Black almost laughed—but stopped himself, realizing he might set the little bunny off again.
He knew Elaina couldn't resist this temptation.
Obsidian Nectar was a breakthrough material—capable of giving novice-class users a massive power surge.
Breaking through from Level 19 to 20? No problem.
But on the market, it cost a staggering 100 gold coins—far beyond what ordinary families could afford.
Even though Elaina was a duchess's daughter, as a bastard and illegitimate child, her allowance was meager—often stolen by her so-called "sisters."
For her, obtaining Obsidian Nectar was impossible.
"Follow me."
Black whispered, then crept toward a certain spot on the Hodir.
Elaina had no idea what he was doing—but for Obsidian Nectar, it was worth the risk.
Like two sneaky rats, they slinked all the way to a storage warehouse.
"We're here. This is it."
When Black stopped, Elaina looked up curiously—and read the sign.
"Magic Material Storage"
!
No way.
His "great plan"—was he planning to steal?
This was the royal storage vault—filled with rare, priceless magical materials.
But—
Stealing from the imperial family?
That was a nine-family extermination crime!
Elaina's face darkened.
She shouldn't have trusted this stranger.
"So this is your brilliant idea?!"
Seeing her murderous glare, Black quickly realized she'd misunderstood.
"We're not here to steal! You'll see in a moment!"
He pulled her aside and waited—like a thief in the shadows.
"..."
Elaina watched his suspicious movements, utterly exasperated.
She never thought she'd end up acting like a criminal.
Clang!
Soon, the warehouse door opened.
Several uniformed figures wheeled out a small cart.
Elaina squinted—royal alchemists.
Their job? Refining magical materials into potions and treasures.
They must've just finished a batch.
After they'd moved a safe distance, Black crept forward—and gestured for Elaina to follow.
That cart…
Is it filled with finished potions or treasures?
Don't tell me he's planning to rob them?!
That's worse than theft!
Elaina groaned, regretting her decision deeply.
But to her surprise, Black didn't try to attack.
He just… followed them.
They trailed the alchemists onto the deck—where the group dumped the entire cart's contents into the sea.
Elaina stared.
That's…
She realized—magic material residue!
Leftovers from refined materials.
Still had trace effects—but mostly toxic.
Useless. Dangerous.
To prevent desperate people from using them, these residues were strictly disposed of—dumped at sea.
So… they'd sneaked around, hid, followed people… for this?
What was wrong with this guy?!
Elaina couldn't make sense of it.
After the alchemists left, Black turned to her:
"You know Levitation, right?"
"Yeah."
It was a basic spell—she'd learned it at Level 10.
But why was he asking?
She soon found out.
Because Black jumped into the sea!
Yes—he just jumped!
Straight into the spot where the alchemists had dumped the residue!
Elaina stood frozen.
"...Ah! What are you doing?!"
Ten seconds later, she finally screamed, rushing to the railing, watching Black flail in the water.
But Black just gave her a thumbs-up—then dived.
Elaina's heart pounded.
Her wand trembled in her hand.
What is he thinking?!
This was the open sea!
Deep waters!
A Hammerhead Sea Dragon could surface any second and swallow him whole!
Just as she was about to jump in after him, Black resurfaced.
"Cast Levitation on me!"
Elaina snapped to action—raising her wand and casting the spell.
"Whew… finally made it. Being in the sea sucks."
Black collapsed onto the deck, gasping.
"You scared me to death! Why did you jump in?!"
Seeing her pale, terrified face, Black grinned—and held up what he'd retrieved.
"Of course, for this! Residue of Malta Grass, Madeira Fruit, Hermes Root!"
"For this?!"
Elaina was furious.
What was wrong with him? Risking his life for residue?
And it was useless anyway!
"Don't underestimate it. I know a spell—one that can refine this residue into Obsidian Nectar!"
Black said confidently.
He wasn't lying.
This method existed in the game.
In Dragonblood, both pay-to-win players and free-to-play players had paths to power.
The rich could buy rare materials and power up through potions.
The free players? They grinded, discovered hidden methods.
The devs had left plenty of loopholes—ways to turn seemingly useless trash into powerful breakthrough items.
Refining magic residue into Obsidian Nectar?
A legendary F2P technique—discovered by countless hardcore players.
"Refine residue into Obsidian Nectar?!"
Elaina couldn't believe it.
It sounded like nonsense!
