Ruler Of Iron And Flesh

Inian and Burt had gone through the broken pass that separated the northern tundra and the rest of the continent. Once they were there, they could take a flying train from Galbury Castle back to the Empire.

The continent has changed dramatically in the past year, and that included multiple countries making it safe to travel over the monster lands.

They were on the ride back, and Burt had just ordered some tea, "so Inian, we know where she is now. It's excellent news!"

Inian was staring out the window as they passed above the greenery, "this is not excellent news. If anything, this is fatal news. I've still been in the high-tier level for over a year, and I've made no progress about getting to the Titan level."

"Maybe there is someone who can teach you?"

Inian scoffed, "there is only ever one king in existence. Nobody else can teach me because nobody else can do what I can!"

Burt rubbed his chin, "hmmm, well, can you ask a Titan level monster?"

Inian sighed, "Titan level beasts are highly arrogant. Even if they serve the king, they won't listen to me at all when I'm only a high-tier."

Burt nodded, and soon, the train rocketed over a spanning desert.

"What about finding some help from humans in exosuits? Y'know, like the one Marc had."

Inian shook his head, "They still only have that one exosuit. The scientist who made it died in the war last year. They haven't made any progress on making another."

Burt clasped his hands behind his head, "then I've got nothing for ya. If there's no help, then only you can make yourself stronger."

Burt's words frustrated Inian. 'I know I can only make myself stronger,' he thought to himself.

He went and slept on one of the train's beds, hunkering down until they made it to their destination.

After two days, they finally made it to the Aysel Palace.

"Wow! I've got to say Inian; these trains move faster than I could ever imagine. Flite has done some work on these."

Inian nodded in agreeance as they stepped off the train. Several imperial soldiers were at the station to greet them.

"Welcome your majesty, we have heard of your coming arrival, and will make due haste to escort you to the palace."

Inian shook his head, "our business is actually outside the city this time, but please, give my regards to Empress Sophia."

The soldiers bowed low.

Everyone who witnessed the mighty battle at the Aysel Palace recognizes Inian's power and status as the 'Monster King.' It has been quite convenient for Inian to move around when his title reflects that of a ruler.

"Where are we going then Inian?" Burt asked.

Inian smiled, "we are going to see Kraque, Tecale, and Reclusa. I need some scouts to find out where all the Dragon's descendants are."

Burt tapped his nose, "I see! Trying to see which of the descendants has her? Smart!"

They walked on the streets of the city to head just right outside the gates. Everywhere they walked, people would stop what they were doing and bow to Inian. The citizens here had a special reverence for Inian after seeing him first hand.

He waved to each of them, and they went back to their regular business.

It didn't take long to head outside the main gate. So then, the pair took a vehicle and went just a little way outside the city to an oasis. There, lounging around were several monsters, including Kraque, Tecale, and Reclusa.

"My lord!" Kraque called out once he noticed Inian. Kraque scuttered over to them and did the best he could to bow.

"Hello Kraque, Reclusa, Tecale."

They each bowed, so Inian continued, "I have a critical mission for each of you. I need you all to explore everywhere on this continent to find me the whereabouts of the Dragon's descendants. Kraque, I want you to use your social skills in the monster hierarchy to figure out what you can. Reclusa, use your brood to reach as far and wide as you can. Tecale, I want you to use your strength to defend Kraque. Are these orders clear?"

The monsters all bowed low, "your wish is our command."

Then they scurried away, moving to explore the continent. The remaining monsters that were in the oasis went with Kraque to help investigate.

"You know Inian," Burt began, "you've become a lot more domineering in this past year than you were before. It's quite impressive."

"Thank you, Burt. Now then, let's pay a visit to Empress Sophia."

"Why are we doing that?"

"Because I don't just want my monsters to be looking for the descendants, but I want nations to as well."

"Ooohhh, gotcha."

Inian and Burt traveled back to the keep located centrally within the Aysel Palace. The keep was under guard by many version 3 exosuit soldiers, but they stepped aside once they saw Inian walk towards them.

The pair quickly got in and walked straight to the throne room.

In the throne room, Sohpia was sitting in a regal gown that was hand-sewn for her. She fit the role of an Empress very well.

She looked up and saw Inian with Burt.

"Hello, Inian! Welcome to the Empire! I sent a few guards your way earlier, but I see you didn't want them at all."

"I was just in a hurry, that's all Empress." Inian bowed low and continued, "I have a request to make."

Empress Sophia raised an eyebrow, "Oh? What can I do for you?"

"I would like you to use the imperial forces to scout out for any Titan or Behemoth level monsters and report them back to me."

Sophia sat up in her throne, "we already have a system in place to scan for those insane monsters. But I will inform them to keep a wary eye out."

Inian nodded, "thank you."

He turned around to leave when Sophia said, "don't worry Inian. We'll find her."

Without turning around, Inian continued walking out back towards the keep's entrance.

Burt decided to speak up, "so you have both monsters and people looking for your descendants, what should we do now?"

"I'm afraid it's more like what I should do now Burt. I need to get stronger, so I'm going off to the monster lands to become stronger."

Burt nodded, "I guess I was pretty useless on this trip. Just try not to get yourself hurt."

He walked away with his head down.

Inian sighed, "Burt, you aren't useless."

Burt ignored him, continuing to walk away.

Inian g.r.o.a.n.e.d and sprouted his wings because it's time for him to head back to the monster lands.