, she’d crush him to paste.

"Hey, how long will you follow me? I’m going to sleep."

"No problem. I must guard your safety until I find him. I’ll sleep with you."

"Wait! That’s weird! I have no home—I sleep on the streets. Will you sleep there too?"

"I don’t mind. For my future slave, I can endure this hardship."

Damn? Are you this obsessed with slaves?

Fine. Time to risk everything.

Continuing like this would expose him anyway.

Better to shatter her hopes now.

"Enough, you damn golden dragon. Give up," Sky Qi snapped.

"Dare you insult me, human?" Jaina froze, stunned by his audacity.

She knew her identity yet mocked her openly.

Terrifying pressure surged from her again.

"Why obsess over slaves? Even if you find him, would he willingly serve you?" Sky Qi sneered coldly.

"Defeating him is reason enough to make him my slave."

"What if he fights you to the death? You’d lose him and harm yourself." Sky Qi paused.

"He’s the continent’s strongest. Stop wasting effort. He’d die before becoming a Dark Races slave."

"How do you know? Countless beings beg to serve me. It’d be his highest honor."

"Don’t be naive. You don’t know his heart." Sky Qi slowly lifted his head.

"He’d rather kill himself than be anyone’s slave."

"How do you know his thoughts?" Jaina stared at him, shocked.

"Because I am Sky Qi."

He withdrew mana from the Unicorn Mage Mask, revealing its true form.

Moonlight glinted faintly off the Silver Mask.

He gently removed it, exposing his face.

"Don’t dream the impossible. Even sealed, I’d kill myself to end your delusion," Sky Qi said calmly.

The crushing pressure vanished.

Jaina gaped at him. "It really is you."

She felt Sky Qi’s overwhelming allure—a temptation that short-circuited reason.

She shook her head hard, banishing stray thoughts.

"But why are you so weak now?" She yanked his scarf, revealing a pitch-black collar.

"Is this why?" Jaina leaned closer.

"So what? Infernal Dragon, remember: once I regain power, I’ll exterminate your Dark Races filth." His voice turned vicious.

"Big words. Think I won’t kill you?"

"Hah. Of course you dare. This is your best chance to end me." A trace of disdain crossed his face. No fear at all.

"Good. This spirit pleases me—just like when you tried to rip my horns off." She suddenly smiled.

"So, I won’t kill you. I’ll make you willingly become my slave."

Jaina spread her dragon wings and soared into the starry night.

Her golden glow blended with the constellations.

Damn, finally gone. Sky Qi patted his chest, heart still racing.

He’d felt her genuine killing intent.

Shit luck—when would this end? Sky Qi cursed inwardly, helpless.

This dragon was relentless.

Not here to kill him, but to use him as a tool.

He had to stay alert, or she might force a contract anytime.

After Jaina left, his strength slowly returned to B Rank.

The helplessness against the childlike dragon faded.

His earlier excitement about the night market vanished.

All he wanted was to forget everything and sleep deeply.

Fine, fine. Since she’s gone, time to wear the mask again.

He pressed the Unicorn Mage Mask back on, channeling mana.

It reshaped him into a delicate-looking youth.

A stream of water formed in his palm.

He checked his reflection and nodded in satisfaction.

Yes, this looked better. At least no one would question his gender now.

When he first rose to fame with long hair, the whole world debated Sky Qi’s gender.

He’d been so embarrassed.

He’d channeled all his mana into his mouth and roared, "I, Sky Qi, am a man!"—a shout echoing across the continent.

Ugh, just remembering it hurt.

Sky Qi twisted on the bench and lay down.