The gentle swaying of the luxury carriage cut through the paved streets of the human capital, taking our squad toward the noble districts where our mansion was located. The afternoon gave way to a twilight of golden and violet hues, bathing the imposing architecture of the buildings in a serene beauty that pleasantly contrasted with the rustic gloom and atmosphere of combat from the tower's deeper floors. Through the vehicle's open window, the cool breeze carried the familiar scents of the city, mixing the fragrance of flowers from the public gardens with the characteristic smell of local commerce that was closing for the day.
Inside the padded compartment, the atmosphere was one of well-deserved relaxation. The girls spoke in gentle tones, exchanging light impressions about their plans for the upcoming days off. Rai'kanna animatedly commented on the possibility of tasting the special dishes prepared by the mansion's servants, while Elara and Vespera reviewed the condition of their bows and daggers. Liriel flipped through an ancient arcane treatise, taking advantage of the soft evening light entering through the window, and Scarlet remained reclining against the upholstery, with a peaceful smile on her lips as she watched the urban landscape pass by rapidly.
I approached the opposite window, observing the orderly flow of citizens and merchants returning to their homes. Allowing a moment of deep reflection to occupy my thoughts proved essential to absorbing the magnitude of the milestone we had just reached. Reaching the thousandth chapter of our collective journey within that vast universe of challenges represented not merely a numerical count of events, but the consolidation of an epic journey shaped by constant overcoming, unwavering loyalty, and the strategic refinement of every step taken. The tower had tested our physical and mental limits, but our unity proved to be an insurmountable force capable of rewriting the rules of the game imposed by the entities of the shadows. The transition between the brutality of the underground battlefields and the structured tranquility of civilization symbolized the perfect balance that sustained our ascent toward our final destiny.
"We've arrived at the mansion's main gate, Takumi," Lyannis announced, interrupting my thoughts as she adjusted her leather belt and looked outside expectantly.
The carriage gradually slowed down, braking gently along the stone-paved avenue that surrounded the facade of our property. The wrought-iron gates opened automatically under the supervision of the head butler, who was waiting at the entrance accompanied by two servants ready to assist with unloading the luggage and equipment.
"Get out calmly and enjoy the reception," I instructed the girls with a warm smile, opening the vehicle's door and placing my first foot on the firm ground of our property. "While you settle in and rest at the mansion, I need to fulfill an important institutional obligation before the night is completely underway."
"Are you going straight to the palace to report to the King?" Liriel asked, closing the arcane book and putting it into her bag with an understanding look.
"Exactly," I confirmed, adjusting my travel coat. "The reports concerning the anchoring of the twenty-fifth floor and the accuracy of the information provided by the S-Rank adventurer need to be delivered directly to the crown as soon as possible. The monarch is awaiting this validation to restructure the kingdom's exploration guidelines."
"Don't take too long, Takumi," Scarlet commented with an amused glint in her eyes. "The celebratory dinner at the mansion will be served soon, and you won't want to miss our first decent meal in more than a week."
"Don't worry, I'll be back before the dishes get cold," I replied, giving her a slight wink before turning toward the second escort carriage waiting along the side avenue.
I left the group in the care of the servants and immediately departed toward the central district, where the imposing architecture of the royal castle rose majestically against the starry twilight sky. The journey to the citadel passed without incident, with the carriage crossing the fortified gates under the respectful greetings of the royal guards, who recognized our squad's crest carved into the side of the vehicle.
As soon as I disembarked in the palace's inner square, I was promptly intercepted by the sovereign's personal adviser, a middle-aged man wearing formal garments embroidered with gold and an expression of evident anxiety on his face.
"Lord Takumi! What a joy to see you return safely and so quickly," the adviser exclaimed, approaching with quick steps and bowing slightly as a sign of respect. "His Majesty has been eagerly awaiting news about the expedition to the tower's twenty-fifth floor. Rumors about your lightning-fast progress have already begun circulating through the court corridors."
"The journey was completed successfully, and the sector was properly anchored," I replied firmly and calmly, accompanying the adviser through the extensive white marble corridors illuminated by crystal chandeliers. "I am here precisely to present the official report to the King."
The massive oak and bronze doors of the throne room slowly opened as we approached, revealing the vast hall adorned with royal banners. Seated upon the elevated throne at the back, the King of Humans awaited with an attentive and inquisitive posture, wearing a crown and solemn robes that reflected the weight of his authority over the kingdom.
I approached the center of the hall and made a respectful bow, maintaining the upright posture and confident expression that characterized the leader of a legendary squad.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," I began in a clear and audible voice that echoed softly through the ornate walls. "I have returned from the tower to deliver the complete mapping of the twenty-fifth floor and confirm that all the information provided by the S-Rank adventurer was perfectly accurate."
The King leaned slightly forward, resting his chin on his gloved hands, while a smile of genuine satisfaction appeared on his mature face.
"Welcome back, young Takumi," the monarch said in a solemn yet warm tone. "The preliminary reports from the guards at the square have already given me a partial idea of your achievement, but hearing this directly from you is definitive proof that our kingdom has found in your leadership the key to unraveling the tower's greatest mysteries. Report every detail of this victory to me."
For the following minutes, I gave a detailed and concise account of the crucial events of our journey: from crossing the frozen mountains and the relentless battle against the Demon Dragon to the fundamental discovery of the anchoring panel and the validation of the chained teleportation system. Every word was chosen precisely to convey the tactical reality of the expedition, without unnecessary exaggeration, highlighting the importance of mutual cooperation among my companions and the logistical stability that now guaranteed peaceful control over that sector of the tower.
The monarch listened attentively to every part of the explanation, making mental notes and demonstrating deep admiration for the surgical precision with which our squad conducted operations in hostile territory.
"Magnificent..." the King concluded, rising from the throne with a majestic gesture as soon as I finished delivering the documents and readings provided by Liriel's assistant. "You have not only surpassed the crown's boldest expectations, Takumi, but have established a new standard of excellence for all adventurers in this world. The mapping of the twenty-fifth floor will be immediately integrated into the kingdom's strategic archives, and your squad's privileges will be expanded according to your new level of glory."
"I am grateful for the honor and recognition on behalf of my entire team, Your Majesty," I replied with dignity, making another farewell bow. "Having fulfilled my obligation to the crown, I ask permission to leave and enjoy my well-deserved rest alongside my companions."
"Go in peace, hero of the kingdom," the King authorized with a cordial nod of approval. "Enjoy every moment of your rest, for the future that awaits our people will certainly depend on the strength and wisdom that you continue to cultivate."
Leaving the throne room with a sense of duty fulfilled, I crossed the palace gates and returned to the carriage that would take me back to the mansion, where a night of peace, human warmth, and complete replenishment finally awaited us.