Celebration Banquet I

The war in the Western continent turned into a slaughter after the fall of Vorgath Ironmaw.

With two Radiant-rankers already stationed there, their intervention sealed the fate of the cultists, orcs, and ogres. The invaders were driven back, their resistance crumbling under the combined might of the Western army and humanity's strongest warriors. The once-mighty forces of the Savage Communion were now little more than remnants, pushed deep into their own lands with no reprieve in sight.

Every day, reports of victories flooded social media, the world watching in awe as the Western continent expanded its reach. The people celebrated, the sentiment of unity burning brighter than ever before. They were determined to rid the world of one black mana species forever.

Jin grinned as he clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm, a silent acknowledgment of all that had been accomplished. "It was all possible because of you, Arthur."

I scratched my cheek, uncomfortable with the praise. "I just did my job."

"You did more than that," Cecilia murmured, stepping closer, her crimson eyes gleaming as she wrapped her arms around me from behind. "You killed the First Calamity. You stopped what could have been the destruction of an entire continent."

Her embrace was warm, but her grip was tight—possessive. "You really make me want to lock you away somewhere safe."

Rachel pressed herself against my front, her sapphire eyes locking onto mine. "No, Ceci, he's not just yours." She hugged me tightly, her soft warmth a contrast to Cecilia's teasing intensity.

Seraphina let out a small sigh, stepping forward and taking my right arm. "Yes," she said simply, her ice-blue eyes filled with silent discontent.

On my other side, Rin grabbed my left arm, her fingers cool against my skin. She said nothing, but the way she clung to me made her feelings abundantly clear.

Jin coughed pointedly, his smirk not fading. "Well, I suppose I should let you know—there's a banquet in your honor, and an official announcement for your new title."

"Banquet?" I blinked.

"For you," Jin repeated, giving my shoulder a little squeeze—too hard.

I tilted my head. Was he trying to crush my bones?

"He did, you idiot," Luna's voice rang in my head, dry amusement laced in her tone.

I exhaled.

Rank 1.

The strongest among humanity.

And now, the world would know.

"But Arthur," Rachel said, her sapphire eyes filled with quiet worry as she looked up at me, still pressed against my chest. "You're banned from using that ever again, got it? I can't heal you completely when you push yourself that far."

I sighed, the exhaustion settling into my bones. "I know. I was just desperate."

Even as I said it, I felt the gnawing sensation deep within me. A hollowness, an incompleteness. I had come so close, but I wasn't truly there yet. If I could just reach Radiant-rank, my strength would finally be complete.

But I had forced too many breakthroughs too quickly, pushing myself beyond my limits, and now I would have to pay the price.

"A year or so," I calculated grimly. That was how long it would take to properly reach low Radiant-rank now.

"We helped you, right?" Rin's voice pulled me from my thoughts. Her grip on my arm tightened slightly, as if she was afraid I'd deny it.

"Yes," I admitted, meeting her dark gaze. "All four of you helped a lot."

They had done more than just hold off their opponents. They had taken down the Axe King's strongest warriors—an orc chieftain, an ogre prince, a vice cult leader, and another orc warlord—while also supporting me in the fight against Vorgath himself. Without them, the battle would have ended differently.

"And you all got stronger too," I noted, my gaze sweeping over them.

In the days since that battle, their progress had become even more apparent. Cecilia and Seraphina had ascended to high Immortal-rank, while Rachel had reached the peak of Immortal-rank. Their potential was astonishing.

"I had two big fights as soon as I came back to Earth," I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

First, Valen Ashbluff—the strongest human in the world. I fought him, freed Rin, and saved her from an existence of torment.

Then, Vorgath Ironmaw—the First Calamity, who, with the Infernal Armis, had reached the level of a demigod.

I had fought two of the most powerful beings on Earth in the span of mere days.

And now, at last, one of the Five Cults would be officially destroyed.

I exhaled, a heavy breath that carried the weight of all I had endured.

Finally, I could have a moment to breathe.

Or so I thought.

"Breather?" Cecilia scoffed, looping an arm through mine and pulling me toward her. "We have plenty of time before the victory banquet, which means you'll be spending private time with me."

"No!" Rachel countered instantly, grabbing my other arm and yanking me in the opposite direction. "I get him first!"

Cecilia narrowed her crimson eyes. "Hey, horny Saintess, keep it in your pants."

Rachel gasped, scandalized. "What about you?!"

"I'm no Saintess," Cecilia shot back with a smirk.

"Mine."

Seraphina's quiet voice cut through their bickering like a blade. Before I could react, she stepped in front of me, her arms wrapping around my neck as she jumped. Reflexively, I caught her, my hands securing her against me.

"Oh—sorry," I managed, glancing sheepishly at Rachel and Cecilia, who were now glaring daggers at me.

As I steadied Seraphina in my arms, I caught movement from the corner of my eye. Rin. She had been standing apart from us, watching with a hesitant expression, her cheeks tinged a soft pink.

"I-I have something to do," she mumbled, turning abruptly and walking away, her steps hurried.

Rachel followed Rin's retreating figure with her gaze before turning her sharp eyes back to me. "Arthur," she said, her voice softer now. "What are you going to do about Rin?"

"Do you like her?" Cecilia asked bluntly, tilting her head.

Seraphina, still wrapped around me, leaned in, her breath warm against my ear. "Do you?"

I exhaled, feeling the weight of their questions settle on my shoulders. "I'm… not sure," I admitted. "Everything's been too chaotic. I need time."

Cecilia sighed, releasing my arm. "Fair. You need downtime. Don't overthink it. Have some fun. Don't worry about Rin or anyone else until the banquet."

"Arthur." Rachel's tone shifted, drawing my attention. She stepped closer, her fingers brushing against mine before taking my hand in hers. "Why haven't you visited your parents yet?"

My breath hitched.

"What?" Seraphina's usually quiet voice held a note of surprise. "You didn't see them? After two years?"

"Not had time," I said, forcing a smile.

Rachel's grip on my hand tightened. "Arthur Nightingale, do not lie to me."

I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose before exhaling slowly. "Alright. There's… a matter with my parents. Something I don't want to engage in."

"But you'll have to," Cecilia said, more statement than question.

"Yes," I admitted.

Rachel studied me for a long moment before nodding. "They're coming to the banquet. Talk to them then."

"Alright," I muttered.

Then, she blinked. "Wait. Mother and father?"

I raised a brow. "Yes?"

Rachel's expression was completely serious. "I'm marrying you, right? So they're my mother and father too."

I stared at her, completely caught off guard. Heat rose to my cheeks.

Cecilia groaned. "Saintess, stop copying me!"

Rachel smirked. "I have no idea what you mean."

Their argument reignited in full force, but before I could get dragged into it, Seraphina gently took my wrist and pulled me away.

"Spend time with me," she said simply, her ice-blue eyes steady on mine.

I let out a breath, smiling despite myself. "Alright."

And with that, I let her lead me away, the sounds of bickering fading behind us.