“Announcing the arrival of Holy Knight Alexander Drausus, High Priestess Kerensa Divinus, and the commanders of knights!”

As called, they marched forward until they were a few steps away from the emperor’s throne. In unison, they bent their knees and bowed their heads in reverence to their great ruler.

“Greetings to the Sun of the Empire, Emperor Vasilias Fotia, and the Moon of the Empire, Empress Charis Fotia!”

“Rise, brave heroes of Eirini!” Emperor Vasilias welcomed them with a warm smile. “You have all worked hard and proved yourselves worthy of the highest honors!”

Soon after, formalities followed. Alexander reported their victory, and the emperor awarded each of them for the work they had done. From gold aureus coins, magnificent weapons, and armor to luxurious gifts of lands, houses, and titles to their names.

When it was time to award the hero of his own title, raising him from his commoner status to that of a noble, the atmosphere turned heavy.

“As for you, Holy Knight Alexander,” the emperor said, “some of my vassals believe you should be the new King of the North. You have fought valiantly and returned peace to the eastern lands, where hordes of monsters threatened the lives of millions. Surely, such valor should be rewarded with something of equal value.”

Alexander’s eyes widened when he heard it. He quickly turned his eyes towards Kerensa, who knelt beside him on his right-hand side. Kerensa felt his gaze and looked back at him in the same manner.

“However,” the emperor continued. “I will not be silent and hide from you the fact that being the King of the North is gratifying and demanding at the same time. It will earn you the highest position next to me, the emperor, and my beloved empress, but along with it, you will be tasked to govern the northern lands where evil demons and phantasms reside. You will rule over millions of people and protect your lands, all while heeding my call, should other nations need the help of the new hero.”

Alexander cleared his throat before answering, “I am truly honored, your majesty, for thinking a lowly commoner such as me is worthy of such a title.” He tried his best to speak in the most formal and polite way he knew. “But… the King of the North? Isn’t that King Calcifer’s position?” His eyebrows raised in confusion. “I am nowhere near his excellence! If he’s a dragon, I am simply an insignificant fly. I cannot possibly hold a candle to such a perfect person. He’s such an awesome man—my glorious idol! There is no way I would—Aw.”

Alarmed by the foolishness of his words, Kerensa immediately pinched his side—discreetly, of course, and joined in the conversation.

“W-What he meant, your majesty, is that he does not believe he is qualified yet to take over the position of the Great King Calcifer.  If you would, kindly pardon our rudeness but… from a mere commoner to a king—that simply must not be!”

Kerensa Divinus was a beautiful young woman with long, wavy hair in the hues of the clear morning sky, and eyes like that of sirens with amethyst irises. She wore the white garments of a high priestess and had always accompanied Alexander on his journey as his healer and overall support—both in battle and when he needed help with his wits. After all, the new hero was not known for his great wisdom, but for his strength.

Hearing those words, the emperor hid his smirk behind his hand. He had long known how Alexander would react, given he remembered how he was once one of Calcifer’s knights-in-training who revered him greatly.

Archduke Gennaios and his faction were surprised to hear his answer. They expected a commoner like him would be tempted by power and would foolishly agree to the emperor’s request in an attempt to curry his favor. How mistaken they all were.

“Is that your final decision, Holy Knight Alexander?” the emperor asked.

“Yes, your majesty. Please, give it to another—or actually, I don’t think other people can—Aw.”

Kerensa pinched him again until he stopped. With a smile, she immediately corrected his words and replied to the emperor.

“What he meant, your majesty, is that he believes you—in all of your wisdom—could decide the best for the northerners and their king. He dare not suggest what should be done.”

“Ah, yes. That’s right, your majesty. He-he-he.”

“Alright. It is settled. We shall leave that position as it is and instead, give you a title of a Count. Though it is not as prestigious as a king, it is enough for you to experience governing lands and people. Should you prove more worthy, of course, I shall raise your title to what you truly deserve.”

Alexander was about to refuse it again, but Kerensa was quick to push his head down to bow to the emperor. It was considered extremely rude to refuse the emperor’s offer a second time, so she had to do something, or else the vassals would eat them up. They had been looking at them with contempt for quite some time ever since Alexander refused to be the king. Good thing Kerensa was perceptive enough to feel it.

“He thanks you for your generous reward, your majesty!”

“The pleasure is mine.”

Kerensa breathed deeply in relief.

“Also, if you would allow, your majesty,” she added, “there is actually something we need your help with.”

“By all means, High Priestess Kerensa. Feel free to state your concern.”

And so, Kerensa discussed their plea to the emperor who easily agreed to the idea.

A few days later, flyers, posters, and prints of different kinds spread all over the Kingdom of Eirini. On its pages wrote words about a competition open to all magic users around the world. Great rewards would await the winners in terms of money and property. Most of all, they would have an opportunity to join the hero’s party in their adventures.

These papers reached the attention of Asha, who by then was done searching through the whole town. She was about to head to the village nearby to continue her search, if not for the young lad she met on the way who forcefully gave her a newspaper and asked to pay ten copper assarii for it. Seeing how he seemed to be in need, she forgave the rudeness and paid him extra for the papers.

“Hmm… A tournament, huh?” Asha asked herself. “It sounds fun, but I doubt I could gain any intel there on what I’m searching for. I better not join.”

As she was about to throw the newspaper into a nearby bin, whisper after whispers unexpectedly flooded her ears even though there was no one with her. It was as if the wind suddenly learned to talk!

“Join the tournament.”

“Join it, Asha!”

“Please join.”

Asha was startled. She had long been used to hearing the most mysterious of things, but encountering them on random occasions was still a bit of a jumpscare to her.

Being an Elementalist, Asha was sensitive to the spirits—both elemental spirits and spirits of people who had long passed away. She could hear, feel, and see them like faint strings of light hovering around the air.

Legends said that when people died, they were supposed to return to the Spring of Life. However, Asha observed that some of them seemed to remain in the realms of the living—like those who just urged her to join the competition—the “Small Whispers” as she addressed them. They never really harmed her anyway so she didn’t mind hearing them. Instead, they often guided her in her journey for some reason. Because of that, Asha decided to listen to their counsel once more.

“Well,” she sighed. “If you insist, I guess joining wouldn’t be so bad."