Dragon Monarch System Chapter 962:- End of Volume
Previously on Dragon Monarch System...
"For the time being, I intend to return and formulate our strategy there. Securing allies from both within and outside the Celestial Dragon Empire is a necessity," Aditya remarked. He was well aware that he could not handle this burden alone; assistance was vital.
"In that case, we shall accompany His Highness back to the Istarin Empire." Alfred’s declaration brought visible joy to Bree and Mateo. Within the Six Continents, they would find sanctuary from any looming threats. Furthermore, they were deeply intrigued by the Empire His Highness had managed to establish during such a brief period of exile.
Aditya gave a firm nod, knowing they would remain by his side. With the guidance of Alfred, he expected to gain deep insights into the political inner workings of the Celestial Dragon Empire. By mastering the geopolitics of the realm, he could craft a superior plan to challenge his cousin. At present, his cousin held a massive advantage, commanding the entirety of the empire’s military forces.
Suddenly, their attention was drawn to Athena and Laura, whose forms had begun to radiate a vibrant yellow-green light. Though the glow was soft, it stood out sharply against the dim shadows of the cave, visible even from the entrance.
Simultaneously, they could sense Laura’s aura gradually merging into Athena's presence.
Laura’s physical form began to turn translucent. Just before she faded completely, she turned her gaze toward Aditya, offering a small, comforting smile. It was a silent assurance, telling him not to fret and that all would be well.
Her entire being then dissolved into thousands of glowing fireflies. These shimmering lights drifted into Athena’s body. Closing her eyes, Athena felt the profound sensation of her soul finally becoming whole again.
As the merger with Laura completed, Athena was flooded with a vast wealth of knowledge, fresh memories, and new emotions.
She discovered information about subjects she had never even heard of before.
She inherited memories of individuals she had never actually met. -
She also gained experiences she hadn't necessarily sought out. This particular realization caused her to blush. She couldn't resist stealing a glance at the man who had shared Laura’s first time. It was clear that Laura had truly loved this man.
Aditya noticed her watching him, though from his position outside the cave, he couldn't see the crimson tint on her cheeks.
Observing her for a moment, he felt as though he were looking at Laura herself. Had their appearances not been distinct, he might have mistaken her for his beloved. Their Aura felt remarkably similar, yet it now carried a stronger, slightly different resonance.
[I truly do love him.] - Athena heard Laura’s voice echoing from within.
The merger had not resulted in Athena suppressing Laura’s consciousness. Since they both stemmed from the same soul, their will and actions became perfectly synchronized after the union.
[I can certainly tell!] Having inherited those raw emotions, Athena could feel the depth of it all.
[But I never imagined you would actually go through with it.] Athena felt a genuine sense of happiness for her other half. The fact that her sister-soul had loved and given her purity to her own fiancé made her feel even more satisfied.
Regarding the engagement, she hadn't been coerced into the soul-binding contract. It hadn't been about romance originally; it was impossible to feel such things for an infant. Athena had agreed to it solely for the political leverage of the Celestial Dragon Empire, which she needed to exact vengeance upon the Organisation.
Furthermore, without that engagement, she would have been perpetually harassed by countless different factions.
Now, as she looked at Aditya, she reconsidered his worth as a partner. Through Laura’s memories, she had learned of his true character and virtues. In nearly every aspect, he was exemplary.
He remained calm, collected, and always maintained his composure.
He was a man of intelligence and deep insight. As a Ruler, he was exceptional, knowing exactly when to show mercy and when to exert cruelty. He was no tyrant, nor was he intoxicated by his own status. Arrogance and excessive pride were foreign to him.
Despite being the Dragon Monarch and ruling over nearly a billion subjects, his lifestyle remained remarkably modest. Even the life of a typical Duke was more lavish than his own.
Moreover, he was incredibly devoted and protective toward his women. Even with multiple partners, he didn't go out seeking more. He remained fiercely loyal and dedicated to them.
All these revelations greatly elevated Athena’s opinion of Aditya.
She realized he was a man she could truly rely on and trust.
Athena stepped out from the cave.
