Daniel was thirty-three years old on Earth when he was magically transported to the world of Zenkon. Fifteen years of experience as a equipment mechanic, including his military time as a nuclear operator, have matured him somewhat. And, surviving life without his family had become natural. Those that mattered to him passed away in a fire while he was on deployment, and he only learned of it when he returned. It nearly shattered his resolve completely, but he managed to finish his navy contract and moved away to start over fresh in a new place at a civilian company, distracting himself with working on machinery.

He had learned to survive. He learned to endure. He learned not to form attachments.

And, he was alone.

Daniel’s strength has left him in the present, where Aramellianna, Grand Duchess of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy, lured him into a gentle embrace, having requested Daniel to consider her as his mother in the world of Zenkon.

Daniel thought he had steeled himself against anything anyone could ever say about the family that he lost.

He especially thought that he would be unfazed thanks to his new family, growing in size at a rapid pace. But, it turns out, he had a weak spot lingering in his heart, and Aramellianna unintentionally found it.

Rather than recoil in fear of insulting an Emperor, Daniel can feel her arms snug around his head and shoulders, keeping him pressed to her chest as she kneels down on his level. She murmurs tenderly, “Forgive me,...”

“No… I…” Daniel does his best to summon his composure. “Forgive me, it… will… I would be honored,... esteemed Mother.”

Aramellianna hums tenderly. “Yes, that sounds nice. Thank you, Daniel.”

“Please forgive me if I slip up. It has been a long time since I called anyone mother or father.” Or, mom or dad, for that matter…

“Yes, take your time and get used to it. I welcome you into the Stalvaltan family, though I accept if you will carry your own family name.”

“Thank you… So far as I know, the only Lawsons in this world reside here in the Citadel.”

“For now,” remarks Ryuogriar warmly with a smile.

Daniel takes a breath. He doesn’t necessarily intend for it, but he ends up listening to Aramellianna’s heartbeat, and it’s surprisingly soothing. She doesn’t let him go for a while, even taking the time to pet his back and comfort him further. He feels his resolve becoming a little more sturdy than before. She’s right; she can’t replace his family, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be his family, like the others. She has already supported him quite a lot since he came to this world, and she’s still providing him useful advice on how to handle the invasion without crossing the line, since she still has a vested interest in seeing Mornistae whole in the end, even if she would then be a vassal under the Fievegal.

The Grand Duchess embraces Daniel for an awkwardly long time, and she finally asks, “Do you feel a little better, Daniel?”

“Yes… Thank you, Mother.”

She hums in approval, finally releasing him. The mechanic turned emperor takes a breath and exhales, clearing his mind. He smiles at everyone, ready to resume his mission. He stands up, offering Aramellianna a hand. She accepts, and he helps her to her feet. “Now then, my dear son, with your permission, I would like to bear witness to what you seek to do with the project you asked Miss Doephluev about. Would that be alright?”

“Mother!” complains Wenlianna. “You’re making it look like that’s what you wanted all along.”

Aramellianna chuckles. “I suppose it does look that way, but I would rather ask as a mother than a vassal. Please do not think me too shrewd, Daniel. I meant every word I said.”

He chuckles as well. “I know you well enough, yo-Mother. I never doubt your words. And, I welcome a business-savvy capitalist in this world. Feels just like home. And, please feel free to observe. I must say, it is something to see.”

The Grand Duchess smiles sincerely. “You honor me with such high praise. Now, please do not let me delay you any further.”

Daniel nods. “Xyreko, would you mind retrieving one dose for now?”

“Yes, Daniel. It will be waiting for you at the hangar.”

“The hangar?” asks Gwenesphia.

Daniel smiles. “It’s the only place indoors big enough.”

***

Hate is an amazing emotion. It can drive a person well beyond their limits in order to seek quenching for the burning fire in one’s soul.

Larvenmaouchoul knows this feeling very well. He was a pariah in the Dragon’s keep because he was born from a non-dragon parent. Regardless, he was born a greater dragon, and he had the great fortune to be raised by the feldroks in the Citadel.

