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  Chapter 21: Fire of Return — A Truce Before the Storm

  Scene 1: Return to the Kingdom of Eiden

  Location: Royal Palace Gates, Kingdom of Eiden

  Scene: The knights' carriages enter to the applause of the guards. The sun leans toward the horizon, and the wind carries the scent of dust and victory.

  One by one, the knights dismount—faces tired, yet held high.

  A strong voice echoes from the palace gates:

  King Reus (with a commanding voice, stepping down from his small throne in the courtyard):

  "Knights of Eiden… Guardians of balance… I salute you for your triumph over the curses of the Flame Palace."

  Kain (bowing):

  "We did not win completely, my liege… we only uncovered part of the truth."

  King Reus (approaching and placing a hand on Kain’s shoulder):

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "Even truth needs someone to ignite its spark. You lit the dawn’s flame."

  Lorena (in a soft, sorrowful tone):

  "But we witnessed a broken past… we saw Garmosh’s soul torn apart before our eyes."

  King:

  "That’s why you are our hope… You don’t just fight monsters, you fight pain rooted deep within the hearts of men."

  Hanto (quietly):

  "And Zorok… still walks free."

  King Reus (offering a cautious smile):

  "You will reach him… one day. But tonight… rest."

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  Scene 2: Fires of the Night — A Talk Between Souls

  Location: Outside the palace, the old training grounds

  Scene: The knights sit in a circle around a warm fire. Sparks rise, and the night wraps around them gently, as if the world has paused.

  Raigar (placing a piece of wood on the fire):

  "You know… the first time I went on a mission, I was shaking so badly I forgot how to draw my sword."

  Lorena (laughing):

  "And I thought magic was just beautiful words… until my face exploded in soot the first time I tried a wind spell."

  Hanto (with a contemplative gaze):

  "I… never chose this life. I was just a child, lost in the snow. A strange mentor saved me. Since then… I became a blade in fate’s hand."

  Kain (staring into the flames):

  "And I chose to be the shadow… so those I love wouldn't get hurt. But the longer a shadow grows… the more it consumes its bearer."

  Lorena (looking at Kain):

  "The shadow doesn’t consume you, Kain… it just hides you until the right light comes."

  Raigar:

  "Do you think we’ll survive all this?"

  Hanto (calmly):

  "I don’t know… but at least, we won’t die alone."

  Kain (lifting his head):

  "Maybe this fire… is the first true warmth I’ve felt in a long time."

  Lorena:

  "And perhaps… it’s the last peace before the world breaks again."

  A serene silence settles — the fire whispers, and the wind plays distant tunes.

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  Scene 3: The Return of Master Faeron

  Heavy footsteps approach. From the shadows emerges a man in a red cloak, his eyes glowing like embers.

  Faeron (with his deep voice):

  "The time has come."

  Raigar (quickly rising):

  "Master?!"

  Faeron (scanning each of them with sharp eyes):

  "Rest is over… Tomorrow, you enter the Dimensional Chamber. There… you will not only train to fight enemies… but to face yourselves."

  Kain:

  "The Dimensional Chamber… I’ve heard it exposes your greatest weakness."

  Faeron (slightly smiling):

  "And your greatest strength. Prepare yourselves, Knights of Eiden… the world you saved will now test you in return."

  He turns and disappears into the darkness… the fire glows brighter for a moment, then calms.

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  End of Chapter.