The Monster King's Legacy - Chapter 116

Chapter 116: Set Off
In the days that followed, Aelyndra kept visiting the growing goblin nation. Lance had been able to stabilize things, using the little knowledge he had about governance of a larger population from earth to apply to his growing city. Most of what he did was use common sense along with the little he could gather from all the news reports and whatever he had seen back on earth. In the end, it looked very promising, at least, in its initial setup.

Certainly, if the system was to fail, he would build a better one, but for the time being, that was all he could bring up.

At that moment, Lance sat on a large rock at the edge of the goblin camp, gazing at the sky while flicking a small pebble between his fingers. The night was quiet, save for the distant sounds of creatures in the forest. The campfires and street lamps flickered in the distance, casting faint orange glows over the city.

Close to him, Aelyndra lay coiled in her enormous dragon form, her dark scales reflecting the moonlight. She had finished eating all the delicacies prepared for her and was resting while conversing with Lance, somehow, both of them seemed to be quite the talking buddies as of late. Perhaps, it was Lance’s way of thinking and his interesting ideas and perspectives, Aelyndra who appeared to be a seeker of knowledge and wisdom had grown fond of the discussions they had with one another.

“You’ve been staring at the sky for a while,” Aelyndra rumbled, her voice deep and crackling like a distant storm. “I thought you didn’t see anything in reading the stars? Or, what did you call it? Astrology?”

Lance smirked, tilting his head toward her. “Just wondering how someone like you is supposed to be considered a woman.”

Aelyndra’s massive head jerked toward him, her glowing eyes narrowing. “Excuse me?”

Lance felt a ting of cold cover his entire body for a brief moment before it disappeared, as though he had been submerged in cold water. “N-No offense, but you don’t exactly scream ‘woman’ by universal standards, if you know what I mean. Your form is monstrous, your voice sounds like a storm’s roar, and your presence is terrifying. I don’t even know how to think of you as male or female sometimes. For the most part, you’re just… Aelyndra.”

The dragon let out a thunderous huff, sending a gust of wind into Lance’s face. “I am certainly not a woman, but, I am female.”

“Sure, makes perfect sense,” Lance shrugged, nodding his head in agreement. He could see the lack of logic in his words.

Aelyndra went silent for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, she laughed, a sound like rolling thunder. She had remembered her mother’s teasing voice that very instant.

“Aelyndra, with how weak you are, I wonder if you’ll ever find a partner. Though we are dragons, we must take on a humanoid form before we mate, you understand. If you’re so weak, how will you ever do that?” She remembered her mother saying so in her humanoid form.

‘Heh, she’s one to talk, she’s so powerful, even the elder dragons don’t dare steal a look at her… strength isn’t everything…’

She would have never expected to hear similar words when she was so far from home, by a human no less.

Aelyndra growled, sounding almost like a grumble.

After some time while both of them remained quiet, Aelyndra finally spoke, informing Lance of her departure.

“I will be returning to the Sacred Dragon Realm, Lance, probably before the week runs out.”

Lance frowned as he listened. “The Sacred Dragon Realm?”

“The ancestral home of dragons and where we live. I’ve fulfilled my duty here, I have no reason to remain here.” She said, her voice calm and resolute.

Listening to her, Lance hesitated, his mind racing. There was no way the land of dragons was not a good place for him to visit. From his memories, even movies where dragons were tyrannical monsters, visiting their lands or home was always guaranteed to be a blessing no matter what. He couldn’t pass this opportunity.

Finally, he mustered up the courage and asked without fear. “Will it be possible for a human to enter the home of the dragons?”

Aelyndra was a little confused at his question. “What?”

“If you’re going to the sacred draconic region,” he said slowly, feeling as though he had gotten some parts of it wrong, “then can I go with you?”

“Apart from wanting to adventure, I need to get stronger too. If there’s a place where dragons reside, then I’m sure I can find some way to grow stronger there as well.”

Aelyndra studied him for a long moment. “You… wish to come with me? To train alongside dragons?”

“I do.” Lance said, his tone and expression suddenly turning serious.

“You’re fragile, you might just be wasting your time if you do so.”Aelyndra said dismissively.

Laughing lightly, Lance turned back to look at the sky with a determined yet warm expression. “Well, we’ll never know if we don’t try, will we?”

Aelyndra remained silent, considering his words. Bringing a human into the Sacred Dragon Realm was no small matter after all.

