After the blood contract was sealed, silence lingered in the room. Jordan sank into deep thought, his expression unreadable.
Sophie and Bruce let him brood, choosing instead to take in the sight of the caged beasts around them. Each growl and rattle of iron bars filled the stillness.
Bruce, unfazed, continued to stroke the sleek, steel-like feathers of the raven he had just healed. Its sharp eyes glinted under the dim light, a living testament to his power.
"To show my sincerity, I have something else for you," Jordan finally said after a moment's hesitation. "I'll offer it in exchange for the dozen Steelquill Ravens you created." He motioned for them to follow, leading them deeper into the shop.
Sophie narrowed her eyes, her steps graceful but unyielding as she and Bruce moved behind him. "So you did have more beasts," she said coldly. "Just as I thought. You really can't be trusted, Jordan. I told you to show us everything from the start."
Jordan scratched the back of his head, awkward laughter spilling out. "I had no choice. This beast is… different. A secret I've kept hidden. Although it's defective, its bloodline is high, its potential unmatched. At first glance I knew Bruce wouldn't be able to afford it, so I didn't see the point in showing him."
Sophie scoffed softly, her crimson eyes sharp as blades, but she didn't press further. Her silence carried its own weight, a quiet promise that she'd be watching every move he made.
Jordan, sensing the pressure, forced a smile and spoke quickly. "But after seeing Bruce's ability just now, I'm certain… he might be able to fix what others couldn't."
He stopped before a massive cage.
The air grew heavy. Inside was a beast unlike the others. A Black-Scaled Drake. Its obsidian scales shimmered faintly, jagged and cracked, each plate as thick as a knight's shield. Its body stretched nearly two meters already, wings pressed tight against the iron bars, claws scraping faintly against the enchanted steel floor. The cage itself was reinforced with runes, glowing faintly — magic meant to restrain its power.
Even weakened, even broken, the drake radiated danger. Its amber eyes burned with a feral light, locking on Bruce and Sophie with a predator's hunger. When it exhaled, wisps of black smoke curled from its nostrils, carrying the faint, acrid stench of ash and blood.
Jordan's voice dropped, almost reverent. "The Black-Scaled Drake. You know its kind — when fully matured, it can rival Awakened of SS-Rank strength. Its bloodline carries the mark of Gluttony… the hunger of a true dragon, though which dragon it descends from is still unknown."
He paused, his smile faltering.
"This one was doomed before it ever had a chance. Its mother was slain by Caesar, the SS-Rank hunter, in a battle that shook half a province. The cavern collapsed, the egg cracked before it was ready… it hatched prematurely."
His gaze lingered on the beast, pity flickering in his eyes.
"Since that day, it's been bleeding strength. Its scales drop and never heal. Its body refuses to mend. Without intervention, it won't live long."
"Hmmm…" Bruce nodded, his sharp gaze locked on the creature. He instantly knew what to do. Without hesitation, he stepped closer to the cage.
The drake lifted its massive head, its obsidian eyes glinting with primal power. Yet there was no hostility. Its breath was hot against the bars, heavy enough to make the floor tremble.
Bruce, unafraid despite this being the first time he had seen a beast of such caliber in this world, slowly extended his hand. His palm rested against the drake's snout.
Purrr~
The sound was low, almost feline, and it reverberated through his arm. The mighty drake leaned into his touch, and for a brief moment, Bruce felt a strange connection tug at his chest.
"This beast… isn't it a bit too friendly? We've never met before…"
He didn't linger on the thought. Taking a steady breath, Bruce raised his hand, his voice calm and firm.
"Heal."
A radiant glow burst from his palm, wrapping the drake in a cocoon of light. Before their eyes, cracks along its body vanished. Its fallen scales regrew, gleaming obsidian polished like black diamond. Its muscles swelled with new vitality, and its presence grew so overwhelming that the reinforced cage shuddered violently.
Crack—!
The cage shattered into pieces, metal scattering across the floor.
Jordan's face went pale, horror painting his features as he thought all hell was about to break loose. But then—
Whoosh—
The drake's colossal frame shimmered, shrinking rapidly until it was no larger than a wolf cub. Its scales glittered like jewels, its wings folded neatly, and with a cheerful cry, it flapped up and perched itself on Bruce's shoulder.
It nuzzled against his cheek, licking his face with a warm, rough tongue. Bruce stiffened, stunned beyond belief.
"…What the hell."
Sophie's crimson eyes widened, her hand covering her lips for a moment before she broke into a breathless laugh. She reached out, her fingers brushing the creature's smooth, glossy scales.
"Kyuuu~"
The drake let out a soft, affectionate cry, cozying up to her touch. It leaned into her hand like a spoiled child.
"This drake… isn't it a little too cute for a drake?" she whispered, her voice melting with wonder as she stroked it again. Her eyes softened with warmth, her heart fluttering at the sight of Bruce with this newly-born creature clinging to him as though he was its parent.
Bruce exhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay composed even though his mind was reeling. He turned toward Jordan, who looked ready to faint.
"Don't worry, Jordan. I'll cover the damage of the destroyed cage with more beasts for you," Bruce said smoothly, hiding the shock that rattled inside him.
Because deep down, he knew the truth.
That casual Heal hadn't just restored the drake. It had evolved it. This was no longer a drake. This… was a dragon.
And it had chosen him.