The capital of Eldoria, once a battlefield ravaged by the war, now stood on the cusp of renewal. Streets that had been filled with despair were alive with laughter, and broken homes were being rebuilt with renewed determination. The people—soldiers, merchants, nobles, and commoners alike—had found hope again.
Kai stood at the edge of the royal balcony, watching as the city breathed new life. The golden banners of victory fluttered in the wind, and celebrations filled the air.
"It's strange, isn't it?" Solis leaned beside him, arms crossed. "Just a few days ago, this place was drowning in chaos."
Kai nodded. "It feels… unreal."
For so long, he had lived in the shadow of war, moving from one battle to the next. Now, there was nothing left to fight—only a world to rebuild.
Lyra approached them, carrying a tray of food. "You two have been brooding up here long enough. Eat something before you collapse again."
Kai chuckled, accepting the plate. The warm aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread made his stomach growl. He hadn't realized how hungry he was.
As they ate, Solis glanced at Kai. "Have you thought about what you'll do next?"
Kai hesitated.
He had spent his entire life as a warrior, always fighting, always moving forward. Now, with peace before him, he wasn't sure what path to take.
"I don't know," he admitted. "I never thought I'd get to choose."
Lyra smiled softly. "Then take your time."
Solis smirked. "Or, you know, you could stay here. The council's already talking about naming you a hero. Maybe even knighting you."
Kai nearly choked on his food. "Me? A knight?"
Lyra giggled. "I think they'd prefer 'Lord Kai, Savior of Eldoria.'"
Kai groaned. "Absolutely not."
The idea of titles and noble responsibilities made him shudder. He had fought for the people, not for recognition.
Solis laughed. "Relax. No one's forcing you to do anything."
Kai let out a breath, staring at the lively city below. Maybe he didn't have to decide his future just yet. For now, it was enough to be here—with people he cared about, in a world worth protecting.
And that, he realized, was its own kind of victory.