Handing out the Rewards

…

Back in their rooms, servants arrived with racks of clothing. As champions, they were offered a choice of more than eighty sets from the capital’s finest stores. Garments as fine as those worn by high nobles, or even the crown itself.

They were even told they could each keep the outfit they picked, exciting Che by far the most.

The girls took their time choosing. The men didn’t care nearly as much: Han and Logan both settled on simple formal wear, while Joseph picked something practical but still smart, a blend of casual, formal, and sturdy enough to suit his build.

Once dressed, they passed the time in quiet anticipation until dinner, then were escorted by Cedrid to the palace.

The main hall was massive, larger than the arena itself, with rows of tables and food lined along the edges similar to the original pre-tournament ceremony. As champions, Fallenshade sat at the front, nearest the king.

Han sat politely, but Joseph piled multiple plates and immediately started collecting whatever caught his eye. The food was far better than anything he’d eaten since arriving in this world, full of new flavors yet oddly reminiscent of home.

Even the desserts and drinks were intricate, almost rivalling modern culinary standards. Yet filled with so many new and interesting ingredients that it was like a whole new universe of tastes.

He quickly realized he could eat far more than before, five times as much, at least, without feeling the slightest bit stuffed.

When he asked Han about it earlier, he’d been told it was normal: higher stats meant the body demanded more energy. Constant spirit and magic usage probably amplifies that even more.

For Joseph it was perfect. Eat more, lose weight, never worry about getting fat, and delight in flavors far beyond what he’d known at home.

By the time the guild master and Thalia entered, their table was buried under plates. Joseph wasn’t the only one who indulged himself with food, Che and Logan similarly joined in.

Han looked slightly embarrassed as his plate was relatively empty, but no one stopped them. After all, they were the champions.

Gradually the other guilds filed in, atmosphere shifting from formal to lively as masters and members mingled. Fallenshade received congratulations from several guilds, though the spotlight was firmly on Joseph and Han after their victories over the king’s children.

Joseph kept to himself, missing the comfort of earphones. Having so many people whispering and pointing was just annoying, he didn’t care but it ruined the atmosphere a bit, so he just ate and drank, ignoring them.

Two figures eventually approached. Both eyes locked on him, their gazes razor-sharp.

“Listen,” the louder said, voice rough. “Me and my brother might’ve lost this time… but next time, we’ll crush you.”

It was Berserker and Shielder, the shark-toothed twins Joseph had already destroyed in the guild competition. Shielder, still wrapped in bandages, tugged his brother away before it escalated, seemingly somewhat cautious of Joseph since the match.

Joseph didn’t even acknowledge them. While he didn’t mind them overall, he also didn’t think it was right to engage with them at the moment.

Not long after, the king arrived. The room hushed as he entered, flanked by Elara, his wives, and his three children. Unlike during the tournament, he kept the atmosphere casual, fitting for a banquet of young talents.

One by one, Guild Masters came forward with members to greet him. When it was Fallenshade’s turn, the Guild Master, Osric, took Han, Che, and Logan forward. Joseph remained seated, Tokko beside him.

He only wanted the prizes and to be done with the formalities. But when the others returned, they weren’t alone—the king, the prince, and the older princess walked with them.

“Well, hello there. You must be Joseph, the young man who bested my son Leopold. I am King Ignatius Silverstone. It’s my pleasure to meet such a talent.”

Joseph sighed inwardly, he really didn’t want to risk messing up formalities. He stood, kneeled on one leg, and recited the greeting he’d seen the others use. “Greetings, your grace. I am Joseph. It’s my pleasure to meet you.”

The king smiled, pleased and hurriedly put his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “Please, stand. I didn’t mean to interrupt your meal. Not everyone enjoys socializing, especially at your age.

My daughter Isadora is the same, every event is a battle with her. Sometimes it’s peaceful, and sometimes…”

“Father!” the princess snapped, face flaring red. Joseph glanced at her. She reminded him of Che—tsunderae through and through.

The king chuckled and let the matter go. For all his position, he treated talents with respect rather than as tools. It was one of the reasons he’d maintained such loyalty across his reign.

The prince stepped forward after. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t speak much in the arena, but I want you to know, I found you a remarkable opponent. I am Leopold. I hope we can become friends. Your strength… your creativity in battle… I deeply respect it.

It has taught me a lot on my own short comings and amazed me with how much of the world I still do not know.”

Joseph readied himself for another act, but Leopold stopped him. “Please, speak casually. As the winner, you’ve earned that much.”

“Well… thanks, I guess. The fight was fun. You definitely gave me the best challenge so far, and your light magic was… annoying.” Joseph said somewhat awkwardly. He tried to not sound rude, but he really hated the prince’s light magic.

Leopold smiled brightly, seemingly happy he made a deep impression on Joseph, just as Joseph has done to him. “Haha, thank you. I’ve trained with both magic and sword since childhood, and I’m proud of it.

Unfortunately, against you, it wasn’t enough. Even so, you’ve opened my eyes. My mind is clearer, my drive renewed. If there’s ever anything you need, let me know. This match gave me more than any reward could.”

Joseph raised an eyebrow. “If you really mean that, don’t regret it when I actually ask for something.”

“Haha, I won’t. Whatever I can give is nothing compared to what you’ve already given me. The drive to improve is invaluable and rare, it is something I have been struggling with for a little while now.” With a polite nod in reply from Joseph, Leopold returned to his family, and the banquet continued.

When dinner ended the king rose once more with servants, having piled up items and carts nearby. Then the rewards were handed out for the guild tournament:

· Special storage bags enchanted with complex special magic allowing them to hold many times their realistic size and weight, each filled with coin proportional to their placements.

· Dungeon passes. A pass that allows members of specific guilds access to royal owned dungeons. Structures created by the world itself which propagate monster spawns, creating an ideal, regenerating training ground filled with unique treasures.

· Finally special tax exemption notices. Reducing overall tax on income for the guild, and individual members tax on dungeon and monster goods.

· Then as a special bonus for Fallenshade, the royal builders would visit, fixing up the outside village and its mages would bolster the magical defenses, bringing it up to par with its competitors.

After Osric graciously accepted the rewards he bestowed a caring glance at Han, Joseph, and the others. The king rose once more. With solemn authority, he turned to announce the next stage of the rewards, setting the hall abuzz with anticipation.