Chapter 665

Chapter 665: The Most Important Agreement

The Demon Chain shouldn’t have survived being shattered with the Demon Soul, right? How did this thing withstand a tail strike from Deathwing without a scratch?

Alexstrasza said, "This primal chain has no specific name. I can only tell its history is older than my own existence. Malygos believed the Elemental Kings of ancient times made it as the Chain of Will to fight the Old Gods’ corruption."

"Today, I can’t say if that tale is true, but it holds amazing willpower. Long ago, the black dragon kept it under control until Deathwing’s servants used it to bind the Demon Soul, linking them together. That gave the Demon Soul the power to command dragons."

"Now it’s free from the Demon Soul. Wear it, and you can resist mental corruption far beyond what you imagine. Of course, you’ll also gain scary, overpowering mental strength against others. That makes it a powerful but dangerous artifact. Neither its makers nor past owners used it to fight corruption. Instead, they used it to turn an already evil magic item into something more terrifying."

"That’s why it needs a good keeper, and I think you’re perfect. You refused Deathwing and stood up to his control as a mere mortal. That proved your will is rock-solid."

"Remember, don’t tell anyone outside that you have this chain. It looks plain since primal material isn’t flashy like gold or silver. Keeping it secret won’t be hard. If no one here mentions it, no one will know it’s with you or care about it."

Vereesa and Greed realized this pointed to them and nodded together.

The Red Dragon Queen added, "I see this as fair payment, but it’s also a big duty. If you ever feel you can’t bear it, return it to me. Just don’t toss it out in the wild—that’s very dangerous."

Jesse took the chain and felt a sharp tension grip his neck. He held it for a bit, getting used to the feeling, and slowly the tension eased.

"I can guard this, Your Majesty," he cleared his throat and asked, "But could you let me… guard it a little longer?"

The Red Dragon Queen smiled and said, "I know what Deathwing tempted you with: eternal life."

"True," Jesse lowered his head shyly. "That’s what he said."

Vereesa stared at Jesse in shock, her eyes turning red. Greed froze for a moment.

"I can’t promise you forever, Jesse. I’m sorry," Alexstrasza said. "But I can give you the essence of a life-bound oath. That should let you live longer than most. Will you take it?"

Jesse took a deep breath and said, "Yes."

"Get ready—my blessing might feel hot," Alexstrasza stepped close, wrapped Jesse in her arms, and pressed her hand to his forehead.

Jesse felt like blazing flames surrounded him. The heat soaked into his skin, flowing through his veins, but it didn’t hurt or torture him… His body filled with a new energy and warmth, sweat pouring out everywhere. Soon, he could barely breathe.

After a while, the queen gently wiped the sweat from his brow and said, "I sense you’ve learned fire magic. Be careful when you handle flames, Jesse. The fire element can be more passionate than you expect."

Passionate? What did she mean… How passionate? As passionate as shadows?

Jesse was still feeling the fiery red dragon essence inside him and thinking over her words when Alexstrasza turned to Molofeel. "As for you, demon, I doubt most things I offer would please you."

Molofeel said, "I’m just glad you didn’t squash me on the spot."

Alexstrasza replied, "I don’t care what you are, where you came from, or why you’re at Grim Batol. You saved me, and I’m grateful. But your power ties to contracts and your master. If he gains, so will you."

"True, noble Life Queen," Molofeel said.

Vereesa spoke up suddenly, "I have one more request…"

"Say it, Windrunner," Alexstrasza said with a smile.

Vereesa carefully pulled the damaged Azuresong Mageblade from Jesse’s waist and asked, "Can this be fixed?"

"Ah… this treasure lost its power to the Demon Soul," the Red Dragon Queen said sadly. "I saw it drift toward that awful thing and didn’t stop it… because I hoped this blade, which broke Deathwing’s mark, could defeat that evil item. In that moment, my selfishness swallowed my sense."

"It broke Deathwing’s mark because it carries the blue dragon’s hate and grief. I can’t fix it, but I can find a Blue Dragon to take it to Northrend for reforging. Leave it here if you trust me."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Jesse said.

