Kaedros had always known humans were greedy and bloodthirsty, he should know, he was once a human!
Nut even with that knowledge, this still shocked him.
’..torturing monsters for cheap experiments?..’ he thought in disgust.
He could understand killing monsters quickly for the mana they provide. That was simple pragmatism. But this? This was cruelty beyond reason, keeping creatures in cages, writhing in pain, just to satisfy their twisted curiosity.
And to dare capture a Dragon?
The arrogance was staggering. Had they already forgotten the devastation Dragons once brought when they flew over their burning cities in the last war? The screams? The ash?
"Are you okay, Kael?" Esmera jogged to catch up to him, surprised by how fast he moved. He was nimble and quick or someone of his size. Honestly, she didn’t think he even looked like a boy anymore.
He was tall, with raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes. His muscles were sharp and lean, like a blade honed by fire.
Esmera flushed as her thoughts trailed off. Focus, girl. Focus.
"Of course I am," Kaedros replied as he slowed down to walk beside her.
"You didn’t look it in there," she said, frowning. "You looked... sick. Are your wounds healed?"
What Vann had said about Dragons regeneration was true especially for Nobles. But Kaedros, weakened by his incomplete bloodline, healed slower than usual. Still, his injuries had recovered by now.
"I’m fine. All healed," he said, patting himself down casually. "Thanks to you."
Esmera flushed again and nodded. "You’re welcome."
She offered to show him around town, and Kaedros agreed. He had time to kill.
Solmere was much larger than he expected. Not overrun with hunters, as he’d feared, but full of ordinary people, normal humans as they were called. Those unable to access mana and cultivate it.
"Most hunters don’t stay here long," Esmera explained. "They pass through or have temporary homes. Most are out chasing bounties or cultivating due to the forbidden zones nearby.
When the world had merged with that of monsters and other beings, people gained the ability to cultivate through mana. But some never awakened, whether due to low aptitude or some unknown flaw. These were the ordinary humans.
"I should probably choose my path too too," Kaedros mused aloud.
He doubted he’d be able advance, his Draconic core won’t take any more mana, but he could sell the illusion of that while he just use his Dragon powers. Enough to avoid suspicion.
’..sixty-two more years..’ he thought grimly. ’..sixty-two years until I reach a hundred and can evolve again. While my siblings gain more power and build more territories. I’ll be waiting like the runt that I am..’
"Maybe I’ll conquer a few cities in the human world while I wait. Find a wife. Or two. But first..." His eyes darkened. "First, I’ll show these humans what real power looks like."
Kaedros was, after all, a Dragon. And they are known for their arrogance and pride.
"You don’t plan on joining the Celestial Order, do you?" Esmera asked. "You don’t seem the type."
Kaedros shrugged. "I only came to ask about the Dragons."
"And you got your answer," she said firmly. "Let it go. Cultivate a non-combat path. Live peacefully."
He almost laughed. This was human ambition?
Even now, weakened and trapped in a false form, he dreamed of ruling a cities, gaining more power as he stand above all. He was once unimpressive but now he had received another chance as a Dragon.
He wasn’t going to misuse it.
"I’m choosing a combat path," he said as they passed a food stall.
Esmera bought them some roasted meatballs, and he dug in with enthusiasm. "I want to be a bounty hunter."
She looked troubled. "Just... be smart about it. The mana here is strong. You can cultivate slowly, naturally. You don’t need to kill monsters unless you absolutely have to."
Kaedros smiled faintly. She had no idea.
Yes, ambient mana could help you grow, to a point. But for real power, you needed blood. Monster blood. Or human. Or Dragon.
Not the blood persay, but each kill will add their mana to his core, boosting his advancement.
They returned to the inn. It was loud as always with hunters drinking, laughing, singing off-key.
"Always chaotic," Esmera muttered as she guided him toward the table where Kaelith and the others sat.
"Kael’s planning to join the bounty hunter Association," she announced.
Kaelith sighed and took a long drink. Virell grinned.
"What path are you choosing?" Karina asked.
"Not sure yet," Kaedros replied. "I’ll decide tomorrow."
"You should wait until we’re back," Kaelith said. "Choosing a path isn’t something to rush."
The questions grated on Kaedros, but he kept his tone polite. "You’re chasing that Dragon, right? Who knows when you’ll return."
Kaelith looked away, guilty.
"He’s eighteen!" Drakar snapped. "He can take care of himself. The bounty on that Dragon has doubled, we can take him dead now. I’m not missing that for a boy!"
Kaedros smiled inside. He wanted to burn him alive, but instead, he made his expression looked wounded and grateful.
"Watch it, Drakar!" Virell snapped. "You know what he went through."
"And I say we’ve done enough," Drakar shot back. His eyes were cold. "He’s not our responsibility anymore."
"Enough," Kaelith cut in, voice firm. The others quieted.
"Very well. You’re on your own now, Kael. We’ll give you a share of the coin we earned from the spell books. We’re leaving town in a few days."
Kaedros made his voice small, almost shy. "Thank you... all of you. For your help."
The conversation shifted into awkward goodbyes and half-hearted advice. After a bit of food, Kaedros excused himself.
In his room, he let the smile fall.
"Damn humans," he muttered. "They just can’t shut up. I could silence them all in seconds..."
But no. Not yet. He had to endure this. Just a little longer.
Because tonight, he had a different priority.
Tonight, he had prey to hunt.