A Degenerate's Tale

While Alea was unconscious, her fame was spreading like wildfire. Footage of her performance during the Youth Competition was quickly being duplicated into crystals and circulated everywhere. Contrary to her expectation, what she did was not a terrible political move.

While elves were indeed platonic and peace-loving, they were also loyal to their monarch. Seeing their future ruler dominate with such might got their blood pumping. She would represent them in the future, after all. They could see a glorious future with her.

Among the younger generation, they practically started to worship her. She was as beautiful as a goddess. An untouchable flower that they could never reach. She was an ideal woman.

Bards sang of her tale throughout the city, further fueling the festive spirit.

Meanwhile, guests from foreign nations were experiencing a mix of emotions.

Seth Ablax, the Crown Prince of Ablax, walked out of the colosseum in a daze, followed by the two Court Mages. Any thoughts of courting the Elven Princess had been thrown out the window. All that was left was... fear.

As one who would be King of Ablax in a few years, he suddenly felt a heavyweight on his shoulder. Princess Alea was younger than him, and she was already that accomplished. But, what about him?

He laughed bitterly. For the first time, he felt powerless. Despite being royalty, he was feeling helpless.

"I wonder if father ever felt the same?" He thought.

"Your Highness, please pick your head up." Merlin gently said. "This is a fundamental difference between races. There is no use getting depressed over this."

"Fundamental difference?" Seth laughed mockingly. "You're right. I am only human. Perhaps this is why father wanted to have me come out here. To open my eyes of how the world really is."

"You've misunderstood your father, His Majesty. While it is true that there is a fundamental difference, there is a reason why we've survived for so long. Do you know what that is?"

"...What is it?"

"It's adaptability. The ability to think outside of the box. Elves are limited by their desire to remain in a state of perpetuity. They like peace and quiet and dislike change. Dwarves are limited by their greed. The endless desire to craft the perfect product. Beastmen are limited by their emotions and feral instincts. The list goes on. Do you understand now, Your Highness?" Merlin suddenly smiled and held Seth by the shoulder.

"Adapt and overcome. This is only the start of your journey. Grow as a person and achieve your dreams and aspirations. No matter what it takes, if you are not limited by your mindset, you will achieve it."

In another place.

King Ofrain was seated in a luxurious carriage with his adviser and Royal Knight. He was an elderly man with black hair and pitch-black eyes.

"The Elven Kingdom continues to rise in power." He spoke calmly while tapping on his armrest. "A shift in the era is coming. Many Royal Knights have succumbed in the Holy Continent. There is political strife in the Beast Kingdom. The Elven Kingdom can easily consume the whole continent if the timing is right."

Stopping for a brief moment, King Ofrain took out a chess piece.

"We have no idea what's going to happen. With the decreased number of Royal Knights... Geezer, make preparations for 'that'."

"Yes, Your Majesty." King Ofrain's adviser noted.

"'They' will come right on time for when that Academy opens. If what the dwarves informed me is true, of course... What do you think, Lucio?"

"It's confirmed, Your Majesty." Lucio, the Royal Knight, answered. "There were definitely existences at the Hero rank among the spectators."

"Multiple, huh."

In the palace.

Alea was sleeping peacefully. No longer bloodied, she looked like a harmless, flower-like princess. Her family sat by her side, patiently waiting for her to awaken.

Earl quietly left the room and let out a puff of air. Despite understanding Alea's power level pretty well, his blood pressure went up a lot seeing her fight recklessly. Earl was an old fashioned man. He always teased Alea about being unlady-like with her fighting, but there was some truth to it. He did not like fighting, and the same applied to the women in his life. This was the reason why Lily and Aria has never gone through combat training despite their talents. Outside the room, Ari, Lily, and Aria were waiting.

"Can you guys go home first? Let's enjoy the festival together later in the evening." He said.

Ari readily agreed. "Sure. Did Saryll give you an assignment?"

"Not exactly. She said that we were going to go look for Mature Spirits once Alea wakes up."

"I see. Take care of Alea for me then. I'll take Lily and Aria with me for a few errands."

"Have fun, you all."

"Uh-huh!"

With that done, Earl returned to the room to Saryll and Luna.

"I'm back."

"Mhmm." The two ladies gave a nod of acknowledgement. Earl took a seat next to Saryll and spoke.

"Luna, can you tell me some stories?"

Earl could not hold back his curiosity towards this person who held the title of "The Immortal".

"Hmm... What kind of stories would you like to hear?"

"Like what you've been up to these last couple of years. Or exciting stories from your youth."

"Such a straightforward guy." Luna smiled behind her mask. "I got a good one. The story of the Demon Lord."

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