A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1670: Donʼt Worry, Little Ones

Archer and Kassandra were still in Halimeʼs tower as he pointed at something. ʼʼHereʼs a small library for scholars studying Draconiaʼs lore. Over there, study hall, dorms, and halls open to the mists. Iʼve added guided paths for the students to explore the marshes, where they can see creatures that only appear in the fog. Itʼs a place to find peace and learn.ʼʼ

The Kraken Princess sat back, dark eyes sweeping over the mana images and blueprints, where all four islands pulsed would make Draconia even stronger. Brightreefʼs wild energy, Emberhavenʼs warm luxury, Verdantreachʼs bountiful fields, and Serenemireʼs formed a perfect balance, each island complementing the others.

ʼʼYouʼve built a world within a world,ʼʼ she said softly. ʼʼEach island has its own heart, but together, theyʼre unstoppable. The Company and government will be begging to fund this.ʼʼ

Archer chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. ʼʼLetʼs hope so. Iʼve poured enough effort into these designs to shock the people once again.ʼʼ

He glanced at her, his expression softening. ʼʼWhat do you think? Any changes before I present this to the Ella and Aisha?ʼʼ

Kassandra studied everything, her mind racing with the possibilities. ”Itʼs brilliant, Archer. But maybe add a few more exhibits at Brightreef? Let visitors feed some of the tamer creatures. Itʼll draw families and making the children happy.ʼʼ

She paused, a playful glint in her dark eyes. ʼʼAnd maybe a wine bar at Emberhaven. Draconians do love drinking.ʼʼ

Archer laughed, grabbing his pen before drawing on the plans, adding her suggestions. ʼʼDone and done. Letʼs make this vision sing.ʼʼ

Following that, Kassandra, Halime and Llyniel returned to the expedition after a few hours leaving him alone. He stood up and decided to meet the two women who would help him bring his plans to life. After sending Ella and Aisha a message to meet him at the palace without whatever help they needed.

They agreed and he teleported to the nursery to see his children before the meeting. He noticed most were asleep apart from Freya who sat in her cot, glancing at him with a big smile as she let out an adorable babble. Archer picked the little girl up and placed a love-filled kiss against her forehead.

ʼʼHello my little princess,ʼʼ he happily said. ʼʼIʼve missed you so much.ʼʼ

Just then, Ella said they arrived and in his office causing him to ask Freya. ʼʼWant to come to a meeting with me? Maybe you can help us?ʼʼ

His eldest daughter clapped and her smile grew wider as she agreed, causing him to cuddle her tightly which she loved. Archer carried her through the palace only to step into his office only to come to a stop when seeing a old face he hadnʼt seen for years. Lioren, Nalaʼs brother stood there smiling ear to ear.

ʼʼHello, old friend,ʼʼ the lion man greeted. ʼʼBeen avoiding me have you?ʼʼ

ʼʼOf course not!ʼʼ Archer replied. ʼʼI just get busy, everyone knows what Iʼm like.ʼʼ

Lioren stepped forward and hugged him, making sure not to hurt little Freya who clung to his side, watching the stranger get close with her face. He returned the gesture before introducing his eldest. ʼʼLio, this is my eldest child, Freya Wyldheart.ʼʼ

His friend stepped back, looking at the white-haired girl whose blue eyes were full of curiousity as the lion man spoke. ʼʼSheʼs adorable, Arch. Reminds me of you and Lady Sia. Iʼve just met Aslan, I canʼt believe how much he looked like you and sister.ʼʼ

ʼʼNala was here?ʼʼ he curiously muttered.

ʼʼYes, she popped by to spend time with Aslan,ʼʼ Ella was the one to answer.

Archer nodded and turned to Lioren. ʼʼWhat are you doing now days? In the Legions I see?ʼʼ

When his friend heard his words he started laughing and responded. ʼʼArch, Iʼve been with you since the beginning. From the invasion of Avidia, the fall of the Alliance fortress where you breached the wall, the conquest of our homeland Pluoria, and the dreaded battles of the east. I command the 2nd Legion now, weʼre stationed on the Northeast Island for training.ʼʼ

A smile crossed his face at Liorenʼs reply. ʼʼGood, because part of this meet involves the 2nd Legion who are being reassigned for a couple of years.ʼʼ

The lion manʼs eyes lit up as Aisha finally spoke. ʼʼArch, what are these plans you told us about?ʼʼ

