The dust of the war had slowly settled, and the sky had turned a clear blue.
Zero, Lyria, and Kai had reached the borders of the kingdom after a long and tiring journey.
The ground beneath their feet was warmer and more familiar than they had seen in years.
The three of them slowly quickened their steps after long silences.
Even though they were carrying the fatigue of the war on their shoulders, there was an indescribable hope inside them.
Zero felt a strange peace in his heart as he looked around.
This was the land where he had spent his childhood, the place where his destiny was shaped.
And now, it was time to open a new page for both himself and the kingdom.
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The Silence of the Journey
No one spoke along the way, but this silence was not necessary.
It was more to digest the weight of what had happened.
Kai looked at the view on the horizon from time to time, thinking about the uncertainty of the future.
Lyria, on the other hand, looked with admiration at Zero's back walking a little further ahead.
Zero broke the silence:
"It feels good to be back…."
Lyria smiled slightly.
"Yes, but our responsibilities are much greater now."
Kai took a deep breath.
"Our enemies are still lurking. We must be ready."
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Kingdom Gates
They finally reached the great gates of the kingdom.
The crowd slowly gathered; they had announced the return of their hero.
Children were running around happily, while the elderly raised their hands in prayer.
Zero felt strange in this crowd.
It was a thin line between love and fear.
A child ran up to him, trying to hold his hand.
Zero knelt down slightly and smiled:
"Hello, little friend."
The child smiled back and turned to his companions.
"There he is! Our hero!"
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King's Welcoming Ceremony
An old and tired man was waiting in front of the palace.
The king greeted them with his majesty but tired eyes.
He walked towards Zero, took a deep breath, and spoke:
"Welcome. The kingdom has been waiting for you, its hope, and its salvation."
Zero bowed his head.
"We fought for the kingdom too. Now… it's time to return to you."
Lyria and Kai stood beside them, strong and determined.
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A New Beginning
As they entered, the king told them that the kingdom was still trying to recover.
The wounds of the war were fresh, and the enemies had not yet given up.
But this time, there was hope; for Zero, Lyria, and Kai were now not just warriors, but leaders.
Lyria silently responded to the king's words:
"We are ready to do whatever it takes for the kingdom."
Kai added with a determined voice:
"We will write our future."
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The Silence of the Night
That night, in the highest tower of the palace, the three of them watched the stars.
Zero took a deep breath and spoke what he felt:
"This is only the beginning… Our fight will continue, both within ourselves and in the outside world."
Lyria put her hand on his arm.
"But we are not alone anymore."
Kai smiled.
"Together, we will overcome every obstacle."
The stars shining in the sky were like symbols of new hope and new life.
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END OF CHAPTER