"Now, do you understand?" Nornesh boasted a smug grin, pleased by Kashi and Syèl's stunned expressions. These two had been flying on cloud nine ever since they got here. It felt good to finally put them in their place.

"Ah. I understand." Kashi looked at Nornesh with a strange gaze. "You must have been lonely."

*COUGH* Syèl nearly choked on the laughter he barely held back. Instead, he violently coughed, beating his chest as he succumbed to a heavy fit which only got worse as Nornesh's darkened expression.

Kashi, seemingly oblivious to the heavy atmosphere, suddenly looked at the empty crater where the lake once pooled. "Say, do you mind telling us how long it takes you to stabilize a pool of that size?" The daeben regarded Nornesh with a skeptical gaze. "Surely something of this scale would require months or even years?"

"Months?" Nornesh sneered. He saw through Kashi's basic provocation. But his pride as a dragon would not let him ignore it. "A pool of that size would only take me a week at most. However. Do not even think about it. I will not work for you."

"I see." Kashi sighed in disappointment. "I suppose I will have to build the Mage Academy elsewhere. I was looking forward to having a dragon as the headmaster too."

"What are you talking about?"

"What Mage Academy?"

Nornesh and then Syèl questioned. Nornesh saw the confusion in Syèl's eyes. So even the halben did not know about this. What was this blasted daeben planning?

Kashi looked at Syèl. The daeben's eyes shone with a peculiar glint as he said, "You know we are building an academy at Rosendun, right?"

Syèl nodded. "Yeah, sure. Shokō said it's gonna be the guild's next top priority project."

"Academy?" Nornesh cocked his head to the side. What in the blasted hells was going on? Why were Summoned, known for their extreme selfishness talking about building an academy?

"Yes. An academy." A weird smile played across Kashi's lips as he looked at the dragon. "The greatest academy this world has ever seen. Large enough to contain a full town. It will accept children from all over the continent for free. It will teach the basics of magic, combat, sciences, math, history, and ethics. An academy that does not discriminate by race, talent, gender or status. That sort of academy."

Nornesh smacked his lips. "You have a large appetite." The dragon looked at the youth with praise and disdain. He praised the daeben's sneaky dream of teaching the next generation to humbly follow the Empire. He, however, viewed the method with disdain. "I know you Summoned are rich, but not even you can afford something of that magnitude. Not unless—" Nornesh stopped talking when he saw Kashi's smirk. "Of course. You have your king's backing."

"More than the King's backing." Kashi wagged his finger. "We have the backing of the nation's taxes. Millions of hardworking men and women ensuring the future of the next generation."

'What the hell is he on about?' Seeing Kashi like this made Syèl's skin crawl. How was the daeben easily spitting lines you'd hear from politicians. There had to be a catch. Kashi was not such a good soul. Luckily, Nornesh shared the halben's unease.

"Skip the preamble." Nornesh could no longer listen to the daeben's nonsense. "What do you want to say?"

Kashi smiled. "Only that, while the Academy is a good all-rounder, nothing beats specialized schools. We want to build specialized Academies in both Merriheim and Serisis." Kashi took in Nornesh's blank stare. Despite the dragon's seeming indifference, the fact he had yet to kick Kashi out meant he was interested. "We will build a Mage Academy in Serisis. This place has the highest concentration of mana on the continent. There is no better place to build an Academy."

Nornesh's gaze narrowed. "When did you decide to build an academy here? It does not seem like you came here with such intentions."

"No, I did not come here with such intentions." Kashi shrugged, revealing a guilty smile. "But we did decide to build a mage academy here before I met you. That much is true." Kashi pointed at the lake. "That changed things. Unlike most other professions, magic is heavily reliant on talent. But what if we had a way to increase people's latent talent for magic? How many do you think would rush here?"

"Forget about it." Nornesh snorted. Bright red flames spurted from his nose. It was difficult to tell if he was angry or impressed by his glare. "Do you believe everyone is like you? Most people who enter the pool won't even last ten seconds before they are destroyed from the inside out. You need above-average self-healing abilities to survive in that pool."

"Maybe so, but what if there were dedicated healers and priests overseeing the baptism. With ten or more, don't you think we can heal the cells as fast as they are destroyed?"

Nornesh's brow twitched. Indeed, in the presence of healers that could work. However, that was not the only hurdle. "Even with healers, the progress will be minuscule. You only improved so quickly because you absorbed everything quickly. Even I require weeks to fully absorb a pool of this size. A regular hume would take years to reach the same level as you."

Kashi shook his head. "It is not sustainable to make every student as mana-sensitive as I am. It will be enough to raise a student's sensitivity just enough that they feel some improvement." Kashi laid his plans bare for the dragon. "My intention is that every student will get one opportunity at enrolment to baptize in the pool for as long as they can endure the pain. After which, they will get free baptisms once a month until they graduate. Of course, extra chances may be gotten through classroom performance or some other rewards."

"Why does it seem like you are targeting the poor and untalented?"

