Chapter 441: The Ascension of the Dragon Pact Sorcerer
"I am ready, Your Majesty!"
"For the Ember Empire!"
"I offer my heart to the Empire!"
The three players immediately placed their right fists over their hearts, performing the standard Imperial "Loyalty Salute" and seizing the opportunity to pledge their allegiance to the Emperor before them.
After all, loyalty had always been the Empire's political correctness. There was even a widely circulated Imperial joke on the forums:
When unsure of what to do, just pledge loyalty.
Cassius smiled silently, while the players' hearts pounded in the wake of the awe-inspiring scene.
Summer Night Autumn Rain's mind raced.
"This is… the main storyline!"
"The Dragon Pact Sorcerer's advancement might be tied to the main storyline!"
"Based on forum analysis, the main storyline of the first version, [Northern Tempest], revolved around the Empire's rise."
"And from the hints Cassius just dropped, could the main storyline of the second version be calamity and conflict?"
"Perhaps it involves the renowned Fadlan Empire in the south, or maybe it's about an invasion by ancient demons."
"In any case, Dragon Pact Sorcerers are likely to play a pivotal role."
"This is fantastic!"
"This advancement quest was totally worth it!"
Summer Night Autumn Rain was elated.
Unbeknownst to her, Cassius was simply dropping cryptic hints and painting grand visions.
Knowing Summer Night Autumn Rain's close ties to Mantou, he intentionally planted "forward-looking hints."
These words, if included in Mantou's videos, could draw more players to the Ember Empire faction.
"Since you're all ready."
"Let's begin the ceremony."
Cassius's calm words interrupted the players' wild thoughts.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Misha nodded solemnly and stepped forward, golden flames flickering in her eyes.
When she had advanced to Dragon Pact Sorcerer, the ceremony had been quite rudimentary.
But thanks to the improvements made by the Empire's mages and Sorcerers, a mature ascension process had since been developed, though it had not yet been put into practice.
"Praise the supreme Ember Emperor, the noble and magnificent True Dragon, Cassius."
"He is the fury of the mountains, the embodiment of victory and glory, the protector of commerce and trade, and the sole ruler of the Ember Empire."
Flames leaped from the girl's hands as she chanted the name of her lord in Draconic incantations. The magic imbued with her lord's essence fused into her spell, and faint golden slit pupils appeared in the void.
As she chanted, the three scrolls slowly floated into the air.
"The ritual contract unearthed by the Ministry of Magic actually works."
Cassius thought idly.
He casually extended his hand and slightly raised his gaze, and a towering phantom appeared behind him.
It was the manifestation of Cassius's true form. The Red Dragon gazed down at the three players with pale golden slit eyes, slowly opening its massive jaws.
"Roar—"
The deep roar echoed throughout Isthalia.
Instantly, the entire city erupted into a frenzy, with exclamations, cheers, and prayers filling every street, square, and building.
"That… that's His Majesty!"
"It's the voice of Emperor Cassius!"
"Praise the great Red Dragon! Praise the Ember Emperor!"
"May Emperor Cassius bless my husband to return alive from pioneering in the south…"
Regardless of race or status, be it pedestrians, workers, or soldiers on the firing range, all raised their heads with fervent eyes, gazing toward the Grand Altar in the center of Isthalia.
"Is this the majesty of an Emperor?"
"Oh my, the entire city is cheering."
"This advancement quest… is so over the top. No wonder it's the Empire's sole magic-based advancement class."
The three players were deeply moved by the fervent atmosphere, their hearts racing with excitement. Dragon-Loving Wind, in particular, looked infatuated, nearly drooling at the sight of the Red Dragon's phantom.
"Hehehe, Lord Cassius's true form."
"The tail…"
Cassius noticed the odd look in the player's eyes and twitched the corner of his mouth, but he continued with the ceremony.
The black-haired, golden-eyed man slowly rose from his throne, and a dazzling light emanated from the chest of the Red Dragon's phantom behind him, illuminating the surroundings.
At that moment, the Grand Altar of Isthalia seemed to host a second sun.
"I, Cassius Claudius Norrixius."
"In the name of the Ember Emperor, grant you my power and permit you to become my servants and proxies."
Under Misha's guidance, the three players knelt immediately.
For them, this was just a game cutscene, so they felt no psychological burden.
Summer Night Autumn Rain knelt on one knee, lowering her gaze under the immense pressure.
Her interface updated.
[You have unlocked the advanced class path: [Contract Sorcerer – Dragon Lord]]
[You will form a pact with a rare subset of dragons—Variant Dragons.]
[These powerful beings disdain mortal existence and seek endless ambition beyond their inherent gifts, granting you draconic power.]
[Note: Once the pact is signed, your faction cannot change! Your character will be influenced and possibly controlled by your lord!]
[Do you agree to sign the pact? [Yes/No]]
"Yes."
Summer Night Autumn Rain made her choice without hesitation.
What's wrong with being a servant?
For a class this powerful, who cares about a little dignity?
Many would jump at the chance to be Emperor Cassius's dog but wouldn't even make the cut!
"Swish—"
The magical patterns on the contract lit up abruptly.
The Red Dragon's immense power descended from the heavens, transforming the players' veins into magic-infused arterial systems.
Their hearts gradually turned into fiery, life-filled Dragon Hearts.
Each player's body glowed with fiery auras, exhaling white sulfurous steam as their forms transformed amidst the smoke.
In Summer Night Autumn Rain's dark-golden slit pupils, faint light shimmered. Scales began to emerge faintly on her forehead, her dragon horns grew longer, and even her fingers turned sharper.
Crimson intricate patterns appeared across her back and neck.
Flames colored the corners of her eyes.
"This is…"
Summer Night Autumn Rain slowly opened her eyes.
[You have gained the traits: [Draconic Spellcasting][Dragon Heart]]
[[Draconic Spellcasting]: Your Red Dragon Lord has expanded your spell repertoire, allowing you to learn ancient draconic spells through your lord's blessings.]
[[Dragon Heart]: Your lord's power has transformed your heart into a magical organ akin to that of dragons, greatly enhancing your constitution and elemental affinity.]
[Charisma: 15→17]
[Constitution: 11→13]
Such attribute gains were incredibly precious!
As players, they could only allocate two attribute points per four levels without other means.
"This class is insanely powerful…"
Summer Night Autumn Rain couldn't help but exclaim.