However, because he was too arrogant, relying on the Lava Lizard ranked D-Peak, he thought he was the strongest in this area, and no one could match his power.

    Therefore, he could not accept the existence of someone stronger than him. No, more precisely, he did not want to believe it.

    Now, the truth was right before his eyes. If he continued to resist Noan, he would truly be a fool.

    Austin trembled slightly, then, following Caleb''s lead, he slowly knelt, his expression filled with reverence and fear.

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    Recalling the Skeleton monster and the giant spider from earlier, Austin felt so terrified that he wanted to cry.

    Just how powerful were those two monsters to be able to control his creature so effortlessly?

    Furthermore, who was Skeleton, standing beside him and holding a shield? That Skeleton had appeared so quickly that he hadn''t even noticed, and then...

    Austin did not want to remember that moment anymore—it was too humiliating, a black mark in the history of his life.

    But since when had the Skeleton become this powerful?

    A Skeleton in a black cloak, a Skeleton holding a shield, a giant spider... Just how many terrifying monsters did Noan still have?

    Austin didn''t know. The only thing he knew was that he was no match for Noan.

    Noan didn''t even consider him an opponent. From beginning to end, without even needing to show himself, he could push Austin into despair, causing many lords to meet their demise.

    At this moment, Caleb glanced at Austin, his face full of disdain.

    You were so arrogant before, weren''t you? Then why are you copying me now, kneeling like this, looking just like a dog?

    Ack! No, I am not a dog because at least I know my limits.

    Caleb thought, then looked toward Noan, waiting for his decision.

    Noan took another sip of fruit juice, then said, "Tell me, what can you offer that would make me interested enough to let you live?"

    Caleb and Austin trembled.

    Caleb now truly had nothing left. The items he once considered special he had already handed over to Noan.

    At this moment, Caleb suddenly remembered something and hastily said, "Noan! No, big brother Noan, before this, I gave you a card, and you said that in a moment of crisis, you could save me once, right?"

    Noan looked at him with an intrigued gaze. "That''s right. Are you planning to use that promise now?"

    "Yes! Big brother Noan! I want to use that promise." Caleb hurriedly responded.

    "Good! And what about you, Austin?" Noan glanced at Austin.

    Hearing the exchange between Caleb and Noan, Austin immediately realized there had been some sort of agreement between them.

    More precisely, Caleb had given Noan some kind of item, ensuring that Noan would save him if he were in danger.

    Austin quickly said, "Big brother, I... I can become your subordinate. I can help you with many things. Please... don''t kill me."

    His voice trembled as he spoke, his eyes filled with terror as though he were facing a bloodthirsty monster.

    Noan glanced at Caleb, then at Austin, before smirking.

    "Very well. I''ll give you a chance," Noan said, raising his hand. The ''Servitude Pact'' function was activated.

    Immediately, a notification panel appeared before Caleb and Austin.

    [Ding! Lord Noan wishes to sign a slave contract with you. Do you accept?]

    Seeing the notification panel, Caleb and Austin''s faces turned pale, then ashen, like the color of ash.

    Caleb quickly spoke up, "Big brother, I... you... you already agreed to let me live. Why do you want to turn me into a slave?"

    Noan said nothing, his gaze toward Caleb carrying a hint of killing intent.

    Caleb shuddered in fear and hurriedly said, "I''m sorry, I... I just don''t understand."

    Noan sneered. "The choice is yours. You''re free to leave if you don''t sign the contract."

    Austin and Caleb exchanged glances. They both understood that, despite Noan''s words, they could really walk away from here without agreeing to become his slaves.

    The answer was no.

    Leaving this place would bring consequences they both knew all too well. That was why, in the end, Caleb and Austin had no choice but to accept Noan''s demand.

    Seeing them comply, Noan smiled and said, "Don''t worry. Aside from your lives being in my hands, you will still retain your territories."

    "In other words, you will still be Lords. You simply... must be loyal to me."

    Caleb and Austin felt a faint sense of relief upon hearing this.

    According to system information, the slave contract''s function only took effect if a Lord''s territory was destroyed. Because of that, they had assumed Noan would destroy their lands.

    However, if the contract worked even while their territories remained intact, they still had a chance—however slim—to regain their freedom.

    That chance was nearly nonexistent, but it was still better than certain death.

    In the end, Caleb and Austin chose to sign the slave contract with Noan.

    [Ding! The slave contract has been successfully signed. You now own two slaves.]

    Lord Caleb: Level 3, Rank E+. Lord Austin: Level 2, Rank E+.

    As Noan looked at the system panel, he saw that by selecting their names, he could access further details, including the resources they owned, their troops, heroes, and more.

    He smirked, then waved his hand, signaling for the female NPC to leave.

    Caleb and Austin could feel it at that moment—their lives were now held in someone else''s hands. If Noan willed it, they could die at any moment.