The Guardians' Throne - The First Magic Swordsman

                                      Although Zaos tried to look for a new weapon, none of them seemed any special. The variety was great, but Zaos couldn't see himself mastering any of them.

"Speaking of weapons, there is that one-handed sword… Guardian's Heart," Zaos said.

                                      Guardian's Heart was the sword that Zaos received on his sixth or fifth birthday. He couldn't recall since so much time had passed. Regardless, he always thought that the sword would come to his hands at some point due to its name, and that voice told him to protect someone. Maybe he should check that later. While Zaos was thinking about that, he left that area and then ended up finding Edea carrying a lot of magic books.

"Do you need a hand?" Zaos asked.

"Oh? I would gladly accept the help of anyone, even more so from a young hero," Edea said and then smiled. "Thanks for the help."

"It is nothing. I don't have anything to do right now," Zaos said and then accepted some of the things Edea was carrying.

"I am sorry about your mom," Edea said. "I paid her a visit a few times while you were away."

"Really?" Zaos said.

"Yep, we are shorthanded at magic school, so I always ended up doing things like this," Edea explained. "The few times I visited her, it was because I also had to give some papers to Nyana."

"What for?" Zaos asked.

"She is one of our best students, and she is also graduating this year, and since she is planning to serve in the military, she needs certain documents that prove her proficiency with certain types of magic," Edea replied.

"She is graduating, and she is one of the best…" Zaos smiled a little. "Time really passes fast."

"She also mentioned that you taught her how to read and some spells," Edea said. "Thanks to that, her foundation is good. Although you are starting to look more and more like your father, I bet you could become a good teacher. We need ones there as well, you should apply. The king gives many benefits to us."

"I am not very patient, so I am going to pass," Zaos said. "I already taught four people, and I think that is more than enough."

"Well, if you change your mind, we will receive you with open arms," Edea said, and then she stopped to grab her things since they were already at the entrance of the magic school. "Thanks for the help, young hero. See you around."

                Zaos nodded, but he didn't pay much attention to that sentence. He was already thinking about what Edea said about Nyana… She really was planning to join the military. Zaos imagined that it would happen sooner or later, but… Now that Zaos thought about it, Nyana will have her day off the next day, so perhaps Zaos should talk with her about it.

            Regardless, after killing some time walking around town, Zaos headed to the castle, and he arrived just in time the line was about to end. After waiting for a couple of minutes, Zaos was called in.

"Your Majesty, ma'am," Zaos greeted the king and the queen before bending his knee.

"Welcome back, Zaos," Dalyor said. "It has been a while. Thank you for your hard work. Thanks to you, Ameria returned without suffering a single scratch."

"Drannor did all the protection, Your Majesty," Zaos said. "I don't deserve the credit for that."

"Drannor and Ameria said other things, but I can understand that you are someone humble. You can stand," Dalyor said. "You have my condolences, Zaos."

"I thank you, Your Majesty," Zaos said.

"I wish that I could have helped somehow…" Dalyor said.

"What is done is done," Zaos forced a smile. "There is no point in dwelling in our past actions."

"I see, well, you were summoned to hear your report and to ask what you want as a reward," Dalyor said. 

"A focus amulet will be more than enough, Your Majesty," Zaos replied.

"Are you sure? I heard that money is no longer a problem to you," Dalyor said. "So, why not ask for something else like a title or lands, or both."

"I am unworthy of any title and too immature to govern any land," Zaos said. 

"I disagree with you. Pretty much everyone who talks about you with me always tells how level-headed you are," Dalyor said. "Regardless, if you don't want it, then I won't give it since it will look like a punishment more than anything. In any case, I would like to ask you to wait for four months for the reward. Drannor's reward will also only be given in four months."

"Not that I mind, but is there any reason for that?" Zaos asked.

"Yes, Ameria's fifteenth birthday will take place in four months and we are planning to make a big event like no other that will last several days," Dalyor said. "We will offer you three rewards for your hard work. In a public ceremony, after that, we will have a tournament, then we will have a festival and then on the last day, Ameria's birthday. By the way, do you want to hear what Erean and Drannor asked? Maybe that will make you ask for something nicer."

"Well, I am satisfied with what I asked, but I don't mind hearing it," Zaos said.

"Erean asked for some land in the East. Apparently, he liked the time he had to enjoy the sea and the beach, so he is planning to stay the rest of his days looking at the ocean," Dalyor said. "As for Drannor… he wants to join the royal guard."

"Oh, is that so?" Zaos asked.

"Your reaction seems a bit weird. Don't you want to join the royal guard as well?" Dalyor asked. "While both of you are young, you already have enough accomplishments."

"I think I am too young, but if Your Majesty gives the order, I will gladly obey it," Zaos said. "I am here to serve the kingdom."