As Helena and Dalia got home late at night, they tiptoed carefully in order to not wake up all the sleeping children in the house.
Although it hadn't even been a year since they came to the capital while looking for justice for what had happened to them, they looked like completely different people.
For one thing, they weren't emaciated, at all, anymore. After all, before, they had had to scrounge for every morsel, meaning that their nutrition was severely lacking, which had led to them being scrawny and quite unhealthy.
With fuller cheeks, sturdier bones and filled-out bodies, there was already a massive change, but the main difference between who they were before and who they were now was in their eyes.
In their eyes…was the confidence of those who had made their way in the world and succeeded, but hadn't forgotten where they had come from.
There was no arrogance due to the fact that they now owned one of the largest garment manufacturing and import businesses in all of Angaria, or that they had so much money that they could literally roll in it.
No, Helena had never been the type to show off and gloat, and she had brought up her daughter in the same way. More than anything, this showed the value of upbringing, as Dalia was slowly growing to become a progressive woman with the right morals and goals.
They were known for three things, throughout the continent:
Never skimping on material, like many liked to do in order to save costs.
Never accepting more orders than they could handle, which meant that there was no occasion where they overpromised and underdelivered.
Always willing to listen to any complaints humbly, while also allowing refunds and exchanges with a smile, unlike the other haughty enterprises which had enjoyed monopolies for far too long.
In this age where large enterprises had gotten used to being the only source of certain things which meant that they could act how they wanted and still retain customers, these three ideals were so trailblazing and unique that they set apart H&D from any and all competition.
Of course, their popularity could also be attributed to the Olympics and the Network.
After the Olympics, there had been constant demand from all over the continent from those who wanted to be dressed in the same way as all the incredible Mages and Fighters who had performed deeds of amazing skill and power in front of them.
Apart from the trend of sporting bald heads which had begun due to the King, this was the one which captivated the people for a long time.
After that, constant advertisements over the Network using clever methods to not make them feel boring or repetitive had led to the name H&D almost becoming a household one. Add to that the fact that H&D had a wide range of products to offer from those costing a few Bronze Lans to even Enchanted clothes which cost dozens of Gold Lans, it was quickly becoming the go-to store for all kinds of people.
The most important thing was that this success hadn't gotten to Helena and Dalia's heads. Dalia still went to school, and Helena was still the warm woman who spoke politely with all those who worked with her. Yet, she had learned to be firm where it was needed, which had become a valuable skill for situations where someone tried to take advantage of her.
The first time this had had to be used was when the other seamstresses and embroideries of Lanthanor, who had come under her so as not to have their businesses closed by imported products, had tried to convince her that a little compromise on quality was fine, as their profits would grow considerably.
She had put her foot down there, which had communicated to them that she wasn't someone to be pushed around.
Eloise had actually been the happiest when she heard of this. She had wondered whether she would have to step in in such situations, but it was a pleasant surprise to find that the little family was talented both in embroidery and business.
Also, this was the investment which paid off most for the Bank. Since that time, Helena had already taken three additional loans of increasing amounts, each time, which had led to the Bank earning a lot, and even increasing its popularity as Helena was always grateful and told everyone who would listen that the Bank was one of the main reasons for their success, apart from the King, himself.
As for the mansion, she had been unwilling to leave the small house they had taken right after coming to Lanthanor city which had so many memories, but she had finally been convinced after their street kept getting crowded because too many people always came to see her.
Yet, the mansion had always felt empty with just them and the maids. That was when Dalia had gotten the bright idea that they should adopt orphans from the streets, who might be as hopeless as them when they had first come here.
And that…was what had led to this moment, where Helena had just tiptoed to the kitchen to find a letter waiting for her on the dining table.
Curious, she picked it up and saw that it was from Eloise, which made her hurriedly open it and see what was inside.
That was when she immediately took out a trinket and sent a message.
"Miss Eloise! Why didn't you just intimate me by trinket? I would have dropped everything in an instant!"
She heard a tinkling laugh from the other side, which made a smile light up on Helena's face. Even Dalia understood what was going on and came closer to hear her favorite elder sister's voice.
"I didn't want to disturb you two! Anyway, you must have seen the invitation. The King requested your presence personally. You two are the role models of the Kingdom, you know! And, he also wanted to speak to you about something. He has been busy with certain…projects, till now, but as he is relatively free at the moment, he is taking a hands-on approach to all the things that are valuable to Lanthanor. Oh, and he asked how little Dalia was doing."
That last sentence made the little girl, who was maturing into a stunning woman, blush profusely before she squeaked something about going to the bathroom and ran up the stairs.
This made Helena burst out laughing for a moment, before she answered, "Anything for the King, Miss. Eloise. You know that we will always remain indebted to you, too, and that man who changed our whole life."
"Good. Be there at the appointed time, then. And, oh, prepare to be awed."
…
Meanwhile, Daneel had instantly teleported away from the man after saying those words into his ears, as it would be really weird if he stayed in that position for even a second longer than necessary.
Right now, he was back on the Throne, while waiting for Raul to comprehend everything that had just happened and then make his decision.
Indeed, Raul was a bit slow on the uptake as he had no idea how someone, anyone, could amplify their spells by 5 times.
