Chapter 973 Welcoming of the Hero
Alice felt her energy rising, focusing her concentration to carefully guide it. Sensing her strength gradually increasing, she could feel herself edging closer to the next level of power.
Simultaneously, the room grew colder as her ice element expanded, the elemental seed within her body growing more profound and emitting an intense elemental power. She was on the brink of attaining the next stage of her ice element mastery.
However, she soon reached the limits imposed by her shackles—the restrictive barriers of mortal potential. Unable to grow any stronger without breaking these shackles, Alice recognized that her only path to further strength lay in shattering these limitations.
Ohm!
Gathering her energy within her abdomen, she focused on sensing the great shackle—a formidable barrier far more challenging to overcome than a standard shackle. Indeed, some experts struggled to break it at all, remaining trapped in the third shackle for years on end.
"I still have enough energy," Alice thought to herself. Now that she had reached the limit of the third shackle, she was determined to break the fourth. With ample energy at her disposal, she knew she had to make the attempt.
The Great Breaking Iceborn Potion proved its effectiveness. As Alice focused her energy on the great shackle, an ethereal blizzard formed around it, gradually encasing it in ice.
Meanwhile, Souta observed Alice's efforts intently. He could see her energy surging as she attacked the great shackle, causing it to show signs of cracking.
Boom!
The energy emanating from Alice intensified, signaling her progress in breaking through the barrier.
"She's ready to tackle it," Souta muttered, witnessing Alice's determination.
Alice was on the brink of achieving the coveted SSS rank, making her the first SSS-ranked expert in Astros—a prerequisite for assuming the position of Grain Leader.
Boom!
A resounding echo filled the room, akin to the beating of a mighty heart. Had the room not been fortified by protective runes, Alice's breakthrough would have surely caused a significant disturbance. Indeed, an expert ascending to the SSS rank was a momentous occasion.
Crack!
A powerful force emanated outward, and Alice slowly opened her eyes, sensing the profound changes taking place within her. The barrier hindering her progression dissolved, clearing the path for her to advance to the next stage of elemental power.
"Congratulations!" Souta smiled warmly, genuinely happy for Alice's achievement.
"Thank you!" Alice replied gratefully, her expression reflecting her sense of accomplishment as she rose to her feet. Fragments of the shattered shackle littered the ground around her.
With a subtle gesture, Souta employed a touch of his gravity manipulation to gather and control the fragments. These remnants were symbolic of Alice's breakthrough, typical manifestations when an expert shattered a great shackle.
Souta possessed similar fragments in his storage back in Astros, acquired alongside the Legacy of the Serpent Bearer. They held various applications, from crafting sealing stones to concocting potions capable of impeding energy circulation. However, their creation was complex and demanding.
Turning to Alice, Souta inquired, "How do you feel?"
"It's a pleasant feeling. It's as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders," Alice replied, her expression reflecting the relief and newfound freedom she felt. She glanced down at her hands, observing the subtle changes in her energy, and added, "My energy still feels a bit unstable, but I believe I can manage it."
"Good," Souta acknowledged with a nod. "For now, focus on honing your dark element. You won't be able to utilize dual-element drive effectively if there's a significant gap between the levels of your elements."
"I understand," Alice affirmed, recognizing the importance of balancing her elemental abilities. While her ice element was nearing the Integration Stage, her dark element still required considerable development.
"As for your Dream Power, let it absorb nourishment for the time being," Souta advised, acknowledging the need for patience and gradual growth in her newfound ability.
Dream Power would undoubtedly prove invaluable in navigating the Dream Realm, but Alice's priority should be to further develop her elemental abilities. Nonetheless, having access to Dream Power provided her with a significant advantage, especially as they prepared for the upcoming events at Walpurgis.
Given that the witches residing in the Dream Realm likely possessed Dream Power, it was crucial for Alice to be equipped with this ability. The invitation to Walpurgis contained Dream Power, indicating that it would be a prevalent force at the event. As such, everyone needed to be prepared to contend with its influence.
...
Souta stood in front of a mirror, clad in the finely crafted attire provided by the Athen's Champion. The garments, made from high-quality materials, were a symbol of his esteemed status as a Grain Leader.
Today marked the closing of the Panathenaic Festival, culminating in a march where it was rumored that Goddess Athena herself would make an appearance.
Participation in the march was not limited to warriors; it was a tradition for ordinary people to join in as well, following behind the procession as it made its way through the Acropolis.
A gentle knock preceded a voice announcing, "Grain Leader Souta, the event will begin shortly."
"Understood, I'll be there," Souta acknowledged, giving one final adjustment to his attire and donning his hat before turning to leave.
