The doors of the royal council room remained firmly shut, but the atmosphere inside differed entirely from the previous night.
The Beast King's core had been moved to a secure vault for careful study.
In its place on the huge table sat official documents detailing rewards for the successful Mutated Gate clear.
"The standard compensation for this severity has already been authorized for the surviving vanguard," Duke Vahn said while adjusting his robes. "The Captain's squad receives the same package under standing law."
"Gold, advanced healing potions, and one month of paid leave remain the standard protocol." He kept reviewing the papers without once looking up at anyone.
"Standard protocol does not cover a rookie who clears a catastrophe-level anomaly alone," Councilwoman Sareya Valen replied while one manicured finger tapped the table.
She looked toward the head of the table where the King sat listening with an unreadable expression.
