Three years ago, after the brutal battle against Vulkris and the Nightral, everyone- even the Queen herself- had been pushed to their limits.
It was a fight none of them were prepared for, and yet, through raw grit and unfortunate sacrifices, they survived.
Those who stepped up that day were honored- especially Mathe's brave stand against the Nightral alone.
After Mathe's, some with significant contributions were also recognized. Some were even elevated to hero status by the Queen and the elders themselves.
Micha'el was one of them.
Alongside the other young standouts like Leon'do, Gondar, and Anast'cia, he had stood tall- bleeding, bruised, but victorious.
He'd faced the White Fang and even survived a skirmish with its mutated form, the full-fledged Nightral. For that, he earned praise. Cheers and even proud slaps on the back.
However, it was not the recognition he expected.
Not the one he believed he deserved.
