Absolute Beast Dominion

Chapter 506: Proper Subordinate And New Opportunity?

A/N: The Missed Chapter

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Chapter 506: New Hurdle Or New Opportunity?

Though the author was blabbering nonsense in most places, it was clear that dragons preferred maidens, and Sylrael’s group consisted of exactly that.

Sacrifice to great dragons... maybe there was some truth to it?

But he pushed the thought aside. Even if it had been true once or twice, after so many years, it had surely become what Naelith described: a practice of casting aside promising heirs by a much more influential heir.

So... another sort of elimination trial to choose the best candidate, Leo inferred.

A ruthless but effective practice because if you weren’t able to accomplish anything in 150 years, then what would you do in the coming years?

"How old was the eldest heir?" Leo asked.

Naelith thought for a moment.

"Maybe 1000... 1200...? I don’t know exactly."

That’s completely unfair and wrong practice!!

His opinion changed instantly.

What was 2 or 3 centuries compared to a millennium-old bastard?

But as if realizing Leo was starting to form a very bad impression of her tribe, Naelith quickly added,

"B-but not everybody is bad. Even when our chief was very ill, she still managed to include good candidates in our group whose skills would synergize, so we could survive on our own. That’s how we remained alive for so long and finally came under your and sister Lily’s good care."

Leo nodded. His headache was easing a little.

No wonder Sylrael had been panicking so much at the start. Getting captured meant failing her mission to safeguard the group.

Wait.

Suddenly, something clicked in Leo’s mind.

Sylrael must have chosen to accompany the group on her own because the synergy talent was bound to be life-saving.

Damn, on one side we have people like Sylrael who are ready to sacrifice themselves, and on the other side we have her siblings...

Seeing that the mood wasn’t improving, he decided to try something.

"So, it is safe to assume you all have been expelled from the tribe, and there is no connection between you and your tribe remaining?"

"That’s correct," Naelith confirmed.

"What about any lingering positive attachments?"

"Except for our chief, no one. We decided that long ago. And I am afraid even that thread of attachment has broken after so many years."

"Not even parents, huh..." Leo murmured.

If parents could allow and watch their children be expelled and sent on a road to certain death, it was natural for the child to let go of those attachments, especially after so many years.

"So, in other words, nobody will come to my territory to claim rights over you and the others if they become aware of your existence."

"Yes...?" Naelith replied, clearly not understanding where Leo was taking the conversation.

"Then congratulations. You and all the other elves now have a brand-new place to belong and call your own. And unlike before, you won’t be cast aside. Ever."

Leo looked directly into Naelith’s eyes.

"As your new lord, I promise this."

Naelith’s eyes widened.

Clatter...

In the distance, Lyswenna dropped the spoon she had been using to stir the porridge. The metal clinked against the stones.

She had heard every word of the conversation from the very beginning.

While Naelith sat frozen in shock, Lyswenna’s eyes welled with tears. She stepped in front of Leo and dropped to her knees.

Wait, what?

Leo was completely caught off guard.

Soon enough, Naelith also fell to her knees, and the two spoke in unison.

"My Lord! We swear upon our souls to remain absolutely loyal to you and protect all that belongs to you with our lives. Even if we must set aside our own beliefs, we shall always act in your best interests and never betray your trust."

Ding!

The system chime echoed in his head the next moment, but his mind was busy searching for the answer to why they had taken such a pledge so suddenly.

Little did Leo know that the elves had spent decades, if not centuries, without a place to call their own and wandering the wilderness. His words struck the exact emptiness in their hearts and fulfilled their long-lost wish to belong somewhere after being cast out from their birthplace.

Combined with Lily’s familial treatment and Leo’s generous treatment, it was only a matter of time before they pledged their loyalty to either Leo or Lily.

"A-alright! Stand up. It’s not that serious. From the moment you were taken under Lily’s and my wing, you have always belonged to the territory we are building together. So stand proud and do your best."

Leo said, a little startled by the sudden formal atmosphere.

Though Naelith struggled to convey her feelings, Lyswenna was already shedding tears of joy, which dripped from her bowed face onto the dry soil below.

To distract them, Leo immediately pointed toward the makeshift furnace.

"Look, the food is getting overcooked. Go check it."

With that, both elves finally stood and walked away. Naelith didn’t forget to take the Cinderfruits with her.

Leo sighed in relief before finally checking the system notification.

>Host has formed a soul connection with individuals ’Naelith’ and ’Lyswenna’.

>Connection Type → Lord–Subordinate

[Lord–Subordinate Soul Bond]

- A Lord–Subordinate Soul Bond establishes a permanent spiritual link that benefits both sides and cannot be annulled unless the Lord wishes it or trust between both parties completely fades. The Lord can communicate with bonded subordinates across vast distances, sense their condition, and share simple emotions or instructions as the bond strength increases.

Subordinates receive a small portion of the Lord’s soul aura, improving cultivation speed, soul recovery, and resistance to fear, illusions, and mental attacks. The bond also allows limited sensory sharing in critical situations and enhances coordination among bonded individuals.

As the Lord grows stronger, a fraction of that growth passively nourishes all bonded subordinates, while exceptionally loyal subordinates may receive temporary attribute boosts through the bond during times of need.

Subordinates also contribute a tiny portion of their soul energy, experiences, and achievements back to the Lord. Individually, the benefit is insignificant, but accumulated across many loyal followers, it becomes a steady source of nourishment.

"Wha— so long..." Leo muttered as he read the details once again.

"Damn... now this is something that all my followers need to have."

This was simply too good not to wish for others to have the same bond. Of course, for that, he would need to dedicate proper time.

Naelith and Lyswenna had almost finished preparing the food when—

"Who goes there!" a voice called out, rough and gravelly, definitely not human.