Besides that, the movement of the King which had been so fast as to look like teleportation was another skill which seemed unbeatable.
Add to that all the remarkable, inconceivable things he had seen from the King so far…and it resulted in a man whose mysteries were endless.
If anyone else on this continent had said that they would make it possible for him to kill a Hero, he would have scoffed at the notion and turned aside.
Yet, coming from this man…it almost seemed natural. As if he didn't even need to think much before giving the assurance.
He didn't need to think anymore. He had always been decisive, which was the reason why he had chosen to save those 10,000 people even though he had had only a split second of time.
With a thud, he kneeled on the ground with both legs, before bending his head.
Daneel had to say that he was pleased as he saw this. After the rejection from Joselyn, he had gotten prepared to face another one, which was why he had gone to the extent of making that statement physically, which would have the most effect.
Clearly, it had worked.
From all angles, right now, this decision felt great, but Daneel was also excited to see exactly what surprises this man would give him during his service.
He had no intention to savor the moment, so he just cast a spell to return the man to his feet before getting up and turning around.
"Good, come on. We have no time to lose. First, I have a temporary assignment for you. It's kind of beneath you, but I need you to do it, as my commanders are…let's say, busy with something. And, here, use this spell which will camouflage you from Heroes, too. Don't try to understand it, just practice and cast it. It will be taxing, but it's worth it until I find a better alternative. If you prove yourself to be worth it, I'll think about creating a trinket with the same effect."
Rattling off instructions and then even throwing a data trinket that behind him which Raul caught with a bewildered expression on his face, the King looking like a busy employer who had no time to give to his most recent acquisition.
Yet, Raul couldn't help but ask, "That's it? Oaths aren't that effective, but aren't you going to make me swear one, just in case?"
This made the King shrug and say, "I trust you, and you now know that the reason is that my power is absolute, at least, in regards to you."
This was the answer that Daneel gave, as he couldn't tell Raul that he had a subroutine running in the system which would detonate Drakos's nano bomb and kill Raul in the fraction of a second if it was necessary.
Raul shook his head and then sighed, knowing that this was true. Even though he knew that it was a good thing as it meant that he was that much more likely to achieve his goal, he still hadn't come to terms with it.
Soon, they reached a double metal door which was locked.
Flicking his fingers, the King removed the formations and opened the door, which resulted in Raul raising his eyebrows as he saw that this was actually a large cavern with a high ceiling in which over a hundred individuals were sparring and training.
In the corner was a row of…faucets, strangely, which were letting out a golden Energy instead of water. This Energy was being absorbed by those sitting under them, who had painful expressions on their faces.
Even though the color was different, Raul recognized it instantly.
"Isn't that…", he began, but he was halted by the King who raised a hand.
"Don't say it, and don't tell it to anyone. And don't ask me how I have so many."
Of course.
By this point, Raul realized that he shouldn't find it surprising that a King in the Central Continent somehow had a pile of Ker Gems which he was using to train all these people.
After a few moments, the two of them were on a raised pedestal, and as a few older people who were overseeing the training saw this and singled everyone to gather, the King spoke out loud in a booming voice which echoed throughout the cavern.
"Oh, you all don't need to gather. I just came here to introduce you all to someone."
Saying so, with everyone's attention on him, the King pointed a finger at Raul, who had taken on a different appearance- coincidentally, he had chosen one which made him look like a battle-hardened veteran with many scars on his face and body, which really fit in with what the King said next.
"Everyone, meet…your nightmare."
Huh?
Including Raul, everyone was puzzled.
But when the King made it clear, those in the room took in a deep breath.
"Let me explain. Domination Corps, and members of the Fists of Justice Training Hall who have joined me. From this day forth, this man's only duty is to make your life fell. You wake up to a punch from him in the gut. You eat breakfast while fending off magic arrows from him. You go to the bathroom while casting a fire spell to keep your arse and your other, oh so important parts from freezing and breaking away, as he will be creating a blizzard all around the bathrooms. Lunch and dinner will only be served after he is satisfied that he has shown you enough hell. Otherwise, hell is all you will have for all your meals. Hell, and that Golden Energy. Every time you are close to collapsing, or have already collapsed from exhaustion, you will be dumped below a faucet where you WILL absorb all the damn Energy you can. This will only end when I am satisfied that you are worthy of being called my personal corps. Have fun!"
Saying so, Daneel clapped Raul's shoulder once and smiled at his former college mates and teachers below, who looked like they were seeing the Devil incarnate, just like Rayen.
Without another word, Daneel teleported away and got to his quarters.
Here, he put away the smile and sighed.
He didn't want to put those people through all that, but he had no choice.
It was an open secret that a body would be able to absorb Energy and grow stronger faster the more it was strained.
Apparently, this was even more true with Her Gem Energy, which would have even more effects in such a state.
Yet, this method wasn't used because, historically, according to Drakos, as it placed too much strain, mentally.
Only, Daneel trusted all those people. If they could hear him now, they would definitely curse their luck for having earned his trust.
In this training, those who endured…would soon become Warriors. And the rest would be weeded out to make a weaker force.
It was regrettable but necessary.
Exhausted, Daneel flopped onto his bed, but it was almost like he could hear the screams from many kilometers below.