The Oathbound Alliance

The village chief's eyes widened in shock. "How… how do you know about this?"

A system notification suddenly popped up before him.

[System Alert: Player Kim Lan Tian Hao has offered you the Oath Contract.]

The chief's mind raced. The Oath Contract? That hidden feature of the system, only known to those who have delved deep into its secrets… And this human knows about it?

Lan Tian met his gaze without hesitation. "If we sign this contract, neither of us will be able to lie to the other." His voice was steady, filled with certainty.

A heavy silence fell upon the room. The village chief, unlike the orc villagers, was a massive white python, his scales shimmering under the dim light. His presence alone exuded an overwhelming sense of danger, yet he did not lash out. Instead, he studied the young human before him with newfound intrigue.

"Not only does he know about the system we familiars possess, but he dares to use it against me? This human… he is different."

The air grew thick with tension. The Oath Contract was not something to be taken lightly. Once signed, it would bind both parties to absolute honesty, eliminating any possibility of deceit.

For the first time in centuries, the village chief felt uncertainty creep into his heart.

The village chief let out a long sigh, his massive form shifting slightly as he gazed at Lan Tian with sharp, calculating eyes.

"For the sake of my villagers' safety… and to maintain peace between our village and the civilians of this planet, I will sign the contract," he declared.

A system notification instantly appeared before both of them.

[System Alert: The Oath Contract has been initiated. Both parties must agree to its terms before binding.]

The village chief fell silent, then slowly extended his tail toward the contract interface. With a single motion, he accepted.

[Oath Contract Signed: Kim Lan Tian Hao & Village Chief Bai Long.]

The village chief narrowed his golden eyes, his massive white scales gleaming under the dim dungeon light. "Why did you sign this contract? Just to save some foolish beings?"

Lan Tian smirked. "Like you, I also want to maintain peace between our kinds."

The village chief let out a deep breath before nodding. "Oh… very well. Now, we are friends. As per your request, my villagers and I will remain inside the dungeon until the time comes when you are strong enough to protect us."

Lan Tian exhaled in relief. One step closer.

But he wasn't done yet. "To become strong, I need something…" He paused, then asked, "You have a son, don't you?"

The village chief's expression froze. Shock rippled through his massive frame. He even knows about my son?

His mind raced. How does this human know so much?

After a moment of silence, the village chief sighed. "Well… since we've signed the Oath Contract, I suppose I can trust you. But tell me, how do you know all these things?"

Lan Tian grinned. "Because I have experience."

The village chief narrowed his eyes again, deep in thought. Experience? He must have met other familiars before. Maybe he guessed I have a son based on my age and status.

Meanwhile, Lan Tian silently pleaded in his mind, Please don't ask me more… or I'll have to reveal the secret of my past life.

Fortunately, the village chief didn't press further. He simply overthought the situation, convincing himself of his own explanation.

The Village Chief's Decision

The village chief's massive body tensed, his golden eyes narrowing dangerously. "You… need my son?" His voice carried a sharp edge. "Are you planning to kill him and take his magic stone?"

Lan Tian quickly waved his hands. "No, no! You've got it all wrong! I have a profession that can help both me and your son grow stronger together."

The chief studied him in silence, his gaze piercing. Then, after a deep sigh, he finally relented. "Fine. I'll trust you… but only because of the Oath Contract. But hear me well—if you so much as harm a single scale on my son…" His voice grew low and menacing. "I will personally tear you apart."

Turning to his two most trusted generals, he commanded, "Go. Bring him here."

Somewhere on a Distant Mountain…

Beneath the shade of an ancient tree, a white serpent lay coiled, basking in the cool air as he lazily sipped from a floating bottle of alcohol. His telekinetic aura surrounded him, lifting another bottle as he muttered to himself, "Life is good… why work hard when you can enjoy yourself?"

Two towering armored warriors approached and bowed slightly.

"Young Master, your father has summoned you."

The serpent cracked open one eye, groaned, and rolled over. "That old fossil again? What does he want now?"

"The chief has given a direct order. You must come."

The serpent clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Tch. Go back and tell him—I'm not his slave. I am the king of my own life. I do what I want."

The generals exchanged a glance before stepping forward.

"Young Master, please don't make this difficult."

"Not happening."

Without hesitation, the two generals grabbed him by the shoulders.

"HEY! YOU BASTARDS, LET ME GO!" he screamed, flailing wildly. "HOW DARE YOU TOUCH A KING?! I WILL HAVE YOUR HEADS FOR THIS! DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?! LET ME G—"

His protests fell on deaf ears as the generals effortlessly carried him away, ignoring his dramatic outbursts.