Regina, a human - dragon hybrid, was endowed with innate strength and a robust constitution.

  Regrettably, being an anomaly, she had been ostracized from a young age.

  It was common knowledge that only lower - grade dragons could procreate with human females. Higher - grade dragons typically had colossal bodies, often reaching dozens or even hundreds of meters in length, rendering physical union with human women impossible.

  As a likely offspring of a rather unappealing large lizard and a human woman, Regina, as a lower - grade dragon, was naturally reviled and ostracized by the majority.

  One could glean from the spectators' invective after losing bets that the so - called "Black Dragon Warrior - Princess" was merely a promotional gimmick. The status of Martial Masters and Mages in the Dark Arena was not recognized; they were merely objects for public entertainment and emotional catharsis.

  Beast Tamers, of course, were an exception.

  The Dark Arena for Beast Tamers was dedicated solely to their competitions. The associated costs and equipment were beyond the reach of ordinary small - scale capitalists. Moreover, the prestige of Beast Tamers in the Dark Arena remained unblemished.

  Beast Tamers who participated in the Dark Arena did so primarily for financial gain. The rewards were substantial, far exceeding those of the exploitative human - on - human or human - on - beast battles in the Dark Arena. The contracts in the Beast Tamer's Dark Arena were of an employment - cooperation nature, while those for Martial Masters and Mages were nearly tantamount to indenture contracts.

  A week prior, upon arriving here and witnessing a match in which Regina triumphed in a 1v3 battle, Aiden took notice of this half - breed female warrior.

  Despite being a four - star Martial Master, she could exhibit combat prowess comparable to that of a five - star Martial Master.

  After observing her for several days, especially following today's bout, Aiden made his decision.

  She was the one.

  "Boss, a guest wishes to see you. He claims to have a significant business proposition."

  "A significant business? What's his name?"

  "He didn't disclose his name, but he identified himself as a Beast Tamer."

  A Beast Tamer?

  Buck, who was sitting in his chair perusing documents, pondered briefly and then instructed his secretary to admit the visitor.

  "Hello, Boss of the Black Thorn Arena. I'm Aiden. I'm here to negotiate a deal with you."

  Upon entering the room, Aiden forthrightly stated the purpose of his visit.

  Concurrently, he created a subtle rift in the spatial portal, verifying his identity as a Beast Tamer.

  Although unfamiliar with this black - haired youth, Buck, as a seasoned businessman, was well - versed in the art of diplomacy. He greeted Aiden with a beaming smile and said, "May I inquire what kind of business you have in mind, sir?"

  "I desire the Black Dragon Warrior - Princess. This woman is whom I seek."

  Aiden's direct and somewhat assertive demeanor caught Buck off - guard.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  The young man exuded an air of composure and equanimity, suggesting he was likely a scion of a noble family.

  However, Buck wondered what Aiden intended to do with the dragon - woman. Could he have some peculiar predilections?

  Given Regina's humble status, Buck naturally couldn't fathom Aiden's true motives and even entertained inappropriate thoughts.

  Nevertheless, seeing Aiden's affluent bearing, Buck thought it would be folly to pass up a potential profit.

  "You're actually interested in that dragon - woman? But Regina is the cornerstone of our Black Thorn Arena. What price do you propose?"

  While Regina was indeed formidable and a crowd - pleaser, she was not irreplaceable. Martial Masters and Mages in the Dark Arena could meet their demise at any moment, and there was no concept of a fan - base. It was a transient - interest environment, with new talent constantly supplanting the old.

  Thus, Buck was eager to conclude this transaction.

  "Ten thousand units."

  "What?!" Buck's eyes widened in disbelief, his face contorted with shock.

  Yet, observing Aiden's nonchalant demeanor, as if he were in earnest, Buck was so incensed that he almost laughed.

  "Are you here to mock me, sir?"

  Had it not been for Aiden's status as a Beast Tamer and Buck's uncertainty about his background, he would have promptly had Aiden ejected.

  He might have readily agreed to a price of one million units, but ten thousand was patently absurd.

  "Do not misconstrue my intent. The ten - thousand units is merely a token gesture, a mere trifle. More importantly, I shall offer you a proposition you cannot refuse."

  Aiden's confident mien sent a shiver down Buck's spine.

  "What precisely do you mean?"

  As he spoke, Buck signaled to the bodyguard beside him.

  He suspected Aiden might resort to force.

  However, Aiden remained unperturbed. He rose calmly, approached Buck, leaned down, and whispered a few words in his ear.

  "What? You can truly do that?!"

  As if struck by a sudden realization, Buck stood up excitedly, composed himself, and with a wave of his hand, dismissed everyone from the room.

  "Can you genuinely cure my affliction?"

  "I can commence the treatment immediately, and the results will be instantaneous."

  Half an hour later, Aiden was courteously escorted out of the office by Buck.

  "Very well, I shall return tomorrow. If all is in order, prepare the relevant contract documents for me."

  "Rest assured, sir. I shall make all the necessary arrangements. However, Regina can be rather temperamental."

  Buck's face was now suffused with a healthy glow, as if he had received some momentous news. His deferential attitude left both the secretary and the bodyguard dumbfounded.

  "I am well - aware of what I'm doing."

  With that, Aiden departed.

  Prior to this negotiation, he had spent some funds to gather crucial information.

  While money was valuable, for some individuals, certain things held greater significance.

  Take Buck, for instance. He suffered from a disability in his lower body, rendering him unable to stand. Despite years of seeking medical treatment, his condition remained unimproved, and this had become his greatest source of distress.

  Aiden, having mastered the Essential Techniques of Taiqing Rejuvenation, had identified this as his point of leverage.

  Aiden managed to restore the functionality of Buck's long - disabled lower body on the spot! The arena boss was on the verge of weeping with joy.

  Naturally, Buck needed to verify the long - term efficacy of the treatment, so they agreed to meet again the following day.

  A day later, Aiden arrived as promised. Upon seeing Buck, who was radiating health and had come out to greet him personally, he knew the deal was sealed.

  "Benefactor, you are truly remarkable. Last night, well..."

  Buck raised his thumb in admiration, leaving much unsaid.

  Naturally, the so - called ten - thousand - unit token payment was no longer on the table. Aiden had concluded this deal without expending a single unit.

  Knock! Knock! Knock!

  After the knock, it took nearly ten seconds for a cold voice to respond from within.

  "Enter."

  Seeing the unfamiliar young man enter, Regina, who had been lying on the bed, abruptly sat up.

  "Who are you?!"

  As she spoke, she grasped the large halberd - axe by the wall, instantly assuming a combat stance.

  When Regina first heard the knock, she was taken aback, as the staff who visited her were never this courteous.

  She never expected a stranger to enter.

  Aiden, however, paid little heed to her vigilant demeanor. Instead, he regarded his surroundings with keen interest.

  The room was approximately forty square meters. It had the basic amenities. Although spartan, it was clean and tidy.

  As Regina was somewhat of a star performer in the Black Thorn Arena, she had a private room. Compared to the expendable contestants, her living conditions were quite decent.

  After surveying the surroundings, Aiden's gaze landed unapologetically on the Black Dragon Warrior - Princess before him.