The Monster King's Legacy

The soft hum of the wind danced across the high peaks of the dragon lands, carrying with it a sense of tranquility that belied the power of the place. Lance sat cross-legged on a smooth stone platform carved into the mountainside. His eyes were closed, his breaths deep and rhythmic, exuding a calm yet commanding presence.

His posture was serene, yet there was an undeniable power radiating from him. A closer look revealed just how much he had changed over the past year.

Lance's frame was even taller now, standing at an impressive 6'9" when upright, his broad shoulders and muscular build a testament to the grueling training he had endured. His once fair complexion had darkened, his skin now almost a deep bronze, as if reflecting the strength he had absorbed from the Chasm of Life.

Golden eyes gleamed beneath closed lids, their intensity evident even when at rest. His once human features now bore unmistakable traces of dragon heritage. Faintly pointed ears could be seen through his dark, unruly hair at one side, and his teeth had taken on a feral edge, sharpened slightly like those of a predator.

The Lance who once stumbled into the goblin camp had been reshaped into a figure of undeniable strength and authority.

…

The ground trembled slightly, the rhythmic beat of massive wings growing louder as a shadow passed over the meditation platform. Lance's eyes opened slowly, their golden hue catching the morning sunlight as he looked skyward.

Descending from above was Kaelthara. Her enormous dragon form was always a sight to behold for Lance, with scales blacker than obsidian shimmering in the light, and her piercing golden eyes carried an air of wisdom and danger. She landed gracefully, the wind from her wings scattering loose rocks around the platform.

Her voice was deep and commanding as she spoke. "Lance. It is time."

Lance stood, stretching his towering frame and rolling his shoulders. He met her gaze without flinching, a testament to the confidence he had gained during his time in the dragon lands. "Time for what, Kaelthara?"

Kaelthara's massive head lowered slightly, her golden eyes narrowing as a hint of amusement crossed her features. "Always so curious. For the blessings. Gather your things. Aelyndra will meet us shortly."

Lance raised an eyebrow. "Aelyndra? Is she finally done with her training?"

Kaelthara let out a low rumble, the draconic equivalent of a chuckle. "You'll see soon enough. Just be ready."

…

As Kaelthara took flight once more, Lance remained on the platform, staring out at the horizon. The peaks stretched endlessly before him, the vibrant colors of the dragon lands glowing in the morning light.

He couldn't help but reflect on how far he had come. From a terminally ill young man on Earth to a leader among goblins, and now, someone who had earned the respect of the dragons themselves. Somehow, he had even skipped a lot of steps along the way, he truly was lucky.

As Lance prepared to leave, the sound of approaching wings caught his attention. Aelyndra landed beside him, her movements fluid and confident. She had grown in both strength and grace over the past year, her scales gleaming with renewed vibrancy.

"Hey, Lance," she said, her voice softer than usual.

Lance smiled. "Aelyndra. Good to see you. You've been cooked up, training for a while, you look... different."

She smirked. "Different good or different bad?"

"Good," Lance replied sincerely. "Stronger. More... complete."

Aelyndra grinned. "Well, I've had a lot of time to work on myself. You'll see what I mean soon."

It had been months since he last saw her, and during that time, she had been immersed in rigorous training to grow, and master her abilities and strength.

They immediately departed, following behind Kaelthara towards the heart of the Sacred Peaks where the elder's would normally gather.

Aelyndra dropped Lance off as they came together, before promptly disappearing before he could turn his head next.

A few moments later, while Lance waited nearby, the sound of light footsteps echoed against the stone, drawing Lance's attention. He turned to see a figure approaching from the shadows, familiar in feeling but a stranger in looks.

For a moment, he didn't recognize her. The woman walking toward him was stunning, tall and elegant, standing just a bit shorter than him at 6'4". Her long, silken red hair cascaded down her back, catching the sunlight in waves, while her striking golden eyes carried a confidence and depth that immediately captivated him.

She wore a simple yet elegant outfit, though it did little to hide her powerful and adequately curvaceous form. Her features were both fierce and beautiful, with high cheekbones and a facial structure that was both feminine and hinted at her draconic heritage.

"Aelyndra?" Lance asked, his voice filled with awe and disbelief.

She smirked, placing a hand on her hip. "What, don't recognize me? I guess I've outdone myself." She said with a smile.

Aelyndra took a step closer, her movements graceful and deliberate. She looked down at her hands, flexing her fingers as if still getting used to the feeling of her new form.

"This... took a lot longer than I expected," she admitted, her voice softer now. "But it was worth it. Every moment of training, every challenge, it all led to this."

Lance smiled, his awe giving way to admiration. "You've come a long way, Aelyndra. You look... incredible."

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, though she quickly turned her head to hide it. "Well, I had to make sure I looked good enough to keep up with you. Can't have people thinking I'm just some scaly beast tagging along."

Her tone was teasing, but there was an underlying sincerity in her words. She had worked hard for this moment, not just for herself, but for the chance to stand beside Lance as an equal. Somehow, he had come and surpassed her by margins unbelievable, it was difficult to believe. If she hadn't witnessed every step of the way, even she would look like the elders when they first heard Kaelthara's proposals.