The journey back to Lazavis City was filled with an almost electrifying energy. Rio's constant praise for the fight earlier in the forest only added to the thrill of their return. Every word of admiration seemed to make Alvin blush and laugh, while Kazien's lips quirked into his usual calm, confident smile.
"I still can't believe it," Rio said, his eyes wide with awe. "The way you two handled the Shadow Tiger King… it's beyond anything I've ever seen. Even the high-level adventurers in the capital wouldn't manage it so cleanly!"
Alvin giggled. "I told you my dear is amazing, didn't I?"
Kazien shook his head lightly, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "It wasn't easy. That monster was no joke. But yes, it was impressive even by my standards."
As they approached the city gates, the reality of the outside world hit them. The guards stationed at the gate froze, eyes widening in shock as they took in Kazien's appearance. The young elf was covered head to toe in dark, drying blood—the remains of the Shadow Tiger King still clinging to his clothes and hair.
"Y-Young master… are you okay?" a soldier stammered, his voice trembling.
Kazien waved his hand dismissively, brushing some of the blood off his shoulder. "I'm fine. It's just the blood of the monster I killed earlier in the forest. Nothing more. I'm going to the guild to report—see you later."
Even as he spoke, a ripple of whispers ran through the onlookers. Some stared with fear, others with astonishment, and a few with a mixture of admiration and disbelief. Kazien merely shook his head lightly, muttering under his breath, "Ah… because my body is covered in blood like this, everyone is looking at me like that."
Alvin, ever playful, nudged him. "What else can you do? Just bear with it until we get home. Hahaha."
Kazien chuckled softly before turning his attention to Rio, curiosity shining in his eyes. "Rio, do you have a younger sister?"
The young officer's face flushed slightly. "Y-Yes, I do, young master."
"How old is she?" Kazien asked, leaning forward with genuine interest.
"Almost sixteen, young master."
Kazien's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "Tomorrow, I want to see for myself what your sister looks like. Where is your house?"
Rio hesitated, then nodded quickly. "I'll make a small map for you, young master."
Kazien's stern yet amused gaze softened. He was relieved by Rio's cooperation. Deep down, Rio trusted Kazien completely. After all, everyone in Lazavis knew of the Altavis family's integrity and their overwhelming power. The city's residents respected Duke Elgard's children.
Upon reaching the guild, Kazien once again became the center of attention. Every pair of eyes followed him as he strode confidently toward the reception desk, blood still staining his clothes and skin. Yet, Kazien ignored the stares, his focus entirely on the task at hand.
"G-Good afternoon," stammered Tessia, the receptionist who had replaced Rosalia. "Is there… anything I can help you with?"
Kazien inclined his head slightly. "Please call Leader Welma here. I have something to report."
Tessia hurried to the office and returned after a brief two minutes with Welma in tow. Her expression shifted from curiosity to serious focus as she listened to Rio's explanation.
"What about the report?" she asked, her tone steady but urgent.
Rio handed over the neatly summarized notes from his investigation. Welma skimmed the pages, her brow furrowing with every line. Finally, she lifted her head, her eyes wide in shock. "Is this true…? They defeated the Shadow Tiger King and dozens of shadow tigers?"
"That's right, Leader Welma!" Rio replied earnestly. "I saw everything. Young Master Kazien acted as the detector, predicting the monsters' movements and patterns, while Young Master Alvin was the executor, taking down each target precisely. During the fight with the Shadow Tiger King, Young Master Kazien faced the monster alone to protect me from danger. He was incredible—there is no other way to describe it."
Welma blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. The idea that a thirteen-year-old elf had not only fought an S-rank monster but had also coordinated with Alvin to heal and manage dozens of other dangerous creatures was almost impossible to comprehend.
Kazien's calm, blood-streaked form stood before them, every ounce of his presence radiating authority and lethal capability. Alvin's eyes sparkled proudly beside him, her hand resting on Kazien's arm, a quiet reassurance of their bond.
"What did you say?" Welma finally asked, her voice sharper now, tinged with disbelief. "He fought alone against the Shadow Tiger King?"
"Yes," Rio confirmed. "Alvin protected me, but Kazien took on the monster himself. His strategy, his magical ability… everything was flawless. He analyzed the monster, countered its moves, and struck when the timing was perfect. There was nothing left to chance."
A silence followed, the kind that comes with awe bordering on fear. The adventurers in the guild exchanged glances, many of them unable to hide their shock. Here stood a boy, still in his early teens, who had just performed feats that even seasoned S-rank adventurers would hesitate to attempt.
Alvin leaned slightly toward Kazien, whispering softly, "You really are amazing, my dear… but your body is covered in blood! Let's hurry and get cleaned up once this is done."
Kazien smiled faintly, a mix of satisfaction and fatigue in his eyes. "Yes… but first, we finish this report."
Welma took a deep breath and nodded, her expression now resolute. "Very well. The city will witness this. Your efforts will be recognized, and your rank… will reflect your achievements."
