Festivities, In preparations for Another Mission

The king's words echoed through the throne room, making Uravis feel a mix of emotions swirl within him. Pride, relief and determination, he wanted to work harder so more praises would come for his good deeds.

He was thrilled to be recognized as a hero, but at the same time, he could not shake off the feeling that he did not belong in their world.

He was just a simple gamer from a different world who unfortunately got stuck in another world with an awesome skill.

The king's grip on his hands tightened, pulling him out of his riverie, and Uravis winced slightly. He tried to pull away, but the king's hold was too strong

"Let us celebrate!" the king exclaimed, his voice booming through the room. "Tonight, we feast and honor our brave adventurers!"

The room erupted in cheers and applause, Uravis felt himself getting swept up in the excitement. Those present began exiting the room, the maids and guards around also started cleaning up. All getting prepared for the feast at night.

King Arineth, faced the others, his hands still on Uravis who was struggling to get out of his strong grip, that oddly did not hurt, but it was still firm.

While the King addressed the others, his mind wandered off, moving to Claire as he wondered if she was good, he wanted to hear her voice, but he doubted if she had a phone or if a land line existed in their world.

"Drakonis, a word please," The king then said to him, after he had finished with the others. He excused himself and pulled Uravis away with him to another room.

Closing the door behind him, King Arineth face Drakonis, his gaze turning cold when both eyes made contact. Uravis flinched at the sudden change of things, but he remained still, waiting patiently for what the King had to say.

"How did you find the core?" He asked, taking his stretched his hands out to the sheath at the corner of the room, hung against the wall. "Because from what I've noticed, no one has been able to touch it without taking damage."

Uravis shook his head internally, he held himself back from replying disrespectfully to the King and end up getting on his bad side. But he also did not want to reveal too much, not that there was anything to reveal.

"Your Majesty, Arin had already given an explanation, as for why i did not take on damage, I had to compress all the energy in my body into my hands, so it would act as a forcefield between my skin and the intensity of the orb," Uravis explained, his gaze unwavering and his expression remaining stoic.

The King's cold gaze softened up, he then chuckled softly, "I believe you, but to be very honest with you, The energy you give out is not corresponding with how you look. You are extremely different," he said with a calm tone, as he took out a sword from its sheath.

The sword immediately glowed with a faint blue light, he traced his fingers along the carvings at the base and shifted his gaze to Uravis. "Here," King Arineth said, holding out the sword with its sheath out to Uravis.

Uravis hesitated for a second, shaking his head to refuse the sword, but the King pushed it into his arms forcefully. "No one rejects a gift from me, Your team mates knows that as well."

"Alright, I will learn to accept gifts from you, your Majesty."

_______

Arin's group along with Drakonis were given an apartment to share, not too far from the palace. Each having comfortable rooms.

Outfits for the feast was provided, with jewelries to make them look as noble as heroes were.

Uravis on the other hand was given a red and gold fit, red trousers, same as the button up long sleeve shirt, that had a longer end at the back. Gold jewelries, a ring, chain and cufflinks. A fit Uravis would never be caught dead wearing.

When the group met at the entrance of the ball room, with music and the aroma of tasty delicacies and perfumes wavering in the air. Ivie and Kim wore simple flare dresses, with noodle hands.

They had necklaces around their necks, with their hair styled neatly, Kim in a bun and Ivie in a full body wave, however she still had her smug expression on her face.

Tyson and Arin outfits were also similar to his, only difference was the colours. They were led into the palace's ball room, the lights blinding Uravis the second he stepped foot into the ball room.

The King walked over to them, leaving the group of individuals that surrounded him. Each with their own remarkable abilities.

There was Hannah, a skilled archer with unparalleled accuracy that could not be matched. Jonah, a burly warrior wielding a massive mallet and Mina, a mysterious mage with mastery over the elements.

They introduced themselves to the group, their attention mostly on Drakonis and Ivie who seemed to be very uncomfortable with the attention. Ivie was popular because of her past deeds, especially during the last war that occured in the city.

She helped predict their strategies and the outcome of the war after every suggestion they gave.

Drakonis on the other hand was popular because of Arin who introduced him to every single person in the room. The nobles and warriors soon became familiar with the new warrior, Drakonis.

But with everything that went on, Uravis managed to keep his true identity hidden, still unsure if who to trust. He was playing the part of Drakonis, the brave warrior, and left Uravis behind, the gamer who wants nothing but peace and a warm hug.

He was emotionally starved over few hours of being way from Claire. No one to yell at him, give him hugs, hot home made meals that he would fill hsi stomach with and sit back to digest it.

As the festival began to wind down, General Thorne approached the group, who sat at a corner conversing among themselves. Well except Drakonis who was busy reading the invitation card.

He had a hint of smile on his face, indicating how glad he was to have them around, "I see you're all getting along nicely," he said, "That's good, You'll all need to rely on each other in the days to come."

Uravis exchanged glanced with the others, sending a shared sense of unease. They knew there was more to come, especially after the King made mentions about a certain mission.

And just at that moment, Thorne's expression turned serious. "The King requests your presence at the palace tomorrow. Please be prepared for you next mission."

"And also," he uttered, turning to face them again, "Everything you need will be settled, money, food and clothing, anything. Just ask."

He concluded and strolled off into the crowd, their minds racing with anticipation, Ivie still remained with an unhappy expression, while Kim chatted happily with Tyson and Arin about the possible scenarios that would happen on their mission.

Uravis on the other hand only thought of two things if he could be given permission to put a call across to Claire, at least know how she was fairing.

And the mission that was so important that the King had to remind them every single time.