The Eighth Day: The Grand Awarding Ceremony
On the eighth day, the long-anticipated Grand Awarding Ceremony commenced, marking a momentous occasion in the Kingdom of Aetherlight.
The colosseum, meticulously prepared for this event, was filled to the brim with eager spectators. Nobles, commoners, and warriors alike had gathered, their anticipation electrifying the air. The atmosphere was vibrant, with banners of gold and azure fluttering in the wind, symbolizing the kingdom’s unity and strength.
Then, the moment arrived.
The King and Queen made their grand entrance, escorted by the most esteemed Generals of Aetherlight—both current and former. Their presence alone commanded respect, each figure a living legend who had shaped the kingdom’s history.
The Current Generals
Kalavan Valebrand – A stoic and strategic leader renowned for his unyielding resolve. Known as The Demon Hunter General.
Gawain Goldhart – A charismatic and bold warrior beloved by his troops. Known as Gawain the Gallant.
Lamorak Warbane – A fierce and relentless fighter feared on the battlefield. Known as The Fear Striker.
Isolde Evergrace – A graceful healer blessed by the gods, revered for her divine prowess. Known as Saint Isolde.
Gerald Hallowell – A seasoned veteran with unmatched battlefield experience. Known as The Relentless Warrior.
Halik Nightshade – A shadowy master of stealth and subterfuge. Known as The Shadow of Aetherlight.
Percival Goldcrest – A noble knight who embodies chivalry. Known as The Second Sword of Aetherlight.
Kay Dawnfire – A fiery leader who inspires unwavering loyalty. Known as The Fiery General.
Borris Stormveil – A towering figure whose presence commands respect. Known as The Wise One.
Althea Silvercrest – A brilliant and composed strategist. Known as The Cunning Strategist.
Sunshine Solaris – A radiant leader embodying hope and courage. Known as The Sovereign Shield for her unparalleled defensive and healing abilities.
At the helm of them all stood: General Eclipse Lunastra – The current Sovereign Sword, a title reserved for the strongest warrior in the kingdom. Her prowess was unmatched, her dedication unwavering, and her loyalty absolute. To many, she was the pillar of Aetherlight’s strength.
Among the Generals, only Xacion Xarion White is not present.
The Legendary Former Generals
Among the distinguished former Generals, their legacies lived on, their names spoken with reverence:
Gundrik Solaris – A legendary defender known for his wisdom. Called The Shield of Aetherlight.
Lancelot Pendrake – Eclipse’s grandfather, a warrior whose legacy shaped Aetherlight’s military. Revered as The God of War.
Rosalinda Rosaria – A general synonymous with lethal grace. Known as The Elegant Poisonous Rose.
Xavier Silvercrest – Althea’s Grandfather, a master tactician behind countless victories. Called The Logical Strategist.
Leoric Lionhart – A lion-hearted leader remembered for his bravery. Known as The Brave Warrior.
Lusaric Lionhart – A charismatic hero celebrated in ballads. Called The Charismatic Knight.
Theron Goldhart – Gawain’s father, a noble figure who paved his son’s path. Known as The Golden-Hearted General.
As the King and Queen took their seats, the crowd erupted in applause. The ceremony began with a formal procession of the Generals, their presence a testament to the kingdom’s strength and unity. Mixarnt and Rosalind stood at the center of the colosseum, ready to receive their wishes from the royal couple.
The King rose, his voice resonating through the colosseum. "Today, we honor two individuals who have shown exceptional courage and dedication. Mixarnt and Rosalind, step forward."
Mixarnt and Rosalind approached the throne, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The Queen smiled warmly and said, "For your bravery and service to the kingdom, we grant you each a wish. Speak, and it shall be done."
"You first, Rosalind!" Mixarnt said with a carefree grin, casually resting his hand behind his head after finishing his kneeling gesture and walking away to give space to Rosalind.
Rosalind, however, remained kneeling like a true knight, her expression unwavering.
"I would be foolish to wish for a place among the Generals," she declared, her voice steady. "My battle with General Kalavan made it clear—I am still far from their level of strength. So, I wish to serve as a knight under General Althea’s command. It is the best course for me... and for my grandmother’s peace of mind."
A murmur spread through the court.
The King and Queen exchanged surprised glances, while former General Rosalinda felt her eyes sting with unshed tears. She had always known her granddaughter’s strength, but this moment proved something even greater—her wisdom.
Rosalind knew the depth of her family's love—knew how devastated Rosalinda would be if anything happened to her. That was why she had chosen the safer path, aligning herself with General Althea Silvercrest, one of Aetherlight’s most brilliant strategists.
Althea’s division specialized in reconnaissance and intelligence, prioritizing calculated maneuvers over reckless combat. Though newly appointed—and thus leading only a small squad of her family’s soldiers rather than full-fledged knights—her unit already displayed remarkable skill, executing missions with precision that minimized unnecessary risks. Rarely did they face the kind of brutal, sacrificial battles that haunted other divisions.
