Sradon Kingdom – Capital Xiduo – Royal Palace

“Champion, what in the world happened? Why are you the only one who returned from the expedition?”

At the palace’s center, over a dozen royally clad figures surrounded Chelseas, demanding answers. They were representatives from nations that had jointly planned the Dreadwyrm’s extermination. Fury burned in their eyes—the campaign had drained immense resources, and this outcome was devastating.

Uh…

Chelseas couldn’t speak. He was still trapped in the lingering terror of the Dreadwyrm’s domination. Worse, he had become humanity’s sinner. The failed campaign would severely weaken the allied human nations—a truly catastrophic loss.

“Hey, Chelseas! Spit it out—what happened? Where are the soldiers? Don’t tell me… you deserted?” A prince in lavish robes sneered coldly. He’d never respected this so-called Champion.

Chelseas had no retort. The prince was right. He *was* a disgraced deserter. He had even killed his own comrades.

Ugh~~~

The memory of his comrades’ desperate eyes triggered violent nausea. Waves of sickness wracked his body.

“Report!! Your Highnesses—something extraordinary has happened!”

At that critical moment, a soldier burst through the palace gates, face pale with panic.

“Speak,” the representatives turned their full attention to him.

“Th-the Dreadwyrm… its life signs vanished moments ago.” The soldier’s voice trembled with barely contained excitement.

What?!

Stunned silence filled the hall. Vanished life signs could only mean one thing—the Dreadwyrm was dead.

What on earth happened?

No one was more shocked than Hero Cherthesis. Just moments ago, the Dreadwyrm stood unscathed—how could it be gone now?

Wait… could this…? Yes. Exactly.

Sorry. For survival, I had no choice.

A desperate, hopeful thought surged within Chelseas, growing overwhelmingly strong.

“I’ll be honest,” he began, voice unsteady. “My comrades and I… we joined forces and slew the Dreadwyrm. But… alas, they… they all…”

The lie spilled from his lips. Unseen by him, his Champion’s heart had already been tainted—a stain nearly impossible to cleanse.

Behind the palace, a young girl’s face turned icy cold upon hearing his words. She whispered:

“I will kill you, Chelseas.”

***

“Humans have truly come far… These buildings are nothing like the caves and huts of my time.”

I strolled down Sradon Kingdom’s bustling commercial street. According to Elle, our lodging was nearby. As someone secluded for ages, I was genuinely amazed—quirky snack stalls, shops selling magical potions and weapons… none existed in my era.

“Elder Dragon Lord, is there anything you’d like to buy? I’ve got plenty of money—I can get you anything!” Elle beamed.

“I won’t spend my retainer’s coin. But tell me—how do humans earn this currency? I’m curious.”

“Many ways! Merchants, adventurers… Though someone like you, Elder Dragon Lord, could just conquer the nation by force.”

“No. Too boring. I dominated ten thousand species in the ancient past. I grew weary of it long ago.” I replied calmly.

“We’re here! Let’s go in.” Spotting an inn, Elle dashed ahead cheerfully. Her ample chest bounced softly with each step.

“Waitress, a room for two. Here’s five thousand mana coins.”

“Mm, okay. Room 301.” The waitress swiftly handed Elle the key—she’d seen countless couples check in. *What a handsome man…* She stole a glance at my human form. Undeniably, almost unnaturally gorgeous.

“Alright. The contract begins now,” I said gravely inside the room. “Though it appears equal, my magic will dominate yours. Once signed, you become my retainer. I may draw or grant your magic at will. You lose freedom. Do you accept?”

“I accept, Elder Dragon Lord. Let me be your servant. This is my lifelong dream.” Elle’s voice was firm.

“Understood.” I stepped closer.

I didn’t understand her obsession—but she was my savior. As long as her wish wasn’t unreasonable, I’d grant it.

I channeled a terrifying surge of magic into her. Simultaneously, her own magic was drawn out relentlessly, as if her very essence were being seared away.

“Aah~~” Elle cried out in agony—but offered no resistance.

She knew: the Elder Dragon Lord was performing the magical exchange.