Leo stood tall with his arms crossed behind his back, sharp blue eyes scanning a translucent map projected by his system.
The map displayed Alex's current movements, a red dot moving slowly through the southeastern region.
"Shadow Force," Leo's calm but commanding voice echoed, drawing the attention of his subordinates, "keep a tight watch on Alex.
Especially his interactions with any merchants. If he strikes a deal, I want full details within the hour."
The black-robed members of Shadow Force bowed silently and vanished like shadows merging with the dark.
Leo turned back to the map, sipping tea calmly, until a soft chime sounded.
[Ding! Shadow Force Report: Alex has accepted a task—eliminate goblins harassing villagers and stealing food.]
Leo raised an eyebrow and leaned back. "So... it begins."
He recalled it vividly. Today was the day Alex would encounter his most powerful ally—a being that would one day stand by his side through wars, trials, and destiny itself: the Celestial Dragon.
A legendary species, thought to be extinct after the Ancient Monster Calamity that swept through the world.
Back then, when monsters were bigger, stronger, and roamed freely, the dragons had been mankind's greatest allies.
But they paid a heavy price. Celestial Dragons—noble, powerful, majestic—had vanished, wiped out by endless battles.
Today, however, Alex was supposed to stumble upon something that would change his fate forever. A dragon egg. Not just any egg, but the last Celestial Dragon's egg.
Leo's eyes narrowed. "Not this time."
He opened the [System Mall] and quickly browsed through the monster companion section.
Sure enough, dragon eggs were available. But they were all of weak quality—nothing even close to the Celestial Dragon.
"System," Leo called out. "Is there any powerful dragon egg in the mall?"
[System: No powerful dragon species egg available in current mall listings. High-tier eggs must be obtained through plot deviation or world exploration.]
Leo wasn't surprised. He had expected this.
He glanced at the available egg listed in the mall. It was a dull option, labeled:
[Glacion Dragon Egg - Price: 5000 Points.]
Curious, Leo clicked for the full description.
[This dragon is known to be the weakest among all dragon species. It is lazy, eats far more than it should, and refuses to fly unless absolutely necessary.
While physically strong, it is known to sleep more than fight. Recommended for use by merchants or farmers for hauling goods.
Once it recognizes a master, it is extremely clingy and will refuse separation.]
Leo read the entire thing twice.
Then he burst out laughing. "A gluttonous, clingy dragon? What a ridiculous creature."
Still, he clicked purchase without hesitation.
[Ding! Congratulations to host for purchasing the Glacion Dragon Egg. Egg has been stored in system inventory.]
Leo's expression turned serious once more. That Celestial Dragon Egg… that was the real prize.
He gave swift orders to Shadow Force. "Go to these coordinates—" he shared a location with them, a hidden cave not far from the goblins' hideout. "Retrieve whatever you find there.
Especially if it's glowing. And be quick. Do not let Alex get there first."
The shadow operatives moved with immediate obedience. Hours passed.
Leo paced slowly inside his training hall when another chime rang.
[Ding! Item delivered. Shadow Force successfully retrieved unknown egg from hidden cave. Egg coloration: blue and white.]
The moment Leo saw it, a sly smile curved his lips. "So, it was real after all."
Inside the cave, the Celestial Dragon egg had remained hidden, disguised under ancient runes that only those familiar with draconic lore could bypass.
But Leo had seen through it and struck early. Now, the shimmering blue-and-white egg lay in a cushioned box inside his room.
He gently reached out and stroked its cool surface.
"Welcome home, my future partner."
Meanwhile, back at the goblin task location, Alex was on high alert. Despite knowing there might be several goblins, he kept looking over his shoulder.
"Strange… I feel like I'm being watched," he murmured.
Then—
"Achoo!"
He sneezed hard and rubbed his nose with a grin.
"Haha! Which beauty is thinking about me now? Sophia? Or maybe Selena?"
His team glanced at each other awkwardly.
"Is he… okay?" one Shadow Force member whispered through their communication channel.
"He's delusional," another replied.
"Or maybe narcissistic."
Leo, watching the entire scene through a live system feed, chuckled. "My dear Alex… how pitiful.
Every opportunity you think belongs to you will now become my stepping stone."
He held up the Celestial Dragon egg again, admiring its glow.
"Enjoy the goblins. I already got your real reward."
And once again, in the middle of the forest, Alex sneezed.
"Definitely Selena this time," he said, smirking to himself.
Back in the shadows, Leo's agents almost dropped their binoculars.
"…What is wrong with this guy?"
They all sighed, but their loyalty to Leo only deepened.
After all, their master had snatched yet another miracle from destiny's chosen one.
And he was only just getting started.
Chapter 10 ends
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Author's Note:
Loving the journey so far?
Please support with a Power Stone!
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Drop them in the comments—I'd love to include your thoughts as we shape Gojo's path together.
Let's keep pushing forward—no regrets, just pure hype!
– azuredragonx
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