The King's Request

The castle halls stretched endlessly before them, their stone walls lined with beautiful art pieces and grand murals depicting ancient battles and heroic deeds.

The flickering candlelight illuminated the deep colors of each piece.

Whispers filled the air as students gazed in awe at the beauty surrounding them.

Miss Tanaka urged them to stay close.

"Stay close," she said, her sharp gaze sweeping across the group.

"I don't want any of you to get carried away and left behind here."

Renji, walking smugly beside her, smirked.

His gaze shifted from the art to her, enjoying the false sense of control he held over the situation.

"Relax, Miss Tanaka. We're perfectly capable of handling ourselves."

Miss Tanaka didn't flinch at his bravado, her eyes narrowing slightly as they continued forward.

The group soon arrived at the massive doors of the throne room. Eldrin stepped forward.

"My lord, I have arrived with the heroes," he announced.

The heavy doors creaked open, revealing the grand throne room.

The space was enormous, with high ceilings supported by grand arches and rows of seated nobles in fine robes.

At the center, the king sat upon his throne, flanked by his most trusted vassals.

Most murmured at the sight of the heroes.

"So young."

"They're just children..."

"Is this truly what the prophecy foretold?"

"I expected seasoned warriors, not... this."

"Do they even know how to fight?"

Ignoring them, Eldrin knelt, bowing deeply before the king as he offered his greetings.

"Your Majesty..."

"I present to you the heroes, as promised."

The king's eyes, cold and sharp, remained fixed on him as he kneeled.

"You may rise."

"You've succeeded... just like you said you would, and so I shall grant you your reward later."

Eldrin rose, a look of gratitude on his face. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The king then turned his gaze to the gathered heroes.

"I thank you for agreeing to serve our kingdom in defense against the Realm Eaters. With your power, we believe you can protect our lands from their influence."

Miss Tanaka, who had been observing quietly, suddenly stepped forward.

"Pardon me... Your kingdom?" she asked, her brows slightly raised.

"We were told we'd be saving the world."

The king's expression darkened slightly as he turned his attention back to Eldrin.

"You've filled their heads with nonsense?" he asked coldly.

"Did you promise them glory beyond what's achievable?"

Eldrin responded calmly.

"With the power we possess, as foretold by myths and legends, we will push back the Realm Eaters and safeguard not just this kingdom, but others."

Before the king could respond, an advisor standing by his right interrupted sharply.

"Silence!"

"Many nations have summoned their own heroes. Why should we risk the lives of our champions in a battle that offers no guarantees of success? Our only duty is to protect this kingdom from any Realm Eaters that dare trespass upon our land."

The king's gaze sharpened at the advisor's words, though no immediate response followed.

Miss Tanaka, sensing the tension, silently observed, her hands resting at her sides.

The king leaned forward.

His gaze swept over the group of heroes, assessing each of them in turn.

"I am Yimdier Aradorn."

"King of Aradorn and protector of this nation."

His words had this... weight of responsibility, and despite the grandeur of his appearance, there was a touch of weariness in his tone.

"My people have endured countless hardships, and with the Realm Eaters encroaching upon our lands, our survival hangs by a thread. Yet, I have hope..."

"Hope that with your aid, we may turn the tide and protect these lands from destruction."

The murmurs of the nobles faded into silence as His Majesty spoke.

"You are the heroes of prophecy, chosen to wield great power in the face of calamity. While I cannot promise that this journey will be easy or without peril, I can assure you that your efforts will not go unrecognized."

He paused, allowing them to take in his words before continuing.

"For your bravery and service, you shall be rewarded handsomely. Wealth, titles, land—whatever you desire within my power to give will be yours, should you help safeguard our kingdom."

King Yimdier's expression softened slightly.

"I do not ask this lightly, nor do I expect blind loyalty. But know this: in protecting Aradorn, you protect countless lives and stand against a force that seeks to devour all that we hold dear."

The room fell into silence; the gravity of his words seemed to make the air tense. All eyes were on the heroes, awaiting their response.

Renji stepped forward with a confident grin, his eyes glinting with excitement.

"Hell yeah!"

Miss Tanaka's voice was sharp as she tried to rein in the excited fool.

"Renji, what do you think you're doing?"

She snapped, her expression stern as she turned to him.

He shrugged, utterly unbothered by her harsh tone.

"Chill, Miss Tanaka. Seriously, what did you think we were going to say? 'No thanks'? Look around."

He pointed broadly to the grandeur of the throne room and the assembled nobles.

"If we refuse to help, we're useless to the king. And if we're useless, do you honestly think he's going to keep a bunch of deadweight otherworlders hanging around? He'd toss us out in a heartbeat. Then what? How do we survive in this world we know nothing about?"

A murmur spread through the room as the nobles began whispering among themselves:

"This boy speaks with boldness. I like it."

"He's perceptive for one so young."

"A strong spirit—exactly what we need against the Realm Eaters."

"He understands the reality of their situation. Admirable."

"Perhaps this one has leadership potential."

"The boy's confidence is refreshing in such uncertain times."

Renji's pride swelled at the words of admiration. A soft chuckle escaped his lips, and he turned back to the king with a self-assured nod.

King Yimdier's sharp gaze rested on him, a faint smile on his lips.

"I am impressed by your insight and boldness."

"What is your name, young man?"

"Renji," he replied, straightening his posture. "Renji Kisaragi."

"Well, Renji Kisaragi."

"...For your courage and spirit, I shall remember you. You've earned my respect today, and I will see to it that you are treated a tad better than the rest."

Renji's lips curved into a smirk. "I'm honored," he said, the faintest trace of sarcasm in his voice, though it was clear he was pleased with the praise he got.