Chapter 12: Heroic Expedition?
Chapter 12: Heroic Expedition?
Jason, now known as Prince Aung of the Pagan Empire, strode through the opulent halls of the palace with measured steps. The summons had come abruptly, delivered by a nervous attendant who refused to elaborate on its urgency. He had no time to prepare, no clue as to why the court had summoned him at such an unusual hour. The lack of explanation put him on edge, though his outward composure remained unshaken.
The echoes of his boots against the polished marble floor seemed louder than usual, almost deafening in the silent corridors. The closer he got to the throne room, the more palpable the tension in the air became. Guards stood straighter, their gazes fixed forward as if anticipating a storm.
Jason's thoughts churned as he approached the massive double doors leading to the throne room. Whatever awaited him inside would require both his wits and the extraordinary power he now possessed. He had recently reached Level 35, a feat unheard of among humans, and his latest skills—*Taming* and Force Pulse—offered new possibilities that he hadn't yet fully explored. The system's most recent objective lingered in his mind like a shadow: Form your first taming contract.
This mission was unexpected, but Jason suspected it would align with his goals. The timing was too precise to be coincidence.
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The throne room was a grand and intimidating space, its soaring ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and historical victories. The central throne, carved from solid gold and adorned with lion motifs, remained empty. Instead, the Crown Prince, Min Ye Kyaw Htin, sat on the adjacent side throne, a symbol of his growing authority in the king's absence. His expression was as composed as ever, but Jason could see the glint of satisfaction in his eyes, a smugness that made the air in the room feel heavier.
The chamber was filled with nobles, advisors, and high-ranking military officials. All eyes turned to Jason as he entered, their expressions a mixture of curiosity, disdain, and veiled contempt. He had grown used to this reaction; as a prince of commoner blood, he had always been a subject of scrutiny and ridicule. Today, however, Jason's gaze was steady, his steps unhesitating as he approached the center of the room.
"Prince Aung," the Crown Prince addressed him, his voice calm yet tinged with a note of superiority. "You have been summoned here because the empire is in grave peril."
Jason inclined his head, feigning deference. "I am at the court's service, Your Highness. What peril does the empire face?"
Min Ye Kyaw Htin's lips curled into a thin smile. "The province of Khachin is under siege by a rogue dragon. Duke Min Htin Kyaw Saw reports that the True Ice Dragon of Hkakabo Razu has awakened, wreaking havoc and freezing entire mining operations. The casualties are staggering, and the Duke barely escaped with his life."
Jason suppressed a smirk at the mention of the duke's "escape." He had already pieced together the truth from Mira's reports and the system's subtle nudges. The duke's greed had likely provoked the dragon, and his account was undoubtedly tailored to absolve himself of blame. But Jason knew better than to voice such suspicions in this room.
"I see," Jason said, his tone neutral. "What is the court's directive?"
The Crown Prince's gaze hardened. "You are to lead an expedition to Khachin, eliminate the dragon, and restore order to the province. Since you are the only prince, except for me, and Father is also ill, I cannot leave the palace; that will make the kingdom's power vacuum left unchecked."
The simplicity of the order was almost laughable. They expected him to face one of the most powerful creatures in the world—a being of ancient strength and unimaginable magic—with no preparation, no support, and no regard for the truth of the situation. Jason's former self might have balked at the task, seeing it as a death sentence. But now? Now, he had the power to make his own path.
Jason allowed a moment of hesitation to sell his apprehension. "A dragon of such magnitude… it is a daunting task. Has the court considered all possible approaches?"
Min Ye Kyaw Htin's eyes narrowed. "The court does not entertain hesitation, Prince Aung. You have been chosen for this mission. Refusal is not an option. You only can lead this expedition with the best qualification in the name of the royal family."
Jason bowed slightly, masking the flicker of amusement in his eyes. "I understand, Your Highness. I accept the mission."
There were murmurs among the gathered nobles, a ripple of surprise at his swift acceptance. Min Ye Kyaw Htin's expression remained unreadable, but Jason could sense the Crown Prince's satisfaction. He likely believed Jason was marching to his doom.
---
As Jason exited the throne room, his mind was already racing. The system chimed faintly, a subtle reminder of the opportunities this mission presented.
[Objective Updated: Eliminate or Tame the True Ice Dragon.]
[Additional Objective: Form your first taming contract.]
Jason's lips curved into a faint smile as he walked through the palace corridors. The Crown Prince had underestimated him. Eliminating the dragon was a task the court expected to end in failure, but Jason had no intention of fighting the creature. Instead, he would use his newfound Taming skill to form a contract with it. A creature of such power would be a valuable ally, not an enemy to destroy.
Reaching his chambers, Jason cast a soundproof barrier before calling up his status panel. The glowing blue screen appeared before him, detailing his progress.
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[Status - Prince Aung]
- Level: 35- HP: 1000/1500
- Anja: 7500/7500
- Attributes:
- Strength: 40
- agility: 45
- Intelligence: 50
- Charisma: 48
Unique Skills:
- Summoning: Summon and contract spirits, monsters, and entities of varying ranks.
- Appraisal: Analyze the properties of creatures, objects, and magic.
- Taming: Form a bond with powerful creatures, allowing mutual cooperation.
Supreme Skills: (Locked)
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Jason studied the screen, his confidence growing. The Taming skill was his trump card, a tool that could turn even the mightiest foes into allies. He had yet to test its limits, but the dragon presented a perfect opportunity.
"Let's see what you're really like, True Ice Dragon," Jason murmured, his voice tinged with anticipation.
The court expected him to walk into a battle he couldn't win, but they didn't know what he was capable of. With his power, his insight, and his strategy, Jason intended not only to complete the mission but to reshape the very balance of power in the empire.
---
As the moonlight filtered through the windows, Jason began making preparations for the journey. He would need to tread carefully, masking his intentions from both the court and the Duke of Khachin. But the rewards of success—the dragon's allegiance and the system's promised rewards—were worth the risk.
This mission was more than a task. It was an opportunity to prove his worth, outwit his enemies, and secure a powerful ally in the form of an ancient, divine beast.
"Let them think I'm walking into my doom," Jason said softly, the flicker of a smile playing on his lips. "I'll show them how wrong they are."
(Continue..)