The silence in the guild was thick, heavy with anticipation, as Welma straightened herself. Her eyes swept across the gathered adventurers and staff, many of whom were still reeling from the news of the Shadow Tiger King's defeat.
"Kazien Altavis! Alvin!" she began, her voice firm and carrying the weight of authority, "Your deeds today have been witnessed by myself and multiple credible sources. Not only did you defeat dozens of shadow tigers, but you also overcame an S-rank monster. The bravery, strategy, and skill displayed cannot be measured by your current rank alone."
Alvin's eyes widened, and he looked at Kazien in disbelief.
Welma smiled, though the expression was tinged with seriousness. "As of this moment, both of you are officially promoted—directly—to S-rank adventurers. Your contributions have surpassed E-rank by an unimaginable margin. Lazavis City will remember this day."
A chorus of gasps, murmurs, and finally cheers erupted from the guild. Fellow adventurers, guild employees, and even visiting merchants clapped and shouted, many still struggling to believe the news.
"W-Wait! Wait! Wait! Why S-rank?! We were only E-rank!" Kazien protested, his arms crossing in slight exasperation, though a small smirk betrayed his pride.
Welma raised a hand, cutting through the noise. "Not many people in the world could do what you two just did! Today, you have proven yourselves beyond measure. Accept this promotion with joy instead of doubt. Age and current rank mean nothing compared to ability."
Alvin giggled softly. "My dear, they're right. You shouldn't protest when they recognize your greatness!"
Kazien's lips twitched into a small smile. "I suppose… you're right. But we're thirteen… and already S-rank. That's… a lot to take in."
Welma chuckled. "Don't worry. You have eyewitnesses, you have testimony, and most importantly, you have skill. That is the foundation of rank, not age."
With that, she extended her hands to receive their adventurer license cards. Kazien and Alvin handed them over, the guild master's eyes widening slightly as she examined Alvin's license card.
"Dass'el Latreess…?" she murmured, her voice incredulous. "Isn't that the name of the Latreess royal family on the Reavel continent?"
Alvin smiled sheepishly. "Yes… that's me. But right now, I'm Kazien's future wife. That's all that matters."
Gasps of shock ran through the gathered adventurers. The crown prince of a far-off kingdom, standing among them as an S-rank adventurer and companion to a young elf? The revelation was almost too much to comprehend.
Welma quickly regained her composure. "I see… well, I will process this immediately. Now, what will be the name of your party?"
Kazien glanced at Alvin. "Let's combine our family names! Altavis and Latreess… Altareess!"
Welma nodded approvingly. "Very well. The party name has been registered. Now, with your rank upgraded and party established, you may continue your adventures as Lazavis City's newest S-rank duo."
Alvin's hands clapped together. "Yay! My dear, we did it! I knew we could do it!"
Kazien, still covered in the dark red blood of the Shadow Tiger King, sighed dramatically. "Yes… but first, I must clean up. I've had enough of looking like a walking battlefield."
Alvin laughed, snickering at the sight of Kazien, the ever-proud high elf, completely covered in blood. "You smell… awful! A bath is non-negotiable the moment we get home!"
Kazien wrinkled his nose but smiled. "Fine, fine. A bath first!"
The guild soon handed over the payment for their efforts: 350 gold pieces for the Shadow Tiger King and the twenty-five shadow tiger bodies, along with 120 silver pieces for the grifola mushroom gathering mission. Kazien and Alvin received the money, their faces beaming with satisfaction.
On the way back to the mansion, the duo finally found a moment of silence. Kazien took off his blood-stained clothes and got into a warm bath, letting the water run over his skin. Alvin sat on Kazien's lap, his eyes filled with curiosity and admiration.
"Tell me, my dear… why is it that after our contract, I can copy all the abilities I see?" he asked.
Kazien leaned back against the edge of the tub, eyes closing as he considered his question. "That is my unique ability. Like the elemental powers you wield, it seems the power of the God's Eye was also transferred to you when we were bound by the eternity contract."
Alvin's eyes sparkled in surprise. "So… it's because of our bond?"
"Yes," Kazien replied softly.
"But you must remember: never bind this eternity contract carelessly. Its power is not to be treated lightly."
Kazien nodded.
"But I wonder… won't it sadden you if we are ever separated by death from our families?"
Kazien was silent for a moment, the flickering candlelight reflecting in his serious gaze. "It would be a lie if I said I didn't feel sad. There will come a time, but I know we will endure it together."
Alvin reached out, cupping his cheek gently. "If we live alone… won't you get bored of me?"
Kazien's lips curved into a soft, confident smile. "Have I ever gotten bored of you? No. Seeing you, caring for you, even now… it's an incomparable joy. I could never tire of you."
Alvin laughed, his heart swelling with warmth. "Then I hope we are always together forever, my dear. I love you so much!"
Kazien's voice was steady, full of promise. "And I love you. Always. Forever."
Alvin sat on Kazien's lap, hugging him tightly with happiness. The bathroom was a silent witness to Alvin's happiness.