The Monster King's Legacy - Chapter 126

Chapter 126: The Dragon Elders
As they continued deeper into the Sacred Peaks, Lance struggled to take it all in. Dragons of every shape and size moved about, their presence a constant reminder of the raw power that permeated this land.

They passed a group of younglings practicing aerial maneuvers, or perhaps they were simply playing around, their laughter echoing through the valley as they raced through the sky. Nearby, an older dragon twice bigger than Aelyndra rested beneath a towering tree, its scales weathered and dull but its gaze sharp and knowing.

“Does everything here have to be so… massive?” Lance asked, glancing up at a particularly steep peak that seemed to touch the very skies.

Aelyndra smirked. “Dragons do not think small, after all.”

“That much is obvious,” Lance muttered.

…

Their path eventually led them to a massive plateau near the base of the tallest peak. Several towering stone spires stood protruding atop, their structures looming like a natural cathedral. A massive entrance guarded by two immense dragons with scales like polished obsidian stood before them. Their golden eyes appeared to be fixed on Lance and Aelyndra as they approached, but Lance quickly learned that those were only statues.

Aelyndra paused speaking to Lance. “This is where the council of elder dragons convenes. Prepare yourself, Lance. They are not easily impressed, and their patience is thin, especially if you are found unfavourable.”

“Thanks,” he said dryly. “Any advice beyond ‘don’t trip over my own feet’?”

Aelyndra’s draconic features shifted slightly as she smirked faintly. “Speak plainly, show respect, and don’t try to outwit them. Elder dragons have seen more centuries than you can imagine, they’ll see through any attempt at flattery or manipulation.”

Lance nodded, though he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. “Got it. Straight talk. Let’s hope they’re in a forgiving mood today.”

…

The interior of the spire was like a cavernous chamber made for giants by giants, lit by natural shafts of sunlight filtering through crystalline formations. Massive statues of ancient dragons carved from stone stood along the walls, their eyes seeming to watch as Lance and Aelyndra entered.

The council of elder dragons was arranged in a semicircle on raised platforms, their forms majestic and imposing, especially two of them that made Aelyndra appear like a dog to an elephant.

The central figure, a giant of a dragon with scales like liquid silver and eyes like molten stars, leaned forward slightly. “Aelyndra,” his voice boomed, resonating through the chamber like distant thunder. “You return to us at last. And you bring… a human it seems?” He said.

The other elders didn’t speak, but from their gazes, Lance could feel the judgment… even though it was almost impossible to tell what a dragon was thinking from its gaze alone, especially these ancient mountain sized dragons.

Aelyndra bowed her head low. “Elder Thoryx, I have returned, having completed my coming of age task. Lance, this human, is my companion. He has proven himself a loyal ally and a wise leader of his people.”

Elder Thoryx’s gaze shifted to Lance, his massive head tilting slightly. “A human, loyal and wise? Curious. What business does a mortal have in the sacred lands of dragons?”

Lance stood idle for a moment before realizing that the question was directed at him. He stepped forward, doing his best to suppress the nerves twisting in his stomach. “Greetings, Elder Thoryx, and to all the elders present. I came here to support Aelyndra in her journey, and to learn more about the world beyond my own. I mean no disrespect by my presence.”

A red-scaled elder with eyes like burning coals growled softly. “Support? Humans are frail and fleeting. What could you possibly offer to one of our kin?”

“Enough,” Thoryx interjected, his tone sharp but calm. “I sense there is more to him than his looks alone suggest. Aelyndra, we are yet to hear of your journey, but your companion’s presence raises questions. How do you prove to us that he is not a liability.”

Aelyndra lifted her head, her golden eyes blazing. “I will vouch for Lance with my life. He has earned his place at my side.”

The council exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

The sapphire-scaled elder, her voice soft but firm, addressed Aelyndra directly. “You speak highly of this mortal, Aelyndra. Let his presence here not be the cause of any issue.”

Aelyndra nodded. “I will see to it personally.”

Elder Thoryx regarded her silently for a moment before nodding. “Very well. We will deliberate further. For now, why not tell us about your journey outside, then both of you may rest.”

