From the moment I was chosen by the holy relic

The light from the Heart Chakra Instrument was still flowing on the high platform. The first thing to fall was a beam of light interwoven with gold and red, which steadily converged in front of Eric.

A locked box appeared out of thin air and slowly opened, revealing a suit of armor lying quietly inside. The armor was entirely silver and black, with scale-like plates overlapping like dragon scales. In the center of the breastplate was a deep blue magic crystal, within which runes faintly moved, exuding a mysterious magical power.

King Iser descended the high platform steps, picked up the armor, and solemnly handed it to Eric: "Eric Bright, as a swordsman, you are brave but not reckless, resolute but not foolish. Your battle against three opponents proved that you are not afraid of powerful enemies and can remain clear-headed in the face of adversity. This armor is called Reflection, forged from meteorite iron from the North, and inscribed with anti-curse runes by seven sages of our nation. It can be guided through a magic circle to reflect a portion of the enemy's attack power back, making them suffer the consequences of their own actions."

Eric received the armor with both hands, his heart jolting. His palms touched the cold armor plates, yet he could feel a rhythm within, like the beating of a heart—not the coldness of metal, but the warmth of protection, heavy and carrying the king's trust and expectations.

He lowered his voice, his tone firm: "I will wear this armor and protect justice in the world."

Immediately afterwards, the heart chakra meter began to spin rapidly again, this time casting a light that was a mixture of milky white and emerald green, gently enveloping Leah.

A small, silvery-white box emerged from the void and slowly opened. Inside were no weapons, only a crystal-clear necklace: the links coiled and twisted like vines, with a teardrop-shaped crystal at its center, as clear as morning dew, seemingly containing a pure holy light that shimmered gently in the sunlight, both gentle and powerful.

The king took the necklace from the box, walked to Leah himself, and solemnly placed it around her neck: "Leah Lortheran, as a healer, you are compassionate and have saved others from dire straits many times. This treasure is called the Tear of Purification, which was forged by the late king for his queen, specifically to dispel plagues and the power of darkness."

He paused, his gaze softening with nostalgia and respect, and continued, "Wearing it will make your healing spells more effective at seeing the root of magical corruption, and you can also cast Purification Spells to cleanse the recipient of toxins, curses, or attached dark forces. Moreover, it can significantly enhance the purity and penetrating power of purification spells for a short period of time."

Leah subconsciously touched the crystal on her chest. A warm wave slowly flowed into her body from the necklace, quietly merging with the sacred magic she had cultivated over the years. It was as if she had found the piece of the puzzle that was meant for her, fitting perfectly.

She raised her head, her eyes resolute: "I will use it to save every soul corrupted by darkness. May the light of purity illuminate more people."

Finally, a deep blue-white beam of light suddenly descended, enveloping Eileen. Within the beam, stars seemed to flow slowly, accompanied by a voice that sounded like the whispers of ancient gods, both gentle and majestic.

At this moment, the entire square and the entire royal court fell silent, and even the sound of breathing seemed to become faint.

As the box lid slowly opened, the Holy Mark Stone—the legendary double-marked stone that had been lost for a long time—rose gently from within. It was teardrop-shaped, with rotating double markings inlaid on its surface: the outer ring was a silver-white magic sign, and the inner ring was a still, deep purple spell ring. Where the two overlapped, a layer of azure holy light shone through, and within the light, a whisper could be faintly heard—the sound of "taming" chaotic magic.

The king held up the crystal-clear, shimmering stone with interwoven gold and silver patterns in both hands—it resembled both a fragment of a star and the core of a rune inscribed by the Seal of Light—his expression solemn and dignified: "Eileen Sylph, this treasure is called the Sacred Rune Stone. It is a magical artifact passed down through generations of the Iser royal family. Only the most outstanding and resolute mages are qualified to possess it."

A low gasp rippled through the square, and even the old masters present couldn't help but turn their heads, their eyes filled with awe.

The king's gaze was steady, his voice booming, echoing through every corner of the square in the morning light: "This stone seals the mark of the former king, engraved with the highest-level sacred runes. It can guide and regulate the flow of magic within you, making it purer and more orderly. Those who possess it will experience a significant increase in the strength and purity of their orthodox magic, casting spells with greater clarity and stability, and imbuing their magic with authority. Furthermore, it can effectively suppress all dark magic in the world."

He gently placed the Holy Stone on a velvet cushion, which was then presented to Eileen by a waiter with both hands. His voice was low yet solemn: "May this stone accompany you on your demonic path, guide you, help you dispel confusion, and support you every step you take when you fall. May it become the most steadfast silence in your palm, witnessing all your unwavering choices."

Eileen bowed slightly and accepted the Holy Rune Stone. The moment her fingertips touched the stone, a calm holy light seeped into her palm, not intense, but gently touching that hidden, painful yet stubborn corner deep within her soul, like a ray of light, softly dispelling some of the gloom.