Archer glanced at Freya, wrapping her in mana so she would float beside him as he sat in his chair, taking out a massive stack of papers, dropping them on the desk. ʼʼI guess Iʼve been contemplating on the four islands that circle Draconia. Iʼve renamed each one again, this time they will have a purpose.ʼʼ

He slid Brightreefs plans to Aisha, continuing. ʼʼCheck these out, the others have been collecting thousands of rare monsters and exotic creatures from the expeditions. I purposed they put them in a park that will benefit the empire. These plans are the start.ʼʼ

After speaking, Aisha flicked through the plans, her blue eyes scanned the pages only to show how shocked she was. Archer handed Ella the plans for the Northwest island which was Emberhaven, Draconiaʼs holiday resorts. The Half-Elf was amazed as she looked at him with a smile.

ʼʼCan the Company take this, handsome?ʼʼ she asked, a hopeful expression crossing her face.

Archer gave her a nod. ʼʼYes, with your reach we can adviretise it to the entire world, make Draconia a paradise that the enemy lords canʼt live without,ʼʼ he said, grinning ear to ear.

Aishaʼs head snapped to him with wide eyes. ʼʼYouʼre going for soft power! You devious bastard!ʼʼ she exclaimed.

Lioren began laughing as he looked at Serenemire, whistling. ʼʼDamn buddy, are you looking to get those Novgorodian nobles hooked? Theyʼl send their children here, these building make the College of Magic look like a childrens school.ʼʼ

ʼʼThatʼs the plan,ʼʼ Archer replied, his smirk growing wider as Freya giggled at his reaction.

He glanced at the little girl and revealed, smiling at her. ʼʼYou and your siblings will be attending this place, Frey. It will be what unites this world and stop all the petty wars that plagued Thrylos.ʼʼ

Just then, his senses prickled, causing him to jump up, declaring in a serious tone when realizing what it was. ʼʼAnother Terravian realm is opening! Aisha, show the empire the battle that will happen to prove that Iʼve got even stronger.ʼʼ

In a blink, Archer vanished from the chamber, materializing high above his palace. With a thunderous roar that shook the skies, he unleashed his colossal Dragon form, towering like a living mountain, white scales gleaming under the sun, instantly seizing the awe of every soul across Draconia.

A single, earth-shattering flap of his titanic wings unleashed a hurricane gale that whipped across the island. Then, with fury blazing in his eyes, he rocketed northward toward Northwood, the untamed northern continent still untouched by his conquest or the Great War.

***

(Lioren)

ʼʼWow, heʼs changed,ʼʼ Lioren muttered in surprise once Archer vanished. ʼʼMore mature, more level headed.ʼʼ

Just then, little Freya appeared in front of him, babbling as she held her hands out, causing him to look at his old friend Ella, who nodded with a smile. ʼʼSheʼs wants to be held, Lio. Your her uncle after all. Nala seeʼs Frey as her first daughter.ʼʼ

ʼʼAlright,ʼʼ he replied, taking the little girl in his arms as she rested her head against him, making the others smile.

Aisha commented, an amused glint in her eyes. ʼʼLooks like youʼre a natural with children. When are you and the girls having cubs?ʼʼ

Lioren smiled, letting out a chuckle. ʼʼNot yet, work keeps us too busy and now we have Aslan, along with the others, weʼre not in a rush. Itʼs crazy to have thirteen nieces and nephews.ʼʼ

Moments later, he felt his one of his braids being pulled as Freya tugged at it before crying her heart out. Lioren was shocked and tried to calm her down only to be shown a vision that made his heart drop. He witnessed a scene in his mothers home with Nala, Archer and an older him, visiting their parents with Aslan but something went wrong.

The manor was attacked, Archer was fighting with the leader alongside his sister while he guarded three childre. Aslan and two of his sisters, Freya and a blue-haired girl who he recognized as Teuilaʼs daughter, Selina. They were scared, cuddling each other as a scream echoed out causing his head to snap in the sounds direction.

His future self whirled toward the sound, Lionheart sword igniting with a defiant blaze. Voice steady despite the storm in his eyes, he knelt in front of them. ʼʼDonʼt worry, little ones. Iʼll hold them off until your father gets here.ʼʼ

The promise rang like a vow etched in fire. Then the shadows struck. A human assassin lunged from the darkness, blade flashing like lightning. Older Lioren parried with a clash that sang of desperation, throwing himself between the killer and his family. Blow after blow rained down each one a thunderclap of doom.