Chapter 114: A King's Legacy
Scene: The capital of the South Nation is alive with anticipation. The citizens gather in the central square as King Thalanor, adorned in regal armor, prepares to formally announce himself as the new king. The sky is clear, and a soft wind sweeps across the crowd, as they look up at the balcony where their new leader stands. The echoes of battle still linger in the hearts of the people, but today is a day of renewal.
Narrator: After the fall of King Alden, the South Nation was left in mourning. But with the appointment of King Thalanor, there is hope that the wounds of war can heal, and the people can rebuild their lives. Today, Thalanor addresses his citizens for the first time as their king.
Standing tall, Thalanor gazes over the sea of faces below. His heart is heavy with the loss of his close friend and former king, Alden, but he knows that he must now carry the burden of leadership. With a deep breath, he steps forward, his voice strong and clear as he addresses the crowd.
King Thalanor: (booming) Citizens of the South Nation! I stand before you today, not as your commander, but as your new king. I have taken this role by the will of King Alden, who entrusted me with the protection of our land, and the safety of our people.
The crowd listens in silence, their eyes filled with both grief and hope. Thalanor's presence is commanding, yet he speaks with humility.
King Thalanor: (seriously) I will not pretend to fill the shoes of our late king easily, nor do I take this responsibility lightly. But I promise you this: I will dedicate my life to honoring King Alden's memory, and I will do everything in my power to lead us through this new era. Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will stand strong.
The citizens nod in solemn agreement, their respect for Thalanor growing. The announcement carries a weight that the people accept. They know their new king will guide them forward.
Later that day, the South Nation gathers for King Alden's burial. The workers and masons have been toiling away to build a grand statue in his honor—an image of King Alden in his full armor, sword raised high. The citizens look on in reverence as King Alden's body is laid to rest with full honors.
As the ceremony concludes, the statue of King Alden stands tall in the heart of the city, a reminder of his bravery and sacrifice. Flowers and offerings are placed around the base of the statue as people bow their heads in prayer.
Narrator: Three days pass, and life in the South Nation slowly begins to return to normal. The wounds of war are healing, but the scars will remain for a long time. In the castle, two heroes—Eren and Rylan—finally stir from their long rest.
Inside a recovery room in the castle, Eren opens his eyes first, blinking against the sunlight streaming through the window. He groans, feeling the soreness in his muscles, but he can feel his strength returning. Beside him, Rylan stirs as well, his body still bandaged but healing.
Eren glances at Rylan, and despite their disheveled state, they both break into laughter.
Eren: (laughing) We look terrible.
Rylan: (chuckling) Speak for yourself. I think I've never looked better.
They continue laughing, their bond strengthened by the ordeal they've survived together. Just then, the door opens, and Asher and Aria walk in, their faces lighting up with joy as they see their friends awake.
Asher: (grinning) Look who finally decided to join the living.
Aria: (happily) It's good to see you two back on your feet.
Eren stretches his arms, wincing at the soreness but smiling through it. He can feel the mana flowing through him again, stronger and more controlled.
Eren: (grateful) How long were we out?
Asher takes a seat on the edge of the bed and begins to explain everything that happened during their recovery—King Alden's death, Thalanor's rise to the throne, and Zarek's capture.
Asher: (seriously) And now… my father is preparing to leave for the Great North Nation. The battle's over, but the work isn't done.
Eren listens in silence, shocked to hear that his father, Thalanor, is now the king. The weight of the revelation sits heavily on him, but he knows his father will lead well.
Eren: (quietly) My father… the king. It still feels unreal.
Later that day, Eren, Rylan, Asher, and Aria dress in their formal attire and head to the throne room. King Thalanor stands at the head of the room, his eyes lighting up as the four heroes approach. He greets them with a formal bow, but there is a warmth in his expression.
King Thalanor: (proudly) It's good to see you all recovered. You've done more for this nation than I could ever ask, and today, you will be honored for your bravery.
Narrator: As the sun sets, a grand ceremony is held in the capital's main square. The knights and heroes of the South Nation gather, each one receiving the honor they deserve. The citizens cheer loudly, their voices filled with gratitude for those who risked their lives to defend their home.
Each knight is handed a Medal of Honor, and the crowd erupts in cheers as Eren, Rylan, Asher, and Aria step forward to receive theirs. The mood in the South Nation has shifted from mourning to celebration, a sense of unity and hope spreading through the streets.
Eren stands beside his friends, the weight of the medal on his chest a reminder of everything they've fought for.
Eren: (smiling) We made it. Together.
The cheers of the crowd fill the air, and for the first time since the battle, there is joy in the South Nation.
Later that evening, as the festivities wind down, King Ragnar prepares to take his leave. The Great North Nation has suffered greatly during the conflict, and Ragnar must begin preparations to rebuild. Standing beside him are two of his most trusted warriors and the South Nation's scouts, who will escort him back to his homeland.
Asher, who hails from the North Nation himself, stands quietly, watching the scene unfold. He has fought beside his friends for so long, and now the thought of leaving them weighs on his heart.
Ragnar, noticing Asher's sadness, approaches him with a kind expression.
King Ragnar: (gently) You've served the North well, Asher. But if your heart tells you to stay, I won't stand in your way. You've earned the right to see the world, to explore beyond the borders of duty.
Asher looks up at Ragnar, surprised by his offer. The young warrior bows deeply, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Asher: (gratefully) Thank you, Your Majesty. I won't forget the North, but my place is here, with my friends. There's still so much I need to do.
Ragnar smiles, placing a hand on Asher's shoulder.
King Ragnar: (proudly) You've made the North proud. Continue to make the world proud.
With that, Ragnar takes his leave, his warriors and the South Nation's scouts at his side. As they ride off toward the horizon, Ragnar feels a sense of peace knowing that the future is in good hands.
Narrator: The chapter ends with King Ragnar arriving at the Great North Nation. As he rides through the gates of his homeland, the citizens cheer for his return, their voices filled with joy and hope for the future. The North will rebuild, and so too will the South, as new alliances form and the world begins to heal.
The final scene shows Ragnar standing before his people, a new era beginning for both the North and South Nations. The bonds formed through hardship will carry them forward, and the heroes who fought so bravely will continue to shape the future.