How could royal alchemists miss this—yet a pirate knows it?!
Impossible!
"Don't believe me? Just do as I say. I promise—a miracle will happen!"
Black smiled—so confidently that Elaina felt herself wanting to believe.
"First, use Basic Fireball to burn all the residue into ash.
Then, use Water Scroll Technique to absorb the ash into water.
Next, apply a Novice Sorcerer's Divine Edict…"
Elaina followed his instructions, casting spell after spell—performing an entirely new form of alchemy.
In the world of Dragonblood, there existed three primal forces: Magic, Spirit, and Divine Edict.
Though the six classes—Sorcerer, Priest, Hexer, Healer, Summoner, and Sage—had different names, their power all stemmed from Magic. The difference lay only in how they manipulated it, and their specialized focus.
Sorcerers excelled in offensive spells.
Priests in buffs and support.
Hexers in curses and debuffs.
Healers in regeneration.
Summoners in pet summoning.
Sages were jack-of-all-trades.
These six were interchangeable.
Low-tier spells could be cast across classes.
Likewise, the other six—Warrior, Knight, Swordsman, Archer, Assassin, and Pirate—drew power from Spirit, the source of physical strength.
Magic was mental force.
Spirit was bodily force.
And beyond both—there was a rare third: Divine Edict.
Every class could use it.
Each profession had its own unique Divine Edict—a powerful skill with effects tailored to their role.
For example:
A Sorcerer's Novice Divine Edict—Soul Burst—unleashed a magical attack with 200% damage output.
A Warrior's Novice Divine Edict—Unshakable as Mountain—granted an invisible armor layer, drastically boosting defense.
Each time a class advanced a tier, a new Divine Edict awakened.
Sorcerers: Soul Burst (Novice) → Judgment (Mid-Tier).
So as a Novice Sorceress, Elaina could not only perform cross-class alchemy—but also use Divine Edicts.
"Phew!"
After the final incantation, the once-worthless magic residue had transformed—into two droplets of black liquid, softly glowing.
"It's real! It's Obsidian Nectar!"
Elaina's eyes lit up, her voice trembling with joy—pure, unfiltered happiness.
She knew it was real.
She'd stared through the window of a magic potion shop so many times, longing for just one bottle.
But she never had the coins.
Now, the image of that black liquid—etched in her memory—had become hers.
"From this moment, it's yours."
Black smiled faintly, pulling out two pre-prepared vials.
He carefully poured the nectar, handed one to Elaina, and kept the other.
He hadn't gone through all this trouble just for her.
He needed her magic to refine it—for his own future breakthrough.
In the end? A win-win.
"Y-you're really giving this to me?"
Elaina's soft voice quivered, hesitant.
No one had ever given her something so valuable.
She nearly choked up.
This tiny vial was worth 100 gold coins outside.
To her "sisters"? Pocket change.
To her? Priceless.
"Of course. What? You don't want it? Then I'll take it back."
"Thank you!"
Elaina took the vial, eyes shining.
She stood, smoothed her dress, and gave Black a perfect noble bow.
Heh. This little bunny's so polite.
Black chuckled, about to say "you may rise"—when his stomach growled.
"Grumble."
He flushed—embarrassed.
He hadn't eaten all day, and after diving into the sea? Of course he was starving.
Elaina didn't laugh.
Instead, she paused—then said:
"Come with me."
"Where to?"
"The mess hall."
"It's way past dinner! The cooks are asleep!"
"You'll see."
She led him to the kitchen behind the mess hall.
No chefs in sight.
But Elaina didn't hesitate.
She rolled up her sleeves, revealing delicate white wrists, grabbed a sea fish from the bucket, and—slice—began gutting and bleeding it with expert precision.
Black stared, dumbfounded.
Right.
In the original novel, Elaina's mother died young, her father ignored her, and she was bullied constantly—often going hungry.
So she developed a habit: sneaking into the kitchen at night to cook.
Her skills became top-tier.
In the story, this talent won over the male lead's heart—and stomach.
Soon, a mouthwatering aroma filled the air.
"Please."
A plate of braised fish sat before him—perfectly seasoned, golden-brown, irresistible.
Black took a bite.
Elaina watched, eagerly.
He didn't hold back—gave her a big thumbs-up.
"This dish belongs in heaven!"
"Y-yes!"
Elaina smiled, truly happy.
