The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 74: A Path to Strength

’It just doesn’t make any sense…’ Lance said to himself in his head stealing a glance at the dragon, Aelyndra. ’So similar to what a politician might cook up.’ He thought back to the dragon’s words and the encounter they just had.

He spoke to Lia, and not surprisingly, she knew of dragons, but they were legendary creatures that existed in lore, at least that was how he understood it. If it was so, why would such a creature be lingering around these wild lands to protect monster races? It just didn’t make much sense at all.

What appeared most suspicious to him was the dragon hunting down the demons… just to prove its point that ultimately led to them offering their loyalty… Lance thought it just wasn’t as natural as it appeared, then again, he didn’t see any other path forward. Not that it was bad either, as longas they weren’t being kept as future snacks, it was alright.

Luckily, the tribe had prepared a larger stock of food than normal following the threat of battle that may last, so they had enough to feed a dragon, at least they thought so.

As the night settled in, the goblins responsible for preparing food dug into their craft, roasting the best meat and cooking up the best soups they could manage. Even then, it was more than a mystery how they would satisfy such a huge creature. Aelyndra was at least the size of a medium sized plane, maybe even a bit bigger.

Despite their worries, the meals they prepared turned out to be enough somehow, Aelyndra was not a glutton it seemed.

Once the feast was done, the dragon left flying away.

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The rest of the night was blissful and filled with different stories, speculations, and a calming energy that resonated with each goblin.

…

Two weeks or so later, while the midday sun beat down on the goblin camp as Lance sat near the edge of the clearing, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon where Aelyndra had last disappeared. The dragon’s immense power, despite its gentleness, was undeniable—something far beyond anything Lance could imagine wielding himself.

Now though, the dragon had visited them twice after the initial visit, and it had planned to come by that day.

As he thought back to the battles they’d fought, the lingering threat of the demons, and potentially even bigger problems to come, a single truth weighed heavily on his mind.

"I need to be stronger," Lance murmured to himself.

Dragons were beings of great power, so it may be possible to get some kind of blessing that would support him greatly, he thought, that would be a very good foundation for him. Apart from that, Lance also thought about it, the other races that were now under the dragon. Through the dragon, he could form an alliance with them, and since they too were recognized by the dragon, it would make things easier he thought.

…

When Aelyndra returned later that evening, descending with an almost regal grace, Lance wasted no time. He approached the dragon as soon as it landed, the other goblins watching in quiet awe looking at the gigantic creature.

’Is there even a way to talk to this dragon in private?’ Lance thought to himself, imagining how it would just poke out of the tree coverings even though they were to move into the forest.

"Aelyndra," Lance called, his tone unusually direct, yet still respectful.

The dragon’s eyes fixed on him, seeming to glow faintly. "You seek me with purpose, Lance. What is it you desire?"

Lance hesitated for only a moment before speaking. "I want to grow stronger. Not just as a leader, but as a fighter. I can’t always rely on others to protect me or the tribe, and the power I have now is far too insufficient. I need to be able to stand on my own, to face the threats ahead with my own strength." He said, his tone serious and firm.

Aelyndra studied him for a long moment, the faint hum of magic surrounding the dragon like an aura. Finally, it inclined its massive head.

"You seek strength not for glory, but for the sake of others," Aelyndra said, its voice resonating with approval. "That is a worthy ambition."

"But strength is not simply given, Lance," Aelyndra continued. "It must be earned through struggle and sacrifice. You mentioned your magic, your healing ability, before. Like I said, that is a very rare ability, even I have never seen anything like it before. If used properly, it can be a catalyst for incredible growth."

"How?" Lance asked, his tone eager but steady.

The dragon lowered its head slightly deeper, its deep red eyes piercing. "Push your body to its absolute limits. Train until your muscles tear, your bones crack, and your spirit falters. Then use your magic to heal yourself and begin again. Each time you recover, your body will adapt, growing stronger than before. This is a method only those with exceptional healing capabilities can endure. I would see to this, but it is not in my place."

Lance’s brows furrowed as he absorbed the dragon’s words. "You’re saying I need to train to the point of near death?"

"Precisely," Aelyndra said. "It is not an easy path, and it carries risks. But if you are willing to embrace this pain, you will surpass your limits." Aelyndra spoke. ’Or something like that… I’m sure that is what mother always says.’ The dragon thought to itself. Aelyndra seemed to have blurted out something she had heard from her mother’s mouth several times without much thought, but it seemed relevant.

’Well, there is no guarantee it will work, especially because its my mother’s words, her ways are not normal… but, its worth the try.’ Aelyndra thought.

"I see… Thank you very much for your guidance, Aelyndra…" Lance said, a small smile on his face.

"It is nothing."

"Uhm…"

"What is it, Lance?" Aelyndra asked in a deep but soft voice.

"You don’t happen to have a blessing you can bestow upon me, do you?"

"Eh… I don’t have one, Lance."

"Heh, I understand. Well, welcome! We’ve started preparations."

Listening to Lance, Aelyndra raised its head slowly, its eyes deep but with a satisfied look in them. "Very well."

Lance considered the dragon’s advice as he stepped back into the camp, his mind racing with possibilities. This was something he had thought of and even practicalized, but perhaps, not to the point of near death, that appeared to be the key word in Aelyndra’s words.

That evening, without waiting, he began his first trial.