Chapter 118: A New Generation of Knights
Scene: The party has ended, and a new day dawns over the North Nation. The crisp morning air is filled with a sense of purpose as King Thalanor of the South Nation, King Ragnar of the North Nation, and High Priest Helio of the newly established East Holy Nation gather at the North Nation's castle. Today marks the beginning of an important initiative—the introduction of the knightly system to the East Holy Nation.
Narrator: The East Holy Nation has been given a new home, but now, its people must learn to protect it. King Thalanor, King Ragnar, and High Priest Helio have come together with a vision: to introduce the knightly system of the South and North Nations to the East Holy Nation, ensuring its future is safeguarded by a new generation of warriors.
Inside the grand halls of the North Nation's castle, the high-ranking knights of the South Nation have gathered. Commander Elara, alongside several of the South's most skilled warriors, stands tall and proud. The air is thick with respect as they wait to be introduced to High Priest Helio and his advisors.
Helio, though new to the ways of the other nations, walks with a quiet confidence. His robes shimmer with the faint glow of Divine Mana, and behind him stand his closest advisors—those who have helped him guide the people of the Holy Island for years. Now, they must prepare for a new era, one where the protection of their people rests in the hands of trained warriors.
King Thalanor gestures for the gathering to begin, his voice echoing through the hall.
King Thalanor: (proudly) Knights of the South Nation, it is my honor to introduce you to High Priest Helio, the ruler of the newly established East Holy Nation. He and his advisors stand before you today as allies, and it is our goal to extend our knightly system to their land.
The knights nod respectfully as Helio steps forward, his voice calm but filled with gratitude.
High Priest Helio: (gratefully) I am humbled to stand among you. The people of the East Holy Nation are entering a new chapter, one filled with hope and unity. But with that comes the responsibility to protect our home. We look to your expertise, your strength, and your honor to guide us as we build a force of our own.
Narrator: The knights of the South and North Nations have long stood as protectors of their lands, upholding a tradition that has shaped their nations for generations. Now, it is time for the East Holy Nation to forge a similar path.
King Ragnar steps forward next, his deep voice commanding attention as he speaks.
King Ragnar: (firmly) The system we propose is simple: men and women of the East Holy Nation, starting from the age of fifteen, will be trained as knights under the guidance of Commander Elara and our most skilled warriors. They will be given the tools and knowledge they need to defend their home.
Helio nods in agreement, understanding the importance of this initiative. He looks to King Thalanor with a thoughtful expression.
High Priest Helio: (curious) And how shall we begin this process?
King Thalanor: (nodding) Tomorrow, you will hold a town meeting in the East Holy Nation. You will ask for volunteers—those who are willing to take on the responsibility of becoming knights. From there, Commander Elara and her knights will take them under their wing and begin their training.
The kings and Helio discuss the details, with Helio expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen his nation's defenses. The meeting concludes with a sense of anticipation for what's to come, as the future protectors of the East Holy Nation prepare to take their first steps.
Narrator: The following day, in the heart of the East Holy Nation, a town meeting is called. The citizens gather, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement. High Priest Helio stands before them, ready to announce the next step in their nation's growth—a call for knights to rise from among their people.
At the center of the newly named East Holy Nation, a large crowd gathers. The excitement is palpable as High Priest Helio stands atop a raised platform, his voice ringing out over the people.
High Priest Helio: (proudly) Citizens of the Great East Holy Nation! Today, I come before you with a call to arms. We have been given a new home, and with that comes the responsibility to protect it. Our allies, the South and North Nations, have offered to train those among us who are willing to become knights—protectors of our land, defenders of our people.
The crowd murmurs in excitement, and there's a sense of pride swelling in the air. Helio continues, his voice growing more earnest.
High Priest Helio: (seriously) I ask you now, those of you who are of age—fifteen and older—who among you will step forward to take on this honor? Who will train to become a knight and protect the future of the East Holy Nation?
For a moment, there is silence, but then a familiar face steps forward—Volkra, Zarek's childhood friend. His strong, determined expression draws the attention of the crowd as he speaks.
Volkra: (proudly) I'll take the mantle, High Priest. I will train to become a knight and defend this nation with my life.
The crowd erupts in cheers, inspired by Volkra's courage. Soon, Milton, Kara, and Alexis, Volkra's close friends, step forward as well, their faces filled with determination.
Milton: (confidently) I'm with you, Volkra. We'll be knights together.
Kara: (excited) This is our chance to protect what we've been given!
Alexis: (proudly) I'll stand with you all.
The four friends stand together, their commitment clear. Inspired by their example, more men and women step forward, eager to serve their nation. Fifty others soon join them, their faces filled with pride and honor.
Narrator: The citizens of the Great East Holy Nation cheer as their new knights are chosen. The volunteers are outfitted with special training armor, each piece symbolizing the weight of their new responsibility. Tomorrow, they will leave for the North Nation, where their training will begin under the watchful eye of Commander Elara.
The next day arrives, and the volunteers—now future knights—gather at the outskirts of the East Holy Nation. They are dressed in their training armor, which gleams in the morning light, each piece tailored for the rigorous challenges ahead. Commander Elara stands at the front, her arms crossed as she surveys the new recruits.
Volkra, Milton, Kara, Alexis, and the others stand tall, a mixture of excitement and nerves in their expressions. The citizens gather to see them off, offering cheers of encouragement as they prepare to leave for the North Nation.
Commander Elara: (seriously) Today marks the beginning of your journey as knights. You will train hard, you will fight hard, and you will learn what it means to protect a nation. This is not an easy path, but it is one of honor.
The recruits nod in unison, their determination clear. With that, they set off for the training grounds in the North Nation, where their journey as knights will truly begin.
Narrator: The outskirts of the North Nation become the new training ground for the future protectors of the East Holy Nation. Commander Elara, alongside other high-ranking knights, takes charge of the recruits, ready to mold them into warriors worthy of the title "knight."
The recruits arrive at the training grounds—a vast expanse of land dedicated to combat drills, strategy lessons, and swordsmanship. Commander Elara wastes no time, beginning their training with a focus on the basics of swordsmanship. She stands at the front of the group, her blade gleaming in the sunlight.
Commander Elara: (sharply) Swordsmanship is the foundation of any knight. Today, you will learn the first stances. Watch carefully.
With practiced precision, Elara demonstrates the basic sword stances, her movements fluid and exact. The recruits watch closely, mimicking her movements as they follow her lead. Volkra, Milton, Kara, and Alexis practice together, pushing each other to get it right.
Volkra: (gritting his teeth) We've got this. We'll make our nation proud.
As the recruits work through their drills, the sense of camaraderie begins to grow, binding them together as they step into their roles as future knights.
Narrator: The training has begun, and the recruits of the East Holy Nation take their first steps toward knighthood. Under the guidance of Commander Elara and the experienced knights of the South and North Nations, they will learn what it means to protect their people and uphold the values of their new home.
The chapter ends with Commander Elara watching over the recruits, her eyes filled with determination. The future of the East Holy Nation is in their hands, and their journey as knights has only just begun.