บท 20: Audience
When the heroes returned to the castle, they were informed to visit the throne room.
Stated that they would have an audience with the King, upon having a day of rest.
The rest allowed Adam to recover fairly well. His limp from being injured vanishing. Pangs of pain occasionally shuddered through his body, but his recuperation was making progress.
Once Adam was through with the visit to the throne room, it would be time for him to level up.
In this day spent on recovering from the test, Adam made it his mission to devour all he could, in the dining hall during meal time.
The food that he had in the cave, paled in comparison to the chicken, ham and everything else, he could freely feast on.
Adam made sure to wash himself up, and changed into new clothes. It felt like a layer of filth had washed off of him, no longer having the fur that was stained in blood and sweat clinging uncomfortably to his body.
He guessed that the meeting in the throne room would be about the completion of the final test.
Adam took a quick glance at his stacked experience on his status window, that was standing at 20.5k now.
He was hyped as ever, but, he would deal with the throne business first. With no tests, there was studying that was brought up.
But, the testing which was the only notable risk would be done with after tomorrow. Studying and the gear order for rewards would be his focus for the next while.
Giving orders for the gear that he wanted, would take no time at all. Leaving studying, ordinarily.
However, Adam wanted to improve his fitness, losing some weight and building muscle. Being able to be just a bit slimmer, just a bit faster sounded amazing to him.
Meaning, he would seek out training by the knights.
Leveling up could help with power, but muscle, or weight loss? Plus, it would be able to help him pass the days. Exercise would keep him on his toes, and boost his mood.
The easiest way, when there were methods that brought more joy, should be sought.
That's what Adam believed, at least.
Whether Areis would accept was in the air.
Thinking of him, he harbored doubts as if it was a good idea to actually ask.
Shaking his head, the doubts faded.
It would be fine. If he had to, he could simply do laps around the field to lose weight.
Gripping his hand into a fist, he would make it a priority to lose weight.
The rest of the day went slow, as he laid down in his room, waiting for the time to go even a second quicker.
The day meeting its end after endless waiting on Adam's end, the next day sprung into motion.
When the heroes met in the throneroom, King Lucius sat tall atop the throne.
The light of the room illuminating the lined up heroes.
The crimson carpet leading to the throne occupied, Adam, Elaina, Vinn and Marcaine, side by side on it, were assembled before the King.
The King to his side stood Areis, and a unfamiliar older bearded man a robe, in their grasp a coiling staff.
Lucius's voice was sharp and deep.
He greeted: "Welcome back heroes, it is with great pride that you four have passed all the tests proctored by Areis."
"With the tests over, which examined whether you were worthy as heroes, I am able to say it now."
The King's eyes falling upon the heroes, a spark of gentle light in his eyes.
"Adam, Elaina, Vinn, and Marcaine, it is of great relief to both me, and the Kingdom, that you have passed, showing everyone your courage and ability."
"I wish to reward you, in an official capacity, as the King." His words paired with a nod.
Adam sensed it was time to bow.
Words churning in his head, an appropriate response appeared in his thoughts.
His torso tilted, Adam thanked: "We would be most gracious for a reward, your majesty."
"However, we are already very thankful for the having been provided shelter, food, and amenities already. Showing what we could do, is part of the deal, as heroes of the Kingdom." His bow slightly deeper, as he finished speaking.
King Lucius let out a chuckle, his back slightly straighter, commenting: "Humility is fine, but nearly dying at my behest as a test calls for a reward."
Adam replied :"If you feel so inclined, then we will work hard as heroes to be worthy of such kindness."
His gaze stern, the King announced: "For the excellence shown by the heroes they are hereby knighted, by I, King Lucius Erustus."
Adam was surprised, and thankful.
An official position of the Kingdom would help him with maneuvering around. The other heroes he assumed, who did not make the cut would only be supported while they stayed here, and would have no real say.
This time, the other heroes bowed as swift as Adam did.
Adam replied: "Thank you, your Majesty, we will strive to not let you down."
At this time, a notification chirped in Adam's ears, flashing in his eyes.
Putting aside the notification for the moment, his focus remained on the conversation, a trace of a smile on his face.
His hand on the chin, King Lucius smirked, replying: "I will look forward to it."
The King raising his arm, motioning to his side, saying: "For the final order of business, studying will take place under Merandin Verstayl.
He continued: "He is the greatly esteemed, leading mage of the Kingdom, who shall be your teacher."
Examining the mage, Merandin, more closely, Adam saw that his eyes were dark purple, and that he had a scar on his cheek.
His eyes were hawk-like in their intensity as he looked over the heroes.
The King's speech resumed: "Servants will fetch you from your rooms in the morning, to guide you to the study hall."
Clasping his hands, the King said: "Heroes, you may go now."
Walking out of the hall, Adam took a glance back.
Merandin had definitely fought before.
Encouraged seeing that the teacher would not just have book-smarts, he returned to his room.
Back in his room, he jumped on the bed, and crossed his legs.
Pulling up the system, he got started.
It was time to level up.
An enamored smile spreading wide.
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