I Died and Became a Noble's Heir-Chapter 392: Contractor and Contractee

And ahead, in the distance, a mountain rose from the rolling hills.

Lava flowed down its sides in channels, the molten rock glowing orange and red against the darkening sky.

A quarter mile in front of them, Emebrion waited for Jack.

The Magma Dragon was massive. Even coiled in a sleeping posture, his body stretched easily one hundred feet from nose to tail. His scales were deep crimson with edges that gleamed like polished rubies, each one larger than Jack’s entire torso.

Lava dripped from his joints where scales met scales, the molten rock flowing down his body like living decoration.

His wings were folded against his back, each one large enough to cast shadows over entire buildings. Horns curved from his skull that could impale SUVs like smores on a stick. His massive amber orbs tracked Jack with intelligence that made most humans look simple by comparison.

Jack walked forward without hesitation, Father Caelen a silent presence behind him.

When they were perhaps fifty feet away, Emberion’s head lowered fractionally. His voice rolled across the landscape like distant thunder, deep enough to vibrate the ground beneath Jack’s boots.

"Soul Warden," Emberion rumbled. "You’ve brought companions."

"I have," Jack confirmed, stopping at a respectful distance. "The boy will become the next Elf King. I’ll be the one to put him on the throne."

Emberion’s amber eyes gleamed with approval. "Ambitious. Building your own royalty. Malakai would have approved of such a strategy."

"Speaking of strategy," Jack said, his tone shifting to business. "I need to ask you something."

"Ask."

Jack met those massive amber eyes directly. "I want to form a contract with you. Become a contractor with you as my contractee."

The silence that followed felt heavy. Emberion’s eyes narrowed fractionally, his massive head tilting as he studied Jack with renewed intensity.

"A contract," the dragon repeated slowly. "You wish to bind yourself to me through Soul Magic."

"No. I want a formal contract between beast and man." Jack’s voice remained steady. "You’re the strongest creature I know. If I’m going to form a contract with a beast, I can’t think of anyone stronger than you."

Emberion’s rumbling sound might have been a laugh. "A human flattering me? This is new." His expression shifted to something more serious. "Unfortunately, Soul Warden, such a contract is not possible."

Jack’s jaw tightened. "Are you refusing my request?"

"No," Emberion replied immediately. "I am explaining reality. Your unique mana and your magic would make a contract with me fatal. Without a fire affinity, bonding to a Magma Dragon would kill you. My essence would burn through your body from the inside. You’d die within seconds of the contract completing."

He shifted his massive bulk, lava flowing more rapidly down his scales. "Contracts are meant to increase the potency of mana you already possess. For someone with multiple affinities, it’s best to contract with your weakest affinity. That way, you strengthen areas where you’re vulnerable."

Emberion’s eyes gleamed. "Lightning magic is the most potent of the seven affinities. You, as a chosen one with lightning mana, could theoretically support multiple contracts. But only if your body grows strong enough to handle the mana flow. And only if the affinities are compatible."

Jack processed this information with systematic efficiency. "So if I were to obtain a fire affinity, you would still honor the contract?"

Emberion’s massive jaws split into what might have been a grin. Then he laughed, a sound like mountains grinding together, deep and booming.

"IF," the dragon bellowed, his voice echoing across the entire floor, "IF you can figure out how to gain a fire affinity when you’ve been stripped of all natural affinities? If you can overcome that impossibility?" His grin widened. "Then yes, Soul Warden. I will honor the contract."

Jack’s mind was already racing through possibilities. Loryn’s experiments with demon essence. The mad scientist’s obsession with pushing boundaries and breaking natural laws.

If anyone could figure out how to implant an affinity into a human body, it would be Loryn.

And there was another option. Finding a fire god. Obtaining their blessing. Though that came with its own complications. Blessings started weak. He’d need to level it up significantly before it could support a contract of this magnitude.

Both paths were possible. Both would take time and effort. But possible nonetheless.

Jack felt excitement building in his chest, replacing the initial disappointment. Multiple contracts. Three or four different beasts, each one amplifying different aspects of his power.

If he could obtain fire, earth, wind, or any combination of affinities, he could build a contractor network that would make him stronger than anyone who relied on a single bond.

"How many contracts can someone have at one time?" Jack asked.

"For most people, one," Emberion replied. "The strength of the beast and the strength of the contractee determine capacity. A weak human contracting with a strong beast would die from the mana strain. A strong warrior contracting with a weak beast gains almost nothing." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

His amber eyes studied Jack. "But you’re different. Chosen one. Lightning affinity, the most potent mana. A body that’s survived divine channeling. If you continue growing stronger, if your body develops the capacity to handle multiple mana sources..." He trailed off meaningfully.

"Three contracts would be possible. Maybe four if you push your limits. Each one amplifying a different aspect of your power."

Jack’s menacing grin returned. "Then I’ll figure it out. However long it takes."

Emberion settled back, his massive form coiling more comfortably. "I look forward to seeing how you solve this puzzle, Soul Warden. Few challenges are entertaining enough to capture my interest. But watching you attempt the impossible? That promises to be quite amusing."

Father Caelen finally spoke, his voice carrying from behind Jack. "Young master, obtaining a new affinity through artificial means... such research would require extensive experimentation."

"Then we’ll experiment," Jack replied without turning. "Loryn has resources. Time. And motivation to push boundaries. If it’s possible, we’ll make it happen."

He looked back at Emberion. "And if that fails, I’ll find a fire god and earn their blessing. One way or another, I’ll have that contract."

The dragon’s eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. That determination will serve you well when you hunt Typhoon. The Dragon King doesn’t fall to those who accept limitations."

Jack turned and began walking back toward the chamber, Father Caelen falling into step beside him. His mind churned through the possibilities. Obtaining an affinity wasn’t something that could happen overnight.

But he had time. Years, if necessary. Especially since he started a process of becoming a demon. After all, demons had a very long lifespan.

And more importantly, he had a goal. Something to work toward that would make him stronger in ways most people couldn’t comprehend.

’Three or four contracts,’ Jack thought, his excitement building with each step. ’Three or four powerful beasts, each one amplifying different aspects of my strength. If I can make that happen...’

The possibilities were staggering. A lightning contract to amplify his chosen one’s powers. A fire contract with Emberion for devastating attack potential. Earth for defense. Wind for speed. Each layering on top of the others, creating a network of power that would make him nearly unstoppable.

He just needed to solve one impossible problem first.