The hall fell silent again. King Solaris's decision seemed like the final, unassailable decision. The nobles bowed, some still looking worried, but none dared to object.
Commander Darius stood tall, his fist clenched across his chest. "By Solaris, I swear to support this decision."
Counselor Elric nodded, his calm gaze sweeping across the room. "Then the decision has been made; we can only accept it."
One by one, the knights bowed respectfully, while the other nobles followed suit. The hall was now filled with tension and fear.
King Solaris rose to his feet, raising his hand. "This meeting is over. Begin preparations. Disseminate this information throughout the kingdom."
With that, the emergency meeting concluded.
The morning sun slowly illuminated the walls of the Solaris Palace. From the tall windows of the main hall, golden rays streamed in, casting long shadows on the now-deserted floor. The meeting had ended, but the echo of King Solaris's decision still resonated in the minds of everyone present.
Outside, the palace courtyard was bustling with activity. Guards rushed about carrying secret messages, scribes busily prepared documents, and royal envoys were summoned one by one to receive orders. The clink of blacksmiths' hammers could be heard from the barracks, signaling that preparations for war had not ceased even though the bloodshed of last night's battle had not yet subsided.
Commander Darius walked down the palace corridor with a tense expression. The bandage on his arm had not yet dried, but his eyes gleamed with determination. Beside him, Advisor Elric walked slowly with his wooden staff, gazing at each of the young knights who had just emerged from the hall with a confused yet hopeful expression.
"This decision will shake the world," Elric murmured softly.
"Better the world shake in the light," Darius replied gravely, "than shaken by darkness."
Meanwhile, in the inner chamber of the palace, King Solaris stood before a large map spread out on a table. Small flags were planted at key points—marking the major kingdoms they would eventually have to approach. His face remained stern, but there was a new light in his eyes, a light that reflected a determination to change the course of history.
"Summon those chosen to carry out this task," King Solaris commanded in a deep voice. "And ensure they are prepared to face any risks beyond these walls."
The atmosphere turned silent. This decision was not just a matter of diplomacy, but also of life and death. Because outside, it wasn't just the Monster that awaited—but also other kingdoms with their own interests.
And the wheel of Solaris's destiny turned once more.
Shortly after, the door to the strategy room opened. Heavy footsteps echoed off the stone walls of the palace.
Commander Darius entered first. His face was stern, his eyes determined, even though his body was still wrapped in bandages. He stood tall and saluted his king.
"Your Majesty."
Councilor Elric followed behind him, walking slowly with a wooden staff. Although his body was no longer able to support him, his gaze remained sharp, carrying the authority of a counselor who had seen countless battles.
Ardyn followed. He stepped into the room, his tattered knight's mantle still attached to his body. His hand rested on his sword's hilt, a sign that he was ready to draw his weapon at any moment for Solaris.
However, of the three figures, only one chair was empty. Kael was not present—he still lay in the medical tent, in a long recovery.
The King of Solaris gazed at the three with a dignified gaze, but a hint of doubt flickered through his mind.
"Kael can't be here yet, I know. But that young man's role cannot be erased from Solaris's destiny. When the time comes, he will know what he must do."
Ardyn clasped his hands to his chest and bowed. "Your Majesty, I will personally inform Kael when he regains consciousness. I will ensure he understands his role in this mission."
The King nodded slowly. "Very well. You know him better than anyone, Ardyn. Let him hear this news from you."
After that, he looked back at Darius and Elric.
"Darius, you are the shield of Solaris. Elric, you are our wisdom. Ardyn, you are the sword that guards and conveys Solaris's will. Together, the three of you will carry this kingdom's name beyond its walls, seek allies, and rekindle hope."
Then the King of Solaris took out a golden medallion in the shape of an eight-rayed sun. He handed it to Darius.
"This is the symbol of the envoy of Solaris. This medallion will pave the way for the other kingdoms. Carry it with honor; let no one disrespect Solaris."
Darius accepted it respectfully and then raised it high. The torchlight reflected off the golden surface, as if to signal the beginning of their great mission.
"Starting tomorrow," said King Solaris, "you will depart. Kael will follow when he has recovered. The road ahead will not be easy—many will reject you, even betray you. But remember, one mistake could shake the fate of the entire world. Proceed with caution."
Elric bowed his head deeply, his face calm but heavy. Darius stamped his heels hard, as if in a sign of his oath. Ardyn clenched his fists tightly, thinking of Kael's face as he lay helpless.
That morning, Solaris had chosen its envoy. And soon, the news would reach Kael—via Ardyn, his own mentor.
The Solaris Palace's medical room was filled with the scent of medicinal herbs and the gentle footsteps of the healers. White curtains swayed gently in the morning breeze coming in through the tall windows. Sunlight fell on the rows of beds where the surviving knights were being treated.
In one corner of the room, Kael lay still. His body was covered in bandages, his breathing heavy but steady. His eyes, which had been closed for a long time, finally opened slowly. His vision was still blurry, only the shadows of the healers and the dim light of the torches on the wall could be seen.
He tried to move his arm, but the pain immediately radiated. Kael could only stand still, staring blankly at the medical tent. His heart was still filled with memories of that night's battle—the screams, the blood, the blinding light of Astralis, and the Ravorth he couldn't defeat.
Heavy footsteps approached. The curtains were pulled aside. Ardyn entered quietly, his knight's cloak still dusty, but his eyes gently fixed on his apprentice. He pulled out a wooden chair and sat beside Kael's bed.
"Kael," he called softly.
Kael turned his head slowly. His eyes were dim, but enough to recognize the voice. A hoarse voice escaped his lips.
"Is… that you?"
Ardyn smiled for a moment, then nodded.
"Yes, it's me."
Kael simply smiled. Then his gaze shifted to the bedside, searching for something—Astralis. But the sword wasn't by his side. Ardyn noticed his gaze and gently patted Kael's shoulder.
"Astralis is safe. Kept in a place of honor, it awaits your reawakening."
There was a moment of silence. Ardyn took a deep breath, then began to speak more seriously.
"I must tell you something. King Solaris has just announced a crucial decision. Solaris can no longer survive alone. So he has chosen envoys to carry the name of Solaris to the other kingdoms… to seek allies, to unite forces."
Kael stared at Ardyn silently. He was so weak, but the look in his eyes had changed slightly—there was curiosity in him.
Ardyn continued, in a low voice, as if speaking a secret.
"Commander Darius, Counselor Elric, and I… we were chosen to carry the will of Solaris. And the King… also mentioned your name, Kael. You are part of this destiny."
Kael closed his eyes for a moment, pain mixed with guilt pounding in his chest.
"I… couldn't even protect those around me. How could I be part of such a great mission?"
Ardyn looked at him deeply, then leaned forward.
You are the hope for those who have lost everything. I know you're not ready for this yet. But time will force you to be involved in this; you can't avoid it, Kael.
Kael remained silent. His eyes were teary, but he didn't cry. He simply stared at his teacher, trying to find the answer behind those words.
Ardyn raised his hand and patted Kael's shoulder once more.
"Recover yourself first. When the time comes, I will personally place Astralis back in your hands. And then… you will walk with us, no longer as my disciple, but as the one who decides Solaris's destiny."
Silence once again enveloped the medical room. Only the sounds of the physicians busy in the corner and Kael's heavy breathing could be heard. But beneath the silence, a determination slowly began to grow in the young man's heart.