After days of glorious victory against the Syrions, the Kingdom of Anomazon was filled with overwhelming joy. The squares were decorated with blooming flowers and ornate banners, and people from every corner of the kingdom gathered to celebrate the return of peace and security. This day was not merely a celebration of victory, but also the long-awaited revival of the Marriage of the Firstborn Virgin, which had been postponed because of the war.
Amid this magnificent scene, crowds gathered in the plaza beside the royal palace, where Nikola Mask stood beside Novich on a raised platform, surrounded by countless citizens who had come to witness this historic moment.
Nikola raised his hand, and the voices of the crowd gradually fell silent. Then Novich stepped forward with steady strides and spoke in a voice filled with both pride and emotion:
"People of Anomazon… for many long years, we lived in darkness. The light vanished from this kingdom, and its people grew accustomed to a life without joy. But today… the light finally returns to Anomazon, bringing hope back to our hearts and illuminating our future once more!"
He then gestured toward the crowd and declared enthusiastically:
"Let us begin the countdown together, and witness the return of the light once again!"
The people shouted in unison, their voices rising louder with every number:
"Ten… nine… eight…"
All eyes were fixed upon the palace.
"Seven… six… five…"
The anticipation reached its peak, and hearts pounded in expectation of a miracle.
"Four… three… two…"
Hands intertwined, and silence briefly filled the air.
"One… zero!"
Nikola pressed a massive switch.
For a brief moment, silence dominated the kingdom… and then suddenly, the palace erupted with radiant light. Brilliant illumination spread everywhere as a powerful glow burst from the windows and walls, reflecting across the entire city.
The massive domes began to move slowly, shimmering beneath the moonlight, while hanging lanterns lit the streets and alleys of the city, spreading warmth and happiness through the hearts of the people.
At that very moment, fireworks soared into the sky and exploded in a magnificent display. Their sparks scattered across the heavens, filling the night with dazzling colors that illuminated the darkness and awakened feelings of joy and triumph.
As the colors painted the horizon, the people brought out their glowing lanterns and opened their tiny doors, releasing luminous larvae that slowly floated into the sky. They danced gracefully in the air, glowing like tiny stars scattered across the night, carrying the people's wishes toward the heavens.
For several moments, the crowd stood in reverent silence.
Then an enormous cheer thundered throughout the plaza.
Some stood frozen in disbelief, while others broke into tears from overwhelming emotion. It was the first time in many years that they had seen Anomazon bathed in such enchanting light, exactly as it had been before the catastrophe.
Amid the breathtaking scene, Nikola took a deep breath as he gazed upon the city that had regained its brilliance. Then he turned toward Novich, placing a hand on his shoulder as he said with pride and emotion intertwined in his voice:
"You did it, my son… Anomazon has come back to life."
Novich smiled, his eyes glistening with tears, and replied emotionally:
"I didn't do it alone… we all did."
Amid the atmosphere of celebration and joy, Ateen stepped forward onto the platform with steady strides, while the cheering crowd raised their voices throughout the plaza beside the royal palace.
She stood firmly, her eyes moving across the gathered people before she began speaking in a powerful voice filled with pride and emotion:
"People of Anomazon… the past days have witnessed the great sacrifices made by everyone, and the hardships we endured together. But we proved that our courage and unity are stronger than anything, and that this kingdom is capable of overcoming any threat, no matter how great it may be. Our victory is not merely a triumph in battle… it is a victory for every soul that sacrificed itself for our sake."
She paused briefly, then tilted her head slightly toward the audience, searching for Nikola and Novich among the crowd before continuing with gratitude in her voice:
"Nikola Mask, Novich… the weapon the two of you created was the decisive factor in this war. You saved us from an eternal threat, and history will never forget what the two of you have done. Thank you both for your loyalty and dedication. You proved that science, when guided by pure determination, becomes a shield that can never be broken."
She then turned toward Basil and Hamza, smiling proudly before saying:
"And I would also like to thank Basil and Hamza for their bravery. You were always on the front lines, defending this land with everything you had… You are the reason we stand here today as free people. You changed the fate of this kingdom and restored hope to it. The Kingdom of Anomazon will never forget what you have done for its sake."
She took a deep breath before speaking clearly, announcing her decision before everyone:
"After long consideration and consultation with the new leader of the Mazi Tribe, Morani, we have decided that the person most deserving of leading this kingdom during this era is Nikola Mask. His wisdom and creativity are exactly what we need to begin a new age… an age of rebuilding and progress."
Amid loud applause and passionate cheers, Nikola ascended the platform and stood before the people with a calm smile.
He raised his hand, asking for silence, before speaking confidently:
"Thank you all for this great honor. You are entrusting me with something beyond value, and I promise you that I will do everything in my power to make this land safer and more just. This victory is not mine alone… it belongs to all of us. Together, we will build a bright future for Anomazon."
The crowd erupted with cheers chanting his name, and the celebrations transformed into a wave of overwhelming joy.
The sound of drums echoed loudly, and traditional dances returned to the plazas once again. The warriors of the Mazi Tribe began dancing proudly, symbolizing the unity of the kingdom while celebrating the Marriage of the Firstborn Virgin exactly as it had once been planned before the war.
As the lights sparkled across the sky and voices echoed through every corner of the kingdom, Ateen quietly stepped away from the noise and approached a wooden bench where Basil and Hamza sat speaking calmly together.
She stopped before them and said softly, her voice carrying sincere gratitude:
"I wanted to thank both of you from the bottom of my heart. Without you, we would never have escaped this nightmare. You fought bravely and never retreated despite all the dangers. The Kingdom of Anomazon will always remain indebted to you."
Basil looked at her with a calm smile and replied:
"What we did was our duty. Standing beside those who need us is part of what we carry in our hearts."
Ateen gently nodded before asking:
"And what about you two now? Will you stay here… or do you have other plans?"
Basil answered calmly:
"We'll leave tomorrow. A long mission awaits us. There's still much left for us to do."
Silence lingered for a moment before Ateen spoke quietly, as though trying to suppress her emotions:
"I remembered… Finn always used to tell me that he wanted to leave with the two of you if you ever departed from the kingdom… He wanted to become part of your journey."
Basil lowered his gaze for a few moments before lifting his head again and saying:
"He was a brave and remarkable boy. I'm certain that if he had traveled with us, he would have become a wonderful addition to our journey. But… what about you, Ateen? Have you ever considered joining us?"
Ateen raised her eyes toward them, hesitation visible within her gaze before she replied:
"I can't… There are too many responsibilities I cannot abandon. I am the captain of the royal guard, and I have duties toward my people."
Hamza interrupted gently with a warm smile:
"That's alright. Think about it carefully. Your presence with us would make a great difference."
Ateen took a deep breath before answering:
"I'll think about it."
She slowly lifted her gaze toward the sky, where the fireworks continued to glow brilliantly, as though she were watching the stars of the night return once more to decorate the Kingdom of Anomazon after a long age of darkness.