Chapter 306: Chapter 169: King, I Want You (Extra update for 8000 monthly votes)_3
It was still the highest-level, most binding master-servant contract. That was no joke.
This meant that regardless of their respective ranks or the gap in spiritual power, the master—the Contractor—possessed absolute control over the servant, and the servant could not betray its master.
If the master died, the servant died.
At any time, Shiayar only needed to give the command, "Kill yourself, Lancer," and the Mercury Serpent, as the servant, would have no choice but to stab itself with its spear. Furthermore, there was no limit to the number of times the command could be given.
This was precisely why Beastmasters, when raising their Pet Beasts, mostly chose to nurture them from whelps or eggs. Most mature Pet Beasts, under normal circumstances, would not sign a master-servant contract with a stranger.
Even so, the master-servant contracts Shiayar had with Silver, Shiny, and Crimson were not of this highest level of constraint.
Shiayar looked at the Mercury Serpent before him and asked, "Sign a master-servant contract with me? Why?"
Indeed, many of his Soul Pact slots were currently vacant, aside from the peculiar 4th Soul Pact still occupied by Augutina—his 6th and 7th Soul Pacts were currently empty.
The Soul Pact Space for the 6th Soul Pact was now occupied by a sycophantic Chalice that seemed to have no intention of leaving.
However, his newly established 7th Soul Pact was completely unclaimed.
This was mainly because Shiayar currently had no suitable targets for a Soul Pact.
With Shiayar’s current Rank, contracting Emperor Rank whelps and Pet Beast eggs was too costly. Frankly, ordinary Emperor Rank Pet Beasts, even if nurtured to the peak of Emperor Rank, could only provide Shiayar with very limited assistance.
As for Mythical Rank Pet Beasts, they were far too rare. Even fully-fledged Mythical Rank Beast Kings were seldom seen by most Beastmasters, let alone juvenile Mythical Rank Pet Beasts or Mythical Pet Beast eggs available for contract.
Even for colossal entities on the Western Continent like the Fresta Empire, the Holy Creed Kingdom, and the Princes’ Alliance, the Pet Beasts they could nurture by exhausting the resources of an entire nation were merely at the peak of Emperor Rank.
As for that last small step from the peak of Emperor Rank to Mythical Rank—true Legendary status was not achieved through external forces, and the same held true for Pet Beasts.
This was an insurmountable chasm that could only be overcome through time and opportune chances. For example, Isadella’s Crowned Griffon had spent several centuries of hard grinding with massive resources in the Imaginary Zone before finally taking that ultimate step.
And no matter how unsuited for combat the Authority of the Serpent of Destiny might be, or how poor its state was after its recent resurrection, it still held the Rank of a complete True God.
The tiny mercury snake dared to propose, and Shiayar dared to sign.
"Because this is a grand gamble, and it is also my investment," the tiny mercury snake said.
"An investment that will allow me to survive through the Fourth Epoch."
The tiny mercury snake flicked its delicate tongue and coiled around Shiayar’s finger, saying, "As a gesture of sincerity, I can answer your question first."
"You’re not wrong in your guess. Your Golden Elf Instructor was indeed banished to the deepest core of the Astral Realm, unable to return."
"And all of it originated from that divine war at the end of the First Era."
"I did not participate in that divine war, so I don’t know the details."
"However, there is only one way to bring your instructor back from an exile that has lasted three Eras..."
...
Bright moonlight, spilling through the windowpanes, fell upon the pristine white bed. Shiayar slowly opened his eyes.
[Species Name: Mercury Serpent (Unique)]
[Soul Pact Status: 7th Soul Pact (Master-Servant Contract: Shiayar Egutt)]
[Combat Level: 5]
[Species Rank: Fabled Species]
[Pet Beast skills: Wheel of Destiny (Fabled skill), Destiny Backtracking (Fabled skill)]
The contract process was smoother than Shiayar had imagined, proceeding without any issues.
Looking at the azure light screen that floated before him, Shiayar’s gaze settled on "Combat Level: 5."
Five?
