Starting out as a Dragon Slave-Chapter 66: Preferential treatment

Mordred collapsed slowly to his knees on the hot sand of the arena, his legs unable to bear his own weight any longer. A wave of brutal, merciless exhaustion washed over him, the result of merciless combat, severe wounds and considerable blood loss. His arms trembled with fatigue, and his katana slowly slipped from his hand, falling silently into the sand beside him.

His breath was short and ragged, every breath seeming to cost him a colossal effort. Suddenly, he felt strong but surprisingly delicate hands gently lift him by the arms. Raising his head slightly, he saw two dragon guards dressed in impressive dark armor supporting him with a precaution he’d never imagined possible coming from them.

Confused by their unusual delicacy, Mordred tried to ask a question, but his voice was an indistinct whisper, swallowed by his state of extreme exhaustion. The guards didn’t respond, simply exchanging silent glances as they carried him out of the arena to the frenzied applause and shouts of the crowd.

When they arrived in a secluded room, very different from the cold, squalid cells to which he was accustomed, Mordred observed with growing surprise a luxurious décor, with walls lit by dim torches and finely crafted furniture. In the center of the room, a strange, transparent, cylindrical cabin waited like an open glass sarcophagus, surrounded by complex control consoles.

Without giving him time to protest or ask a question, the dragon guards carefully placed him in this cabin. Once settled, a mask was quickly applied over his mouth and nose. Mordred instinctively tried to resist, but he no longer had enough strength to put up a serious fight. Panic briefly rose within him as a strange, luminescent green liquid began to rapidly fill the cabin, slowly covering his wounded body.

He tried in vain to scream, to free himself from this aquatic prison, but the liquid was already penetrating deep into his wounds, provoking an unexpected sensation of relief and soothing. His initial panic was quickly replaced by a warm, almost comforting feeling that spread throughout his battered body, instantly calming his pain.

His muscles gradually relaxed, and his breath became regular and deep. At last, Mordred dared to slowly open his eyes in the greenish liquid, astonished to discover that he could see perfectly without any discomfort. Through the transparent walls of the cabin, an elegant, imposing figure appeared in his field of vision, standing perfectly upright, hands clasped behind his back.

The figure moved slowly towards the cabin, revealing a dragon in humanoid form, dressed in the extremely well-groomed attire typical of a steward from a high family. His fine features and cold gaze watched Mordred with a slightly disdainful but curious expression.

The dragon spoke in a low but perfectly clear voice, his words echoing distinctly even through the liquid and the walls of the cabin:

- You’re very lucky the princess chose to protect you, slave. Although, frankly, I don’t know what she sees in you.

He paused briefly, gauging Mordred with an analytical gaze before continuing in a slightly contemptuous tone:

- Enjoy this rare favor. Few humans are entitled to this royal treatment.

Then, without waiting for an answer, he turned abruptly away, leaving the room with a confident, proud gait, leaving behind a silence disturbed only by the gentle hum of the machines around the cabin.

Mordred remained suspended in liquid, confused by these unexpected revelations, his mind buzzing with unanswered questions.

- The Princess?

But soon, fatigue took over again, his eyelids grew heavy, and he finally gave in to the deep soothing effect of this strange liquid.

Mordred closed his eyes in the greenish liquid, his body relieved at last, the pain slowly disappearing like a bad memory, he felt his mind slip into a true, restorative rest.

Suddenly, a familiar sensation invaded him, that mental whirlwind that always heralded his passage from one world to another. Without even struggling, he felt himself sucked out of his battle-scarred body, and abruptly reopened his eyes in his bedroom in Paris. The ceiling of his apartment appeared to him like the sweetest vision he had ever seen. Isaac breathed a long sigh of relief, finally rediscovering the reassuring familiarity of his original body, intact and rested.

- Damn it... he murmured softly, savoring every second of this moment.

But then an intense wave of energy swept through his body, causing him to jerk upright in his bed. Isaac opened his eyes wide in surprise, as he clearly felt each and every one of his otherworldly absorptions. His right arm suddenly began to burn, and he looked down to see, fascinated and slightly worried, that the number of dragon scales had increased dramatically, from 18 to 45. They now covered his entire arm, from fingers to shoulder, forming a natural armor as strong as it was beautiful.

But the strangest sensation was when a strange lightness invaded his whole body.

He then realized with amazement that he had succeeded in absorbing Kalderaan’s main skill: intangibility. Fascinated, Isaac gently passed his left hand through his right arm, noting with wonder that his fingers were actually passing through matter.

- Incredible... he murmured, amazed by this new ability.

Mentally exhausted but relieved, he closed his eyes, finally allowing restful sleep to sweep him off into a dreamless night.

The next morning, the golden light of dawn filtered gently through his curtains, waking him pleasantly. He stretched for a long time in bed, enjoying the renewed strength in his limbs and the total absence of pain. A rare, sincere smile stretched his lips. The joy of finding himself in his own world, free from the constraints of the other reality, invaded his heart with surprising intensity.