But neither Althea nor Rosalind could have predicted what was coming.
Soon, their ranks would swell with exceptional talents—warriors, scouts, and tacticians. And Rosalind? She would be a part of it all.
For Rosalind, this was the best way to honor both her dreams and her grandmother’s love.
She knew that even if she completed all the Knight Trials, there was no guarantee she would be chosen by Althea. But with her free wish, she took her chance.
Mixarnt smirked, his deep blue eyes gleaming with amusement. "I guess that means I won’t be seeing you in the third trial and beyond, huh?"
Rosalind blushed slightly and looked away. "I’ll still be watching and supporting you… even if I’m no longer competing."
The grand colosseum of the Aetherlight Kingdom fell silent as King Arnold Pendragon rose from his ornate throne, his regal presence commanding the attention of all in attendance. The golden embroidery on his royal cloak shimmered beneath the glow of the ceremonial torches. His sharp, yet wise eyes observed Rosalind with a mixture of pride and solemnity.
"Rosalind," the king’s voice echoed with authority and reverence, "your valor and wisdom have proven that a true knight is not solely forged through trials, but through unwavering loyalty, strength, and honor. Today, you shall take your oath—not merely as a participant, but as one who has already surpassed expectations. Do you swear to uphold the laws and values of the Aetherlight Kingdom, to wield your sword in the defense of its people, and to serve with honor until your final breath?"
Rosalind, still kneeling, bowed her head deeply before raising it with unwavering determination. She placed a clenched fist over her heart as a symbol of devotion.
"I, Rosalind Rosaria, do solemnly swear upon my life and my blade," she declared, her voice resolute, "to serve the Aetherlight Kingdom with unwavering loyalty. I vow to protect the innocent, to stand against tyranny, and to uphold the ideals of chivalry and justice. By my honor, I pledge my strength, wisdom, and courage to this kingdom and its people. May the gods be my witness, and may my blade strike true for the sake of Aetherlight until my final breath."
The king nodded approvingly, his expression one of profound respect. He unsheathed his ceremonial sword, its blade gleaming with magic-infused silver, and gently tapped it upon Rosalind’s shoulders—first the right, then the left.
"Then rise, Knight of Aetherlight, Rosalind Rosaria," King Arnold declared. "From this day forth, your name shall be etched in the annals of history, not as one who abandoned the trials, but as one who transcended them. You have earned your place—not through mere contest, but through true merit."
A thunderous applause erupted from the gathered nobles, knights, and spectators. Even the veteran generals nodded in approval, recognizing Rosalind’s achievement as a testament to her strength and wisdom.
As Rosalind rose to her feet, her eyes shone with pride and determination. She had not taken a shortcut, nor had she fled from battle. She had simply forged her own path, proving that true knighthood was not just about power—but about wisdom, responsibility, and unwavering devotion.
Mixarnt grinned from the side watching as his friend and rival took her first steps into her new life.
With her name forever inscribed in the kingdom’s history, Rosalind Rosaria had become a knight—not because she had skipped the trials, but because she had gone beyond them.
Former Knight General Rosalinda approached her granddaughter with tears shimmering in her wise, battle-hardened eyes. Her regal composure wavered for a moment as she reached out, gently placing a hand on Rosalind’s cheek before pulling her into a warm, heartfelt embrace. The weight of years spent worrying, training, and hoping for her granddaughter’s future melted away in that single moment.
"You have made me prouder than words can express, my dear Rosalind." Rosalinda whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Your strength, your wisdom… your heart—it all proves that you are more than worthy of this title. You did not take the easy path, yet you still rose above it all."
Rosalind giggled softly, her arms tightening around her grandmother as she basked in the warmth of her embrace. A soft breeze passed through the colosseum, carrying with it the whispers of the past, and for a fleeting moment, she felt as though her parents were there with her.
"Do you think Mom and Dad are proud of me too?" she asked, her voice gentle yet tinged with longing.
Rosalinda pulled back slightly, placing her hands on Rosalind’s shoulders, her gaze full of both love and certainty.
"They are watching over you, my sweet girl," she said with a fond smile, her eyes glistening. "And I know, without a doubt, that they are proud beyond measure. They always believed in you—just as I do. You carry their legacy, not only in name but in spirit. Today, you have given them yet another reason to shine down on you with joy."
Rosalind's heart swelled at her grandmother's words, and for a moment, she felt as if her parents' warmth surrounded her, unseen but ever-present.
With a soft, determined smile, she wiped away the tear that threatened to fall. "Then I’ll continue to make them proud, just as I’ll continue to make you proud, Grandmother."
Rosalinda chuckled, brushing Rosalind’s hair affectionately. "You already have, my dear. And I have no doubt that you will continue to do so for the rest of your days."
The crowd looked on with admiration, witnessing not only the rise of a knight but the deep bond between generations. A story of honor, legacy, and unbreakable family ties—one that would be remembered for years to come.
