Viru stood calmly but determinedly before the towering dragon. His voice carried the weight of sincerity and honest as he began the delicate negotiation.
"I understand your hostility, but I believe that we can find a solution to heal you. By becoming a part of the dungeon as my subordinate, we can tap into its energy to heal your injuries."
The dragon's eyes raged with anger, its massive form seeming to pulsate with a vehement refusal.
"Subordinate? To a mere mortal? Preposterous!"
Its voice boomed through the forest, shaking nearby trees. The dragon's pride was palpable, its regal demeanor unyielding.
Viru continued, his tone respectful and composed.
"I don't wish to belittle you. It's not about dominance or submission, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. You possess incredible strength, while my domain holds the key to your recovery. With your agreement I can heal you."
The dragon scoffed, its breath searing the air. "Strength? You speak of strength, yet you ask me to bow before you. I am a being of the cosmos, a force of nature. To consider such servitude is to insult my very essence."
Viru maintained his calm, though the stakes were high.
"I understand your pride. But our worlds intersect here, in this moment. Your injuries are grave, and the core's energy can restore you. I do not wish to make you my slave, I consider all my subordinates as my family."
The dragon's nostrils flared as it struggled between its innate arrogance and the direness of its situation.
"I cannot fathom such a proposition. I am cosmos incarnate, and you, a fleeting existence. It is beyond comprehension to stoop to such terms."
Viru's sincerity shone through his eyes as he pleaded with the majestic creature.
"Think beyond pride and power. Think of survival. Your life-force is bleeding away. If not for pride, then for the prospect of life, consider this."
The dragon's demeanor softened slightly, but defiance still resonated in its deep rumbling voice.
"Even in dire straits, submission is not an option. I'd rather face oblivion than accept such terms."
Viru's shoulders sagged imperceptibly, but his resolve didn't waver. "I respect your decision. But know that my offer stands, even in the face of your refusal. I won't force you into submission, but I'm here to help."
The dragon's gaze softened momentarily, a flicker of acknowledgement in its eyes before it turned away, leaving Viru standing amidst the whispers of the forest, pondering the weight of their conversation.
Viru, realizing the tension rising with the dragon, swiftly apologized, aiming to avoid incurring its wrath. With a careful demeanor, he expressed how this was the only method he knew to revive the dragon. His next move was seeking Albus's counsel for any other available options.
In a snap, Albus presented an alternative that could please the dragon while meeting the dungeon's conditions—a proposal called
*** the dungeon guardian contract**.
This contract would allow Viru to enlist a being as a dungeon guardian for an agreed-upon duration. Once this period comes to an end, the contracted guardian could depart. The terms stipulated that the guardian need only heed Viru's command for the protection of the dungeon core. They were forbidden from causing harm to the dungeon or its inhabitants.
Grasping the concept thoroughly, Viru carefully relayed this to the dragon.
' I have come up with an alternative. we could make a contract for a certain period of mutual help. I can heal you but you would have to protect my dungeon core for the contracted time.'
The dragon, surprisingly, showed patience, attentively considering the intricate details of the arrangement. It seemed to mull over the proposition, contemplating its implications and the potential benefits it might offer. This new approach appeared to pique the dragon's interest, providing a glimmer of hope for a resolution that could satisfy both parties involved.
The prospect of the dungeon guardian contract seemed to resonate well with the dragon. It recognized that it wouldn't be a slave to Viru but rather a means of reciprocation for saving it from imminent death. As the dragon pondered the agreement, its main concern revolved around the duration it would be bound by the contract.
'I agree, let's talk terms.'
Ultimately, the dragon, although initially skeptical, agreed to the conditions set forth. It conveyed its acceptance to Viru, signaling the commencement of negotiations regarding the duties it would undertake and the stipulated period of the contract.
Surprised by the dragon's swift agreement, Viru sought counsel from Albus. His first inquiry pertained to his own lifespan. Albus explained that, at present, Viru's lifespan ranged between 70 to 80 years, given the safety of the dungeon core during this period. Albus further revealed the intriguing potential for Viru's lifespan to extend as he upgraded the dungeon. In the symbiotic relationship between Viru and the dungeon, the promise of immortality emerged as a tangible prospect. This revelation left Viru contemplating the vast possibilities and responsibilities that lay ahead, intertwined with the evolution of his dungeon. The notion of immortality, once distant, now loomed as a potential reality as Viru's journey of leveling up and dungeon enhancement unfolded. The significance of this newfound understanding lingered as Viru prepared to delve into the negotiations with the dragon regarding the terms of their contract.
Viru stood there, astounded by the revelation of his own potential lifespan and the prospect of immortality tied to his dungeon's development. The possibility of extending his existence was a thrilling realization that loomed before him.
As he mulled over the duration of the contract,
'200 years' said Viru.
he confidently proposed a staggering 200-year term to the dragon. He calculated the pace of his current growth and envisioned himself as an immensely powerful entity on Revara in two centuries' time.
However, the dragon had other ideas. With a sly smirk, it swiftly countered
'Too much, How about 20 years?'
Viru's jaw dropped in sheer disbelief.
"No way!" he exclaimed.
'This dragon is as unfair as its pride' thought viru.
He attempted to negotiate for a longer duration,
'170 years!' Said viru.
But the dragon remained obstinate,
'60 years, it's already too much for you' said the dragon.
Viru's frustration grew, but he persisted, proposing 150 years, to which the dragon countered with 80. The negotiation ping-ponged back and forth, each offer met with a seemingly arbitrary reduction from the dragon.
Viru, realizing the dragon's intransigence, attempted to press for 130 years, but the dragon was resolute.
'Human, just accept my contract or you'll lose your life now' raged the dragon.
'Not a problem if you kill me, I'll revive'
Faced with the dragon's ultimatum, Viru contemplated his options. He boldly reminded the dragon that even if he perished, he would revive elsewhere as the dungeon core was distant.
The dragon made a final demand:
'100 years! and a place where I could reside without any disturbances'
The dragon, reluctantly admitting its dire condition, relented, agreeing to the 100-year contract with a secluded abode.
'Deal!!'
Shouted Viru.
*** The contract has been sealed***
Albus confirmed.
Viru's mind was a mix of exhilaration and relief. He had anticipated the dragon's unwillingness to accept 200 years but was happy to secure a hundred-year contract. The dragon, on the other hand, while not entirely satisfied, knew that a mere hundred years was inconsequential compared to its thousands of years of existence.
The deal was struck, binding the dragon as a guardian of the dungeon for a century, while providing the dragon with a sanctuary free from intrusion. As Viru prepared to leave, his elation was palpable. He had accomplished a significant feat, securing the guardian contract and a potential century of safeguarding the dungeon, marking a pivotal moment in his journey towards mastery in Revara.