Herman pressed the "YES" button. As soon as he did, the dragon's glowing golden eyes locked onto him. Its deep voice rumbled, filled with confusion.
"Is this human crazy? What is he doing, floating there like he's lost his mind?" the dragon muttered.
Herman heard every word and couldn't help but smile. Talking to a dragon felt unreal, like something out of a story. What made it even funnier was the dragon didn't know he could understand.
Noticing Herman's grin, the dragon glared. "Why are you smiling, human? Do you think this is funny?"
Herman chuckled, unable to hold it back anymore, which only confused the dragon further.
"I'm not crazy," Herman said calmly, sitting down in front of the massive creature without showing any fear.
The dragon tilted its head. "Wait… can you understand me?"
Herman nodded. The dragon froze for a moment, embarrassed as it realized what it had just said earlier.
"Don't worry," Herman said kindly. "I'm not mad. Honestly, I'd probably think I was crazy too if I were you. But I can understand you because of a power I've been given."
The dragon lowered its head slightly, curious. "A power? What kind of power?"
Herman pointed around him. "It started with a blue screen that appeared to me. It gave me abilities and, apparently, lets me understand your language. That's why I'm hearing your words, not just growls or roars."
The dragon stayed quiet, processing what Herman had said. Finally, it spoke hesitantly. "So… what do you want from me for saving me?"
Herman shook his head right away. "I don't want anything. I just couldn't leave you in trouble."
The dragon stared at him, surprised. Then it let out a deep laugh that echoed loudly.
"You're different from most humans," it said. "Humans usually care only about power or wealth. It's rare to meet someone like you."
Herman smiled but admitted the dragon wasn't wrong. "That's true, but not everyone is like that."
The dragon's gaze softened, but its next words were heavy. "Even so, you shouldn't have helped me. I'm one of the hunters sent to kill beasts like the ones you protect."
Herman raised an eyebrow. "But is that what you want to do?"
The dragon looked down, silent for a moment. Then it shook its head. "No… but I don't have a choice. They're holding my family hostage. I can't fight back. I can't lose my family."
Herman frowned, noticing the sadness in the dragon's eyes.
"What's stopping you?" he asked. "You're stronger and bigger than humans. You could fight back."
The dragon let out a bitter laugh and showed Herman a glowing tattoo on its leg.
"They use magic to control us," the dragon explained. "It forces us to obey their orders. To them, we're nothing but tools or pests to get rid of. And it's not just me—every non-human creature is either enslaved or killed. Even the gods that work with the hunters don't show us mercy. They've destroyed entire races."
The dragon's voice broke, and large tears fell from its eyes, crashing to the ground.
"They've taken everything from us," it said sadly.
Herman sighed deeply. "I'm sorry for what they've done. You said all creatures are under their control. Does that include the beasts I've been protecting?"
The dragon nodded.
Herman stood up quickly. "Tell me where they're keeping the others."
The dragon's eyes widened in panic. "You're not thinking of—"
"I'm going to free them," Herman interrupted. "Just tell me where they are."
The dragon shook its head, looking afraid. "Are you crazy? The hunters are too strong! They work with the gods themselves!"
Herman ignored the warning and called out to his system.
"System, what are my chances of beating the hunters?"
[System Loading...]
[System Output: Victory is guaranteed. There is a 0% chance of failure. Proceed with confidence.]
The dragon stared at him, stunned. "You're not even listening to me! The gods are way stronger than you can imagine!"
Herman smirked, full of determination. "Let's find out. I want to see if I can protect the beasts."
The dragon sighed, shaking its head. "You're so stubborn… but fine. Let's save my family too."
Herman noticed tears in the dragon's eyes again, but this time they seemed hopeful.
"You're crazy," the dragon muttered. "But I'll follow you."
Herman climbed onto the dragon's back. With a powerful roar, the dragon spread its wings and soared into the sky, carrying Herman toward their destiny.