Grey stood firmly on the ground above the crimson carpet that stretched before him. He was flanked on both sides by fallen angels, each with unique powers and natures.
Some exuded malevolence, others kindness, and a few remained neutral. They were formidable and dangerous; not one of them was weak.
Aira and Selene, along with the butler, were amidst the crowd.
He was the one the ruler, the king, had summoned, and now he stood before the sovereign of this realm.
Grey's eyes met those of the figure seated on the majestic throne ahead. The figure was a masterpiece of terror and destruction.
With jet-black hair and piercing eyes, the man's hands rested on the throne's armrests.
Though he did nothing, Grey felt a crushing weight on his shoulders.
This man, Varelius, shifted his gaze, locking eyes with Grey.
The pressure intensified, and Grey felt his shoulders might tear apart.
"So strong," Grey murmured, feeling like an ant before a towering mountain, impossible to surmount.
"Is your name Grey?" Varelius inquired, his voice carrying a chilling, authoritative edge befitting a ruler.
Grey narrowed his eyes at Varelius's tone and question. 'Does this person not know my name?' he wondered, but swiftly dismissed the thought. 'No, that can't be it.' Realizing there was a more intricate game at play, Grey decided to indulge Varelius, curious to see where this would lead.
"Yes, my name is Grey Everwood," Grey replied, pausing after his introduction since Varelius had only asked for his name.
"What is your reason for coming to our realm?" Varelius asked, his tone unchanged from before.
"I don't have any particular reason for coming here," Grey replied, his expression calm and unwavering.
"No reasons?" Varelius questioned, intensifying the pressure around Grey.
Grey simply nodded without hesitation.
"How did you enter our realm?" Varelius asked, his eyes fixed intently on the boy before him.
"I came through a place surrounded by a barrier in the Forbidden Forest," Grey replied.
"How were you able to bypass the barrier? Tell me everything in detail, starting from the moment you first saw our barrier in the forest," Varelius demanded.
Grey recounted everything: how he discovered the barrier and managed to switch its position with a tree, allowing him to enter the area within the barrier unnoticed. He then detailed his journey, up to the point where he met Aira.
"That's all there is," Grey said.
Varelius said nothing, lost in thought as he pondered the boy's words. Bypassing the barrier wasn't impossible, but altering it and shifting its position without anyone noticing? That seemed improbable, especially given the young boy standing before him!
Everyone present had heard Grey's account, and they were equally dumbfounded by his story.
Murmurs began to spread as people whispered among themselves.
"Could he really be telling the truth?" one person wondered.
"I doubt it," another replied.
"But consider this—a child who looks around nine or ten possessing such advanced skills and knowledge? It's hard to believe."
"Silence!" a cold voice commanded, and the room fell completely silent—no one even dared to breathe.
With the crowd hushed, Varelius turned to Grey and asked, "What is your purpose now?"
"My purpose? I don't have anything major planned; I'm actually considering leaving this realm," Grey said.
He continued, "I came to the Forbidden Zones seeking some real combat experience."
"But I got a little curious, and now here I am, standing in front of you," Grey said casually, seemingly unfazed by the fact that he was speaking to a ruler.
Varelius didn't seem bothered by Grey's casual tone. Instead, he asked, "When do you plan to leave?"
"Hmm, probably the day after tomorrow," Grey said, thinking it over.
"It's good here, but I'm craving some adventure and a bit of fighting."
"Listen, boy, now I'm getting to the point of why I called you here," Varelius said, his tone turning serious.
"I want you to become the Eternal Protector of this realm."
Grey's eyes widened in shock.
"What!?" someone from the crowd exclaimed.
"Eternal Protector? No, Your Majesty, you can't do that!"
The crowd erupted in disagreement with their king's decision.
The title "Eternal Protector" signifies a person tasked with safeguarding and defending the realm or its people indefinitely. This role implies both immense strength and a lifelong commitment to the protection of the kingdom and its values. It conveys a sense of enduring vigilance and unwavering dedication.
Suddenly, a figure flew from the crowd, landing in front of Grey and kneeling before Varelius. The person was heavily built, with black hair and clad in armor and various protective artifacts. His imposing demeanor seemed ideal for the role.
"If I may, my lord," he asked, seeking permission.
Varelius nodded. "You are one of our greatest generals and also a guardian. Tell me, what do you have to say?"
The general spoke up, "My lord, I'm not sure it is wise to appoint a child as the Eternal Protector of the realm, especially an outsider who isn't even a Fallen Angel. It could be seen as a disgrace to us."
Varelius narrowed his eyes. "Why would it be a disgrace to us to make this boy our Eternal Protector?"
"My lord, other races will view it negatively. They will claim that we lack the strength and have resorted to appointing someone of a different race to a position and responsibility that should be equal to yours."
"Leonard, you don't understand at all," Varelius said, shaking his head in disappointment.
"First, let me talk to this boy."
Grey, who had been listening intently, frowned. He couldn't fathom why Varelius would be making such a decision. He considered countless possibilities, but none seemed to fit. So, upon hearing that Varelius wanted to speak with him directly, Grey cleared his mind and prepared to listen to what the ruler had to say.
"So, Grey, what do you think about my proposal?" Varelius asked.
"As I've already mentioned, I'll be leaving soon. Why are you still asking me?" Grey replied.
"Just answer if you're willing," Varelius insisted.
Grey pondered Varelius's insistence. It seemed the king truly wanted him to consider the proposal seriously.
"How can it benefit me?" Grey asked. "I already understand that this position is a significant honor, but that's not how I see it."
"Who do you think you are?" someone from the crowd exclaimed angrily, interpreting Grey's response as a disregard for the importance of the Eternal Protector role.
Before the crowd could voice further objections, a single look from Varelius silenced them.
"You're quite defiant, boy," Varelius said. He spread his hand and continued, "There are benefits, such as being treated with the same respect as I or the generals here. Additionally, I will allow you to take one treasure from our treasury."
Grey appeared to contemplate this offer. Seeing that he was still unresponsive, Varelius added, "I can also provide you with some gold. Before you dismiss its value, consider this: currently, only two things dominate the world—money and power. So think carefully."
Everyone waited for Grey's response. The hall fell silent as all eyes turned to him.
A smile gradually formed on Grey's face as he locked eyes with the king .
"I agree." he slowly said with a smile.