The Return (V)

Eventually, everyone made it towards the castle, entering through the giant gate that welcomed them in with soldiers lining up on the sides. Each one of them had a trumpet raised towards the sky with blue flags hanging down from it as they blared a welcoming note.

They entered through as they went towards the Queen's throne. Stopping in front of her throne, General Liam was the first to come forward and give her a bow. All the other elven soldiers did the safe in unison, causing everyone else to follow after.

Zero gave the Queen a small bow of respect. He then waited for what was going to happen next. General Liam straightened up as he brought the Holy Cloak forward towards her. The Queen stood up, her eyes sparkling in excitement as she saw her father's cloak. When she reached over, tears of happiness spilled down her face. She brought it over, placing it on her forehead as she covered herself and silently wept.

Everyone was shocked that the Queen cried in fright, making them nervous. Even Zero didn't like seeing someone so beautiful cry in such a way that he didn't know what to do.

General Liam walked over and hugged her, stunning everybody. Even the elven soldiers, who were usually stoic, gasped. To be so bold as to hug the Queen herself wasn't customary, or something is done often in public. Usually, this meant that they had something for each other.

The Queen quickly wiped away her tears and coughed, telling General Liam that she was okay. When they pulled apart, both of them were blushing. Instantly, Zero knew that those two had something going on. Everyone knew then that there were rumors of General Liam and the Queen's relationship; today, it has been confirmed. She then leaned forward, giving him the

ceremonial kiss on his head.

Though, the people didn't hate General Liam at all. Instead, he was famous in the city for being the right-hand man of the Queen's sword. Today, his reputation has increased astronomically because of his success in bringing in the Holy cloak that her father had worn. The last known famous fight was against the Land Sharks, where he was the leading force that drew them back.

"General Liam." The Queen's voice went out clearly for everyone to hear. He straightened up, staring at her squarely, not wavering for what he had done. "You and your soldiers have succeeded in something that would be considered almost impossible. To fight bravely for this Kingdom and bring back my lost father's cloak. I thank you." She gently bowed. People gasped; for the Queen to turn was rare and had only been given a few times.

"Your highness, I was not the only one who has done this. My soldiers and the Adventurers, who have fought alongside me, have more credit towards this fight than me alone. So many had died through the long, arduous journey, but this would've been impossible without them." General Liam spoke.

"You are right, general. For the soldiers and Adventurers who have died, their families will be compensated and taken care of."

"Your majesty, there is one more that I must tell you. Without the Dragon Prince and his companions, we wouldn't have survived the Behemoth's attack when we retrieved the Holy Cloak."

Loud noises erupted when they heard about the Behemoth's appearance. Something so legendary and powerful was unheard of, especially to know that the Behemoth was there when General Liam's army was there to retrieve it.

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Dragon Prince, step forward."

Zero felt everyone's gaze rest upon him. He took a deep breath and casually but proudly walked forward as best as possible. It wasn't often that he would be called forward by royalty; even though he was considered one now, he didn't see himself as a dragon prince in the first place.

"Once again, you have proven your worth countless times, young prince." The Queen gave him a soft expression that made his heart slightly thump. To see the beauty close up a second time was still extraordinary. "For that, I am grateful that you have survived the difficulties. To slay the Behemoth from legends is something no normal man or elves could usually do, but with your help, you have saved a small number of my people here today. Moreover, as royalty, you have shown that you still care for the people around you. I commend you for that."

Zero felt ashamed; the thought of only saving General Liam had been constantly in his mind throughout the fights more than saving everybody. He was no hero. So when the Queen stated it in such a way, he realized the weight of his status more than usual.

Saving only General Liam because of the Holy Cloak was the mission, bringing back the same mentality he had when training at Danketsu Ryu academy. Still, at the same time, it was different. Even though the soldiers were data, he had formed close bonds with them.

"For your gallant help, I shall give you a reward." She clapped her hands as magic swirled before her.

Quest of the Holy Mantle has been completed.

You have leveled up.

You have leveled up.

You have leveled up.

Magic sparked, and a large piece of dragon armor appeared before Zero. Zero could tell that the material made for the dragon armor was powerful; he could feel the energy was still alive, pulsating outwards and towards him.

"Your father would've wanted you to have this." The Queen replied as the magic flew towards him and clasped around his body.

It had a silverish look towards the armor that snugly fit his body. Gold accented the sides and front, especially around his chest, where his Krustallos was located. He could feel the power from his Krustallos radiating along with the armor, giving it a light sparkle. Zero's arm and leg were lightly wrapped near his shoulders as extra spikes elongated from behind. Even his neck was half-wrapped, and he wore a helmet over his head, giving him an extra pair of longhorns.

In the middle of his helmet were two crystal stones: gold and black. Each swirls together as if they were in constant motion. Right now, Zero's whole demeanor changed into a powerful dragon warrior. The princely aura around him has amplified, giving him a more regal and majestic look. One could tell that he was born to wear that armor. Strangely enough, it wasn't heavy at all. He could tell they were some magic imbued in them that allowed him not to be bogged down by weight.

You have received 100,000 gold coins and the Dragon Armor of Light and Darkness.

Dragon Armor of Light and Darkness

An armor made from the power of the King and Queen of the Drezo Regalia's species. An armor that no dragon can wear without the ancient bloodline of royalty. This armor was known to be the last one made before the King and Queen died in battle.

All statuses boost by 5% constantly throughout the whole day. At night, dark elemental power will increase, while light elemental power will decrease. During the day, the opposite would be true. The only time when both light and dark would be equal in strength is sunrise and sunset when both elemental powers will rise by 30%.

Fame increased by 1893. Affinity with the people inside the Elven kingdom has risen to the max. Therefore, all discounts in stores will be lowered by 10%.

"Use it well." The Queen replied, there a soft motherly tone in her voice.

"Thank you." Zero gave a small nodding bow, delighted at the luck he was given.

Zero couldn't help but give off a draconic grin at the luck that he was given. He turned around and headed back toward his spot as the Queen continued to give off rewards to each player. All Zero could think of was how lucky he was to gain something this powerful, and he couldn't wait until he tested it out.