The deafening roar of the fire tornado gradually subsided, leaving a trail of desolation and smoldering ruins in its wake. A thick plume of smoke and ash rose to the heavens, casting an eerie shroud that obscured the moon and stars.

As the chaos dwindled, a cackling laughter pierced the silence. Thorian turned to find its source: Forlune stood there, exuberant. "Yes, yes! That is why you are our king!” he exclaimed with booming enthusiasm.

Hearing Forlune’s proclamation, the rest of the army responded with a unified roar. Their fervor escalated with each shout of “Our king!”, celebrating their triumph.

Witnessing this scene, Thorian swelled with pride. He let out a chuckle, which soon erupted into hearty laughter. In that moment, he cast aside the rigid demeanor of a lord, reveling in the glory of the moment.

* * *

Tristan POV

While Thorian and his monstrous army reveled in their victory, Tristan and his platoon of soldiers lingered in the background, observing cautiously. They had already witnessed the formidable power of these creatures during their battle with the blue wolf guardian, but the sight of their overwhelming might against the colossus left Tristan utterly aghast.

"You did well to heed their demands," Oswald said, patting Tristan’s shoulder, his face etched with fear. "These beings aren’t mere monsters; they’re devils incarnate."

Taking a deep breath, Tristan shook his head. "Yet these devils saved us from the guardians. Without them, we'd have been crushed fighting those giants."

"There's nothing to stop them from turning on us next," Oswald replied, his voice trembling. "And among us, there's no one who can halt their assault."

A heavy silence fell upon the group, a testament to the truth in Oswald's words. No one dared to speak against this harsh reality.

Tristan, with a solemn expression, prayed softly, "May the gods protect us and deliver us from our enemies." He then fixed his gaze on Thorian's army, his eyes filled with determination. "If our destruction is the gods' will, we're powerless to change it. But the manner of our end? That's yet to be decided. Until that time, our only path is to grow stronger."

Rising from the rubble, Tristan turned to his own soldiers. "Let's return. We have witnessed all we need to."

* * *

Thorian POV

The tumultuous cheers and roars gradually subsided, making way for the ethereal voice of the dungeon lady to echo once more. "Congratulations, the four guardians of Locksley have been successfully defeated. Your rewards, based on ranking and contribution, will be distributed shortly."

As her voice faded, a notification materialized in front of Thorian:

Congratulations, you were the second fastest to defeat all four guardians in the kingdom.

All citizens of Locksley and adjacent territories will receive a triple experience boost for one week.

Experience and coin rewards based on contribution will be distributed shortly.

Level up!

Level up!

Level up!

Level up!

Even while the notifications continued pouring in, Thorian could not bring himself to be happy. Instead, he was deeply disturbed.

“Second?” He murmured under his breath, his eyebrows frowning. How is that possible? Last time, even the imperial army at the capital had to wait until the suns rose before they could slay the guardians? So who could be faster than us?

While Thorian was deeply troubled, Forlune laughed heartily. "See, the gods have indeed rewarded our efforts!" He glanced at Thorian with a smug grin. "It seems we are the favored ones in the eyes of the gods."

Even though Thorian was not in the mood, he was not one to bring it down for everyone. As such, he simply smiled and shook his head at Forlune's comment.

Turning his attention to Aqua, Thorian beckoned him over and then addressed his entire army. "We shall now begin distributing the rewards we have earned. As the available items are limited, they will be allocated according to our established hierarchy."

As Thorian announced the allocation of rewards, the cheers of the monsters gradually quieted. Sensing the shift in mood, Thorian quickly added, "However, in fairness to everyone who joined us on this quest today, each of you will receive 500 arcane coins." His gaze then shifted to his unit leaders, accompanied by a knowing smile. "Remember, those choosing the items will bear the cost, so make your selections wisely."

Forlune, seizing the moment for a light-hearted comment, said with a chuckle, "We better find plenty of items then, right, my lord?"

Thorian, joining in the laughter, replied, "Indeed, I hope so, for all your sakes." He then nodded at Aqua, signaling the commencement of the distribution.

Aqua approached, dragging a bundle of various clothing items tied together. As he untied the knot, an array of items was revealed. He passed each one to Thorian, the first being an electric blue blade.

Thunderstrike Blade Rarity Yellow Storm Class Requirement Warrior Advancement Requirement First Advancement Level Requirement 10 Effect Attack Speed +20% Special Effects 25% chance to unleash a chain lightning strike on hit, dealing bonus electric damage to up to 3 additional enemies. Description Crafted in the heart of a thunderstorm, this blade pulses with raw electric energy. Its vibrant electric blue hue flickers with contained lightning, primed to be unleashed against foes. The Thunderstrike Blade embodies the ferocity and unpredictability of a tempest, ideal for those who wield the power of the storm.

"Heh, this is quite the find," Thorian chuckled, examining the blade. "A lightning blade of Yellow Storm quality. Anyone who desires it may claim it."

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Forlune shrugged off Thorian's glance. "I'm content with my own sword," he said, indicating that the Thunderstrike Blade wasn't for him. The unit leaders, whose classes didn't align with the blade's requirements, also showed no interest. It was then that a goblin champion, a squad leader, stepped forward.

