A Job

Mattias had arrived directly in front of King Michael's, his father's room. The door is composed of finished wood with a double image of the King's face carved on it. A preserved dragon head hangs over the entryway. There are two Merapi guards on both sides of the double doors, each with a straight torso, straight views, and no smile. A colossal golden pillar stood behind them, with a statue of a dragon flapping its wings and a guy in a gown riding it atop it.

"Father summoned me," Mattias said to the two guards.

The two Merapis who stood guard at the entrance to King Michael's chambers were the only soldiers who could not bow or salute anyone but the king. They are also trained to see out of the corner of the eye. Because they are not permitted to look away. This rule has been passed down through generations. They didn't even bother looking at Mattias.

"There."

Mattias was startled by one word. He paused in front of the door for a moment, his gaze meeting the engraving of his father staring ahead. Mattias resumed his stride, gently pushing the door to muffle the sound. A gust of wind directly hit his body and made a 'Whooshss'.

He looked at a large dragon that had just jumped from the top floor of the large room and was flapping its wings in the wind, dropping some of the items there. Mattias was now confronted with his father's sinister black dragon, which was guarding this room. Mattias' heart skipped a beat, and he seemed immobile as he stared at the dragon.

"For the first time in my life, I regret not taking part in dragon training," Mattias reflected.

The dragon stared at Mattias calmly, hesitant to attack since he smelled the king's blood on his body. The dragon has orange eyes with tennis-ball-sized black spots. It has a long neck and a single sharp horn on its forehead, as well as tiny horns that develop from the neckline to the tail's tip. It possessed ominous wings with jagged white teeth that spewed smoke and vicious claws that could rip open interior organs. Don't forget the scales that resemble fur.

A loud bell rang, jolting Mattias awake. The dragon seemed to notice the sound and jumped to the top floor, where he remained. Mattias could see his father at the door of the lowest room as the dragon walked away, a place where he could rest and ruminate about his big plans. He took a genuine gold bell in his hands and continued to ring it until the dragon was entirely quiet.

Mattias sighed and knelt on the floor of natural stone. Mattias looked down as far as he possibly could. "Father, I've arrived. according to your command."

Michael, the harsh and wicked ruler of the fire clan, went closer and massaged his son's bowed head, staring at his shiny black hair. "Rise, my kid.."

Mattias stood up but kept his head down, scared to look his father in the eyes.

Despite this, Mattias had seen his father's remarkable appearance and his father's outfit describe his kingship. A red shirt with numerous insignia and armor protection equipment the king. Was then covered with a thick red robe with black fleece on each side thrown over his shoulders. Above all, he wore a rose gold crown that glistened and shone with lovely brightness.

Her red hair had faded, and she now had white hair that had appeared with age. His handsomeness was not diminished by his wrinkles; his nose was sharp and fractured, and his eyes were identical to Mattias'. His face was covered with a thick red beard. He was still gorgeous, handsome, and appealing even though he was nearly a century old—ninety-five years old. Even though Mattias found it scary at times.

"I apologize for Garaga's behavior," the King added, stating the black dragon's name. "He is so devoted to me that he will not allow anyone to enter my room. But don't be afraid my son; he's so obedient and terrified of me. He's not going to attack my blood."

"Do you have any idea what compelled him to surrender to me?"

Mattias frowned beneath his father's body. "What?"

"Throne and power."

Mattias' heart was pounding furiously. Her comments gave him a great sense of ambition. "But, Father, thrones, and authority intimidate people, not make them submit voluntarily. Everyone scared, not because of loyalty."

"Wrong," said the king.

"So?"

"Loyalty comes from fear." He stated triumphantly, "Fear is a powerful source of energy. Who can overcome fear, will rule. Like us."

Mattias shook his head, speechless. "You mean, breaking the laws in the Book of Sijjahtera?"

"Nice one, Son."