For a girl who'd been scolded her whole life, even one compliment meant the world.
Starving, Black dug in—chomp, chomp, chomp—devouring the fish in seconds.
Elaina sat quietly across from him, watching every bite.
In the small kitchen, warmth bloomed.
Then—an unwelcome voice shattered the peace.
"…What are you doing?"
Both jumped, turning to see the intruder.
It was Second Princess Alice of the Dragonheart Empire.
And she did not look happy.
F***
Black thought: This is bad.
The princess hated those who forgot their place.
To her, nobles were nobles.
Commoners were below.
Pirates? Not even human.
And now—before her eyes—a duchess's daughter, a high noble, and a pirate, a non-person, were crammed together in a kitchen.
Worse—Elaina was wearing an apron, like she'd just cooked.
And for whom? The answer was obvious.
Alice's gaze fell on the braised fish.
Her expression darkened.
She turned to Elaina, voice icy:
"Elaina. Tell me—who is your father? What is his status?"
"Her Highness, my father is Gordon Zoke—Duke of the Empire."
"If you know you're a duchess's daughter, why are you cooking for a lowly pirate? Sharing the same room with him?"
Elaina glanced at Black, her mood dimming. She said nothing.
"You may be a bastard child, but you're still nobility. You carry the honor and pride of the aristocracy. I expect you to remember that. Leave."
"…Yes."
Elaina knew staying would only anger the princess further.
She bowed and left.
Now, only Black and Alice remained.
The air turned cold, heavy.
Black wanted to say: "Hey, Princess, you chased Elaina away—now it's just you and me in this room. Isn't that a violation of royal dignity?"
But he saw Alice's sword—still in its sheath—and wisely stayed silent.
Whoosh!
But even without words—the sword drew anyway.
Alice lunged at Black, the blade charged with sharp sword qi.
Even from a distance, it stung his skin.
The tip advanced—closer, closer—
The killing intent surged closer—but Black didn't dodge.
He knew Princess Alice despised him, but she wouldn't kill him.
Not yet.
Sure enough, the blade veered at the last moment.
"Boom!"
The sword's energy blast blew the braised fish—and the entire table—into smithereens.
Black barely suppressed a smirk.
This Alice was exactly as she was in the game.
Arrogant, stubborn, violent—relentless in defending imperial and noble dignity.
But she had principles.
She wouldn't let anger override reason.
Yes, he was a pirate.
Yes, he'd repeatedly insulted noble dignity.
But Empress Elizabeth had personally spared him and the entire crew.
So Alice couldn't kill him.
Not without defying a direct imperial order.
"If I catch you like this again, I'll cut you down—even if Mother disapproves!"
Her expression remained icy, like someone owed her eight hundred gold coins.
"Yes, yes, yes—this humble servant will remember, Your Highness!"
Black bowed with a smile.
Seeing him smile, Alice's lip twitched in irritation.
"Death may be spared, but punishment remains.
You're to clean the entire deck tomorrow.
No food until it's done."
With that, she turned and left—leaving Black with a face full of despair.
This princess isn't human!
She destroyed my fish and banned me from eating?!
Is there no justice in this world?!
Since when did she become a clone of that old hen, Housekeeper Mary?!
What Black didn't know?
Alice's nursemaid—was Mary.
****
The next day, the sun blazed high.
Not a breath of sea wind. The air was oppressive.
The royal fleet sailed across the endless ocean—no land in sight.
"…Water… I need water…"
Black lay on the deck like a dying fish, gasping for breath.
This wasn't how life was supposed to go.
He should be in an air-conditioned room, eating watermelon, drinking cola, gaming in comfort…
But fate had other plans.
Black was destined to be a deck cleaner—dying of thirst.
He tried to slack off—only for that old hag Mary to glare at him, making sure he didn't dare loaf around.
Groaning, Black flipped over and stared at the endless sea.
Sigh.
"At least a few more days until we reach the Caribbean… Am I just going to be a deck cleaner until then?"
He wished Jörmungandr would just appear now—so he could sneak onto the White Pearl and run away.
Closing his eyes for a nap—suddenly, he heard footsteps.
Multiple people approaching.
He snapped his eyes open—just as a high-heeled shoe came crashing toward his face.
He rolled aside—missed—and the person tripped, crashing to the deck.
"Ow! You lowly servant—daring to dodge me?!"
A plump, pudgy noblewoman landed hard, shrieking curses.