"Because I am." Kashi sighed. His brows scrunched together in a troubled expression as he lamented, "What choice do I have? The loyalty of the talented and rich are not easily obtained. This way, those who are raised from nothing to powerful figures will be thankful for the country that provided these chances." Kashi paused and then added, "Plus, more talented mages and talented individuals means more high-class work and research can be done. Which boosts the economy, fills the crown's vault and finally stabilizes the country even further."

Nornesh frowned. Everything the daeben said sounded altruistic and good. It appeared like Kashi was really thinking about the good of the world. Nornesh did not buy it. No matter what, Kashi was a Summoned. Not only that but an extremely powerful one. The dragon refused to believe Kashi's philanthropic façade. "What is your angle? Speak the truth or not at all."

"Tch." Kashi clucked his tongue. Dragons were suspicious by nature. It would take more than a few flowery words to hoodwink them. Realizing the jig was up, the daeben sighed and then said, "Alright. I didn't lie. But I might have left something out."

Nornesh and Syèl's gaze focused on the daeben.

Kashi looked at the two men, let out a bitter smile and confessed, "By accepting the poor, many people from other countries will willingly migrate here to learn. Not only will this reduce their military might, but also, possibly bolster ours. However, more importantly, people who study here can go convince their folks at home that we are not so bad. It might induce easier surrenders when the time comes."

"Whew." Syèl let out a breath of air and patted his chest with relief. "That sounds a lot more like you."

"Mm. Indeed." Nornesh agreed. His gaze relaxed, evidently more comfortable with this scheming daeben. The dragon then looked at Kashi. "Your plan is solid. Except for one problem. How do you intend on subduing the mana pool? Do you even know how?"

Kashi shook his head. "No. I do not. But I am confident my researchers will figure it out eventually." He paused a sly smirk curling up the side of his lips. "Of course. It will be much easier if a great and mighty Dragon taught them. Perhaps even choose to head the school?"

"As I said, you have a large appetite. You even dare suggest a Divine Dragon work for you?"

"Work for me? Of course not!" Kashi adopted an innocent expression, eyes wide in disbelief. "The Academy belongs to the country. You would not be working under anyone. Rather, it will be yours."

Nornesh shook his head. "Nice try." The dragon chuckled as he regarded the brazen daeben. Kashi reminded him of his youthful days following the Calamity. Back then, when chaos reigned supreme, he lived without fear, challenging everything in sight. Unfortunately, with time, that fire died. Nornesh shook his head, scattering the wayward thoughts. He then focused on the daeben. "Unfortunately for you, I refuse to participate in any of this continent's political squabbles. Unless it affects this continent's stability, I will not interfere."

"Naturally." Kashi nodded in agreement. "I would not ask you to do so either." He then argued his case. "However, the Academy is not political in any way. It will be an institute for learning, to bring up the next generation. Political propaganda and campaigning of any kind will be prohibited. What better way to ensure this remains as intended than with a nigh-omnipotent dragon at the head?"

"I—"

"And you will get paid. Handsomely." Kashi pounced on Nornesh's hesitation, choosing this moment to target every dragon's inherent flaw. Greed. One of the major differences between Divine Dragons and regular dragons was their ability to control their greed and the things they were greedy for. Regular dragons were content with gold and precious treasures. Divine Dragons on the other hand... "Also, you will attain the respect of the entire continent. The headmaster of the greatest school shaping the great mages of tomorrow. That is prestige and respect that cannot be obtained by being an Emperor or General. One born solely of respect, without an iota of fear."

Yes. Divine Dragons sought respect. Not fame, infamy or fear. But respect. Almost akin to worship. Perhaps it was because they were beings closest to becoming gods, but they viewed respect as more important than gold.

Usually, a Divine Dragon would obtain that respect from other dragons by default. Unfortunately, until recently, dragons were almost extinct on the continent. Razznik's breach had allowed a couple to wander in, but they were mostly wild dragons. Only the intelligence of Elder Dragons could offer the respect a Divine Dragon sought – or a hume.

Nornesh's brows twitched. Kashi was offering respect on the scale of a country. That was millions of sentient beings who would view him with respect and reverence. Nornesh would have loved to pretend he was not moved by the offer. But, there was a reason, he had those scale-clones guarding the entrance. He did not need protection, but it felt good to see someone treating him with respect and reverence – even if that someone was himself.

Kashi noticed the struggle in Nornesh's eyes. He thus decided to go in for the kill. "These are desperate times. Wars are being fought endlessly all over. The people are looking for something or someone to save them. I guarantee that there will be nothing but gratitude from parents who can send their children to study at the academy. Perhaps, you might even find disciples worthy of teaching?"

'Disciples?' Nornesh's eyes burned at the thought of finally having someone to pass on everything he had learned. The Divine Dragon had lived for over a thousand years. Even for Divine Dragons, this was quite lengthy. He was certainly nearing the end of his life span. Perhaps he only had a few decades to two centuries left in him. This could be the last chance to leave a lasting mark on the continent. A stamp to show that he, Nornesh once lived.

Nornesh blinked, suppressing the tears that almost formed. He then looked at the daeben and remarked, "You are good with your words. I must commend you."

