Takeshi began to slowly approach Hiro and his friends, hovering above the ground with the rhythmic flapping of his wings. However, before he could draw any closer, the door of the throne room burst open with a sudden crash. Arthur entered, his form already weakened and bloodied, wielding the legendary Excalibur sword. He gazed intensely at Hiro and uttered in a faint voice, "HIRO! Take my Excalibur sword. It can only be wielded by someone worthy, and that someone is you!" He threw the sword towards Hiro, who instinctively caught it.

Hikari's swift question echoed through the tense chamber, "But can't this sword be wielded by just one person?" With his last bit of strength, Arthur explained, "Legend says it doesn't matter how many may try, as long as they are worthy. Now, Hiro, save this world!" Arthur's strength gave way, and he collapsed to the ground.

Hikari and Ace moved swiftly to retrieve the Excalibur sword and hand it to Hiro, but before they could get close, Takeshi raised his hand and conjured dark magic. With a swift motion, he hurled Hikari and Ace against the wall, leaving them dazed.

As Hiro witnessed this distressing scene, he began to punch his own leg in frustration and disbelief. His fists struck his flesh with escalating intensity, expressing his inner turmoil. As Takeshi drew nearer, Hiro suddenly rose before him and declared with determination, "I cannot fail this world here!" He started to run toward the nearby Excalibur sword.

Takeshi fixed Hiro with an assessing gaze and spoke in a peculiarly calm tone, "Very well, Hiro. I will give you the opportunity to try to save the world. After all, I am your father, and I want to see how much you have evolved." A thread of irony ran through his words. "Despite my superior physical strength and speed, I won't use magic. We will engage in a sword duel to determine the fate of this realm," Takeshi proposed.

Hiro firmly grasped the Excalibur sword, feeling its blade hum in his hands. He assumed a combat stance, his eyes locked onto Takeshi's. With a voice laden with determination, Hiro responded, "Let's do it." As the words left his lips, the Excalibur sword began to glow intensely, emitting a pure white light that burst from its blade, filling the throne room with its radiance.

The tension in the throne room was palpable as Hiro and Takeshi locked eyes, each holding a legendary sword radiating unimaginable power. The intense light of the Excalibur contrasted with the sinister aura enveloping Takeshi in his demon king form, creating a scene of duality between light and shadow.

The battle commenced with a clash of sparks as the two swords met. Hiro exerted all his strength to block Takeshi's initial strike, feeling the impact reverberate throughout his body. Takeshi grinned ominously, leveraging his advantage in size and strength to press Hiro even harder.

Blows followed in a frenetic dance of metal against metal. Hiro showcased surprising agility, narrowly dodging Takeshi's attacks and countering with calculated Excalibur strikes. Each thrust was an explosion of energy and determination as Hiro fought to showcase his might and prove himself worthy of wielding the legendary sword.

Takeshi, in turn, displayed exceptional skill, blending raw power with refined technique. He deftly parried Hiro's attacks, his black sword moving with grace and lethality. His impassive expression concealed intense concentration as he studied each move of Hiro's, seeking an opening for a decisive strike.

The battle unfolded amid a flurry of swift, acrobatic movements. Hiro leaped, spun, and lunged in a deadly ballet, while Takeshi responded with precise and devastating strikes. Every clash of swords generated sparks and resonated with the battle's ferocity.

The collision of wills and abilities filled the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The castle walls seemed to tremble with the power unleashed by each exchanged blow. Hiro fought not only for the world's survival but also to confront the past and prove to himself that he could overcome his own father.

The battle reached its climax as Hiro, with a cry of determination, unleashed a final attack. He channeled all his energy into the Excalibur, the blade gleaming with blinding light. The strike cleaved through the air toward Takeshi, who responded with an equally powerful charge.

The swords clashed one last time, and the resulting energy created a shockwave that swept through the room. Hiro and Takeshi grappled in a contest of brute strength, each attempting to outmatch the other. The tension was palpable as their blades locked, inch by inch.