Black stood, confused.
He'd been scrubbing the deck—what now?
A group surrounded him—some nobles, some servants.
Why was he the problem?
"Is this him?"
The fat noblewoman glared at Black, turning to a servant.
"Yes! Last night, I personally saw him meeting Elaina in the kitchen—she even cooked for him!"
The servant declared loudly, as if announcing a crime.
The noblewomen gasped, whispering, pointing at Black.
A thinner, sharp-faced girl stepped forward.
"Last night—did you meet in secret with that Elaina girl?"
Black was baffled.
Secret meeting? We just ate!
They'd only known each other for hours—barely friends.
How was that a secret rendezvous?
"Hmph! We are noble duchess daughters! Our father is Duke Gordon Zoke of the Empire!"
"Speaking to us is an honor!"
The fat girl sneered, full of arrogance.
Ah.
Black got it now.
These were Elaina's legitimate sisters.
They must've seen her cooking for him—and now they were trying to expose her for "fraternizing with a servant," so they could banish her from the duchy.
The fat one—Lily.
The thin one—Marsha.
Both were dumb, not clever enough to bully Elaina alone.
There had to be a smarter, more scheming sister—but she wasn't here.
Fine.
Black didn't mind repaying them—on Elaina's behalf.
"Lily… what are you talking about, Lily?
Didn't I meet with you last night?"
"We even promised—after we disembark, we'll run away together, have a few fat, healthy babies, and grow old hand-in-hand!"
"How could you forget? You heartless woman! I can't live anymore!"
Black ranted with perfect seriousness, his face full of betrayed sorrow—then climbed onto the ship's railing, pretending to jump.
He looked so convincing—about to jump—that everyone froze in shock.
Whispers spread:
"He looks so real—he's really going to jump!"
"Unbelievable! A duchess—with a pirate?!"
"Exactly! And Lily acted so innocent—she's clearly trying to wash her hands of him!"
"She even stepped on her lover! How cruel!"
Noblewomen loved gossip.
Black only needed a few words—and they built the whole story themselves.
Now, Lily and Marsha were stunned.
What?
They came to expose Elaina—to get her banished!
And now—they were the ones being exposed?!
"No! I didn't! Don't believe him—he's lying! Slandering me!"
Lily turned bright red, screaming like a slaughtered pig—so loud, it silenced the crowd.
Just as she opened her mouth to explain—Black dropped the bomb.
"Lily, I'm so hurt! Last night, we passionately kissed!"
"You've got hickey marks all over your neck! If you don't believe me—take off your coat and show everyone!"
The nobles nodded—it made perfect sense.
They started cheering:
"Exactly! If he says so, show us your neck! If there are no hickeys, he's lying!"
"We'll help you punish him!"
"Lily… why do you look so scared? Could it be… you really slept with him?!"
The crowd's taunts turned Lily's face green!
She was panicking—terrified!
She knew she'd never met this bastard—no secret meetings, no kisses!
The "hickeys"? Pure lies!
But—yes, her back did have strawberry-shaped marks.
But they weren't hickeys—birthmarks!
This scoundrel must've somehow known about her birthmarks—and used it against her!
Now she was trapped.
If she didn't show them—people would think she was hiding something.
If she did—she'd never explain it away!
These gossip-loving noblewomen would never believe it was a birthmark!
Rumors would spread—ruining her reputation!
How could she marry now?!
She was still waiting for a prince to ride a white horse and take her away!
"No way! Think! How could I ever meet in secret with such a filthy servant?!"
With no way to defend herself, Lily could only weakly protest—her words falling on deaf ears.
Seeing her guilty expression, even those who doubted before now grew more suspicious.
"Wait… could Lily actually be involved with him?"
"Probably! Otherwise, why won't she show her neck to prove her innocence?"
"Unbelievable. Lily was screaming she'd marry a prince just yesterday—now she's desperate enough for a pirate?"
In a quiet corner, Black smirked coldly.
So you love framing others?
Today, feel what it's like.
The fact that Lily had strawberry birthmarks was mentioned in the novel.
He'd just used it cleverly.
"Lily, you were with me last night—what's there to fear? Just show them!"
Marsha didn't know about her sister's birthmarks.
She knew they'd been together all night—no passionate kissing with some pirate!
But she couldn't understand why Lily was so nervous.
If it's not real, it's not real!
