Kael and Aelric finally returned to the Valcrest mansion as the long night came to an end.
The moment they stepped inside, Elara and Lyria were already waiting in the hall, worry written clearly on their faces.
"Brother!"
Lyria ran toward Kael without hesitation. "What happened? Where are the big sisters? Why was the castle so noisy?"
Kael smiled softly and placed his hand on Lyria's head, gently patting her hair.
"It's already over," he said calmly. "There's nothing to worry about."
Lyria blinked, still confused, but nodded.
Elara stepped closer, her eyes carefully scanning Kael from head to toe.
"My boy… are you hurt? Did you get injured anywhere?"
Kael shook his head.
"I'm fine, Mother."
Aelric let out a tired sigh.
"Tonight was… rough for all of us," he said quietly. "We should rest."
Turning to Kael, he added, "You too. Go to your room and sleep."
Kael nodded and headed toward his bedroom.
Elara took Lyria with her, guiding the sleepy girl back to her room. Once Lyria finally drifted off, Elara returned to the dining hall.
Aelric was sitting there alone, his hands clasped together, his expression heavy with worry.
Elara stopped in front of him.
"Dear… what's wrong? You look troubled."
Aelric slowly raised his head.
"Everyone saw Kael tonight," he said. "They saw what he's capable of. And now the King has summoned him."
He paused.
"You know how much power that child possesses. I don't understand what will happen when Kael stands before His Majesty."
Elara walked closer and gently took Aelric's hand.
"He will be fine," she said softly. "You saw how he handled everything tonight. Trust him."
Aelric closed his eyes for a moment and nodded.
The night finally came to an end.
The Next Day
The following morning, Kael entered the Adventurers' Guild.
The moment he stepped inside, the entire hall went silent.
Then whispers erupted.
"Is that him?"
"The boy from last night…"
"He ended the battle in just two moves!"
"What is he? A monster?"
Kael ignored the murmurs and walked toward the quest board, Hat floating quietly beside him. He selected a quest to hunt wild boars in a nearby village and headed to the reception desk.
"My name is Kael," he said. "I'd like to take this quest."
The receptionist smiled politely.
"My name is Marin. May I see your guild card?"
After checking it, she nodded.
"Accepted."
Then her eyes widened slightly.
"…You're Kael. Last night's hero."
Kael shook his head.
"I'm not a hero."
Marin hesitated before speaking again.
"The Guild Master wants to meet you. Are you available?"
Kael nodded.
"Yes."
She led him to a large door and opened it.
Inside stood a tall man with a scar running across his face.
"So you're Kael," the man said with a grin. "I wanted to meet you after what I saw last night. Impressive."
He crossed his arms.
"My name is Alster. I'm the Guild Master."
After a brief greeting, Alster pulled a book from the shelf. A hidden door opened behind it.
"Come with me."
They entered a large underground training ground.
Alster gestured around.
"I want to see how far you can go."
Before Kael could respond—
"Earth Magic — Stone Bullet."
Kael dodged instantly.
"What—?" Kael asked.
Hat hovered beside him.
"Master, what's happening?"
Alster smirked.
"If you defeat me, I'll raise your rank to A."
Kael paused, then nodded.
"…Very well."
The battle erupted.
Fire magic.
Water magic.
Steel clashing against a summoned spear.
Marin watched from a distance, stunned.
"This is the first time I've seen the Guild Master being pushed back…"
Kael trapped Alster with water magic and placed his sword at his neck.
"It's over."
Suddenly, Alster grabbed Kael's wrist and threw him back.
Mana exploded from both of them.
White mana enveloped Kael.
Blue mana surrounded Alster.
The ground shook violently.
"STOP!" Marin screamed.
Hat reacted instantly.
"Fire Magic — Flame Wall!"
The barrier stopped them just before impact.
Alster burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! It's been a long time since I felt like this."
Moments later, back in the Guild Master's office, Alster ordered Marin to raise Kael's rank to A.
After some discussion, Kael left the guild.
Kael completed the boar hunt with ease, returned to the guild, and dropped seven massive boars at the reception desk.
Marin nearly fainted.
After receiving his reward and selling the boars, Kael returned home.
Back at the mansion, a servant approached him.
"Master Kael, Lord Aelric requests your presence in his study."
Kael nodded and went to his room first to freshen up.
"…Why would Father call me now?" Kael muttered.
Hat replied quietly, "It must be important."
Moments later, Kael knocked on the study door.
"Come in."
Inside sat Aelric—and Lucian.
Kael bowed.
"Father. Brother. When did you return?"
Lucian didn't answer immediately.
Aelric spoke instead.
"Lucian came with an invitation from His Majesty. You are to attend the award ceremony for those who protected the kingdom."
Kael blinked.
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes."
Then Kael frowned.
"…Father. Is there a problem?"
Aelric's gaze darkened.
"The entire capital is talking about you. A twelve-year-old who defeated monsters and a dragon."
Lucian looked confused.
"What's the issue?"
Aelric turned to Kael.
"Show him your status."
Kael hesitated… then spoke softly.
"Status. Open."
The panel appeared.
Lucian's eyes widened.
Attack Power: 50,000
Defense: 32,000
Magic: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, Dark
Skills: Weapon Mastery, Craftsman, Magic Creation
Title: God's Chosen One
"…What is this?" Lucian whispered.
Aelric nodded gravely.
"It's true. And this must never be revealed."
Lucian swallowed.
"Yes, Father."
Kael spoke calmly.
"It will be fine tomorrow."
Hat added confidently,
"No one will oppose my master."
Kael's eyes sharpened slightly.
He remembered the First King's Sword.
Aelric watched him closely.
"…What are you planning?"
Kael smiled faintly.
"Don't worry, Father."
Aelric nodded.
"I believe in you."
What awaited Kael when he stood before the King?
Only destiny knew the answer.