Echoes of the Lost Kingdom

One of the adventurers who was an arrogant young man with a sword hanging from his belt approached.

«We are adventurers in search of riches and challenges. We heard about the ruins here and... »

He paused staring at the Dragon King suspiciously.

Dragon King :«Who are you to claim this place as your territory?»

The dragon king let out a deep laugh, chilling the young man. Grrrrr.

Dragon King : « I am the dragon king reincarnated, master of these lands. You are here under my watch and it depends only on me whether you will come out alive. »

The adventurers exchanged uncertain glances. Another vampire-looking man leaned over to his comrade and whispered a few words, shhh.

The young woman in the group, an elf armed with a bow also seemed hesitant. The Dragon King sensed their hesitation and decided to exert a little more pressure.

Dragon King : «You want riches? Follow me. If you can prove your worth maybe you'll get what you're looking for. »

Intrigued but suspicious, the adventurers were consented. Under the watchful eye of Trôk and his goblins they followed the Dragon King to the ruins of the fortress. The gobelins footsteps echoed heavily behind them, thud thud, as the adventurers advanced more cautiously.

The Dragon king guided them to a partially restored room where ancient inscriptions were drawn on the walls. The adventurers watched the symbols with fascination, their eyes opening wide at every detail, sshh.

Dragon King : «These are the runes of the dragons, they hold magical secrets and knowledge beyond your comprehension. If you are able to decipher even one of these runes, I will consider you worthy to serve my kingdom.»

The adventurers looked at each other surprised and intimidated. The arrogant young man was displeased.

«We are not here to serve you. We are free adventurers, not slaves! »

The Dragon King stared at the man, his blue pupils shining with a menacing glow.

Dragon King : «Freedom is a privilege in my kingdom. And only those who are worthy of it can claim to keep it. Refuse my offer and you will leave this place empty-handed. Accept it, and you could get much more than fleeting riches. »

The young elf interested in the prospect of the dragon king, asked a question: «If we accept, what exactly does that entail?»

Dragon King : «Your loyalty, dedication and skill in the service of a reborn kingdom. I'll teach you secrets that even the mightiest mages don't know and give you access to weapons and powers you won't find anywhere else. »

The trio remained silent for a moment each analyzing their options. The promise of such knowledge was impossible to refuse and they quickly realized that this was a unique opportunity.

Finally, the young elf nodded: «I accept. Show us how to decipher these runes. »

The Dragon King replied with a satisfied smile:« Very good.» He approached a particular rune tracing the symbol with his fingertips. Swish.

A faint yellow glow lit up the wall, fssh, and he turned to the adventurers:

«Watch carefully. This rune means 'Power' in the dragon language. »

The adventurers bent down to analyze every detail of the symbol, their eyes scrutinizing intensely. Gradually they began to understand the complexity of the ancient language. Ssshh...

The Dragon King taught them several basic symbols explaining their meaning and use. The adventurers listened with great fascination captivated by this forgotten knowledge. When the lesson ended, they all had a new sparkle in their eyes.

Dragon King: «Now, if you are really determined to stay, prove your worth to me by applying what you have learned.»

Thud! The Dragon King's hand hit the ground as he chose a rune etched into the stone floor.

Dragon King: «Activate it and show me that you are ready to serve a kingdom that will not shrink from any obstacle.»

The young elf knelt down. She delicately drew the symbol with her fingertips.Fwoosh! A bright glow erupted casting golden light into the room.

Dragon King: «Impressive. You have a natural affinity for draconic magic. What's your name, archer?»

The young elf raised her head.

Lyara: «My name is Lyara. I'm a Magician Elf .»

Dragon King: «Lyara, you've just proven your worth. Now you have a choice: continue your life as a worthless adventurer or join a kingdom destined to conquer this world.»

Lyara exchanged a confused look with her two companions. The young man with the sword hesitate. His nature darker and more secretive had not escaped the Dragon King's notice.

The Dragon King slowly turned his gaze to the swordsman. Grrrr… A low rumble vibrated through the room shaking the air.

Dragon King: «You, the man with the sword... You're not who you say you are, are you?. A black, ancient aura surrounds your being. Tell me, are you a demon?»

The man named Carlos remained silent for a moment, his knuckles tightening around his blade. Lyara and their other companion—a vampire—exchanged a worried look.

Carlos: «That's true, but I'm not like the other demons. I don't appreciate their blind cruelty or their pathetic plots. That doesn't mean I love you, Dragon King.»

Dragon King: «Dragons and demons have hated each other for millennia. If I grant you a place at my side, what does your loyalty guarantee me?»

Carlos raised his head.

