The return to the surface felt unreal.
After days in darkness and freezing air, the pale sunlight of Frostwind seemed almost warm.
When Arin's team emerged from the sinkhole, soldiers and engineers rushed forward.
"He's alive!"
"They're back!"
Cheers echoed across the camp.
Many had feared they would never return.
Arin was escorted immediately to the medical tent.
He had overused his mana channels.
Several were damaged.
Lyra personally treated him for two days.
"You were reckless," she scolded quietly.
"I was necessary," he replied with a tired smile.
She sighed. "You're impossible."
With the main seal stabilized, monster activity dropped sharply.
Scouts reported fewer sightings.
Villages began returning.
Trade routes reopened.
Frostwind slowly breathed again.
Reports were sent to the capital.
Detailed.
Verified.
Impossible to ignore.
Three weeks later, an imperial envoy arrived.
He wore silver armor and carried a scroll sealed with dragon wax.
All officials gathered.
The envoy read aloud.
"By decree of Emperor Valerius…"
"Prince Arin Eldoria has successfully stabilized Frostwind Province."
"He is hereby granted permanent governance rights."
"He is promoted to Provincial Lord."
Gasps filled the hall.
Permanent authority.
Not temporary.
Not conditional.
A real power base.
Kelsin clenched his fists in joy.
Selene smiled proudly.
Rynor laughed loudly.
Lyra looked relieved.
The system activated.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Major Authority Upgrade]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Provincial Lord Status Acquired]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Dynasty Foundation Strengthened]
Along with the title came rewards.
A treasury grant.
Elite training manuals.
Three rare mana crystals.
A legendary-grade forging permit.
Arin accepted them calmly.
But inside, he knew—
This was only the beginning.
That night, he stood alone outside his residence.
Snow fell gently.
Kael joined him.
"You've changed Frostwind," Kael said.
Arin shook his head.
"Frostwind changed me."
He looked toward the distant mountains.
"There are bigger storms coming."
In the capital, Emperor Valerius read the same report.
He set it down slowly.
"A provincial lord at his age…"
He smiled.
"Perhaps… I underestimated him."
Far away, in the shadows, the hooded figure tightened his grip.
"He survived again."
"Then it's time for phase two."
The board was set.
The players were ready.
And Arin was no longer a pawn.