Chapter 145: A Knight's Reward
Scene: After hours of rest in the medical center, Volkra and Milton lie in their beds, recovering from the intense final battle. Nurse Kimiko tends to them with her healing mana, her gentle hands and soothing energy easing their pain. Finally, the two awaken, feeling groggy but refreshed, as the instructor arrives to escort them to the ring for the prize ceremony.
Narrator: Hours have passed since the tournament's climactic finale, and Volkra and Milton now find themselves in the spotlight, summoned to receive their honors before the kingdom. The crowd gathers, buzzing with excitement, eager to see the victors recognized.
Volkra and Milton, still sore but dressed in ceremonial robes, walk side by side to the ring. As they step into the center, they are met by the warm smiles of King Thalanor, his advisors, and several high-ranking knights. The King raises his hand, and the crowd falls silent.
King Thalanor: (with a proud smile) Recruits of the South Nation, you have shown great courage, resilience, and strength. Today, we gather not only to honor our champion but to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and unyielding spirit of all who fought in this tournament.
The King's words are met with applause from the crowd. Volkra and Milton share a respectful glance, their rivalry now seasoned with mutual respect.
King Thalanor: To all of you who participated, I encourage you to continue training, to hold onto this fire within you. It will make you strong knights and protectors of our kingdom.
Narrator: The King pauses, allowing his gaze to sweep over the crowd, each recruit standing a little taller in the presence of his pride. Finally, he turns back to Volkra, his face breaking into a proud smile.
King Thalanor: And now, our champion, Volkra. For your bravery and skill, you shall be awarded a prize fit for a true knight. Step forward.
Volkra steps forward, his heart pounding as the King's knights present a magnificent suit of armor. The armor shines with a green sheen, the scales layered and polished to perfection.
King Thalanor: (reverently) This is the Dragon Armor. Forged by the ancient dwarfs who vanished decades ago, it was crafted from the scales of the Great Dragon—the rarest and mightiest of all dragons. Its strength is unmatched, and its resilience knows no equal.
Volkra's eyes widen as he stares at the legendary armor, its history and significance weighing heavily upon him. He hesitates, almost overwhelmed by the honor, before finally accepting it with a respectful bow.
Volkra: (softly, in awe) I… I don't know what to say. This is beyond anything I imagined. Thank you, Your Majesty.
King Thalanor: (smiling warmly) You've earned it, Volkra. Wear it with honor, and may it serve you well in protecting our lands.
Narrator: The crowd erupts in cheers as Volkra accepts the Dragon Armor, his friends beaming with pride as they watch their friend stand in the center of the ring, adorned in armor befitting a hero.
Volkra turns to his friends—Alexis, Kara, and Milton—all of whom are cheering and clapping, their faces lit up with admiration. The group exchanges smiles, their bond stronger than ever as they bask in their collective success.
Alexis: (grinning) Look at you, Volkra, the knight in shining armor!
Kara: (teasing) Don't let it go to your head, okay? You're still just Volkra to us.
Milton: (smirking) And don't think this armor means I'll go easy on you next time we spar.
Volkra laughs, feeling a mixture of pride and humility as he looks out at the cheering crowd. The instructor signals the end of the ceremony, and the recruits are dismissed, each heading home to rest after a long day.
Narrator: The festivities draw to a close, and the recruits return home, their hearts filled with pride. The King grants them a well-deserved two-day break, allowing them time to recover and reflect. The evening settles over the kingdom, but for some, rest proves elusive.
Scene shifts: Later that night, King Thalanor paces in his chambers, his mind restless as he thinks of the heroes who left for Zisteria. Nearly a month has passed since their departure, and with no word or means of communication, an uneasy silence has taken hold.
King Thalanor: (to himself, sighing) I only hope they're safe… that they find their way to Zisteria. The journey is long and perilous, but if anyone can make it, it's them.
Narrator: As the King reflects on the uncertainty of the heroes' journey, the scene shifts across the vast seas to the heroes themselves, pressing onward through challenges and unknown territories.
Scene shift: The heroes' ship sails steadily through the waves, the vast ocean stretching endlessly around them. Eren, Rylan, Asher, and Aria stand at the bow, Kirito and Ryu nearby, all of them focused on the horizon as they draw closer to their destination.
Eren: (thoughtfully) We've come so far already… but how much farther do you think Zisteria is?
Kirito: (smiling) Not much farther. A few more days, perhaps, if the winds remain on our side.
Ryu: (seriously) But stay vigilant. The seas aren't always kind, and there's more out there than meets the eye.
The heroes nod, understanding the gravity of their mission and the dangers they may yet face. Determined, they press onward, ready to face whatever challenges await them.
Narrator: As night falls once more, both the heroes and the kingdom wait in suspense. With one mission concluded and another just beginning, the world stands on the brink of new adventures, alliances, and battles yet to be fought.
The chapter ends, the focus shifting to the heroes, their journey to Zisteria nearing its climax.