Kale awoke in a dimly lit room, his body aching and his senses dulled. His vision blurred as he blinked, trying to make sense of his surroundings. Soft light filtered through a small window, casting gentle beams across the stone walls. He was still in the Tower, but this place felt different—calmer, more serene than the chaos of the battlefield. Kale slowly sat up, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through his side. His mind was still foggy, fragments of the battle flashing in his memory.
Kale's hand instinctively reached for Nandaki, only to find it resting beside his bed. He exhaled, relieved that his weapon was still within reach. As he looked around, the door to his room creaked open, revealing a figure he hadn't expected to see so soon: the knight who had led the allied forces—the one who had saved him when he was on the brink of death.
"You're awake," the knight said, his voice calm but commanding. He stepped into the room, his polished armor glinting in the light. "We've been waiting for you."
Kale's brows furrowed. "Where… where am I?"
"You're in the Fourth sanctuary, a safe zone for those who've endured the worst of the trials," the knight explained. "You fought bravely, Hero of the Fourth Trial."
The words felt strange to Kale, almost surreal. He had been fighting alone for so long that he never considered himself a hero, just a survivor. But here, in this moment, he was being recognized. It was almost like a fairy tale—where a hero fights against impossible odds, saves the day, and is celebrated. Kale shook his head, trying to clear the lingering disorientation.
"I didn't do it alone," Kale said, his voice hoarse. "Your forces… they saved me."
The knight nodded, smiling faintly. "You held the line. You gave us the time we needed to turn the tide. That is not something just anyone can do." He paused, then gestured toward the door. "The king has requested your presence at the royal court. He wishes to thank you personally."
Kale's heart skipped a beat. A royal invitation? He hadn't expected this. Still sore but curious, he slowly rose from the bed, steadying himself. The knight offered him a hand, and together they made their way through the Tower's sanctuary, emerging onto a bustling courtyard. A carriage awaited him, its design intricate and lined with gold, bearing the insignia of the kingdom he had just fought to protect.
The ride was brief but surreal. As the carriage rolled through cobblestone streets, Kale's eyes widened at the sights around him—tall spires, lively markets, and banners celebrating the victory of the trial. It was like stepping into another world, one where the battles and bloodshed were mere tales told in the aftermath of a great war.
When they arrived at the castle, Kale's breath caught in his throat. The structure towered above everything, a majestic blend of marble and stone that gleamed under the sunlight. Stained glass windows depicted scenes of legendary heroes, their exploits frozen in time for all to see. One word escaped his lips as he gazed at the sight before him: "Majestic."
Inside, the atmosphere was grand and regal. The hall was filled with players and NPCs alike, all adorned in their finest garments. Tapestries of epic battles hung from the walls, and chandeliers cast a warm glow across the room. One by one, players who had distinguished themselves in the trial were called up to receive their rewards. Titles were bestowed, and the crowd applauded as each hero stepped forward, basking in their moment of glory.
Finally, Kale's name was called. He walked forward, his steps echoing against the grand marble floor, feeling the weight of hundreds of eyes upon him. As he approached the throne, the king stood, his presence commanding yet kind.
"Kale," the king began, his voice resonating through the hall. "You have proven yourself not just as a warrior, but as a beacon of hope for all who stand against the darkness. Your courage and strength have earned you a place among legends."
With a ceremonial flourish, the king bestowed upon Kale a shining medallion, emblazoned with the symbol of the mythical rank hero. The crowd erupted in applause, and Kale bowed, humbled by the recognition. But then, something even more unexpected happened: the king raised his hand, and a scroll was presented to Kale.
"By the decree of this court, you are henceforth granted the title of Duke, and recognized as a Mythical Rank Hero," the king declared. "Your deeds shall be remembered for generations."
Kale took the scroll, his mind reeling. A duke? He never imagined that his journey would lead to this—a position of nobility within the Tower's world. But before he could fully grasp the significance, a system notification flashed before his eyes:
[System Notification: You have met one of the requirements to become the One True Hero.]
Kale's breath hitched. The One True Hero—a title that only existed in legend. He knew it was a path fraught with impossible trials and unimaginable challenges, but it was also a path that would define his place within the Tower. This was just the beginning, a stepping stone toward something much greater.
As the ceremony concluded, Kale found himself lost in thought. The applause, the accolades, the newfound power—it all felt distant, overshadowed by the weight of what was to come. He knew the journey ahead would be long and arduous, but for the first time in a while, he felt a spark of genuine hope.
Leaving the court, Kale boarded his carriage once more. The road back to his room was quiet, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the castle. When he finally reached his quarters, he collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion finally catching up with him. But even as his body ached, his mind raced with possibilities.
The Tower's trials were only going to get harder from here. He couldn't afford to linger on any floor too long—he needed to push forward, at least until the 10th Floor. There was no room for hesitation. Not anymore.
As Kale drifted off to sleep, a faint smile crossed his lips. He was ready for whatever came next. He would fight, survive, and carve his name into the Tower's history. This was not the end of his journey—it was just the beginning.
[You have cleared the 4th Trial]