Kashi laughed and scratched the back of his head. "I try."

Nornesh sighed and then looked to the sky. "Perhaps, this as well is destiny." He then looked at Kashi and asked, "Child, do you have one of those communication devices. What do you call them... Rinks?"

Kashi nodded and pulled out his Rink, all the while suppressing his excited hand.

Nornesh looked at the Rink, and then let out an embarrassed smile. "You would not happen to have a spare, would you?"

Kashi stared at Nornesh in disbelief. What the hell did he mean a spare? Who would carry around a spare Rink?

"Here. Use mine."

Nornesh caught the Rink thrown by Syèl. He gave Syèl a strange look as he asked, "Do you not require this?"

Syèl shrugged. "Everyone in there is also on my Friends List." He then looked at Kashi and grinned. "I don't have any Resident friends, you see. Not everyone is like Mr. Connect over here."

Nornesh looked at the translucent, cloudy ball and then back at Syèl. "This 'Friends List' should be some form of communication between Summoned, correct?"

"Yup."

"Alright. Then I will accept this." Nornesh then held out the Rink to Kashi. "I will contact you when I make my decision."

Kashi tapped his Rink against Nornesh's. He had to resync his connection because Nornesh's mana wiped out Syèl's, which in turn removed the previous links. After the synchronization was complete, Kashi returned the Rink to his inventory. The daeben smiled, evidently in a good mood. Although Nornesh had said he would make his decision later, that was most likely only because he had to preserve his dignity as a Divine Dragon.

Indeed, Knowledge was the greatest Weapon. Without Razznik's past experiences, Kashi would not have known the best way to bring Nornesh onboard. Of course, Nornesh would never fight for him, but he would provide the greatest protection for the academy. Who would dare touch what a dragon had claimed? Plus, even though Nornesh was not aware, the dragon would also become the most famous mascot and attraction for the academy. How many people would get a chance to see a single dragon in their lifetime – let alone a Divine Dragon?

To Mages, Dragons, who were loved by mana were the pinnacles of existence. They would undoubtedly flock over by the droves.

Kashi nodded, pleased with himself. This was a fruitful trip in more ways than one. Although he had only spent about an hour here, it felt like days had passed. That was the magnitude of the accomplishments made.

Kashi thus looked at Nornesh and said, "Thank you for your generosity. Syèl and I will take our leave now."

"Yes, you should." Nornesh regarded the youth with amusement. The child's audacity was quite refreshing. Was Kashi fearless or brainless? It was hard to tell... No, the fact that he survived this meeting proved it was fearlessness. Smiling to himself, Nornesh decided to add an extra warning so this audacious youth would not die too early. "Be careful, child. You are not the first to figure out the strengthening effects of the mana pool."

Kashi's joy evaporated. His brows furrowed as a sense of foreboding came over him. "No. Don't tell me—"

"They have been coming here for years to extract mana," Nornesh explained. "We have an agreement. They would not make a move on this territory, but once a month, I would allow them to extract mana from the ground. Untamed of course." The dragon grinned as if finding the realization amusing. "I never considered what they did with that mana, but listening to you, I am sure they have something similar to your plan. A way to improve mana sensitivity and talent."

Kashi groaned and rubbed his face in anger and frustration. Why were those bastards always one step ahead?

Nornesh observed the daeben's frustrated expression. It was quite refreshing to see the daeben without his smug attitude. "Yes, it is as you feared, The Chaos Order already beat you to it."

???

"I didn't think this was possible." Within a dimly lit room, Myra Locktree happily exclaimed as looked at the goblin sitting within a bubbling, dense pool.

The goblin screamed bloody-murder as blood burst out from thick veins popping from his skin as if looking to jump out. Terrible injuries ran across the goblin's skin making his body look like a child's terrible patchwork. A dozen hooded figures sat around the goblin, sweating profusely as they poured healing aura his way. Eventually, one hooded figure swayed.

"Next!" Myra shouted.

The hooded figure stood up and was then swiftly replaced by another. The figure sent a wary glance at the goblin as it accepted a restorative potion and then walked to the side to rest.

Myra, meanwhile, looked at the priest standing next to her. The old Frogger held a massive notebook in his hand. "What's the record for the longest baptism?"

"First time?" The Frogger flipped through the book's pages and then said, "Three months. The Princess."

Myra rolled her eyes. "Do not add that freak. I mean the rest of us."

"You should have said second then. The Princess is always first." The Frogger harrumphed and then flipped the page. "Ah. Here we go. Lord René appears to hold that title. He lasted nine days, seven hours, and three seconds."

Myra turned to look at the goblin. Anticipation shone in her eyes as she said, "I wonder how long he will last..."

Within the pool, the goblin, Bok gritted his teeth, enduring the devastating pain as his cells were ripped apart. Whenever he felt like giving up, he would recall the flames. The laughing Summoned. The blood. The stench. The absolute despair of powerlessness.

"This... is... nothing." Like the breath of a growling beast, Bok breathed in and then out. Through pain, he would sharpen his fangs. A pair of blood-red eyes glared at the burning future only he saw. 'Wait for me.'