Another month had passed, and Mixarnt was finally fully healed. His muscles no longer ached, and his energy had returned in full force. It was a day of celebration, not just for his recovery, but for the grand awarding ceremony where he would receive titles from King Alyseo and Queen Elaine, Elyssia’s parents. The event was a testament to his bravery and the impact he had made on the kingdom of Naeva.

The grand hall of the royal palace was alive with activity. Nobles, dignitaries, and honored guests mingled beneath the towering arches, their voices blending into a low hum of excitement. The air was thick with anticipation, the room adorned with banners and flowers, all in the kingdom’s colors. At the center of it all stood King Alyseo and Queen Elaine, their presence commanding respect and admiration. Their eyes shone with pride as they prepared to honor the young hero who had not only defeated Kaelzar but had also become a symbol of hope for the entire kingdom.

Mixarnt stood tall and proud amidst the crowd, his youthful demeanor tempered by the gravity of the occasion. He was flanked by Elyssia, Arthur, and Mika, each of them beaming with pride. Mixarnt’s attire was a striking blend of rich silks and gleaming armor, a reflection of his dual role as both a humble hero and a figure of great importance. A subtle smile played on his lips, his eyes bright with anticipation and gratitude for the recognition he was about to receive.

As the ceremony began, the monarchs rose from their thrones, their voices ringing out clear and strong as they addressed the assembly. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on the royal couple and the young hero before them.

"Today," King Alyseo began, his voice resonating with authority, "we gather to honor a young man whose courage and selflessness have left an indelible mark on our kingdom. Mixarnt, your actions have not only saved lives but have also inspired us all to strive for greatness."

Queen Elaine stepped forward, her radiant smile illuminating the room. "Mixarnt," she said, her voice warm and filled with admiration, "you have demonstrated a strength of character and unwavering dedication that few possess. Your exploits have inspired countless hearts and secured the safety of our realm. It is with great pride that we bestow upon you these titles, each one a testament to your valor and service."

One by one, the titles were announced, each one met with thunderous applause and cheers from the assembly.

"Hero of Naeva!" the king proclaimed, his voice carrying the weight of the kingdom’s gratitude.

"Champion of the People!" the queen added, her tone filled with affection.

"Knight Protector of the Realm!" the king continued, his gaze steady and proud.

With each title, Mixarnt felt a growing sense of responsibility and honor. The cheers of the crowd echoed off the opulent walls of the palace, a symphony of appreciation and respect. But it was the final title that brought a hush over the assembly.

"Lord Commander of the Royal Guard," King Alyseo declared, his voice booming with authority. The title hung in the air, a mantle of duty settling upon Mixarnt’s shoulders.

Mixarnt bowed his head in reverence, his chest swelling with pride. He could feel the weight of the responsibility that came with the title, but he also felt a deep sense of purpose. He had come so far, from a boy with a simple dream to a hero recognized by kings and queens.

Queen Elaine stepped forward once more, her eyes filled with warmth and pride. "Mixarnt," she said softly, "we entrust you with the sacred duty of protecting our people, our land, and our legacy. May you continue to lead with courage, wisdom, and compassion."

As the ceremony concluded, the crowd erupted into applause once more, their cheers a celebration of Mixarnt’s achievements and the bright future that lay ahead. Elyssia squeezed his hand, her eyes shining with pride, while Arthur and Mika looked on with smiles of satisfaction. Mixarnt took a moment to reflect on his journey. He had faced countless challenges, but he had also found friendship, and a sense of belonging. 

And so, under the watchful eyes of the king and queen, surrounded by those who believed in him, Mixarnt took his first step into a new chapter of his life—a chapter filled with promise, responsibility, and the unwavering determination to protect all that he held dear. 

"Thank you everyone!" Mixarnt was genuinely happy—or at least, he appeared to be. His smile was bright, his posture confident, and his eyes sparkled with the joy of the moment. But beneath the surface, a storm of thoughts raged. Elyssia, the princess of Naeva and the eldest daughter of the king and queen, watched him closely. Her sharp eyes caught the subtle shift in his demeanor, the way his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. She wondered if this was truly what Mixarnt wanted, or if he was simply playing the part expected of him.

Arthur and the other adventurers who had also received awards stood nearby, their faces filled with pride. They were thrilled that Mixarnt, the young hero who had already achieved so much, was being honored with the title of Royal Guard and Protector of the Naeva Kingdom. To them, it was a natural progression, a well-deserved recognition of his bravery and dedication.

