Gaining a Title

I stepped up to finish off some demons that were still trying to feast on human soldiers. The rampaging demons, quelled by the combined might of the task force and Terran's desperate defense, dissipated into shadowy nothingness. 

Dust settled, revealing a scene of shattered stone and twisted calm, a testament to the battle.  Gehanna, seems to have vanished as swiftly as the demon tide came about. Sadie, her imperial armor dusted with grime, surveyed the chaos. Her face, usually serene, held a steely determination. 

"The kidnapped innocents are accounted for," she announced, her voice ringing with authority.

She turned to me, "Little Man, to think that you take on such a dangerous mission. Good thing I was nearby, looking out for you!

I replied, "Well, we stray a bit from our original mission. Doing some basic guild work. Sadie, I hope you can cover for us."

Sadie gave a devilish grin, "The task force will secure the area and evacuate the wounded. The master has arranged a new task force to deal with the corrupt officials. This led me to Hokado. There were some high-ranking officials that I was investigating with the permission of crown of Insei."

I replied, "Father set this up? He never shares such things with me." which shortly follow up by Sadie, "The Chief Knight-Captain is busy man, and chasing down a delinquent is not at the top of his agenda."  

A murmur rippled through the assembled soldiers and the few remaining civilians. Hokado. The name held a weight of suspicion, whispers of corruption, and rumors of demons swirling around it like a dark cloud. 

As the people began to prepare for their departure, Vin pushed her way forward, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. She looked up at Terran with admiration shining brightly in her eyes, a rare vulnerability in her voice.

“Honey,” she said softly, almost shyly, her voice trembling with emotion. “Thank you… thank you so much for risking everything to save my people. You’re truly incredible. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

The civilians being rescue first recognized the genius daughter of the Stoke family. Who they saw getting close to the impressive Imperial Knight and the incredible strong warrior that fought head on with Demon General. 

Vin's gaze lingered on him, a mixture of gratitude and something deeper. I was already familiar with her confession and affection, and she never ceased to show it to me. She reached out, giving his arm a quick, grateful squeeze before stepping back, her cheeks still pink.

The others looked on, some with knowing smiles, others with mild surprise at her sudden display of emotion. Reval chuckled softly, while Poh raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. I was caught somewhat off guard, because of the moment. I looked at Vin and then at the others, my face flickering with a mixture of embarrassment and resolve.

“Thanks, Vin,” Terran said, his voice steady but a little awkward. “We’ll do everything we can to end this nightmare. For everyone’s sake.”
Vin nodded firmly, her eyes shining with renewed determination. As the group prepared to move out, her words echoed softly in the air.

Uriko, her usually bright eyes shadowed with a sudden jealousy, clung to Terran's side. Her title as princess, was a shield against most rivalries. It seemed to have no effect on the simmering resentment rising in her. 

 Sadie, ever the reassuring presence, called out, "Little Man," a term of endearment that seemed to soothe his battered spirit. She then suggested he visit his mother. Akari, who was heading to the Kingdom of Mokomo, was fully rested and recovered from the battle with Dark Valkyrie. 

Mokomo, another region plagued by whispers of demonic activity and corruption. "I'll go with you, Little Man," Sadie said, her eyes unwavering. "Big Sis is worried, and I want to make sure you're safe." 

Reval and Poh, ever eager for adventure, and perhaps a taste of the rumored riches, announced their intention to accompany them to Mokomo. "We'll lend our support," Poh declared, his voice filled with a newfound zeal. "The demons, the corruption, it all calls to us."

Reval also said, "We got history there, we can guide this party in Mokomo."

Terran, though weary, felt a flicker of warmth in his chest. He knew his mother's concern, and the thought of seeing her again, amidst the looming darkness, gave him a renewed sense of purpose. The journey to Hokado, then on to Mokomo, was about to begin. 

The convoy moved swiftly through the dense forests and rugged terrain, the Allied Task Force leading the charge with Sadie at the helm. Her presence commanded respect, her armor gleaming in the sunlight as she coordinated the movements of the various units. 

Beside her, the five of them—Terran, Uriko, Vin, Reval, and Poh—trudging along carefully, they are not used to traveling with so many people.

As they settled into a steady pace, Sadie called a brief halt, turning to face her companions with a confident smile. “I’ve spoken with Master Heero. The Chief Knight-Captain and Supreme Commander of the Task Force,” she announced. “He’s agreed to give you all officer ranks among the Imperial Knights. From now on, you’re not just hunters—you’re part of the empire’s elite fighting force. Officially.”

A ripple of surprised laughter and cheers broke out among the group. Uriko, still clutching tightly to Terran’s arm, looked up at him with a playful smirk. She teased, “looks like you’re about to become an Imperial Knight after all."

Sadie also said, " “So, Little Man, moving up in the world.” 

Uriko said with wide smile, "A knight without armor, without a sword. Just… a knight in street clothes. Imagine that!”

Everyone chuckled at the thought. Terran, caught between embarrassment and amusement, shook his head with a grin. “Well, I guess I’ll have to get used to the idea. I suppose I’ll be the ‘Knight of Shadows’ or something.”

Vin giggled, leaning into him. “You’re already a hero to us, Honey. Nothing’s going to change that. Title or not.”

Reval and Poh exchanged amused glances. Even though it was handed title and rank due to family connections. They knew he was more than earned such nobility. 

Sadie, watching the banter with a warm smile, clapped her hands. “That’s the spirit, Little Man. We’ll make sure you’re recognized for your bravery, not just for your strength, but for your heart. Now, let’s get moving. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover before we reach Mokomo.”

The group of friends resumed their march, the camaraderie and laughter easing the tension of their dangerous mission ahead. 

 The fate of kingdoms and the secrets of the demons awaited them.