“So this is a city of this world. Impressive, but our capital is more beautiful.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn said as she observed her surroundings. The street was buzzling with people going about their daily lives. On her left was Ryner as well as Maya who were walking with her towards the castle. After waking up in the morning and eating breakfast, the two gave a random excuse to the guards they met and went to the ruin to get Evelyn.

“It’s eerily quiet during the day though. Speaking of which, how are you feeling?” [Ryner]

Ryner asked as he looked at the young lady walking next to him. Of course, his worry was unnecessary since she was a pure-blooded vampire and the sun couldn’t harm her. His daughter from another life shielded her eyes with her hand and looked up at the clear blue sky before answering his question.

“I am alright. The sun is a bit strong though.” [Evelyn]

“Evelyn, do you hate the sun?” [Maya]

“It’s not that I hate it… Actually, I think I should tell you another time. As someone I trust to protect Ryner, you should know more about me. Ryner, is that alright?” [Evelyn]

Evelyn figured that Maya would find out about her race sooner or later. As such, it was better to tell her herself than to have her discover her identity by accident. After all, according to what she read, vampires also existed in this world and they were not exactly well-liked. But, although it was her decision, she didn’t forget to confirm with Ryner to make sure that it wouldn’t cause him any trouble.

“It’s fine. You can trust Maya with it. And don’t talk like she’s my babysitter. She just sucked the life out of me last night.” [Ryner]

“Oh my, it wasn’t life I sucked out of you though~.” [Maya]

Maya talked with a teasing grin on her face as she remembered the intense workout they had last night while wagging her tail left and right. Her legs were a bit numb and she had trouble walking, but the smile on her face showed that she had quite a bit of fun.

“Why did you have to get in heat? We have a big day ahead of us, filled with hardships, greed and the trickery of old men.” [Ryner]

“I can’t help it~. This is a beastman’s mating season.” [Maya]

“Yeah, yeah. If every woman is like you, then the men are probably dead tired during this time of the year.” [Ryner]

Hearing this important piece of information, Evelyn quickly called out to her partner in crime with a serious expression.

“… Maya, make sure you tell me in detail what you two did later on.” [Evelyn]

“Why are you asking her that like it’s your natural right?” [Ryner]

“Roger that~.” [Maya]

“And why are you happily going along with it?!” [Ryner]

“Please do not mind it. As your daughter, it is my duty to keep track of all your activities. There is no need to be embarrassed. We are family, after all.” [Evelyn]

“No, there’s a lot to be concerned right there. Hell, Evie, it feels like you changed a bit since you came here. Are you alright?” [Ryner]

“I can assure you there is no problem. I have never felt better.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn cleverly used her status as his daughter as an excuse to all her actions while Ryner seemed exasperated from their exchange. Maya, on the other hand, looked on, amused since she knew the truth and saw another side of her master. Although it took time, but once you obtained his trust, he was surprisingly easy to fool.

“Oi, check out that blonde woman.” [Random citizen]

“Whoa, now that’s a sight for sore eyes. She’s really beautiful.” [Random citizen]

“Uhhh~, if only her dress was a bit more revealing. I’d like to see some cleavage-ouch!” [Random citizen]

“Honey, say that again and I’ll hit you with a knife next.” [Random citizen]

“That’ll kill me!” [Random citizen]

“P-pretty, is she a noble?” [Random citizen]

“She looks so cool.” [Random citizen]

“Hey, there’s that beastman as well.” [Random citizen]

“Yeah, she’s been seen a couple of times around here.” [Random citizen]

“What the hell is a beastman doing here anyway?” [Random citizen]

“Look at the collar around her neck. She’s actually a slave.” [Random citizen]

“I haven’t seen a slave walked around in a while. And a beastman at that.” [Random citizen]

The trio were gathering the attention of everyone around them. As one would expect, no one could ignore the beauty of Evelyn who looked like a woman of nobility as she walked with her back straight and her head held high. The simple black dress only served to accentuate her figure and added to her a mysterious charm. The red rose on her chest also made her look like a beautiful maiden that liked lovely things despite her cool demeanor.

Maya also gathered a lot of attention, but not just because of her looks. Most of them were either stares filled with curiosity or prejudice. The capital Elura allowed other races to enter, but they usually stayed away.

