"Oho~ Is that so? But it doesn’t quite add up. If the Holy Maiden was truly captured, would the Beastkin nation really send someone as underpowered as you to rescue her?" I said with a trace of doubt. Honestly, the whole situation had too many inconsistencies.

The Holy Maiden’s guards couldn’t even handle a band of bandits? That’s just absurd.

"Well, it’s like this…"

"Stop." I cut off the tiger-eared Beastman sharply. "I’m not interested in your backstory. Drop it. I’ll help rescue the Holy Maiden—but in return, you answer my questions." I had zero patience for nostalgic tales.

"Th-then… Mr. Ling Xie, what would you like to ask?"

"I need the basics of this Adventurers’ Guild. First time here. The friend who brought me… hasn’t explained anything. You fill me in."

"Ah, well… that’s not really something requiring ‘help.’ Guild staff will explain if you just—"

"Spit it out!" I snapped. This guy was dragging his feet way too much.

My time—as the Abyssal Dragon Xie Long—is precious. *Maybe.*

"Right! So… you earn guild points and rewards by completing quests. Eight adventurer ranks: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Diamond, King, Emperor, God. Copper needs 100 points; Silver is ten times that—1,000—and scales up tenfold per tier, hitting one million at Diamond. Beyond that? King rank requires major feats in campaigns against the Demonkin. Emperor? Slay one of the Three Demon Generals. God rank? Take down the Demon Sovereign himself. Currently, the highest is Doro, Archmage of the Aran Empire—the sole King-rank holder."

"Oho~ I see. Sounds kinda fun. How are points calculated?"

"Depends on the quest. Monster slaying? Per head. A goblin’s 0.2 points. Others vary."

"Got it. I’m heading back—I’ll bring someone."

"Oh, where do I find you later? I promised, so I’ll see it through."

"We’re usually at the guild," the tiger-eared Beastman replied with a wry smile. "Just come here."

"Noted." I nodded and kept walking.

Truth be told, helping these Beastkin wasn’t just about intel. What truly nagged at me: Did that Holy Maiden carry my apostles’ bloodline?

Ancient texts mentioned Beastkin Holy Sons and Maidens possessed a sacred, hereditary bloodline—rare, passed down generations. Once awakened, its power could shake heavens and shatter earth. Very likely… a descendant of my apostles.

Long ago, the Beastkin’s Holy Emperor Oka forged a servant covenant with me—or rather, with the mightiest king under my command. A bond between apostle and emissary.

"Still asleep? Guess last night was… too intense."

Watching Elle still dead asleep, I mused inwardly. Her earlier… *unusual* requests flashed vividly in my mind.

Humans really are fragile.

"Wake up. Now." I gave Elle a firm shake. No time for naps.

"Ahh~ Elder Dragon Lord… please keep doing me… don’t stop… ❤"

Murmuring lewdly in her sleep—clearly dreaming something scandalous.

"Never heard such a request. Fine. I’ll grant it—and give you a *proper* doing."

Misinterpreting her words, I flicked my will.

The bed beneath Elle vanished.

…Leaving only bare floorboards under her.