Elaine didn't see Knight again until the next morning, when they were preparing to head out for the Regional Capital, and when they finally crossed paths, he acted as though their conversation from the night before had never taken place.
The group of six moved quickly, and before noon, they reached the gates of the Regional Capital.
The guards, already familiar with the appearances of the Hero Candidates and expecting their return, rang the bells without delay to announce the completion of their Trials.
The bells rang five times, signalling that all five Hero Candidates had returned alive and well, and almost immediately, the atmosphere of the capital turned festive.
The return of the Hero Candidates at the end of their Trials was always a reason to celebrate.
A festival was scheduled to follow directly after the conferment of their Hero titles, with every event planned close together.