“I would like to accept this blade, my lord,” he said with a respectful bow.

Thorian, recognizing the goblin from their previous squirmish, raised an eyebrow in recognition. “Your strength is notable. What's your name?”

“Harx, my lord,” the goblin champion replied, honored by Thorian's recognition.

“This blade isn't cheap, Harx,” Thorian chuckled. “Are you sure about the expense?”

“Coins are merely a tool, my lord,” Harx responded. “Strengthening myself is my priority.”

Understanding the goblin's resolve, Thorian handed him the electric blade. “Use it wisely.”

Thorian then proceeded to distribute the remaining items Aqua had brought. Among them were electrical armor, blueprints, and the skill 'Lightning Discharge'.

Lightning Discharge Class Requirement Magus Advancement Requirement First Advancement Level Requirement 1 Use Enables the "Lightning Discharge" skill, transforming the user into a conduit for lightning energy. When activated, it discharges a potent electrical blast in all directions, causing significant area damage and paralyzing enemies with its intense force.

As the only member of Forlune’s company capable of wielding this skill, Thorian claimed it for himself, mentally acknowledging Ventus. Don't hold it against me, Ventus. You got the Lightning Arrow; this one's mine.

Aqua unveiled the final item, an azure orb, from the now empty bundle. "It seems to be a lightning-related orb, similar to mine," he remarked.

Thorian, examining the orb, agreed. He then turned to his army and announced, "I'm sorry, everyone, but I'll be keeping this one as well."

Shouts of support erupted from the crowd. "You're our lord, no need to apologize!" one voice rang out. "Yeah, take all you want, king!" another added.

Amused by their enthusiasm, Thorian's attention was drawn to the remnants of the Colossus. What was once a formidable adversary was now a cracked and scorched terrain, in the center of which lay a gleaming chest.

"Let's see what other rewards await us," Thorian declared, striding towards the smoldering wasteland. Ignoring the residual heat and flames around the chest, he pressed on.

Upon opening the massive chest, a burst of multicolored light spilled out, dazzling Thorian's eyes. The array of colors indicated the rarity and diversity of the contents.

A prismatic chest? How incredibly fortunate! Thorian thought, his excitement palpable.

The light from the prismatic chest dimmed, revealing a trove of items. Thorian began pulling them out, starting with the largest—a striking set of armor tinged with red and blue hues.

Frostfire Armor Rarity Purple Cloud Class Requirement Warrior Advancement Requirement First Advancement Level Requirement 15 Effect Increases Fire and Ice Resistance by 25% Special Effect Absorbs 10% of incoming fire and ice magic, healing the wearer. Description The Frostfire Armor, a remarkable blend of extremes, is forged in a volcano's heart and infused with glacial essence. It offers unmatched defense against both extreme heat and intense cold.

Thorian displayed the armor for all to see. "Who desires this magnificent piece?" he asked.

Forlune, unable to contain his enthusiasm, declared, "That one's mine! Just when I needed new armor, fortune smiles upon me."

"Then it is yours, General Forlune," Thorian affirmed with pride. He then retrieved the next item, a skill scroll.

Ice Cage Class Requirement Magus Advancement Requirement First Advancement Level Requirement 1 Use Activates the "Ice Cage" skill. This skill creates a prison of sharp ice spikes, immobilizing and continuously damaging trapped enemies. It also slows down nearby foes, offering strategic control of the battlefield with its arctic chill.

Thorian offered the scroll to Aqua, the blue kobold. After examining it, Aqua smiled broadly. "Very much so, my king," he gratefully accepted.

Thorian methodically continued the distribution process. He began with weapons, presenting a fire battlehammer and a frost axe, which were promptly claimed by two warrior squad leaders. Then, he moved on to blueprints and recipes, offering them to those skilled in blacksmithing and alchemy or to those desiring the products for personal use. The final items left were two orbs, one imbued with fire and the other with ice.

Raising the orbs, Thorian apologized to his army, "I must take these for myself." He then tucked the orbs into his robe pocket, marking the end of the distribution.

Personal Resources.

Arcane Coins 11,756 Mystic Marks 150

Reflecting on the distribution, he thought, I've claimed quite a few items, so 10,000 Arcane Coins should be allocated for army compensation. We really need to establish a contribution system for such scenarios.

Lost in his thoughts, Thorian was startled back to reality by Ventus's voice. "You guys have really outdone yourselves," Ventus remarked cheerfully, arriving with Zogarth and the rest of the company.

Aqua, with a hint of pride, responded, "It's all thanks to our king's intelligence and wisdom that we managed to defeat the guardian."

“This guardian? No no, that’s not what I mean,” Ventus shook his head. “I mean you guys have killed three guardians so fast. How did you reach the northern gate before us?”

Ventus's words caused a ripple of confusion through Thorian's army. Everyone seemed perplexed by the mention of three guardians. Thorian, sensing something amiss, stepped forward to confront Ventus.

"What do you mean by that?" Thorian asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "We have only killed two guardians."