On Starcrest 22, 1850 AC (Arbiter Calendar), the battlefield around the 5th Frostgate Fortress was quiet again. A full week had passed since the death of the Snowy Mountain King. The terrifying monster had finally been defeated by the six Aura Empowerment Realm warriors who arrived as reinforcements.
After its death, the violent winter storms slowly began to calm down. The blizzards that once covered the northern lands became weaker each day. The skies above the fortress were no longer filled with endless snow.
Scientists and scholars soon arrived to study the strange change in weather. After several days of research, they made an important discovery. The harsh winter was not entirely natural.
"The Snowy Mountain King had the ability to influence the winter storms," one scientist explained to the officers.
"When it was alive, the monster strengthened the snowstorms around the Whisperpine Expanse."
"Now that it is dead, the weather is slowly returning to normal."
This discovery surprised many people. The northern region had suffered from brutal winters for generations. Now they realized that a powerful monster had been secretly controlling the storms.
Because of this change, explorers and adventurers began entering the Whisperpine Expanse again. Hunters also followed them deeper into the frozen forest.
"If the storms continue to weaken, we can finally expand our territory," one explorer said with excitement.
"Someday this place might belong to humanity."
The officers of Frostgate Fortress believed the same thing. With the Snowy Mountain King gone, the northern lands finally had hope.
A week after the battle, a large ceremony was held inside the fortress. Thousands of soldiers gathered in the main courtyard. Many of them stood silently while rows of flags waved slowly in the cold wind.
This ceremony was meant to honor those who fought in the Siege of Frostgate.
Many soldiers had given their lives defending the fortress walls. Their sacrifice allowed the northern territories to survive the monster attack.
At the center of the courtyard stood a large stone monument.
It was called the Heroes of the Frostgate Monument.
The names of fallen soldiers were carefully carved into the stone. Families of the dead were promised financial support and protection from the kingdom.
A priest raised his voice during the ceremony.
"Today we honor the brave warriors who protected this fortress."
"They fought without fear, even when death stood before them."
"Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."
The soldiers saluted in silence as the ceremony continued.
After honoring the fallen, the ceremony moved to the promotion announcements.
The first person called forward was the commander of the fortress.
"Knight-Commander Garrett Ironwing, step forward."
Garrett walked to the center of the courtyard while thousands of soldiers watched.
A royal officer read the official decree.
"By order of the Northern Military Council, Knight-Commander Garrett Ironwing is promoted to Knight-Major."
The soldiers began clapping loudly.
The officer continued reading.
"His noble rank is also elevated from Viscount to High Justicar."
The announcement caused another wave of applause.
A High Justicar was a powerful noble title. It was a noble entrusted with enforcing royal law and maintaining justice across large territories.
Garrett saluted the officers proudly.
"I will continue serving the kingdom with honor," he said firmly.
Next, the two vice-commanders were called forward.
"Knight-Lieutenant Mary Shade and Knight-Lieutenant Kimber Tell, step forward."
Both officers walked to the center of the courtyard together.
The decree was read once more.
"Both officers are hereby promoted to the rank of Knight-Captain."
The soldiers clapped again as the promotions were announced.
The officer continued reading the second part of the decree.
"Their noble status is also elevated from Castellan to Baron and Baroness."
Mary Shade gave a respectful salute.
"I will continue protecting the northern frontier."
Kimber Tell nodded proudly.
"The fortress will remain strong."
Next, the officers from both divisions were promoted as well.
Many captains became majors. Some lieutenants became captains. Every officer who fought bravely during the battle received recognition.
After the officer promotions, the attention shifted toward the soldiers.
Those who fought in the battle were officially knighted. Many were granted the military rank of Knight-Corporal.
A soldier standing in the crowd whispered quietly.
"I never thought I would become a knight."
Another soldier smiled proudly.
"We survived the siege. We earned this."
Finally, the ceremony reached the last name on the list.
"Knight-Corporal Alistair, step forward."
The crowd became quiet.
A soldier slowly pushed a wheelchair forward through the courtyard.
Alistair sat in the chair with bandages covering most of his body. His ribs were still healing, and several bones had not fully recovered yet.
He had only awakened from his one-week coma a few days earlier.
Even so, the young knight still saluted the officers respectfully.
The officer began reading the awards.
"For his extraordinary bravery during the Siege of Frostgate, Knight-Corporal Alistair is awarded the Aegis of Frostgate Medal."
This medal meant the highest honor given to someone who protected the fortress from certain destruction.
It symbolized a warrior who stood like an unbreakable shield when the fortress was about to fall.
The soldiers clapped loudly.
The officer continued.
"He is also awarded the Iron Vanguard Medal."
This medal represented a warrior who leads from the front and inspires others to stand and fight even in the face of death.
Many soldiers nodded with respect.
Everyone had seen what the young knight had done.
The officer then read the final promotion.
"Knight-Corporal Alistair is hereby promoted to Knight-Staff Sergeant."
The soldiers clapped again.
The officer continued.
"He is also given command of 250 independent knights and soldiers, including both aura users and non-aura soldiers."
Some officers in the crowd exchanged surprised looks.
One officer whispered quietly.
"He is being given command at fifteen years old?"
Knight-Major Garrett Ironwing also looked confused.
Then another announcement surprised everyone.
"Knight-Staff Sergeant Alistair will not receive a noble title."
Several officers began whispering among themselves.
Garrett stepped forward and asked calmly.
"Why is the boy not receiving noble status?"
Before the officer could answer, Alistair spoke.
"I already have one."
The courtyard became silent.
Garrett looked at him in surprise.
"You do?"
Alistair nodded slowly.
"I didn't hide it. I simply didn't think it mattered."
Then he spoke clearly.
"My full name is Alistair Dawnstrike."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"I am the son of Baroness Astrid Dawnstrike."
The officers were shocked.
Garrett blinked in disbelief.
"So you were already a noble?"
Alistair shrugged slightly.
"I never really cared about it."
After the ceremony ended, the story of the young knight spread quickly.
News of his actions traveled across the City of Wintermere and the City of Valor.
People spoke about the boy who blocked the attack of the Snowy Mountain King.
"He defended the entire fortress."
"He even injured the monster king."
The story soon traveled beyond the cities.
Eventually, the news reached two distant villages.
Leaf Village.
Golden Flow Village.
When Alistair's family heard the news, they were shocked and proud.
Before the ceremony ended, the final title was announced.
"For his legendary actions during the siege, Knight-Staff Sergeant Alistair Dawnstrike is granted the honorary title..."
"Defender of the Siege of Frostgate."
The soldiers saluted as the title was announced.
This title recognized an unbelievable achievement.
An Early-Stage Aura Transformation Realm warrior had managed to protect the fortress and injure a Peak-Stage Aura Transformation Realm Monster King.
It was a feat that would be remembered for many years.
And the legend of Alistair Dawnstrike had only just begun.