The king raised his hand again, and three rings appeared out of thin air—the silver base was engraved with blue patterns, and the center was inlaid with the coat of arms of the Iser royal family: a blue moon reflected on the calm lake surface, simple and solemn.

He personally placed the rings on the middle fingers of each of the three men's right hands, solemnly announcing, "These three rings symbolize that you have officially gained the recognition of the Kingdom of Ither. You are not only champions of the Thousand-Faced Illusion, but also friends of our esteemed King. From this day forward, with these rings, you may freely use all mansions, mage towers, and portals within the Kingdom of Ither, enjoy seven years of tax-free privileges, and be under the lifelong protection of our royal family."

Eric, Lia, and Irene knelt on one knee simultaneously, responding in unison, "We will obey Your Majesty's command and will never fail to live up to Your Majesty's rewards and trust!"

The square erupted in cheers. Flags and ribbons fluttered in the air, drums and music boomed deafeningly, and birds, startled, took flight. At that moment, the figures of the three were forever etched into the memory of this era.

As night fell, the stars cast their soft glow from the sky, and the lights of the royal city shone like a reversed Milky Way. The golden light on the palace flowed between the stone pillars and arches, like the gentle yet majestic gaze of the gods.

Inside the most magnificent domed hall of the palace, a long banquet table was laden with fragrant delicacies: golden-brown roasted pheasants, sweet and refreshing honey-infused star fruit wine, tender and plump seven-sea clams, and amber-colored spirits bubbling in dwarf-crafted jugs, their aromas irresistible. Nobles and scholars in their finest attire surrounded the banquet, while musicians played distant and solemn melodies, immersing the entire hall in an atmosphere of celebration and reverence.

Eric, Lia, and Eileen were seated in the honored seats below the throne, while the king sat on his gilded and jade-inlaid throne, his gaze warm yet sharp, occasionally glancing at the three of them.

Halfway through the banquet, the king raised his glass, signaling for silence. His gaze fell on Eileen, filled with inquiry and respect, as he slowly spoke: "Eileen, the Holy Rune Stone you have obtained is no ordinary treasure. Its origins can be traced back to our kingdom's founding king—Eranos. When the kingdom was first established, demons wreaked havoc on the borders, rendering much magic ineffective. Only this Holy Rune Stone, with its pure will of law, established order in the world and suppressed all heretical spells."

Eileen nodded gently, a thoughtful look in her eyes. She didn't say much, but simply lowered her head and stroked the sacred rune stone in her hand—this stone was silent and still, yet it seemed to contain the power of the entire universe. She knew in her heart that this was not just a reward, but a heavy entrustment of destiny.

"This treasure not only enhances a sorcerer's innate magical power," the king continued, "but also suppresses dark energy, purifies impure magical flows within the body, and makes the sorcerer's mind clearer. There was once a sorcerer who used this stone to meditate for a hundred days, and finally broke free from the corruption of the shadows and returned to the righteous path."

Eileen's expression shifted slightly. At that moment, she truly felt the Holy Rune Stone responding to some chaotic power within her, like a bright lamp illuminating the dark depths of her soul, allowing her long-tense mind to find some relief.

"Such a precious treasure," Eric murmured, holding his wine glass, "that His Majesty would actually bestow it upon us?"

"Anyone willing to use their own strength to protect all living beings," the king replied calmly, his tone full of sincerity, "naturally deserves the trust of our royal family."

He changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over Eric, Lia, and Eileen, his tone becoming solemn: "However, I have a question for you. Now that the trial of the illusion is over, and you have earned your own honors, what are your plans for the future? The gates of the Kingdom of Iser are always open to you. We are willing to establish special lectureships for you, award you the degree of High Mage, and also appoint you to formal official positions, allowing you to remain in the capital to serve."

Eric set down his wine glass, his eyes instantly becoming clear and resolute. He slowly rose and bowed to the king: "Your Majesty's kindness is as heavy as a mountain, and Eric is deeply grateful. However, Eileen has already located Kadir's hiding place, and we intend to set off immediately to track him down."

Before he could finish speaking, the king suddenly slammed his fist on the table, his voice booming like thunder throughout the hall: "Khadir? The dark warrior who slaughtered and burned down the entire town? You say you know where he is?"

Eric paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty."

The king's expression turned serious. After a moment of silence, he interrupted him in a deep voice: "You must not underestimate the enemy. That Qadir is no ordinary person; he is ruthless and powerful. I will send royal knights with you. The banner of justice must not fall in his hands."

Suddenly, Leah spoke up, her voice calm yet firm: "I want to go too."

Eric turned to look at her and saw that Leah's eyes were calm as water, but there was an unprecedented determination hidden in them, without the slightest hesitation.

"My friend died at the hands of Qadir," she said softly, her tone devoid of intense hatred but filled with a heavy sorrow. "If there is a chance to seek justice for them, I will never be absent."

Eric looked at her, overwhelmed with emotion. He had always known that Leah always healed others' pain with a smile, but kept her own suffering deep inside, never easily revealing it. Now, her willingness to step forward was more powerful than any words.