The bustling headquarters of the Avelnch Guild in the Kingdom of Sanctoria was filled with adventurers coming and going. Warriors in heavy armor, mages draped in elegant robes, and archers carrying finely crafted bows filled the grand hall with lively conversation.
Then...
The entrance doors slowly opened.
Creeeak...
A tall, muscular man stepped inside.
Long crimson hair flowed carelessly over his shoulders, stern crimson eyes, and broad shoulders gave him an intimidating presence. Though he appeared completely human, an overwhelming aura surrounded him.
The entire hall fell silent.
No one dared approach him.
Behind him walked a young man with neat green hair and emerald eyes.
It was Shalo, also disguised as a human.
The two calmly made their way toward the reception desk.
The young receptionist straightened her posture, trying her best to hide her nervousness.
"S-Sir... welcome to the Avelnch Guild's Branch Headquarters in the Kingdom of Sanctoria."
"How may I help you?"
Before the muscular man could answer, Shalo stepped forward with a friendly smile.
"We'd like to register as adventurers."
The receptionist let out a small sigh of relief before taking out two registration forms.
"Of course."
"May I have your names?"
"My name is Shalo."
Shalo pointed toward the man beside him.
"And his name is Drakar."
The receptionist quickly wrote their names down.
"Is there anything else?"
Shalo nodded.
"As our first quest..."
"...we'd like to accept this one."
He handed her a request form.
The receptionist glanced down at the paper.
"Oh..."
"It's a quest to assis—"
Her voice suddenly stopped.
Her eyes widened.
"W-What...?"
She looked at the request again to make sure she hadn't misread it.
"T-This is..."
"...a quest to assist the ruler of Sanctoria..."
"...Queen Seraphine Sanctoria."
Silence spread across the reception hall.
Several nearby adventurers slowly turned their heads toward the pair.
---
Far away...
Within the magnificent Kingdom of Meledia...
A young man dressed in elegant noble attire walked calmly through the royal palace.
His expression remained composed as he approached a pair of gigantic golden gates.
The royal guards immediately recognized him.
Without hesitation, they bowed and opened the gates.
Beyond them...
Sat the ruler of Meledia.
The Sword Hero himself.
King Zeek Meledia.
The young man stepped forward before respectfully kneeling.
"Your Majesty."
"Your loyal knight..."
"...Kael..."
"...has arrived."
Zeek looked down at him with calm sapphire-blue eyes.
"You have served Meledia with unwavering loyalty."
"You have accomplished every task entrusted to you."
"You have made this kingdom proud."
A faint smile appeared on the king's face.
"And because of that..."
"...I have decided to reward you."
Kael remained kneeling.
"I am honored, Your Majesty."
"From this day onward..."
"...you shall bear the title of Baron."
"The easternmost territory of Meledia shall be placed under your rule."
"It will belong to you."
For the first time, surprise appeared in Kael's eyes.
"I..."
"...am deeply honored, Your Majesty."
He lowered his head once more.
"I shall devote my life to serving the kingdom."
Zeek simply nodded.
"You may leave."
Kael rose to his feet and turned toward the exit.
Just before he reached the doors—
"Kael."
He stopped.
Turning back, he bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
A faint smile appeared on Zeek's face.
"There is one more thing."
"I personally prepared a gift for you."
"It should already be waiting..."
"...inside your chambers."
Kael smiled politely.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"I shall see it immediately."
Without another word, he left the throne room.
---
Moments later...
Kael arrived before the door to his private chamber.
Curiosity filled his mind.
"What kind of gift would His Majesty prepare himself?"
He slowly pushed the door open.
Creeeak...
The moment he stepped inside...
His body froze.
There...
Bound tightly with heavy ropes...
Kneeling on the floor...
Was a man Kael would never forget.
Lendo.
The very man who had destroyed his childhood.
The man responsible for Elara's death.
For several long moments...
Neither of them spoke.
Then...
A slow...
Mischievous smile spread across Kael's face.
The carriage rolled steadily along the stone roads leading toward the Kingdom of Sanctoria.
The afternoon breeze swept across the open plains as the horses continued their journey.
Inside the carriage...
Shalo sat quietly across from Drakar.
After several moments of silence, he finally spoke.
"Drakar..."
"I've been wondering something."
Drakar slowly opened his eyes.
"What is it?"
Shalo tilted his head.
"Weren't we supposed to head straight to Frostalia and meet Lord Kritos?"
"Then why did we suddenly change our destination?"
"Why are we going to Sanctoria..."
"...to meet the Priest Hero herself?"
Silence filled the carriage.
Then...
A faint smile appeared on Drakar's face.
"I want to give my Lord a gift."
Shalo blinked.
"A gift?"
His eyes widened with curiosity.
"Don't tell me..."
"...the gift is Seraphine's head?"
Drakar let out a quiet chuckle.
"No."
"It's Fallmeth."
Shalo frowned.
"Fallmeth?"
"I've never heard that name before."
Drakar looked out the carriage window.
"It was my Lord's sword."
"During the final battle..."
"...after Lord Kritos fell..."
"...the Priest Hero, Seraphine..."
"...claimed it as a trophy."
His crimson eyes gradually turned colder.
"I am nowhere near strong enough to defeat one of the Six Heroes."
"So..."
"...I have no intention of fighting her."
A confident smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Instead..."
"...I'll help her."
Shalo stared at him in confusion.
"...Help her?"
Drakar nodded.
"That will allow me to approach the sword without raising suspicion."
"When I have the opportunity..."
"I'll take Fallmeth."
He looked directly at Shalo.
"And the moment I have it..."
"...you'll use your teleportation magic."
"We leave immediately."
Understanding finally appeared on Shalo's face.
"So..."
"...that's your real plan."
Before either of them could continue—
The carriage slowed to a stop.
The Coachman spoke from outside.
"We've arrived."
"The Royal Palace of Sanctoria."
Drakar and Shalo stepped down from the carriage.
Before them stood a magnificent palace crafted from brilliant white marble.
Towering pillars reached toward the heavens, while golden banners bearing Sanctoria's sacred emblem fluttered gently in the wind.
Without hesitation...
The two entered the palace.
After being escorted through several grand corridors...
They arrived inside the throne room.
Sunlight poured through enormous stained-glass windows, illuminating the vast chamber with gentle colors.
At the far end...
Upon a magnificent golden throne...
Sat a breathtaking woman.
Long purple hair cascaded elegantly over her shoulders.
Her deep violet eyes radiated both kindness...
...and unwavering authority.
She wore immaculate white royal robes embroidered with golden divine symbols.
The ruler of Sanctoria.
One of the Six Heroes.
The Priest Hero herself...
Queen Seraphine Sanctoria.