In desperation, Marsha acted.
She yanked Lily's coat—off.
With no cover, Lily's entire neck was exposed.
The moment everyone saw the scattered red spots, the air froze.
Silence.
Even the Dragoncleaver Guards on duty turned, curious.
"No! No! These aren't hickeys—they're birthmarks!"
Lily covered her neck, crouching down, screaming in despair.
But her words meant nothing.
The judging eyes pierced her soul.
Marsha stood dumbfounded—realizing she'd made it worse—then grabbed Lily and fled in shame.
"Never thought it—a duchess with a pirate…"
"So many hickeys… must've been passionate!"
"But… this guy really went all out. I mean… Lily's kind of…"
The crowd chattered, then dispersed—eager to spread the juiciest gossip of the year.
The slanderer, slandered.
A perfect revenge for Elaina.
As for Black? His reputation took a hit—but he didn't care.
He wasn't part of the noble circle anyway.
"Pfft—haha!"
A bell-like laugh came from the side.
Black turned—Krystin, the Church's Saintess.
She stood there, a soft smile on her lips, her clear eyes sparkling with amusement.
The silver lily on her chest swayed gently in the sea breeze.
Just standing there, she radiated a pure, ethereal beauty—like a flower bathed in moonlight.
"You were lying just now, weren't you?"
Krystin stepped closer, hands behind her back, slightly bending forward—curious.
"You never met Lily last night.
And there was no 'passionate kiss,' right?"
She paused at "passionate kiss," her cheeks turning slightly pink before continuing.
Hss…
Of all people, why did she have to see it?
Black sighed.
Getting caught by anyone else would've been fine—but the Saintess?
[Name: Krystin]
[Identity: Saintess of the Church of Creation]
[Class Level: Lv.45 Mid-Tier · Starlight Priestess]
[Favorite Food: Flower-based dishes—e.g., Silver Lily Lotus Seed Soup]
[Hobbies: Prayer, study, charity teaching, volunteer work, healing, exorcism]
[Critical Info: A perfect saintess never disappoints anyone's expectations]
[Expected Fate: Fall into a Dragon-Demon Hybrid]
Krystin was a major supporting character—and villain—in the game.
Her talent was terrifyingly high.
It was said that when she was born, divine light rained from the sky, and every withered tree within a hundred miles sprouted new branches—making headlines across the empire.
The Pope felt it—visited her parents the next day, tested her magic potential—and declared her the next Saintess.
Though her class was Priestess, her magic talent was so high she could easily learn all mid- and low-tier spells from the six magic classes: Sorcerer, Priest, Hexer, Healer, Summoner, Sage.
And Lie Detection? Child's play for her.
That's how she knew Black was lying.
"Greetings, Your Holiness.
You wouldn't… expose my lie, would you?"
Black smiled—calm on the surface.
He knew: if Krystin spoke, the nobles would believe her.
He'd be public enemy number one.
But he believed—she wouldn't.
"I won't."
Krystin shook her head, watching Lily and Marsha flee into the distance.
"Because they were lying too.
You and Miss Elaina never met in secret.
You're not that kind of relationship."
"Then I thank you, Your Holiness."
Just as he predicted.
The Saintess was fair—straight as a scale.
"Mr. Black… may I ask you one thing?"
Krystin locked eyes with him, voice steady.
"Of course, Your Holiness."
Black subtly stepped back—while keeping his smile.
"How did you know Lily had birthmarks on her neck—when you've never met her?"
"And earlier… you said your pirate crew was attacked by sea dragons a month ago.
That was a lie too, wasn't it?"
Her voice carried deep confusion—and growing suspicion.
"I'm truly curious, Mr. Black."
Unlike Lucy, Krystin had activated her Lie Detection the moment Black began speaking in front of the empress.
She knew—his claim about Jörmungandr being in the Caribbean Sea? True.
But the part about his crew being attacked by sea dragons? A complete lie.
Her Lie Detection saw it all.
Yet Krystin was kind-hearted.
If she'd exposed him before the empress, Black's life would've been over.
Of course, curiosity played a role too.
She wanted to know—who is this man?
How did he know such critical intelligence?
But she'd never found a chance to speak with him alone.
Until today.
His bizarre performance—knowing Lily's birthmarks without ever meeting her—left her stunned.
F***
Black felt like he was facing one impossible situation after another.
Why did everyone keep targeting him, a minor villain?
