Chapter 99: The Legendary Knight Commander
Scene: The South Nation's castle, midday. The sun is high in the sky as the heroes, knights, and warriors gather at the castle's entrance. There is a sense of urgency and anticipation in the air, fueled by the King's unexpected summons. They hurry inside, eager to learn the reason for this sudden gathering.
Narrator: The heroes and knights of the South Nation have been called to the castle by King Alden himself. As they enter the grand hall, they are met with an unexpected sight—a man standing beside the king, commanding the respect of every knight in the room. This man is none other than Eren's father, though many know him by a different name.
As the heroes and knights enter the grand hall, they see King Alden standing at the front of the room, his posture tall and commanding. Beside him stands Sylas, Eren's father, who radiates a quiet but powerful presence. The knights who recognize him immediately drop to one knee, bowing in deep respect.
Knight 1: (reverently) Commander Thalanor… we are honored to see you again.
Knight 2: (in awe) It's been so long… we never thought we'd see you return.
Eren, standing among the heroes, looks around in confusion. He's never seen this reaction to his father before, and his mind races with questions. He steps forward, addressing the king directly.
Eren: (confused) Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this? Why are the knights bowing to my father… and why are they calling him Thalanor?
King Alden turns to Eren, his expression calm and understanding. He knows that this revelation will be a shock to Eren, but it is time for the truth to be revealed.
King Alden: (calmly) Eren, your father is known to the knights and many others as Thalanor, one of the greatest Knight Commanders the South Nation has ever known. After many years of service, he retired and took on the name Sylas when he settled in Elaria, to protect himself and your family from the enemies he made during his time as Commander.
Eren's eyes widen as he processes this information. He has always known his father as a quiet, humble man, living a peaceful life in Elaria. But now, he realizes that there is much more to his father's past than he ever imagined.
Eren: (shocked) Thalanor… my father was a Knight Commander? Why didn't you ever tell me?
Sylas, or Thalanor as he was once known, steps forward, his expression gentle as he addresses his son.
Sylas: (softly) Eren, I changed my name and left that life behind to protect you and your mother. The enemies I made in battle were powerful, and I wanted to keep you safe from the dangers of my past. But now, the South Nation faces a threat unlike any other, and I must take up my sword once again.
Eren looks into his father's eyes, seeing the resolve and strength that has always been there, but now in a new light. He feels a deep sense of pride, mixed with a desire to understand more about the man his father once was.
Eren: (calmly) I understand, Father. I trust you and the King. If you're leading us, I know we'll be ready for whatever comes.
King Alden nods approvingly at Eren's words, then turns to address the entire assembly of heroes, knights, and warriors.
King Alden: (authoritatively) Thalanor, or Sylas as you know him, will lead the knights in the coming battle against Zarek and his allies. He possesses not only incredible strength but also unparalleled leadership and strategic skills. He will ensure that we are prepared for what lies ahead.
The knights and warriors, inspired by the King's words and the presence of their former Commander, bow deeply in respect and commitment.
Knights and Warriors: (in unison) We will follow you, Commander Thalanor. We are ready to fight for the South Nation.
Eren, though still curious about his father's past, feels a deep sense of trust and pride. He knows that his father's return will be a turning point in the battle against Zarek. He nods, resolving to learn more about his father's history, but for now, he chooses to focus on the task at hand.
Narrator: The revelation of Sylas's true identity as Thalanor, a legendary Knight Commander, has inspired the knights and warriors of the South Nation. With his leadership, they are more confident than ever in their ability to stand against Zarek and his forces.
King Alden, sensing the renewed energy in the room, turns to Thalanor with a serious expression.
King Alden: (calmly) Thalanor, Commander Elara has been conducting training with our forces in preparation for the battle. I now place that responsibility in your hands. I want you to test the strength of our heroes and commanders in a battle, so we can ensure we are ready for the coming fight.
Thalanor nods, accepting the King's command without hesitation. He turns to the heroes and commanders, his expression firm and resolute.
Thalanor: (commandingly) Very well. We will resume training at the castle's training grounds. I want to see the strength that each of you possesses—your abilities, your strategies, and your resolve. Prepare yourselves, for this battle will test your limits.
The heroes and commanders nod in understanding, their expressions serious as they prepare to return to the training grounds. They know that this will be no ordinary sparring match—this will be a true test of their strength, overseen by a man who has led countless battles and emerged victorious.
Eren: (determined) I'm ready, Father. I'll show you everything I've learned.
Rylan: (grinning) This is going to be intense. Let's give it our all.
Aria: (nodding) We've come this far. We're ready for whatever challenge Commander Thalanor throws at us.
The chapter ends with the heroes, commanders, and knights making their way back to the training grounds, their hearts filled with determination. They know that the battle ahead will be fierce, but with Thalanor leading them, they are ready to face it together.