The dragon that faced Manu rested upon the mountain of wealth, a living monunt to its own magnificence. Its body was obscured by the sheer abundance of gold, silver, and gemstones piled high around it, leaving only its enormous head visible. The head alone was a marvel of scale, its horns curling majestically like wrought iron spires, its scales dark and glimring like polished obsidian.
The creature’s eyes, half-lidded and glowing faintly, gave the impression of perpetual drowsiness, as though it were caught in an eternal state of waking dreams. Despite this, the weight of its gaze bore down on Manu like an invisible mountain, sharp and discerning, as if stripping away every layer of pretense and probing the depths of his soul.
When it spoke, its mouth remained motionless. The words resonated through the chamber, reverberating not just in the air but deep within Manu’s chest, as though the dragon’s voice bypassed the physical realm entirely and spoke directly to his spirit.
"I heard you have a cure," the dragon intoned, its voice ancient and heavy with authority, a sound that carried the weight of millennia.
Manu, ever composed, clasped his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable as he stared into the dragon’s imnse, sleepy eyes. The sheer enormity of the creature and its presence would have shattered the resolve of any lesser being. But Manu Madayaki was no re man.
The great dragon shifted slightly upon its mountain of wealth, its glowing eyes narrowing just slightly, as though its half-lidded gaze had focused with purpose. The chamber grew heavier with its presence, the very air seeming to hum with ancient power.
"Also...forgive my kin, Manu Madayaki," the dragon began, its voice weaving through the air like a solemn hymn. "The vessel you inhabit… that soul… it has dishonored dragons. And not rely dragons, but one of royal blood. Even now, the cri remains fresh in the hearts of my children. To take one of our lineage as a slave, and then he took dragon life. Justice is demanded. If you, as a Gold Rank cultivator, would offer Chiron’s soul for rightful punishnt, we could grant our approval of you."
The dragon’s words lingered in the air like an unmovable weight.
Manu’s expression darkened, his frown deep and resolute. His posture, still and regal, radiated a controlled fury that seed to chill the room despite the dragon’s imnse heat.
"No." His voice rang out sharply, cutting through the air like a blade. "Absolutely not. You seem to forget your place, Patriarch. You are in no position to make requests, let alone demand a soul I fully intend to consu for myself."
The dragon’s eyes flared briefly, as though its pride had been pricked, but it said nothing, waiting as Manu continued.
Manu raised a single hand, gesturing dismissively. "Your priorities are misplaced, Dragon Patriarch. You, who once stood as the pinnacle of this world, now grovel for scraps. You speak of honor and justice, yet your glory has long since faded. Look around you. The dragons are a shadow of what they once were."
Manu took a step forward, the tallic click of his boots echoing ominously in the chamber. "First, there was the war with the Demon King ten thousand years ago. It left you broken, a scattered remnant of your forr might. Then, a thousand years ago, the Elven King dealt another blow, forcing you to your knees yet again."
The dragon’s head lifted slightly at Manu’s words, but its silence betrayed the truth.
"And then," Manu continued, his tone dripping with mockery, "even that was not the end of your decline. The disease you now fear so greatly has reduced your numbers further. So much so that you had no choice but to ally yourselves with the Zodiac families, hoping to use their strength to stand against the Holy Church. A desperate move, wouldn’t you say? You must really fear becoming at in their cooking pot."
Manu chuckled, a low, nacing sound that reverberated like the growl of a predator toying with its prey. "You speak to of dishonor, Patriarch, but your kind has no honor left to defend. You’ve beco weak, dependent, and insignificant. I am not here to bargain or beg. I am here to take...and maybe bless as I will.... Rember that."
The dragon let out a low rumble, its pride visibly wounded. "You tread dangerous ground, Manu Madayaki. Even now, my kin could strike you down."
Manu smirked, unbothered by the veiled threat. "You could try, but we both know how that would end. Now, shall we continue this farce, or will you allow to speak of the cure to your disease before it wipes you out entirely?"
The room was silent for a long mont, save for the faint growls of the other dragons, but the Patriarch finally relented, its glowing eyes dimming slightly as it spoke.
"Proceed..." the dragon spoke backing off.
Manu nodded, "its a good trait to know when to back off as a leader, truly admirable...Now as I was saying, you need not explain to your problem. I’m aware of how Draco Venenum eats at your kin. The fall of the proud scales and then flesh, eating against them like termit to wood, weakening even their core."
The Dragongrianed slightly, "you are one that has lived for ten thousand years, I am not surprised by your knowledge of our plight. However..." the dragon’s eyes suddenly narrowed. "I am concerned however, of the price you intend we pay... After all, knowing you, and the reputation you have bolstered, such charitable work is nothing of your style."
Manu gave a side smile as he turned a bit to the side, taking a stroll left and right. His eyes looked around the place, like a king enjoying the beauty of his new palace.
"What I demand of you... is nothing too great. After all, I am giving you the opportunity to not fight for my favor with the other zirduac families and even the Holy Church... take ut has getting the opportunityto have a special place in my heart," Manu patted his chest gently.
Again, the dragon bellowed, "what do you want... Serpent king."
Manu spoke, "I want..."
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