The following morning, the city was abuzz with activity, every conversation inevitably revolving around the events that had unfolded in the heart of the capital the night before. Crowds of citizens wandered near the remains of the once-majestic Beast Palace. Now, only blackened ruins and ashes marked the spot where the grand structure had stood.
Speculation filled the streets as people debated who could be behind such an attack, especially since several locations had been targeted simultaneously. This series of assaults had sown unease among the populace, many questioning whether the authorities were truly capable of keeping them safe.
To make matters worse, neither the Church nor the Kingdom had issued any official statement to explain the disturbing events. The mystery persisted, amplifying the tension that hung over the city.
Yet, the events of the previous night were not the only topic of discussion. Today also marked the long-awaited induction ceremony of the heroes a momentous occasion for the entire kingdom. This ceremony would unveil the new military strength of Sigma. Though it was slightly overshadowed by recent turmoil, it brought a measure of comfort to most citizens, symbolizing renewed hope and faith in a brighter future despite the kingdom's looming challenges.
Indeed, these new heroes would fight for the people to prevent such tragedies, to face the dungeons and monsters that threatened the realm. The promise of this new protection was enough to soothe the hearts of the anxious, breathing hope once more into the city. With only a few hours left before the ceremony, the streets were already alive with excitement and anticipation. The energy was palpable a prelude to what promised to be a historic day.
Inside the royal castle, the final preparations were underway as the hour drew near. The program of the ceremony and the heroes' itinerary had been carefully planned in advance. In the corridors, the castle bustled with activity as staff hurried to ensure that every detail was perfect and that the event would proceed without a single flaw.
The day's proceedings would begin with the heroes walking through the streets of the city toward the Church of the Blue Moon, located in the very heart of the capital, only a few kilometers from the castle. There, they would receive the Church's solemn blessing and through it, the blessing of the Goddess herself marking the beginning of their mission. Then, they would proceed to the main square of the city, where they would pause briefly for an official presentation before the citizens.
This symbolic moment was meant to strengthen the bond between the heroes and the people, sealing their commitment to defend both the city and the entire kingdom. Afterward, the heroes would prepare for their first mission one that would mark the beginning of many adventures yet to come. Finally, the day would end with a grand celebration at the castle to honor their induction. The festivities would bring joy and unity to the kingdom, reminding everyone of their shared hope and purpose.
For now, however, the heroes were completing their preparations inside the castle, gathered in the grand throne room. The chosen heroes stood together, accompanied by the king's attendants and the royal knights. Among them were not only the new official heroes but also those who had been taken under Zem's guidance trainees who had not yet reached hero status. The others, who had not been selected, were to leave the castle that very day as agreed.
The reason everyone had gathered, however, was because the selected heroes were to receive gifts from the King himself, in recognition of their future service to the realm.
Before each hero stood a magnificent glass display case containing a selection of precious items. The cases glittered under the light, showcasing armors, weapons, and equipment of exceptional quality and breathtaking craftsmanship. What made this moment even more remarkable was the king's revelation that each item held unique properties special attributes that would grant its bearer extraordinary abilities to aid them in their coming missions.
One by one, the heroes stepped forward to claim their gifts.
Shawn received a magnificent white and gold suit of armor, shaped like the robe of a knight, adorned with subtle black accents. To complete the ensemble, a golden mask engraved with black and white motifs was presented to him. The outfit was simply stunning, bestowing an imposing presence upon Shawn. It seemed tailored perfectly to him, highlighting his white hair and gray eyes while giving him an air of noble authority. He looked every bit the hero he had been chosen to become poised, dignified, and resolute.
Emma had been bestowed with a sumptuous priestess gown of white and blue, reflecting the sacred colors of the Church. The outfit was adorned with exquisite golden jewelry that enhanced her natural elegance. Alongside her attire, she had also received a matching staff resplendent in blue and gold with a head taller than she was, perfectly crafted for casting her spells and abilities.
This harmonious combination of garments and sacred accessories prepared her to embody her role as a priestess with both grace and strength, symbolizing her divine connection to the Goddess and her unwavering devotion to the kingdom.
Méverick had been honored with an impressive outfit, designed to complement his imposing, muscular build. It was a bold blend of colors white, red, gray, and intricate black embroidery creating a striking and distinctive appearance. Along with his attire, he had received a massive black axe, as tall as a man, perfectly suited to his calling as a mighty warrior.
