Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 190: Contract

Chapter 190: Contract

The East Sea realm stretched out before them as they traveled deeper into Ao Guang’s domain.

"Your realm feels different from the others," Grim observed as they swam through waters that seemed to respond to Ao Guang’s presence.

"That is because it is the oldest," Ao Guang replied with evident pride. "When the Dragon Emperor first created this realm, the East Sea was his first creation. It has had the longest time to develop its own personality."

They arrived at a vast amphitheater carved from living coral, its walls adorned with what appeared to be weapon racks containing thousands of different blades. Ranging from small knives to magical staffs to large spears.

"Welcome to the Heart of my realm," Ao Guang announced. "This is where the true history of Sword Daos is preserved."

Grim stared at the incredible display. "All of these came from realm contracts?"

"Every single one," Ao Guang confirmed. "Each blade represents a different agreement between a contractor and an entity from beyond this realm. Some were forged in the fires of stellar cores, others in the depths of void spaces. A few were grown rather than made, cultivated like living things until they achieved their current form."

The Dragon King moved to the center of the amphitheater, his presence causing the weapons to resonate as he approached.

"You asked about the history of Sword Daos," Ao Guang continued. "The truth is both simpler and more complex than most mortals understand. They come from beasts, gods, goddesses, and those that rest at the top of the food chain in their respective realms."

"And the Celestial Mist style?" Grim asked.

"Ah, that is a more complex case," Ao Guang said with evident interest. "Your great-grandfather Caius formed not one but three separate contracts to develop those techniques. He said it was a gift to his favorite son."

"Three contracts for one style?"

"Caius was... ambitious," Ao Guang replied with something approaching admiration. "Most contractors are satisfied with a single agreement. Your great-grandfather saw opportunities to blend techniques from multiple sources into something entirely new."

"But there are restrictions, aren’t there?" Grim pressed. "Not everyone can learn every technique."

"Precisely," Ao Guang confirmed. "Sword Dao is restricted based on the contracts that created it. Most entities limit their gifts to specific bloodlines, ensuring that their techniques remain exclusive to their chosen mortal lineages."

He moved to another section of weapons, these ones radiating cold that made the water around them crystallize. "This is why you don’t see people using your family’s techniques—they are bound by ancient contracts that recognize bloodline."

"So when someone learns a Sword Dao, they’re not just learning techniques," Grim said, understanding dawning. "They’re inheriting a relationship with an entity from another realm."

"Exactly," Ao Guang said with approval. "And that relationship comes with both benefits and obligations. Some contractors must provide periodic tribute to their benefactors. Others must serve as agents in the mortal realm. A few are required to maintain specific bloodline traditions to keep the contract valid."

"What were my great-grandfather’s obligations?"

"That," Ao Guang said carefully, "is information that died with him. Contract details are rarely shared outside the immediate family, and your house’s records were destroyed along with most of your holdings."

Grim felt a familiar frustration at another dead end in his family’s history. "Is there any way to recover that information?"

"Perhaps," Ao Guang said thoughtfully. " you would require you to contact the original contractors—a dangerous proposition at best."

"Why dangerous?"

"Because many realm entities view mortals as disposable tools," Ao Guang explained bluntly. "They grant power in exchange for service, but they rarely form emotional attachments to their contractors. Approaching them without proper preparation could result in enslavement, death, or worse."

The Dragon King moved to the center of the amphitheater again, his expression becoming more serious. "Which brings me to my offer. I want to provide you with a contract—one that will benefit not just you, but your entire bloodline."

"What kind of contract?"

"Enhanced mastery over water," Ao Guang replied. "I know this may seem disappointing at first, given that you already possess some water-based techniques through your Celestial Mist training."

Grim had to admit that the offer did sound less impressive than some of the other possibilities he could imagine.

"The ability to use magic more freely, not just Sword Daos," Ao Guang explained. "What you’ve learned so far represents only half of your potential power. True cultivation requires the integration of technique with raw magic."

"I don’t understand the distinction."