"You look worried," Athena remarked with a faint smile. Her voice was soft and gentle, so much so that Aditya felt like he was speaking to Laura. They sounded nearly identical, though Athena’s tone carried a bit more maturity.
"I am!" Aditya admitted, not attempting to hide his concern.
"I am Athena, yet I am also Laura." Their wills were now one and the same. Since Athena was engaged to Aditya and Laura loved him, there was no internal conflict regarding their affection for him. Had it been any other man, a clash might have occurred.
"Aditya, we need to return. There are matters within my Empire that I must attend to." This statement alone proved that Laura was not gone; rather, the two had simply become a single entity.
"I was thinking the exact same thing."
"I must prepare and enhance my Cultivation for the coming Civil War." Because she shared Laura’s memories, Athena already knew the situation, sparing him the need for an explanation. She simply nodded in agreement.
When the moment arrived, she would provide him with every resource at her disposal.
Personally, Athena was quite eager to meet the other Goddesses, whom she had never encountered. She also wished to visit the Istarin Empire and the Deep Sea Palace. However, those plans would have to wait; their immediate priority was the journey back.
"I am certain that by tomorrow, news of your actions will reach your cousin's ears. He will undoubtedly send troops to hunt you down within the Tunnel World."
"Staying here is no longer an option." Even though the two of them possessed the power to challenge a Peak Sixth Order cultivator, they would still be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of thousands of disciplined soldiers.
"Let us head back."
The trek took approximately 20 hours. Though they were capable of moving faster, the group kept a consistent pace that allowed everyone to fly comfortably.
They saved time by forgoing rest at night. As high-level cultivators, the need for food and sleep was not a daily requirement like it was for mortals. They could easily endure days of travel without pause.
Before exiting the Tunnel World, Aditya dispatched a message to the Dwarf Tribe to inform them of his departure. In his letter, he outlined his future intentions and promised a return visit.
Aditya knew he would require their assistance when he eventually traveled to the Main Continent to confront the Celestial Dragon Empire. But for now, that goal was on the horizon.
For the moment, Aditya's focus was on bolstering the defenses of his own empire. The Dwarf Ancestor had bestowed a priceless gift upon him following the final conflict: notes that would finally allow him to advance to a 5-star Runemaster. Currently, his progress was restricted by his rank, limiting his potential.
However, once he achieved the rank of a five-star runemaster, his capabilities would expand immensely. He already envisioned plans that would completely transform the defensive arrays of every major city and town in the Istarin Empire.
This expedition to the Tunnel World had been incredibly fruitful. He had reunited with those he was forced to leave behind and gained the experience necessary to grow stronger now that he had reached the Beginner 5th-order.
All he required now was time. A few months would suffice to increase his personal strength and the overall military might of the Istarin Empire.
One day later,
The teleportation Array in Azure City began to glow. The sentries assumed it was merely a standard arrival of travelers. However, when the light faded and revealed the unmistakable face of the Emperor accompanied by four others, the guards immediately dropped to their knees to honor the Dragon Monarch.
Within minutes, word of Aditya’s return swept through the Dragon Palace. The news reached Julia, Alicia, Lara, and the rest of the inner circle.
Excitement rippled through everyone at the prospect of his return.
"I'll teleport us directly to the Dragon Palace." Mateo and Bree were buzzing with anticipation. During their travels, Aditya had shared tales of the palace, and they were eager to witness the magnificent structure for themselves.
Aditya teleported the group to the palace gates. Julia, Alicia, Lara, and the others were already standing there, waiting for him.
As soon as he appeared, the women rushed toward him. Lilith, however, was the quickest. She lunged at Aditya with such force he nearly fell over, then began shamelessly kissing his face and neck, completely indifferent to the surrounding audience.
Watching this, Mateo, Bree, and Alfred stood frozen in shock. Even Athena, who was aware of Lilith’s temperament, was taken aback by such a bold and wild display of affection.
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A sincere thank you to everyone who has offered support through gifts and golden tickets. Let's keep this momentum going!!!
This marks the end of this Volume. I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support you've shown. A special thanks goes to the readers who stayed with this story even during the months when updates were scarce.