CH178 The Debt of Blood

***

Alex wasn't the only one who noticed the Wendigoes when he arrived.

The Wendigoes noticed him too.

How could they not? The aura of one of their own radiated from him.

In an instant, the Wendigoes—save for the largest and strongest among them—surrounded Alex and his group, circling them with intense stares. It was as though he were a strange beast on display in a zoo.

None of them would have believed that a human could earn the acknowledgement of one of their kind—if they weren't witnessing it firsthand.

Even among Wendigoes, the notion that an outsider—much less a human—could be recognised by an elder was little more than folklore.

Shree...

Alex's party stiffened as the largest Wendigo, easily the strongest of the five present, let out a low, reverberating shriek.

Immediately, the other four backed away, giving the larger one space.

It stepped forward and curled its massive, lanky but muscular form in an intricate, flowing motion. According to the Enclave's library records on Wendigo customs, this was their equivalent of a noble's bow.

Attempting to mimic the gesture with a human body would be impossible—possibly offensive if done poorly. So, Alex returned the courtesy with a proper human noble's bow instead.

Afterward, both sides released their Spiritual Force, establishing a link of thought and intent to communicate mentally.

"Greetings, Dragon-Human."

"Greetings to you as well."

"I am aware of what you did for my kin. You have my gratitude."

"And I am grateful to your kin for helping mine purge this forest of the vermin that infect it."

Each wanted to downplay their thanks, for neither had acted out of selflessness or altruism. Yet, as their thoughts intertwined, sincerity became clear. Words weren't needed when truth was felt directly.

Alex's gaze swept over the goblin village—brazenly built in an open clearing carved out of the forest by the goblins themselves, with hardly any cover or meaningful defences.

"What's going on in this village?" he asked.

"They have earned the protection of the Earth Drake overseeing this region of the forest," the Wendigo responded. "Though the forest guardian is not strong, it bears dragon blood and represents the will of those who rule the forest's depths. I cannot allow my kin to attack it while it remains under such protection."

Alex gave a solemn nod.

His Spirit Sight confirmed it—this Wendigo was at least Late Elite-rank, clearly a native of the inner forest. It had no business being in the periphery where such power was excessive.

Which meant its decision not to attack wasn't born of fear or weakness.

Even more than Wendigoes, dragons were fiercely vindictive against the slaying of one of their own. Anyone who kills a beast with dragon heritage, risks provoking the wrath of the greater Dragon Race. Especially if the beast had established clear ties to the plane's dragonkind community, retribution would surely follow—often swift and merciless.

This held true across most planes where dragons held sway.

That said, those with backing or enough power could settle such matters—at a price.

The Wendigoes had neither.

Alex, on the other hand, did.

"The forest protector has failed in its duty by letting these pests flourish under its wing," he said via the mental link. "Leave the protector to me. Once it's handled, can I count on you to raze the goblin village?"

The Wendigo's eyes gleamed with murderous resolve.

"As long as the protector does not interfere, this village will fall. The debt of blood must be paid!"

The agreement was sealed.

The Wendigo went on to transmit everything it knew about the Earth Drake, and to Alex's delight, the information was quite detailed.

After receiving the dragon's description, a smile subconsciously crept across Alex's lips.

He had an idea.

One that would solve the problem of the goblin village's protection, minimise the chances of interference from the dragon race, and earn him the most benefit.

"What?! You're going to face the dragon alone? Absolutely not!" Udara cried out, horrified after Alex explained his plan to her and Fen. "We are your protectors. Please, let us do our duty!"

"Calm down, Udara. I understand your concern—and I'm not denying your strength. However, I have to be the one—the only one—to face the dragon. If we want to handle the aftermath cleanly, it has to be me. No one else."

He paused, his voice turning firm.

"Besides, I need you for something just as important. Maybe even more important."

Udara stiffened as Alex continued.

"I need you and Fen to back up the Wendigoes when they attack the goblin village. Make sure the Village Chief is captured. He must not escape… and he must not be killed."

Alex's tone was calm, yet commanding.

"If the Wendigoes insist on executing him, tell their leader I want his memories scoured. It's a painful way to die, so they'll likely agree to it."

He turned his eyes on Udara.

"Remember, Udara. This is absolutely crucial for my plans."

Udara bit her lip.

Things weren't going how she imagined when she first learned she'd been assigned as Alex's Shadow Guard.

Since he was a mage, she had assumed she'd be responsible for protecting him should enemies get too close.

But reality proved far different.

Not only was Alex not vulnerable in close quarters, he actively sought close-range engagements.

And then… there was this odd trait of his—he didn't want anyone putting their life on the line for him.

For someone who could inspire people to fight for him, follow his beliefs, and execute his plans, he was strangely unwilling to let anyone protect him. He would rather protect others—and himself.

That was the opposite of what nobles usually were.

Most nobles would gladly sacrifice their followers before letting even a drop of their own precious highborn blood spill.

Alex, on the other hand, sounded like the ideal noble scion… yet acted in ways so different from the norm that it unsettled those around him.

Since swearing her oath, Udara couldn't say she'd been fulfilling her role as Shadow Guard—not in the way she was trained to.

'He's different from anyone you've ever met. If you want to stay by his side, you must accept that reality—and adapt.'

The words of a certain blue-haired lady echoed in her mind.

A soft sigh escaped her lips—a mix of grievance, resignation, and quiet understanding.

"By your wish, Master."

Alex grinned and patted her shoulder.

"As expected. You've always got my back."

He ruffled Fen's head affectionately and turned, striding off without further delay.

He was heading towards the location of the Earth Drake's den—unsurprisingly, the same location the golden energy signature had been pointing to.

It didn't take long before Alex arrived at a natural vantage point overlooking the dragonkin's lair.

The easy grin had long since vanished from his face. Now, his expression was solemn. Grim even.

"Alright then," he muttered to himself. "Let's see if I can slay an Elite-ranked dragonkin in its own territory."

***

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