And, his hate was born of their destruction; hatred for Morthybargaron, who betrayed their trust and managed to deceive and assassinate them all.

Morthybargaron was cunning and acted quickly, managing to deceive and destroy the feldroks without being caught in the act.

And, Larvenmaouchoul could do nothing to save those who saved him; who gave him a real chance at life and didn’t look down on him for his origins. He scoured the world for decades -centuries before he realized it- for strength enough to defeat Morthybargaron, the former dragon lord. He needed to be able to defeat him even if the others came to his aid.

And, he can remember the burning hatred searing his heart every day. Even now, it feels so etched into his soul, it will never completely go out.

Even after his new lord and master informed him that Morthybargaron has been erased from existence in the same cruel way as he inflicted upon the feldroks, the hatred never truly died.

But, it turned into an ember; the last vestiges of a flame looking for a reason to burn once more. It was his purpose for so long, and even when he tried to find a new one, he failed.

Forgive me, my Liege… No, forgive me, Daniel. I failed you as both a servant, a follower, and… as a friend.

He’s not sure if he’s having conscious thoughts, but Larvenmaouchoul knows it is all over. He did everything he could to defend Fort Twilight from an unprecedented weapon, but even his most powerful and draining attack could do nothing to impede the attack. In his final moments, Choul used the last of his power to try to evacuate all those he could.

I wonder… did I manage to save anyone? Forgive me, my subordinates. Your lives were entrusted to me by you and our lord, and I failed you as well. I should have been stronger.

There’s suddenly a static tingle in Larvenmaouchoul’s soul. No, Choul’s soul. Though it is simplistic, Daniel did ask if he could use the name Choul to refer to the grey dragon. It is as good as his new name, though Choul wondered if he could indeed prove his loyalty and earn a true name.

The tingle begins to grow stronger, and Choul finds himself surprised. He didn’t imagine his sense of self -his sense of sensation- would be getting stronger at the end. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but from what the feldroks described, death feels like going to sleep for the final time, even when the soul is intact enough to recognize that it is fading.

Instead,... it almost feels like…

Am I… waking up?

Light begins to split the darkness, and Choul finds he is even more capable of conscious thought than before. The light widens and becomes blinding, and pain shoots through the entirety of Choul’s being.

Pain? What…!? Can it be?

The light starts to finally fade, and Choul can make out shapes. He still feels pain, but he also feels… noise. Noise within his body. His own heartbeat, the burning in his stomach of a vast hunger, the dryness in his throat needing water, and the searing pain in his lower half.

One of the first shapes to come into view is a fiery redhead wearing a beautiful dress and with metallic orange horns, as well as a vibrant orange tail peeking out from under her dress. And, harnessed on her front and back are two of the most beautiful treasures in the world; dragon eggs. They are not Choul’s treasures, but he cherishes them no less for what they are; the future of the dragons.

Geirahoel is easily recognizable, since she is the first dragon to have two eggs in short succession.

She glares at Choul, growling, “Don’t stare at me with your gross eyes. Only Mukori is permitted to look at me in such a way.”

Choul’s eyes shift a little as he looks around her. She’s far from alone. Quite the crowd has gathered, though Choul doesn’t know everyone present.

And, then, his gaze settles in front of him, where Daniel is sitting with an extremely relieved expression. They are in the hangar. Choul grew a great deal since his time with the feldroks, and though some of the private quarters are big enough for him, the hangar is an obvious choice because it is the largest room in the Citadel.

He’s alive, and he is in his dragon form.

Daniel says gently, “Welcome back, brother.”

“B-Brother?” asks Choul wearily.

Daniel nods. “Yes. On Earth, it was quite common to call those you are close to ‘brother’, even if there is no blood relation.”

“I… see… Am I… dreaming?”

Daniel chuckles, and Geirahoel retorts sassily, “Does it look like you’re dreaming? Mukori used a precious potation on you. Be grateful.”

“Po-...tation?” Choul’s eyes widen, and he looks at Daniel again. “Worth it.”

