Rewards of Triumph
The award ceremony opened amid the cheers of countless people, just as they always did. Glory to those who emerged victorious from the fray—a maxim beloved by Ortara's warriors, woven into the fabric of their lives.
Unlike other matches, the friendly exhibition granted benefits solely to the winners. In truth, most of those benefits were tied to honor. Like the badges now being bestowed upon Ludenberg Lavante and Ashytara Solenute by King Herhata himself.
The insignia of Tahra, given to the champions of the friendly match.
"This is…"
"The insignia of Tahra. Should you ever return to Ortara, it will grant you one favor from the whole nation."
A clear delight played across King Herhata's face as he handed over the tokens. He was pleased to have witnessed his granddaughter claim victory in the exhibition once more—and doubly so to see that the man called her lover was no worthless fool.
"One favor from the entire nation…?"
"As long as Ortara has the capacity, the kingdom itself will aid you. Even if it means war."
"…"
Ludenberg could only stiffen at those words. The privilege weighed far heavier than he'd imagined.
War.
"…If I may humbly suggest, Your Majesty, isn't it too much to attach an unlimited wish to these badges we receive every year?"
Ashytara echoed Ludenberg's reaction, addressing the king.
"Haha! No need to worry. No one's ever truly asked for war thus far. And I've made it clear: 'as long as we have the capacity.'"
"…Understood."
Beyond that, more gifts awaited them. At the king's gesture, warriors approached bearing two suits of armor—clearly no ordinary gear at a glance.
"Those armors…"
A black suit for a man, a silver one for a woman.
"They are yours. Both are holy relics infused with Tahra's divine power, enhancing the wearer's strength in battle. I had hoped an Ortaran warrior would claim them this year, but once again, knights from Solemnute Adem take the prize."
"Haha…"
"Congratulations on your victory."
Ashytara and Ludenberg could only smile faintly at the king's straightforward words.
"Let us applaud and cheer these valiant warriors who came from afar and claimed victory with honor!"
"────!"
The same roaring cheers erupted as before, accompanied by thunderous applause echoing through the arena.
"How was your time in Ortara?"
"…A precious stretch of days, rich with gains."
King Herhata smiled warmly at Ludenberg's reply.
"I see. Keep striving forward."
"I will."
"Tahra."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"Take care, and come back soon."
"…Yes. Someday, I will."
"I'll whip that Heydel boy into shape before sending him back."
"Yes."
"Go now. Only revelry remains. Enjoy today and tomorrow to your heart's content—eat, drink, share stories. Then return to Solemnute and strive onward."
"Yes!"
Ashytara beamed with joy.
"Congratulations."
Seia Shahain and Dalia Retiu were there to greet Ludenberg and Ashytara as they left the arena with their new armor.
"Thank you. Seia sunbae, how's the burn?"
"Fine. A breath of Mare's power fixed it right up."
"Glad to hear it."
"And your left arm?"
"Same here. All good."
"Good. A knight's arm is precious."
Ashytara and Seia chatted amiably, a far cry from their arena clash. An arrow through the shoulder hurts like hell. Try getting scorched by a greatsword near the neck. They laughed over such barbs, no grudges lingering from their wounds. After all, giving one's all in a match was the highest courtesy.
"Those two are getting along great now."
"…Are they?"
"Yeah. It's been ages since I saw Seia so open with anyone."
"Glad they're hitting it off."
"Speaking of, you were ridiculously strong out there. What's your secret?"
Dalia eyed Ludenberg like she was hunting for some hidden trick.
"No real secret."
Ludenberg waved it off flatly.
"How are you that strong without divine power…? I know it's from effort, but still."
No bafflement in his tone, so Dalia deflated with a sigh.
Many had questioned Ludenberg's prowess over time. At first, plenty refused to believe it. How could he be so strong? Felling an upper erosion beast without divine power? There had to be some hidden edge… His feats defied mere genius.
But as time passed, they had no choice but to accept it. All from the effort he'd shown daily. Dawn training was routine; even a single swing left him drenched in sweat. Who knew how much focus it took?
