As a model youth of the new century, the concept of equality had long since become deeply rooted in people’s hearts.
Naturally, Lynn found the sight of enslaving others right before his eyes utterly repugnant.
“Strictly speaking, we should be considered partners.”
Lynn corrected.
“Partners?”
The Dragon was taken aback.
What on earth did this guy want to cooperate on?
Seeing the Dragon’s obvious confusion, Lynn couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.
Such feudal and backward notions of enslaving others at the drop of a hat really ran deep.
But no need to worry.
Since he, Lynn, had arrived, he would surely spread the advanced concept of equality into everyone’s heart.
So, let’s start with the dragon before him and use it to spread the concept of equality to the world!
Lynn knew that the Dragon before him wouldn’t easily cooperate, but he was also very clear about what the Dragon needed.
Trapped in this dark, sunless place, even a ghost would want to get out for some fresh air.
But, only when the Chessmaster’s rank reached the Fifth Tier could the Chessmaster take form, and at that time, he would no longer be confined to a small chess piece and could move freely.
In other words, until he reached the Fifth Tier, the Dragon could only come out for some air when Lynn needed him.
So…
“A so-called partnership means that when I need you, you must step in and help me solve my problems—no holding back, no shirking your duties.”
“In return, every time we defeat an enemy, if there’s any remaining mana, I’ll let you absorb all of it, so you can recover your strength as quickly as possible.”
“At the same time, I’ll occasionally let you come out and stretch your wings, breathe some fresh air.”
“It’s a win-win for both of us.”
Lynn spread his hands, wearing an innocent and harmless expression.
Hearing this, the Dragon’s right eyelid twitched for no reason.
He always felt there was something odd he couldn’t put into words.
But if he really thought about it as the kid said, the conditions were indeed mutually beneficial for both sides.
Strictly speaking, it was actually even more favorable to himself.
He frowned.
Truth be told, he really didn’t want to follow Lynn at all.
No matter what, as a member of the royal bloodline, being enslaved by a former slave was utterly unacceptable.
However, if it was just cooperation…
That didn’t seem so bad?
“How can I trust you?”
Seeing the Dragon’s suspicious gaze, Lynn grinned.
“Lend me a pen.”
……
In no time, a contract had been drafted through the joint efforts of both man and dragon.
During the drafting process, they earnestly exchanged opinions and thoroughly discussed and clarified every potentially ambiguous clause.
Yet, even after the Dragon had practically turned the contract inside out with questions about every detail, he still felt something wasn’t right.
Perhaps it was just his imagination.
Looking at Lynn’s bright and innocent smile, and placing his trust in him, they finally signed the contract together.
This contract would be witnessed by the gods, who would ensure its fair execution.
Any violator would be struck down by the heavens.
“Well then, from now on, your name is Ayan.”
Lynn pondered for a long time before finally coming up with a rather pleasant-sounding name.
“…I have a name.”
The Dragon sounded a little helpless.
“Forget it, Ayan is fine.”
“See you later, Ayan.”
With that, Lynn gave a gentlemanly little bow, then left the inner space of the Chessmaster.
“……..”
“Damn it.”
No sooner had Lynn left than Ayan suddenly realized exactly what felt off.
“Isn’t this just what I was supposed to do after being enslaved by him!”
Thinking of this, Ayan’s right eyelid twitched even harder.
That guy just swapped out the word ‘enslave,’ slapped a label of freedom and equality on it, and he’d been stupid enough to fall for it!
Ayan quickly reviewed what had happened, only now noticing that every word from Lynn had been subtly leading him, making their partnership sound equal and free, while constantly painting a rosy picture.
He hadn’t paid attention and had walked right into the trap, being led by the nose from start to finish.
He thought he’d lived long enough and seen his share of schemes and plots.
But compared to Lynn, those so-called schemers’ plots…
Were as childish as drooling toddlers.
Thinking of this, Ayan’s anger flared.
He really wanted to kill Lynn, tear him limb from limb, grind his bones to dust.
But he couldn’t.
Because doing so would violate the contract.
Violators would be struck down by the heavens.
He’d been played.
“Damn slave…”
“I’ll make you pay for this!!”
“Achoo—”
Just as Lynn snapped back to his senses, he sneezed.
The weather really was getting chilly.
He wiped his nose with a handkerchief, thinking quietly to himself.
Lynn checked his chess slots, and sure enough, there was now a spot for the Dragon’s Heart, which meant that the “Dragon’s Heart” had fully accepted him and established a link with his soul.
With that, he could now wield the full power of the “Dragon’s Heart.”
Ayan should also be feeling the many benefits of this equal partnership by now.
As expected, communication between people and dragons had to be honest and open-hearted!
However, due to his current weakness, Lynn only had a single chess slot for now.
That meant he could only bind a Chessmaster piece of “Purple Epic” rank or higher.
Still, as his own level and strength increased, he’d be able to unlock more chess slots.
Lynn was already very satisfied.
With the blessing of the Dragon’s Heart, the next time he faced an opponent like Kurt, he wouldn’t need to go all out.
Lynn was confident that, even before Kurt, he could fight him to a standstill.
Given his current strength, there were few First-Tier Magicians who could match him.
He might even be able to challenge a Second-Tier Magician.
“This has really been quite a haul.”
Lynn muttered to himself.
However, Kurt’s threats before death still lingered in his mind.
As he said, the Abyssal Cult was notorious for never giving up until their goals were met.
So, they would definitely come after him again to seize the Dragon’s Heart.
“This is really troublesome.”
Lynn scratched his head.
He only wanted to live a peaceful and happy second life as a rich young master, but things seemed to be spiraling out of control.
“Sigh.”
Lynn let out a faint sigh.
Sitting still and waiting would only make him more passive.
“It looks like I’ll have to go to the Central Royal City’s Stakale Magic Academy.”
Lynn thought.
The Stakale Magic Academy held a vast collection of advanced magic tomes, and of course, plenty of mid-to-high grade Chessmaster materials.
So his next step was clear.
Find a way to pass the entrance exam for the Stakale Magic Academy and quickly boost his own strength.
After all, only by becoming strong enough could he temporarily deter the Abyssal Cult from coming after him.
Creak—
The door was pushed open a crack, interrupting Lynn’s thoughts.
Sophie peeked her little head in from outside, her delicate face flushed and a little bashful.
“Um, Lynn…”
“You promised that if I helped you deal with the Abyssal Assassins, you’d agree unconditionally to one thing for me…is that true?”
“Of course.”
Lynn smiled and nodded.
“I’m always kind and trustworthy, and I never break my word.”