“But…”

“We had enough ingredients to make more. And, we were able to retrieve your body in time for it to work on you.”

Choul coughs. “Forgive me, my Liege. I failed you…”

Daniel shakes his head. “No. There was nothing anyone could have done. We were completely unprepared for a new weapon Rikuto made. He gave Lady Ahok inspiration on how to produce a powerful spell by describing what he knew about nuclear weapons on Earth… which is far less than what I know about them. Here, we call them ‘god-killers’.”

Choul’s gaze goes distant briefly. He has heard that term before, but Daniel and the others refused to tell Choul about them.

Ryuogriar approaches Choul’s head from behind Daniel, and she says gently as she places a hand on Daniel’s shoulder, “Sir Choul… We bore witness to your deeds at Fort Twilight. In spite of the unprecedented weapon, you managed to save many lives. You also did your utmost to stop the attack. You sacrificed your life for the Fievegal.”

Geirahoel crosses her arms, not looking directly at him. “We, as the Dragon Empresses have come to an agreement. You’re one of us. A true dragon, and a valued member of Daniel’s inner circle. Don’t let it go to your head.”

Choul looks at each of the three dragon Empresses. Ryuogriar smiles and nods, Reignleif bows her head politely, and Geirahoel glances at him briefly. She adds, “You still can’t look at me with your gross eyes. I will never accept you in place of Mukori.”

Choul cocks his head a little, since that never crossed his mind. “I would not dream of such a luxury, your Grace. I… am truly humbled by your words. Am I worthy?”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

“Yes,” replies Reignleif. “And, we also recommended Mukori do one more thing.”

Choul looks at each of them again, and then to Daniel. Daniel smiles. “If it’s alright with you, Choul, I’ll give you a proper name. One befitting a loyal knight of the Fievegal.”

Choul is bewildered. “I… am honored, my Liege. But… the contract…”

“Will be revoked,” replies Hekate.

Geirahoel adds bluntly, “You’re too useless with it. I have reflected on my pressuring Daniel to be so strict with the contract parameters. But, if you betray Daniel’s trust, I won’t hesitate to kill you.” She crosses her arms, looking away from him.

Choul knows something she doesn’t, but he swore he would never say it. He doesn’t care about her scorning him, but he can’t help but wonder, since she refuses to answer Daniel when he asked on his behalf. Does she know as well?

He simply bows his head. “My gratitude is far beyond words. Whether I am worthy or not, I will give my life to pursue this honor. Thank you.”

She glances at him, and she huffs, while Daniel smiles and nods. “Now, can you use magic?”

Choul does his best to lift his head, and the newcomers stumble and awe as he rises to his full height. Even laying flat on the ground, his head alone is taller than the humans present, including the otherworlder Daniel, who is likely one of the tallest humans in the world. When he rises up to his full height, he towers over them and could likely peer over the high defensive walls of the Mornistae capital and its main castle. His humongous body makes them all look and feel like insignificant insects in comparison.

He murmurs gently as he casts the spell, and in a swirl of smoke-like magic energy, he disappears into a glowing cloud, before the cloud dissolves in on itself, and he emerges as a human. He is wearing human casual clothes, imaged after Daniel’s tee-shirt and pants when he’s actually relaxing. Choul’s armor was destroyed, and he is able to steer his outfit some using magic when he casts the transformation spell.

He checks his body, which seems to be intact, including his horns, which have been recovered, and his tail is in perfect condition.

Much of Choul’s lower half was gone, so he knows he has been restored thanks to the drunken feeling he has swirling in his head. His legs, lower back, and tail all ache, but they are right back where they belong.

He kneels. “My liege.”

Daniel nods, “Rise, Sir Choul. We’ll remove the contract and bestow a proper name upon you.”

Choul nods gratefully, and he rises to his feet. He sees Rose and Blue smiling as they observe, and the group moves to the contract chamber where the ritual to remove a magic contract will take place.