Everyone knew: training maniac, relentless worker. Ludenberg Lavante had become synonymous with effort at Solemnute Adem.
Dalia knew it well too. But clashing swords with him firsthand, feeling that otherworldly pressure make her hands tremble—she couldn't hide her momentary shock.
"Even Claire sunbae wasn't that strong."
"Claire sunbae…?"
"Yeah. Graduated last year. Taught me the axe-spear."
"Ah."
"Back in my first year, I sucked at fighting. Didn't know what weapon to pick. She showed me the way. Someone I really look up to. No idea what she's up to now."
"One of my cohort's like that too."
"I know. Cletta Peliche, right? Heard she's skyrocketing now. Pretty famous that it's thanks to you."
"…Is that so?"
"Yep. Rare for a bottom-ranker to climb that fast. Even the professors were stunned. Anyway."
Dalia cut herself short and grinned at Ludenberg.
"Congrats on the win."
"Thank you, Dalia sunbae."
Cletta Peliche gazed at the emptying arena, eyes alight with longing. Eyes full of desire.
Someday, me too.
She regretted forfeiting the exhibition so abruptly. Should've at least registered, even if it meant a thorough thrashing. Was it too hasty, deeming herself unworthy?
Regret gnawed at her.
It's fine.
She chided herself. Too early for regrets. Plenty of chances left.
Be content with witnessing their brilliance.
Ludenberg, Ashytara, Eden Asta, Mion Altis, Nadan Tes, Gawin Greta, Eve Arcadia, Meia Andem, Eil, Illiana Nadiel, Dalia, Seia… From qualifiers to finals, they'd all shone.
They weren't born great. No doubt, bone-grinding effort got them there.
Surely countless others thought the same. She could already picture Solemnute Adem upon return: rivals multiplying, competition fiercer.
Yet… Cletta smiled.
Excited for the days ahead. Knowing her three years there wouldn't be wasted. She'd grown so much from her pitiful start.
If there's a path, just walk it. No regrets on the chosen road, leaving no what-ifs at its end.
So, she'd challenge again.
For now, gotta drag Philia Rosette and Leila Satin into training whether they like it or not.
Cletta made her grim vow, staring endlessly at the arena.
"…It's done."
Nadan Tes stared at his research notes with hollow eyes. Finally complete: his presentation for the Istaltin academic conference.
With help from his sister, Nah Tes, the topic was the Starting Knight—a forgotten figure.
Archbishop Atan, who knew of him, had decided to suppress the info for Ludenberg's sake. Nah agreed.
But not Nadan. He recalled that moment.
'We can't rule out a forgotten being leaving traces in history—why bury them?'
'Isn't it obvious the boy bearing fate would be endangered?'
'No. Fate comes regardless. No mere human can evade it by hiding truth.'
'Nadan.'
'Archbishop. This is the saint of Setra speaking, not just Nadan. What's the point of Star Pilgrims? Unearthing hidden history, etching forgotten souls back into the stars.'
'…'
With saintly authority, even Bishop Nah fell silent. Nadan pressed Archbishop Atan.
'We must reveal the Starting Knight and reexamine Solemnute's history. Those millennium-old ruins we explored—surely he's from that era, aligning perfectly with the Six Heroes' time.'
'…Even so, one fact can't rewrite established history.'
'Exactly. That's why we research, delve deeper. Hero tales are still vague. Setra's power probes the past, uncovers truth. We can do this.'
'…Fine. But one condition.'
'Ludenberg Lavante's permission. Right?'
'Yes. If the fated boy consents, we'll greenlight full research.'
'Understood. I'll get it.'
Probing a millennium past taxed even Nadan, history and theology prodigy. Yet he dove in without complaint.
Now, he'd show the finished work to Ludenberg. Secure permission. Reveal the Starting Knight to the world.
To prove Ludenberg wasn't just a cursed human without divine power.
To keep Solemnute's people from shunning him.
Infuriating, enviable as he was, Nadan spared no devotion for accepted friends.
And this was the variable Raha hadn't foreseen.