"Knights please send them to their rooms. I will meet you all at the Welcome Party." Elowen said.
"Yes, Saintess." the knight captain replied with a bow.
"Welcome Party." Ray asked, tilting his head.
"Yes, the King is hosting a grand celebration in your honor. Take some time to rest for now."
With her silver robes shining like moonlight on water, Saintess Elowen went from there.
After the awakening ceremony ended, the knights led the students through long golden corridors.
"This way," a knight said.
"You will stay in the guest wing of the Imperial Palace."
Large doors opened.
Each student was given a private room.
Soft beds. Clean clothes. Warm light.
Maxwell Room.
"This feels like a luxurious hotel," Maxwell said, jumping on the bed.
Jack Room.
He was sitting on the edge of his bed.
"Danm it, all things get difficult..I thoughts if Jessica got weak skill than I come like hero to save her." he whispered.
Jessica room.
Jessica stood near the window and looked at the sun set.
Michael Room.
He lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling.
"F-rank…" he whispered.
"But I'll survive."
Tom Room
He sat calmly at a desk and hands folded.
"A king's party…" he thought.
"What are they planning to do?"
Knock. knock.
He rose and opened the door to find a maid. The maid bowed while carrying folded clothes in her arms. "Dear hero, these are for the evening's festivities."
He takes clothes from her and closes the door.
"This is going to be troublesome," he said.
Then he takes a bath and gets ready for the welcome party.
The boys wore a white long coat with silver lines and black gloves noble-style coats.
The girls wore a white dress with light gold patterns and elegant dresses.
The grand hall was filled with golden light. Chandeliers sparkled above. Music played softly.
Nobles, generals and ministers filled the hall.
Whispers followed the students.
"Those are the summoned heroes."
"So these are the summoned heroes…"
"Such young faces…"
"Monsters among children…"
Jack was tall and athletic. His body looked strong from years of sports.
He had short black hair and sharp eyes.
Jessica was beautiful and calm.
She had long brown hair and soft eyes.
Maxwell had a friendly face, a wide smile and his hair was slightly messy.
Tom was handsome and quiet.
He had dark short hair, black eyes and his face showed no emotion, he looked like a noble without trying.
Michael was thin and weak-looking.
His shoulders were slightly bent.
His short hair was messy.
His eyes were low, but something deep inside them had changed.
James was muscular and tall.
His arms were thick and his posture was proud of his rank, his smile was full of confidence.
Ray was tall and calm.
He had neat hair and clear eyes. He looked like a true leader.
Jack and Maxwell were together walking in the grand hall. Jack sees Jessica, she wears an white elegant dress.
Maxwell grinned, clapping Jack's shoulder. "You should ask her to dance."
"What? She didn't even answer my confession," Jack protested.
Maxwell winked and pushed him forward. Jack fell into Jessica's path. He relaxed himself and still his heart was beating rapidly. Her emerald eyes met his with a mixture of quiet curiosity and surprise.
Jack extended his hand towards her and his heart pounding.
"Would you… dance with me?" his voice cracking slightly.
Jessica smiled faintly,"Yes."
She placed her delicate fingers in his hand.
They stepped into the waltz. Soft harps swelled.
He put his hand softly on her waist. It felt warm through her silky dress. She had on a white dress that spun like clouds. The lacy arms touched his white coat.
He spun her gently. Their boots whispered on mosaic floors. Nobles watched, whispering. Jack pulled her closer, inhaling her floral scent. Time slowed. In that spin, the world faded—just them, moving as one.
James looked at them dancing, "Lucky bastard."
The music slowly stopped.
The large doors at the end of the hall opened.
All nobles, knights, and students turned their heads.
The King entered first. His grey hair and yellow eyes, he was wearing a majestic coat.
He walked with slow, steady steps.
Beside him walked the Queen. She was wearing a long golden dress,with calm red eyes and long black hair. Her face was kind, but her eyes were sharp.
On the King's right was the Prince tall and proud. His yellow eyes were confident and serious, short black hair and he was wearing a blue royal coat with a sword at his waist.
On the King's left was the Princess.
She was beautiful, long grey hair wearing a light pink dress.
She smiled softly but her red eyes were full of curiosity.
"Heroes from another world," the King said in a deep voice.
"On behalf of the Empire, I thank you."
"You were summoned without choice," he continued. "You left your homes, your families and your peaceful lives."
"For that, you all have my respect." he says with a bow in front of students.
Everyone who presented in the Grand Hall was shocked by the king's action.
One knight stepped forward to stop the king from bowing.
"Your Majesty, what are you doing?" He asked with respect.
"I am just saying sorry for summoning them. Another world to fight against the Demon lord without their concern. Knowing that their lives could be in danger, we still brought them here for our own benefit. I apologize for that." King said with a soft voice.
Some students felt their hearts relax.
Some students felt happy because King is a really kind hearted person.
The King paused, then spoke again.
"Now, I will speak of your future."
Everyone listened closely.
"Those who have awakened E-rank skills or higher—"
He looked toward the knights.
"—you will leave tomorrow."
Murmurs spread among all the students.
"You will be sent to special training grounds," the King said.
Many students widened their eyes.
"You will be trained by the best knights, mages, and commanders of the Empire."
"You will train for a few years to gain experience, control your mana and knowledge of this world."
His voice became firm.
"This training is to prepare you to face the Demon Lord."
The King then turned his gaze to another group.
"Those who are below E-rank—"
Silence.
"—you will remain in the Imperial Palace."
Some students' faces showed relief.
Some students showed shame.
"You will assist the Empire in other ways," the King said.
"Support roles, logistics, research and palace duties."
"No one will be abandoned because you awaken low rank skill's, you are summoned here it's our mistake. So, I as king will take responsibility for all you."
Michael clenched his fists.
"I stay…" he thought.
James smirked slightly.
"Good. Less weaklings in the field."
Jack looked at Jessica.
"Five years…" he whispered.
Tom stood quietly, unreadable.
The Prince looked at the heroes with interest.
"So these are the ones," he thought.
The Princess smiled softly.
"I hope they come back alive."
The Queen watched everything in silence.
Her eyes stopped on Tom for a moment.
"…,The dogs this time are exceptionally good." she thought.
The hall filled with mixed emotions—
Hope.
Fear.
Pride.
And despair.