Daniel warns, “Anything could happen, so don’t move and try to stay calm.” He looks at Ryukana, who also snuck into the room, keeping her profile low around the newcomers, it seems. Given the closeness with Wenlianna, who Choul is aware of, he is fairly certain the Stalvaltan family has joined the Fievegal, given Daniel allowing them to observe, and the other, who is close to Erimaya, must be the princess’s elder sister, Heralesse, from what Choul has been informed of.

As Daniel holds his hand on Choul’s chest, where the brand is, Xyreko casts the spell.

Suddenly, a massive surge of magical energy prefaces the opening of a magic portal, which disrupts the air and causes a chaotic roar. Aramellianna’s daughters cling close to each other, and Heralesse tries to pull Erimaya away. But, everyone from Daniel’s close family remains calm, though they are ready to fight.

And, in fact, Hekate is already charging an energy attack that seems identical to the one Ryukana is simultaneously charging. Choul looks at Daniel, who smirks. “They’ve got it, Choul. This is how I regularly feel in many situations. Especially if magic is involved.”

Hekate cheers just as a dark figure starts to emerge from the portal, “HYAAH!” She throws the energy like a ball, and it streaks through the air with a humming sound. Just as the figure is starting to take shape, it is blasted back through the portal with a shrieking scream, and Ryukana lets loose her own attack, which passes through the portal. There’s a disturbing, fast sound like a blast, and the portal dissolves.

Ryuogriar jokes as the sound returns to normal, “One of these days, something especially dangerous is going to come through there.”

Xyreko retorts dryly, “Then there will be one fewer to deal with the next time.”

Hekate nods. “It’s a chance for me to prove how strong I am! Hahahaha!”

Aramellianna, noticing the goddess in the corner, asks, “That woman…? When did she…?”

“Pay her no mind,” replies Daniel. “She’s like a protector of the Citadel.”

This doesn’t quite satisfy the Grand Duchess, but she drops it. Daniel returns his focus to Choul. “Now, Sir Grey Dragon. I have thought it over, and you have served me well. Better than I should have any right to ask for. If you will grant me this honor, I shall choose a name for you befitting your great deeds.”

Choul kneels once more as a knight, saying proudly, “You honor me, your Grace. Please grant me a name of your choosing.”

Daniel nods. He draws Nemaisol, avoiding directly touching the dragon, but knighting him by ‘touching’ each shoulder. “From this day forth, I dub thee Sir Neith. You shall henceforth be known as Sir Neith gur Lawson, brother of the Emperor and most trusted knight, General of the Fievegal Royal Army. Do you accept?”

“With honor, pride, and gratitude, my Emperor and… brother.” Choul -now known as Neith-, looks up at Daniel to be sure. Daniel nods, offering his hand. “Rise, Sir Neith.”

The grey dragon in human form takes Daniel’s hand and rises to his feet, shaking the human mechanic’s hand proudly. He glances at the other three dragons and Hekate, specifically, to probe their thoughts on not only receiving a new name that isn’t just a shortening of his dragon given name, but a family name denoting him as a brother to Daniel. He knows Hekate and the three Dragon Empresses, in particular, already use Daniel’s family name of Lawson, but to think Choul would be granted such an honor.

Ryuogriar is the first to speak. “We agreed before feeding you the potations, Sir Neith. Dozens of testimonies from the survivors you saved would allow no less.”

Hekate adds a little playfully, more than antagonizing, “You’re not in the line of succession, though, so don’t get any funny ideas, Sir Ch- I mean, Sir Neith.”

“You both honor me with your words. They are more than I deserve.”

“Then earn them,” growls Geirahoel bluntly.

Neith chuckles and nods. “Yes, my Imperial Empress.”

Daniel looks at Rose and Blue, who are observing respectfully, smiling. He asks Xyreko, “Xyreko, since it takes very little on my part, is it possible to remove two contracts at the same time?”

Xyreko also looks at the now-surprised pair of lesser dragons. She replies, “Ah… Indeed. I believe there should be no issue. I will summon Balamae to assist me in performing a simultaneous spell on the other. Your Greatness and My Lady, please watch over the ritual chamber once more.”

