Chapter 322: A New Slave is Always Welcome

“Dragon Heart. I’d really like you to hand that over.”

“Dragon… Heart? What is that?”

The Azure Dragon cocked its head.

Ah, right.

This fellow is a dragon from the East.

I’ve been dealing so much with Western dragons that I’d forgotten for a moment.

In Murim, I need to use the proper terminology that fits the culture.

“Um, it’s the place inside a dragon’s body where ki is condensed. Simply put, it’s like the heart.”

“You want my heart?”

“That’s the idea.”

The air froze over at Jinhyuk’s words.

Asking for the heart was essentially asking for one’s life.

“You better choose your next words carefully, human. It’s true that I owe you, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give up my life for you.”

“Oh, I heard dragons are clear about settling debts of gratitude, did I get that wrong?”

“Don’t bother with sophistry. My patience isn’t deep enough to entertain your word games.”

The Azure Dragon’s claws twitched.

It seemed to be heating up.

“Or you could offer something else. Normally, I’d be taking a loss here, but I can settle with just a tattoo.”

Whoosh!

Flames flickered at the tips of Jinhyuk’s fingers.

An ability to force submission.

The ‘Brand of Soulflame.’

“Do you intend to place a restraint on my soul?”

Sharp intuition.

Perhaps being a divine beast allowed it to discern the type of magic just by sensing it.

“It’s better than giving up your heart, right?”

“I refuse. I have no intention of becoming a lackey for a human. Nor is there a reason I should.”

He refuses…

I tried to be nice about it.

But if he wants to play it this way, I have no choice.

Woong!

Jinhyuk pulled something black from the subspace.

“Oh? Do you intend to draw that weapon and fight me? That could be fun… Huh?”

The Azure Dragon’s words were cut short.

“Mosquito!”

The world’s most terrifying voice echoed because Goguma was cuddling in Jinhyuk’s arms, rapidly flapping his wings.

“Yes, our Goguma. Did you sleep well?”

“Mosquito! Mosquito mosquito!”

“Hm? You’re asking if I’ve been alright? No. I’ve had a hard time since someone utterly crushed my earnest request. Can you believe it? They wanted to kill me even though I saved their life.”

“Mooooosquito…”

Goguma growled lowly.

It rolled its endearing pumpkin-colored eyes, seeking the one who hurt its master’s heart.

Suddenly.

Its gaze turned toward the Azure Dragon.

Two dragons met each other’s eyes head-on.

“Huh!?”

The Azure Dragon let out a gasp of empty breath.

Instinctively, its body twitched, trying to take flight, knowing that it could indeed die if it challenged an ancient species.

“If you run now, you’ll really regret it. I hate wasting time and effort on trivial matters.”

“I wasn’t trying to run.”

“Then?”

“Now that I think about it, that flame isn’t all that bad. It might even leave a rather cool scar. If you insist on doing it, I’d prefer you brand the thick scales on my shoulder.”

The Azure Dragon’s attitude did a complete 180.

“Sorry, but that train has left the station.”

I would have simply branded it with the Brand of Soulflame if it had complied from the start.

Honestly.

But.

Since you’ve made me go through the trouble of bringing out Goguma, you’ll receive an appropriate punishment.

“Didn’t I already agree to follow you? And now you’re saying that’s not enough?”

“The brand is something you should naturally receive as a true gesture of repaying a favor. Punishment is something additional.”

“What… do you want?”

I saw Samaja picking up the ‘White Flame Dragon Pearl.’

Proudly claiming it for the dignity of its species.

“That’s impossible. I cannot hand over the divine artifact imbued with the pride of my clan…!”

“Should I remind you that your life is more important than your pride? Goguma, it seems our new recruit has yet to grasp the company culture. Could you gently fold him in half for me?”

“Mosquito!”

Goguma cracked its knuckles.

“…Now that I think about it, I do seem short of hands to carry around four Dragon Pearls. Cough! Take it… Whew… Just take all of it.”

The Azure Dragon teared up, handing over a white Dragon Pearl.

[White Flame Dragon Pearl]

Obtainment Difficulty: SS

Description: A top-grade Dragon Pearl capable of controlling rain and clouds, and even creating lesser dragons (小龍). The White Flame Dragon Pearl is also a powerful magic crystal that can be used in a variety of applications as a multifunctional item.

