Thousand-Faced Dragon

Chapter 179 Masked Dragon Knight

Snakes exhibit exceptional enthusiasm and integrity during transactions.

In reality, if you only look at the trader, his reputation is quite good. Generosity and attentive service are his trademarks. Most traders eventually become victims of fate, which is ultimately self-destruction after their own depravity.

Whether its corruption stemmed from its dealings with snakes, which fueled its desires and ambitions, is another matter entirely.

"What a picky customer! This won't do, that won't do. But don't worry, Snake loves customers like this." Snake became increasingly pleased; the more picky the customer was, the more he could do.

In the realm of the extraordinary, the serpent, having traversed countless years and histories, possesses a vision that mortals cannot match.

He not only knows too many secrets from ancient times, but also knows how to make comprehensive use of them and where to obtain key resources.

"Dragons have an excessively high physical strength, an absurdly large size, and tough skin, flesh, and bones, so they love to fight other life forms head-on. But if you think you are a real dragon and are foolish enough to use your flesh and blood to take the opponent's attacks, then you are not a real dragon, but a real fool."

In a snake's mouth, external protection like armor is always more effective than flesh and blood.

It's not because steel is hard enough; many superhuman beings have flesh and skin far exceeding that of steel. Rather, injuries are inevitable in a forced, head-on combat style.

"Whether it's the flesh or the shell that's damaged, they're completely different things."

Repairing or replacing a damaged nail is far better than healing a wound to flesh or bone, especially since many curses, poisons, and magic inflict penetrating and persistent damage; once they enter the body, they don't just heal easily.

The information about the snake was more than worthwhile; it not only solved the problem but also broadened Rean's horizons, providing valuable insights for building his own combat system.

"The most realistic approach is to form an interdimensional contract or oath, find a great being, and have them bestow upon you a set of fantastical armor."

Just like the fairy's "fairy tale armor," those "contracted items" are actually manifestations of the power of a higher being. They can be regarded as illusory objects that do not exist in reality. They are pseudo-objects "conjured" with otherworldly power. By using this to bypass the basic physical limitations, it can be considered the first bug to exploit.

"There are many drawbacks. You know how sorcerers are. They are easily restricted and enslaved by higher beings. Moreover, those higher beings are very stingy. Not only do they give little power, but they also lack growth potential. You may enjoy using a set of illusory armor now, but you will soon find it insufficient. When you go to the otherworldly sect master, he will ask for a different price."

Of course, the snake wouldn't simply say that this path is no good. It's also implying that the interdimensional covenant is unreliable and full of traps. It will lure you in with small favors in the early stages, and then keep raising the price once you're on the road. By then, it will be too late to get off.

Most sorcerers are unfortunate souls who made contracts with demons and devils in the lower planes. Their final destination is basically to become "residents" of the lower planes, either turning into coins for souls or becoming one of the demons.

"So, is there a superior entity that is both generous and free, and can even tailor-make your own armor upgrade system?" The snake went crazy with glee again.

His self-talking made Rean sigh, and he clapped in support.

Do such good people really exist?

"Yes, it's your invincible Uncle Snake."

Okay, so after all that, you just want to trick me into signing a contract with you? Rean's eyes were full of doubt; he was genuinely hesitant.

In the story, those who subtly trick you into signing a contract are basically the masterminds and the main villains, and probably no one is more suitable for this background than a snake.

If snakes were to truly revive as a result, it would likely be ten times more troublesome for the world than the revival of deer from the earth.

"Don't worry, don't worry. I never thought about living, otherwise I would have gotten up long ago. In the end, I am also one of the Thousand-Faced Dragon. Signing a contract with me can be regarded as signing a contract with the Thousand-Faced Dragon. At least I can turn it into that."

Rean was confused. What did this mean? He could understand each word individually, but what did it mean when put together?

"Let me teach you a lesson. You can only rely on yourself, so sign a contract with yourself."

The snake's current intention is to sign a contract with the snake, and then he uses his twisting ability to twist it into a contract between Rean and the Thousand-Faced Dragon!
Signing a contract with yourself? Is that even possible?

"Could it be that the Thousand-Faced Dragon possesses some special power?" As the sect leader of the Demon Oath, he can bestow power, but surely one must possess the necessary resources. "Uh, what are you capable of? Why are you asking me? You are the Thousand-Faced Dragon, there are no extra factors involved, no need to test you. But your position is very high, you can take the oath as a lord of another world. You will not refuse your own oath."

Rean remained silent; of course, he would not refuse his own alliance.

But what can a penniless man lend out? His own body?

"Yes, what I want is your own flesh and blood. Don't look at me like that. I don't lie in my deals; that's too low-class. Aren't you a hydra? Kuku is quite impressive; it's a really good evolutionary design. I can already see its unlimited potential, but..."

Snake also sighed, saying that Rean was lucky. Both Sull and Kuku were rare "consciences" among the heroes, and they were really good at teaching newcomers.

The design of this multi-headed dragon is quite in line with the nature of the Thousand-Faced Dragon, with high growth potential and strong evolutionary stability, however...
"Kuku probably never really thought about how to use his bloodline and body for combat."

Kuku is completely unskilled in combat. Even if he were a theoretical scholar or development planner, he could certainly use technological products in warfare, but his methods would be quite clumsy.

Those who play PVE building mode truly don't understand PVP.

Presumably, Kuku's idea is for a multi-headed dragon to have multiple minds, more elemental affinity, and more dragon-like abilities, such as dragon breath and dragon wings.
"What a waste, such a waste. This bloodline ability has such potential, but its development in combat is almost zero. It can only rely on instinct to bite and breathe."

The snake spat out a stone talisman.

This is a "conceptual module" that he borrowed from an old friend last night, which contains the curse of "materializing flesh and blood".

"You sign a contract with yourself, summon your black dragon body, and transform it into the armor and protective gear you use."

"This will not only enhance your defensive capabilities, but also allow you to truly utilize the power of the Black Dragon in combat."

“Using Kuku’s overly primitive combat template will give you an extra Red Dragon part, which is a waste of overlapping abilities.”

As mentioned before, the "job modules" of magical girls are actually a kind of "divine priestess" or "evil sorcerer", special beings who borrow the power of beasts.

The creator and namer of this profession... well, unsurprisingly, is none other than the snake itself.

Humans and beasts form a contract, sharing an existence and mutually restraining each other to maintain balance.

Now, let's twist it a bit. Taking this "materialization of flesh and blood" characteristic as the core, let's imitate the ancient elves' system of forging otherworldly and elemental powers into divine artifacts and equipment.

The snake was specially designed to create a "self-contracted sorcerer (evil sorcerer)".

This allowed Rean to draw upon his own power and manifest it in a way that suited him.
"Your flesh and blood, your dragon veins, will all transform into combat components that you are good at using. And as your power and bloodline grow, these 'armor' have almost limitless growth potential."

Snake was smug; he had drunk a lot of alcohol last night in order to get some relevant knowledge and modules.

Yes, he knew all along.

Juniors should be grateful for the hard work and dedication of their seniors.

Haha, I'm such a good person.

"This works?" Rean was somewhat surprised.

"Of course, theoretically there's no problem. Then I can make it happen. By the way, since he can transform using armor and is a dragon-wielder, let's call him Masked Dragon Knight. Don't like that? Then let's take inspiration from the highly praised magical girl anime and call him Magical Handsome Dragon." Snake, he's gone mad again.

"Dragon Pacter, that's what it's called!" Rean reacted quickly, trying his best to avoid the pitiful fate of being kicked by monsters or being laughed at for signing in.

(End of this chapter)