Chapter 19: Greedy Disciple (Part 3)
“Jie jie jie jie…”
Meladin suddenly laughed, loud and shrill.
From within the red shadow, a pair of scarlet pupils glowing with blood-red light widened abruptly. It seemed very excited.
“Interesting… fascinating!!!
Jie jie jie, you little one are truly amusing!
I’ve decided—you must become my disciple! And not just any disciple—my only disciple!”
What… does this guy even mean?
Erika swallowed hard again, retracting her tail and furrowing her brow.
“But I haven’t agreed yet.”
“No—you will agree! Because your heart holds desire! And I will fulfill your desires! It’s all gain and no loss for you!”
“Tch, depends on what you can give me.”
“Everything!
Take life, for example.
I can give you a body that can never be destroyed—allowing you to live forever, immortal and indestructible!
Just imagine, what kind of terrifying future awaits an immortal being?”
Hearing this, Erika pondered. Immortality was indeed tempting. With an undying body, becoming a powerful figure or dominating the world was only a matter of time.
But… living that long—wouldn’t that get boring?
“Not interested. I’m a dragon, you know. Gladys told me dragons live a long time.”
“Then I can give you power—to reach the pinnacle of humanity, the Saint-Rank! Become someone revered by all!”
“That doesn’t sound bad.”
She thought for a moment. If she became a Saint-Rank powerhouse, she’d earn respect and boundless wealth.
But ultimately, Erika shook her head. “But that Dervick guy—even as a Paladin—didn’t seem able to beat Gladys…”
“If you don’t want pure power, I can give you the True Eye! You’ll be able to see into anyone’s heart—no one can deceive you. Whether in politics or relationships, you’ll rise above the rest!”
“Uh… not very interested either…”
“Damn it!”
Hearing Erika’s disinterest one after another, Meladin grew irritated.
“Then you tell me—what exactly does your greedy little heart want!?”
“Aren’t you supposed to read people’s hearts? Why don’t you find out yourself.”
“I already looked—your current desire doesn’t work!”
“…”
What Erika really wanted was to reclaim her Dragon Core Crystal.
According to Gladys, the Dragon Core Crystal represented a dragon’s power. If her body could perfectly fuse with it, she could defeat ten thousand foes alone.
What Saint-Rank? Even the Paladins couldn’t beat Gladys. She’d rather get her own Dragon Core Crystal back—it might make her even stronger.
But since Meladin said that wasn’t an option, Erika simply waved a hand dismissively.
“That’s it?
You call yourself all-powerful, and you can’t even manage a small thing like this? How am I supposed to help you if you’re that incompetent? Go find someone else.”
“Mind your words, little girl!”
Clearly annoyed by Erika, Meladin growled, “You’re the first little thing I’ve ever met like this. I told you—I’m an all-powerful god!
If I could leave this place, I could fulfill any wish you had.
But I’m restricted now. I can’t interfere with the outside world.
Your Dragon Core Crystal was stolen by someone named Jocelyn—it’s on her. How am I supposed to get it for you?”
“So we have nothing to talk about then?”
“Jie jie jie… you want your Dragon Core Crystal, right? While I can’t give you your own, I do happen to have a Dragon Core Crystal from a Crimson Calamity Dragon.”
Hearing that, Erika’s interest piqued. “Other Dragon Core Crystals can also become my power?”
“You’re special. Any other dragon could only use one, but you can have multiple!”
At that, Erika’s eyes lit up.
A Dragon Core Crystal represented overwhelming power. If she could collect many of them, wouldn’t she become unstoppable?
But she quickly narrowed her eyes. “Where did you get this Dragon Core Crystal?”
She was suspicious.
She worried Meladin might’ve done what Jocelyn did—extracting the crystal from baby dragons.
“What do you take a god for?”
Meladin replied, “Taking a dragon’s crystal is simple—you just kill it, jie jie jie…”
Hearing that, Erika shuddered slightly.
“Jie jie jie, don’t be scared, little one. I won’t harm my disciple. I simply want to grant you power. This Crimson Core’s strength far exceeds what you imagine.”
“Then… fine. I’ll help you find the artifact, but I won’t worship anyone.”
“You want my reward but won’t become my disciple? You really are greedy, little girl.”
“…”
Erika was speechless. He dragged her here, insisted she become his disciple, and now called her greedy?
“Just say if you’ll give it or not.”
“Of course I’ll give it. I’ve chosen you. You’ll become my disciple—of Meladin, the God of Greed. And once you are, I’ll bestow endless rewards.”
As he spoke, a crimson rhombus-shaped crystal materialized from the red glow.