Carlos: «Nothing. But know this: I have nothing to do with your ancestral quarrels. I only want one thing: power. If you can give me some, then maybe I'll stay.»

Dragon King: «Power, Carlos is given only to the worthy. Prove to me that you are, and you will have much more than you hope for.»

The vampire companion silent until now, stepped forward.

Darius: «Your offer is intriguing, Dragon Lord. If you can truly restore a kingdom, then I'm willing to take a chance. My name is Darius, former duke of a lost vampiric empire.»

The Dragon King turned to Darius. He inclined his head slightly, satisfied.

Finally he turned back to Lyara.

Dragon King: «And you, archer? Do you have the strength to follow me, or do you prefer to remain in the shadow of oblivion?»

Lyara lowered her eyes for a moment. Shh... At last, she raised her head with a determined smile.

Lyara: «I'm ready. Teach me all you know, and I will prove my worth.»

The Dragon King gave a sharp approving nod.

Dragon King: «Good. You are the first servants of a kingdom that will rise above the rest.»

The adventurers, awed by the Dragon King's charisma and power bowed their heads in respect.A new era was opening for them, and they knew it.

The Dragon King turned to Trôk who was watching the scene with admiration.

Dragon King: «Trôk, prepare quarters for our guests. They will now be part of our army in the making.»

Trôk: «Yes, my king.»

While Trôk led the adventurers to their new rooms, the Dragon King remained alone for a moment. The room was silent.

The system's voice echoed in his mind:

[Master, these adventurers could be valuable allies but be careful not to put too much trust in them. Their loyalty must still be tested especially the demon Carlos. Dragons and demons have never gotten along since the dawn of time. They have always harbored hatred towards each other.]

The Dragon King replied inwardly.

«I know that. They are only tools for the moment. But each tool has its use.»

Thus began a new era, one in which the Dragon King would cast his shadow over these lands by etching his name into history.

The next few days passed in a flurry of activity. The Dragon King took charge of training his new subjects. Swish! Arrows cut through the air as Lyara perfected her aim under his watchful eye.

Crack! The earth split as Carlos unleashed his growing demonic power. Boom! Darius's spells ignited the training ground, his control over ancient vampiric magic becoming sharper.

Under the Dragon King's tutelage they improved at a surprising speed, each mastering different aspects of ancient magic.

Rumors of a reborn dragon kingdom reached even the ears of powerful dark lords.

One night while the Dragon King meditated in his private chamber, the low hum of the system's voice broke through his stillness:

[Alert, Master. Hostile forces are approaching. Three enemy groups have been detected at a distance of five kilometers. Their combined strength far exceeds that of your current subjects. They seem to have become aware of your presence and are trying to eliminate you.]

The Dragon King opened his eyes slowly. Hiss! The sound of his sharp breath echoed in the quiet room. He let the information settle, his expression calm but focused.

The alert was no surprise. A reborn kingdom, even if tiny and hidden like his, did not go unnoticed for long. This world of demons, wizards, and other mysterious creatures was not used to such a rise in power without suffering the consequences. His enemies were inevitable.

Dragon King: «System, what is the strength of these enemies?»

The system's voice was steady, analytical:

[The first group is made up of minor demons, weak but numerous, estimated at about a twenty units. Skrrr… The second group is led by a high-level magician, accompanied by ten subordinates. Clink! Finally, the third group includes elite soldiers, some of whom possess powerful artifacts. Their numbers are small, but their power is significant.]

Dragon King: «Interesting. Let them come. I'll take care of that.»

He had never before met an enemy who had truly challenged him. But today would be different. Turning to the adventurers gathered around the strategy table.

Dragon King: «We have unwanted visitors. Get ready to fight.»

Lyara who had remained quiet until now, quickly stood up.

Lyara: «What are our options, my king?»

Dragon King: «You will defend the fortress. The goblins will protect the outside. As for me, I will meet these forces personally.»

Carlos: «But we can help you! Let us accompany you. It might be interesting »

The Dragon King shook his head, a low chuckle rumbling hmmph !

Dragon King: «You're not ready.»

He activated a symbol in the center of the room. Vrrrmmm! It began to glow, illuminating the chamber in a radiant green light.

Dragon King: «The power I am going to unleash is beyond what you can bear. For now, stay here and defend this fortress.»

Turning to Trôk, he gave his final instruction:

Dragon King: «Make sure everything is ready for the siege. I'm taking the lead.»

Trôk nodded sharply, the clink of his armor resonating as he moved to carry out the order.

The Dragon King advanced towards the fortress's border. The first shadows of enemies loomed on the horizon.

CHAPTER ENDED.