Golden Dragon: Six Thousand Years of Empire

This guy seems to really care about his image among the orc subjects, unwilling to show any weakness.

"Of course, feel free to come find me anytime. However, when I look for you, don't refuse!"

Grom glanced at the old orc standing in front of him. Though reluctant, he knew it was this old orc who had saved him today, otherwise the Golden Dragon before him would probably have done something more drastic.

"I certainly won't refuse, but I won't stay in your Plane for long. With your abilities, it might still be a bit difficult to find me."

Noah spread his dragon claws, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"We can sign a contract!"

The Beastman King, Grom, took the initiative to speak. The old priest was slightly shocked, for he never expected the proud Beast King, who never bowed despite repeated persuasion, to lower his head at this moment.

"Sign a contract? What kind of contract?"

Noah feigned surprise.

"When you need me, I can fight for you!"

Grom paused for a moment before speaking.

"Sounds good, but why should I agree?"

Noah wasn't pretending to be reserved; he genuinely did not understand why the Beastman King's attitude had shifted so quickly.

He didn't think a simple beating would make this Beast King yield, especially since he was a demigod. To have reached this level, his willpower, tempered by countless Dark Fruits, must be as strong as Noah's.

"Because I won't demand any compensation from you!"

"But I wasn't planning on giving any."

Noah muttered loudly, then lifted his head slightly, looking solemn despite Grom's somewhat twisted and ferocious face across from him.

"I just want to know why you've decided to sign a contract with me?"

"I want to go out and see the world."

"That's a good reason, but not enough."

"..."

The Beastman King Grom stared at Noah, then slowly spoke,

"I have a request."

"Hmm?"

"Don't let that Hell Lord behind the woman invade my Plane."

"I can't give you that assurance. I'm a noble Golden Dragon; how could I ever have connections with Hell?"

Noah declared confidently, under the expressionless watch of the two orcs across from him.

"However, from what I understand, the Hell Lord you encountered has no interest in invading the Material Plane, so your worries are unnecessary."

"I never described that Hell Lord to you; how do you know who he is?"

The old priest Saka immediately questioned, as this encounter had completely changed his impression of the Golden Dragon before him.

What surprised him even more was that this Golden Dragon actually had connections with Hell. Although the dragon claimed not to, he no longer believed such words.

"I've studied prophecy spells."

Noah lied seamlessly, without a hitch in his voice. He was telling the truth, too: he had no ties to Hell and had indeed delved into prophecy spells.

"Since the devil will no longer invade this land, then let's sign the contract!"

"Who will be the witness to the contract?"

"Seven Hills Heavenly Mountain!"

"Fine."

Though the beastmen did not worship any deity within Heavenly Mountain and felt no yearning for that sacred land that revered order and goodness, it didn't prevent them from trusting Heavenly Mountain.

Thus, under the witness of the non-sentient Heavenly Mountain, Noah and the orc demigod Grom established a summoning contract.

This contract had no coercive clauses. Noah could not forcefully summon the demigod, and the orc could choose whether to respond to the summoning. Even if he decided to respond, he didn't have to obey Noah's commands, acting entirely on his own will.

Of course, that was the arrangement, but Noah still had a countermeasure. As the summoner, Noah needed to provide sufficient power support; once he cut off the supply of magic power, the summoned creature would return to its origin.

However, this was just a basic relationship in summoning techniques, not absolute. If Noah were to summon his foster mother, Selena, this Legendary Mage wouldn't need Noah to supply magic power. She could sever Noah's magic power and rely on her own strength to remain at the location of Noah's summoning.

Another method was to terminate the summoning the moment of descent, end the contract, and be returned by the contract's power. Then, using the obtained coordinates, teleport independently, without any restraint.

This was a method used by Noah's partner, Great Angel Ophelia, but these techniques were too advanced for an orc, even a demigod, since it was an area he had never ventured into.

If not, this orc demigod wouldn't have needed to lower his head to Noah. His greatest need in signing a contract with Noah was to escape his current environment, seek new challenges, and strive for a greater breakthrough.

Of course, there are countless ways to impose restrictions, and Noah disdained trickery in contracts. He wasn't a devil; wielding the greater power was the righteous path.

Therefore, the establishment of this contract merely added a communication channel between Noah and demigod Grom, and it was unidirectional.

Noah could summon demigod Grom anytime, while Grom could only respond passively.

This is the consequence of being backward; lacking sufficient knowledge, even with superior violence, one is still subject to the dragon. Of course, it also had to do with Grom's force not being strong enough.

Feeling satisfied, Noah returned, not staying long on the Helan Continent. This land, soon to be ruled by beasts, aside from its resources, held nothing else of interest for Noah.

Back at Dragon Palace, Noah continued to fulfill his duties as Holy Dragon Grand Lord—judging crimes, improving order, and occasionally checking on the status of his two offspring.

Until the breakthrough of the first True Blood Follower, Alexander, known for the golden reputation of a Golden Dragon Knight, also indisputably the primary heir of the Atlas Kingdom.

In the 172nd year of Noah's age, Alexander, aged 116, crossed a hurdle that had obstructed countless geniuses, successfully advancing to Legendary status.

The impact of Alexander's breakthrough was widespread, not only marking the addition of another legend on the Xilantia Continent but also signifying that Noah now had his first Legendary Favored.

Beneath the network of the Golden Tree's roots, Alexander's presence stirred an unprecedented storm. Golden mist rose from his body, following the roots, up the trunk, bearing a golden radiant fruit in the increasingly lush canopy.

"Golden Fruit!"

Noah plucked the fruit from the canopy, its crisp, sweet taste instantly enveloping him, bringing a sense of clarity and transparency to the Dragon Soul.

"Truly delightful!"

As Noah savored the taste of the fruit, he realized that Alexander's breakthrough not only brought him a complete fruit but also had significant implications for the existing power structure in the Atlas Kingdom.

Even though the current King Atlas wasn't particularly fond of his offspring who bore the Holy Dragon Bloodline, it was undeniable that this Golden Dragon Knight, defending the nation's borders, was the people's undisputed first heir.

There wasn't anyone who could challenge his position unless Wayne, who bore the Titan Bloodline, was willing to step forward. With the support of the Augustus family, Wayne could ascend the throne, but the issue was he had no such desire.

Thus, even before Noah had a chance to meet the newly Legendary Alexander, the current King Atlas, Uranos, had already stepped into the Holy Dragon's sleeping chamber.

"Uncle, I'm planning to abdicate!"

The young man, untouched by time on his face, stepped forward boldly to Noah, his words breaking the silence like thunder.