Chapter 15: Contractors

It was late that night and Lucien was yet to sleep since his mind was preoccupied with the events of the day. Throughout his life, he has always considered humans the weaker race and as such, they should be treated as such. His strength has never failed him and he is confident that none of his peers would be able to compare with him as he grows. This is not a story of a poor and weak boy getting stronger due to some sort of luck or hard work.

"My story is different… I have never been weak… I will never be weak… doesn't that give me the right to look down on those below me? I always said a resounding yes to myself each time this question popped up in my mind but then what about Hex?" Lucien muttered.

Hex is a capable mage with great talent almost comparable to his. He also had the backing of the emperor and is considered a member of the Phoenix family's main branch members due to his strong bloodline. Compare to him, Lucien felt slightly inferior and that's why whenever he saw Hex treating Brian with respect, he and the other beast-men couldn't help but feel shocked! Hearing Hex, the grandson of the emperor apologize to Brian, Lucien almost choked on his food.

{Why shouldn't I apologize? I did something wrong! Whether he is a human or not doesn't change a thing…}

Hex words echoed in Lucien's head, driving away from the urge to sleep. Thinking more about this, Lucien realized something. Here in Fotia, even though racism exists between beast-men and humans, a beast-man cannot openly slaughter a human without a good reason. In fact, in some cases, beast-men in high positions have been executed by the emperor for misconduct when dealing with humans. Meanwhile, in the Britta empire, the empire ruled by the ruthless dragon emperor, most of the humans in that part of the continent were wiped out and those who are left are nothing but slaves and laborers. The same occurs in Avalon, the empire of the human emperor! There, the entire beast-men population was wiped out and not a single soul remained. Rumors have it that a small number survived but they are used as pets and slaves.

"Our Fotia empire is the only one amongst the three powerhouses, trying desperately to create equality… It's safe to say the empire did not conquer this region with only his fist but his heart as well and that's why this empire is the only place where humans and beast-men can live together and attend the same academy without tearing each other apart" Lucien muttered.

"Does that mean I am wrong with my approach?" Lucien muttered as he thought back on the discussion between Brian and Hex.

Apparently, Brian chose to join the illusionist, Guardian, and the contractor paths. Thinking back on it Lucien considered it as a good choice since the illusionist is a general class that can be accessed by both mages and fighters. This path thought one of the fundamentals of mind games and foul play. It thought one how to manipulate their bodies and spells to give out false information or even create false images, in order to help them come out on top during battles. Meanwhile, the guardian class is also a general class for both mages and fighters as well which focuses on defensive skill sets and spells. In a party, it is necessary or highly recommended they have a guardian who can watch their backs in battle. Guardians act as support and only interfere when their partners are in danger.

Finally, the contractor class was the most interesting of the three. Contractors are more like summoners who sign a pact with a magic beast. Contractors are given magic beasts at a young age and through the bond shared after signing a blood contract, they are able to communicate with their magic beasts. These contractors spend all their resources and time trying to strengthen their beasts and the refining their bloodline.

Since magic beasts are able to cultivate in this world, there is a chance that a contractor can become the master of a new god beast in the future if they are lucky. When Lucien was little he remembered his Grandfather telling him a story of a powerful contractor who had a black dragon as his partner. They said he and his magic beast were only steps away from reaching the realm of the gods but their evil deeds did not go unpunished. One day the whole world banded together and joined hands against him. The battle lasted for days before the man was killed. Some say his black dragon escaped and till today it is still seeking a way to awaken its master.

"Was the old man lying?" Lucien asked as he remembered he used to get scared each time he was told this story but now he's a little older, he found it unbelievable.

He wanted to ponder on the matter more but he felt too sleepy to focus. Soon his vision faded as he dozed off peacefully.