Sanctuary and Recovery

The city lord insisted that Roy and Kevin stay at his residence to recover. Though reluctant at first, they eventually agreed, their exhaustion too great to protest. The city lord's home was grand yet simple, a testament to his leadership. The rooms they were given were spacious, with soft beds and a view of the city beyond, bustling with life once more. It was a stark contrast to the forest and the fight they had just endured. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of the city's history, and the gentle breeze through the open windows carried the scent of blooming flowers from the garden below, creating a serene environment.

"You need rest," the city lord had said firmly, his tone allowing no argument. "You have done enough, more than anyone could have imagined. Let us take care of you for now."

For the first time in days, Roy and Kevin allowed themselves to relax. They had grown accustomed to the constant tension, the expectation of danger lurking at every corner. Now, with the warmth of a comfortable bed beneath them and the sense of safety enveloping them, they drifted into a deep, much-needed sleep. As the first night turned into days, they could feel the exhaustion lifting from their bodies. Each morning, they awoke to the sounds of the bustling city outside, a reminder that the world was moving forward, and they were, at least for now, at peace.

Days passed as they rested, the wounds they carried slowly healing. During this time, they spoke with the city lord, recounting everything that had happened. The city lord listened intently, his expression darkening as he learned of Garon's betrayal and the corruption among his own men. The mention of Garon's actions made the city lord's face grow somber, his eyes narrowing with anger at the betrayal that had slipped past his watch.

City Lord, during these discussions, finally spoke up about Kevin's past. He recalled that he had once heard of the incident involving Kevin's father but had always believed the rumors. Now, having learned the truth, he realized how wrong he had been. He looked at Kevin, his expression filled with regret.

"Kevin, I owe you an apology," the city lord said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I believed the lies about your father. I didn't know... I should have known better."

Kevin, sitting across from him, offered a small, forgiving smile. The light from the nearby window illuminated the cloth band covering his eyes, casting soft shadows across his face. "You couldn't have known, City Lord. Garon made sure everyone believed his lies. What matters is that you stood by me when it counted."

The city lord nodded, the weight of his guilt lifting slightly. "Still, I'm sorry. I won't let those lies define us anymore."

Kevin gave a respectful nod, his voice steady. "Thank you, City Lord. Your words mean a lot. We'll move forward from here."

After a week of rest and recovery, Roy and Kevin decided to venture out into the city. The fresh air and bustling marketplace were a welcome change from the confines of their rooms. The marketplace was vibrant, filled with colorful stalls offering everything from exotic spices to handmade jewelry. Children ran through the narrow paths, their laughter ringing out in the air, and merchants called out their wares with practiced enthusiasm.

As they walked through the streets, they were greeted warmly by the townspeople. Men and women approached them, their faces filled with gratitude. Some bowed, others offered small tokens of thanks—food, handmade trinkets, anything they could give to show their appreciation. The warmth of the people was overwhelming, and Roy and Kevin felt a deep connection to the city that had once looked at them with suspicion.

One elderly woman approached Kevin, her eyes welling with tears. "Young man," she said, her voice trembling, "I... I was one of those who believed the lies about your father. I am so sorry. You saved our children, and I misjudged you."

Kevin's expression softened beneath the cloth band covering his eyes. He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for your words. It means a lot," he replied gently.

Roy watched as more people approached Kevin, apologizing for their past behavior. He could see the emotion evident in Kevin's posture—a mix of pain and healing. The people who had once turned their backs on Kevin now stood before him, humbled by his actions.

"Seems like the whole city wants to make things right," Roy said, nudging Kevin with a smile.

Kevin nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's strange, isn't it? To be hated and then thanked by the same people."

Roy shrugged. "People are fickle. But you've shown them who you really are. That's what matters."

As they continued to stroll through the market, they came across a vendor selling fresh fruit. The vendor, a burly man with a kind face, waved them over. "Heroes eat for free today!" he announced, handing them both ripe apples. Roy and Kevin exchanged a glance before laughing, the tension of the past week easing with every small act of kindness.

Their walk through the market became a series of moments like this—people thanking them, apologizing, offering what little they could. It was overwhelming at times, but it was also a reminder of why they fought, why they put themselves in danger. Each smile, each tearful thank you, added to the sense of purpose that had driven them this far.

By the time they returned to the city lord's residence, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The golden light bathed the rooftops, and the distant hills seemed to glow. Roy looked over at Kevin, who seemed lost in thought.

"You okay?" Roy asked, his tone gentle.

Kevin nodded slowly. "Yeah... It's just nice to see that maybe things can change. Maybe people can change."

Roy smiled. "They can. And we can help them do it."

The two of them stood there for a moment, watching as the city began to settle for the night. The lights flickered on in homes, laughter echoed from the market square, and the world felt a little more at peace. The gentle hum of the city at dusk was almost hypnotic, a comforting reminder of everything they had fought for.

"Come on," Roy said, nudging Kevin toward the door. "We could use some more rest. We've got a lot ahead of us."

Kevin nodded, following Roy inside, the warmth of the city and its people lingering with them as they closed the door behind them.

The next morning, Roy approached the city lord with a question that had been weighing on his mind. "City Lord, can you tell me something about the Heavenly Star Sect?" he asked.

The city lord's eyes lit up with recognition, his gaze growing distant as if recalling stories from long ago. "Ah, the Heavenly Star Sect," he said, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and respect. "It is one of the largest and most prestigious sects on the entire continent. Their influence stretches far and wide, and their disciples are renowned for their strength and wisdom. The main grounds are located about 10,000 kilometers to the south of here, deep in the heart of the Azure Mountains. The Heavenly Star Sect is known for its rigorous training and immense power, and only the most determined and talented are able to survive their trials.

Their entrance trials are not just tests of physical strength but also of character and spirit. The trials are said to be grueling, designed to push each participant to their absolute limits. It is said that the sect's elders watch from afar, evaluating not just power but also the determination and purity of the heart."

Roy listened intently, nodding. "The man we met mentioned them. I want to know more about what it would take to join."

The city lord smiled, his expression thoughtful. "As a token of our gratitude, I will help you. In fact, I had planned to send two of our young talents from the city to take part in the entrance trials that are happening in a month. But after everything you've done, I can't think of anyone more deserving than you two."

He reached into his robe and pulled out two tokens, each etched with a glowing star that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. As he held them, the air around them seemed to hum with energy, and the faint outline of runes appeared, glowing softly before fading. The tokens seemed almost alive, pulsating faintly as if they held a fragment of the heavens within them. "These tokens will grant you entry to the trials. They are highly coveted, imbued with an ancient blessing, and only a few are given to cities like ours. With these, you will be able to take the entrance trials for the Heavenly Star Sect."

Roy took the token, his fingers tracing the etched star. He could feel a strange warmth emanating from it, almost as if it were responding to his touch. He glanced at Kevin, who stood beside him, his head slightly tilted as if listening intently.

"Thank you, City Lord," Roy said earnestly. "We'll do our best."

The city lord nodded. "I have no doubt that you will. The Heavenly Star Sect values resilience and loyalty. You have both in abundance."

Roy turned to Kevin, a smile on his lips. "Looks like we've got our next journey set."

Kevin nodded, gripping his own token tightly. 

With the tokens in their possession and a new path ahead, Roy and Kevin felt the excitement of the unknown pulling at them.

The city lord watched them, a smile playing at his lips. "May the stars guide your path," he said softly, as they turned to leave, their hearts filled with determination.