"Let's move on to your first request."
The moment Theo heard it, his expression became grim as he fearlessly stated, "I would like to ask for your cooperation."
"My cooperation?"
"Yes. I want to go somewhere else, but my ability is limited."
The dragon fell silent for a moment and understood the meaning. "Do you want to go to another dimensional gap?"
"Dimensional gap? Is that the name for the teleportation circle?"
"Yes. For what reason do you wish to go to another dimensional gap through this place?" The dragon asked. It was clear that Theo wasn't supposed to travel through this place, so the dragon couldn't help but suspect that he wanted to do something big. He didn't want to meddle too much with human business.
"I…" Theo hesitated for a moment and said, "Tactical retreat."
"I see. Fleeing from your country." The dragon looked at the surroundings first before saying, "I suppose you want me to carry you to another place. Is it possible to know the name of that place?"
"I don't know the actual name to be honest."
"Just tell me the name of the country. I know about their dimensional gaps."
"The United States."
"Oh…" The dragon closed his eyes, falling into deep thought. "I can agree to it but with two conditions."
"Two conditions?"
"Yes. First, only you and the rabbit child can ride on my back. Second, you need to prove you are worthy of my help. I know Leonardo as well as his power. If you say that you don't even have the ability to resist, the enemies should be either stronger or more in quantity.
"I assume it's the latter. In other words, there will be multiple people that will chase after you, presumably Mythical Rank Experts. So, I want you to prove to me that you can get away from them. Only then will I help you."
Theo opened his mouth in surprise. "That…"
Even the first condition alone was already hard to meet. After all, this meant he needed to leave Agata behind.
Agata had been doing her best for him, yet, he couldn't do anything back.
"Child. I need to tell you one thing. If you don't like the condition you get now, you need strength. Without it, you won't be able to do anything.
"If you are strong enough, you can make me cooperate with you easily or even force me to become your mount. However, you don't have that strength. Even with me altering the trials, this is the limit of my cooperation.
"It's true that you're smart enough to fool multiple enemies, but without possessing any strength, you will always be looked down upon.
"For me, there are five important things to have: Abilities, Connections, Experience, Tools, and Wits. You have Experience, Tools, and Wits right now. If you have enough connections, you will surely be able to handle anything you have… Even threatening me with a few Leonardo. As for your abilities… It's good for someone at your level, but not enough.
"That's why I still don't see you as a strong man in my eyes. You are still lacking two of them." The dragon shook his head. "Those two conditions… Whether you want to accept it or not, it's up to you."
Theo looked down as his heart couldn't choose this.
"I know that you are not ready to answer this question. Hence, tell me the time and the promised place. I will be there to witness your resolve and see whether you are qualified or not."
Gritting his teeth, he said, "40 days, in the Dark Poison Swamp."
He knew that he couldn't rely on the Wind Emperor in this matter, especially when he had been scrutinized for helping him not long ago. So, the dragon was the only one he could ask for help.
The only thing he needed to think about now was how to break the news to Agata.
The dragon was right. Without external help, he wouldn't be able to handle even one Mythical Rank Expert. Even though there was an option in relying on others, the favor he owed them would be too big, and it would haunt him in the near future.
And there wouldn't be a need for external help if he was actually stronger. Theo learned his current weakness from reality.
At the same time, he knew that the dragon would intrude on others' territories. If it was only a King Class Monster, the dragon shouldn't be afraid. However, it would be a different case if the other party was a World Class Monster.
That was why the dragon had also sacrificed so much. Although it was easy for him to bring one more person, no one could say otherwise since he could retract that offer altogether.
Just like he said, if he could beat the dragon, it was possible to make the dragon his mouth and transport all of them.
Clenching his hands, Theo looked at the dragon. "In 40 days. I will show you my answer."
The dragon nodded with a calm expression. "That shall be the agreement between us."
Theo closed his eyes and let out a sigh, disappointed with the result. But this was the only thing he could do in order to deal with the Barbe Group and the Griffith Family without selling his future to anyone else.
"Thank you for making me realize how worthless I am." Theo glared at the dragon. There was anger reflected in his eyes, but it wasn't directed to the dragon. He was angry at himself for not being able to get a better result.
"I didn't do anything. I simply stated my own conditions." The dragon shook his head. "Without strength, your life will only be controlled by others. The people around you will be at the mercy of your enemies."
Theo closed his eyes and calmed his heart down.
Seeing Theo's expression, the dragon smiled and said, "Alright. Now that we are done with the agreement. Let's continue with the guidance. You are here to know how to get an Order, right?"
"Yes."
"Then, let me tell you."