The expedition returned to Northwatch as heroes.
Word had spread ahead of their arrival—the Iron Thorns successful, students proven capable, three Demon Generals killed including one by Adrian Blackthorn's solo effort. The fortress gates opened to cheering guards and gathered residents eager to welcome them home.
Dorian stood at the courtyard entrance, relief evident in his expression as he watched his son, his brother, and the expedition members ride through. His eyes found Alice and Mira immediately—both alive, unhurt, carrying themselves with the confidence of warriors who'd survived demon territory.
"Welcome home," Dorian called out as they dismounted. "Successful expedition, from what the advance scout reported."
"Beyond successful," Kael replied, clasping his brother's arm. "Zero casualties, substantial rune haul, and two students who performed at veteran levels. They're ready for anything the kingdom throws at them now."
Dorian approached Alice and Mira, studying them with assessment born from decades of military command. "You both look different. Harder. More aware."
"Demon territory does that," Alice said simply. "Theory became reality very quickly out there."
"Good. That's what you came here for." Dorian smiled with genuine pride. "Let's get you inside. Proper debriefing, then celebration feast. You've earned both."
The debriefing took place in Northwatch's strategy room. Kael presented his formal report while the expedition members stood at attention, professional despite their fatigue.
"Week-long operation in cleared corridor sector seven," Kael began, unrolling detailed maps. "Controlled encounters progressing from Imps through Demon Soldiers to final General-class engagement. Students performed excellently throughout."
He gestured to marked locations. "Princess Alice eliminated four Imps on day two, demonstrating textbook engagement protocols. Guardian Mira eliminated six Demon Soldiers using proper Spirit Sword activation—white base form appropriate for threat level. Both showed tactical maturity beyond their experience."
"And the General encounter?" Dorian asked.
"Coordinated ambush on return journey. Three Generals with supporting forces—Imps and Demon Soldiers in significant numbers. Iron Thorns handled two Generals as planned. Adrian..." Kael paused, choosing words carefully, "Adrian solo killed the third General in under two minutes using his crimson Spirit Sword. Dominant performance that eliminated the threat before it could adapt."
Dorian's expression showed pride mixed with concern. "The crimson again. How much did he reveal?"
"Enough to impress but not enough to raise uncomfortable questions. He held back significantly—I could tell. But what he showed was more than sufficient." Kael met his brother's eyes. "He's gotten stronger since the tournament. Or more willing to use his strength. Either way, the power gap between Adrian and normal warriors continues to widen."
"We'll discuss that later," Dorian said. "The rune haul?"
Vera stepped forward, presenting three massive crystals that pulsed with intense crimson energy. "Three General-class runes. Plus seventy-three lesser runes of various quality collected throughout the week. Total value exceeds standard month-long expedition results."
Dorian examined the General runes with appreciation. "These will significantly enhance our defensive capabilities. Well done, all of you."
"The students deserve recognition," Kael added. "They didn't just survive demon territory—they thrived. Alice collected four Imp runes personally. Mira collected six Demon Soldier runes. Both contributed to the expedition's success beyond just learning. They're genuine demon territory veterans now."
"Then we'll honor them as such," Dorian declared.
The celebration feast that evening filled Northwatch's great hall. Warriors who'd served at the border for years raised glasses to Alice and Mira, welcoming them into the brotherhood of those who'd faced demons in their own territory and survived.
"To Princess Alice and Guardian Mira," Dorian announced, standing at the head table. "Who came to Northwatch as students and leave as proven warriors. Demon territory veterans at sixteen. Most warriors never achieve what you have. The kingdom is fortunate to have you."
The hall erupted in cheers. Alice felt warmth bloom in her chest—not just from the recognition, but from genuine respect in these warriors' eyes. She'd earned this. Not through royal title or political position, but through combat capability proven in hostile territory.
Beside her, Mira smiled with quiet satisfaction. "We did it. Actually did it. Survived demon lands, killed demons, collected runes. Everything we came here for."
"And more," Alice agreed, her eyes finding Adrian across the hall. He was talking with Kael, but his gaze kept returning to her with expression that made her heart beat faster.
The feast continued with stories exchanged, runes distributed as expedition shares, and general celebration of successful operation. The Iron Thorns recounted various encounters, Alice and Mira described their first demon kills, and Adrian received good-natured ribbing about making General combat look "unfairly easy."
But underneath the celebration, Alice felt time's pressure. Two months at Northwatch. Two months that had transformed her from princess playing at warrior training into genuine combat-capable fighter. Two months falling in love with Adrian Blackthorn.
Two months that were ending.