The Monster King's Legacy - Chapter 147

Chapter 147: The Elders’ Blessing
They had continued their discussion, talking about a few things and catching up, and quickly both of them realized how much catching up they needed to do. That aside, it didn’t take long before they were called into the chamber, where the grand cavern carved into the heart of one of the tallest peak in the dragon lands was, and where the elders gathered.

Lance and Aelyndra stood at the center of the chamber, surrounded by the council of dragon elders. Their massive forms loomed above, each one radiating an aura of ancient power. Elder Thoryx, who often spoke for the council, began, his molten eyes fixed on Lance.

“You have come far, human,” he began, his deep voice echoing through the minds of all. “When you first arrived in our lands, there were doubts about your worth. But you have proven yourself through multiple means.”

Lance inclined his head respectfully. “I’ve only done what I thought was right,” he said. “But I’m honored by your words.”

The red scaled elder, who had once been among his harshest critics, nodded. “Humility alongside strength. It is a rare combination. Speak freely, Lance, you are no longer an outsider. You are one of us.”

Aelyndra beamed with pride beside him, her golden eyes almost sparkling as she came next.

Following the initial introductory phase, the atmosphere grew heavier as Elder Thoryx’s expression darkened. “However, there is a matter we must discuss, one that concerns not just the dragons, but the entire world.”

The elders exchanged grave looks before Elder Thoryx continued. “You have heard of the ancient titans, yes?”

Lance frowned, glancing at Aelyndra, who looked less puzzled. “I’ve heard the name mentioned a few times,” Lance admitted. “But I don’t know much about them.”

The red scaled elder sighed, the sound rumbling like distant thunder. “The titans are an ancient race, predating even the dragons in this world, some believe. They are beings of immense size and power, born from the earth itself. Their purpose was once to shape and nurture the world, but something changed them. They turned against the balance, seeking to return the world to its primordial state and infancy, to bring about some form of rebirth.”

Aelyndra’s voice was soft, but her concern was clear. “What happened to them?”

“They were sealed away,” elder Thoryx replied, his tone grim. “By the combined efforts of us dragons. It was a war unlike any other, and the cost was immense. But the seal was never meant to be permanent.”

Elder Naerys’ eyes gleamed as she spoke. “We have felt disturbances in the balance, tremors deep within the earth, whispers of their awakening. The titans stir once more.” She said.

Lance almost felt a chill run down his spine. “And if they wake up?”

Elder Thoryx’s voice was heavy as he responded. “If the titans rise, they will bring destruction unlike anything you have faced. Entire continents will crumble beneath their wrath, and all things will be turned to dust.”

Lance’s fists clenched. “Then can’t we stop them before they can do that?” Lance said.

Kaelthara, who had remained silent until now, spoke. “Your strength has grown, Lance, but this will test you in ways you cannot imagine. Are you prepared to face such a challenge?”

Lance met her gaze, determination shining in his golden eyes. “I am.”

Looking at him, Kaelthara laughed faintly, “Of course, the question was just because.”

Listening to the two, the elders regarded Lance with a mixture of respect and hope.

Elder Thoryx raised one massive claw, the light from the crystals reflecting off his golden scales. “Then you have our blessing, Lance. When the time comes, we will call upon you. And together, we will face the titans. We will need all the strength we can spare after all.”

The other elders nodded in agreement, their immense heads bowing slightly, a gesture of respect rarely afforded to outsiders.

Aelyndra’s voice was soft but filled with pride. “You’ve earned their trust, Lance. That’s no small feat.”

He glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I couldn’t have done it without you—or without Kaelthara’s training.”

Kaelthara smirked from the sidelines, her arms crossed. “Don’t forget that when the titans come, you’ll be using every ounce of that training.”

Lance chuckled. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

As Lance and Aelyndra left the chamber, the weight of the elders’ words hung heavy in the air. But alongside the weight was a renewed sense of purpose.

Aelyndra glanced at him, her voice soft. “Are you ready for what’s coming?”

Lance looked ahead, his expression steady. “Mentally? Not just yet. But I will be.”

“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”

As both of them walked back, it was more strange now that they both were in their human forms, especially for Lance it appeared, though not too much, as due to Aelyndra, everything felt rather normal and comfortable without tension.

…

Later that evening, Aelyndra found herself alone in a secluded part of the dragon lands, where a crystal-clear spring bubbled up from the earth. She had stripped off her clothes and stepped into the warm water, letting it soothe her muscles.

She leaned back against the smooth rocks, gazing at her reflection in the water’s surface. The face staring back at her was unfamiliar in some ways, but it was undeniably hers.

Her thoughts drifted to Lance, and she couldn’t help but smile. She closed her eyes, letting the memories of their journey wash over her.

“He doesn’t even realize it,” she whispered. “I didn’t either… How much he means to me… Arghh… I blame mother for all this.”

As the moon rose high in the sky, casting its silvery light over the spring, Aelyndra made a silent vow.

“I’ll make him see me,” she said, her voice steady and determined. “Not just as a dragon, or an ally, but as someone he can’t live without. I’ll make him fall head over heels for me.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly at the thought, but her golden eyes burned with resolve… before calming down under the relaxing feeling of the water, returning to her usual calm self.