As he stepped out, Souta surveyed the scene, noting the many warriors already assembled for the march. Grain Leader Carmel stood nearby, accompanied by another Grain Leader.
Carmel greeted Souta with a smile. "How are you, Grain Leader Souta?"
"I'm well," Souta replied, then turned his attention to the woman beside Carmel. "And who might this be?"
"Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is Grain Leader Kassy from the Second Set of our Pallas Division," Carmel explained, gesturing to the elegant woman beside him. He then turned to Souta and made the introduction.
Souta offered a warm smile and extended his hand in greeting to Grain Leader Kassy. She was a striking figure, tall with flowing black hair tied neatly in a bun. Her attire was simple yet refined, topped with a stylish hat.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Grain Leader Souta," Kassy greeted. "Your name has been circulating quite a bit within our legion. Even other legions are taking notice of your achievements."
"It's just part of my duty," Souta replied modestly, shaking his head.
As the sound of a horn reverberated throughout the area, signaling the start of the march, Carmel and Kassy prepared to depart, bidding Souta farewell.
With a wave, Souta watched them go, observing as they assumed their positions. The event had the air of a grand festive parade rather than a military march.
Turning his attention to the back of the line, Souta observed the gathered commoners, many of whom were eager to join the procession. Some carried statues and symbols representing the Goddess Athena, adding to the festive atmosphere.
"Souta!"
Souta turned at the familiar voice and saw Alice approaching. She was dressed in an attire similar to Kassy's, resembling a military uniform.
"It suits you," Souta remarked, extending his hand.
"There's nothing that doesn't suit me. My mother always said that to me in the past," Alice replied, linking her arm with Souta's.
"Let's go," Souta said.
With thousands of warriors in attendance, the parade commenced, winding its way through the Acropolis. Countless civilians lined the streets, watching and following the procession, while the rhythmic beat of drums filled the air.
The entire atmosphere buzzed with energy.
The Acropolis of Athens was vast, requiring three hours of walking for the parade to reach its final destination in front of the Palace Goddess. For the warriors, however, this journey was merely a stroll, and none of them showed signs of fatigue.
Dum! Dum!
The rhythmic drumbeats intensified as the procession approached the Palace Goddess, drawing the attention of countless spectators. A powerful choir began to sing, their voices resonating with the crowd and bestowing buffs upon all present.
Upon the platform stood two magnificent creatures, their gaze fixed upon the gathering. They were Ember Pegasus, horses wreathed in flames with majestic wings unfurled. These fifth-stage monsters added an aura of grandeur to the occasion.
In the next moment, a hushed anticipation swept through the crowd as a figure emerged from the towering doors of the Palace Goddess. Clad in flowing white garments, the figure was a vision of ethereal beauty, her chestnut-colored hair cascading around her snow-white skin. Atop her head sat a regal helm, accentuating her commanding presence, which permeated the air with an undeniable aura.
She was none other than the Patron God of the Athen's Champion, Goddess Athena.
Approaching the platform, a tall figure garbed in black attire strode forth. It was Agape Gataki, one of the Division Commanders of the Athen's Champion.
"PAY RESPECT TO OUR GODDESS!" Agape's voice boomed, echoing throughout the surroundings.
Everyone, including Souta and Alice, knelt on one knee in reverence to the goddess, maintaining a solemn silence as they listened intently to Agape's words.
"Today marks a momentous occasion! A day of reverence to our esteemed goddess! She who bestows favor upon the wise and valiant, granting them rightful renown! We extol your strength, we acclaim your name, and we offer gratitude for your boundless blessings! Goddess, we honor you in all things!"
As Agape paused, the warriors slowly rose to their feet, their eyes fixed ahead in rapt attention. Observing their response, Agape continued, "Today heralds a jubilant celebration! A reenactment of legendary heroics! We bear witness to the ascent of the courageous! Truly, a divine blessing upon us all!"
Souta's mind raced as he recognized the familiar cadence of Agape's words.
"Now, let us extend a hearty welcome to the hero of our tales, Grain Leader Souta!" Agape's proclamation resounded throughout the gathering.
Souta's head snapped up, his eyes wide with astonishment. Suddenly, everything fell into place—the cryptic remarks from Grain Leader Carmel, the anticipation in the air, and now, the unexpected spotlight cast upon him.
As he rose to his feet, the weight of realization settled upon him. Wasn't this the Welcoming of the Hero?
The realization struck him like a lightning bolt. Was he to be hailed as a hero already? It seemed too swift, too abrupt. He had anticipated embarking on two or three arduous missions before such an accolade would even be considered.
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