Vereesa handed the Azuresong Mageblade to the queen. Alexstrasza gazed at it and sighed softly. "From now on, I’ll stay with Thal’dor here to heal this mountain’s dark wounds, but I can’t restore the wonders the Wildhammer clan built."

"There was no need to trouble yourself. My kin and I will return to rebuild this place with our own hands, Your Majesty," Greed said. "Someday!" The Red Dragon Queen smiled and said, "When the darkness no longer lingers over Grim Batol… I will go to Aerie Peak to tell you the good news."

Greed nodded and couldn’t help coughing a few times. The Red Dragon Queen said, "This place has become a dark, scorching land unfit for ordinary folk. I suppose none of you want to stay longer, do you?"

"I still have something here, Your Majesty," Jesse said. "My magic wand."

"Your wand is deep within Grim Batol, Jesse," the Red Dragon Queen replied. "Going down to search for it now would be like seeking death, but don’t worry, I’ll find a way to help you get it back."

Though the Red Dragon said this, Jesse felt empty inside without the wand that had always been with him. "Let’s go then," Greed said, rubbing his eyes. "I really can’t stand this place any longer…"

Jesse nodded, and Alexstrasza said, "Deathwing has destroyed vast areas, and the road out of the Bartol Mountains is still full of dangers. I can have my children take you away from here."

"Really?" Vereesa turned back, and Greed asked in surprise, "Can I ride a dragon?!"

"Actually, I’d rather call it cooperation than riding," the Red Dragon Queen corrected the dwarf.

"Ah… right." Greed suddenly recalled the orc dragon riders and added, "Sorry." At the queen’s call, a beautiful red dragonlet landed on the grass, bending its body slightly.

Unlike the dragonlets in Grim Batol, which seemed wild and eager to rip things apart or swallow people, this one here was gentle and friendly, almost like a different breed.

No matter what the Red Dragon Queen called it, they were truly riding a dragon this time, Jesse thought as he stared at the dragonlet. It was damn well worth it.

"Where are you heading?" the Red Dragon Queen asked.

"Thelsamar!"

The three replied together.

The Red Dragon Queen asked, puzzled, "Of course, that’s fine. It’s not far, but why?"

"Because there’s lots of good food," Vereesa said quickly. "I haven’t been, but that’s what they say."

"Plenty!" Greed yelled. "We’re going to Thelsamar!"

"Then it’s Thelsamar by Loch Lake," the queen said, walking to the dragonlet and stroking its neck softly while whispering. The dragonlet nodded.

Greed climbed eagerly onto the dragonlet’s neck first, followed by Jesse and Vereesa. Molofeel approached carefully, but the dragonlet showed no dislike, so he jumped up too.

The dragonlet felt steadier than a gryphon. Sitting on it was mostly fine, though the hard scales dug into their bottoms.

"If you face any tough troubles, remember to come find me in Grim Batol, my friends," the Red Dragon Queen said with a smile. "I’ll remember, Your Majesty!" Greed shouted excitedly.

As Jesse felt the dragonlet shift sideways, swaying its big body, arms wrapped around his waist from behind.

"I’ve got nothing else to hold onto, Jesse Seso, don’t let me fall," Vereesa whispered behind him.

"You can hold onto me," Molofeel said from the back, touching his horns. "I’ve more spots to grip than my master, Quel’dorai."

"I say shut up, demon!" the dwarf in front yelled.

The succubus snorted, and the imp giggled until she yanked it out of Jesse’s collar with her tail, making it yelp.

Jesse looked at the pale fingers locked around his waist, smudged with ash, and felt his heart pound.

Just then, the dragonlet lifted its wings, flapping slowly as it rose off the ground. Jesse gripped the horn on its back tightly, feeling the ranger cling closer.

"Wow," Greed couldn’t help but shout, "This beats a gryphon any day!"

The dragonlet shook its long neck and cried out, sounding annoyed at being compared to gryphons.

Jesse gently covered the hands holding him. Then the dragonlet spread its wings wide and lunged forward, bursting through the dark haze into the wind…

I won’t let go, he thought.