Ryukana bows politely, and Hekate nods. “Mm-hmm! Count on me!”

Daniel waves them over, and he asks gently so only they can hear, “Blue, Rose, I’ll ask, but there’s no pressure. Would you like me to choose names from Earth, or would you like to continue using Blue and Rose?”

The two dragons in human form look at each other. They smile and nod.

“Please name me after the Valkyries, if that is alright.” Rose looks at the Empresses, and all four nod in their approval.

“Very well…” Daniel thinks for a moment. He smiles. “I got it. Once we’re complete. Blue?”

“Are there Valkyrie names for males, your Grace?”

“I’m afraid not. The Valkyries were all women. They would escort warriors to a place of paradise called Valhalla.”

“I see… Then, Sir Neith’s name?”

“A god of war in a different culture.”

“Are there others?”

Daniel chuckles. “Many. Earth has a wealth of deities and mythological figures. If you would lean towards the Valkyries, I could think of something.”

Blue bows his head. “Please do, your Grace.”

Daniel nods. “Alright. Ready?”

They both stand proud, exposing the tops of their chests where the contract brand is marked on their skin. Daniel places his hands on each one respectively, and the two golems, Xyreko and Balamae, step forward to begin casting.

Thankfully, the contract removal goes smoothly for Rose and Blue, and Daniel has them kneel. He draws Nemaisol again, and her voice says only to him, “{This is an interesting custom, Daniel. Did you do this on Earth?}”

He replies only in his thoughts; I wish. It’s a knighting ceremony in ancient Earth history. It’s formally done by a king, usually.

“{I see. Have Ryukana give her blessing to the knighting, later, and it should give them greater protection.}”

I’ll ask her. Respectfully, of course.

“{Of course.}”

Daniel performs the knighting ceremony for Rose first. He gently places the sword tip close to her shoulder, and he notices a static trickle of energy float her soft, deep pink hair. He winces, but it doesn’t seem to harm her or her hair. “From this day forth, I dub thee, Dame Roeta, Fourth Valkyrie of the Fievegal and Einherjar to the Dragon Empresses. As lord of the Fievegal, I grant you permission to take a family name.”

He notices the newly dubbed Roeta blush, and she squeezes her hands closed gently, clearly excited.

He then moves the sword to each of Blue’s shoulders. “And, as for you, fearless blue dragon; I dub thee Sir Magnir, mmm… Let’s go with fearless Jomsviking of the Fievegal, and a most trusted warrior of the Emperor and his Empresses. You may also take a family name, Sir Magnir.”

Blue -now known as Magnir- shivers.

Daniel chuckles, saying softly, “Sorry I’m jumbling things together. I’m just having fun with it, but with these titles, I truly hope you will live up to their legendary meaning. I’ll explain it in detail whenever you wish. I’m not fully an expert, but I downloaded the information pages to my phone for writing research.” Daniel resumes his officious tone as Roeta and Magnir look up at him with bright, ambitious eyes. “Now rise, my Einherjars! And may the Fievegal outlast the mountains!”

Both of them spring to their feet, proudly proclaiming, “YES, MY EMPEROR!”

“Long live the Emperor!” calls out Aramellianna, surprising everyone briefly, but with the exception of Heralesse and Erimaya, everyone else cheers, “Long live the Emperor!”

Daniel can’t help but chuckle. While he did his best to end his speech with an inspiring line, it definitely sends embarrassed tingles through his body being answered so passionately by his beloved family and friends.

Hekate steps forward, petitioning Daniel’s attention. “Daniel. Daniel. I want that to be our motto.”

“Our…? Oh! For the Fievegal?”

She nods. “Yes. ‘Outlast the Mountains.’ This is my imperial decree as Empress. The Fievegal will outlast the mountains.”

Daniel bows his head with a warm smile. “Very well. Perhaps we can make a coat of arms as well.”

“A what?”

This piques everyone’s interest anew, and Daniel chuckles. “It’s going to be a long week, isn’t it?”

