DND Realms: The Rise of the Titan-Dragon Prodigy

Humans are social creatures bound by emotions and desires. Even the coldest of hearts has its attachments, for without feelings, one is hardly human. Despite any genius, there are inevitably people they care about—whether parents, siblings, or other close kin, these are the bonds most people cherish. Even orphaned prodigies who grow up without parents still value those who have aided them, for such support allows them to thrive.

Indeed, any genius raised in a human society, no matter how much they may seem like lone wolves, will inevitably form connections and, consequently, attachments that bring about concerns.

When Anz realized the unprecedented changes occurring in his subcontinent, he knew he could no longer refuse the recruitment by the ruling duke. The offer of ten spots to enter the demiplane for refuge was too enticing, though he acknowledged the number was insufficient.

In the face of a disaster threatening the Nokia European subcontinent, how many could he and Yeheng protect? They might not even be able to save themselves. Only by aligning with the strongest could they hope to survive the catastrophe.

"Master Anz, to gain more refuge spots, you must excel in the upcoming Potion Masters' Finals. The more capable will receive more."

"I understand." Anz took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Being rewarded based on merit seemed fair and beyond dispute.

"What about me?" Yeheng asked eagerly, seeing his childhood friend accepting the offer.

"I'm sorry, but His Grace Duke Muria already has many excellent giant warriors in his service, so he does not need additional human soldiers," the servant replied with a smile that belied the irritating nature of his words.

"How can this be?" Yeheng was instantly frustrated upon hearing this. He wasn't concerned about the invading demons for himself.

But he could ignore them, his friends and family couldn't. Even the weakest demons could annihilate them. He could protect one or two, but what about ten or twenty? He felt helpless.

"Calm down, Lord Yeheng." The servant was pleased with the young gold-tier's reaction. He gestured towards the delicious food brought by the waiter and began to eat.

"How can I obtain a refuge spot?" Seeing a glimmer of hope in the servant's words, Yeheng pressed eagerly. If there was no other way, he'd have to shamelessly ask his friend for help to ensure his parents' safety in the demiplane.

"The kingdom needs warriors like you. After the martial contest, you should receive a conscription order from His Grace Duke Muria. Then, you can use your battle axe to secure refuge spots for your family."

Relieved to still have a chance, Yeheng's expression eased. Though his position seemed less favorable than his friend's, he was grateful for the opportunity to strive and struggle.

"How can I use the battle axe to get spots?" Seeing his simple-minded friend satisfied, Anz inwardly cursed his lack of ambition and asked on his behalf.

"By earning military honors through combat with demons, then trading those honors for spots," the servant answered with a smile.

"Combat with demons." Anz's face fell. Even a child knew of demons' brutal ferocity, and he knew even more—their innate evil nature from birth made them formidable enemies to most creatures of their level.

"In the face of national disaster, you have no other choice," said the well-fed servant as he stood up, leaving a sincere piece of advice: "Use whatever time you have left to grow stronger before Duke Muria can no longer maintain the facade of peace in the kingdom."

After speaking, he prepared to leave the restaurant with the disguised knights behind him, moving on to find other prodigies Duke Muria specifically wanted to recruit.

"Wait."

"What is it, Master Anz?" The servant stopped and turned to the genius potion master who had called out to him.

"What would you have done to me if I had refused just now?"

"I wouldn't have done anything to you," the servant laughed. "I am merely a messenger. These few are just for my protection. I would simply notify another, less friendly individual to take over."

"So, being noticed by Duke Muria means no matter if one is willing or not, there's only one outcome—serving him with no other choices?"

"Indeed, it's clear why His Grace regards you as a talented potion master. Yet, you are still young; some things are better understood than spoken aloud."

...

"Are you ready, Leon?" Duke Muria, lounging lazily on his throne, looked down at the frowning red-haired youth below.

"Is it fair for me to go directly to the finals? You are a gold dragon," Leon asked with a frown.

"Fair? I'm the one who pays for and organizes the competition. What's fairness to me?" Duke Muria's face broke into a light smile. "Besides, with your skills, do you really think

 you wouldn't make it to the finals on your own?"

"Of course, I could."

"Then there's nothing unfair. It's merely saving you time and unnecessary procedures. Rather than worry about that, you should focus on whether you can win first place in the 16 to 20 age group in the upcoming matches."

"I will win first place with my sword."

"Don't be too sure. Without wearing demon-hunting armor, you have no advantage against the human prodigies. I have data on all participants; do you want to review it beforehand to increase your chances?"

"I do not wish to win by such means."

"Such rigid knightly honor," Duke Muria chided. "If only you were a Doom Knight, I wouldn't have to go through all this trouble."

The young knight remained silent, harboring complex feelings towards the Doom Knights who fell from grace to cut down their own kin. He didn't think they were wrong.

"After the competition, I plan to recruit these talents to form demon-hunting squads. Once you secure first place, I can rightfully appoint you as one of the squad leaders, without worrying about others' objections."

"Demon-hunting squads?" The red-haired youth's eyes gleamed with excitement, revealing a fervent sparkle.

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