Chapter 14: The Hero’s Return

The Power of the Soul Tamer

As they sailed back to Zoria, Samuel stood at the edge of the ship, staring at the ocean.

He could feel it.

The power of the leviathans was now his.

His body had changed. His lungs felt lighter, his movements more fluid. He didn't just tame the leviathan's soul—he had absorbed its abilities.

He took a deep breath and exhaled.

He could breathe underwater now.

Jason walked up beside him. "You've been quiet since we left Lorigna."

Samuel nodded. "Just thinking."

Jason smirked. "Thinking? Or testing out your new powers?"

Samuel chuckled. Jason wasn't wrong. With every soul he tamed, he became stronger.

Sylvia and Elaine walked over. "We should rest," Elaine said. "It's been a long trip."

Sylvia yawned. "Yeah, and I want to sleep in a real bed again."

Samuel nodded. "Yeah… let's get some rest."

---

Arrival at Zoria

When they arrived at Zoria's docks, they were met with a huge crowd.

People were cheering, calling Samuel's name.

"The hero who tamed the leviathan!"

"He killed the sea monster!"

"Our savior has returned!"

Samuel frowned. The story had spread across the continent.

But they only knew half of it.

They thought he tamed one leviathan. They didn't know he had actually tamed two.

Elaine sighed. "I guess we're famous now."

Sylvia grinned. "I like the sound of that."

Jason shook his head. "This much attention is dangerous."

Samuel agreed. If too many people learned about his true powers, things could get complicated.

They moved quickly through the crowd, ignoring the shouts of praise, and made their way toward the Guild Hall.

---

Meeting the Guild Master

When they stepped into the Guild Hall, the Guild Master, a tall and broad man named Garrick, was already waiting for them.

He gave them a wide grin. "The heroes return! You did something incredible, kids."

Samuel and the others approached the desk. "We're here to collect our reward."

Garrick laughed. "Of course, of course. But let's talk business first."

He gestured to the leviathan skin they had brought back.

"This is priceless," he said. "Armor, weapons, even magical artifacts can be made from this."

Samuel nodded. "How much?"

Garrick leaned back. "I'll be honest. Something like this? Millions of gold coins."

Elaine's eyes widened. "Millions?"

Garrick smirked. "Yes. But… are you sure you want to sell all of it? This kind of material could be forged into armor or weapons for you."

Samuel thought about it. Selling it would make them rich.

But keeping some… might be useful in the future.

After a moment, he made his decision. "We'll sell half and keep half."

Garrick nodded. "Smart choice. I'll arrange the sale and get your payment ready."

Samuel and his party collected their official quest reward and left the Guild Hall with their bags full of gold.

But their day wasn't over yet.

---

Summoned by the King

As they walked through the city, a royal messenger arrived.

"The King summons you to the palace," the messenger said.

Samuel and the others exchanged looks. They had expected this.

The King, the congress, and Lyra were all waiting for them.

Jason smirked. "Time for politics."

---

The Palace Meeting

When they arrived at the royal palace, the grand hall was already filled with important figures.

The King sat on his throne, his advisors standing beside him.

Lyra stood near the congress members, her expression neutral.

As Samuel and his party approached, the King spoke.

"You have done something incredible," he said. "Taming a leviathan… even the greatest warriors of this kingdom would not dare to dream of it."

Samuel and his party bowed respectfully.

"We were only doing our duty, Your Majesty," Samuel said.

The King studied him. "I have many questions for you, Samuel."

Before the conversation could continue, someone entered the room.

A young woman with golden hair, deep blue eyes, and an elegant presence.

Princess Lucia.

She walked into the hall with a bright smile.

And then—her eyes landed on Samuel.

She froze for a moment, then tilted her head, studying him.

Then, she smiled even wider.

"Ah," she said, openly staring at him. "So this is the man who tamed a leviathan."

Samuel felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze.

She stepped forward. "You're… handsome."

Silence filled the room.

Lyra crossed her arms, Elaine shifted uncomfortably, and Sylvia raised an eyebrow.

Jason? He started laughing.

Samuel cleared his throat. "Uh… thank you, Your Highness."

Lucia grinned. "I like a man with strength."

Sylvia smirked. "Princess Lucia, you're being very… direct."

Lucia giggled. "Why not? It's not every day I meet a hero."

Lyra, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. Her voice was calm but sharp.

"Your Highness, please remember that we are discussing serious matters."

Lucia raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Are you saying I can't be curious about our hero?"

Elaine sighed. "Here we go…"

Samuel wanted to disappear.

Lucia stepped closer to him. "I think we should talk more, Samuel. Perhaps over dinner?"

Jason, still laughing, patted Samuel's back. "You're popular, huh?"

Lyra looked annoyed but kept her tone respectful. "Princess, please—"

Lucia turned to her. "Oh? Are you jealous, Lady Lyra?"

Lyra stiffened.

Elaine covered her face. Sylvia just grinned, watching the scene unfold.

Samuel felt trapped.

"Your Highness," he said carefully, "I appreciate your kindness, but we just returned from battle. The King ordered us to rest."

The King chuckled. "Indeed. Let the young heroes rest for now. We can discuss everything tomorrow."

Lucia sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But I will be seeing more of you, Samuel."

As they left the throne room, Lucia followed them, playfully flirting with Samuel the entire way.

Elaine, Sylvia, and Lyra all had different reactions.

Jason? He laughed the entire time.