---
"I know Oni are warriors, but your strength is beyond that," the dragon said, its gaze locking with mine. "Despite fighting me, your energy barely wavered. You might be comparable to me in terms of energy, but in every battle, one victor must emerge."
Its words echoed in the stillness, the weight of its aura pressing against me. "You could say I'm in a tight spot here," I muttered, half-joking to calm my nerves. Whatever the dragon was doing, its grip loosened slightly.
Taking the chance, I leapt out of its coiled tail and struck it squarely in the middle of its head. The dragon crashed to the ground with a thunderous impact. Without hesitation, I summoned energy chains to bind it.
"I won," I declared.
The dragon, unfazed, opened its glowing eyes and spoke. "Let's form a pact."
The request caught me off guard. "Huh? That's out of nowhere," I said, a grin creeping onto my face. "So you're asking for mercy now, huh? Because I defeated—"
Before I could finish, the dragon shattered the chains as if they were nothing.
"It's not that I lost," it said with a calm yet commanding tone. "I wanted to test your power. While our energy levels might be comparable, my experience and mastery of abilities far surpass yours."
"So, how do we form this pact?" I asked cautiously.
"Ho ho, with your skills, of course."
"How'd you know about that?" I narrowed my eyes.
"I read your memories."
I froze. "You did what?"
"I couldn't help it," the dragon said with a smug tone. "Oh, and what were you doing in front of that scre—"
"Classified information!" I interrupted, my face heating up. "Ever heard of privacy?"
"Ho ho ho," the dragon laughed heartily. "No need to worry. Our energy levels will determine who holds dominion in the pact. Since I am the superior being, I'll naturally take the lead. No harm will come to you."
I sighed. "Fine, let's get it over with."
[Skill: Sovereign Pact]
[Yes] [No]
"Yes."
[Sovereign Pact initializing...]
[Pact forged. Will you give a name?]
"Aeltheris," I said, deciding it was fitting for her nature.
---
Meanwhile, outside the battle...
"Do you think Lord Zereth will be okay in there?" one of the Oni asked, worry creasing his brow.
"We should follow him!" another suggested.
"No," a female voice interjected firmly. "He's our chief now. Doubting him means doubting his strength. Stay vigilant and wait."
"Yes, ma'am," the others replied, though their nervous glances betrayed their unease.
---
When I awoke, it felt like a lifetime had passed.
"Zereth-sama, you're finally awake!" Missy exclaimed, rushing to my side.
I groaned and sat up, feeling the toll of the battle. "How long was I out this time?"
"A week," she said, her voice laced with concern.
"Figures," I muttered. "Forming that pact really drained me."
"Lord Zereth," another voice said—feminine, calm, and slightly amused. I turned to see a woman with green hair and amber eyes. Her presence felt human, but the aura around her was unmistakably something greater.
"Who are you?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"Ho ho ho, forgetful, are we? I am your master now—Aeltheris, the Illusion Dragon."
The realization hit me like a lightning bolt. "You… have a humanoid form?"
"Indeed," she said with a sly smile.
Missy stepped forward, skepticism clear on her face. "We were told the Illusion Dragon never took human form."
"That may have been true before," Aeltheris replied, her tone unreadable. "But times change, as do circumstances."
---
Days passed as I recovered, taking stock of my new surroundings. The Oni had begun constructing a temporary settlement—simple wooden houses stood where dense forest had once been. It wasn't much, but it was progress.
As I prepared to leave for the human lands, Missy's excitement was palpable.
"You're welcome to come with me," I told her, placing a reassuring hand on her head.
"Really?" she asked, her face lighting up.
"Ho ho ho," Aeltheris interjected, "I'll protect you both. Naturally, I'm coming along."
"Great," I muttered under my breath. "Just try not to cause trouble."
---
Traveling atop Aeltheris in her dragon form, the world below unfolded in breathtaking detail. The forest, no longer shrouded in darkness, was a sea of vibrant green.
"From here on, we'll go by foot," I said as the human lands came into view.
Aeltheris snorted. "Fine, but don't forget—I'm not your transport."
I smirked. "You sure about that? Should I remind you of what I saw in your memories?"
Her silence was answer enough, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
As we approached the human lands, a mix of nerves and determination settled over me. I didn't know what lay ahead, but I was ready to face it.
---