The Monster King's Legacy - Chapter 145

Chapter 145: The Ceremony and Dragon God’s Blessing 3
After descending the mountain, for the first time since arriving in this world of towering creatures and ancient traditions, Lance felt a deep sense of belonging. The dragons, a society both proud and fiercely protective of their ways, had fully accepted him.

The elders soon gathered below. Elder Thoryx addressed the group in a booming voice, his words travelling far beyond those preset just before him. “Today marks a rare moment in our history. A mortal, touched by the Dragon God, now stands among us, not as an outsider, but as one of our own. Lance, you have earned your place within our ranks.”

Lance bowed his head respectfully, the weight of the elder’s words settling heavily on his shoulders.

Kaelthara, standing beside him in her human form, smirked. “Not bad for a human who could barely keep up when we started. Very impressive indeed. Naturally, my methods are also superior.”

Lance chuckled, his golden eyes glinting. “High praise coming from you, Kaelthara.”

Kaelthara spoke, her tone more serious than usual. “You’ve learned much, Lance, but there’s still more to understand. The dragons are more than just protectors of balance, we’re guardians of existence itself. We stand watch against threats that no other race can comprehend, let alone face.”

Lance absorbed her words, the enormity of the responsibility sinking in. “And now I’m part of that?”

Kaelthara nodded. “Whether you like it or not, yes. The Dragon God’s blessing isn’t just a gift, it’s a call to action. You’ve been given a piece of the dragon god’s power, and with it comes the duty to act when the time comes.”

Edler Naerys stepped forward, her voice soft as always. “It’s a lot, I know. But you’re not alone in this. You have us, always.”

Lance smiled at her, the warmth of her words cutting through the weight of his new role. “Thank you, Elder.”

The red scaled elder stepped forward, his voice sharp but not unkind. “With acceptance comes responsibility. You now share in our duty to safeguard this world from those who would see it undone. Remember that.” He said, a faint expression that appeared like a smile almost invisible on his draconic face.

Lance nodded solemnly. “I understand.”

As the elders dispersed, Lance soon went to a quiet ledge overlooking the valley.

The sun was setting over the dragon lands, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson as Lance stood on the high ridge overlooking the peaks, his mind racing with thoughts of the ceremony. The cryptic words of the Dragon God still echoed in his mind, leaving him both awed and unsettled.

He glanced at his hands, the faint golden lines glowing softly against his skin. Though the lights had died down a bit, as though sipping deeper into his body, they remained visible enough under the dim lights of the sky.

“Hey, brooding already?” A voice spoke.

Lance turned to see Aelyndra approaching, her golden eyes gleaming in the fading light. She carried her usual confident smirk but softened her expression as she drew closer.

“You’ve been through a lot today,” Aelyndra said, folding her wings neatly behind her. “But you handled it better than I expected. The Dragon God doesn’t just acknowledge anyone, you know.”

Lance chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “Haha, it turns out I’m more amazing than you.” He said, a running joke between both of them.

Aelyndra stepped beside him, laughing a bit. “Who can say? Regardless, you did something incredible, Lance. You’re… amazing.”

Her tone carried a sincerity that caught Lance off guard. Though she was mostly sincere with her words and rarely deceptive, this time was different. “Thanks, Aelyndra. That means a lot.”

She then folded her hands as she sat fully, her voice turning playful. “But don’t let it get to your head. I can’t have you thinking you’re more amazing than me.” She joked.

Lance smirked. “You’d have to improve quickly then.”

As the two sat comfortably, continuing their discussion, a familiar voice cut through the air. “You two are getting along too well. Should I be worried?”

Kaelthara landed nearby in her human form, her wild black hair and piercing golden eyes making her an imposing figure even in casual moments. The fact that she never seemed to be wearing actual clothes and instead being covered in a kind of armour-like exo skeleton made of malleable dragon scales made things even worse.

Aelyndra groaned, rolling her eyes. “Mother, do you always have to ruin the moment?”

Kaelthara smirked, crossing her arms. “I’m not ruining anything. Just making sure this ‘moment’ doesn’t get out of hand.”

Lance rubbed the back of his neck, trying to suppress a grin. “You don’t have to worry, Kaelthara.”