Finally, with one last effort, Hiro managed to break through Takeshi's defense. He pushed the Excalibur's blade downward in a swift motion, disarming Takeshi and pointing the sword at his neck. The room fell silent, with only the heavy breaths of Hiro and Takeshi echoing.

Hiro stood there, breathing heavily, while Takeshi looked at him with a complex expression. The battle was over, and Hiro had emerged victorious.

Hiro, his gaze filled with conflicting emotions, questioned with a trembling voice, "Why, father?" Takeshi, beginning to laugh, responded almost maniacally, "IT'S NOT OVER YET, AHAH!"

Hiro focused his last reserves of energy into the sword, as if it was merging with his very being. An intense beam of light burst forth from the blade, shooting toward Takeshi, who was engulfed by the dazzling radiance.

When the light finally subsided, Takeshi was back in his original form, but a hole marked his abdominal region, a result of the beam's impact. Takeshi's final words were a last effort to respond to Hiro, "Son, since the day I disappeared, I was taken to the front lines and fell into a trap set by a powerful mage. That mage was meant to be the host of the Demon King, but his body couldn't endure it, with only days left..."

Hiro, tears in his eyes from hearing his father's truth once again, asked, still perplexed, "But if he was near death, how did all of this end up like this?" Takeshi, coughing blood and with little time left, continued, his voice growing weaker, "He brought me to this city, where he tortured me until my body was depleted and rage grew within me. When I reached that state, he cast a spell that blinded me with anger and a desire for power, sealing my fate. I'm sorry, son, this isn't what I wanted to become for you..."

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Astounded, Hiro rushed into his father's arms, embracing him in a final hug. Takeshi, nearly powerless, spoke his last words: "Hiro, I'm proud of you and what you've become. I love you." Soon after, Takeshi's body slumped onto Hiro's chest, his life force fading away.

A heavy silence of sorrow and contemplation hung in the throne room. The hero and his father had concluded their battle, not only on the battlefield but also in their hearts and the pursuit of reconciliation.

Finally, Hiro walked to the altar where he had placed the stones and the Skyfall sword. Gathering his last strength, he channeled the sword's energy into a beam of light that swept over the altar and everything around it. With determination, he proclaimed, "Thus, no one else will need to worry about this."

As the radiance faded, the sky began to clear again, the sun triumphantly emerging from the darkness. Hiro went to Hikari and Ace, checking if they were okay. With a gentle touch, Hiro roused them.

Hikari woke up anxiously, gripping Hiro's shoulders. "Where is he?" Ace got into a defensive position upon waking up as well.

Hiro reassured them, "It's all right now..."

Relieved to see Takeshi fallen, Hikari sighed and then hugged Hiro tightly, while Ace affectionately licked Hiro and wagged his tails happily.

Soon, they went to check on Arthur, who was quite debilitated. As they approached, Arthur regained consciousness and with a smile and restrained cough, he joked, "It takes more than the Demon King's army to finish me off, ahah."

Concerned, Hiro offered his shoulder for Arthur to lean on as he got up.

Walking together toward the castle, Hiro and Arthur exchanged words about the battle against the Demon King. Hiro revealed that Takeshi was, in fact, his father, and shared the story he had heard from him. Arthur, with remorse, commented, "The excessive desire for power can corrupt even the noblest of souls. I'm sorry, Hiro."

Hiro lowered his head, unable to formulate a response.

As they exited, they came upon the destroyed city and bodies strewn across the ground. However, to Hiro, Hikari, and Ace's surprise, their army had triumphed!

Hiro, incredulous, asked Arthur, "We won out here with fewer forces?!"

Arthur looked at Hiro with pride and replied, "Never underestimate people's determination to save the world. Furthermore, the inhabitants who were hiding from the Signs of Light came to our aid upon hearing the sounds of battle. Now, if you'll allow me..."

With a vibrant shout, Arthur exclaimed, "People, soldiers, behold your heroes!"

Then, he pulled Hiro and Hikari by their arms, proclaiming, "Hiro and Hikari!" The crowd responded in unison, "Long live Hiro and Hikari!"

