After a full night of rest, Arriel, Lira, and Kell woke refreshed in their shared living quarters deep in the underground sanctuary of Kaeron. The warm light crystals embedded into the ceiling cast a soft glow, simulating morning light. After a light breakfast, they decided to explore the town on their own.
Kaeron bustled quietly with activity. Though hidden underground, it was vibrant and full of life—cafés, bookshops, magical merchants, blacksmiths, even a quiet plaza with a musical fountain in the center. The trio stopped at a cozy restaurant tucked in a corner street, trying the local specialty: spice-roasted beast fowl and berry-root stew. The meal was filling and gave a pleasant warmth in their bellies.
Afterward, they stopped at a nearby weapon and armor shop. Arriel's eyes were immediately drawn to a sword displayed in a sealed glass case.
"That's the Paralyse Sword," the shopkeeper explained. "Newest enchantment tech from Kaeron's smith-mages. Dull edge, but enchanted to paralyze enemies of Level 70 or lower after three strikes. Higher-level enemies will still take damage, depending on the force of the swing."
Arriel exchanged a glance with Kell and Lira. Without hesitation, he purchased it for 3,000 Git.
Lira visited the magic shop next door and was thrilled to find rare Tier 5, Tier 6, and Tier 7 spellbooks. "I never thought I'd find these outside of royal cities," she whispered. With no time to waste, she bought all three for 1,500 Git.
As they walked back through the alleys and quiet courtyards, the trio began to reflect on everything they'd seen and heard. When they returned to the True Heroes headquarters, their minds were made up.
They knocked on the chamber doors of the Elder Hall and entered. Elder Zefiri looked up from a large tome, smiling as if he'd been expecting them.
"We've decided," Arriel said, stepping forward. "We'd like to join the True Heroes."
Zefiri gave a warm nod. "Then tomorrow, we welcome you properly."
Ceremony of Acceptance
The next day, in the town square lit by magical lamps and lined with True Heroes members and townspeople, a small yet emotional ceremony was held. Elder Zefiri and the other Elders stood before the gathered crowd.
Arriel, Lira, and Kell stepped forward.
Elder Zefiri addressed the crowd: "These three have chosen a path not of glory, but of principle. They seek to protect, not conquer."
Each of them received a silver pinky ring etched with the torch symbol—non-magical, yet deeply meaningful.
Zefiri proclaimed:
"Kaeron is your home now, and every True Hero across Etheron is your ally. When one torch is lit, others shall answer the flame."
The crowd clapped and cheered, some offering handshakes, others hugs. It wasn't grand, but it was real. The acceptance warmed their hearts.
After the ceremony, Lowis returned to guide them out of Kaeron and back to the surface.
Disguised by illusion magic and carrying new forged identities provided by True Heroes, Arriel, Lira, and Kell began their journey.
They passed through Ishanvil, then south past the quiet Kroti Village, before finally arriving at Polberan, a modest town at the southern edge of the Theodor province of Mirthea. It was neither grand nor poor—a peaceful, watchful place.
The adventurer's guild stood like any other, but unknown to many, its staff were secretly True Heroes members. The inn, Salebori, run by quiet hosts, was also part of the network.
After settling in at Salebori, the trio wandered the streets of Polberan. Merchants called out in soft voices, the scent of grilled meat filled the air, and the horizon was painted gold by the descending sun.
They stood silently, watching it.
No more hero pendants. No more surveillance. Just their path, now hidden in plain sight.