She was the first beastman that they had seen in a long while. The citizens were intently staring at her furry, pointy ears and her slim tail that were light brown and black at the tip. Moreover, she was a slave.

Ever since the hero Ryan caused a fuss with a slave owner and continued to do so to anyone who own a slave, slave trading pretty much died out in the capital and no one let their slaves out in public, if they still had one. His actions greatly affected the economy and the livelihood of Elura city, but the king made no move to change this, most likely to stay on the good side of a useful hero.

“We sure are attracting a lot of attention.” [Ryner]

Ryner said as he yawned loudly.

“We should simply ignore them. From what I can tell, none of them are a match for us.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn walked on without sparing a glance at the people around her while Maya got an idea and flashed a teasing grin.

“You should show them that you’re my master… Like this~!” [Maya]

She closed in on Ryner and grabbed onto his left arm, pressing her breasts against it.

“No thanks. I’m fine, so you can let go… Maya, why aren’t you letting go?” [Ryner]

“Let’s stay like this, Master. It’s your fault I can’t walk properly.” [Maya]

Maya was using body strengthening to keep a hold of his arm and Ryner couldn’t escape from her grasp. Because of her happy expression and the way they were walking together, they looked more like a couple going out than a slave and her master.

“Don’t go from one excuse to another. Hey, Evie, help me out. The stares are getting annoying.” [Ryner]

“I understand.” [Evelyn]

“… Evie, this wasn’t what I had in mind.” [Ryner]

Under the gazes of the people around them that had slowly shifted towards jealousy, Evelyn closed in on Ryner from the other side and grabbed his free arm. Without breaking her noble attitude, she showed a small smile and tightly held onto it while walking.

“By doing this, I can shield you from the stares.” [Evelyn]

“The hell kind of logic is that?” [Ryner]

“Now, let’s not waste time around here. We need to get to the castle before their ceremony begins, don’t we?” [Evelyn]

“She’s right, Master. Let’s hurry~.” [Maya]

“Since when did you two get along so well- wait! Stop dragging me!” [Ryner]

Walking with a woman on each arm, Ryner managed to reach the castle on time among stares of disdain and envy from mostly the men.

“Our guest, Ryner, is here to see his majesty.” [Butler]

“Enter.” [Charles]

With the announcement from an old butler and the permission of the king, Ryner entered the audience room with Evelyn and Maya in tow. As usual, guards were stationed by the walls and the king was sitting on his throne on top of the platform at the opposite side with his group of nobles aligned on his left and right.

However, the place was more crowded than usual. First, right in front of the stairs of the platform, many nobles were gathered on the left while people in white clerical clothing were on the right. The bishop that Ryner had met before, Nicholas Pietred, was also there as he contained his excitement for what was about to happen and waited with a smile on his face.

Secondly, by King Charles’ sides, his wife, Jillian, along with his three children, Alex, Lillian and Carl, were sitting on smaller thrones that were brought for them. The queen smiled slightly as a greeting when Ryner entered just like her children. Carl, on the other hand, waved at his chess rival before being stopped by his older sister.

Finally, in the center of the audience room, all of the heroes were kneeling on the red carpet like knights in neat rows. After five days, their spirits had more or less recovered from the ordeal at the ruin, but some still flinched and looked uneasy when their heard the footsteps of the man who saved them and scolded them.

A few even had annoyed expressions on their faces. Ryan’s expression was especially dark and the same could be said of the trio of friends that tried to visit Maya’s room at night, a skinny young man with black hair and glasses as well as a black-haired girl with brown skin and a small body.  

Also, their teacher, Kelly, was kneeling among them. Since she wasn’t much of an asset in war, she had mostly been ignored and allowed to move around in the castle. But, as the heroes’ teacher, she was given the right to attend this ceremony. Furthermore, the Knight Commander Cain was stationed near the nobles for security along with the other guards.

Although the church sending their personnel was a given, but quite a few nobles and their families asked to be present to this historical moment. After all, everyone wanted to witness with their own eyes the moment when their strongest hero would be chosen by the Holy Wings.

Once that happened, they would then announce it to the public and have the news spread far and wide. On a side note, a lot of the daughters of nobles were excitedly waiting with blushing cheeks to see Ryan’s dashing figure.    

Ryner walked through the path between the heroes and arrived at the front of the group where he knelt along with Evelyn and Maya.