Arthur turned to Ace, touching his fur, and announced, "Ace!" The people echoed, "Long live Ace!"

Arthur concluded his emotional speech, "Thank you all for giving your lives in this fight. Thanks to you, the world is safe. You have honored the lives lost. Now, rest!"

Celebrations and hugs filled the scene as the city rejoiced in their victory against the darkness.

Blushing, Hikari whispered to Hiro, "Close your eyes."

Curious, Hiro obeyed and asked, "What's happening?"

Hikari didn't let Hiro finish and silenced him with a sweet kiss.

Hiro, surprised and blushing, was momentarily taken aback as Hikari laughed, still flushed. She said, "Here's what I was going to give you!"

The crowd, witnessing this moment, erupted in cheers, shouting, "Long live the new kings! Long live Hiro and Hikari!"

Hiro turned to Arthur, confused: "Kings, us?"

Arthur replied with conviction, "This city is the epicenter of our world, and at this moment, no one is more worthy than you two."

Hiro looked at Hikari, and with emotion in his words, said, "Hikari, what I was going to tell you the other day is... I want to be by your side forever. Will you accept being my queen?" With a solemn gesture, he knelt down, awaiting her response.

Hikari, now more embarrassed than ever, gently pulled Hiro's hand, lifting him up, and replied, "Yes! We will rebuild this kingdom and turn it into a place where everyone can be accepted. We will call it 'The Rebirth.'"

Arthur addressed the crowd, proclaiming, "You heard it, now Hiro and Hikari are your kings, and this city will be called 'The Rebirth'!"

The people shouted in ecstasy, "Long live the kings! Long live The Rebirth!"

On that day, all the survivors surrendered to the celebration as if tomorrow would never come. The atmosphere was one of contagious joy, a mixture of tears for those who were lost and radiant smiles of happiness. Bards sang festive songs that filled the air, creating a soundtrack for this moment of triumph.

During the night, sitting on rubble under the moonlight and a sky adorned with sparkling stars, Hiro and Hikari found a moment of tranquility to share their expectations about the future. With a tone of uncertainty, Hikari questioned Hiro, "Will we be good kings?"

Hiro smiled, confidence shining in his eyes. "Hikari, the only certainty I have is that, by your side, I can face any challenge."

The exchange of glances between Hiro and Hikari radiated mutual pride and love. With the gentle silence of the night enveloping them, they fell asleep right there, embraced by their achievements and hope.

In the days that followed, along with the inhabitants who remained in the city, the arduous task of rebuilding what had been destroyed began. The process started with the restoration of the castle, followed by the reconstruction of houses, streets, and finally, the main entrance. An imposing sign was raised: "The Rebirth."

When the works were finished, Hiro and Hikari invited everyone to the city's inauguration and the coronation ceremony. The city buzzed with energy and anticipation. The coronation took place in the heart of the city, first with Hiro, and shortly after, with Hikari. Hikari's parents, present in the audience, were moved to witness their daughter's growth and realization.

After being crowned, Hiro and Hikari didn't forget Ace and appointed him the official knight of the kings, recognizing his courage and loyalty.

After the intense days of celebration, Hiro, Hikari, and Ace dedicated themselves to building a city that welcomed everyone, where they could all start anew. As queen, Hikari had responsibilities that tied her more to the city, yet she still found time to visit the Elven Kingdom, where she felt a bittersweet happiness, remembering the moments she had shared with King, who had now become a sweet memory.

Hiro, on the other hand, became an active leader, engaging in daily activities and helping people rebuild their lives. He frequently visited his father's grave, feeling a connection to his memory and a sense of peace, as if his father were saying, "I'm proud of you."

Ace, with his altruistic spirit, founded an institution to welcome species deemed "monstrous" like himself. He became an inspiring educator, developing the city's Bestial Army and promoting harmonious coexistence among all.

As the years passed, Hiro and Hikari approached their 50s. Sitting at a high point, they observed the city they had built, proud of every stone raised and every life transformed. A meaningful look was exchanged between them, and a kiss filled with warmth and love sealed their success and enduring unity.

The End