The ambiance within the Royal Estate was sullen that evening.
As everyone stood in a straight line, all of them facing the man who had guided them thus far, an electrifying energy rushed within their hearts despite the solemn atmosphere.
A tint of orange dyed their faces thanks to reflections from the sky above them. All the students—some more than others—had glistening eyes. Even the two surviving members of the Royal Council were present, standing behind the Otherworlders as hey looked at a single man.
"Sir Ralyks… on behalf of everyone here, I'd like to thank you for everything you've done for us." Adonis stepped forward and bowed his head.
"THANK YOU, SIR RALYKS!" They all bowed in respect.
The man shrouded in darkness said nothing. He merely watched their display of respect in silence.
"The Royal Council also thanks you greatly." Vida and Conrad stepped forward with respectful smiles plastered on their faces.
"Not only did you help train the Alliance's greatest asset against the Dragons, but the resources that this Raid has contributed to the cause is more than we can imagine. It will definitely have a positive impact on the battle to come."
Every word they said was genuine. It was obvious that every single one who stood in that plain field had one thing or the other to be grateful to Ralyks for.
He saved them.
He made them stronger.
He made them richer.
… All without getting anything substantial for his troubles.
There was a lot of mystery about his identity, and it was easy to suspect him for several things. However, no one dared to do so.
Who could sully his good name?
He was the Dark Adventurer, the Reaper, the Hero of the Capital.
No one could deny it any longer—Sir Ralyks was the strongest, most compassionate, and most brutal man they had ever laid eyes on.
And these qualities were what made him deserving of all the affection and respect he recieved.
"Your thanks are misplaced. It shouldn't be me you should thank."
His words rang of modesty, but the tone in which he spoke them seemed reminiscent of a bit of anger and regret.
"In any case, you should all be proud of yourselves." He quickly changed the topic. "You did well."
No one knew what Ralyks looked like under the mask, but there were theories.
Some thought he was a man scarred by something—both physically and emotionally—so he embarked on a journey to become strong. There were variants of this Origin Story, with some spculating that a Monster killed his family, while others theorizing that it was a Dragon.
Either way, this theory hinged on a tragic past that spurred Ralyks to don a mask and become strong. It also explained why he was so concerned about strength and his desire for all the Otherworlders to become strong.
Some thought he was a weakling in the past, which was why he decided to personally train Rey until the boy could hold his own with the other members of the team.
Some thought he was an old hermit, while others felt like he was simply a young genius.
There was a particularly weird theory that claimed Ralyks was actually a woman in disguise. Of course, the proponent of this was none other than Justin.
Regardless of which theory was right or wrong, everyone who saw Ralyks at that moment and heard his words of praise felt the same thing.
'He's smiling under that mask!'
"You completed the Raid faster than I expected, and as a reward for that… I have decided to give all of you presents."
Everyone appeared excited once they heard this.
Now that their Levels had increased drastically, their Equip Limit had also gone up. That meant they could get even more Enchanted Items to aid them on the next phase of their journey.
Sir Ralyks truly was considerate!
"Step forward once I call your name." He began, looking at the leader of the team as the first on the list.
"Adonis Levi."
The golden haired boy stepped forward in all his grace. A determined look fueled his face, and he appeared tense despite the calm atmosphere.
"You were the most exceptional throughout the raid. I truly believe you have incredible potential—enough to surpass the 'Ralyks' that is before you."
No one knew why the Dark Adventurer chose to speak of himself in the third person, but they went with the flow.
"Here. Have this." Floating atop his hand was a cube.
The cube had multiple colors, and it warbled while floating. A mix of ominous and pure sensations wafted from the object as Adonis stared at it.
"T-this is…!"
"So you know what it is and what it does, huh? Interesting…" Ralyks said in slight amusement.
"Sir Ralyks, where did you find this item?"
"You don't need to concern yourself with that. Just take it."
Adonis looked very conflicted as he stared at the floating cube. On one hand, he eyed it greedily, but on the other hand, he was very reluctant to accept it.
After a single second of deliberation, however, the box was in his hands.
"I believe you do not need to hear this from me, but use it sparingly, okay?"
"Y-yes! I understand." Adonis nodded.
"Good. Now then, on to the next…"
Adonis caressed the box in his palms as he went back to his position on the line.
"Belle Vanitas. Step forward."
The excited blond girl seemed to race to Ralyks' front the moment she heard her name.
"You surprised me the most out of everyone. Your start was a bit rough and average, but you've really grown a lot. That is very pleasing to see."
"Kyaaaaa!" Like an incorrigible fangirl, Belle shrieked with delight.
Everyone could see how heavily she was blushing, and some began to put to question the nature of her relationship with Ralyks was.
They also wondered how 'appropriate' it was.
"For your hard work and dedication… here." Right in Ralyks' grasp was a ring, so pretty that no one could get their eyes off it.
It glittered even more than diamonds.
"This is yours, Belle. Take it."