Nerulia Haven slowly returned to life as dawn broke, but the air still trembled from last night's battle. Workers whispered. Adventurers traded rumors like currency. Merchants peeked from wagons, scanning the forest edge.
And in the center of the square...
Yuto was asleep leaning against Elira's shoulder.
Elira sat rigid, face red like sunrise, hands hovering awkwardly in the air as if scared to move and wake him.
"He really just… fell asleep after saving me…" she whispered, voice tiny.
[ Advisor: He also drooled slightly. Would you like me to erase that memory for pride preservation?]
Elira's face puffed. "N-No! Idiot spirit-core…"
She wiped it herself. Carefully. Softly.
Yuto stirred, blinking awake. "Mmm...Elira?"
She flinched. "Y-yes?! I mean,yes! I mean...just wake up already!"
He sat up, stretching, spirit energy flickering faintly around him.
"Did I fall asleep on you?"
"…A bit."
"Did I drool?"
"…No comment."
He smirked. "Really?"
She turned away, ears glowing. "L-Let's just pretend you're dignified."
[Advisor: He is not.]
"Traitor."
----
Yuto mind went back towards the battle, he never knew curroption could also overcome, a creature as strong as a werewolf, he was glad he was stronger....
Dozens of townsfolk kneeled the moment Yuto walked to the central square. New arrivals, adventurers, even wandering merchants, all bowing.
"You saved us…"
"A King in the making…"
"Bless this city!"
"Spirit Lord protect us!"
Mimi bounced forward, tail wagging aggressively.
"Lord Yuto's greatness knows no bounds! Witness his divine aura and muscular glow!"
Yuto frowned. "I don't glow."
Half the city whispered, He glows…
Zarek marched up and thumped a fist to his chest. "Boss! If that wolf had lived, I would've crushed it with… mild difficulty."
[ Advisor: Incorrect. You would've died.]
"I.... I knew that…"
Seraphina approached more gently. "Yuto… I'll say it plainly. What you did wasn't just strong, it was… legendary."
Her voice trembled like she had seen a god.
Elira stood a bit closer to Yuto without realizing.
Mimi squinted. "Elira's acting weird. Are you two..."
Elira slapped a hand on Mimi's mouth instantly, face scarlet.
"Quiet."
Yuto coughed, ears pink. "S-So, town meeting?"
---
Suddenly.....
A horn blared in the distance.
Banners fluttered.
"Royal convoy approaching!"
The atmosphere snapped taut. Soldiers marched through the gates in polished armor. Behind them, nobles, mages, and the King of Eridale himself.
Silver crown. Dark cloak. Sword on hip. Aura heavy like pressure on the chest.
Everyone bowed instinctively.
Yuto crossed his arms casually.
Elira whispered frantically, "Yuto...,bow!"
"I'm sleepy."
[ Advisor: Excellent diplomatic strategy. Annoy the monarch after killing a national threat.]
The king stopped before Yuto, eyes sharp.
"So we meet again. You are now known as the spirit who felled the Corrupted Alpha."
Yuto nodded. "Yeah."
A murmur rippled, bold, informal, dangerous.
Elira quietly pinched his sleeve like please behave.
The king studied him... then exhaled slowly.
"You saved my kingdom from devastation twice now. For that, Eridale owes you another debt."
Gasps.
"In recognition, I extend an alliance. Eridale will support Nerulia Haven more better now. Trade routes. Labor. Protection treaties."
Yuto blinked. "…Really?"
The king leaned in, voice low.
"But if your power ever threatens our people..."
Yuto matched his stare. "If I hurt innocent people, I deserve whatever comes. But I protect them. That's the difference."
Silence.
Then...
The king's lips curved faintly. "Good answer."
The crowd erupted in relief.
Elira slumped, nearly fainting.
Mimi burst into fireworks.
[ Advisor: Diplomatic success. You did not embarrass yourself. A miracle.]
"Thanks for the confidence."
---
Soon enough...
Royal workers, enchanters, and masons spilled into the area.
Runed scaffolding rose. Spirit wood structures shimmered.
People from Eridale trickled in, families, craftsmen, guards seeking opportunity.
" You never asked where we found money to fund the city did you.."
Lyra asked.
Yuto face opened wide, the king had gave them fund some while ago but he never expected it to still remain.
" Well, it's our old merchant. Don't you remember, on the way to Eridale then ..."
" Oh-yeah, that guy!, so he's the one funding us. Cool!, where is he now?" He asked.
" Well, it's seems like he somehow gained fame because of you. But he is currently on a trip, through our new trade route, he promised to support us as much as he can now...."
And most surprising, the Nerulian Tribe arrived.
The beastfolk chief bowed to Yuto.
"You kept your promise, Spirit Guardian. We come to live and serve."
Yuto scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Just… live here. It's not a cult."
Mimi: "It could be! I can make robes!"
"No."
[Advisor: Yes.]
"No."
---
Later, as the city bustled, Yuto found Elira sitting by a spirit fountain, soft glow reflecting in her eyes.
"You okay?" he asked, sitting beside her.
She didn't look at him. Just hugged her knees.
"I was… scared."
Yuto softened. "You hid it well."
"I didn't want to hold you back. But when that wolf attacked… I thought..."
Her voice cracked.
Yuto placed a hand gently on her head.
She froze like he cast a stun spell.
"You being here makes me stronger, Elira. Not weaker."
Her breath hitched. She stared at him, heart practically audible.
"T-Then I… I'll stay."
"Please do."
For a tiny second, the world felt still again.
Then...
Mimi burst in holding a giant fish.
"LOVE SCENE INTERRUPTED! I bring fish! Also, you two were being mushy."
Elira threw a fireball.
Mimi ran screaming, tail smoking.
[ Advisor: Romantic tension level increasing. Recommended action: deny feelings aggressively until dramatic confession arc.]
"…I hate how accurate you are."
---
In a distant corrupted domain, something stirred.
A figure cloaked in moonless shadows gazed in Yuto's direction.
"So the spirit seed awakens. And even consumes corruption."
Their voice echoed like broken bells.
"Good… grow stronger. Become worthy prey."
The world trembled faintly.
A new predator had noticed him.
And it was smiling.
---