The Crown of Dominance

Drake was genuinely taken aback to encounter a human in the treasure chamber. For a split second, he was ready to tap into the divine power of his godly core and transform, fully prepared to squash this intruder first and ask questions later. Although his previous impressive display had consumed two-thirds of the stored divine energy, he still had enough left to prioritize his safety over conservation.

But it seemed there was no need for such measures.

The old mage, sobbing and clutching at Drake's leg, left Drake unsure of how to react. The seven rings on the mage's robe signified him as a seventh-circle magus, commanding respect in this world. While such a mage wouldn't stand a chance against a fully-grown dragon, Drake, in his fledgling form, was no match for this magus, who could have easily made him a pet.

Yet here was the magus, groveling on the ground, begging for mercy. Drake realized his performance had been a resounding success. Everyone, it seemed, was convinced of his demi-god status. Without a death wish or madness, no one would dare strike at him.

In this world of magic, death was not the end. Powerful mages played with souls, while a demi-god dragon could make anyone's existence a living hell. Only lunatics would dare risk their eternal being.

No one could guess that a dragon had "found" a godly core and, due to some high-tech civilization's tinkering, was fully adapted to use its divine power.

Magus Marchis, still holding onto Drake's leg, sneaked glances at the dragon. The cold cruelty in those serpentine, inverted pupils sent shivers down his spine, convincing him the dragon was about to end his life.

Of course, this was all Marchis's own wild conjecture. As a human, he couldn't truly read a dragon's expressions or fathom its thoughts. His fears were unfounded.

Marchis's gaze inadvertently fell on the sword wrapped in Drake's tail, a flicker of longing flashing in his eyes before he quickly suppressed it. Displaying greed in front of a dragon was as good as suicide.

But deep down, desire surged. That sword was an artifact, a holy relic passed down through generations, the symbol of the Knights of the Holy Fleurs-de-lis, and a conduit between the war god and the knights. Once a high-tier legendary weapon, it had achieved artifact status due to Abiel's final act of faith and sacrifice. An artifact was invaluable, able to harm even gods.

'Now it belongs to the dragon...'

Marchis sighed internally. No matter how furious the church might be over the loss of their artifact, they wouldn't dare openly confront a demi-god dragon.

But now was not the time for such musings. Survival in the presence of the dragon was his priority. Marchis gulped down his pride, presenting a parchment scroll to Drake with a bow: "Oh great Drake, your servant Marchis offers you a life of loyalty and service. I beg for your mercy and pledge to serve you for the remainder of my days!"

The scroll unfurled, revealing a 'Master-Servant Contract' written in 'Magical Script.' Even without understanding magic, Drake could read the contract. This was one of the strictest agreements in this world, giving the master complete authority over the servant's life and death.

And it wasn't for just anyone to sign. If there was a significant disparity in strength, even the servant's signature wouldn't matter. As for Drake, even though physically a fledgling dragon, his soul had been elevated by the godly core. Only a true god could enslave him now.

To prove his sincerity, Marchis signed the contract with his own blood.

Drake examined the contract and the eager, aged mage before him. After a moment's consideration, he left his mark on it with a claw. A mage of the seventh circle had a renowned name in this world and a wealth of knowledge, which Drake figured could help him understand this new realm faster.

As the contract was sealed, Drake felt the mage's soul tethered to him, a mere thought away from ending his life.

Feeling relieved, Drake could finally relax; he had been genuinely concerned the mage might lash out in desperation!

Marchis, witnessing the dragon's agreement, breathed a sigh of relief, at least assured he wouldn't be killed immediately. Yet the realization that he was now bound to a dragon as a servant filled him with despair.

Dragons were notoriously greedy and parsimonious, never sharing their hoards. It was said better to serve a mean, filthy goblin than a dragon, for at least goblins understood gratitude, while dragons knew nothing of reward.

Now that he controlled the mage's soul, Drake turned his full attention to the treasures before him, fixating on an ornate crown radiating strong magical energy.

"What is that?" Drake asked, pointing a claw at the crown.

Marchis followed Drake's gesture, puzzled why the dragon didn't recognize the crown. In this world, dragons may not study, but the older they grew, the more they knew. A primordial dragon like Drake should have vast knowledge.

Suppressing the thought, Marchis worried this might be a test. Displaying his value seemed crucial lest the dragon decide to end him then and there.

With a sycophantic smile, Marchis said, "Oh exalted one, that is the 'Crown of Dominance.' It is said to have once been an artifact used by a deity to command angels. Damaged by some unknown calamity, it has since been reduced to a legendary item."

"Even though it can no longer control angels, it can still cast a 'Dominate Human' spell once a day, which no human of the seventh rank or lower can resist. It also carries an 'Aura of Fear,' which can be activated at will!"