The name Jay Cadmium was feared across the continent. Even if his crimes had been blamed on the dark power of the Elder Wyvern, he was still the individual who stood at the top of the hierarchy of power in Auroria.
A half-Human, half-Dragon monster that was capable of wielding all eight elements.
The adventurer's guild had been forced to update the leaderboard that they owned. It ranked the top adventurers of the continent, and now anyone who went over to read it could clearly see the name placed at the top:
Jay Cadmium | SS-rank
That being said, Jay had not been present at any of the war negotiations. Asthia had assured the other powers that, while Jay was still alive, he was not needed in the meetings. She knew that his presence would only intimidate the other nations, and he was currently busy with other matters.
Jay had been spending the last few months in Lares alongside his family. Asthia believed that he needed the time with his loved ones, and she wanted to make sure he could feel at peace after everything he had gone through.
The future leaders of each nation were the ones handling the negotiations, per the Dragonkin's request. The victors were the ones who shaped the future, and in this case, the Allied forces were trying to build a new world where all the leaders understood one another.
Eyewitnesses from the final battle had also been used to integrate the Faros into the new alliance of Auroria. While many remained skeptical, Typhon had sworn that he would do everything in his power to aid the nations in need.
The Alliance of Auroria's goal was to create a continent where everyone stood as an equal. This goal was, of course, extremely difficult to achieve, but the progress that was being made by the young leaders was astounding.
Slowly but surely, Auroria was changing.
If you were to ask me now what I thought triggered these events, I wouldn't be able to answer you. Maybe a revolution had started with the meeting of two children from opposing sides. Or maybe it was all coincidence.
And so, just as the political landscape of Auroria evolved, so did the relationships and positions of those who had endured the long years of conflict...
[3 YEARS LATER]
"Jay!"
I turned around just as a girl with long pink hair came rushing at me. I smiled at her tearful eyes as she jumped into my arms.
"I'm so proud of you, Jay!" she cried, laughing and crying simultaneously.
"Thanks, Amelia," I replied.
"It's amazing how much you've accomplished in these few years, Mr. Cadmium," joked a voice. I looked over to the side, seeing Mia approaching us.
"I haven't done anything. You should be commending Asthia. She's been working tirelessly to try and reshape Auroria."
"True. I heard you've been laying around in the sun all day."
My eyes darted to the younger girl beside Mia. I recognized her immediately, laughing as she hid behind the brown-haired girl.
"Alice ratted me out it seems," I sighed, defeated. The group laughed as Alice came out of cover, grinning guiltily. These small conversations became things I looked forward to every day, chatting with my friends and family about useless things until we ran out of topics.
"Your Majesty, it's time," whispered one of the Dragon soldiers that had approached us.
"Not yet Marc. I still have to get through the ceremony."
"You'll survive."
I distanced myself from the small group, heading up the small flight of stairs that led to the entrance of the giant palace in the center of Lares. Silence spread across the realm as the doors opened, revealing the Dragon Empress as she walked over towards me.
I looked ahead while maintaining my head hung down. The Empress was wearing a silky white dress that was rather simplistic, but it gave her a dignified aura that made everyone who gazed at her respect her instantly.
Her long velvet cape that matched mine followed the dress, dragging along the marble floor.
Mutters of awe spread across the giant crowd. Races of all kinds stood together in the heart of Lares, welcoming the new leaders that would lead the Dragonkin to a new future.
"Jay Cadmium. The world stands here today as one, watching you take your rightful place as a Dragonkin," announced the Empress. She turned, taking the golden necklace that had been laying on the elegant cloth that draped over an attendant's hands.
She gently wrapped her arms around my neck as she lay on the amulet on me. The purple gem that lay imbued in the center of the necklace forced a smile out of me. It was the perfect color.
"With this amulet, you accept the responsibilities required of you. Your responsibilities as a citizen of Lares, as a Royal Knight, as an Emperor, and now as a husband. Rise, Jay Darck."
I stood up, facing Empress Asthia, before turning around.
The crowd went berserk as I stood beside my wife. We intertwined our hands, smiling. The Dragonkin's ceremonies were definitely different than those from Earth, but all I could think about was the utter joy that I felt in my heart.
Asthia wore the same purple amulet on her chest, signaling that we were one.
I briefly glanced behind me, seeing my Mom and Selena grinning from ear to ear within the palace. It was apparently customary for the mothers of the couple to stand behind them, watching their children spread their wings and move on with their lives.
Their eyes beamed with pride as they began dancing together in happiness. I laughed at the sight, turning back to the crowd.
Eighteen years had passed since my rebirth in Auroria. Back on earth, the eighteenth year of my life had marked my darkest day as I was swept up into the dark void of death. Now, I stood in the bright sunlight, hand-in-hand with the person I cherished the most, and gazing towards the kingdom that I now commanded.
No matter how violent my life had previously been, it felt like all of that had washed away in this single instant.
I squeezed Asthia's hand. The girl looked over, still blushing from the whole ceremony and experience.
"Thanks for saving me, Asthia."
She knew exactly what I was talking about, and in response, all she did was wrap her arms around my neck and bring her face right in front of mine.
"You're very welcome, Jay Darck."
She seemed to like my new name. All I could do was smile as Asthia brought her lips to mine.
Thank you, for giving me a second chance.
I didn't know who I was thanking, but something had allowed me to start anew. If someone like me, who had killed others mercilessly amidst the howling laughter of nobles, could turn their life around, then anyone could.
Thank you.