Chapter 115: A Path Toward Peace
Scene: Two months have passed since the climactic battle that shaped the future of both the South and North Nations. The air is filled with peace, and the tension of war has long since faded. The citizens are rebuilding their lives, and the knights and heroes of both nations find themselves with fewer duties. It is a time for healing, for reflection, and for looking ahead to what the future may hold.
Narrator: With peace now settling across the South and North Nations, the heroes who once fought bravely on the battlefield now enjoy the quiet moments of life. In the village of Elaria, nestled deep in the South Nation, Eren and Rylan spend their days in the warmth of family and friendship.
Eren and Rylan sit at a wooden table outside Eren's family home, the sun shining gently on the small village of Elaria. The two of them are laughing, their faces relaxed and content, as they share stories of the past with Eren's mother. Aria is nearby, sitting with her own family, smiling as she watches her friends find peace.
Eren: (laughing) Remember that time in Mula when you tried to sneak up on the training master? You thought you had him, but he caught you before you even made it halfway!
Rylan: (chuckling) Oh, trust me, I remember. That man could sense me a mile away. Still, I think I gave him a scare once or twice.
Eren's mother, a kind woman with soft eyes, smiles warmly as she listens to her son and his friends. She places a steaming bowl of soup on the table, and Eren takes a deep breath, savoring the familiar scent.
Eren's Mother: (gently) It's good to see you boys laughing again. After everything you've been through… you deserve this peace.
Eren and Rylan exchange a glance, both feeling the weight of her words. The battles they fought are not easily forgotten, but in this moment, they are simply enjoying the quiet life they had longed for.
Narrator: While Eren and Rylan enjoy the calm in Elaria, Asher has returned to the North Nation for a time, visiting his family and ensuring that all is well. The North has prospered under King Ragnar's rule, and life has begun to return to normal. But in the heart of both the South and North Nations, a new challenge is being discussed—one that could reshape the entire continent once again.
In the South Nation's castle, King Thalanor and King Ragnar sit at a grand table, surrounded by their most trusted advisors. The atmosphere is serious but not tense. Both kings know that while peace reigns in their lands, other parts of the continent remain unstable.
King Thalanor: (thoughtfully) The East and West Nations… they remain without rulers. It's been two months since the fall of Zarek, and yet those lands are still in disarray.
King Ragnar nods in agreement, his brow furrowed as he considers the situation.
King Ragnar: (gravely) The West Nation, where the demons reside, is a shadow of what it once was. The demons are no longer a threat; they're just struggling to survive. They need leadership, stability. Without a ruler, chaos will eventually spread.
One of Thalanor's advisors leans forward, a concerned look on his face.
Advisor: (cautiously) And the East Nation…? It has been abandoned for so long. No ruler, no citizens. It's practically a ghost nation. What do you propose we do with it?
King Thalanor folds his hands, his eyes thoughtful as he speaks.
King Thalanor: (calmly) Zarek's attack two months ago… it was driven by his desire to find a home for his people—the people of the Holy Island. They are scattered, without a place to call their own. Perhaps the East Nation could be given to them, to rebuild and call it their home.
The room falls silent as the advisors exchange uneasy glances. The Holy Island had always been a mystery to the people of the South and North Nations, its inhabitants shrouded in secrecy.
Advisor: (uncertain) The people of the Holy Island… we know little about them. Are we sure they would be… friendly? What if they pose a threat to us in the future?
King Ragnar, listening quietly until now, finally speaks up, his deep voice steady.
King Ragnar: (firmly) There is always risk in trusting those we do not know well. But we must remember why Zarek fought. He wanted to give his people a future, not to destroy us. If we can offer them peace, perhaps we can avoid further conflict.
King Thalanor nods, agreeing with Ragnar's assessment.
King Thalanor: (resolutely) We cannot ignore the suffering of the people of the Holy Island. If we give them a chance, they might become allies rather than enemies. I propose that we speak to them ourselves—to understand their intentions.
Another pause fills the room, the gravity of the decision weighing on the advisors. But eventually, there is a collective nod of agreement. The kings will take a risk for the sake of peace.
Narrator: With the decision made, King Thalanor and King Ragnar set their plan in motion. But to make contact with the people of the Holy Island, they will need help from the one person who has the connection—Zarek.
King Thalanor and King Ragnar head to the high-security prison where Zarek is being held. The dark corridors of the mountain prison are cold, and the sound of chains rattles faintly in the distance. When they reach Zarek's cell, the former half-demon sits quietly, still bound by heavy chains, his demonic power long since subdued.
Zarek looks up as the two kings enter, his expression one of surprise. He had not expected them to return to him.
Zarek: (quietly) What brings you here, Your Majesties?
King Thalanor steps forward, his voice calm but commanding.
King Thalanor: (firmly) Zarek, we've decided to give your people—the people of the Holy Island—a home. The East Nation is empty, and we believe they could rebuild there. But we need to speak with them first. We need you to take us to the Holy Island.
Zarek's eyes widen in shock. For a moment, he is speechless, his mind racing at the prospect of seeing his people again. He had never expected this outcome, and a flicker of hope appears in his eyes.
Zarek: (softly) You're… giving them a home? Why? After everything that's happened?
King Ragnar: (gruffly) Because peace is worth the risk. And we believe that giving your people a chance could prevent future conflict.
Zarek lowers his head, his emotions swirling within him. He never thought he would hear those words from the two kings he once fought against. Slowly, he nods, still in disbelief but grateful.
Zarek: (quietly) I'll take you there. I owe my people that much.
King Thalanor gestures to the guards, who carefully unlock Zarek's chains. Though still under strict watch, Zarek stands, his body weak but determined. Commander Elara, standing nearby, keeps a close eye on him but offers him a nod of acknowledgment.
Later that day, the group—consisting of King Thalanor, King Ragnar, Commander Elara, and Zarek—stands at the border of the South Nation. Zarek is ready to use his mana to teleport them to the Holy Island, his heart filled with a mixture of fear and hope.
Narrator: With a heavy heart, Zarek prepares to return to the Holy Island, unsure of what awaits him. The kings have taken a leap of faith, and now, they are about to meet the people whose future hangs in the balance.
Zarek raises his hands, his mana glowing faintly as he prepares the teleportation spell. The air around them shimmers, and within moments, the group vanishes from the border of the South Nation, heading toward the unknown. Their destination: the Holy Island.
Narrator: The chapter ends as Zarek, the kings, and Commander Elara are transported to the Holy Island, where the fate of the people who once called it home will soon be decided. The future of peace between nations rests on this fragile alliance, and the journey toward a new era begins.