The King straightened, clearing his throat as his gaze swept across the ruined cathedral and then past it, toward the Eternal Shadows lingering like living omens.
"What's your name, heroes?" he asked. "I'm King Lars, and the others should be around here.."
His eyes flicked to the shadows again, unease creeping in.
"..Somewhere."
Terrence smiled casually, hands in his pockets.
"How you doing, King Lars?" he said easily. "Terrence Danbrose. My Shadows are bringing them now, should be here in a minute."
He tilted his head and gestured behind him. "Eiselle. Ariel. Treasure."
Eiselle offered a graceful smile and a polite nod.
Ariel threw up two peace signs, flashing a grin.
Treasure didn't even look up..she just continued pummeling a Goblin Shadow, every punch folding shadow-flesh like wet paper.
King Lars coughed into his fist. "..They seem very enthusiastic."
He straightened. "Anyways. I'm sure you'd like to know the reason you were summoned here."
"To kill the Demon King and his demonic monster waves, right?" Terrence replied immediately. He nodded once. "Just tell me where they are. It'll be handled. No need to wait."
The air shifted.
A woman's voice, calm but sharp, drifted down from above.
"And what makes you think..you'll be enough for him?"
Another voice followed. It was young and irritated.
"Yeah, Dad. There's no need to even try. Let's just get this shit over with."
Two violent bursts of wind slammed into the marble floor.
The awakened Queen, Erin, Seraphina, and Milliana finally arrived with the Shadows. A Lower Rend Guardian's massive golden skeletal hand gently placed Seraphina and Milliana down, fingers glowing with runic restraint before withdrawing into shadow.
The woman stepped forward first.
Long brown hair. Violet eyes. A fitted violet dress that carried royal weight, black heels clicking against stone. A golden princess crown rested atop her head.
Beside her landed a young man. He had short black hair, green eyes, and he dressed in simple regal attire. A golden prince's crown gleamed faintly.
King Lars sighed heavily.
"Larson. Lia. Now's not the time."
Larson scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets as he looked Terrence up and down.
"The last heroes were world-destroyers. Dead in under ten minutes. The ones before them were godlike hunters, dead in less than five."
He laughed bitterly. "So who's this? A wannabe Almighty Summoner who thinks he's special enough to last more than a mi-"
He never finished.
WHIFF.
In a single instant, Terrence was gone.
Larson felt fingers close around his neck, and then the world exploded sideways.
His body was launched clean through a shattered cathedral window, his scream not even registering before he vanished into the distance.
A Lower Rend Guardian would catch him..hopefully.
Terrence reappeared just as fast.
He leaned down in front of Lia, hands on his knees, face inches from hers. He held a wide grin, eyes amused.
"You see, Princess," he said softly, "I'm not the type to stand around listening to crybaby shit that has nothing to do with what I came here to do."
He straightened slightly, then winked.
"If you're done, I'll get back to business. If you don't mind."
Lia's face went scarlet.
Her mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
Terrence chuckled as he stood upright.
He could see some Shadows smirking and others outright laughing.
Ariel grabbed Eiselle and Treasure, pulling them close and whispering.
"I'm wet."
They broke into giggles, shoulders shaking.
The Queen smiled. It was a slow and approving smile.
"You're different, Terrence Danbrose. I like that."
She lifted her chin. "As Queen of this Kingdom, you have my blessing to fight the Demon King."
Her gaze lingered on him for half a second longer than necessary.
There wasn't a lot of men who could woo her daughter, especially on the first meeting. She could honestly see why, he was a handsome and charming man. If she wasn't forced into this marriage maybe..
She shook her head. It's too late now.
Erin stepped forward.
His expression was focused and convicted.
He stopped in front of Terrence.
They stared at each other for a moment, but then nodded in mutual respect.
"I'm Erin," he said firmly. "And I'm entrusting the future of this Kingdom to you."
He reached into a pouch and pulled out a golden cross necklace, worn but pristine.
"This belonged to my mother. She was brutally killed by the demons."
His grip tightened. "I've never given this to any hero before. None of them felt right."
His eyes met Terrence's. "But something tells me you are the chosen one."
Terrence accepted the necklace carefully and placed it around his neck.
[Attention!]
[Hidden Holy Relic Acquired!]
[Effects will unlock under specific conditions.]
'Interesting,' Terrence thought. ' I Wonder what it does..'
"One thing I can promise," he said, pressing a fist to his chest, "is that they'll be extinct when we're done."
Erin grinned and stepped back.
Seraphina and Milliana rushed forward next.
"We believe in you, Sir Terrence!"
"Bring us back his head!"
"Now give us a hug!"
They launched themselves at him, arms wrapping tight as they giggled between each other.
Terrence laughed, shaking his head as he gently patted them.
Then he looked back to King Lars.
Hope burned in the man's eyes now. They were bright and undeniable.
"It's time."