The Royal Palace courtyard still bore the fresh scars of the battle with Arkbahar. Broken stone pillars, cracked marble floors, and traces of black dragon blood remained everywhere. Yet, even amidst the ruins, a light of hope began to seep in.
"Dragon Slayer! Dragon Slayer!"
The cheers of the citizens gathered at the palace pierced the sky. Even injured knights, carried on stretchers, saluted Cael as they passed.
Cael headed towards the palace's meeting room with his comrades. Leon's shoulder was bandaged, but a smile never left his face. Aria walked with a more confident stride than usual. Garon, with his heavy shield strapped to his back, moved with light steps.
"Is it really over?" Leon cautiously asked.
Cael shook his head. "No. This is just the beginning."
Just then, the Arkbahar's Core deep within Cael's chest began to pulse violently. Simultaneously, a red warning window appeared in his vision.
[WARNING: Powerful Dragon Aura Detected!][Location: Northern Mountain Range Area][Estimated Number: 12+ individuals][Danger Level: Highest]
Cael's face hardened. He felt presences even more colossal than Arkbahar's. And not just one, but an entire group.
"Cael?" Aria noticed his change.
"Everyone, to the council chamber. Right now."
The Grand Council Chamber of the palace was filled with all the kingdom's high-ranking officials, including King Albert III, Commander Valerian of the Knights, Royal Court Mage Elissa, and lords from various territories.
"Sir Cael," the King said with a grave voice. "Thanks to you, the kingdom was saved. But... judging by your expression, it seems this isn't the end."
Cael nodded. "Your Majesty, Arkbahar was just the beginning. Even now, more powerful dragons are descending from the north."
The council chamber instantly stirred. The faces of several lords turned pale.
"How many...?" Commander Valerian asked with a trembling voice.
"At least twelve. All are Arkbahar-class or higher."
Silence fell. With Arkbahar alone having driven the kingdom to the brink of destruction, the thought of twelve even stronger dragons was terrifying.
"Wh-what should we do?" a lord asked in a desperate voice.
Cael stood up and surveyed the chamber. Memories of his previous life were vivid. This was the exact point when the entire continent began to be devastated by dragon invasions.
"Firstly, all residents in the border regions must be immediately evacuated inland. Secondly, we must form an urgent alliance with neighboring kingdoms. Thirdly, the strength of the Knights Order must be maximized."
Elissa stepped forward. "Sir Cael, the Mage Guild will also mobilize its forces. But aren't the opponents too strong?"
Cael looked at her. "Elissa, I trust your magical abilities. But this time is different. We won't fight individually; we must become one."
Leon stood up. "Cael, we're here. You're not alone."
Aria nodded. "If we took down Arkbahar, why can't we do this?"
Garon clenched his fist. "I'll follow only you, Brother!"
Cael smiled, looking at his comrades. In his previous life, he had to fight alone, but this time was different. He had trustworthy comrades.
Just then, a system window appeared.
[New Quest Generated!][Stop the Great Dragon Invasion!][Objective: Defeat Northern Dragon Horde (0/12)][Reward: Significant Level Up, Legendary Equipment, Title 'Dragon Lord'][Failure: Kingdom Destruction]
Cael spoke with a voice full of resolve. "Your Majesty, grant me overall command of the Royal Defense Forces. And place all knight orders under my command."
"I entrust it to you," the King immediately replied. "I entrust the fate of the kingdom into your hands."
Cael stood up and looked out the window. The northern sky was darkening. But his gaze remained unwavering.
"This time, I will protect. The kingdom, my comrades, everyone."
[Dragon Slayer's Level: 11][New Title: 'Shield of Hope'][Arkbahar's Core - Dragon Detection Ability Activated]
After the meeting, Cael and his comrades began training in the palace backyard. It was to prepare for the coming battle.
"Cael, can we really win?" Aria asked.
Cael raised his sword and replied, "We will definitely win. We have something we didn't have in our previous life."
"What is it?"
"Mutual trust."
That night, an emergency decree was proclaimed throughout the kingdom. But people did not despair. Because Dragon Slayer Cael was there.
In the northern sky, colossal shadows were moving in the darkness. The prelude to a new war that would shake the entire continent was rising.