The final trial was the hardest.
They climbed a black mountain that touched the stars.
At the peak stood a golden crown floating above a stone pedestal.
The Adventure Crown.
But there was a bridge.
Broken.
Only one person could cross safely.
Aria looked at him.
"You must go alone."
Leo stepped onto the fragile bridge.
Halfway across, the kingdom's voice returned:
"To rule is to give. What will you sacrifice?"
Suddenly, a vision appeared.
He could return home safely and forget everything.
Or…
He could stay and protect this world forever, never seeing his family again.
Leo's heart broke.
He thought about his mother.
About Riverfall.
About simple mornings and warm sunlight.
Then he looked at the jungle below.
At Aria.
At a world that needed protection.
He understood.
A true king does not seek adventure for fun.
He protects others from danger.
Leo stepped forward.
"I choose responsibility."
The bridge burned with light.
He grabbed the crown.