But Mixarnt’s mind was elsewhere. As the weight of the titles settled on him, he felt a growing unease. Carlos’s words echoed in his mind: "Don’t let yourself be bound by a kingdom. Choose your own path, live your life." And then there was the World Tree’s prophecy, its voice still vivid in his memory: "Your destiny lies in the lands beyond the Abyssline." He couldn’t allow himself to be tied down, not when his journey was far from over.

The room was filled with applause and cheers, but Mixarnt’s smile began to falter. Sweat formed on his brow as he realized the gravity of the situation. He couldn’t accept this. He wouldn’t accept this.

"I refuse," Mixarnt said casually, his voice cutting through the celebratory atmosphere like a blade.

The stunned silence that followed was palpable. The energy in the room shifted dramatically, swinging from adulation to disbelief. Elyssia’s eyes widened, her mouth falling open as she struggled to process his words. King Alyseo’s face darkened, his jaw clenching in frustration, while Queen Elaine’s expression remained stoic, though a flicker of disappointment flickered in her eyes.

Arthur, ever perceptive, sensed the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. He stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Mixarnt’s shoulder. "Now, boy," he began, his tone gentle but firm, "I understand your concerns, but perhaps we should discuss this further—"

"No discussions," Mixarnt interrupted, his voice steady and resolute. He looked directly at the king and queen, his gaze unwavering. "I appreciate the honor, truly. But I cannot accept this title or any responsibilities that would bind me to a single location or kingdom. My path lies beyond the Abyssline, and I must follow it freely."

The room erupted into murmurs, the guests exchanging shocked glances. Elyssia stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion. "Mixarnt, are you sure about this? This is a great honor, and you’ve earned it. You don’t have to turn it down."

Mixarnt turned to her, his expression softening. "Elyssia, this isn’t about honor or recognition. It’s about my destiny. I can’t stay here, no matter how much I care for this kingdom or the people in it. There’s something greater I need to do, and I can’t do it if I’m tied down."

King Alyseo’s voice boomed across the hall, his tone laced with frustration. "You would reject the title of Royal Guard, the protection of our kingdom, for some vague notion of destiny? Do you understand the gravity of what you’re saying?"

Mixarnt met the king’s gaze without flinching as he grins. "I do. And I’m sorry if this disappoints you, but I have to follow my own path. I hope you can understand that."

Queen Elaine, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. Her voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight. "Mixarnt, we respect your decision, even if it is difficult for us to accept. But know this: the doors of Naeva will always be open to you. You will always have a place here, should you choose to return."

Mixarnt bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

As the tension in the room began to ease, Arthur gave Mixarnt’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You’ve got a lot of guts, kid. I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I respect your choice. Just remember, no matter where your path takes you, you’ve got friends here who believe in you."

Mixarnt smiled, a genuine one this time. "Thank you, Arthur. That’s all I could ask for."

Elyssia stepped closer, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Promise me you’ll come back someday," she said softly.

Mixarnt nodded. "I promise."

The grand hall, once filled with the solemnity of an awarding ceremony, had now descended into a scene of utter chaos—and hilarity. Mixarnt, ever the unpredictable enigma, stood at the center of it all, his grin widening as the absurdity of the situation unfolded around him.

"Thanks for the food!" Mixarnt said with a cheeky grin, his tone light and carefree. "I’ll be back after some time—" He paused mid-sentence, his gaze locking onto a strikingly beautiful girl who had just entered the hall. It was Alyssia, Elyssia’s younger sister, her presence commanding attention even in the midst of the commotion.

"W-won’t you stay?" Alyssia asked softly, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and shyness. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she stared up at Mixarnt, her heart racing.

"W-well..." Mixarnt stammered, his own face turning red as he scratched the back of his head, clearly caught off guard by her sudden appearance and the intensity of her gaze.

The king, already frustrated by Mixarnt’s refusal of the royal titles, saw an opportunity to sway the young hero. "Boy! Alyssia will be your bride if you stay!" he declared, his voice booming through the hall. The statement was so abrupt and unexpected that it left everyone momentarily stunned.

Elyssia, who had been standing nearby, was utterly shocked. Her jaw dropped as she looked between her father, her sister, and Mixarnt. But then, a competitive spark ignited in her eyes. She couldn’t help but giggle, her cheeks turning pink as she realized she didn’t want to lose to her younger sister. After all, she had her own feelings for Mixarnt, even if she hadn’t fully admitted them to herself.

