For the next several weeks, Emil remained in the Kingdom of Galant.
He accepted no hunting missions.
Nor did he spend his days cultivating from dawn until dusk.
Instead, he did something that surprised everyone.
He began giving away his fortune.
---
Standing before the Guild Master, Emil placed a thick ledger on Gareth Thorne's desk.
"I'd like to make several donations."
Gareth looked up in surprise.
"Donations?"
Emil nodded.
"The families who lost their homes during the Blackwood incident."
"The wounded."
"The widows."
"The orphanages."
"And villages near monster territories that can't afford proper defenses."
The Guild Master stared at him for several moments.
"Do you realize how much this will cost?"
"I do."
Emil answered calmly.
"I've experienced hunger."
"I know what it feels like to have no one."
"If I have the means to help..."
"...then I should."
A faint smile appeared on Gareth's face.
"The kingdom chose the right person."
---
Over the following days, the Hunter Association announced a special relief fund established in Emil's name.
Nearly every family affected by the monster horde received enough gold to rebuild their homes.
New houses replaced the ruined ones.
Farmland destroyed during the battle was restored.
Broken wells were repaired.
Children who had lost their parents were guaranteed food, clothing, and education.
Many villagers cried when they learned where the money had come from.
---
Emil, however, never attended the ceremonies.
He quietly watched from afar.
He had never wanted recognition.
Seeing children smile was enough.
---
A week later, Emil visited the largest orphanage in the capital.
The building was old.
Its roof leaked whenever it rained.
The walls were cracked.
The caretaker bowed apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Sir Emil."
"We can't welcome such an honored guest properly."
Emil smiled.
"You already have."
He spent the entire afternoon with the children.
He taught them simple breathing exercises.
Played wooden sword games.
Helped repair broken toys.
Even cooked lunch alongside the caretaker.
The children laughed constantly.
One little boy asked,
"Sir Emil..."
"Were you always strong?"
Emil shook his head.
"I was weaker than all of you."
The children blinked.
"Really?"
"I couldn't even protect myself."
Another little girl tugged gently on his sleeve.
"Then..."
"...how did you become a hero?"
Emil smiled softly.
"By refusing to give up."
The children remembered those words long after he left.
---
Before departing, Emil quietly handed the caretaker a storage pouch.
Inside lay enough gold to rebuild the orphanage several times over.
The old woman gasped.
"T-This is too much!"
"It isn't."
Emil smiled.
"Use it well."
Without waiting for thanks, he quietly walked away.
---
News of his generosity spread throughout the capital.
Merchants praised him.
Hunters respected him even more.
Ordinary citizens began calling him something new.
The Sun Knight.
Not because of the light he wielded...
But because he brought hope wherever he went.
---
Several days later, Emil returned to Blackwood Village.
This time, not as its savior...
But simply as a friend.
The children immediately rushed toward him.
"Brother Emil!"
"Come play!"
One of the boys handed him a wooden sword.
"I finally learned your first stance!"
Emil laughed.
"Show me."
The children surrounded him.
For the next several hours, the village square became an improvised training ground.
He corrected their footwork.
Adjusted their posture.
Encouraged every improvement.
Whenever someone fell, he helped them back up.
Never once did he ridicule a mistake.
---
That evening, the villagers organized a festival in his honor.
There was music.
Roasted meat.
Fresh bread.
Fruit pies.
Stories around the bonfire.
Even Kael was persuaded to join the celebration.
For the first time in many years...
Emil laughed freely.
Not because he had won a battle.
Not because he had grown stronger.
But because he was surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him.
---
As night fell, Emil sat quietly beside the river outside the village.
The stars reflected upon the calm water.
The system suddenly appeared.
Ding!
Hidden Achievement Completed
A Hero's Heart
You have protected not only lives...
...but hope itself.
Rewards
- 5,000 SCP
- Title Acquired: Beacon of Hope
Beacon of Hope
Those who possess righteous hearts instinctively trust you.
Your reputation among civilians increases significantly.
Acts of kindness are more likely to generate hidden missions and rare opportunities.
---
Emil smiled faintly before closing the notification.
Power could defeat monsters.
Gold could build cities.
But neither alone could change the world.
People did.
Looking toward the peaceful lights of Blackwood Village, Emil made a silent promise.
"As long as I have the strength..."
"...I'll protect smiles like these."
Far above the heavens, the dormant will of the Sun God stirred.
For perhaps the first time in countless ages...
It believed it had chosen the right successor.