The massive golden doors of the royal treasury opened with a deep rumble.
A wave of ancient spiritual energy washed over everyone in the throne hall.
Even the veteran hunters instinctively straightened their backs.
The Royal Treasury was more than a vault of wealth.
It housed the greatest treasures accumulated by the Kingdom of Galant over hundreds of years.
King Aldric smiled as he noticed Emil's calm expression.
"Most people are overwhelmed the first time they enter this place."
Emil replied respectfully,
"I've learned that true value isn't always measured by appearance."
The king laughed.
"A wise answer."
---
The royal treasurer, an elderly man in crimson robes, stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the rewards prepared for Sir Emil Myers are ready."
Several attendants pushed forward an ornate pedestal covered with a silk cloth.
The treasurer carefully removed it.
A magnificent suit of armor rested beneath.
The entire throne hall fell silent.
The armor shimmered like liquid sunlight.
Golden engravings resembling rising flames ran across every plate.
It radiated a powerful yet gentle aura.
"This..."
One noble gasped.
"...is the Helios Guardian Armor!"
Even Guild Master Gareth looked surprised.
"The kingdom is truly serious."
---
King Aldric nodded.
"This armor was forged more than three hundred years ago by Master Blacksmith Orion Ashforge."
"It has protected three generations of royal champions."
The treasurer continued the explanation.
Helios Guardian Armor
Grade: Top Tier
Material:
- Celestial Mithril
- Sunsteel Alloy
- Spirit Crystal Threads
Abilities:
- Increases physical defense tremendously.
- Reduces damage from elemental attacks.
- Gradually repairs minor damage by absorbing sunlight.
- Enhances cultivation techniques related to light and fire.
- Reduces stamina consumption during prolonged battles.
Estimated value:
Over 4 billion gold.
The nobles exchanged astonished looks.
Many wealthy families could not purchase such an artifact even if they sold everything they owned.
---
King Aldric smiled.
"Go ahead."
Emil touched the armor.
The moment his fingers brushed against the chest plate, the armor emitted a brilliant golden glow.
It resonated with the Sun God fragment inside him.
Ding!
Compatible equipment detected.
Equipment recognized.
Helios Guardian Armor.
Compatibility:
98%
Special bonus activated.
Sun-element techniques receive an additional enhancement while equipped.
---
The royal craftsmen helped Emil wear the armor.
It fit perfectly, as though it had been forged specifically for him.
It was surprisingly light.
He barely felt its weight.
Guild Master Gareth chuckled.
"I've seen that armor reject seasoned S-Rank hunters."
"It accepted you immediately."
---
The king raised a hand.
"Now..."
"For the second gift."
The attendants wheeled forward a black crystal pedestal.
Unlike the armor, this object was wrapped in countless golden sealing chains.
The atmosphere immediately became heavier.
The royal treasurer carefully unlocked the seals one after another.
As the final chain fell away...
A magnificent sword appeared.
Its blade gleamed like polished silver infused with flowing sunlight.
Golden runes stretched from the guard to the tip.
The crossguard resembled a pair of radiant wings, while a crimson gemstone rested at the center of the hilt.
The sword radiated overwhelming spiritual pressure.
Every swordsman in the hall unconsciously held their breath.
King Aldric spoke with unmistakable pride.
"This sword is known throughout Galant."
---
Solaris
Blade of the Eternal Dawn
---
"It was forged nearly five hundred years ago by the legendary smith Aurelius Dawnforge."
"It has only acknowledged three masters in all of history."
The king looked directly at Emil.
"I believe it has been waiting for its fourth."
---
The treasurer announced its abilities.
Grade: Legendary
Abilities:
- Greatly amplifies Sun-element techniques.
- Stores solar energy during daylight.
- Can unleash accumulated energy in devastating sword strikes.
- Naturally purifies darkness and corruptive energies.
- Its edge never dulls.
- Forms a spiritual bond with its chosen wielder.
Estimated value:
At least 10 billion gold.
Gasps echoed throughout the throne hall.
One elderly noble whispered,
"That sword is priceless..."
---
King Aldric gestured toward the pedestal.
"Take it."
Emil slowly reached for the hilt.
The moment his fingers closed around it...
The sword trembled.
A brilliant pillar of golden light shot toward the palace ceiling.
The gemstone within the hilt shone like a miniature sun.
The spiritual pressure disappeared.
Instead...
The sword became perfectly calm.
As if it had finally found its rightful owner.
Ding!
Legendary Weapon Bound Successfully.
Weapon:
Solaris, Blade of the Eternal Dawn
Compatibility:
100%
Special Effect Unlocked:
Sun Resonance
When wielding Solaris, all Sun God techniques consume less energy and possess significantly greater power.
New passive ability acquired:
Solar Aura
The wielder continuously absorbs traces of solar energy while exposed to sunlight.
---
Even the Royal Sword Master widened his eyes.
"Incredible..."
"It accepted him instantly."
King Aldric smiled knowingly.
"I expected nothing less."
---
The treasurer presented one final reward.
A beautifully crafted spatial ring engraved with the royal crest.
"This Spatial Ring contains your monetary reward."
Emil accepted it respectfully.
The treasurer announced,
"By order of His Majesty..."
"Sir Emil Myers is awarded 800 million gold for his extraordinary service to the kingdom."
The ministers applauded.
Although enormous, everyone understood that the true treasures were the armor and Solaris.
The king looked at Emil.
"Gold can be earned."
"Titles can fade."
"But weapons worthy of legends are treasures that shape history."
Emil bowed deeply.
"I am honored beyond words, Your Majesty."
King Aldric placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No."
"The kingdom is honored to have a knight like you."
As Emil stood in the royal treasury wearing the Helios Guardian Armor and holding Solaris, Blade of the Eternal Dawn, many of the nobles realized they were witnessing the rise of a legend.
Far beyond the palace walls, however, unseen eyes had already begun watching the young knight whose name now echoed across the kingdom.
Some admired him.
Others feared him.
And a few...
Already considered him their greatest future obstacle.