The journey from the northern mountains to the royal capital took several days.
The royal convoy moved slowly along the long stone roads that connected the distant regions of the kingdom.
Wagons carrying injured soldiers rolled carefully over the uneven ground.
Knights rode beside them, keeping watch on the surrounding forests.
Even though the battle was over, no one wanted to take unnecessary risks.
Inside one of the transport wagons—
Saksham rested quietly.
The exhaustion from the battle with the Void Apostle still lingered in his body.
For the first two days of the journey, he had barely moved at all.
His body had simply shut down from overusing fusion mana.
But now—
his strength was slowly returning.
Inside his mind, the system interface appeared again.
SYSTEM STATUS
Energy Level: 68%
Mana Recovery: Stable
Skill Unlocked: Fusion Mastery (Level 1)
Saksham stretched his arms slightly.
"That's much better."
Across from him, Orion sat calmly with his eyes closed.
He had been meditating for most of the journey.
Without opening his eyes, Orion spoke.
"You are recovering quickly."
Saksham chuckled.
"I guess the system helps with that."
Orion opened one eye slightly.
"That strange power of yours continues to surprise me."
Saksham smiled.
"Honestly… it surprises me too."
Outside the wagon, the sound of horses and soldiers filled the road.
Captain Leon rode at the front of the convoy.
His armor had been repaired during the journey, but the signs of the recent battle were still visible.
He remained alert as the capital slowly came into view in the distance.
Massive stone walls surrounded the royal capital.
Tall towers rose above the walls like guardians watching over the kingdom.
The golden royal banner waved proudly above the main gate.
When the convoy finally approached—
the city guards immediately recognized Captain Leon.
The gates opened quickly.
Word of the battle had already reached the capital through messenger hawks.
People had gathered near the main road.
Citizens watched as the convoy entered the city.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"That's the northern army."
"They fought the Void creatures."
"I heard a young hero defeated the monster."
Inside the wagon, Saksham peeked outside.
"So many people…"
Orion smiled slightly.
"News travels fast in a kingdom."
The convoy slowly moved through the streets toward the royal palace.
The palace stood at the center of the capital like a shining fortress.
White marble towers reflected the sunlight.
Golden decorations covered the gates and walls.
Royal guards stood at attention along the palace entrance.
Captain Leon dismounted his horse and walked forward.
"We have returned."
The palace gates opened immediately.
Inside the grand hall—
the king himself waited.
King Aldren sat upon the royal throne at the far end of the chamber.
Several high-ranking nobles and royal advisors stood beside him.
When Captain Leon entered the hall, he knelt respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
"The mission to the northern mountains is complete."
The king leaned forward slightly.
"And the Void threat?"
Leon lifted his head.
"Eliminated."
The entire hall went silent.
"The Void Guardian has been destroyed."
"And the cult leader who attempted to open the dimensional gate…"
Leon turned slightly and gestured behind him.
Saksham stepped forward.
"…was defeated by this young mage."
All eyes in the royal hall turned toward Saksham.
Some nobles looked shocked.
Others whispered quietly.
"He looks like a teenager."
"That boy defeated the Apostle?"
King Aldren studied Saksham carefully.
Then he slowly stood up from the throne.
"You have done a great service for this kingdom."
Saksham bowed respectfully.
"I only did what was necessary."
The king smiled slightly.
"Humility as well."
He turned toward one of the royal advisors.
"Prepare a reward for our young hero."
The advisor nodded.
But the king raised his hand again.
"And send a message to the Royal Academy."
Saksham blinked.
"The academy?"
The king nodded.
"A mage with such potential should not remain untrained."
He looked directly at Saksham.
"You will receive an official invitation to the Royal Academy."
Several nobles began whispering again.
"That academy only accepts the best students."
"Even nobles must pass the entrance exam."
The king continued calmly.
"However…"
"Even with my invitation…"
"You must still pass the academy's entrance examination."
Saksham smiled slightly.
"That sounds fair."
Orion, standing near the side of the hall, crossed his arms with a quiet grin.
"This will be interesting."
The king nodded.
"The next academy entrance examination begins in two weeks."
He turned toward Saksham again.
"Prepare yourself."
Saksham felt a strange excitement