A Triumphant Return

Chapter 14: A Triumphant Return

The streets of Polaris buzzed with life as Kaien, Lein, Phyro, and Klein walked through the town, their clothes dusted with remnants of the icy dungeon's battles. The sky overhead was a dull gray, the sun struggling to break through the ever-present cold. Their breaths misted in the air, but compared to the frozen wasteland they had just escaped from, the town felt almost warm.

As they approached the guild, a familiar sight greeted them—adventurers loitering about, some sharpening weapons, others laughing over drinks. The wooden doors creaked as Kaien pushed them open, the noise of chatter, clinking mugs, and the occasional boastful yell filling their ears.

A few heads turned as they stepped inside. Whispers followed, a few adventurers nudging each other.

"Those are the ones who went to the Frozen Oasis?"

"They actually came back?"

"And with the brats still alive?"

Kaien ignored them and made his way to the reception counter. Lein followed, while Phyro and Klein trailed behind, trying to act natural despite the many eyes on them. The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with a sharp gaze, leaned forward as they approached.

"You're back." Her eyes swept over them, lingering on Phyro and Klein. "And the kids made it too. That means you actually cleared it?"

Kaien reached into his coat and pulled out a crystalline shard—the dungeon's core. It gleamed with an eerie blue glow as he placed it on the counter.

The receptionist's eyes widened slightly before she regained her composure. She picked up the shard and inspected it, turning it in the dim light. "Well, I'll be damned. That's the real deal." A small smirk tugged at her lips. "You just made history in Polaris. The Frozen Oasis has been conquered."

A hush fell over the nearby adventurers. A dungeon subjugation was no small feat. Some looked impressed, others skeptical, but none could deny what was in front of them.

"Rewards?" Klein asked, barely able to contain his excitement.

The receptionist chuckled. "Patience, kid." She reached under the counter and retrieved a small pouch, sliding it toward them. "This is just a preliminary payment. Your full rewards will be processed soon, but since you just cleared an entire dungeon, I think you'll be happy with what's coming."

Lein took the pouch and opened it, revealing a handful of silver and a few gold coins. He nodded in satisfaction before dividing it up.

"You two actually did something useful," he muttered as he handed Phyro and Klein their share. "But that doesn't mean you're off the hook."

"Yeah, yeah," Phyro said, pocketing his cut. "We're practically professionals now."

Lein rolled his eyes.

With their business at the guild settled, they finally turned their attention to the dungeon chest they had been forced to leave unopened after their abrupt teleportation out of the dungeon. It sat securely in the back of their carriage, shimmering faintly with traces of residual mana.

Kaien set it down on the ground. "Let's see what's inside."

Lein placed a hand on the lock, feeling for any traps, but nothing triggered. With a flick of his wrist, the lock clicked open. The chest creaked as Kaien lifted the lid, revealing its contents.

Inside, neatly arranged, were several shimmering crystal shards, a beautifully crafted ice sword, and a stack of 16 gold coins. Each coin gleamed with a rich luster, thick and well-pressed, the insignia of a long-gone kingdom stamped on one side.

Lein picked up one of the coins and inspected it closely. "These are old," he mused, rubbing his thumb over the surface. "But still worth a lot. Probably around a hundred USD each in medieval value."

"That's a fortune," Klein gasped.

Phyro, however, was focused on the ice sword. Its blade was translucent, faint mist curling off the edge as if it had been freshly pulled from a frozen lake. He reached for it, and the moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt, a chill shot through his arm. The weapon responded, releasing a thin layer of frost along the metal.

"This thing is insane," he whispered.

Kaien took the crystal shards, pocketing them for later examination. "We'll split this properly when we get back," he said. "For now, let's head home."

The journey back felt longer than the trip to Polaris, exhaustion finally catching up to them. Hours passed in silence, save for the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels. By the time they reached the estate, the sky had deepened into hues of orange and purple, the sun preparing to rest behind the horizon.

As soon as they stepped through the front gates, they were met with an explosive voice.

"PHYRO! KLEIN!"

The two boys stiffened as Akaya stormed toward them, her dark eyes blazing with fury. Behind her, Mei and the maids stood, looking concerned yet unsurprised.

Akaya stopped inches away from them, hands on her hips, her glare sharp enough to cut steel. "You two snuck off. Again." Her voice was dangerously calm. "Do you have any idea how worried we were? How reckless that was?"

Phyro swallowed. "Uh—"

"Don't 'uh' me!" Akaya snapped. "You disobeyed orders, put yourselves in danger, and you think you can just waltz back home without consequences?"

Klein, for once, had no witty comeback.

"You're grounded." Akaya folded her arms. "One week. No training, no going outside, no food privileges."

Phyro gasped. "No snacks?!"

"Yes. No snacks," Akaya said mercilessly.

"That's cruel and unusual punishment," Klein muttered.

Akaya raised an eyebrow. "Would you rather I extend it to two weeks?"

"Nope! One week is fine!" Phyro said quickly.

Lein smirked as he walked past them. "Enjoy your prison sentence, you two."

As much as Phyro and Klein wanted to argue, their growling stomachs reminded them of what was most important at the moment—dinner.

The dining hall was alive with warmth and laughter. The table was covered with roasted meats, thick soups, warm bread, and a variety of side dishes. Even Kaien looked momentarily at peace as he took his seat.

Phyro and Klein, despite their punishment, didn't hesitate to pile their plates high. They knew their freedom was limited, but at least they could enjoy one last feast before their sentence began.

As the night went on, the exhaustion of battle and the warmth of home settled over them. The dungeon had tested them, and though they had emerged victorious, they knew this was only the beginning.

But for now, as they laughed and ate with their family, they allowed themselves to rest.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges.

But tonight, they were home.