The Hero Returns

Mura seemed to taste victory, pressing forward relentlessly. I could only dodge, unable to counter. If this continued, I'd lose. It looked like I had to use magic again. While evading, I silently chanted the spell, "Thunder Blade!" After finishing the incantation, a magical sword formed of lightning materialized in my hand, crackling with electricity. Not only was I unafraid of lightning now, but I had become one with it. "This is… weaponizing natural elements!" The professor was slightly stunned, and the crowd below, along with Mura, stood in shock. "Impossible! He's using a higher-level lightning spell than me!" Mura, humiliated and furious, charged at me. My thunder blade sliced through him. "Argh!" He was instantly charred and smoking from the strike. "That's enough!" the professor shouted. My thunder blade vanished. I might have caused trouble. The professor hurriedly used healing magic on Mura. After a while, he finally started breathing again and was carried to the infirmary. "You went too far," the professor scolded me. "I'm sorry, Professor Jis. I lost control for a moment," I quickly apologized. After stepping off the stage, my companions swarmed me, asking when I'd learned this move. I could only respond sheepishly. I'd drawn too much attention today. I thought everyone knew multiple types of magic, but it seems I was the odd one out. Later, Na'an was called up and, like me, showcased various spells, successfully stealing the spotlight. Finally, I was no longer at the center of attention.

In the Kingdom of Shustane, the revived Kaiya expressed gratitude to everyone: "Thank you all for working so hard to save me. I'm truly sorry; it was my carelessness." "No, we were all caught off guard. We didn't expect the enemy to pull that move," Judo comforted him. "Since everyone's safe and recovered, the plan for the Four Kingdoms' Alliance will proceed as scheduled. Our kingdom's warriors have been selected, and in two days, General Arnold will lead the troops to accompany you to the Holy Kingdom of Tenlai," King Shubogu said with relief. "Yes, Your Majesty!" everyone responded. "I'm so glad you're okay, Brother Kaiya!" Sidori clung to Kaiya, making Emily jealous again.On the day of departure, the king, ministers, and citizens gathered outside the city gates to see them off. Kaiya and his group were ready and joined General Arnold. The accompanying warriors were equipped with horses for travel—King Shubogu had thought of everything. "Farewell, Your Majesty. We will complete the mission successfully," Kaiya and his group saluted. "Do well. The future of humanity depends on you," King Shubogu said. After bidding farewell to her royal sister, Sidori joined the group. The journey from Shustane to Tenlai took several days on horseback. At night, they camped in the wilderness. The trip was smooth, with no encounters with demonic enemies. Three hundred warriors followed the heroes, galloping forward. The forces of the Ifor Kingdom and the Lande Kingdom had also set out, all heading toward the same destination: the Holy Kingdom of Tenlai.Days later, "There's the capital of Tenlai!" Emily alerted everyone. After days of travel, they finally arrived, and the group sped up in excitement. At the city gates, the guards saluted and opened the way. Kaiya led the troops slowly toward the palace, greeted by cheering citizens lining the streets. Upon reaching the palace, Sidori ran to the throne and hugged King Jotwa. "You're back! Is everyone okay?" King Jotwa asked. "Are these warriors from Shustane who came with you?" "Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Arnold, Commander of the Western Army of Shustane. By order of King Shubogu, I lead these soldiers to provide reinforcements," General Arnold saluted. "Please rise. The Four Kingdoms' Conference just concluded, and Shustane's swift dispatch of troops is greatly appreciated," King Jotwa said, gesturing for them to stand. "Your Majesty, in the Shustane campaign, we all fell into the enemy's trap. I myself was dragged into their sacrificial plot. Thankfully, everyone used Shustane's royal magic to revive me. My carelessness leaves me with no face to lead the expedition against the Demon Realm," Kaiya said, still kneeling. Emily explained the full story to King Jotwa. "I see. The battlefield is ever-changing, and no one can predict everything. This isn't your fault. Forcing one of the Demon Realm's three generals to take you down with them proves your strength. You mustn't shirk the role of leader. This army still needs you," King Jotwa reassured him. Grateful for the king's trust, Kaiya stood. The king then instructed his ministers to escort Shustane's warriors to the military base outside the city for rest.During our training, we saw Shustane's troops arrive. Everyone paused to watch the procession. Each soldier was clearly an elite, handpicked from thousands. After the officers exchanged greetings, we were encouraged to mingle and get acquainted. "Look at that guy—he's so strong," Kadi pointed at a warrior in the distance. "Yeah, Shustane has a lot of impressive warriors," I said, watching curiously. That evening, the cafeteria hosted a buffet dinner. Everyone ate, laughed, and chatted, exchanging stories and greetings.