The day began with an ornate scroll delivered to the manor’s doorstep. Sealed with crimson wax and bearing the crest of the kingdom, it was a rare sight—formal invitations weren’t something Ari and his crew received often these days.

Yuri was the first to spot it, her green eyes narrowing suspiciously as she carried it inside. “Weird. Usually, when people want something, they just send a messenger groveling at the gate.”

Finoria leaned over Yuri’s shoulder, her golden hair brushing against her as she grinned. “It’s probably another marriage proposal for Ari. I mean, look at that fancy seal.”

Yuri scoffed, rolling her eyes. “As if we’d ever let that happen.”

“It’s addressed to all of us,” Kimi said softly, plucking the scroll from Yuri’s hands. Her delicate fingers broke the seal with ease, and she unrolled the parchment with a graceful flourish. “Hmm. Looks like it’s from the High Chancellor himself.”

Yuri frowned. “What does he want?”

“Not what he wants,” Kimi corrected, her violet eyes scanning the script. “What he’s offering. It’s an invitation to the annual Hero’s Gala.”

“Hero’s Gala?” Finoria raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t been to one of those in years. Didn’t we skip the last three?”

“Because they’re boring,” Yuri muttered. “Just a bunch of people patting themselves on the back for fighting bandits or slaying a stray monster.”

Kimi smiled faintly. “And yet, here we are—invited again. Says here they’re honoring ‘those who’ve shaped the course of history.’” She paused, her gaze drifting toward Ari, who was leaning casually against the doorway. “That means you, Ari.”

Ari met her gaze with a calm, unreadable expression. “And the rest of you.”

Finoria laughed, tossing her braid over her shoulder. “Oh, please. They’re probably hosting this whole thing just so they can brag about having us there.”

“Well, they should brag,” Kimi said lightly, rolling the scroll back up. “We are the best.”

Yuri sighed, crossing her arms. “Fine. But if we’re going, I’m not getting stuck talking to some self-absorbed rookie who thinks they’re hot stuff because they killed a slime.”

That Evening: Arrival at the Gala

The Hero’s Gala was nothing short of extravagant. The grand ballroom, situated in the heart of the capital, was a sprawling masterpiece of gilded arches, crystal chandeliers, and polished marble floors. Rows of tables draped in silk lined the edges, while the center buzzed with activity as heroes from across the world mingled, their laughter and conversation filling the air.

Ari and his crew entered with the quiet confidence of legends.

Yuri walked ahead, her sharp green eyes scanning the crowd with practiced caution. Dressed in a sleek crimson gown that matched her fiery personality, she looked every bit the warrior she was—though she couldn’t hide her discomfort at the sheer opulence surrounding them.

Kimi followed at Ari’s side, her flowing silver dress catching the light with every step. She held herself with calm elegance, her serene smile hiding the sharpness of her gaze as she surveyed the room.

Finoria, meanwhile, strode slightly behind Ari, her golden hair shining as brightly as the intricate embroidery on her fitted gown. She stayed close, her warm brown eyes sparkling with amusement as she whispered, “Look at them staring. I told you they were here for us.”

Ari, clad in a simple yet impeccably tailored suit, moved through the room with the same steady composure he brought to every situation. His dark eyes swept the crowd, taking in the sea of unfamiliar faces—heroes, nobles, and dignitaries, all vying for attention.

As they moved deeper into the ballroom, a hush fell over the crowd.

“It’s them,” someone whispered.

“The ones who defeated the Demon Lord.”

“I heard they could take on an army single-handedly.”

Ari ignored the murmurs, his focus fixed on the High Chancellor, who stood at the far end of the room beneath the largest chandelier. Clad in ornate robes, the elderly man wore an expression of forced politeness as he stepped forward to greet them.

“Welcome, welcome,” the Chancellor said, his voice echoing over the hum of the crowd. “It’s an honor to have you all here tonight. Truly, you are the pinnacle of what it means to be a hero.”

Yuri muttered under her breath, “And here comes the flattery.”

Ari gave the Chancellor a polite nod. “Thank you for the invitation.”

The Chancellor’s smile widened. “I’m sure you’ll find tonight most enjoyable. We’ve gathered heroes from across the world to celebrate their achievements—but none as legendary as yours, of course.”

Kimi tilted her head slightly, her smile never wavering. “That’s kind of you to say.”

“True, though,” Finoria said with a grin, earning a nudge from Yuri.

The Chancellor cleared his throat, motioning toward the crowd. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. The festivities have just begun.”

As the group stepped further into the room, they were quickly approached by a handful of eager admirers—young heroes, starry-eyed and full of questions.

“Is it true you fought the Demon Lord’s army alone?” one asked, practically vibrating with excitement.

“What’s your secret to staying so strong?” another chimed in.

“Do you have any advice for aspiring heroes?”

Yuri sighed, crossing her arms. “Here we go.”

Kimi smiled softly, clearly enjoying the attention as she replied, “Hard work and a little bit of luck.”

Finoria, leaning slightly closer to Ari, whispered, “You know, you could just tell them we’re naturals and call it a day.”

Ari shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “I’ll leave that to you.”

As the questions continued and the night wore on, the crew settled into the rhythm of the party. While they were clearly the stars of the evening, there was an undeniable sense of distance between them and the other attendees.

For all their smiles and polite conversation, the truth was clear: no one else in the room had faced what they had.