***

A messenger bursts into Rikuto’s office. “Your Majesty!”

“What is it!?” exclaims Rikuto, startled into a standing position. Clearly, the message is urgent, and the guards are equally concerned.

“It’s the Queen! She has gone missing!”

“Heralesse!? Where is she!?”

“No one knows. She was last seen riding with a contingent of knights to the south, but no one has seen or heard from her contingent since.”

“What? That’s… What was she doing?” Why didn’t she tell me? Rikuto’s mind begins to race as he runs down possible causes. In a best case scenario, Daniel and his inner circle were properly eliminated when Fort Twilight fell, and only the remaining deputy governor of the Fievegal would remain to try to rally some kind of retaliation. Such a retaliation should still be in the beginning stages of even being formulated, even with the Fievegal’s unprecedented magical prowess and Daniel’s technology. So far as Rikuto knows, he hasn’t created radios yet, which absolutely could shift the tide of the war on the ability to communicate intelligence and coordinate massive strikes in seconds.

Worst case scenario, though, Daniel himself has survived, in which case, the retaliation is coming more quickly.

But, the south? That would put the gulf between Heralesse and the Fievegal in the shortest route, and we would have word of an invasion coming from the west. What would she be after? The Grand Duchess? The Stalvaltan Grand Duchy is to the south, after all. But, why? Aramellianna hasn’t been responding to my many summons, and it’s clear she is almost certainly plotting something behind my back. Is Heralesse in on it?

He ponders this, saying, “Thank you. Send a scouting detachment to search for signs of her at once.” She should have told me where she was going and what she was doing. I can’t keep juggling all of these problems.

The messenger bows and confirms, “As you wish, your Majesty! I’ll go at once!”

He jogs back out, and the guards watch the otherworlder king for any instructions. “One of you, find Tulaxxas and have him meet me here.”

“At once, my king!” One of the guards jogs away after a brief bow, and the last one, resumes his post to guard the door.

Rikuto collapses back into his office chair. It’s a terrible position to keep finding himself in. Just a few months ago, everything was going smoothly. And then, Erimaya revealed a terrible super-weapon that Daniel made, and then she disappeared. Now, Heralesse is missing, the Grand Duchess is conspiring against him, and he still hasn’t heard back about the missing squads that were staying at Fort Twilight to confirm the Fievegal’s disorientation from the loss of Fort Twilight.

It leaves him deep in thought and torn up inside as he tries to determine what he should do. Anything to regain control of the situation.

Tulaxxas arrives, knocking and entering. “Your Majesty, King Rikuto. You summoned me?”

“Yes. Begin drafting requisitions for troops from the regional lords. We need to begin sending scouts towards the Citadel to find out what is going on. We also need to investigate Fort Twilight with a heavier vanguard, as I fear the most recent scouts have been lost.”

“It has only been a week, your Majesty. Thorough results would be unlikely from…”

“I don’t care. Begin sending out the requisitions. Make note of any houses that refuse to answer the call. That includes the Grand Duchy.”

“My King?”

Rikuto gives him a cold gaze. One that is done with everything. No more nonsense. No more insubordination. He is taking complete control once and for all.

“Any houses that refuse to aid the kingdom in this time of war are traitors and will be dealt with accordingly.”

Tulaxxas nods, understanding his orders. He asks respectfully, “Anything else, your Majesty?”

“Position the void artilleries with one to the west, and the other to the south. And, where is Count Baumalde on the next units?”

“I believe construction is underway, but my information may be out of date. I shall get more recent information for you, your Majesty.”

“Do it. I will not continue to keep my head down to ask for anyone’s permission to protect this kingdom. I am the king of Mornistae now.” Whether that woman likes it or not.

“You are the king, your Majesty,” replies the prime minister with a respectful bow. He exits the room to carry out his most recent orders.

Meanwhile, Rikuto has to find a way to contact anyone who would be able to enter the Grand Duchy and retrieve additional enhanced magic crystals.

Or better yet, the machine Daniel built to make them.

***