The Monster King's Legacy

The journey to Valtheris was quiet and not as long, taking under a week to get there. The forests gave way to rolling plains, the roads increasingly patrolled by human sentries.

"As stuck up as ever, these guards," Aelyndra observed softly, after all, she had been to Valtheris before.

Their massive walls soon came into view. Rising high into the sky up to 50 metres, their sheer size showing centuries of strength and Stability. Banners could be seen bearing the sigil of a black sword piercing a silver sun, fluttering in the breeze. The material didn't appear to be mere cloth either, pieced with countless precious materials, and yet, nobody dared covert them.

As Lance's party approached, human guards quickly surrounded them, their expressions wary and distrustful as soon as they spotted the other races with them. An older man with a sharp gaze and the air of a seasoned warrior stepped forward.

"State your business," he barked.

Lance dismounted and addressed the man with a calm, controlled tone. "I am Lance, ruler of the monster kingdom. I come to meet with King Aldric on matters of diplomacy."

The man's jaw tightened at the word ruler, but he concealed his distaste well. "You'll be escorted to the palace. Try nothing foolish." His eyes briefly flicked to Aelyndra before lingering on the bound thief. "And him?"

"A traitor and a thief," Lance replied. "I return him to your king for judgment."

The man said nothing further, leading them in.

Valtheris was as grand as it was formidable. Towering spires reached hi, and the streets were bustling with merchants, knights, and common folk who turned their heads at the sight of Lance and his entourage of goblins, ogres and beastkin. Whispers followed them as they walked through.

"Why are monsters in the capital?"

"They've grown too bold…"

One thing that Lance noticed was that there were more soldiers, perhaps knights, everywhere. They seemed to be more than the citizens and merchants themselves.

At last, they reached the palace gates, where the guards led them into a grand hall. The throne room was a masterpiece of marble and gold, with statues of past kings flanking the sides. At its center, seated on a throne of black iron and silver, was King Aldric.

Aldric was a man in his prime, tall and broad-shouldered, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see everything at once. His mere presence radiated strength, strength that Lance recognized immediately. This was no mere ruler; this was a true beast in the form of man.

"So, the monster ruler comes to my halls," Aldric said, his voice deep and commanding, though it carried no threats. "Tell me, Lance, why have you left your kingdom to stand in mine?"

Lance stepped forward, unbothered by the implied slight noticing the rather light weightiness of his words. "To ensure our kingdoms understand each other. Tensions rise with each passing day. I propose that we work toward peace before swords are drawn."

"And you come to me?" Aldric asked.

"Who dares ignore your words?" Lance said.

"Haha, if you are here, perhaps a few."

The hall was silent as Aldric regarded him. The thief was dragged forward and thrown to the floor.

"This man stole from the wyverns, their eggs, bringing trouble to my kingdom as he hid within our walls." Lance said. "I return him to you as proof of goodwill."

Aldric's gaze flicked to the thief, then back to Lance. "A small gesture." He said, his expression slightly warm, as it had been ever since.

Lance's voice remained calm. "It's a start."

Aldric's lips quirked upward in something between a smirk and a smile. "You speak boldly. I've heard of your rise. They say you are clever, that you unite monsters under one banner. That you wield strength beyond mortals."

"And yet here I stand, seeking peace," Lance replied.

Aldric chuckled hearing Lance's response. "You mistake something. I have asked the other kingdoms to lay off their hands, perhaps, my words no longer carry weight these days. I've stayed away from the world too long."

Listening to what he just said, Lance was a bit confused.

While they spoke, several figures made their way into the throne room. They appeared to be the king's dignitaries and perhaps council members or the equivalent of those.

The throne room echoed with whispers as King Aldric rose to his feet, no small man himself, standing close to Lance's height. His imposing figure seemed to dwarf the room itself, brushing off against Lance, the air shifting with the weight of his decision.

The human council exchanged uneasy glances, sensing where this was heading. Lance, standing tall and calm at the center of the hall, regarded Aldric with a knowing gaze.

"I propose," Aldric continued, his eyes locking onto Lance, "a friendly bout. A test of strength. You've built a reputation, King of Monsters, but I wish to see for myself if it is deserved."

The room fell almost silent. The council murmured their dissent, some more vocal than others.

"Your Majesty, this is unnecessary!" one cried.

"To fight the leader of monsters… it is beneath you!" said another.

"What honor is there in this?"

Aldric's gaze slowly swept across the hall like a blade. The dissenting voices fell silent instantly. "I will judge the worth of this man with my own hands. If he rules over strength, he will not fear my challenge."

Lance smiled faintly. "I accept."

A ripple of shock ran through those gathered. Lance's calm demeanor unsettled them, his lack of hesitation, even more so.

Aldric grunted approvingly. "Good. We will settle this outside."

…

They swiftly gathered on the open plains outside Valtheris. The wide field served as a natural arena, with raised hills forming makeshift stands for the onlookers.

On one side stood Lance's entourage gathered. Their expressions were calm but watchful. Aelyndra's golden eyes burned with quiet confidence as she stood at the front.

"Do you think he'll be alright?" one of the scouts whispered nervously.

Aelyndra's lips curled into a smirk. "You must not be aware of the strength of your king."

On the opposite side, the human dignitaries and soldiers gathered in droves, more so the knights, their voices humming with excitement and skepticism.

Among the crowd, knights clad in polished armor stood tall, their hands resting on their swords. Even they, loyal and hardened warriors, were eager to see the match.

In the center of the field, King Aldric stood with his arms crossed, his broad frame casting a long shadow. He wore simple battle leathers, no armor, no ceremonial robes. He was a type who believed that strength needed no embellishment.

Lance stepped forward, equally unarmored, his calm gaze meeting Aldric's unwavering stare. His dark tunic and simple trousers did little to hide the lean power of his form.

The tension crackled in the air like a brewing storm.

Aldric grinned, an almost predatory expression. "We'll start light. No killing blows. Let's see what you can do."

Lance tilted his head slightly, unfazed. "Agreed."

The crowd erupted in cheers as they sensed it was about to begin. The open space around them seemed to shrink under the weight of expectation as they eagerly awaited the fight.

Needing no one to call the match, Aldric lunged forward, closing the distance with startling speed for a man his size. His fist shot out, the sheer force behind it sending a gust of wind rippling across the field.

Lance sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. The force from Aldric's strike struck the ground, leaving a small crater where Lance had stood moments before.

A wave of astonished murmurs swept through the crowd.

"Fast," Aldric admitted with a grin. "Good."

Lance didn't respond. He darted forward, striking out with a low kick aimed at Aldric's side. The human king pivoted, catching the blow on his forearm. The impact echoed, and Aldric's grin widened as he shoved Lance back a few steps.

"You hit harder than you look," Aldric remarked, shaking out his arm. "But it'll take more than that."