Chapter 1

Akado City is now the most developed city in the world.

Humans and dragons coexist harmoniously here.

The rulers of this city are the "Council of Three Dragons," jointly formed by the Red Dragon, Blue Dragon, and Gold Dragon families. The Council of Three Dragons controls everything in Akado City, and both humans and dragons must submit to them.

I am a member of the Black Dragon family. When I came of age, my parents told me the truth about the city's rulers—the Black Dragon family was once one of the founders and rulers of Akado City.

The other three families, fearing the innate powerful strength of the Black Dragon family, united to place a curse upon us. Under the influence of the curse, any Black Dragon attempting to use their power or break the curse would endure pain as terrible as death itself.

Stripped of their power, the Black Dragon family was driven from the center of authority. To survive, the remaining clan members dared not use any power. They lived in the corners of the city, doing the most menial and humble work.

Now, I stand in the lobby of a cleaning company, waiting for my human boss to assign me work.

"Mark, listen up! There's a float parade in the Red Dragon District in three days, and the streets must be kept clean!" Boss Green shoves the duty roster into my hands. "Get going now!"

"Yes, boss."

I skillfully pack up the cleaning supplies and stuff them into the trunk of the cleaning cart.

"If I get another complaint about you, you're finished!" Green's voice comes from behind me.

Ribbons flutter on the streets of the Red Dragon District. I keep my head down, sweeping up the garbage on the ground. Other dragons pass by occasionally, casting contemptuous glances at me.

I pay no attention and continue sweeping.

"Sewage pipeline number seven has leaked! Get there and fix it immediately!" The order comes through the walkie-talkie.

"Yes, boss, I'm on my way."

I drive to the leak site. Sewage sprays up from underground like a half-meter-high fountain. I move the manhole cover aside, and a foul stench surges up.

Replacing that section of pipe takes six hours. When I climb out of the hole, I'm covered head to toe in filth.

I toss the toolbox aside and gulp in fresh air.

A matte black vintage car stops by the roadside. The hood ornament is a red dragon, beneath it gilded artistic lettering—the Meldred family.

"Damn it! What's that awful smell!"

A red-haired young man steps out from the driver's seat. He pinches his nose and looks around, quickly spotting me.

"What the hell are you?" He glares at me viciously.

"I apologize, sir. I was just performing pipe maintenance." I nod. "Once I clean up the remaining sewage, I'll leave immediately."

"Wait."

Holding back the stench, he walks to within ten meters of me and looks me over.

"You're not human."

He wears a fitted casual suit, his eyes golden vertical slits.

I continue washing the road surface.

"Even humans despise this kind of work, yet you as a Black Dragon can tolerate it?" He laughs contemptuously. "Where is your pride as a dragon? How disgraceful."

"Completing my work is my pride."

I pour cleaning agent on the ground.

"Well, well, Young Master Carlos, what are you up to?" A Blue Dragon youth walks over.

"Nothing, Hans." Carlos points at me. "I've discovered a very responsible Black Dragon janitor."

"I've heard the Black Dragon family are all worthless. Seeing it today proves it true."

Hans gathers a powerful stream of water in his palm and shoots it at me.

The high-pressure water knocks me to the ground, soaking me completely.

"That's right, Hans, give this stinking fellow a bath." Carlos laughs heartily.

I struggle to my feet. They crowd in front of me, waiting for my reaction.

I gather up the scattered tools, preparing to drive away.

"You arrogant fool! Stop right there!"

Carlos's expression changes.

"Stop! Or we'll file a complaint against you with your company." Hans chimes in from the side.

"I'm sorry, Young Master Carlos, Mr. Hans. I've disturbed you. Now I need to go clean the next area." I turn and apologize to them.

"How dare you speak my name?" Carlos's eyes fill with rage.

Hans leans close to Carlos's ear and says a few words. Both their expressions immediately become extremely strange.

"You! Come with us! Or we'll file multiple complaints against you."

"Alright." I say calmly.

They walk along the road into a park. I follow at a distance.

"The sewage pipes in this park are blocked. Go fix them." Carlos crosses his arms over his chest.

"But sir, this park isn't in my work area."

Carlos's eyes widen. "If I say it is, then it is."