Chapter 6: King's Land

"UNLIKE the lord, I see this land as my limit. I do not dare to challenge the skies..."

In the corner of Caelus' eyes, he saw the man shake his head with a helpless smile. He was sure being reckless with indirectly declaring war against the sovereigns of Horai but he couldn't be bothered about it much. If there is indeed a system behind the storm that operates beyond their comprehension, then he will destroy that system.

Caelus had been in the wilderness for years. He was given an ample time to ruminate on the reality that the world he lives in reflects and it was sure something ugly. In addition, he always felt like only achieving his puzzling obsession can he unravel many things that have been hidden from his consciousness. It did not feel too good to suddenly wake up with incomplete memories and fixations that couldn't be explained.

It made him feel confused and frustrated. If not for his mental fortitude of resilience, he would have been stuck in point of time where everything does not make sense.

"What is your name?" he asked the village chief, his tone neither interested nor contemptible.

"My name is Leon, my lord. Leon of the Primeval Mountain village."

"You have good aptitude and are qualified to be part of the military," he pointed out and glanced at the latter. "Why didn't you join?"

Leon shook his head. "I was raised to simply serve the village my ancestors painstakingly built, so I cannot dream of leaving to pursue the higher realms."

The disappointment from his tone couldn't be hidden by a mere disguise of responsibility from Caelus' attention. After all, Caelus had met many people who share the same sentiment with Leon. A kingdom can have thousands of villages under its regime and most of them do not receive much support from the strongholds.

These villages have been forced to survive on their own, thus, producing great talents without chances to become part of the pillars in the land.

"Then, do you want to change your destiny?" Caelus asked, earning Leon's unmasked surprise.

"I-I... I would want to b-but I also cannot..." Leon almost couldn't contain his feelings from the question he raised.

Caelus was never a fan of doing lip service. If not for the fact that he's a prince and he needed to exercise constraint at all times, he would not waste most of his time trying to make people receive his intentions with lesser emotional reaction. He thinks highly of Leon's potential, only, it is not enough.

This man seems loyal and brave, but he is after all, just a frog in a well— barely making sense of the skies that expand so greatly in a vast world. If he doesn't allow himself to escape the confinement of such space, then he wouldn't waste his time investing on him.

Leon heaved a sigh. "I am afraid I am already way past my peak to get a hold of my dreams again, my lord."

"Power doesn't fear time," Caelus simply replied and started walking towards his tent.

He has no interest in trying to explain anything. If Leon is wise, he would understand. In this world, what could someone with power fear?

The strongholds bragged power to rule over lands that are millions and millions of miles in parameter but they wouldn't dare challenge the storms. The power they claim they have is merely an illusion that the hierarchy tries to impose to gain control over people and resources.

That is not the power that Caelus wants. He wants the kind of power that is absolute, more than enough to rival the skies and bring an end to this plague. He wants the kind of authority that will allow him to recreate the world and bring a new era for his people.

"My lord!"

Before Caelus could enter his tent, he heard Leon's heavy footsteps from behind. He stopped but did not turn, seemingly waiting for the latter to say something.

"Please tell me your name!" Leon requested, breathing heavy with a lace of fatigue but his tone remained determined, nonetheless.

"Kral."

In normal occasions, he wouldn't have indulged the man but he already knows that Leon will sooner or later find out anyway. After all, Caelus knows that Leon is already someone he can consider a comrade in his undertakings.

"Lord Kral, this humble servant is willing to follow you! Please, give me the chance to walk the world as one of your people!"

"LOOK! What is that place?!"

A series of gasp was heard from the people who followed Caelus in this journey back to the base. He couldn't really remember how many mountains they crossed for days to arrive at a vast expanding coast where the winds blow more aggressively than any place in the continent.

Looking ahead, the ocean seemed limitless and hostile, with rampaging waves hitting the rocks in metamorphosis. The cliffs were towering and beyond the expanse of water was a majestic, floating island that did not seem to be bothered by the storming sea below.

"I've never seen such a place before..." a woman couldn't help but mutter as her eyes never left the stronghold that defied all their expectations of one.

From the mountain top where they stood, they could see a scenic land that graced the thick and dark clouds in the skies. Everyone couldn't discern the exact composition of the place as it seemed to be shrouded in a storm that did not also appear to have any significant impact.