That’s the Combat Level of an Awakening Rank Pet Beast.
To put it in perspective, it’s barely stronger than a rooster. Considering species counters, a rooster could probably defeat it single-handedly.
The Mercury Serpent, having just completed the contract, felt a great deal of affection towards Shiayar due to the master-servant bond and was slightly taken aback.
It noticed a hint of pity in its new master’s eyes and looked bewildered as Shiayar stroked its small head.
"So, if I hadn’t taken you with me, you might have been snatched by a passing eagle and turned into its meal, huh?"
"Poor Battle Five Serpent."
? I, a Fabled Creature, have never suffered such an insult in my entire life! And what’s this about being snatched and eaten by an eagle? Does he not understand the value of wielding the threads of destiny? Eagles couldn’t even see me!
Shiayar played with the tiny mercury snake in his hands for a while. He was just about to take a closer look at its two Pet Beast skills to understand their functions.
But then, Shiayar heard the distinct sound of high heels ascending the stairs from below.
So soon?
Shiayar, slightly startled, tossed the indignant Serpent of Destiny back into his Soul Pact Space. He then added many perception seals, creating a new "little black room" for it.
However, while he had been talking to the tiny mercury snake, he had vaguely heard announcements from the living room: "Frenzied Slaughter," "Ceylon’s Formidable Hero, Invincible in Chaotic Times," "Hmph, White Tower, she’ll surely never return," and "Those who infringe upon the Empire’s territory shall be decisively crushed!"
He just didn’t know which girl from his "fish pond" had activated some kind of mystical cheat.
Shiayar’s curiosity didn’t last long, as the footsteps soon stopped at his doorway.
Then, Shiayar saw the smiling Silver-haired Empress and, obediently following her, the Succubus Queen.
Shiayar instantly understood the outcome of the card game.
It seemed his childhood friend from the Northern Territory had ultimately become the "golden-haired defeated dog" under the "Conqueror’s" blade.
Isadella stood with her arms crossed, looking down at Shiayar on the bed, a faint curve gracing her beautiful face.
"I’ve kept you waiting."
Behind Isadella, Dyres also sat down demurely by the bed.
A faint purple light flowed, swirling around Dyres.
When the light dissipated, this student council president, who usually appeared quiet and composed, had taken on a completely new look.
Bright moonlight filtered through the window, casting its radiance on her profile, revealing a blend of innocence and allure.
However, the most eye-catching features were the small white horns protruding from her hair.
Also, distinct dark wings unfurled from her back, gently flapping, and a peach-heart-shaped tail swayed in the moonlight.
The next moment, a beautiful and dreamlike illusion, accompanied by a rosy mist, began to spread throughout the room.
In that enchanting rosy mist, the new Queen of the Empire straddled Shiayar, gazing directly into his eyes.
"I know I’m indeed far behind Ennie. I met you later than she did, encountered you later, and even fell in love with you later.
"Even the love from the Echo of History came to Miss Silvia before it came to me.
"But it’s precisely because of this that I find it so hard to accept."
She lowered her head slightly, her soft hair brushing against Shiayar’s cheeks.
"In my life, I’ve never been second to anyone.
"Whether in cultivation, politics, military affairs... or even in pursuing love, it’s all the same.
"Since I haven’t left my mark in your past memories,
"then what I must do is create more memories in the days to come—memories that belong only to you and me."
Warm breath tickled Shiayar’s neck, slightly itchy.
"So, are you prepared?
"My Black Knight, my Swordbearer...
"And, my Prince Consort."
Feeling the softness on his chest, Shiayar closed his eyes, allowing the rush of emotions and thoughts to flow through his heart.
It was still a dreamscape created by the Succubus Queen... Only this time, the person beside him was not an illusion, but real.
This is truly a dream come true, huh.
He smiled.
Then, following the most primal urge deep within him—
In the spreading, enchanting rosy mist, he embraced the silver-haired girl before him.
"My Queen, I want you."
Shiayar felt the Empress in his arms nod slightly.
"Alright."
Night had fallen.