After a long pause, she finally spoke. “Fine. I will take you with me. I do not think the elders will object… too strongly, either way, do not expect a warm welcome.”

Lance grinned. “I never do.”

“I see. You will need to prepare then. The journey won’t be a short one.”

“Of course.”

The decision to journey to the sacred dragon realm was made, but before Lance could leave, there was much to do. The goblin city was thriving, yet still fragile. Lance knew he couldn’t simply disappear without ensuring everything would remain stable in his absence.

Standing in the center of the great hall, Lance addressed his elders. The room was alive with the faint hum of conversations as goblins, beastkin, ogres and orcs waited for his words. Aelyndra sat outside, her massive form resting close to the building.

“We’ve been through a lot together,” Lance began, his voice steady but firm. “And while I’ll be gone for a while, I trust all of you to keep everything running smoothly. This nation isn’t just about one person, it’s about all of us working together.”

Lance turned to Rynne, who sat as the head of the military and warriors, her spear resting casually across her shoulders. “Rynne, as always, you know your role. I trust you to lead with the same strength and determination you always have.”

Rynne smirked, crossing her arms. “Don’t worry, Chief. By the time you’re back, the goblin warriors will be so strong, even dragons will think twice before messing with us.” Following her words, everyone chuckled lightly, knowing very well how impossible that statement was.

One after the other after Rynne, he went through everyone holding important roles at the highest levels, addressing them and giving instructions, even though these were things they already knew and did.

Once done, the meeting dismissed, and like wildfire, the news had already spread all over and the entirety of the goblin capital were out to bid Lance farewell.

Aelyndra listened to the discussions and farewells with amusement. When Lance finally stepped forward to join her, she let out a low rumble. “You’ve organized everything to perfection, are you sure you’re not planning to leave forever?”

Lance chuckled lightly, waving his hand lightly in front of him. It’s nothing of the sorts, I’m sure they can take care of themselves now.”

The dragon tilted her head, her golden eyes narrowing. “I still think this is a foolish idea. You’re fragile, Lance. The sacred draconic region isn’t a place for mortals.”

“You can’t change my mind with harsh words alone. Besides, you’re letting me come, aren’t you? That counts as something.” Lance countered, turning to see Lia walking towards him, joined by the others.

“You’re really going to leave us here while you fly off to dragon country?” Lia asked, her expression a bit saddened.

“It’s not forever,” Lance reassured her. “I’ll be back in no time. And I trust you all to take care of things while I’m gone.” He said, glancing at the others.

Rynne stepped forward, clasping Lance’s hand firmly. “Come back in one piece, Lance. We’ll keep things running here.”

“Of course, you can trust me, haha.” Lance said, locking eyes with her for a moment before they separated.

Mira didn’t wait for them to even separate before she hugged him tightly, her green eyes shimmering. “Be safe, Lance. And don’t forget to take care of yourself, okey? Don’t forget us.” She said.

Zarra smirked, giving him a playful punch on the arm. “Of course he wouldn’t Mira. Don’t go getting eaten by some giant lizard either, we’d miss you too much.”

“Haha, of course, of course.” Lance then turned to Kaeli who just stared at him with a blank but soft expression.

She then handed him a small, intricately crafted token. “Something to remind you of home,” she said, her voice softer than usual.

“Thank you, Kaeli.” He said, hugging her. She appeared startled at first, but quickly warmed up.

Mira and Lia exchanged knowing glances… “Please, take care of him, Aelyndra,” They said.

“It would be difficult for anything to happen to him,” Aelyndra replied, her pride evident.

Lance looked around again, seemingly searching for someone before giving up.

He climbed onto Aelyndra’s back, leaping high unto her back, securing himself just behind some of her scales. A sturdy harness has been made just for this trip, to ensure that Lance doesn’t fall off at whatever point in the journey. Aelyndra has mostly slicker scales, with only a few of them being rough enough to be held. As the dragon spread her massive wings, the city below erupted into cheers and farewells.

Aelyndra turned her head slightly, her golden eyes meeting Lance’s. “Last chance to change your mind.”

“Not a chance,” Lance said with a grin.

With a powerful leap, Aelyndra took to the skies. Rapidly, the goblin nation grew smaller and smaller below, until Lance could make up who was who below.

As they soared through the clouds, Lance felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Regardless, he knew deep down, that this was a journey worth taking.