Max’s heavy footsteps led the entire clan through the forest behind him. They had gathered every last scrap of food they could carry, while the farm animals trailed beside them, tethered tightly by ropes. As they glanced back at the place they had called paradise for over a year, many could not hold back their tears.

Max had reclaimed every drop of mana he had once poured into the land. The trees and crops withered and died, leaving behind nothing but a barren, desolate wasteland for the invaders to discover. It also ensured that Henry would gain nothing from this place should he ever return. This had been Max’s creation, and no one would be allowed to enjoy its bounty unless he permitted it.

"Chief, what is our next destination?" Marcus asked from the side. Ever since he had been the first to submit to Max, he had stayed close to him. He had seen a chance to be part of something greater and seized it. If he could become the new chief’s right hand, his life would feel complete.

The others perked up their ears, listening with hope.

"First, we rest in a new place. Then we will march toward the Fire Dragon Clan. I will personally take over their lands and make them submit, either by words, or, if that fails, by force of my magic," Max said firmly.

"We are declaring war on the Fire Dragon Clan?" William asked. He had thought Max would simply run away, but now he felt a spark of excitement.

"They are not as powerful as me, and Agnia, their leader, knows that well. I need someone to guide me there. I will ride the ancestral beast with one of you once I find a safe haven for the rest to wait," Max replied.

His words drew several eager gulps. Who wouldn’t want to fight alongside the new leader and earn his trust?

"Then allow me," William said loudly, causing everyone to turn toward him in surprise.

"What?" William turned his face away awkwardly. Just earlier that day he had loudly declared he would never submit, and now here he was acting like a loyal follower the moment Henry was gone. The clan members scoffed.

"William, did you hit your head too hard? You should just rest and not bother the chief, or you might fall off the ancestral beast and die," Light laughed from the side. He was the most excited of all. To him, Max was a role model, like the big brother he had never had.

"You little brat. Ow!" William was ready to lunge at Light when his mother grabbed him by the ear.

"Pipe down." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Laughter spilled through the forest. The ancestral beast watched them from above, its massive body casting a welcome shadow over them on this hot day.

"I will go with my husband. I know those lands well," Rosalia said suddenly. Even Max turned toward her in surprise.

"The people need you here to lead them. I can deal with Agnia myself." He took her hand firmly, offering reassurance.

"No. I want to be part of this, and I want to help you with the politics. I can’t just sit around waiting while you face everything alone. You and I are forever now. I want to—"

Max cut her off gently.

"Okay. I won’t question your decision, but you must stay close to me at all times."

-----

After two days, as the first rays of sunlight welcomed the morning, the group found themselves in a thick forested tundra area. From above, the dense canopy made them nearly invisible.

"Good cover," Max muttered. "Set up the shelters here and keep watch for scouts in the sky. No one is allowed to leave this area unless it’s a life-or-death situation." Max commanded, directing where to place the cloth shelters. The farm animals were gathered in a small, secluded spot, enclosed by a makeshift wooden fence to keep them quiet and hidden.

"Chief, how long will you be gone?" Marcus stepped closer to him.

"If everything goes well, we should return in a few days with good news." Max rolled his shoulders, preparing himself for battle. They were close to the border, and the number of guards and scouts they would have to slip past would test his senses. "I see you’re eager to be left in command," Max added with a soft laugh, giving Marcus a knowing side glance.

"I—" Caught off guard by Max calling out his ambitions, Marcus didn’t know where to look.

"It’s fine. During this time, I’m placing you in command of the clan. If I return and everything is in order, I will make you my personal general." Max patted his shoulder firmly. Marcus’s blood surged with excitement. He had never felt such respect or trust from Henry, no matter how hard he had tried to prove himself.

"My chief," Rosalia called from the side. Max turned to see her already in her draconic hybrid form, stretching her body. The way her form twisted reminded him of the passionate night they had shared. Heat rose in his groin, but he quickly pushed the thought aside. This was not the time. First, the kingdom had to be conquered. Only then could he enjoy some proper alone time with his wife.

"Let’s go," he said with a smile. He propelled himself high into the sky using void energy. Rosalia followed right behind him, still amazed by his power. After finally accepting her father’s banishment, she had vowed that she would never allow such a fate to befall her future family. Her children would witness the empire she and Max would build together, and they would lead the dragon clans with strength and honor.

The ancestral beast was waiting for Max, catching him effortlessly as he emerged from the treetops. Rosalia settled down beside him, her lips curving into an excited grin.

"This will be our very first battle together," she said eagerly.

"Are you excited?"

"Of course!" She punched his shoulder playfully. "I get to fight by your side. Do you even understand how happy that makes me feel...? Ahh... you really are clueless when it comes to women." She laughed, causing Max to pull her into his embrace.

"I might be clueless with women, but I know exactly how to treat you right," he teased, kissing her deeply.

The ancestral beast roared and surged forward toward the Fire Dragon lands. In the distance, tall mountains and fuming volcanoes came into view. The air quickly grew hot. The moment they entered the territory from above, alarm bells rang out, echoing across the entire mountain range.

-----

Agnia sat on her throne, her expression dark as she read the letter from her spy.

"Thunder and Wind Clans are uniting... What is the meaning of this?" She crumpled the paper in her hand. Suddenly, flames flared up, reducing it to cinders in seconds. "Is it because of that anomaly?" Max’s face flashed in her mind, filling her with sudden irritation.

"Queen! It’s bad!" A young man came sprinting through the castle halls, gasping for breath.

Agnia rose slightly from her throne, her heart sinking. She had a terrible feeling. "What is it?"

"The Ice Dragons... they are attacking us. And he is leading the way."

Agnia sank back into her seat, her body losing all strength. She had already heard how Max had single-handedly repelled Thor’s advance. And now that monster was coming straight to her lands?

"How many people?" she asked, pressing her fingers against her throbbing temples.

"Two..." her advisor replied in an awkward tone.