The room erupted into murmurs, the guests exchanging bewildered glances. Queen Elaine, who had been quietly observing the scene, couldn’t help but laugh lightly. It was a rare sound, one that caught even the king off guard. Her smile, warm and genuine, softened the tension in the room. She hadn’t expected the day to take such a turn, but she found herself oddly fond of the energetic young hero who had so boldly rejected the king’s offer.

Mixarnt, meanwhile, was trying to navigate the chaos he had inadvertently created. "Damnit, you guys are making this hard," he said with a laugh, his hands raised in mock surrender. "Listen, King, I’m an Enigma. I can’t be bound to a single location! I want to explore the world! But—" He paused, his grin returning as he made a bold declaration. "I promise to return and marry Elyssia and Alyssia once I’m older!"

With that, Mixarnt turned on his heel and bolted, his laughter echoing through the hall as he made a break for the exit.

"S-seize him! Don’t let him escape!" the king roared, his face red with a mix of frustration and amusement. The royal soldiers sprang into action, giving chase to the laughing hero, but it quickly became clear that catching Mixarnt was no easy task. His speed and agility were unmatched, and he darted through the palace corridors like a gust of wind, leaving the guards in his dust.

Arthur and Mika, watching the scene unfold, burst into laughter. The absurdity of it all was too much to handle. "That boy’s got more guts than sense!" Arthur said between chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief.

Elyssia, her face still flushed red like a tomato, couldn’t help but smile. Despite the embarrassment, there was a thrill in her chest, a sense of excitement that made her heart race. She bit her lip to stifle a giggle, her eyes sparkling with a playful light.

As the pursuit spilled out into the streets, the king finally relaxed, his initial frustration giving way to a grudging admiration for the young hero. He glanced at Queen Elaine, who was still smiling softly, her gaze fixed on the direction Mixarnt had disappeared. The king sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That boy... he’s something else," he muttered.

Queen Elaine nodded, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Indeed. He’s a free spirit, and we can’t cage someone like that. But I have a feeling he’ll keep his promise."

Later, Elyssia, Arthur, and Mika stood on the wide castle terrace, gazing out at the horizon as the sun dipped below the distant hills. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the kingdom of Naeva. The air was filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of the city below, a peaceful contrast to the chaos that had unfolded earlier.

"Well, where do you think Mixarnt will go?" Arthur asked with a grin, his arms crossed as he leaned against the stone railing. His tone was light, but there was a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Mika hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "Who knows? He still has that 50-gathering quest to complete. I guess he’ll finish it and submit it in another town or kingdom. Knowing him, he’ll probably turn it into some grand adventure."

Elyssia, standing between them, blushed lightly as she spoke. "Well, whatever path he takes, I think it will all be good. Cough cough." Her voice trailed off, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Arthur and Mika exchanged knowing glances, their grins widening as they caught the subtle hint in her words. "Cough cough, indeed," Arthur teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Mika nudged Elyssia playfully, eliciting a soft laugh from the princess.

Elyssia’s cheeks deepened in color, but she didn’t try to hide her feelings. Instead, she met Arthur’s gaze with a hint of mischief in her own eyes. "Perhaps," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But wherever he goes, I know he’ll make the most of it. That’s just who he is."

For the rest of the night and the following days, the Kingdom of Naeva celebrated. The adventurers were in high spirits, and the townspeople were filled with hope and joy. The streets were alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses as everyone toasted to the future. Mixarnt’s name was on everyone’s lips, his deeds already becoming the stuff of legend.

Meanwhile, Mixarnt himself was far from the festivities, walking along a winding road with his wooden sword resting on his shoulder. The cool night air brushed against his face, and the stars above twinkled like countless diamonds scattered across the sky. His grin was as wide as ever, his deep blue eyes shining with hope and determination.

Under the starlit expanse, Mixarnt’s footsteps echoed softly, blending with the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of nocturnal creatures. It was a peaceful melody, one that accompanied him as he ventured into the unknown. The memory of his time in Naeva, the praise and affection of its people, served as a beacon, guiding him toward the horizons that awaited.

The road stretched out before him, a serpentine path that promised both challenges and opportunities. Mixarnt’s heart swelled with anticipation, his spirit undaunted by the vast expanse that lay ahead. With each step, he embodied the essence of his enigmatic nature—a paradox of innocence and strength, curiosity and resolve. "Okay! 10 more items to finish my gathering quest!" Mixarnt said as he grin and dash using enigma enhancement, vanishing into the distance.