Golden rays bathed the royal palace as the sun rose over Paran, casting its light on banners that fluttered like whispers of fate. The city bustled beneath the morning glow, its stone streets alive with anticipation, every corner adorned with wreaths and pennants, marking the grand occasion. The air was thick with excitement, filled with the distant hum of preparations for the festivities that stretched from the palace gates to the heart of the bustling plaza.
Today marked a new chapter in Paran's history—Coronation Day for Homer Gildar, the revered guild master who had defended the City of Paran throughout his life. Even at his old age, when the werewolves invaded the city, Homer was actively commanding the hunters to defend the city.
He was also responsible for persuading the remaining knights who were not turned into werewolves and who, at that time, were ordered to stand down to fight. If it weren't for him, many civilians would have perished, and the city would have been in ruins. Thus, when Paran needed a new king, everyone agreed that Homer should take the throne.
The palace erupted in applause as Homer ascended the throne, adorned with a golden crown and draped in royal robes. Once the coronation concluded, he made his way to the grand plaza, where eager citizens awaited him. Many who couldn't fit inside the palace hall had gathered outside to witness this historic moment. When Homer appeared before them, the crowd erupted in cheers, joyfully welcoming their new king.
Standing tall on the platform, Homer gave his first speech as king, resonating with hope. His warm voice promised to mend the rifts that recent tragedies had inflicted upon the city. Even those torn between loyalty to the fallen monarch and the fear of loss found comfort in Homer's steady leadership.
"Lastly, for those of the werewolf race, come forward and declare your identity. Failure to do so will result in you being banished, or worse, killed on sight." His tone grew stern, a reminder of his authority as the new king and the commanding aura he wielded.
Yet, his expression softened as he continued, "Rest assured, for those afflicted with the curse or from that race, just be honest with us; we will not harm you. Our medical team and shaman are also working on a cure for those who wish to remove that curse. I ask for your cooperation and patience."
The crowd cheered in relief, feeling the weight of fear lift with the king's reassurance. With the threat gone and the mastermind behind the attack defeated, hope spread through the city.
Homer's next announcement stirred even more excitement. Chris, the beloved knight and hunter of Paran, arrived at the plaza in a wheelchair, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Lorry. They were escorted to the stage as the crowd's cheers rang out.
"I am proud to introduce the new guild master," Homer declared, gesturing toward Chris. Applause followed as Chris was formally recognized, his recovery and new role bringing more joy to the city.
But the excitement didn't end there. Homer then called forward five young men—Paul and his brothers, the hunters who had played a pivotal role in saving the city from the werewolf invasion. The people recognized them instantly, and the plaza filled with cheers once again.
The brothers greeted Chris and Lory with deep respect, congratulating him on his recovery and his appointment as guild master. After that, they knelt before King Homer.
In response, Homer approached the five young men. "For saving this city, the lives of its citizens, and this kingdom, I dub you all knights of Paran!" He unsheathed his sword and touched it lightly to each brother's shoulder, sealing their knighthood. "Behold, my people, remember these valiant youths, for they shall be celebrated as the first heroes of our great city," he proclaimed.
Then, with a voice booming with conviction, Homer declared, "Rise, Sir Paul, Sir Zaell, Sir Jeyel, Sir Eijay, and Sir Rhyz! Let this day not only mark my ascension but also serve to honor your bravery. Today, we celebrate this first festival in your name."
As cheers erupted and the crowd surged forward, the hunters felt the weight of their destiny shift. They were no longer mere hunters; they had become knights, protectors of a kingdom reborn.
Homer added, "Though you are now knights of Paran, know that you are not bound to remain here. You are free to explore the world and use your skills wherever you are needed."
With the knighting complete, Homer bestowed rewards upon the brothers, prompting the crowd to erupt in jubilation. Horns blared, and joyous songs filled the plaza, marking not only the crowning of a new king but also the rise of new heroes for Paran.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, its warm golden light bathed the city of Paran in a cheerful glow. The spirit of celebration filled the hearts of the people, and the festival sprang to life, filling the streets with laughter and joy. The grand plaza became a lively gathering place, decorated with colorful banners that fluttered gently in the breeze. Each banner bore symbols of courage and sacrifice, a tribute to the brave souls who had fought valiantly to protect their city and to the newly crowned heroes.
Merchants filled the streets with stalls overflowing with treats and crafts, their tables laden with delicious items and beautiful handmade goods. Likewise, the sweet smell of freshly made foods wafted through the air, prepared by royal cooks, local chefs, and bakers from across the city. Musicians were everywhere, playing lively tunes that blended with the sounds of laughter and chatter, encouraging everyone to join in the celebration. Other artisans showcased their intricate creations, each piece telling a story of hard work and talent.
Children danced joyfully, their feet tapping out a lively rhythm on the cobblestone paths. Their bright giggles mingled with the festive music, adding to the cheerful atmosphere. Their carefree joy reminded everyone of the innocence that thrived during the celebrations. As the first festival honoring their heroes began, the air shimmered with hope—a shared belief in a brighter future for Paran.
In the midst of the happy crowd stood five brothers, the reason for the festivities. Known not just for their newly acquired titles but for the bravery they had shown as hunters, they were, at that moment, merely young lads laughing heartily and raising their cups in celebration, feeling the warmth of friendship surround them like a cozy blanket. Each toast honored their recent victories and the strong bonds they had formed through their battles, echoing stories of courage that stirred emotions and lifted spirits.
As the festival carried on, the atmosphere buzzed with joy and celebration. The king took to the stage, announcing the start of the event; Showcase of Talents. This was the highlight of the festivities, where the finest performers from the many races of Paran would demonstrate their unique abilities. Among them were five brothers, celebrated not only for their recent titles but also for their bravery as hunters. They found themselves caught up in the excitement, laughing and toasting to their victories, unaware that they had been chosen to participate in the showcase by the king himself. Standing alongside the other performers, they felt a mix of thrill and nervous anticipation as they prepared to step into the spotlight.
