The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 143: The Ceremony and Dragon God’s Blessing
In the next following days, Lance received another piece of information, or rather, a duty he had to accomplish.
Kaelthara approached him with the news.
"Lance," she began, her voice steady but firm. "We need to talk."
Lance turned, raising an eyebrow. "Is this about another trial? Because I'm not sure my body's ready for round two just yet."
Kaelthara smirked faintly, patting Lance once on the head. "No. This is about the Dragon God's ceremony. It's time for you to swear an oath, directly to the dragon god."
Lance frowned, leaning back against the rock. "An oath? What kind of oath? Didn't I already do that?"
Kaelthara crossed her arms as she explained. "A binding commitment to the Dragon God. All who benefit from the chasm's power must swear their loyalty to our divine protector, directly. It's not just tradition, it's sacred. This oath ties you to the duty of the dragons: to protect the balance of the world and defend the weak from catastrophic threats. If what you did before was swearing an oath bound by the dragon god's presence, this time it's directly to the dragon god."
Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Lance stared at her, lost in thoughts. He could understand exactly what she was talking about, but perhaps, the fact that he would be in direct commune with a god was what caused his apprehension. For him who came from earth, and being rather the religious type, it didn't sound like a small matter at all, and of course, rightfully so.
"So," he began slowly, "I'd be swearing to... serve the Dragon God? To follow orders, do whatever they say?"
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Kaelthara's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's not about servitude, Lance. It's about purpose. The Dragon God doesn't interfere in petty matters. His focus is on maintaining the balance of the world, stopping forces that could destroy everything, for example."
Lance crossed his arms. "I'm not sure how I feel about the idea of binding myself to a god... I've never really been one to blindly follow anyone."
Kaelthara sighed, her gaze softening. "I understand your hesitation. Most mortals struggle with the idea of surrendering even a part of their autonomy. But this isn't about control, it's about… trust. The Dragon God doesn't micromanage or demand obedience. He trusts his followers to act with wisdom and strength. Besides, you've already swore the lesser oath to the dragons, how's this different?"
Despite her reassurances, Lance's unease remained. He pushed himself off the rock, pacing as he tried to process her words. "It just feels... like I'm giving up something more important here. What if I disagree with what they want? What if their idea of balance isn't mine?"
Kaelthara stepped closer, her presence as steadying as it was imposing. "If it helps, think of it as a partnership rather than submission. You've already accepted the chasm's power. This oath is simply the final step to ensure that power is used for the greater good. Besides, you already agreed to this when you took the first oath to the dragons. There's no turning back now."
Lance rubbed the back of his neck as he chuckled, "I won't try to steal power, I'm just curious. That's all."
Kaelthara's voice softened as she continued. "The ceremony is more than just words. It's a rite that binds you to the history of the dragons, to our duty to protect this world. The oath isn't a cage, it's more like a responsibility."
"So this is something you've done too?" he asked.
Kaelthara nodded as she looked at him. "Though I've not used the Chasm, every dragon who takes on the mantle of protector has sworn this oath. It's why we exist, Lance. And now, with the power you've gained, you've become part of that legacy."
The rest of what she said after the fact that she hadn't used the chasm mostly fell on deaf ears as Lance stared blankly at her. It just didn't make any sense, to be that powerful without external support was just unimaginable. 'Good thing she's so easy going… it's a surprise she isn't a tyrant yet.' He thought to himself as they walked away discussing other matters.
…
The very next day, the ceremony was held at the heart of the sacred dragon lands, atop a massive plateau known as the Apex Altar. Carved directly into the mountain and surrounded by towering stone spires, the altar was said to be the closest point to the heavens, where the Dragon God's presence was strongest during such proceedings.
Dragons of all shapes and sizes gathered in the skies, their majestic forms circling the altar. One thing Lance had realized after spending time with the dragons was that their ability to fly was not as a result of their physiological make up, but was a kind of innate ability which they possessed. This meant that they didn't need to actually flap their wings to generate any sort of lift, as they could very easily lift themselves off the ground even if they didn't jump. The habit of flapping the wings and jumping slightly into the air was all more of a natural habit than anything else. Of course, this also meant that, in their human form, they could still fly just as much as they can in their true form.
The elders stood solemnly at the edges of the altar, their gazes heavy with reverence and anticipation. Lance, clad in custom made ceremonial robes made of shimmering gold and crimson fabric, felt the full weight of the moment. Apparently, the robes weren't even part of the process, but Elder Naerys still made him wear them.
Kaelthara stood beside him in her draconic form, her eyes sharp and unwavering. "This is it," she said in a low tone. "The oath will test every part of you; mind, body, and soul. Do not falter, no matter what you see or feel."
Lance nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "No pressure, right?" he said. He was fine before all this, but on getting there and seeing how serious everyone was, it started to seep into him also.
