A Journey That Changed The World

Afterward, Archer took their tickets and led them toward Platform One, where they would catch their train to the capital. They stepped onto Platform One, and hundreds of other people were waiting for the train as well. His friend stretched his arms, revealing. ”Cian, Alaric, and the others will be at the main station. I sent word once we left the palace.”

He looked at the lion with a raised eyebrow, causing him to explain. ”I didn’t know if you’d come out. It’s been years since the boys have seen you, thanks to becoming a ruler. We bought some long distance comminucation devices to talk when we’re deployed to other continents.”

”Makes sense,” Archer replied, nodding in agreement. ”I’d do the same if I didn’t have the powers I have.”

Lioran laughed at this but agreed. ”Yes, I’m jealous of that Domain and teleportation magic of yours. I would love to have that for me, Leonora, and Nalika. Would help us out a lot when I’m with the legions.”

He glanced at his friend, a thoughtful expression on his face, before he questioned. ”They’re in the capital, correct?”

”Yes, we live in a manor on the outskirts,” his friend answered.

”After our night out, take me there,” he said. ”I’ll give you a home in the Domain and allow you three to teleport inside at will.”

When Lioran heard this, his blue eyes widened in shock as Archer continued explaining his offer. ”There will be enough food, water, and space to have a big family or even more women, it’s up to you, but the offer’s there, my friend.”

”Are you being serious?”

Archer nodded.

Lioran suddenly hugged him, catching him off guard. Archer didn’t know what to do with his friend and pushed the lion man back. ”Don’t grab me like that, Lio. But you’re one of my oldest and only friends. It’s the least I can do.”

”Thanks, brother,” the young man commented, letting him go. ”Now let’s wait for the train, I’m excited to bring you out.”

”Better not do anything stupid,” Archer warned with a knowing smile. ”I wouldn’t want to be put off coming out again.”

When Lioran heard this, he chuckled as the duo sat at a nearby bench. They began waiting for the train. Archer fell into his own mind, thinking about anything he could add to the empire that would benefit the people. He had food, jobs, homes, and every other essential covered. That meant he needed to create something to entertain the masses; he knew pubs were a thing thanks to Alexa giving Ella the idea.

The Half-Elf used the Wyldheart Company to create many throughout Draconia, funded by his extensive wealth. Archer was sent a report of the profits that was spilt between him, the empire, Ella, and the Dragon Harem’s Bank, the institution he set up so all his women had enough funds to use whenever they needed. Some used it to fund projects, training, and their own personal armies that amused him.

He remembered the ledgers in disbelief. The empire’s coffers were swelling at an astonishing rate, the gold pouring in from trade, tribute, and their ventures far outstripped every expense, even the ever-ballooning wages of the growing legions or the low amount of tax he asked of his people. The army expanded relentlessly, legions multiplying like wildfire across the borders, and each new cohort demanded coin, arms, and provisions.

Yet somehow, the treasury kept pace… and then some. Aisha brought every major expenditure to him for approval. He appreciated her candor more than he could say; in a world of scheming courtiers and veiled ambitions, her unflinching honesty was a rare and precious anchor. While daydreaming, Archer was brought back to reality as a horn rang out across the platform.

”Ready, brother?” Lioran commented, glancing at me with an amused expression.

”Yes, let’s board and get a seat,” Archer replied.

The two slipped on board and found a cabin to get settled in. Archer sat back with a small smile as Lioran spoke up once again. ”Can we get some food and ale on this thing, Arch?”

”A worker brings a trolley along once an hour full of refreshments,” he revealed. ”I knew people would need stuff, so I designed this system so the DTS earns money for the empire.”

”Do the trains operate on any other continent?”

”Yes, Avidia’s system is nearly completed, Pluoria has just got started, but the materials are being shipped from here to the mainland.”

Lioran nodded his head. ”Interesting, seems like you’re smarter than the enemies believe you’re. They would never expect you to think of everything to please your people and generate stupid amounts of coin.”

Archer laughed at this as he knew it was true. Most of the outside world believed he was a bloodthirsty dragon, a tyrant who loves killing, but it was all lies, well, sort of, because he was all those things. Despite that, he treated the Draconians well; they worshipped him as a God Emperor, and the rumors surrounding him were like myths that still baffled him.

He was amused by the people but wouldn’t do wrong by them and would treat his new lands just the same. After that thought, the train began moving toward Dragonheart City, the new capital of the Draconia Empire. Archer turned to the landscape outside the window as they soared past towns, cities, and farms. The women of the harem helped out, improving the land so crops would be numerous.

Thanks to his Dragon eyes, he could see every farmer in the field, or wives calling out to their children. While admiring the landscape, someone knocked on their cabin door, causing Lioran to jump up to open the door. There was an older woman with a kind smile on her face as she greeted them. ”Hello lovelies, can I offer you anything?”

Archer glanced at the woman and nodded. ”We’ll take everything, how much would that cost us?”

The DTS worker blinked, her jaw slackening for a split second in genuine shock. She caught herself quickly, shaking her head as if to clear it, then offered a professional smile. ”That’ll be ten gold coins for the full service,” she said. ”I’ll need to top up the reserves again afterward, but there’ll be plenty more available once it’s done.”

Archer handed over the coins with a polite smile. ”Thank you, I have a big appetite and may order more while on the way to Dragonheart.”

The older woman nodded before stepping out with an empty trolley. Lioran was sitting opposite me, a table in between us, as he eyed all the hot food, sweet stuff, and all kinds of drinks the worker sold us. The lion man shook his head, smiling. ”Wow, Arch. This is a feast for a simple ride to the capital.”

”Yes, but like I said, I love to eat, and you know this,” Archer responded, letting out an amused chuckle.

He picked up some pastry and began eating as the hot meat melted in his mouth, releasing a wave of flavours that blew his mind away. Lioran was laughing at his expression, but once he ate some, his tail stood up straight, and his eyes widened. Archer flicked some mana into his friend’s forehead, bringing him back to reality. The duo started feasting as Draconia passed by outside.

Archer noticed the weather was bad; dark clouds covered the world in a shadowed blanket. The Long Winter was still plaguing Thrylos, but thanks to his preparations, the empire was able to thrive while the rest of the world suffered. While eating a burger, Lioran glanced at him, a questioning glint in his eye.

”What do you want to ask?”

The lion man looked surprised but let out a laugh before asking. ”Are you planning to take anymore women?”

”Why?”

”I have a cousin whose lonely and needs someone like you to cheer her up,” he revealed.

Archer’s eyes narrowed at his friend. ”Does Nala know about this?”

Lioran looked down, avoiding his gaze, causing him to sigh in frustration. ”Is she going to be at the station?”

”Yes,” the lion squeaked out.

Archer couldn’t help but be annoyed at Lioran, though he quickly got over it as he inquired. ”What’s her name?”

”Kiara,” he answered, looking ashamed before explaining. ”I don’t expect you to take her as a wife, just talk to her if you can. Her ex-lover left her ruined, and she’s a shell of her former self.”

Without waiting, he waved his hand, opening a portal in their cabin, and someone stepped through. An aura of a fierce warrior washed over the place, sending Lioran scuttling back as a soft but dangerous voice echoed out. ”Brother, what are you playing at?”

”Hello, my love,” he greeted the gorgeous Nala, who appeared with a knowing smile. ”It’s good to see you.”

When the lioness heard this, her bright blue eyes lit up as she jumped forward, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Archer beamed at her reaction and leaned down, giving the beautiful blonde a passionate kiss while holding her waist. Nala loved every second of it and returned the gesture with an intense one of her own.