As the last echoes of the serpent's fall faded into the cold air of the labyrinth, the group remained silent, their hearts still racing from the intensity of the battle. Their bodies were bruised, their breaths ragged, but they had succeeded. They had emerged victorious—together. The sense of triumph was still settling in when suddenly, a strange sound broke the silence.
A soft, mechanical hum filled the air, like an otherworldly notification. Before any of them could react, a large, translucent screen materialized in front of them, its words glowing in vibrant letters. It was as if the world itself had responded to their actions.
"Congratulations, you have acquired the title: 'Companions of the Celestial Knight.'"
The group froze, staring at the screen in shock. Titles like this were unheard of in their world. They had heard stories of legendary heroes receiving such recognition, but they never imagined it would happen to them.
"What… is this?" Riku asked, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and confusion.
The screen flickered for a moment, before a new message appeared, explaining further.
"As companions of the Celestial Knight, you have surpassed the limits of normal humans. You are now marked as heroes of your world. A new journey awaits you. Your mission: Protect your world from the wrath of the Demon Lord, who stirs in the shadows, plotting destruction."
The words hung in the air like a chilling premonition. They had heard of the Demon Lord, of course—stories told in hushed tones and whispers—but to hear of such a dire threat, so suddenly, was unsettling.
Before any of them could speak, another screen appeared—this one tailored to each of them. Each companion's individual screen shimmered into existence, displaying their unique roles, stats, and the progress of their new, enhanced abilities.
Riku's screen showed his status as a Swordmaster. His level had increased dramatically, and his skills had evolved to reflect his newfound power. His experience gauge was full, and his abilities were now beyond those of most knights. He could see the "Sword of the Celestial Knight" skill listed under his attributes, and he felt a pulse of energy surge through him, as if the sword he wielded had taken on a life of its own.
Daichi's screen reflected his new role as a Titan Warrior. His physical prowess had been enhanced, and his strength and endurance had far surpassed his previous limits. His level was now marked as Level 30, and his Earthquake Slam skill had been upgraded, causing his every strike to create shockwaves that could shake the very ground beneath him. He grinned, feeling the surge of power fill him, his muscles burning with newfound strength.
Tenma had become a Pyromancer, her control over fire now unmatched. The screen showed her Flame Mastery skill, and her magical power gauge now had a new section called Mana Burn, which allowed her to channel her fire magic at higher intensities. Tenma felt a deep, burning sensation within her as the screen's information flickered—she could feel the power surging within her, ready to unleash at a moment's notice.
Ichiro was now a Stormcaster, his lightning magic becoming more potent and unpredictable. The screen displayed his Stormfront Fury ability, allowing him to control storms and unleash massive bolts of lightning with pinpoint accuracy. His level had jumped to Level 25, and his mana capacity was now significantly higher, allowing him to channel his magic for longer periods without exhaustion.
Makoto, watching his companions' screens in quiet awe, felt a sense of pride swell within him. They had all risen beyond their former selves. Their bond had made them stronger, not just physically but spiritually. He could feel their power intensifying, the magic of their world intertwining with his own divine energy. But something else caught his eye.
On his own screen, beneath his stats and abilities, there was a new section that read, "World Guardian". The words caused a ripple in his consciousness, and as he read further, the message became clearer.
"As the Celestial Knight, you are now the protector of this world. Your companions are the champions, and together, you will face the Demon Lord's wrath. This is your fate."
Makoto felt a strange sense of finality in those words, but also an overwhelming responsibility. The title of World Guardian was not one he had sought, but one he had been chosen for. And now, with his companions by his side, it was a role he would embrace.