Swordsman's Regression: Reawakened as a Necromancer-Chapter 85: The Heroes’ Party (4)

Azmagrab stepped forward. "For the Human Kingdom, I and my peers, the Legacy Awakeners of Valoris, have decided the first is Nessa Nightfall."

Nessa rose from where she sat and made her way to higher dias, the one behind the Support Party but raised above them. Applause followed.

Grigor watched his daughter with stern but still loving eyes. Ulcraft looked at his peer.

"Brave thing you did, Grigor," the man said, acknowledging his friend. "Very brave thing."

"Nessa Nightfall is a daughter of the noble family of Nightfalls, a student of Elderis Stone Academy, and a signed Awakener for the Heaven’s Blade Guild!" the Speaker cried. "She’s a Lvl 18 Assassin with a Legendary Talent! The Scholars declare she will most definitely hit the Level Cap!"

The Dwarf Legacy Awakener went next. "From Stonehold, I and my fellow Legacy Awakeners have chosen Bromm Axebringer!"

A giant marched towards the dias. Everyone stared with shock. How could that be a dwarf? He was like a bloody mountain!

He had a huge grin on his face, his brown armor torn intentionally at places, allowing his large muscles to bulge out.

"Bromm Axebringer is a student of God’s City Academy and is a signed Awakener for the Iron Guard Guild!" the Speaker bellowed. "He’s a Lvl 25 Barbarian with a Legendary Talent! Lvl 150 id also assured for him"

Feris of the Elves called next. "After deliberate thought, the Legacy Awakeners of Eldermoor select Liraeth Windwhisper."

The girl joined the dias, a proud smile on her face as she swirled her red hair with her fingers.

"Liraeth Windwhisper is the daughter of the noble Windwhisper family, a student of Elderis Stone Academy, and signed to the Golden Spire Guild!" the Speaker announced. "She’s a Lvl 22 Elemental Mage with a Mythic Talent! The Scholars project she will reach the highest level of 150!"

Ulcraft glared in disbelief. "We are yet to produce any Mythic Talents and the Elves already have two? Just how damned are we?"

Grigor smirked. "You worry too much, my friend."

The announcements came faster now, as the event unfolded.

"For the Humans, Deron Darkhaven!" Azmagrab called.

The Speaker introduced Deron Darkhaven as a student of Sky Hand Academy, signed to Sunsparrow Guild. He was a Lvl 22 Knight with a Legendary Talent.

The young man stepped up, his hollowed eyes reflecting a desperate hunger to resurrect his fallen family name.

"For the Dwarfs, Dagna Olgis!" Sighur bellowed.

Dagna Olgis was also a student of Sky Hand, signed to Heaven’s Blade Guild. She was a Lvl 20 Druid and had a Legendary Talent as well.

"For the Elves, Corvell Brightleaf!" Feris called.

Corvell Brightleaf was a student of God’s City, signed to Golden Spire! He was a Lvl 26 Healer Mage with a Legendary Talent.

The applause rang out for a long time. All six representatives stood on the dais. They were the ones who the fate of the world truly lied on.

What was left now was their leader.

The three Legacy Awakeners stood together. The Speaker fell silent. The air filled with tension.

Who would it be? Who was the most powerful young Awakener in the entire realm of Evernia?

Finally, Azmagrab looked up, and his lips parted with a heart-catching smack. "For the future of Evernia, we have all decided on one name. The Legacy Awakeners of Valoris, Eldermoor and Stonehold have selected...

Everyone leaned in, ears perked, eyes widened.

"... Prince Aethelstan Highcourt."

The Bastion let out a unified "woah" and murmurs followed right after.

"By the heavens! Prince Aethelstan Highcourt!" the Speaker thundered. "The most promising Awakener of this generation. Son of King Alfred, Prince of Valoris, Heir to the Metrodorian Throne!"

Aethelstan rose from where he had sat by the nobles. He too was surprised by this.

Throughout this event, he had been infuriated that he was never called. He almost wanted to leave. But, he never knew that this would happen.

Did Father finally change his mind? Did he realize at last that his strength was too vast to be held back? That he was destined for greater things beyond the castle?

Ethel smiled on her seat as she watched her brother saunter to the center of the dais. She was happy that he was finally getting what he wanted; a chance to prove his true potential to everyone.

"Prince Aethelstan is a proud student of Elderis Stone Academy and signed to the Golden Spire Guild! What more, he possesses a Mythic Talent! The first human to do so in ten years, and the first Knight to do so in a hundred!"

"And there was no speculation in this one, Evernians! The Scholars are certain that he will lead us to victory as the first to reach the Level 150 cap! He’s more than half way there!"

Ulcraft looked at King Alfred. "That smart old man."

Grigor smiled.

King Alfred watched his son from his throne. He was trying his best to maintain his calm, but even then, his hand was trembling on his throne.

Sending his only son to fight the Demon Lord wasn’t something he ever saw himself doing. But after his discussion with Azmagrab, he knew there was no other way.

"You have diluted his power for long enough, King Alfred," Azmagrab had said. "He is a Mythic Rank. He deserves to lead. It is time to speed up his training and get him to the cap, for the future of Evernia."

"But he’s my son. My heir." Alfred lowered his head, depressed.

The Legacy Awakener placed a hand on his shoulder. "The other Awakeners in the Party. They are sons and daughters as well. Yet they risk your life for us and our world. Find your strength."

Azmagrab walked to the door but stopped just before leaving. "Kings pick up their crowns everyday and they rule. But on some days, they must also pick up their cross. Some days, they must also suffer."

"For the greater good, King Alfred."

Then, he left, leaving Alfred to his thoughts.

The King sat now on the raised throne, watching his son while repeating the same words in his head. ’For the greater good.’

Aethelstan stood at the center, the absolute apex of the world’s hope.

Beside him, Liraeth was no longer the arrogant pearl; she was staring at the Prince, her cheeks flushed a deep, uncharacteristic crimson.

Nessa remained a statue of ice, her father’s words forming a rule in her mind. Corisande was also reactionless, except for that same, gentle smile that seemed to look right through the crowd and into the void.

"Citizens of Evernia!!" the Speaker shouted. "I present to you, the Heroes’ Party!!!"

The citizens jumped and yelled. Humans, Elves and Dwarfs alike, celebrating the creation of the world’s strongest who would protect them from the encroaching evil.

"Their power will overwhelm the darkness!" the Speaker cried.

Ayeeee!!! The crowd answered.

"The Demon Lord shall crumble!"

Ayeeeee!!!

"EVERNIA SHALL REIGN!"

"EVERNIA SHALL REIGN!" the crowd roared back, a thunderous, terrifying sound. "EVERNIA SHALL REIGN!"

"EVERNIA SHALL REIGN!"

"EVERNIA SHALL REIGN!"

The kings nodded their heads together, empowered by the confidence of their people.

However, in the midst of the celebration, Dionocles and Grigor sat voiceless.

They could not celebrate. Not with what they knew. Not with what they feared.