The people could only see a few buildings that stood high from the ground, strong and stately. There were touches of lush greens and exotic lifeforms that were too unfamiliar. Some were flying in the air, as if patrolling the area while the others that were too massive rested on the surface of the ocean. There were strange sounds everywhere; from the howls of these creatures to the vibration of the clouds that stormed the oceans continuously.

Even in such a dangerous place, the island atop the waters did not appear to be bothered. It stood with its apparent majesty and a dangerous kind of peace that could not be conquered even by the storm.

Leon always knew that the village where he grew up was far too small in comparison to this vast world. There are existences and places that his feeble knowledge couldn't attempt to understand. Standing in the snowy mountain right now as he looked at the island in a distance, he could only swallow the lump in his throat.

"This is Frost Drift. You can have your people stay here from now on," Vritra announced with an unappealing smile carved on his lips.

"M-My lord, is this perhaps... a stronghold?" Leon asked him, almost unable to contain his shock.

He sure saw about two strongholds in his lifetime due to the nature of his responsibility but he couldn't remember anything like this. This Frost Drift island is too imposing compared to the strongholds he had seen that even the capital of Phospiest pales in comparison to this.

"You can think of it like that. It doesn't really matter since this is just a place my lord has pulled out some years ago." Vritra shrugged before he disappeared from his side.

Leon was about to panic but he saw the man suddenly appear behind Kral, the silver-haired man who was standing at the edge of the mountain top. Leon could only heave a sigh before he went to his people, instructing them about a few things.

After bowing as a sign of courtesy, Vritra looked at his master with his eyes unable to hide the glint of reverence. Caelus, who was staring at the distant island in silence, raised his palm, revealing a tiny and insipid token.

"Give this to the village chief and have him come to the practice hall tonight," Caelus instructed which the latter immediately executed after vanishing into thin air.

Caelus held the reigns of his horse and extended his spare arm forward. With a thought, a gust of air directly shot through the distance in front and landed on the almost imperceptible gate of the stronghold which stood hundreds of meters in height. A booming sound of friction was heard before a few runes that are engraved on the iron gate lit up.

A loud, reverberating cry that was so unpleasant suddenly erupted, startling every one of the people that followed him.

"A-A monster?!" a villager shrieked, alarming his folks in an instant.

"No need to panic. It's just a little dragon," Vritra said as he glanced at the source of the sound.

With a flash of disappointment that did not go unnoticed to Leon, Vritra shook his head before he disappeared beside Leon once again, leaving only dark specks of dust in the air.

"I apologize, my lord. This boy is still stubborn as always," Vritra pleaded as he appeared behind Caelus the second time.

"Don't bother. He is still young," Caelus simply replied, glancing at Vritra.

"I will discipline him later, my lord," Vritra declared.

"Whatever you see fit. Only, make sure to restrain as he would go on a hunger strike if aggrieved," Caelus reminded his person, secretly sighing about the possibility of its kin wailing at him after being spanked by Vritra.

"I will make sure he won't be bothering you, my lord."

"Hm." Caelus could only nod as he looked at the island once again.

While everyone was still immersed with the dangerously beautiful and mystically appealing Frost Drift, a homogonous pair of wings that spanned a few miles in length each appeared from behind the island, almost as if giving it the appearance of a flying city from their position. To everyone's astonishment, an enormous, azure dragon coiled its long and giant body all over the island's diameter.

It was a sight to behold, especially for the village folks that have never seen a dragon in their entire lives. There were a few that immediately fainted on the spot at the spectacle of the coiling dragon while others were rooted on their feet, almost forgetting how to breathe.

"T-That big..."

"Is that a true d-dragon?"

"I think I'm going to pee my pants..."

It was no mystery that the Frost Drift Island in front of them is big and could probably shelter millions of people. For such a creature of great power to be able to wrap itself around it could only mean that its practice has already reached a realm that could overthrow strongholds. That idea alone caused many of the villagers, who survived in meagre places that could only provide for a few thousand people, to shiver involuntarily.

"For him to achieve such a form, he should probably be close to maturing." Caelus nodded, his eyes gleaming with genuine interest.

"He should have been working hard in the past months, my lord," Vritra agreed.

"He must be since you gave him an ultimatum." Stroking his horse's hair, Caelus could only watch the dragon from afar showcase its prowess in front of them.

"It is only right that I do, my lord. To assist you in your crusade is our responsibility to undertake," Vritra passionately replied, looking at the "little" dragon with great pride.

