“Hahahaha! Hahaha! I survived! I actually survived! Hahahaha~~ This is truly wonderful!”

After some time, the war—a true hellscape—finally drew to a close. As I’d expected, the sole survivor was none other than Hero Cherthesis, drenched head to toe in his comrades’ blood.

Chelseas was emotionally shattered. Just moments ago, backed into a corner with nowhere left to run, he had finally turned the Champion’s blade against his own allies.

“Hehehe… Hahaha… Ross… Tendo…” Chelseas collapsed to his knees, face twisted beyond recognition. The pristine white sword of the Champion lay discarded on the ground, slick with crimson.

*So even the sword broke.*

I watched him, silent.

Humans facing such trauma usually fall into two paths: one loses their mind like Chelseas; the other embraces darkness, living only for vengeance.

Clearly, he was the former.

This moment would haunt him forever—a shadow he could never escape. And I? I would be the nightmare he’d never dare face.

“I keep my word. You may go,” I said calmly to Chelseas.

“Y-yes… I’m going, I’m going!” He scrambled away like a hollow shell. Pathetic. Nothing like the sacred Champion he was meant to be.

*Hope the next one’s more interesting.*

I lay back down and closed my eyes again.

Damn it.

Can’t I get five minutes of peace?

Then—a presence. A human female.

Did she not know this was the Dreadwyrm’s domain? Who gave her the nerve to step here?

For decades, armies of thousands came. Elite Champion squads. But never… just one girl.

*Interesting.*

Curiosity stirred. I rose and moved toward her.

“Elder Dragon Lord… I’ve finally found you again.”

After a short walk, I saw her.

I’ll admit—even I, a dragon, found her stunning. Silvery hair flowed like moonlight. A face like an angel’s. A figure sculpted to perfection. Truly, the kind of beauty meant to captivate any man.

*Why would a dragon think a human’s beautiful? …Maybe I’ve been single too long.*

“What do you want?” I asked, unmoved. Non-human or not, there was nothing between us.

“Ah~~ Forgive me, my sacred and handsome Elder Dragon Lord! Please look at this!” She pulled a shimmering, multicolored orb from her pocket and placed it before me.

“This is… the Transmogrification Orb? A human possesses this? Where did you get it?” My voice betrayed shock. I’d craved this artifact for centuries. Never imagined it’d rest in a mere girl’s hands.

The Orb could transform any race into human form and seal away nearly all magical energy. With it, I could slip past this cursed barrier freely. I *could* shift shape—but my innate magic always gave me away. This Orb was essential.

“I stole it for you, Elder Dragon Lord! From the tombs of the Three Ancient Gods! Only to free you from this wretched place!” Her cheeks flushed deep red. Just speaking to me seemed to fill her with joy.

“Well done, human. Name your reward. Unlimited wealth? Glory? Anything in this world?”

“I want none of that. If I may… I wish to offer *everything* to the supreme Elder Dragon Lord. To become your most loyal servant.”

“Just… *that*?” Her request caught me off guard. Not the usual script.

“Yes! Please, Elder Dragon Lord… This is my lifelong wish.”

“Very well. If it is your wish, I shall honor it. Hand me the Orb.”

“Yes, Elder Dragon Lord!”

As she spoke, she gently placed the Orb onto my massive claw.