This formidable equipment emphasized his raw strength and his vital role as a protector, a living embodiment of the kingdom's power and resilience.
Jay had received a light outfit, crafted to provide maximum freedom of movement. The attire was an elegant blend of black, gold, and white, giving him an appearance that was both agile and refined. To complete his ensemble, he had also been granted two short swords perfectly balanced and ready to be wielded with precision.
This combination of armor and weaponry allowed Jay to move with effortless grace and handle his blades with expert skill, fully prepared to shine in his role as a swift and agile fighter in service to the kingdom.
Maël had received a mage's robe that, though seemingly simple, radiated a subtle elegance. The robe was a deep shade of crimson, accented with touches of white that added a refined sophistication to her appearance. To complete the ensemble, she had been given a pair of golden earrings that shimmered with a soft, delicate glow.
This attire perfectly reflected the mage's composure and quiet refinement a balance of grace and power befitting her role as a wielder of arcane wisdom.
Finally, for Maïli, an armor of exceptional elegance had been prepared crafted in a deep, lustrous black adorned with radiant golden patterns. To complete her ensemble, she wore a golden headband that caught the sunlight beautifully, highlighting her incomparable beauty and rare poise. Her brown eyes and flowing black hair swayed gently in the wind, completing the image of a noble warrior.
As a paladin, she embodied both strength and protection. In addition to her armor, she had been granted a black sword and a magnificent shield of gold and blue, adorned with a crimson emerald at its center, imbuing her appearance with a majestic aura. She looked almost like a warrior goddess ready to face any challenge that might stand in her way.
Once all the gifts had been distributed, the long-awaited moment of departure finally arrived. Two magnificent open carriages, drawn by majestic white horses, waited patiently in the courtyard. One was reserved for the newly appointed heroes, while the other was for the royal family, accompanied by the royal knights. The entire procession was ready to embark on this historic day with grandeur and splendor, as the carriages set off toward the Church of the Blue Moon for the solemn blessing and the official beginning of the heroes' induction. The city was ready to celebrate the hope and courage embodied by these new protectors of the Kingdom of Sigma.
Before Maïli could board, Zem called out to her:
"Maïli, wait!"
Zem held something wrapped in a white cloth. Maïli accepted the object he handed her and carefully removed the covering, revealing a magnificent golden sword adorned with green ornaments.
"Is this what I think it is?"
"It's Veid's sword," Zem said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I've thought about it for a while, and I believe it rightfully belongs to you."
Their eyes met no words were needed. Maïli understood perfectly what this gesture meant.
"Thank you. I'll take the greatest care of it," she said sincerely.
"I know you will."
The grand parade through the city then began as the procession departed from the castle. The streets were overflowing with people who erupted in cheers the moment they caught sight of the heroes. Every street corner was packed with onlookers eager to see them pass. Wherever the carriages went, they were met with boundless enthusiasm. Cheers and cries of joy echoed through the air a testament to the admiration and hope the people placed in their champions. It was a day of unity and celebration, as the citizens of Sigma expressed their gratitude and faith in those who would defend their kingdom.
Eventually, the procession reached the great Cathedral of the Blue Moon, where the heroes were greeted by a multitude of robed men, all devoted followers of the lunar faith. Most bowed respectfully as the heroes passed. The cathedral's grandeur and solemnity left them in awe except for Maïli, who felt a deep unease amid the sanctified air. They continued forward until they reached the grand dais where Cardinal Simon awaited them, a wide smile on his face.
"At last, I behold you the long-awaited heroes of the Kingdom of Sigma. It is an honor to meet you. I am Cardinal Simon, entrusted with overseeing the Church here in Sigma," he declared as he descended the steps with measured grace.
"The honor is ours," Shawn replied with a polite smile.
The Cardinal's gaze lingered on Shawn for a moment before moving down the line, studying each hero in turn his eyes resting a little longer on Emma and Maïli. A faint shiver ran down Maïli's spine as their eyes met. The two locked gazes, an odd, almost magnetic tension forming between them. Then the Cardinal refocused on the ceremony, ready to deliver the sacred words that would mark the official beginning of their duty as the heroes of Sigma.
"Very well, let us begin the ceremony, if you please," he announced with a warm smile.