Kaelthara raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I can’t say the same for Aelyndra.”

Aelyndra’s wings flared in indignation. “Hey! I’m right here, you know!”

Kaelthara chuckled, her voice tinged with amusement. “Heh, you better start looking for a worthy partner like Lance that I approve of. You both fought during the recent Demon invasion, did you not?” Kaelthara said in a sly tone towards the end, before she went on to explain what she felt might have happened before Aelyndra returned.

…

[According to Kaelthara’s guess of what could have happened]

Aelyndra’s Confession

Lance turned to face Aelyndra fully, his expression curious. “What is it?”

Aelyndra’s golden eyes flickered with a rare vulnerability. “During the war, I witnessed things I never expected to see from a mortal. Your strength, your resolve, and your compassion, they’re unlike anything I’ve seen in my long life. You’ve accomplished what many thought impossible, uniting races that have hated each other for centuries. But beyond that…”

She paused, her voice growing softer. “I’ve come to admire you. No, it’s more than admiration. I care for you, Lance. Deeply.”

Lance blinked, her words taking a moment to sink in. “Wait… you’re saying—”

“Yes,” Aelyndra interrupted, her tone resolute now. “I’m saying that I love you.”

The confession hit Lance like a bolt of lightning. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Of all the things he had anticipated, demon attacks, rebuilding challenges, even political intrigue, this was nowhere on the list.

“I… uh…” He scratched the back of his neck, struggling to find the right words. “Aelyndra, that’s… unexpected.”

The dragon huffed, a plume of golden smoke escaping her nostrils. “I suppose it is. But my feelings are genuine. You’ve proven yourself to be more than just a leader or a warrior. You’re someone worth following, worth… loving.”

Lance shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks flushing. “I’m flattered, really. But… Aelyndra, you’re, well… a dragon. And I’m human. Don’t you think that would make things a bit… complicated?”

Her golden eyes narrowed, a spark of amusement dancing within them. “Complicated? Perhaps. But love often is, isn’t it?”

Lance sighed, rubbing his temples. “It’s not just that. You’re incredible, Aelyndra. You’ve done so much for us, and I’m grateful for everything. But a romantic relationship between us… it wouldn’t work. Not because I don’t care about you, I do, but because, well…”

He gestured awkwardly at her massive form. “There’s a bit of a… physical issue.”

Aelyndra let out a deep rumble that could have been laughter. “Ah, the human perspective. Always so focused on the physical.”

“It’s not just that!” Lance said quickly, his face turning red. “It’s… okay, maybe it is mostly that. But can you blame me?”

The dragon tilted her head, her amusement fading into something softer. “I understand your hesitation, Lance. But my feelings remain. I won’t press you for more than you’re willing to give.”

The conversation shifted into a comfortable silence, the weight of Aelyndra’s confession settling between them. Finally, Lance broke the quiet.

“You know,” he said, glancing at her, “just because I can’t return your feelings the way you want doesn’t mean I don’t value you. You’re one of the most important people—er, dragons—in my life. And I don’t say that lightly.”

Aelyndra inclined her massive head, her golden eyes glowing faintly. “I’ll accept that for now. But don’t be surprised if I prove you wrong one day, Lance. Dragons are nothing if not persistent.”

He laughed, the tension easing slightly. “Noted. Just… don’t crush me in the process, okay?”

“No promises,” she replied with a playful rumble.

[The end of Kaeltahara’s imagination]

“Motther… Isn’t that the classic tale of the forbidden love between a dragon and a human always told by Elder Naerys? With quite a few spin on it?” Aelyndra asked, her eyes narrowed in an almost disappointed slit.

“Huh? Or perhaps would you have been a more aggressive type when it comes to love? Losing all your usual cool?” Kaelthara thought to herself, completely ignoring Aelyndra.

The playful banter continued, with Aelyndra flustered and Kaelthara enjoying every moment of teasing her daughter. Lance couldn’t help but laugh, the lighthearted atmosphere a welcome relief after the day’s intensity.

As the laughter died down, Aelyndra’s expression softened once more, her eyes sparkling faintly, and for a brief moment, the teasing and banter faded, replaced by genuine warmth.

Kaelthara watched the exchange silently, her usual smirk replaced by a subtle smile.