Kael grinned like a madman.
It had worked—all of it.
System notifications flashed across his vision like fireworks, each one more satisfying than the last.
But before he could dive into them—
"Kaelion," came the King's voice, smooth and sweet like poisoned honey.
Kael blinked, pulled from his victorious haze.
The King approached, a polished smile on his lips, and handed Kael a scroll bound in glowing silver thread.
"A Rank 4 mana contract," he said pleasantly.
"These six spells are now bound exclusively to you.
You are forbidden from sharing, selling, or teaching them to anyone else."
No one reacted.
No one was surprised.
These were rare spells—treasures.
If they ever fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be catastrophic.
But Kael saw through the courtesy.
This wasn't about safety.
It was monopoly.
Control dressed as generosity.
He sighed inwardly, pricked his thumb, and signed the contract in blood.
The scroll glowed, then vanished.
