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"Humans!!! If you've got guts, then fight me head-on! What kind of cowardly crap is this?!"From above, a furious roar exploded out of Wade, his frustration hitting the breaking point.
God knows what kind of mess he's been through lately. A fight like this? This was a first for him since the day he was born—and it was so humiliating, he felt like dying on the spot.
"So yeah, you really are a dumb dragon."Hearing Wade's shout, Riku shook his head."Why would anyone throw away their advantage just to go toe-to-toe in an area they suck at? And besides... if we're talking raw strength, I'm stronger than you anyway."
"You—!"Wade and the other three black dragons froze, wanting to talk back but unable to. Honestly, in the earlier fight, Riku had wiped the floor with Wade.
"That's enough, Wade. How long are you guys gonna keep messing around? Riku's our guest. Even the Wise Dragon hasn't said anything yet—who the hell do you think you are to start this kind of trouble?"At that moment, Zhuyue flew over and snapped at Wade with a cold glare.
"...!"Wade and the other three dragons stiffened. Their eyes flickered, and after a few seconds, they backed off. They'd already lost enough face, and now even Zhuyue was stepping in. If they kept going, they'd just embarrass themselves even more.
"Lame."Watching the four dragons slink off with their tails between their legs, Riku shrugged and dropped the Seventh Gate form, muttering with a pout.
The dragons' ability to mess with time was way too overpowered. Otherwise, he would've happily beaten them to a pulp—instead of just mentally destroying them like this.
"Sorry about that. Those guys are so immature," Zhuyue said to Riku, slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah."Riku nodded calmly. "If there's nothing else, I'll get back to exploring. Just let me know when the Wise Dragon's back."
With that, he stepped into the air and headed toward Jibril.
"He's definitely pissed," Zhuyue sighed, shaking her head with a bitter smile. "Those idiots are always causing problems."
"Ehehe~ Master, you were so cool just now. Beating up those dumb dragons like that—it felt so satisfying. If I had more power right now, I'd have jumped in too," Jibril said excitedly.
Riku rolled his eyes.You? Join the fight? You'd get wrecked.Sure, he made it look easy, but keeping the Seventh Gate open while using Kyōka Suigetsu to control the senses of four dragon-type beings? That was draining as hell. Jibril might be strong, but this wasn't the Jibril from six thousand years in the future who could casually use Heavenly Strike. Her power was still way below Zhuyue's. Fighting four dragon elites now would be suicide.
Honestly, even one would be a stretch.
"Oh, right. Jibril, how about we make a contract? Once we do, your life will be completely tied to mine. But on the flip side, you'll grow stronger along with me. Think it through, though. I won't force you," Riku said seriously after a moment of thought.
"A contract, huh?"Jibril tilted her head and smiled sweetly."Well, since I've already sworn loyalty to you, Master, there's really no need to ask for my permission. But the fact that you did ask makes me happy."She beamed. "Whatever you want, Master, I'll do it."
"Good."Riku smiled, pleased. "In that case, let's begin."
He pulled a rune-engraved card from his storage space.
"This is a contract card. Just drop your blood on it and swear loyalty," Riku explained softly.
"Ooh~ A contract card? Master, you've really got all kinds of weird and interesting stuff," Jibril said with fascination as she looked at the white card.
Then, without hesitation, she bit her finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the card.
"I, Jibril, swear to serve my Master, Riku Dola, for all eternity, through life and death."For once, her expression was completely serious as she spoke the vow.
In that instant, the card flared with brilliant light, and Jibril's image appeared on it. A mysterious connection formed between her and Riku.
"Spatial Shift, huh... Lucky me."Riku smiled as he felt the new ability awaken in him.Shangri-La was nice, but Spatial Shift was on another level. Sure, Shangri-La was decent in lower-level fights, but its delay made it useless in high-level battles.
"Wow, Master! My power's coming back super fast! I feel like I'll be back at full strength by the end of the day!" Jibril exclaimed in surprise.
"That's one of the perks."Riku nodded and explained. The contract card only had five slots, but Jibril's potential made her well worth one of them.
"Riku, I want a contract too."Suddenly, Zhu Bi tugged on Liku's sleeve and stared straight at him.
"Uh..."Riku scratched his face, feeling like she might be a little jealous. Was he imagining it?
"Zhu Bi, this needs blood to work. So it won't work on you," Riku said helplessly.
"...Oh."Zhu Bi was quiet for a moment, then turned away, clearly disappointed.
"It's fine, though. You and I don't need a card to have a contract. I already made a promise to you, remember?"Riku gently patted her head to comfort her.
Zhu Bi nodded silently. She didn't say much, but Riku could tell her mood had lifted a little.
"Well then, let's go treasure hunting!" Riku grinned with anticipation.
A diamond chest, huh? This would be his first time opening one—he hoped it'd be something totally overpowered.
Without wasting time, Riku, Jibril (bubbling with curiosity), and Zhu Bi (a little more cautious) headed toward the chest's marked location.
But when they arrived, Riku frowned.
The chest wasn't there.
That's weird. The system map clearly marked this spot, but... nothing?
"System, what's going on?" Riku asked silently.
"It's a spatial issue," the system replied flatly.
"Spatial? You mean the diamond chest is in another dimension?" Riku asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Correct."
"No wonder. This just got complicated." Riku muttered, rubbing his temples.Spatial Shift was handy, but it wasn't made for traveling between dimensions.
"Riku, what's wrong?"Zhu Bi noticed the concern on his face and asked.
"Zhu Bi, is there anything in your database about crossing dimensional space?"Riku gently patted her head again.
"Nope."Zhu Bi checked for a moment, then shook her head.
"Master, is the thing you're looking for inside a dimensional space?" Jibril asked curiously."Speaking of that, the Wise Dragon is kind of a regular in dimensional space. He's always hopping between them, which is why no one can ever track him."
"The Wise Dragon?"Riku's eyes lit up at that.
"....."