Absolute Cheater-Chapter 209: Dragons VII

Asher barely had time to react before Melina disappeared again.

SHNK!

A blade whistled past his cheek, a razor-thin line of red blooming against his skin. He twisted, his Sanguine Supreme flaring to life. His vision flooded with mana traces, tracking Melina's movements through the shifting domain.

Serena launched forward, swinging her chain. It snapped through the air like a striking serpent, aimed directly at Melina's midsection.

CLANG!

Melina blocked effortlessly, her dagger intercepting the chain in a single, precise motion. "Too slow," she whispered.

BOOM!

Asher vanished in a burst of blood magic, reappearing behind her with a dagger of his own.

But the instant his blade neared her back—

She was gone.

"Damn it," he growled.

A whisper slithered through the air.

"Impressive. But still…"

A cold hand pressed against his back.

Asher's blood ran cold.

"Not enough."

ZAP!

A surge of mana ripped through him, hurling him forward. His body slammed into the floor, skidding across the shadowed ground. The force left his limbs numb for a moment.

Serena reacted instantly, her chains whipping out, creating a defensive barrier between them and Melina.

But Melina didn't advance. Instead, she stood still, her golden eyes glowing in the darkness.

"You fight well," she admitted. "But you still lack one thing."

Asher gritted his teeth, forcing himself back up. "And what's that?"

Melina tilted her head.

"A reason to fight me seriously."

Before he could respond, a new presence filled the room.

A pulse of mana. Ancient. Overwhelming.

A low, reverberating growl.

The shadows peeled away, revealing Valeris.

The Dragon Queen stood tall, her crimson eyes piercing through the illusion. Her expression was unreadable, but the air around her crackled with restrained power.

"Melina," she said, her voice smooth but dangerous.

The maid froze. "My lady—"

"You dare attack my chosen mate?" Valeris stepped forward, her presence alone making the entire domain tremble. "Explain yourself."

Melina lowered her gaze instantly.

"I…" The assassin hesitated. "I was ensuring he was worthy."

A pause.

Then—

Laughter.

Valeris smirked, stepping closer to Asher. "Worthy, you say?"

She leaned in, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper.

"He already is."

Melina stiffened. "But, my lady—"

Valeris raised a hand. The maid immediately fell silent.

"I appreciate your concern, Melina. But this is not your decision." The Dragon Queen's gaze flicked to Asher. "He is mine now."

Asher's eye twitched.

"…Wait, what?"

Asher took a step back, his mind racing.

Mine?

"What the hell do you mean by that?" he demanded, staring at Valeris like she had grown a second head.

Valeris smirked. "Did I stutter?" Her tail lazily swayed behind her as she continued, "You are the father of my child, even if by accident. That means you belong to me now."

Asher let out a sharp laugh, rubbing his temples. "Lady, just because your kid imprinted on me doesn't mean I signed up for a relationship."

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Valeris narrowed her eyes. "Did I say anything about a relationship? You misunderstand, human." She leaned in slightly, the weight of her presence making the air heavy. "In dragon culture, those who raise the young belong to the mother. You are now part of my hoard."

Asher blinked. "I'm… what?"

Serena snorted, barely holding back laughter. "Congratulations, Asher. You're officially a pet dragon now."

"Shut up," Asher muttered.

Melina finally relaxed, though she still shot Asher a sharp look. "I apologize for my actions, Lady Valeris. I was unaware you had already claimed him."

"As you should be," Valeris said smoothly. "Now, leave us. I wish to speak with him alone."

Melina hesitated for a moment but eventually bowed and vanished, melting into the shadows.

As soon as she was gone, Asher turned back to Valeris. "Alright, listen—I'm not some possession you can just claim. I helped feed the kid, sure, but that doesn't make me some dragon consort or whatever the hell you're implying."

Valeris chuckled, her fangs glinting. "You misunderstand again, human. I have no intention of making you my consort. That would require you to be worthy of such a position."

Asher's eye twitched. "You know what? Screw it. Just tell me—what do you actually want from me?"

Valeris's smirk faded, and for the first time, her expression turned serious.

"I want you to protect my son."

Asher frowned. "...From what?"

Valeris turned slightly, her red eyes glowing faintly.

"From those who would see him dead."

Asher frowned, trying to make sense of her words.

"How can I protect him if even you can't?" he asked.

Valeris exhaled sharply. "That's not what I meant. I meant that—"

She paused before continuing, her tone more measured.

"My son will soon grow into his teenage years. In one or two years, he will have to attend Dragon Academy to prove his worth as my heir. There, he will be tested against the children of Elder Dragons—some of whom will want to eliminate him to secure their own positions as future kings or queens."

Asher's expression hardened. "And you're saying you can't interfere?"

Valeris shook her head. "Not directly. The trials at the Academy are sacred, governed by ancient laws even I cannot break. If I intervene, my son will be disqualified—and worse, labeled weak."

"Then what do you expect me to do?" Asher asked.

"You," Valeris said with a smirk, "will go as his butler."

Asher blinked.

"Wait... what?"

Valeris chuckled. "Yes, my dear father of my child—" she emphasized the word teasingly, "—you will attend the Dragon Academy as his butler and protector. It's the only way you can stay by his side without raising suspicion."

Serena, who had been listening quietly, finally burst out laughing. "Pfft—so you're saying Asher is gonna wear one of those fancy suits and bow every time the kid needs something?"

Asher shot her a glare. "Serena, this isn't funny."

"It's hilarious," she corrected, wiping a tear from her eye. "Mister Blood Emperor, the feared warrior, now serving tea and fluffing pillows!"

Valeris smirked. "Don't worry, Asher. I'm not asking you to actually be a servant. The position of a butler in Dragon Academy is much more than that. You will be his guardian, strategist, and protector—while maintaining the illusion of servitude."

Asher crossed his arms. "And if I refuse?"

Valeris' gaze darkened. "Then my son will have to survive on his own, facing enemies far stronger and more ruthless than you can imagine. Would you leave him to that fate?"

Asher sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Damn it... Fine."