The grand throne room glowed under the brilliance of enchanted chandeliers. Rows of nobles whispered among themselves as Damian and his party entered, the heavy crimson carpet stretching endlessly toward the king's golden throne.
King Alden rose, his deep voice carrying authority that silenced the chamber.
King Alden:
"Damian. You stood when many would have fallen. You crushed the wyvern threat, and when the demon army came, you became our sword and shield. For this, the crown shall not turn away."
Damian knelt, his face calm, though his heart beat with a quiet anticipation. His AI whispered in his mind.
AI:
"Probability of receiving material reward: 80%. Probability of receiving title of nobility: 65%. Probability of being asked for lifelong service: 40%."
He smirked faintly. So, it's one of those paths.
The king descended the steps of the throne, holding in his hand a silvered medallion bearing the crest of a roaring lion with a star.
King Alden:
"From this day forth, by my decree, you shall hold the title of Baron of Asterion. Asterion, the frontier land bordering monster territory, has long been left untamed. Now, it shall be yours to govern, to cultivate, and to defend."
Gasps echoed through the hall. To grant such a land was both an honor and a trial.
Noble (whispering):
"Frontier Asterion? That barren, monster-infested wasteland?"
"Yet… if anyone could turn it into a jewel, it's him."
Damian's eyes narrowed slightly. He had no desire for prestige, but land meant freedom, and freedom meant creation.
Damian:
"…I accept. I will make Asterion thrive."
The king's eyes gleamed, satisfied.
At the banquet that followed, Damian felt the weight of countless stares—envy, curiosity, suspicion. Yet one gaze felt different.
Selena.
The merchant's daughter stood in a sapphire gown, her light blue hair shimmering like starlight. She approached him quietly, her voice soft but filled with conviction.
Selena:
"So… you're a lord now. Baron Damian of Asterion. It suits you more than anyone here."
Damian (with a faint grin):
"I'm no different than before. Just a man with a land full of problems to solve."
She chuckled softly, but her eyes lingered on him longer than before, filled with admiration that was quickly blooming into something else.
As the nobles danced and the music swelled, Damian excused himself to the balcony. The night sky stretched wide, stars glittering across the heavens. He clenched his fist, a quiet determination rising.
Damian (to himself):
"Asterion, huh? Then I'll build something the world has never seen before."
The AI responded, its tone calm yet charged with excitement.
AI:
"Prediction: High probability of success. Asterion may become… the foundation of your true path."