In the grand hall of the Rhelorian throne room, two siblings knelt side by side on the cold marble floor, their eyes lowered in respect. Before them stood the king, his striking blue hair shimmering beneath the glow of the silver crown resting on his head. His expression was one of satisfaction as he gazed down upon Kael and Mia, their postures rigid but filled with the energy of anticipation.
The king's voice rang out, clear and warm, filling the hall with a sense of pride. "Kael Eldenwood, I have heard much of your progress," he began, his tone carrying both admiration and authority. "You have become skilled in the Rhelorian sword style, a feat not easily achieved. And forming a mana core within a year of your training places your prowess near that of a two-star knight."
Kael felt a surge of pride at the words. The grueling months of relentless training and sleepless nights now felt justified. Yet, he focused on the king's explanation.
"In Rheloria, our knights are divided into five ranks," the king continued, his voice steady. "A one-star knight is an apprentice knight, still learning the basics of combat. A two-star knight, like you, has mastered foundational skills and begun to stand out. Beyond that, a three-star knight is considered a royal knight, tasked with defending the crown directly. At the fourth star, one becomes a master swordsman, their skill and power unmatched. And the rare five-star knight holds the title of Sword Grandmaster, the pinnacle of swordsmanship in our kingdom."
Kael absorbed this information carefully. The gap between where he was and the highest rank felt immense, but it also fueled his determination. He couldn't stop now. He had to climb higher—not just for himself, but for Mia, and for the promise the king had made to them.
The king then shifted his attention to Mia, his smile growing even kinder. "Mia Eldenwood," he said, "you, too, have shown exceptional promise. You're nearing the refinement of your mana core to the second level—a testament to your lineage and talent. To have learned over twenty spells in the past year is remarkable for someone so young."
Mia's cheeks flushed with pride at the praise, but Kael noticed how her smile faltered slightly. The weight of expectations always weighed heavily on her, even with her incredible magical talent. Still, she nodded gratefully to the king, her golden hair shimmering in the faint light of the room.
The king continued, his voice filled with admiration. "Your progress, both of you, reflects the strength of the Eldenwood bloodline. The future of Rheloria will be stronger with you in it."
At this, Kael and Mia exchanged a glance. They had been waiting for this moment, the promise that the king had made long ago. The one thing that had kept them obedient and hopeful amidst their growing strength.
Kael, with a hesitant voice, spoke up first. "Your Majesty, we are grateful for your kindness. But... about your promise..." His voice wavered slightly, and he quickly added, "Our parents."
Mia's eyes were wide, hopeful, as she nodded in agreement, her lips parting in quiet anticipation.
The king's smile softened as he looked at the two siblings. He folded his hands, looking down at them with what appeared to be genuine warmth. "Ah, yes, your parents," he mused, his voice tender. "I have not forgotten the promise I made to you. If you continue at this pace, if you keep pushing yourselves as you have done, I will definitely bring your parents back."
A spark of hope ignited in both of them, but then the king's tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "However, I must remind you that such rituals are costly... both in terms of power and resources. It is a complex, delicate magic, but nothing you need to worry about. What matters is that you continue to work hard."
Kael and Mia nodded vigorously, though Kael couldn't help but notice a subtle tightening in his gut. The king always spoke of cost, of how much effort would be required, and yet there was no mention of when their parents would return. But he couldn't afford doubt now—not after everything they'd done, everything they had endured.
The king smiled again, clearly pleased with their obedience. "Now, as for your new roles," he continued, his voice booming across the hall. "Kael, you have proven yourself. You are hereby officially a knight of Rheloria, no longer a mere trainee. You will join the other fresh graduates and go on expeditions to further the kingdom's interests. There will be dangers, but I have no doubt that you will excel."
Kael bowed his head deeper, feeling the weight of the new responsibility settling on his shoulders. He would be out in the world, far from the protective walls of the kingdom, but he was ready. His desire to grow stronger, to protect Mia, and to fulfill the king's promise burned hotter than ever.
"And Mia," the king continued, turning to her with a gentler tone. "You will continue honing your magic under the guidance of Archmage Meloria. You are one of the brightest students Rheloria has ever seen, and we expect great things from you."
Mia's face was flushed with determination as she bowed her head in response. She, too, felt the weight of expectation, but she would not back down. She couldn't.
The king gave them both a final smile. "Rheloria is proud to have you both. Do not disappoint us."
With that, the audience was over, and the king returned to his throne, watching as the two siblings rose, bowed, and left the grand hall, their futures now set on paths more dangerous and uncertain than ever before.