Mattias' fists were clenched. He understood his father's arm but was too late. "Isn't the Book of Sijjahtera, however, a hallowed text? That contains the whole truth. That is the book that regulates all things, ensuring safe and happy earth."

To Mattias' surprise, Michael came to a halt. As he turned to Mattias, the man cast his cloak away. He laughed as he got closer. "You've got a long way to go, kid. I assumed that spending time in your room reading a book would improve your intelligence. I guess I was mistaken."

Mattias opted for silence. He was aware of Michael's conversation. Stupid. That's exactly what the man hurled at Mattias. To him, Mattias was simply a foolish kid. All of this caused Mattias to tremble, unsure of his various thoughts. Is he a fool? And... had he been completely wrong all along?

Michael entered the main room, which was far more gorgeous than the first, which was merely decorated with paintings, ornaments, and a statue dragon. This room has a small throne where the king relaxes and thinks about his plans while sipping coffee. Then there are the massive bookcases with hundreds of books within, the glass cabinets, the urn ranging in size from little to Mattias' tall, the sculptures, and the symbols of the fire nation—all of which can be found on every side of the room. And then, there is a double door that leads to the king's chambers.

"My son, I've heard everything. Concerning the events in Doli."

Mattias took another step towards the throne. "What did I do wrong or good, in your opinion?"

"Wrong."

Mattias was not pleased, and he took another step forward, his face expressing his displeasure. "How about the soldiers who murdered unarmed civilians—"

"They're to blame." Michael jumped right in. "Rebels must be wiped out. And the fire clan cannot be merciful. One bit."

Mattias shook his head, speechless. His father was a monster. "Then what are your plans for me now? Don't you always have your method of killing? Give me to your favorite dragon, turn me into ashes, or..."

"Mattias!"

When his father's tone sounded serious, Mattias looked into his father's eyes.

"Even if you are simply my concubine's son, you are still my son. Lapetus, Fiorenzo, Allyson, and Sama'el are on the same level as you, Hestia, and Tybalt." Michael rose from his seat and approached Mattias. "I adore you just as much as my other children. You accuse me of being cruel. But, son, just so you know. I can't be unkind to those I care about."

Matthias was taken aback. He didn't imagine his father, who was known for being vicious and sadistic, could speak in this manner. Mattias rarely spoke to him, and this was the first time he heard Michael freely proclaim his feeling.

"But... you should still be punished for your impudence."

Mattias swallowed hard, then ventured to ask, "What?"

Michael didn't answer, he stepped into a glass cabinet and motioned for Mattias to follow him. When he got there, Mattias could see the things inside. They were all made by a weapons workshop, special for Michael. Some of the things Mattias often had seen attached to his father's body.

One of the artifacts was a pair of crimson goggles that allowed the power of fire to escape the eyes. A fire clan member can shoot fire through their eyes when wearing those red glasses. Then there are weapons like axes, which are extremely lethal and are only used by Michael. When the ax was driven into the ground, it triggered a lava eruption from the earth's core.

"This."

Mattias was so focused on all of the unique stuff that he didn't even notice when Michael take something from there. "What is it?"

"It's the phoenix glove or the firebird glove."

Mattias looked around. He studied the black gloves that could only cover half of his fingers and palms. A spherical hole is located in the middle of the palm. "Dedicated father? The phoenix is no longer alive."

"It's a glove that our forefathers passed down from generation to generation to amp up one's firepower," he explained. "Your shots and bursts of fire will be more powerful and dangerous when you employ it. Make use of it."

Mattias nodded and cautiously put it on. The veins encircling Mattias' hand lit up and gave off an orange glow when the glove was fitted.

"I introduced Lapetus to Darut, the Wind Clans' homeland." Michael gave Mattias a serious look. "And I want you to go to Doli, tomorrow. It cannot be denied. I intend for you to be in charge of the soldiers indefinitely."

Mattias blinked open his eyes. "WHAT?!"