The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 155: Warriors’ Reunion

'Something about responsibilities showing themselves when you finally get to have great power.' Lance thought to himself as he strode through the wide stone corridors of his castle, though, it would be more accurate to refer to it as a palace.

After waking up, Lance's clothes had been prepared his maid attendants, a luxurious fit matching his position as ruler of the "nation"… though it wasn't quite that yet.

His clothes for the day were a mix of white, black, and gold… actual gold, his fine boots echoing against the polished floors. Outside, the monster nation bustled with life, but inside these walls, he was heading toward something more personal, a long-overdue reunion.

From what he had been told not long ago, Rusak had just returned.

He had been away on military training and patrol for months, ensuring the nation's borders remained secure, while also taking the opportunity to set up parameters. Their warriors had grown stronger in his absence, and now, Lance would finally see his old comrade again.

Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, Lance stepped into the meeting hall where Rusak was already waiting for him, leaning against a carved pillar with his arms crossed.

The moment their eyes met, a slow grin spread across Rusak's face.

"About damn time," Rusak said, pushing off the pillar and walking toward him. His frame was as massive as ever. A mane of wild silver hair cascaded down his back following a simple pattern, his eyes burning with an untamed spirit. Lance noticed it immediately, and not just the physical change, but he could feel the strength also.

Lance smirked. "I was going to say the same."

Without another word, the two clasped forearms in a warrior's greeting, their grips tightening as Rusak let out a hearty laugh.

"Three years," Rusak muttered, looking Lance up and down. "And you look like a different man."

"You think?" Lance chuckled, stepping back. "I feel like one. You've been busy yourself." Lance said, acknowledging the newfound strength in Rusak.

Rusak scoffed. "Nothing worthy of praise. A new look doesn't mean you've actually improved."

Lance's smirk widened. "Then you'll just have to find out for yourself."

They shared a knowing glance, and just like that, the tension of years apart dissolved into something familiar, old camaraderie forged through countless battles.

"Come," Lance gestured, leading the way. "We have a lot to talk about."

…

They sat on the stone balcony overlooking the city, the evening sun casting golden light over the streets below. Smoke from cooking fires curled into the air, and the distant sound of children laughing blended with the silent rhythmic clang of a blacksmith's hammer.

Rusak leaned against the railing. "So? Tell me. Where the hell did you go? I was told it was the dragon lands. Is it so?"

Lance took a deep breath, folding his arms. "Yes. The Sacred Dragon Lands."

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Rusak blinked. "You're serious?"

Lance nodded. "Haha, would I lie to you? I even trained under dragons. Lived among them. Fought a few." He glanced toward the horizon. "As you can see, it more than changed me." Lance said, a warm smile on his face.

Rusak let out a low whistle. "That explains a lot." He shook his head. "I knew you'd left to get stronger, but I never imagined you'd do something that insane."

Lance chuckled. "That's why I did it."

Rusak exhaled through his nose. "I would ask if it was worth it, but its clear as day. "

Lance turned to him, golden eyes gleaming. "You'll see soon enough." He said, a telling smile on his face.

Listening to him, Rusak grinned. "I look forward to it."

As their discussion continued, Rusak began detailing the major events that had transpired while Lance was away, and a few things of relevance he had encountered. The city had expanded at an unprecedented rate. More settlements had been absorbed into the monster nation, trade routes had been established, and their military strength had grown considerably. The ogres had developed new battle formations, the beastkin had refined themselves, and the nation's magic and technology had advanced greatly.

"But it hasn't all been victories," Rusak admitted. "There were a few threats, but we dealt with them…" He said with a sigh. "Your absence was felt greatly. Apart from myself, and eventually, Rynne, we lack heavy hitters. These days though, things seem to be improving."

Lance nodded. "I expected as much. But you handled things well."

Rusak exhaled sharply. "We managed. But now that you're back, things will be different."

Lance placed a hand on his shoulder. "That, they will."

…

After their conversation, Lance led Rusak through the city streets, weaving through the bustling crowd, the citizens parting the way for them whenever they were noticed, which was almost the entire way there, as both had very unique features. The two of them moved with an unspoken confidence, their presence alone parting the throngs of people.

The Dragon God Temple was still under construction, its towering spires reaching toward the sky like jagged fangs. The foundation was complete, and the carved dragon motifs lining the outer walls shimmered in the fading sunlight. Stonemasons and craftsmen worked tirelessly, chiseling intricate runes and symbols into the temple's structure, and overall, it had now gone halfway.

Rusak whistled as they entered. "Damn. Seem like something you'd want to do."

Lance nodded with a smile. "It's more than just a place of worship. It's a symbol. The dragons are part of our history now. This temple represents our strength and our bond with them."

Rusak ran a hand over one of the carved dragon reliefs. "I suppose that makes sense. But are you sure the people will accept it?"

"They already have," Lance said. "More than you might expect."

Rusak studied him for a moment, then grinned. "I guess when its you, these things go easier. Hahaha."

Lance smiled. "Come. There's still one thing left to do."

…

The sun had gone down completely by the time they reached the outskirts of the city. The wind howled across the open plains, the grass swaying beneath the moon's pale picture towards the east. Here, away from the settlement, there would be no interruptions.

Rusak rolled his shoulders. "It's been too long since we last fought. I need to see how much you've really grown."

Lance stepped forward, the ground firm beneath his feet. "Hahaha, It has. Don't hold back, if not, you might lose before displaying what you can really do."