“I have arrived, your majesty.” [Ryner]

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“Good, you are on time. Then, we shall begin the ceremony for the hero, Ryan Wayer, to receive the true sacred Artifact, the Holy Wings.” [Charles]

Since there was crowd of nobles and clergymen, Ryner played it safe and minded his manners. But, because no respect could be felt in the formality, the two men kept their greetings short and to the point. But, just like many, Charles, who couldn’t suppress his curiosity, paused and stared at the beautiful blonde-haired woman that he saw for the first time.

“… However, before we begin, tell me, who is that woman?” [Charles]

“Her name is Evelyn, a new companion that I’ve met. Will her presence cause any trouble?” [Ryner] 

“No, I will permit it. Evelyn, was it? Present yourself.” [Charles]

With his order, Evelyn got up and elegantly curtsied to the king. No matter how one looked at her, she was just like a lady from nobility. Her graceful but confident manner spoke of her high upbringing and her refined beauty was more than a match against any women of noble birth. Ignoring the curious and passionate stares, Evelyn began to introduce herself just like she planned with Ryner before they came here.

“It is an honor to meet you, your majesty. My name is Evelyn, Evelyn Ivyblood.” [Evelyn]

Just by hearing her dignified voice, a few people shuddered for it was like music to their ears. Guards, heroes, nobles and clergymen were completely mesmerized by her sublime figure and quite a few of them were blushing. Women admired her or became green with envy.

Some of the brash noblemen were already planning on approaching her later to win her to their side and they directed gazes of jealousy at the young man that many saw for the first time today. Evelyn was simply a shining jewel and her beauty was wasted on such an unimpressive man.

If they didn’t know of his exploits or that he was the owner of the legendary Artifact, they wouldn’t even spare a glance at him. Just as everyone was wondering if the name Ivyblood didn’t belong to a clan of nobles, Evelyn’s bomb completely froze the place.

“I am this man’s, Ryner’s daughter.” [Evelyn]

She said such an absurd thing with a serious expression.

““……….””  [Everyone]

It was as if time stopped inside the audience room as jaws dropped and eyes were opened wide. Only two people were still moving. Maya, as usual, simply seemed amused by the situation while Ryner wearily put his hand on his forehead.

“I’m joking, of course.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn said with a small smile on her lips, completely ignoring the tense atmosphere that she herself created. With her words, everyone broke out of their trance and started talking in subdued voices, telling to their neighbors how such a joke wasn’t funny. Their evaluation of her seemed to have dropped.

“*Cough* Well then, let us begin. Ryner, present the Holy Wings.” [Charles]

“Yes, your majesty.” [Ryner]

Coughing lightly, the king decided to ignore this woman that said such an outrageous remark and went back to business. While Evelyn went back to kneeling, Ryner got up and walked until he was at half the distance between the heroes and the group near the stairs.

A squared block of white marble had been prepared and it reached up to his knees. As he stood in front of it, under everyone’s eyes, he opened a portal to his pocket dimension, surprising many who had yet to see the circle of pale blue rings.

More gasps of amazement and awe were heard when he pulled out what they were all hoping to see: the White Wing which was known to them as the Holy Wings. As per what he was told beforehand, he stabbed the white sword into the block and returned to his initial position where he knelt once more.

Nodding with satisfaction, Charles Dregory then looked at his strongest hero.

“Ryan Wayer, step forth.” [Charles]

“Y-yes, your majesty.” [Ryan]

Ryan, fully dressed in his white armor, got up after a slight delay because of a certain someone’s joke. Many young maidens sighed with admiration at his gallant figure. Quite a few men were jealous of him when they saw how popular he was. Carl, on the other hand, watched with sparkling eyes, but he wasn’t blushing like the excited ladies.

Ryan’s body was covered in a white armor with gold linings and his red cape with a golden, winged sword embroidered on it lightly fluttered as he walked. Furthermore, with his blond hair, blue eyes and handsome face, he looked exactly like a knight from some fairy tale that would rescue the princess.

However, if one looked carefully, they would notice that a drop of sweat was flowing down his forehead. The event at the ruin had greatly affected him and his confidence was cracked. It was the first time in his life that he had failed so miserably and the consequences were incredibly severe.

After all, three people died and many were injured. But, when he thought that far, he realized that it was the first time that his actions could have directly prevented the deaths of others.

When he thought that far, he realized that, since coming to this world, his actions did have a great effect on the lives of many and it might not have always been a good one.

