Fafner's gaze remained steady, a sudden calm settling over him. The flickering firelight cast shifting shadows across his face, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
"The story Luck spun… about you just drifting through? Come on, let's hear the real reason you're darkening my doorstep."
Alex's lips curled into an amused smile. "Now you're speaking like a king." He paused. "Luck is quite the storyteller, isn't he? But alright… let's just say I'm following a thread—an interesting one."
Fafner's eyes tracked his every word. Then, unexpectedly, he let out a light-hearted chuckle, though the glint in his gaze betrayed something far less friendly.
"Alright, alright. I'll believe you." He leaned back, relaxing in his seat. "But before I accept you, I need to know—what's your rank? Are you a mage or an aura user?"
Alex's thoughts sharpened. He is within my grasp, at least for now. I'll play along. He scoffed. "I don't bother with those petty classifications. But if you must know, I'm more than powerful enough for someone of your caliber."
Fafner's expression shifted from ease to amusement, his grin sharpening, revealing something far more dangerous beneath his composed exterior.
"Oh? Confident, aren't you?"
The room grew heavier with each passing second, though neither man moved. Silence stretched between them until Fafner finally spoke again, his tone dropping.
"Then let me give you a perfect job."
The humor drained from his voice.
"Let me be straightforward—my son is involved in something I don't approve of. Your job is simple: keep an eye on him."
Alex's jaw tightened, but his mind worked quickly.
"Your son? And you need a stranger to spy on him?"
Outwardly, he only narrowed his eyes. "Do you expect me to believe this is just a father's concern?"
Fafner exhaled, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. "No… there's more." His voice lowered, as if even the walls might betray him. "As you already know, we dragons live apart from the world—for a reason. The truth is, we fear them. And not just us—every species fears them… calamities."
A subtle tension crept into Alex's posture.
"Calamities?"
Fafner nodded slowly. "Among them are gods themselves… and those cursed by the gods. There exist calamities so great that even gods fear them." He hesitated before continuing. "I can't tell you everything, but I'll give you a brief truth. We dragons were the first species of this world, followed by humans. As for the gods? Some are benevolent. Some are not. But in the end, they are merchants, nothing more—offering power in exchange for reverence. That said, I'm not asking you to fight a god."
"Only the fire dared to speak, crackling in the thickening quiet."
"There is someone I need you to kill. She is no god… but to us, she is still a calamity."
Alex smirked slightly.
"So you want me to kill someone?" His voice was almost mocking. "Aren't you righteous ones above such things? And why me? Surely you could do it yourself."
Fafner smiled, slow and knowing. "Did I ever say I was righteous?" He leaned forward. "As for why you? You already know the answer, don't you? Your five affinities."
Alex tilted his head, his amusement deepening.
"So you think these 'petty' affinity powers are finally good for something?" He let out a short chuckle. "But let me be clear—I don't kill for free. A life holds a certain weight, and my price must match its worth."
Fafner's eyes gleamed. "Don't worry. I'm not asking for charity. I will do you a favor—anything within my authority."
Alex stared at him, his mind working fast. I know he won't give me the artifact with just a promise… but a favor from the Dragon King? That could be useful in the future. I have enough power in my grasp, but I still can't fight a whole kingdom by myself. I need to be aware of everything. The artefact still remains main objective, but I also need deeper information about this world's history if I want to uncover the truth behind my mother's death.
His smile widened into something far less kind.
"Fine. But don't you dare betray me, King of the Dragons… or you'll regret it."
Fafner smirked, but he swallowed slightly, a bead of sweat lingering at his neck.
"I won't. Don't worry."