Chapter 441: Dragon Oath Mage's Ascension
“I’ve completed my Preparation, Your Majesty!”
“For the Empire of Ashen!”
“To sacrifice our hearts for the Empire!”
Three Players instantly pressed their right fists to their hearts, delivering the classic Empire-style Loyalty Greeting, seizing the moment to pledge unwavering allegiance to the King before them. After all, this had long been the ultimate political correctness in the Empire. On the Forum, there was even a well-known joke:
When in doubt, just go “Loyalty” — problem solved.
Kai Xiusu smiled faintly, silent. The overwhelming spectacle just moments before still echoed in their hearts, making them thump wildly.
Xia Ye Qiu Yu’s mind raced.
This is the Main Questline!
The Dragon Oath Artificer Advancement is almost certainly tied to it!
Based on Forum theories, the first version — “Northern Winds and Storms” — was all about the Empire’s rise.
And now, judging by the hints from Faction Leader Kai Xiusu, the second arc… could it be Catastrophe and Discord?
Maybe it’s connected to the legendary Faldran Empire in the South… or perhaps the invasion of the Ancient Demons.
Regardless, the Dragon Oath Mage is clearly meant to play a pivotal role.
Perfect!
This Advanced Quest was absolutely worth coming for!
Unbeknownst to her, this was all just Kai Xiusu playing the cryptic game — painting a grand, tantalizing picture.
He knew Xia Ye Qiu Yu was close to Stuffed Bun. So, deliberately, he dropped these "forward-looking hints."
Even if just fragments of this conversation made it into Stuffed Bun’s video, it would draw more players into the Empire of Ashen fold.
“Since you’re all prepared,”
“Let the Ritual begin.”
Kai Xiusu’s calm voice cut through their reverie.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Misha’s expression turned solemn. She stepped forward, her golden irises flaring with a flicker of Flame Light.
When she first ascended to Dragon Oath Mage, the ritual had been crude and basic. But now, after years of refinement by the Empire’s mages and sorcerers, a complete, mature Ascension process had been developed — though it had never been tested in practice.
“Praise the Supreme Emperor of the Ashen Flame, the noble and mighty True Dragon, Kai Xiusu.”
“He is the wrathful fire from the mountains, the embodiment of Victory and Glory, the guardian of commerce and trade, the sole Leadership of the Empire of Ashen.”
Flames leapt from her hands. The Dragon Tongue Incantation, whispered in reverence to her Master’s name, wove itself into her spell. A golden vertical pupil shimmered into existence in the air, faint yet unmistakable.
As she chanted, the three Pact Scrolls floated gently into the air, suspended in midflight.
“The Master Oath Ritual, unearthed by the Magic Ministry from ancient texts… actually works.”
Kai Xiusu mused, raising a hand casually. He glanced upward, and instantly, a phantom image—dozens of meters tall—materialized behind him.
It was the True Form of Kai Xiusu, the Red Dragon, its pale golden vertical pupils scanning the three Players below as it slowly opened its massive maw.
“Roar——”
The deep, echoing roar reverberated across Isdalia.
The entire city erupted. Cheers, shouts, prayers filled every street, square, and construction site.
“That’s the King!”
“It’s King Kai Xiusu’s voice!”
“Hail the mighty Red Dragon! Hail the Emperor of the Ashen Flame!”
“May King Kai Xiusu protect my husband, who’s farming in the South — let him return safely!”
No matter their race, status, or station — whether pedestrians, laborers at work, or soldiers at the shooting range — all turned their eyes upward, gazing with fanatical awe at the Isdalia Grand Altar at the city’s heart.
“Is this the might of the Emperor?”
“Good heavens… the whole city is cheering!”
“This Advanced Quest is going way overboard — no wonder it’s the Empire’s only arcane advancement path.”
The Players themselves were swept up in the fervor, hearts pounding with excitement. And the “Ai Long Ru Feng” player? His eyes were glazed, drool almost slipping from his lips as he stared at the phantom Red Dragon.
“Heh heh… Master Kai Xiusu’s True Form…”
“His tail…”
Kai Xiusu sensed the Player’s obsession and twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth. But he pressed on.
The man with black hair and golden eyes rose slowly from his throne. Behind him, the phantom Red Dragon’s chest blazed with blinding light, casting radiance across the city.
For a moment, the Isdalia Grand Altar seemed to host a second sun.
“I, Kai Xiusu Claudew Noirikexius,”
“By the name of Emperor of the Ashen Flame, I bestow upon you my Strength. I grant you permission to become my Servant and Representative.”
Under Misha’s guidance, the three Players dropped to their knees.
To them, it was just part of the game’s story — no emotional burden.
Xia Ye Qiu Yu knelt on one knee, her eyes lowered beneath the overwhelming aura of intimidation.
Her Character Sheet refreshed instantly.
> [You have unlocked Advanced Career Path: 【Oath Artificer – Dragon Sovereign】]
> [You will forge a Pact with the rarest of dragons — the Hybrid Dragon.]
> [These powerful entities scorn mortal beings, unimpressed by the natural talents of dragons, forever pursuing endless ambition. They shall grant you the strength of a dragon.]
> [Note: Once the Pact is sealed, your faction cannot be changed! Your Character will be influenced — even controlled — by your Lord and Master!]
> [Do you accept the Pact? Yes / No]
“Yes.”
Xia Ye Qiu Yu didn’t hesitate.
Just a servant?
For a power like this, what’s a little dignity?
How many people would kill to be King Kai Xiusu’s dog — and yet, even that spot is too good for most!
In other words, being a dog is a privilege few even qualify for.
“Shu——”
The magical runes on the Pact flared to life.
From the heavens, the Red Dragon’s immense power descended. It surged through their veins, transforming their blood vessels into conduits of raw magical energy. Their hearts slowly transformed — growing hot, pulsing with life force — into living Dragon Hearts.
The Players erupted in flames. White steam, thick with the scent of sulfur, poured from their bodies as their forms twisted and reshaped in the smoke.
In Xia Ye Qiu Yu’s eyes, her dark golden vertical pupils glowed faintly. Scales faintly surfaced on her forehead. Her dragon horns lengthened, and her fingers sharpened into claws.
Complex, intricate red carvings bloomed across her back and neck. Flames shimmered at the corners of her eyes.
“This is…”
Xia Ye Qiu Yu slowly opened her eyes.
> [You have gained Traits: 【Dragon Spell】, 【Dragon Heart】]
> [【Dragon Spell】: Your Red Dragon Master has expanded your spellcasting range. You may now receive your Lord and Master’s Bestowal, learning ancient Dragon Spells from ages past.]
> [【Dragon Heart】: Your heart has been transformed by your Lord’s strength. You now possess a dragon-like magical heart and basal vessels. Your Constitution and Elemental Affinity have drastically increased.]
>
> Charisma: 15 → 17
> Constitution: 11 → 13
These are precious Attribute Points!
For a Player, unless they found other sources, they only earned two points every four levels through class progression.
“This power level… it’s insane.”
Xia Ye Qiu Yu couldn’t help but mutter in awe.
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(End of Chapter)
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