One by one, performers stepped forward, each representing the unique talents of Paran's diverse races. First came a hunter from a martial arts clan that practiced arnis, his movements swift and fluid as he demonstrated a series of intricate strikes and defensive maneuvers with his wooden sticks. The brothers recognized the martial art immediately; they had fought alongside the clan during the werewolf invasion, witnessing their skill firsthand. The audience watched in awe as he seamlessly transitioned from one technique to another, showcasing not just skill but also the artistry of his craft.
Then came the Sea Folk, their presence commanding attention as they stepped forward, shimmering with an ethereal beauty. The leader of the group raised her hands, and with a fluid motion, she conjured water from the air, shaping it into intricate designs that danced in the sunlight. The brothers recognized some of them from their time in the hospital, where they served as healers, using their abilities to mend wounds and soothe the suffering. The water took the form of delicate fish and flowing waves, each ripple controlled with flawless precision. As the liquid sculptures swirled through the air, the Sea Folk demonstrated their mastery over the element, moving in synchrony as they created an aquatic ballet that left the audience breathless.
As the many races of Paran continued to showcase their talents, the brothers watched, astonished at the range of abilities displayed before them. But soon, it was their turn. The booming voice called them forward, the king's choice for the highlight performance. The brothers exchanged looks of uncertainty, but they stepped into the center of the plaza, the eyes of the entire city upon them.
Cheers echoed as they showcased their talents, each brother contributing to a performance that seamlessly blended their individual skills into a mesmerizing display of teamwork and unity. Their demonstration not only captured the spirit of the festival but also reminded the audience that true strength lies not only in their individual gifts but in the bonds they share.
After their performance, Paul returned to the hospital to pick up his pet wolf, Black, who had been cared for by the hospital staff. Grateful for their attention, Paul handed the nurses a pouch of coins as a token of appreciation. The nurses smiled and accepted his gift, thanking him once again for saving the city.
With Black in his arms, Paul smiled and asked, "Did you miss me, buddy? Who's a good boy?" Black licked him and wagged his tail in response. Paul noticed that Black had gained weight and grown during his stay. "Looks like they fed you well. Are you hungry?" He offered Black a bag of meat as they made their way to meet Jeyel and the others, who had booked an inn for them. "Want to go shopping with me, buddy?" Black wagged his tail in approval.
With the day still at its peak, Paul and his brothers walked through the lively marketplace, their purses full of gold—rewards given by the guild and the kingdom.
"Now that we're free," Paul declared with a grin, "we're going to find something magical for us!" His voice was filled with excitement.
In response, his brothers shouted with glee, returning his enthusiasm. They decided to first look for a replacement for Zaell's broken shield. Since Rhyz could craft a better shield, they prioritized looking for materials.
As they walked, Jeyel, who had keen eyes for spotting quality materials, warned, "Be careful, guys. Not everything they sell is what it seems."
Eijay, ever eager, twirled in delight. "True, but I'm tempted to buy everything that has magic on it. Oh, apologies!" He narrowly avoided bumping into a vendor's cart piled high with glimmering trinkets, his eyes sparkling with wonder at all the magical goods around him.
The market was especially lively that day, with merchants shouting out deals and curious shoppers examining enchanted fabrics, shimmering crystals, and vibrant potions. Paul's attention drifted to a nearby booth where various magical metals were displayed, and he absentmindedly murmured, "Something strong but flexible… for Zaell's shield."
All of them them nodded absentmindedly, murmuring what metal might be best, and they soon attracted the interest of several nearby vendors.
Not far off, an old man overheard their conversation and ambled toward them, catching Paul's gaze. His appearance was ragged but his eyes sparkled with a hint of knowledge. "I overheard you young lads talking about a flexible shield," he rasped. "I have just the thing." He uncovered a twisted silver ring, etched with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly.
"Oh, we're actually looking for a larger quantity of flexible metal," Rhyz replied.
The old man grinned and said, "You don't need flexible metal. With this ring, you can bend any object, including metal, at your will."
Paul's heart raced. "How much?"
"Ten gold coins," the man replied. "But beware—it chooses its master."
The old man then placed the ring in Zaell's palm. Immediately, a chill ran down his spine, as if the air around him had thickened. This was no ordinary item.
Zaell stared at the ring, his fear evident. "I can't wield this. It feels creepy."
"Ah, yes... creepy, indeed," the merchant rasped, his voice dripping with eerie delight. His eyes glinted in the dim light, unnervingly fixated on the ring.
"I got it from an S-rank party, you know. They pried it off the cold, stiff fingers of a hunter's corpse deep within a dungeon." He leaned in closer, his grin widening unnaturally. "Be very careful... although it was appraised, there's something else in that ring. Something eerie."
The brothers exchanged uneasy glances. The ring shimmered ominously, its surface swirling with an unsettling energy, but after a long, hard decision, they opted to purchase it.
"Remember," the man warned, "some power comes at a steep price."
"Cool story," Paul said, trying to mask the tension that hung in the air. This made the brothers laugh.
"Let's keep buying other items, then," Rhyz added. With smiles and excitement, they continued their shopping spree, eager to find more treasures.
They purchased matching fire-resistant armor for themselves and Black, a dark green cloak for Paul, magical boots that enabled Zaell to leap short distances, Jeyel picked out a new scabbard, Eijay chose vibrant robes, and rare crafting materials for Rhyz. With their coins spent, they returned to their inn, their spirits high and their bellies content, eager for the adventures that awaited them.