The five heroes knelt, and the congregation began to sing. Every follower of the Blue Moon, along with the royal family, joined in joyful harmony. The king, Raphael, and Moses sang with fervor, while Sarah watched the ceremony quietly. The united voices filled the vast cathedral with reverence and hope, sealing the heroes' new destiny in solemn beauty. But for Maïli, it was pure torment she had never wanted to be here and longed to be anywhere else.
When the hymns ended, the Cardinal began to recite his prayers, taking a cup filled with shimmering water. The liquid exuded a captivating fragrance and glowed brilliantly a fusion of gold and blue. The cathedral was bathed in this ethereal light as the Cardinal's voice resonated through the air, deepening the sacred atmosphere. The heroes remained kneeling, ready to receive the blessing that would mark the start of their journey.
"Oh, you, Goddess Hamnésia, praised be your name, ruler and sovereign of these lands benevolent and supreme. Today, I turn to you, that you may watch over these brave young souls as they embark on their path. Grant them strength, will, and all that they may need, for they shall fight in your name a name synonymous with love and power. Oh Goddess, bless them, and may your glory be sung for eternity. Praise be to you, O Goddess."
A radiant light of blue and gold engulfed the heroes, enveloping them like a cool breeze on a scorching day. As the soothing energy flowed through their bodies, a message appeared before their eyes:
[The blessing of the Goddess Hamnésia has been granted. A fragment of her divine power flows within you: All your statistics are permanently increased by 5%.]
Then the congregation resumed its hymn in unison:
Our trust is in your holy name! Let my mouth sing your praise. Praise be to you, Hamnésia, for your greatness, for your countless blessings. Glory to you, Hamnésia, victorious and divine, your love fills our hearts. Let every tongue sing your praise.
Praise Hamnésia in her holy temple, praise her in the heavens of her might; praise her for her wondrous deeds, praise her according to her greatness! Praise her with the sound of the horn, praise her with harp and lyre; praise her with strings and flute, praise her with dance and drum! Praise her with clashing cymbals, praise her with triumphant cymbals! Let every living being sing praise to the Goddess Hamnésia!
Thus ended the Church's introduction and blessing. The heroes stepped out of the cathedral to walk once more through the streets, greeted by thunderous applause from the crowd. They soon reached the main square, where an enormous assembly awaited them eagerly. Climbing the stage built for the occasion, the heroes revealed themselves before the entire kingdom.
The King stepped forward with a broad smile, introducing each hero to waves of applause. The crowd erupted in jubilation, cheering with boundless enthusiasm. It was a moment of great pride for Sigma a celebration of unity and renewed hope.
"Oh my god, that's him! The hero!"
"He's so handsome!"
"And the one with black hair isn't bad either!"
"I prefer the one with brown hair he looks so strong!"
Compliments rang out from every direction, drawing amused smiles from Shawn, Jay, and Méverick. They were finally where they had always dreamed of being surrounded by fame, admiration, and the promise of fortune. But they weren't the only ones savoring the moment. Maël smiled quietly, while Emma offered a shy grin. Maïli, however, remained expressionless despite the flood of praise directed her way praise that far exceeded that of the others, coming from both men and women alike.
Her indifference began to irritate the others, who couldn't understand why she drew so much attention, but she paid them no mind. They could fume all they wanted she simply didn't care.
After the triumphant presentation, the heroes left the square, boarding their carriage once more as they made their way toward the city gates, ready to embark on their first mission amid cheers and waves of admiration.
"Heroes, destroy those dungeons!"
"Wipe out our enemies!"
"We're counting on you!"
Overwhelmed by the thrill of adoration, Shawn unsheathed his sword, which burst into radiant light that illuminated the sky. The crowd exploded with excitement at the dazzling display as Shawn laughed exuberantly, basking in the glory of the moment.
As they departed toward their first mission, the sound of cheers and applause echoed behind them, leaving an unforgettable memory in the hearts of every citizen who had witnessed that magical day.
But while Shawn flaunted his power, Maïli froze for an instant. Among the sea of faces, she had caught sight of a silhouette and a color she knew all too well. Red eyes.
"Logan," she murmured in shock.
And so, having now left the city, the heroes journeyed onward toward their first mission an extermination quest against monsters that would mark the true beginning of their destiny.