"As you all know," began Hawthorn, hovering just above the chandelier with a flourish of wings. His small voice somehow rang through the chattering hall, commanding silence with uncanny presence. "The Knighting Ceremony was established by the mighty Elhyr five centuries ago to honor individuals who played a significant role in protecting our people.
"Since its inception, the Phoenix has knighted many great warriors and sages, men and women of valor," he continued, a wide smile lighting his face. "And tonight… shall be no different."
Gasps followed as Hawthorn soared in a glittering arc, drawing every gaze. He flitted down to the grand stage. "Would the Sun do the honors?" the fairy asked, eyes glinting as he looked toward the high table.
"With pleasure," Clyde smirked. The Supreme raised his glowing hands, pulsing with condensed mana.
CRACK.
A wave of magic surged. Even Leo blinked in astonishment, unable to look away from what unfolded. The once-plain wooden floor had transformed into radiant gold. At the center of the stage, a magnificent illusory phoenix stood—wings spread wide, poised as if to take flight.
More spells whispered from Clyde's lips, weaving around the hall. In a ripple of light, eight figures shimmered into place beside the stage beneath the hovering fairy.
From right to left stood: Queen Flowyria of Elyria, King Ronald of Magnitia, King Redbeard of Klaustia, Queen Tulip of Florisia, and four dignitaries representing each Order of the Phoenix—Claw Cassandra, Supreme Clyde, Lead Forger Klaus, and the cloud-eyed seer from the Moon.
Queen Flowyria stepped forward, a golden scroll unfurling in her hand. "The following individual shall please step forward," she announced. Her voice was regal, unhurried.
"Hamilton Elhyrias of the Sun."
Thunderous applause erupted. Clad in golden robes, Hamilton rose from his table with visible disbelief. He waved politely as he walked, his eyes flicking around the hall before ascending the stairs.
Me? A Knight of Valor?
Even as he knelt before the elven queen, the realization refused to settle. Most god-rank mages were prideful, arrogant, viewing honors as birthrights rather than recognition. But Hamilton was different. Even now, a part of him wondered if he truly deserved it.
Queen Flowyria waited for silence before speaking again. "On behalf of the Phoenix and the four united races, I, Queen Flowyria the First, proclaim you—Sir Hamilton of Valor."
"It is an honor to serve," he said, bowing his head. The moment of formal knighting was close.
From behind the golden curtains, a group of masked individuals emerged. Leo's eyes narrowed as he read their mana. They were elves—but their signatures felt... off. Subtle. Ancient.
"They're acolytes from the Moon," Emelda whispered beside him, catching his look.
"Acolytes?" Bethran leaned in, intrigued. "What's that they're holding?"
Emelda peered closer, noticing the golden cloths concealing each item. "I've forgotten the term," she murmured, tapping her chin.
"They're gifts," Leo said flatly. "Each Knights receive .. Bethran started
"Each knight and lady receives two items? he corrected himself mindful of Emelda's scolding glare.
"The one to the left is holding the Demon Slayer sword," Leo added without thinking somehow answering Bethran's question.
Emelda turned sharply. "How'd you know that?"
Bethran raised a brow.
"Innocent guess," Leo muttered, instantly berating himself. Too careless.
They let it go—for now—turning their attention back to the stage.
Queen Flowyria faced one of the acolytes, who bowed and presented the item. She took it with great care, revealing the first gift as she drew back the golden cloth.
The crowd roared.
"I never thought I'd see it with my own eyes." A young nobleman wiped at a tear, overwhelmed.
Next to him, a dwarf snorted. "All I see is work."
"Hm?" The noble blinked in confusion.
"I'm from the Twilight," the dwarf said with a shrug. "We spend every damned day polishing and maintaining that sword."
He chuckled. "Sometimes I think that piece of metal's more idol than weapon."
"That's understandable," the noble replied, adjusting his monocle. "That blade is part of the reason we're sitting here, safe and whole."
The dwarf grunted but said no more.
Back on stage, Queen Flowyria held the greatsword aloft—its blade shimmering a radiant blue. Her fingers wrapped around its golden hilt.
"It's pure Antium," Leo whispered, awe-struck. "No iron blend?"
"Apparently not," Bethran grinned.
"Do you swear to protect those who look to you for protection?" Flowyria's voice rang through the silence.
"I do," Hamilton said firmly.
"Then take the Valor Oath—and remember, there is no turning back."
She tapped the flat of the blade on his shoulder.
Hamilton took a deep breath. His chest swelled, voice booming as he channeled mana through every word.
"I swear in the name of the Phoenix and the Four Great Races,
That I will become a sword for the swordless,
A protector for the defenseless,
And a shield for those who have none.
If I break this oath, may all accounts of my valor
Be washed from the annals of time."
Queen Flowyria's smile was rare, proud. "It is done," she said.
Raising the greatsword high, she proclaimed, "In the name of the Phoenix, I present to you all—Sir Hamilton of Valor!"
"May he serve well!" the hall thundered. The ovation shook the very foundations of the castle.
"We now present you with a token of the people's gratitude," the Queen said, receiving the second item from another acolyte.
"May this scepter guide your mana to a path forever true and honorable."
As she pulled away the cloth, a scepter blazed into view—so radiant it momentarily blinded all who looked upon it. Its brilliance pulsed like a miniature sun.
Hamilton accepted the gift, bowing low. Raising it high once more, he was met with a standing ovation.
"I promise to wield it well," he said, smiling toward the four royals and Phoenix elders who applauded him with genuine pride.