And Krystin? She was a villain too—just not yet.
Later in the game, she'd fall into darkness.
Villain shouldn't torment villain!
If there was one person Black never wanted to get involved with in this game?
It was Krystin.
The reasons were simple:
First—her Lie Detection could be active 24/7.
Before her, no lies could hide.
Second—she was extremely intelligent, and as a Priestess, her power was terrifying.
Even Jiaye had to struggle to defeat her after she turned evil.
But the biggest reason?
Krystin's reputation as the Church's Saintess was unmatched.
If she wanted, she could command the entire Church—and hundreds of thousands of faithful believers—to hunt you down.
She was untouchable.
And yet—she'd latched onto him.
She'd caught him in a lie.
If this dragged on, his dream of marrying the village beauty would be ruined.
Thinking this, Black instinctively stepped back—thud—hitting the railing.
"Mr. Black… do you fear me?"
Krystin's lotus-like face bloomed into a mischievous smile.
She clearly wasn't letting him go.
But Black had no excuses left.
This wasn't like before—any lie he told, she'd instantly detect.
Only one option remained—a desperate gamble.
"Stop! Stop! I surrender, Miss Krystin!"
"Here's the deal—if you promise to stop asking questions… I'll grant you one wish!"
Black said seriously.
He had no treasures—but he had information.
And information was priceless.
"Hmm…"
Krystin pouted, slightly annoyed.
Her curiosity was strong.
And here was Black—refusing to yield!
But she wasn't cruel.
Seeing his begging expression, she relented.
"A wish, huh…?"
She began to consider, even glancing at Black—doubtful he could fulfill any real wish.
But there was something mysterious about him—something that made her believe him, just a little.
"Fine. Then I'll say it!"
"Do you know where the legendary Glacier Snow Lotus grows?"
Krystin tucked her wind-blown hair behind her ear, eagerly watching him.
That wish?
Fits her perfectly.
Black thought.
The Glacier Snow Lotus was a rare S-rarity material in Dragonblood.
In the lore, it was a miraculous herb—said to resurrect the dead and restore flesh to bone.
Given Krystin's nature, she probably wanted it to save someone.
After all—God loves all mankind.
And coincidentally—Black knew exactly where it was.
Back in the game, he always carried several Snow Lotuses before boss fights—massive healing items.
"Of course I know!"
"Really?!"
Krystin's eyes lit up with genuine surprise.
She hadn't expected this.
"The Glacier Snow Lotus is a cryogenic plant—it grows in the north of Cassel Continent, on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the northwest of the Dragonheart Empire!"
"And it doesn't grow on the slopes or summit—it grows on the cliffs!"
"Be warned—Cloud Dragons nest there. The Snow Lotus usually grows near their lairs."
After careful thought, Black revealed all the information.
Krystin listened, dumbfounded—then burst into joy.
"Wow! You're incredible! You even know this?!"
"Did you… go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain?"
Of course!
Every time I went, I also stole a few Jade Dragon eggs.
Black thought proudly.
Though—the chase afterward was very undignified.
"I never thought it grew on cliffs! The Church searched Jade Dragon Mountain before—but we never checked the cliffs. We gave up."
"Thank you so much!"
Krystin, overjoyed, bowed ninety degrees to Black.
Again with the bow? Elaina did this too!
Girls in this world are so polite!
Wait—no!
If her followers see her bowing to a pirate, they'll kill me!
Black waved his hands frantically—just wanting her to leave.
"Alright, alright! I granted your wish—now keep your promise! No more questions! Go! I have to clean the deck!"
"Got it! Oh—and be careful! You've angered two daughters of Duke Gordon Zoke. They'll definitely seek revenge. If you need help—come find me!"
"Fine, fine—just go!"
"Okay!"
Krystin nodded happily, then skipped away—clearly eager to write down everything in her little notebook.
Watching her white silhouette vanish, Black felt complex.
Such a good girl…
How did she end up as a Dragon-Demon Hybrid?
Maybe… her kindness was what destroyed her.
That's what Black thought.
But it didn't matter anymore.
Once the prologue—The Sea of Hidden Dragons Rising—ended successfully, none of these protagonists or side characters would concern him.
Their lives, their deaths—none of it was his problem.
Now—his only mission:
Steal the Violet-Gold Dragonbone from the empress's chamber.
Time to become a thief.
The clock was ticking.