"Sword Daos are structured, formal expression of power," Ao Guang said patiently. "They follow specific patterns and produce predictable results. Raw magic is fluid, adaptable, capable of being shaped by will and imagination rather than rigid technique."

He gestured, and the water around them began to move in complex patterns that had no relation to any current or natural flow. "Watch carefully."

The water formed shapes—geometric patterns, flowing sculptures, even what appeared to be miniature storms contained within invisible boundaries. Each manifestation was beautiful, purposeful, and completely outside the realm of any Sword Dao Grim had ever seen.

"This is what becomes possible when you master the fundamental element rather than simply channeling it through predetermined techniques," Ao Guang continued. "Your Celestial Mist style gives you some control over water in its vapor form. My contract would extend that control to all states of matter that contain water."

"All states?"

"Liquid, solid, gas, and even the water contained within living beings," Ao Guang confirmed. "Though I should warn you that the advanced applications—particularly blood control—require years of careful practice and absolute mental discipline."

The implications were staggering. "You’re offering to teach me your signature technique?"

"If you prove capable enough, yes," Ao Guang said. "Blood control is perhaps the most powerful form of water magic, but it’s also the most dangerous. The temptation to use it for domination rather than protection is considerable."

"What would my obligations be under this contract?"

"Service, when called upon," Ao Guang replied honestly. "Nothing that would compromise your honor or endanger innocents, but there may come times when I require assistance."

"As a bridge between the human and dragon realms," Ao Guang explained. "Your experiences here, your relationships with my sons and brothers, your growing understanding of politics may all prove useful in the future."

Grim considered the offer. The practical benefits were obvious.

"Excellent," Ao Guang said with evident satisfaction. "We can formalize the contract immediately."

Ao Guang produced an ornate scroll that seemed to be made from scales rather than parchment, its surface covered with writing in a script that Grim couldn’t read.

"Place your hand here," Ao Guang instructed, indicating a specific section of the scroll. "The contract will adapt itself to your bloodline."

The moment Grim’s palm touched the scroll, writing began to appear in his own language, outlining terms and conditions that were surprisingly reasonable. Service when called upon, loyalty to the East Sea, and agreement to maintain the contract’s secrecy were the primary obligations. In exchange, he and his descendants would gain enhanced water mastery and eventual access to advanced techniques.

"I agree to these terms," Grim said formally.

The scroll flared with blue-green light, then dissolved into particles that flowed into Grim’s body through his skin. He felt the change immediately—every drop of moisture in the amphitheater became something he could sense and influence with conscious effort.

"The integration will take time," Ao Guang warned. "Don’t attempt any advanced techniques until you’ve had a chance to practice with the basics. Start with simple water manipulation and work your way up gradually."

"How will I know when I’m ready for blood control?"

"When you can shape water as easily as you shape thoughts," Ao Guang replied. "When the element responds to your will as naturally as your own limbs respond to your intentions."

"And that takes how long?"

"For most, years or even decades," Ao Guang admitted. "But your bloodline may accelerate the process. The dragon essence you carry could provide advantages that normal humans lack."

As they spoke, Grim became aware that they were no longer alone in the amphitheater. Gongfu had entered silently, his golden eyes fixed on Grim with an expression that was difficult to read.

"Father," Gongfu said simply, acknowledging Ao Guang’s presence but not taking his gaze off Grim.

"My son," Ao Guang replied. "I was just explaining the nature of Sword Dao contracts to our guest."

"Grim," Gongfu said speaking to Grim for the first time since entering the chamber.

All conversation stopped as everyone turned to look at the transformed dragon.

"I need to speak with you," Gongfu continued, his voice carrying an authority that commanded attention. "Alone."

The simple request carried weight that went far beyond the words themselves. Whatever Gongfu wanted to discuss, it was clearly important enough to interrupt a conversation with his father and the other Dragon Kings.

Grim looked around the amphitheater, noting the expectant expressions on everyone’s faces. Whatever was coming, it would clearly be significant.

"Of course," Grim replied. "Lead the way."