Leaping to his feet, he quickly put on a T-shirt and pants before rushing out of his room, overcome by an unusual excitement. Léna was already in the kitchen, making coffee, and was startled to see him enter so abruptly.

- Isaac! What’s the matter with you this morning?" she exclaimed as she saw him approaching quickly.

Without a word, Isaac spontaneously took her in his arms, hugging her warmly.

- I’m so happy to see you, Léna!" he exclaimed with disarming sincerity, provoking his sister’s total surprise.

Léna, at first frozen in astonishment, finally burst into a soft laugh, hugging Isaac to her in turn.

- Me too, you idiot, even though I don’t understand a thing about your behavior today! What’s up with you?

- Nothing special," he replied with a broad, warm smile, "I’m just happy to be here with you.

Before Léna could reply, Isaac had already left, quickly slipping on his shoes and running out of the apartment, under his sister’s puzzled but tender gaze.

A few minutes later, he entered the bakery, happily ringing the little bell at the entrance. The shop assistant, busy arranging freshly baked loaves, looked up and froze for a moment, immediately recognizing her savior.

- Oh, it’s you!" she exclaimed, her cheeks slightly flushed. Hello !

- Hello!" replied Isaac with unusual enthusiasm, approaching the counter with a dazzling smile.

- You seem to be in a good mood today," she remarked shyly, surprised by his attitude.

Without warning, Isaac rounded the counter and spontaneously took her in his arms, causing the baker to jump slightly.

- Thank you," he said simply, without further explanation.

The baker was speechless for a moment before laughing slightly, touched and pleasantly surprised.

- Well... you’re very strange today, but I suppose I shouldn’t complain!

- I’ll have some pastries," he finally said, gently releasing the young woman from his embrace and winking at her.

She quickly handed him a bag filled with delicious pastries, still smiling and blushing.

- See you soon, then, Mr. Strange Savior!" she said in an amused tone as he was already leaving the store.

- See you soon!" replied Isaac, laughing as he closed the door behind him.

Isaac returned to his apartment, feeling as light-hearted as ever.

After enjoying the delicious pastries with Léna, Isaac felt a deep sense of well-being and serenity. He smiled at his sister, simply enjoying this peaceful moment, far from the brutality of otherworldly battles and intrigues.

- Thanks for the surprise breakfast, Isaac!" Léna said with a warm smile. You should be strange more often.

Isaac laughed lightly before replying:

- I’ll try to be this weird every day, I promise.

After clearing the table, Isaac settled quietly on the sofa in the living room. Curious to check his progress after all those exhausting adventures, he mentally invoked his system panel. Immediately, a bright window appeared before his eyes, clearly revealing his progress:

[Status]

[Name] : Isaac

[Race] : Human

[Hunter Rank] : D+ (limit to C rank)

[Statistics] fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

[Strength] : 107

[Agility] : 68

[Stamina] : 88

[Sense] : 71

[Dexterity] : 81

[Intelligence]: 45

[Mana : 290]

Skills : [Black Stone Skin (active) : level 3 (+70% defense ; +50% attack)] [Hand → Draconic Arm (active) : level 2 (+90% defense ; +60% attack)] [Earthquake (active) : level 2] [Flight (active) : level 10] [Regeneration (passive) : level 3] [Berserker (active) : level 2] [Lightning Kata Chaining (active) : level 1] [Dragon Scales : 45]

Isaac felt a pang of excitement rise up inside him as he watched his stats improve and his new skills acquired through battle. It was clear to him that he was ready to take his hunter status to the next level.

Determined to make this progress official, he stood up quickly and said to Léna:

- I’m off to the guild! I’ll be back soon!

Léna simply nodded, used to his unscheduled outings.

A few minutes later, Isaac walked through the familiar door of the guild’s premises. He was delighted to see that the old receptionist was present, immersed as always in endless paperwork. Isaac approached with a teasing smile.

- Well, well, well! Long time no see, mate! Jonah and I were beginning to think you’d given up the ghost!

The old man slowly raised his head, giving Isaac a falsely annoyed look tinged with obvious affection.

- Stop your nonsense, kid! It would take a lot more than a bunch of monsters to bring me down," he snarled softly. So, what’s your business here?

Isaac put on a serious face, leaning back against the counter:

- I need the form to take the rank enhancement tests. I think it’s time the guild officially reviewed my status.

The old man kept his gaze fixed on him for a moment, as if trying to read him, then smiled slightly, understanding that he was serious.

- Very well, young man," he replied at last, rummaging through his cluttered drawers. You always hide your game so well, don’t you?

- Maybe," Isaac admitted with a mischievous grin, "but this time, I’m ready to take it to the next level.

The old man finally handed him an official form bearing the guild emblem and a pen.

- Fill this out neatly and clearly," he ordered in a gruff but benevolent tone. The physical, magical and skill tests will take place tomorrow at dawn. Don’t be late, understand?

Isaac grabbed the form, nodding determinedly.

- Got it, buddy. I’ll be on time.