The next morning arrived quietly.
When I opened my eyes, the soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains of the room that had been prepared for me in the elven castle. For a few seconds, I remained lying down, simply staring at the ceiling, allowing my mind to organize itself.
The war had ended.
It still felt strange to think about it.
For so many days, everything revolved around strategies, troop movements, and constant battles. Now, for the first time since we arrived in the Sacred Forest, there were no cries of combat, no explosions of magic, no weight of a decision that could cost hundreds of lives.
Only silence.
I got up slowly and walked to the window.
Outside, the elven forest looked exactly as it should. Vast, alive, and filled with a natural energy that seemed to breathe along with the world.
There was no sign of the war that had taken place there.
The elves were already rebuilding the damaged areas. Small groups worked among the trees, using natural magic to restore what had been destroyed during the battles.
It was impressive to watch.
Shortly after, I heard a light knock on the door.
"Come in."
The door opened and Liriel entered first. Right behind her were Elara, Vespera, Rai'kanna, and Lyannis.
They all seemed well-rested.
Lyannis was the first to speak.
"Looks like someone finally decided to wake up."
I smiled slightly.
"After the war, I think I deserve a few extra hours of rest."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms with an amused smile.
"If it were up to me, you'd rest a lot more. I never want to take part in a battle that big again."
Elara approached the window and observed the forest.
"The reconstruction has already begun."
Her tone was analytical, as always.
Vespera remained near the wall, observing everything in silence.
Liriel then spoke.
"The king has requested our presence in the main hall."
I already knew the reason.
We quickly prepared and walked through the castle corridors.
When we reached the great elven hall, I noticed it was full again. The difference was that now the atmosphere was not one of concern or tension.
It was one of celebration.
The King of the Elves was seated on his throne, accompanied by the two princesses we had met earlier.
Several elven leaders and important adventurers were present.
As soon as we entered, many conversations ceased.
All eyes turned to us.
We walked to the center of the hall.
The king stood up slowly.
His presence carried a natural authority that was hard to ignore.
"Takumi."
He spoke my name clearly.
"The Sacred Forest remains standing thanks to your leadership."
Some adventurers nodded in agreement.
The king continued.
"You faced the Fourth General of the demons and defeated him. This victory does not belong only to the elves… it belongs to all free kingdoms."
He made a gesture, and a servant brought a small ornate chest.
The king opened the chest.
Inside were several coins shining under the hall's light.
"The promised reward."
He declared.
"Fifty thousand gold coins."
Lyannis widened her eyes.
Rai'kanna let out a small whistle.
Even Elara seemed impressed.
It was an enormous amount.
The king then continued.
"But that is not the only message we have received."
He made another gesture.
A messenger approached and handed him a sealed scroll.
The king opened the document and read briefly before speaking again.
"The Kingdom of the Cyclopes has sent a response."
I already knew what it was about.
The stone that had been entrusted to me earlier.
The king raised his gaze.
"They officially recognize your contribution during this war."
He closed the scroll.
"The stone will remain under your custody."
A murmur spread through the hall.
That meant my responsibility over that artifact was now officially recognized among the kingdoms.
The king then gave a small smile.
"Few adventurers manage to earn respect among so many different nations."
He raised his hand.
"But you did."
The ceremony ended shortly after that.
We received thanks from several adventurers and elven leaders.
Some wanted to talk about strategies used during the war.
Others simply wanted to express their gratitude.
After some time, we finally left the hall.
We returned to the outer area of the castle.
The forest was even more alive under the midday light.
Lyannis walked excitedly.
"Fifty thousand gold coins!"
She almost seemed to bounce as she spoke.
"That's enough money to live without working for years!"
Rai'kanna laughed.
"Or to spend it all in a single night."
Elara sighed.
"I will definitely manage that part."
Liriel walked beside me in silence.
After a few minutes, she asked:
"And now?"
I looked at the forest horizon.
"Now we return to Vailor."
Everyone agreed.
Our journey there had come to an end.
The return trip took a few days.
When we finally saw the walls of Vailor rising on the horizon, I felt a familiar sense of calm.
The city looked exactly as always.
Busy.
Full of life.
We returned to the mansion in the late afternoon.
The servants were surprised and happy to see us return safely.
Night came quickly.
After a quiet meal, I finally retired to my room.
The accumulated fatigue from the war was still present.
I lay down and closed my eyes.
Sleep came almost immediately.
But that night…
I dreamed.
The dream environment was strange.
Dark.
Empty.
Like an infinite space where only a presence dominated everything.
A deep voice echoed around me.
"You have been an obstacle… human."
I couldn't see who was speaking.
But the presence was overwhelming.
Another voice appeared soon after.
Colder.
More dangerous.
"You defeated the weak."
A figure began to take shape in the darkness.
Tall.
Imposing.
The demonic aura around it was incomparable.
"Now are you ready for me?"
I tried to move forward.
But the dream began to fade.
I woke up suddenly.
My body was covered in sweat.
My breathing heavy.
The room was silent.
Moonlight streamed through the window.
I slowly sat up in bed.
My gaze fell on the sword resting beside me.
The same sword that had evolved during the battle against the Fourth General.
I got up and took it in my hands.
The blade reflected the moonlight with a silent glow.
I spent a few seconds observing that reflection.
A question echoed in my mind.
How to use that power again?
Because deep down, I knew…
The next battle was already approaching.
And this time…
The enemy would be even more powerful.
I gripped the sword more firmly.
The moonlight continued to reflect on the blade.
And in that silence of the night…
A new war was beginning to form on the horizon.