The return trip was silent.
After so much time dealing with lands, harvests, and responsibilities, returning to the city of Vailor felt… different. It was no longer just a place I passed through between missions. Now, it was a base. A point of balance between everything I had been building.
The carriage moved slowly along the road while I watched the horizon. Beside me, they were all there, as always.
Lyannis was the first to break the silence. "So… are we going back to the old routine?"
"Not exactly," I replied.
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "You don't look like someone who came back to rest."
"Because I didn't come back."
Scarlett kept her gaze forward. "So you have something in mind."
"I do."
Elara tilted her head slightly. "Objective?"
"Keep evolving."
Vespera observed carefully. "You feel like it still isn't enough."
"It isn't."
Liriel, sitting closer, spoke calmly. "Because of what the sword said?"
I looked at her for a moment and then nodded. "Yes."
The silence returned, but this time it was different. It wasn't empty. It was understanding.
Lyannis let out a light sigh. "Here we go again then."
Rai'kanna responded immediately. "We never stopped."
Scarlett added: "And we can't stop."
Elara stated: "There are still threats."
Vespera concluded: "And they are approaching."
Liriel simply said: "Then we get stronger."
I looked at all of them.
And for a moment, I felt something clear.
Confidence.
Vailor began to appear on the horizon. The walls, the towers, the constant movement of people coming and going. Everything looked the same… but it wasn't.
As soon as we passed through the gates, I noticed it.
Stares.
Many of them.
It wasn't like before.
Some recognized us. Others just watched with curiosity. Some whispered among themselves.
Lyannis noticed it first. "Okay… this has changed."
Rai'kanna analyzed. "They know who you are."
Scarlett kept her tone firm. "Your fame arrived before you did."
Elara added: "Collective recognition."
Vespera said: "Growing influence."
Liriel looked around with slight surprise. "They admire you."
I ignored it.
Or rather…
I tried to ignore it.
"Let's go straight to the mansion."
No one questioned it.
The carriage continued through the streets until it stopped in front of the main entrance. The staff was already organized, as always. But now there was something different there too.
Expectation.
I stepped out first. Everyone bowed slightly.
"Welcome back, sir."
I nodded.
"We're back."
We entered.
The mansion was exactly as I remembered. Clean, organized, silent. A place prepared to receive… but also to serve.
Lyannis walked through the hall. "I still like this place."
Rai'kanna looked around. "Safe."
Scarlett analyzed the environment. "Functional."
Elara observed structural details. "Efficiency maintained."
Vespera said: "Nothing out of standard."
Liriel smiled slightly. "It's comfortable."
I went up to the upper floor and entered the room. Everything was in order. Nothing out of place. Nothing changed.
But I was not the same.
I returned to the hall.
"They were right."
Lyannis raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
"I didn't come back to rest."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "Then just say it already."
I took a deep breath.
"Tomorrow… I'm going to the guild."
Scarlett was not surprised. "Makes sense."
Elara stated: "Return to activity."
Vespera analyzed: "Search for challenges."
Liriel asked softly: "Have you already chosen the type of mission?"
"No."
Lyannis smiled slightly. "So you're going to take the hardest one, as always."
I didn't respond.
But she already knew.
The rest of the day passed calmly. No rush. No urgency. Just organization, adaptation, presence.
At night, we gathered for dinner. The table was full, as always. The conversation was light, but there was something behind it all.
Preparation.
Lyannis commented: "It's been a while since we took a real mission."
Rai'kanna replied: "That's going to change tomorrow."
Scarlett nodded. "And it probably won't be simple."
Elara said: "High-risk expectation."
Vespera added: "And high reward."
Liriel looked at me. "Have you already decided how far you'll go?"
I paused for a moment.
And then I answered:
"As far as necessary."
Silence came.
But it wasn't heavy.
It was firm.
After dinner, each of them followed their own rhythm. Some stayed in the hall, others went to their rooms.
I was the last to leave.
I turned off the lights and went upstairs.
The room was silent again. I lay down without rushing, staring at the ceiling for a few seconds.
The city outside was still alive.
But here…
It was calm.
I closed my eyes.
But before falling asleep, one thought became clear.
The war was over.
But the conflict…
Was not.
And tomorrow…
I would fight again.
Not out of obligation.
But by choice.
Because now…
I knew exactly what needed to be done.
And this time…
I wouldn't stop.