Everyone was staring at Pyro as though he were a deity descended upon the battlefield. The immense pressure he gave off, the overwhelming strength he had just displayed—there was no doubt in anyone's mind. They respected him. They feared him. They admired him.
"Everyone can rest now for a minute before we head back," Pyro announced as he walked toward the gathering soldiers, his greatsword resting effortlessly on his shoulder. His voice was calm, unwavering.
Ashen, still breathing heavily and sitting on a rock while clutching his side, couldn't hold back his question. "Why are you so strong?"
Pyro paused, stroking his chin with a thoughtful expression. His eyes drifted toward the horizon, as though peering into memories long buried.
"Hmm... I trained harder than anyone. I endured pain others wouldn't even dare to imagine. I chose to become strong—not for glory, but because strength is the only thing that protects others." His words were simple but heavy, each one forged in the fire of experience.
Ashen's eyes sparkled with admiration. "I want to be like you."
With a faint smirk, Pyro handed him a black and silver crest engraved with a serpent coiled around a greatsword.
"This is my crest. Find me at my residence after I report to the king. We'll talk more then."
[The 3rd Dark Knight Crest] (Unique)
Symbol of power and authority belonging to the 3rd Dark Knight.
Grants near-equal privileges to the current 3rd Dark Knight.
Commands respect across the Timber Kingdom.
Unlocks access to restricted zones in the capital.
Gasps erupted from the nearby soldiers. To receive the personal crest of one of the kingdom's elite was akin to being named his successor.
"I'm only giving you this one chance to prove yourself," Pyro said, his tone suddenly colder. "Don't waste it."
With that, he turned, calling the troops to return to the capital.
The journey back to the kingdom was long and arduous. Many limped along, armor dented and swords dulled. But when they reached the stone gates of the Timber Kingdom, a wave of cheering voices and flurries of petals greeted them.
"Pyro! Pyro! Pyro!"
"Alex! You're so cool! Please marry me!"
"The soldiers look so handsome—real men! They deserve wives already!"
Children threw flowers while citizens clapped, waved, and cried. A parade formed around them, and despite the weariness in their bones, the soldiers stood a little straighter, their steps more proud.
Ashen, though still bruised and drained, felt something stir in his chest. As cheers echoed in the streets, he made a vow. I will protect this joy. I will become stronger for everyone.
The castle loomed ahead, carved into white marble, towering with pride. Vines of blue roses lined its archways. The garden on the grounds was a masterwork of nature—tulips and chrysanthemums swaying with the wind, the air filled with the soft hum of water from enchanted fountains. Hidden within the landscaping were defensive turrets—arcane in nature and deadly in purpose.
As they entered the royal court, a hush fell over the room.
At the far end sat a tall, lean figure on a golden throne laced with emeralds. The man stood over two meters tall, with a bald head that gleamed under the chandeliers, and wiry muscles visible beneath his green royal mantle.
This was King Kevin Os, ruler of the Timber Kingdom.
All at once, they dropped to one knee in respect.
"Rise," the King commanded, lifting a hand.
The battalions stood and formed straight lines. Ashen instinctively activated his [Scan] skill.
[Kevin Os – King of the Timber Kingdom]
???
Figures, Ashen thought. I can't read his level at all.
Pyro stepped forward and began recounting the mission in full, highlighting not only the dangers they faced but the heroism displayed by the soldiers—especially Ashen.
"Well done," the King said after a long pause. "For your bravery and valor, rewards will be distributed accordingly."
Moments later, castle stewards brought out rows of equipment: gleaming armor, enchanted blades, and rare-class shields.
Ashen leaned over to Alex. "Isn't this too generous?"
Alex chuckled. "It's tradition. Every soldier who survives their first extermination mission receives rare-grade loot. It's how the King keeps morale and elite forces loyal."
Ashen nodded as names were called and rewards handed out.
Then came his turn.
The King stood from his throne and walked toward Ashen, scanning him with intense, knowing eyes.
"You're young, yet you carry the spirit of a protector," he said. "According to Pyro's report, you made the greatest contribution among the new recruits."
The King placed a firm hand on Ashen's shoulder.
"A weapon or armor can grant temporary strength. But land... land gives you purpose."
Everyone went silent.
"I hereby grant you dominion over the Swamp Village, a remote northern territory of the Timber Kingdom. You are now its rightful lord."
"WHAT?!" the soldiers gasped in unison.
Even Ashen froze. His mind struggled to keep up with what just happened.
"The Swamp Village is modest and wild, but its people are loyal. Consider this a test of your leadership."
Ding!
[Quest: Troilo Extermination – COMPLETE]
Difficulty: S
Eliminate the rapidly multiplying Troilo before they overrun the region.
Rewards:
Ownership of Swamp Village
+5 Level Up
Ding! GLOBAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
Player Ashen is the first to complete an S-Rated Quest!
Player Ashen has been granted a territory!
The world chat exploded. Players across servers reacted in awe and disbelief.
"Who is Ashen!?"
"How did he get a village?!"
"First S-Rank quest completed already? No way!"
Ashen stood frozen, his heart pounding. The interface buzzed in front of him, swarmed by friend requests and guild invites.
He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I won't disappoint you."
After pleasantries, the court session ended. Ashen left the castle, walking along the garden path still in disbelief.
Just as he was about to log out, a notification appeared:
Ding!
Your friend, Griffin, is calling you!
[Accept] [Ignore]
He tapped Accept.
Griffin's voice came through immediately. "Ashen! Dude! You good? I'm at the kingdom now. Let's meet!"
Ashen smiled. "Send me your location. I'm on my way."