When he thought that far, he remembered Ryner’s face and he automatically stopped thinking.

“(No! He’s wrong! I’ll prove it to him! Right here, right now! I am a hero!)” [Ryan]

Clenching his teeth, he pushed his anxiety to the back of his mind and arrived in front of the block of marble.

“Hey, is he going to be able to pull it out?” [Aria]

“He’d better. We’re the ones that talked him into doing it. That former shut-in better succeed.” [Jayce]

“Like you’re one to talk. You also hauled yourself up in your room.” [Aria]

“Shhh. Please keep quiet. It’s about to start.” [Aria]

His three friends whispered to each other as they worriedly gazed at him. Others were also talking in hushed voices and they speculated on the outcome of what was about to happen.

Ignoring the chatter, Ryan steeled himself and slowly raised his hand towards the sword that had a guard that looked like a pair of wings with a blue gem embedded in the middle. At that moment, the audience room became silent.

“(Looks like he’s recovering pretty badly.)” [Ryner]

While everyone gulped and watched with bated breaths, Ryner, who saw the former high schooler’s expression, was thinking to himself. He was obviously greatly shaken up after fighting the Predator and doing anything more to him might be bad. But, in the end, he decided to go with his original plan.

“(Sorry kid. I’m gonna do something really cruel to you.)” [Ryner]

Just as he made up his mind, Ryan’s hand firmly gripped the handle. The audience who saw that then nervously waited for the result of the test. If he was unworthy, the sword would reject him and send him flying just like it did with the Knight Commander.

A few seconds passed without anything happening, then a dozen. As the room was engulfed in complete silence, nothing happened. The result was eventually made clear exactly because nothing happened.

“… Ha… Haha…!” [Ryan]

““OOOOOOHHHHH!”” [Everyone]

A smile slowly emerged on Ryan’s face when he realized it and he looked at his surroundings without letting go of the Artifact.

They had started applauding him. Nobles, clergymen and classmates were getting excited.

Even the guards standing by the walls forgot their duties and simply clapped their hands. Cain was grinning from ear to ear, the bishop Nicholas looked like he was about to shed tears, Carl’s eyes were shining, girls squealed in delight and his friends looked relieved.

He once more looked at the legendary sword that was stabbed in the marble. The Holy Wings had chosen him. According to the church of the Hero’s Faith, when a great calamity would appear, he would defeat it and save everyone. This was the best proof that he needed to show that he was indeed a true hero.

With a fearless expression, he pulled the sword out and triumphantly raised it above his head which caused everyone to cheer louder. A few women were even going “Kyaaa~! Sir Ryan!” despite being in the presence of the king. Then again, Charles and his family didn’t seem to mind.

They were rejoicing at the fact that an Artifact that was speculated to exist in legends had chosen Ryan right before their eyes. Its discovery would definitely be recorded in history. This moment that they witness would definitely be recorded in history.

However, at that moment, the sword let out a brilliant white light and Ryan was suddenly blown away. His figure flew through the air before tumbling on the floor, eliciting screams of fear from his surroundings. The Artifact, with no one holding it, fell down with a clanking noise.

“Ryan!” [Jayce]

Jayce was the first to rush out to help his best friend that had landed a few meters in front of the group, followed by Elena and Aria. Chatter arose at the unexpected situation and everyone was feeling uneasy. Those who knew right away what this meant completely froze in place.

“Ugh…” [Ryan]

Sprawled face down on the floor, Ryan’s head was spinning, but he wasn’t injured. His three friends, Jayce, Elena and Aria, were kneeling around him and worriedly looked at him as he slowly raised his upper body. He stared at the object that was in front of him, at the thing that had just knocked him away.

“… W-why…?” [Ryan]

He asked in a trembling voice filled with disbelief. Eventually, as the noise died down and the room was plunged into silence, every single person realized that what they saw wasn’t a mistake.

Under this tense atmosphere, while everyone was blankly looking at the legendary Artifact that had incredibly shocked them, a calm voice suddenly washed over them like cold water to wake them up from their stupor.

“It looks like the sword has rejected him.” [Ryner]

Ryner declared for everyone to hear.

----------------------------------------

*Author* It took a while. I had some things I needed to take care of.

For those who called it, you were right. Then again, it's not like there was going to be any twist.

... But it was still fun to see the obvious outcome.