…

Aelyndra went ahead to explain everything, and Lance couldn’t help but notice that her story wasn’t adding up quite well with the info he had, which he was there to experience himself. Not only had Aelyndra painted herself as a major player in the war, she had bestowed herself more feats than Lance could count. Unfortunately, he had to agree and confirm all she said, playing the role of her accomplice.

She also reported the sea monster they ran into, but the elders assured her not to worry about it.

As they exited the hall, Lance let out a long breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “That was… intense… and what was all that about all your accomplishments? Are you a scam?” Lance asked in an almost silly reprimanding tone.

“Forget about that. What matters now is that with your confirmations as a witness, no further investigations should be made, and I can focus on studying now.”

“Study?” Lance said, confused. “Do dragons also have to attend school?”

“No… but we still have to learn, don’t we?”

“That is true.”

…

Aelyndra introduced Lance to her own private quarters. Surprisingly, Dragons didn’t just live outside, they had proper houses and furniture, just ones made for a larger creature, or at least, most were.

He was more than surprised to find a normal sized king size bed that he could sleep in, and even normal sized chairs and different accessories.

“I would have never imagined I would find these in such lands.” Lance said, falling into the comfortable embrace of soft premium quality cushion that he had not felt in ages.

“Why not? Dragons need them after all.” Aelyndra explained. Though Lance did not understand at the moment, he soon did, following Aelyndra’s explanation.

From what she explained to Lance… After a certain level of strength and enlightenment, dragons are able to transform themselves and change their forms into a more humanoid form. This way, they don’t have to move around always in their bigger original forms, and can conserve energy more.

“If dragons don’t do this, this entire place would have been unbearable. Even the biggest of the elders has shrunk down his size by a lot. Some dragons are as big as mountains after all.” Aelyndra explained. Apparently, that was her next goal.

The next day, Aelyndra visited the dragon elders.

“Elder Thoryx,” Aelyndra began, her voice steady, “I wish to formally declare my intent to complete the training required to master my transformation.”

A murmur rippled through the gathered elders, their massive forms shifting slightly as they exchanged glances.

The emerald-scaled elder, her gaze sharp and probing, tilted her head. “This is a bold declaration, Aelyndra. I certainly can’t believe my ears. You who is so lazy about training yourself actually decide to do so on your own? Surely, that human or the outside world has influenced you a lot… thanks to them. What makes you believe you are now prepared to undertake such rigorous training?”

Aelyndra didn’t flinch as she responded, neither did she pay much mind to the comments, it was not surprising after all, even she would be surprised at her words if she was the elders. “Would you believe me if I said my time outside these lands has taught me the importance of discipline and growth?”

The eyes of all the elders spoke the same thing… they did not believe.

Elder Thoryx studied her intently, his eyes narrowing. “The process demands sacrifices, both physical and mental. Are you willing to endure what it requires? You shall not start and abandon.”

The sapphire-scaled elder spoke next, her voice soft but firm. “Your determination is admirable, Aelyndra. But you have much to prove. Your journey thus far has been one of adventure and discovery, not of discipline. If you haven’t forgotten, you are equally behind on a lot of things, because you refused to develop yourself when your pairs where.”

Aelyndra inclined her head respectfully. “No need to worry, Elder, I am up to the task. Certainly, you believe I don’t speak empty words.”

The sapphire scaled elder spoke. “I commend your resolve, Aelyndra. It is a welcome change to see you take your duties seriously. For too long, I had thought you lost, but you have proven me wrong.” Aelyndra couldn’t help but chuckle in her mind listening to the elder. For too long? She was only a bit over fifty, what was too long?

“Your training will begin at dawn tomorrow. Prepare yourself, for it will test every fiber of your being.” The sapphire scaled dragon spoke.

Aelyndra bowed deeply. “Thank you, elder. I will not disappoint you.”

…

The rest of the day was spent preparing for the grueling training ahead. Aelyndra practiced her focus and control under the watchful eye of a senior dragon mentor, though even he could not say why he needed to be present, as she didn’t require much of his guidance. Aelyndra was a natural talent. Elsehwere, Lance explored the draconic realm, marveling at the beauty and danger of the land.