Caelus simply nodded. The azure dragon, which seemed to be done showing off — finally retracted its massive body and disappeared from everyone's sight. Caelus could hear the sighs of relief from the people he brought with him, which he found amusing for a bit. It is only normal for them to be scared about such a sight since only a few people in Horai can have the privilege to see a dragon.

Dragons in Horai are considered to be one of those who stood at the top of the hierarchy. They are among the strongest existences in the world that can destroy humanity if they want to. In the history of mankind, it was said that many races of the past were in constant battle with each other to the point that there was nothing in the lands but bloodshed and cries of war.

It was such a devastating era and countless died as a result since the wars lasted for thousands of years. Unable to withstand the constant injustices and fightings in between, dragons and a few of the powerful clans of races decided to step forward and controlled the situation, leading to a period of peace in all regions until the present. Because of this, dragons are highly respected and even worshipped.

The only downside is that their population has drastically declined due to difficulties in conceiving and survivability of young dragons in Horai. In addition, dragons do not enjoy grouping together and prefer to be alone.

"You have my gratitude, Vritra," Caelus thanked him.

Shaking his head, Vritra replied, "Between us, my lord, there is no need for gratitude."

Caelus could only nod his head.

"My lords, pardon the intrusion... but how will we be able to cross the seas and arrive at the island?" Leon, who just got closer, asked them.

"Do not worry. Just gather everyone here so we can go," Caelus simply replied.

Before Leon could answer, another person suddenly appeared in front of them. The newcomer, with his set of jade-colored robe, looked like a young master who just arrived from riding his luxurious carriage. He carried an air of arrogance and indignation. His eyes were sharp and steady, almost as if there is nothing in this world he couldn't trample.

The moment his gaze met with Caelus' cold and apathetic eyes, a flash of smile immediately appeared on his lips, much to Leon's surprise.

"My Ki —"

"You've grown, Irad," Caelus cut him off calmly.

"O-Of course I did!" he insisted but his tone was more flattered than stern.

The boy, who seemed aloof from earlier, suddenly seemed like a spoiled youngster who couldn't wait to be praised by his favorite teacher. Leon could only stare at him, his mouth gaping in disbelief.

"Did you see my form? I definitely l-looked majestic, right?" Irad excitedly asked as he walked closer to Caelus.

"Hm. Good job," Caelus commended.

The boy, Irad, who was apparently excited already, seemed to ascend the heavens after hearing Caelus' compliment. Jumping in joy, he wrapped his arms around Caelus, a giggle escaping from his mouth as he clung to Caelus.

This scene was seen by everyone. Vritra could only clear his throat, while Leon beside him was too stunned that he could only let his eyes grew into the size of saucers.

"Irad, your manners," Vritra reminded him.

Irad, who was previously immersed in happiness, immediately let go of Caelus and proceeded to back away a few steps. Before they could even process what he's done, Irad is already kneeling on the ground with his fists cupped towards Caelus.

"I apologize! My king, I did not mean to be shameless!" he pleaded, his voice laced with guilt.

"My king..?" the others couldn't help but repeat after hearing him.

Is the silver-haired man named Kral, a royalty? Why would this newcomer address him as his king when all this time, they have been accustomed to calling him their lord or benefactor?

"It is okay. Stand up and go back to your form so you can transport these people with me," Caelus calmly replied, ushering his hand a bit towards the majority.

"Ah..? Perhaps, refugees again, my king?" Irad asked, a hint of realization is apparent in his tone as he inspected the few thousands of people behind Caelus.

"Hm." Caelus nodded.

"Much obliged," Irad replied and jumped off the cliff in an instant.

Leon and the rest could only react a bit later, unable to stop him. Before they could even stabilize their feelings of worry and surprise, the same azure dragon that coiled its majestic body earlier suddenly appeared in front of them again. Almost everyone who followed Caelus and Vritra stepped back a few times while the children ended up crying after being scared silly by their parents' reaction.

Looking at the mighty creature in a closer angle made everyone see the golden traces of energy that circulates around its body. The dragon's scales were bigger and taller than a person, even emitting an illustrious and dazzling glow. It did not take long before everyone realized that the youngster, who addressed Caelus as his king, was the same dragon that slowly flew in front of them, just above the vast coast.

"Come. I will bring my king's people to his land," an ancient and profoundly deep voice spoke, accompanied by a hissing sound.

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