A divine artifact of the dragon race, filled with potent magic.

Not a bad ability to control weather or create lesser dragons, but there’s a different use I have in mind for this pearl.

‘It’ll be best used as a material for strengthening a new weapon later.’

In addition to the greatsword Balmung, I need to have a dagger specialized for close combat.

The White Flame Dragon Pearl will play its part in crafting yet another artifact of a purple-grade.

Good.

Now then…

“Don’t be melodramatic. It’s not as painful as it looks.”

Jinhyuk branded the Azure Dragon’s scales with the Brand of Soulflame.

Chiiiik!

The dragon, having resigned itself to fate, accepted its destiny.

But.

The Azure Dragon’s suffering was far from over.

It was just the beginning.

“Hmm. So, what shall we name our Azure Dragon?”

“A name?”

“Yep. New divine beasts joining the Highwater Corporation get cool and convenient names. Oh! Don’t worry too much. I’m quite skilled at naming, you know.”

Just like Goguma and T-bone, I plan to give an excellent name.

After a moment’s thought, a smile flashed across Jinhyuk’s face.

“Squishy Crane.”

Always making the wrong choice, missing the trend, and trying to catch the last train too late.

Such is the squishy crane.

“A crane! What kind of nonsense is that! My body carries the hue of blue!”

That’s a fair point.

Doesn’t matter.

“I’ll ask Orun to make a black armor set for you to wear.”

Given its specialization in ranged attacks, its scales are relatively soft compared to Western dragons.

Since there will be more close-range battles ahead, it would be good to have a sturdy armor akin to a hearty bowl of hot soup.

“Then, I look forward to working with you, Squishy Crane.”

“……”

The Azure Dragon, now Squishy Crane, bit down on foamy spit.

It had lived high and proud, protecting Murim and the natural order, maintaining the balance of the world.

But that life of pride was now over.

‘Mother…’

Right before passing out, the dragon muttered its last thought.

***

In the library surrounded by countless books, Jinhyuk sipped freshly brewed coffee in Rick’s personal office.

The rich aroma wafted to his nose.

“It’s good to see you after a while. It’s been quite noisy these past few days with all the talk about you, Jinhyuk.”

Rick chuckled heartily, his expression showing eagerness and excitement at the player’s growth and achievements.

“It’s been a bit busy.”

“So, what brings you all the way here?”

“While Murim and the Empire have been fighting the Heavenly Demon Church, it seems a strange camaraderie has developed. Especially for Murim, having received the Empire’s aid in their direst hour of need.”

The two powers that had once bared fangs at each other now shared a bond.

Agreeing to new prosperity within their respective realms.

“I’ve heard about it. They’re jointly hosting a significant event, I heard.”

“Right. So, about that…”

Jinhyuk broached the main subject.

“I’d like to ask for your authority as an admin to broadcast that event. The people outside the tower could participate directly by placing bets on the winner. We’ll split some of the commission, so it’s a win-win. There’s no downside.”

During times of war or crisis, entertainment that can diffuse tension is critically important.

‘I can’t waste a single second. I need to secure everything I can.’

Thanks to Samaja’s preemptive actions, matters in Murim wrapped up quickly.

That left two extra days until Shub-Niggurath would fully manifest—two more days than expected.

At least one more day would be necessary to complete preparations with Yu Hwanhwa and Lee Taemin.

Jinhyuk intended to make use of this opportunity.

“Hm. Not a bad idea. But do you know what kind of tournament this will be?”

“Huh? I thought it would be some sort of martial arts competition with one-on-one battles.”

Jinhyuk widened his eyes in confusion.

“You didn’t know. That’s why you’re so calm about it.”

“What do you mean…?”

Jinhyuk trailed off, a mix of curiosity and concern.

He recalled hearing from Fimbulwinter that it was a competition with only one winner, but he hadn’t caught wind of the specific details.

It was some heavily guarded secret, they said.

Jinhyuk now had a chilling premonition.

‘No way… It must just be my imagination or… a dream.’

No, it had to be so.

Jinhyuk swallowed nervously.

[The broadcast system activates.]

[Viewers are entering.]

[Participants who wish to join from inside the Tower of Trials, please begin registration now.]

The event had begun.

And with it…

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Applications for participation started flooding in like crazy.