The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 135: Growth

The freezing winds howled across the jagged peaks as Lance stood on a frost-covered ledge, his breath coming out in visible puffs. His body ached from the grueling session Kaelthara had just put him through, but he stood tall, his endurance now leagues beyond what it had been before.

It had been one year now since he arrived in the sacred dragon lands and began training. Over this past year, Lance had improved by leaps and bounds, becoming a completely different creature from what he was when he started training. Truly, everyone could testify that he and Kaelthara were destined to be together.

Kaelthara, in her human form, approached him, her steps silent despite the crunch of snow beneath her feet. Her transformation was striking. Standing at nearly seven and half feet tall, her figure was imposing yet undeniably alluring, with an untamed beauty that radiated power. Her long, wild black hair cascaded down her back like flowing ink, and her piercing golden eyes remained as sharp as ever.

"Not bad, Lance," she said, her voice carrying the same gruff tone as in her dragon form, though it was softer now, and she had a grin on her face. "You've come far." She said.

Lance adjusted his stance, stretching his shoulders as he caught his breath. "I'd hope so. If I hadn't improved after all this, I'd be worried."

Kaelthara chuckled, crossing her arms under her ample chest. "You're stronger than most humans could ever dream of being. Your endurance rivals that of a dragon whelp. But..." She paused, her sharp gaze locking onto him. "You've reached the limit of what your mortal body can achieve."

Lance frowned, his expression a mix of frustration and curiosity. "What do you mean?"

Kaelthara stepped closer, her presence as intimidating in her human form as it was in her true form. "Your body is strong, but it's still human. No matter how much you push yourself, your physical capabilities will always be constrained by your mortality."

She lifted her hand, flexing her fingers. "To put it bluntly, your current strength is comparable to one of my claws."

Lance blinked, taken aback. "One claw?" Obviously, her comment of him being of the same strength as a dragon whelp was a joke.

Kaelthara smirked. "Don't look so disheartened. For a human, that's impressive. But if you want to stand among dragons or beside them, you'll need something more. Besides, I'd hate to see you stop here."

Kaelthara then turned her gaze toward the horizon, where the peaks dipped into shadowy valleys. Her tone shifted, becoming more solemn. "There is a way to go beyond your limits. A way to unlock your true potential. But it comes with risks."

Lance straightened, his curiosity piqued. "I'm listening."

She gestured toward the distant mountains, her eyes glowing faintly. "The Chasm of Life. A sacred pool hidden deep within the heart of the dragon lands. It is a gift from the dragon god, said to enhance strength and awaken hidden potential. Many dragons have used it to ascend to greater heights of power."

Lance's mind raced as he processed her words. "And you think I could use it?"

Kaelthara turned back to him, her expression unreadable. "It's... unconventional. Mortals almost never enter the chasm. The energy within it is overwhelming, even for dragons. There's no guarantee your body and spirit could withstand it."

Thinking of it, Lance crossed his arms, meeting her gaze. "But you think I have a chance." He said, more like stating what was in her mind rather than a question.

Kaelthara studied him for a moment, her lips curving into a faint grin. "You've surprised me more times than I care to admit. You've shown resilience, determination, and strength that most lack, even dragons. If any human could endure the Chasm of Life, it's you."

Her expression turned serious again. "But this is not a decision I can make alone. The chasm is sacred, guarded by tradition and reverence. Suggesting that a human use it will not sit well with the rest of the elders."

Lance nodded slowly. "I understand. If it's something that could help me grow stronger and protect those I care about, I'll do whatever it takes." He said.

Kaelthara's eyes softened slightly, a rare moment of warmth breaking through her gruff demeanor. "I expected no less from you."

…

Later that evening, Kaelthara convened a meeting with the dragon elders. Lance wasn't allowed to attend, but from his vantage point on a distant ledge, he could witness the heated discussion unfolding, even though he couldn't see them directly or hear exactly what was being said.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

"They've began," Lance muttered to himself.

Aelyndra, who had joined him on the ledge, nodded. "It is. Mother's proposal is... bold. The chasm is sacred to our kind. Suggesting that a human use it is like asking for a storm to bend to your will. I don't think I've even seen any dragon who has used it in all my life."

Lance sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Great. So I'm causing trouble again."

Aelyndra huffed. "What else is new? But don't worry. If anyone can convince them, it's Mother. She's the strongest dragon among the elders, and they respect her for it, even if they might not admit it outright."

"Wow, I knew she was crazy powerful, but that much?" Lance said, memories of his hellish experience crossing his mind.

"No one cares to oppose her in most other things, and more often than not, her words are final. This time though, it won't be that easy." Aelyndra said.

While they discussed about what could happen, something else was going on inside the grand hall.

The grand hall of the dragon council as always, a spectacle. Massive stone columns spiraled upward, each carved with intricate runes that shimmered faintly in the dim light. The air was thick with power and tension as the dragon elders gathered, their immense forms encircling the central dais. Even in their restrained, smaller forms, their presence was overwhelming, radiating centuries of wisdom and power. Then again, Kaelthara calling for a meeting was enough to make any dragon tense.

Kaelthara stood in the center of the dais, appearing in her dragon form, her black-scaled figure commanding as she addressed the council. Her voice was clear with authority, irrespective of whether she wanted it to sound like that or not, reverberating through the minds of the elders. "I have come before you to propose an exception." She began, confusing the elders a bit. "The human, Lance, who has proven himself worthy, should be allowed access to the Chasm of Life."