Mamba elaborated further.

"A single kingdom's land and army is comparable to 7 Dukedoms, we cannot defeat them with our current strength."

"What if we take the reviving ability in consideration, what would the results be then?"

Akash asked.

Red Mamba turned silent, he either had no answer or he was trying to calculate the outcome. Nonetheless, someone else replied in his stead.

"We will suffer defeat even when adding that in. We might win the battle but will almost certainly lose the war. They surpass us in both quality and quantity. Not to mention, only a handful of us can actually revive. From what Mamba has told me, we only have around 60-70 tamers who can do it. Adding in their beasts, the total number would be 300 if we round it off. Most of those beasts are of a lower bloodline as well. Now imagine our army of 39 000 against one that's many times the size and made up mostly of elite tamers and beasts. Only 300 out of our 39 000 could revive while the rest would die in vain."

Explained Golden Panther.

"I'm in agreement with him."

Mamba supported Panther while Akash contemplated before replying.

"How about I change those weaker beasts into ones of your caliber?"

Everyone's eyes widened when they heard that.

"You can do that?"

Old Dragon asked.

"Yes, I can, but then you won't be free beasts. You will have to be contracted to a tamer of my force, in turn, serving and fighting for them. The positives would be gaining the power of revival and healing"

Akash stated as silence befell the palace. Every beast was looking at one another until one came forward and declared.

"I will do it! Who will be my master?"

She was Grey Horned Wyvern. Akash smiled as she was one of the higher bloodline beasts. The duke waved his hand towards Sohrab, calling him forth.

"He will be your master."

Akash revealed. The wyvern and Sohrab looked at each other before Sohrab grinned.

"I have had bad experiences with wyverns, but hopefully, you'll be my first good one."

Wyvern didn't say anything and quietly nodded. She was doing this only to gain the powers of revival and healing.

"Perform the blood contract."

Akash ordered Sohrab.

"Blood contract! Is this another type of contract?"

The beasts asked each other but none knew the answer. Paying no heed, Sohrab bit his finger, shedding some blood before the System created a golden piece of paper. The wyvern hesitated a bit before looking at Akash Tagar.

"Don't worry, it won't hurt."

Akash comforted her. She sighed and swallowed a droplet of blood as the golden paper went into her chest with a brimming light. Then, a formation manifested on the chest of Grey Horned Wyvern, a blood contract formation.

"It's done."

Sohrab said as both began to feel each other's feelings through their new connection. The wyvern felt a tide of happiness inside Sohrab's heart while Sohrab felt her hesitation and sorrow, before going ahead and petting her.

"I hope you can think of me as your friend, not master."

The wyvern felt sincerity in his words and nodded once again.

"Who else wants to be contracted?"

Akash asked everyone before Old Dragon stepped forth.

"I think it's my turn, I'm a dying geezer after all, haha *cough* *cough*."

"Good choice."

Akash said before turning to Baghi.

"Earl Baghi, do you have vacancies in your dwelling?"

"No, My Liege. I have to abolish a contract with a beast first."

Baghi replied.

"Okay, tell me once you're done."

"Your Majesty, I have a free spot!"

Zaheer Seth spoke and Akash looked at him.

"Good, come forward then."

Zaheer closed the distance between himself and Old Dragon.

"Heh, we both are old, aren't we?"

Old Dragon said.

"Haha, at least, I don't have a sore throat and cough all the time."

Zaheer replied.

"Hahaha, that was harsh, you should show some respect to your new partner."

"Haha, I'll try my best."

Zaheer smirked as he replied. Both made the contract right after. Soon, more and more beasts came forward, Red Mamba among them.

"Duke, I also want to be contracted."

"No, not you. I have a better idea for you and Golden Panther."

Akash vaguely explained. At the same time, Sacra Amilat raised his voice.

"My Liege, I have something to say!"

"Say it, Sacra."

Akash allowed.

"I want to make a contract with Doom Demon, but..."

Sacra looked at Red Mamba and continued.

"He has already made an oath with Red Mamba, thus he cannot become contracted to myself."

"An oath or a contract?"

Akash asked for some clarification.

"An oat... "

"It's just an oath, duke."

Red Mamba replied before Sacra.

"Oh, I see. An oath is not a light thing either though. What do you say, Mamba?"

"It's not up to me, Duke Akash. It's Doom Demon's decision."

Mamba spoke.

"Summon the demon."

Akash ordered. Immediately, a few beasts ran out quickly and brought the Doom Demon to him, who bowed respectfully.

"Good day to you, Duke Akash."

Akash smiled at him.

"Doom Demon, I saw your sword fight with Sacra and you impressed me. Would you like to make a contract with him?"

"Apologies, but I have already made an oath with Red Mamba, so I cannot."

"Just say your piece, I am releasing you from your oath."

Red Mamba assured Doom Demon.

"What's your decision then?"

"In that case, I am willing to make the contract. Sacra beat me fair and square, but... I'm no longer the same. My limbs were cut during our duel and I don't how long it will take to heal."

Doom Demon replied.

"Only 1 second."

"Pardon?"

Demon asked out of confusion.

"Your disability is the lightest issue here, all you have to do is to make the contract and you will know."

Akash explained.

"Alright, duke, I'll do it then."

Sacra Emilat cried out of happiness.

"Finally!"

Everyone looked at him, including Doom Demon.

"Pathetic."

Sohrab commented while Akash squinted his eyes and asked the demon.

"Are you sure you want to be his contracted beast?"

Demon sighed and scratched his head.

"Now, I'm having second thoughts now..."

"Hey, hey, hold on. I just expressed my feelings."

Laughter resounded in the palace. Ere long, both sword fighters finally made the contract. After which, Akash stood up and announced.

"Alright, let's call it a day. Those who have no vacancies, can cancel their contracts with their old beast and come here tomorrow to make new ones. As for the old beasts you'll release, they can live here peacefully with One-Eyed Wolf at the edge of our territory, I'll send him a message. No harm will be done to them, rest assured and pick more powerful beast."