It was unmistakably a Dragon Core Crystal, very similar to the one Jocelyn had taken.
Erika quickly took the crystal and blinked. “How do I use it?”
“Swallow it.”
“Eat it?”
“Of course. Once you swallow it and your body fuses with it, the crystal will be fully yours—you’ll gain the power of the Hellfire Crimson Lotus.”
“Oh.”
Without hesitation, Erika popped the crystal into her mouth and swallowed it.
……
……
Time passed.
Erika clearly felt a burning energy surging within her body.
It emanated from her chest.
Gradually, the heat intensified—like molten lava coursing through her veins.
Hot!
Unbearably hot!
Her body felt like it was melting. Erika’s face twisted with discomfort, sweat beading on her forehead.
In an instant, sweat soaked her whole body, her limbs going numb.
It felt as though her body was being reforged, heat boiling her blood, energy flooding from her bones to her skin.
So uncomfortable…
She curled up, the searing power leaving her speechless.
“Ha~”
A puff of thick steam escaped her lips, a cloud of smoke billowing out.
At last, her body returned to normal.
Wiping her forehead, Erika clenched her small hands.
Power!
But… not very strong. It felt faint.
She definitely couldn’t fight ten thousand people right now.
She shook her little body, trying to stay calm.
Blinking again, she looked up. “Where’s the power? It doesn’t feel very strong…”
“The Dragon Core’s power needs to fuse. Once it fully integrates with you, its strength will show.”
“Huh? That wasn’t fusion just now?”
“It was—partially. It’s not complete. Your body can’t handle its full power yet.”
“Then… how long will full fusion take?”
“A year… maybe ten…”
Meladin chuckled darkly, “Maybe longer… or a few days… or even ten minutes…
That depends entirely on you.”
“What the heck!”
Erika’s face darkened.
She regretted it. She thought she’d gain power right after absorbing the crystal.
If she’d known, she’d never have chosen it.
A year? Ten years?
Ugh, that’s insane!
“This was your choice, little one. I’ve fulfilled your wish.”
“What if someone steals the crystal before I fully fuse with it? Wouldn’t that be a waste?”
“Then hurry and finish the fusion. Once complete, no one can take it—unless you die.”
“Can I… undo it?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean… take the crystal out… return it to you… we call it even.”
“You plan to toy with a god?”
“Ugh…”
“Ah—!”
Erika clutched her head in frustration, fingers tugging her silver-gray hair.
She felt completely ripped off!
Why had things turned out this way? If only she’d picked Saint-Rank power or the True Eye instead.
“Hey… Meladin?”
“?”
“Can I have… something else too… I feel scammed.”
Blinking pitifully, Erika looked as if she were begging—hoping the self-proclaimed god would go soft.
But Meladin wasn’t swayed. “Little one, this was your choice. You only get one chance. Complete your mission as my disciple, and I’ll give you more rewards.”
“Fine…”
Pouting, Erika grumbled, “Then grant me one tiny request…”
“Your Dragon Core is in the Imperial Capital—Kaslania—of the Aarlan Empire.”
Apparently aware of her thoughts, Meladin answered directly.
Then, the red glow around him intensified, and a beam of light shot at Erika’s arm.
She was still in her nightgown. The pale skin of her shoulder was struck directly.
“Ah! What are you doing!”
A sting hit her shoulder, and Erika shouted.
“Jie jie jie…”
Meladin’s voice was still eerie—but this time, it carried a hint of delight.
“Listen up, little one—you are now officially my disciple, Erika of the God of Greed, Meladin. You are mine. I will bless you in the name of a god, just like those pitiful humans who pray for protection—jie jie jie…”
“Tch…”
The light beam vanished. Erika rubbed her shoulder and noticed a new crescent-shaped mark had appeared there.
The mark was odd—glowing faintly silver.
What the heck?
Just as she was confused, the crescent mark vanished.
“That is the proof of your discipleship.
I like you, little one. You’re special. So I won’t take on any other disciples—I want you to be my only one!”
“Oh.”
“As for the artifact, take your time. This time, I’ll make an exception—no time limit.
Though I can’t influence the outside, I can appear whenever you’re near the artifact to guide you.”
“Got it…”
Feeling like she’d been conned, Erika muttered.
“Now then—outside, there’s a woman waiting for you. Oh, no—a dragon lady.
Before I send you back, I must warn you of one thing.”
Meladin was starting to sound like a nag. Erika frowned.
“What is it?”
“Once you’re outside, you may mention me—but never reveal that you’re my disciple.”
“Why?”
“Jie jie jie…
Simple—I told you before.
There are many in this world who oppose me.
Though I am a god…
I am the one the world fears most—
The Evil God.”