Perspective of Thaldrik Haildaleom
Usually, when a task or mission is given to someone by the King, it goes through the proper channels. There are layers of orders, passed down through advisors, commanders, or captains before it finally reaches someone like me. But this time, the order came directly from the King himself. That alone told me how important this mission was. The first piece of information I received was that I had to look after a group of young adventurers, along with a group who would be training them. That sounded simple enough, though odd.
However, when I looked deeper into it and received the full report of what this mission was about, things became much clearer, and much more serious. This wasn't just some small scouting mission or training exercise. This was about facing real danger. Monsters. Dungeons. Possibly corrupted cores. A mission of this level should be handled by veterans, not by a group of young and mostly inexperienced adventurers. I couldn't understand why the King chose them of all people.
If the King had asked me to go myself, to take charge and face the enemy on the frontlines, I would have agreed without hesitation. I may be older now, more of a leader than a fighter, but I still carry the strength and will to fight. But I can't go, and I know that well. My position as the head of Avelya and my duties in Avelya's highest military court do not allow me to act freely as I once did. Even so, there are many strong adventurers across Avelya. Many of them would volunteer to take on such a dangerous task. So again, I found myself asking: why these particular young ones?
I was ready to reject the whole idea. I was preparing my argument to present to the King and stop this group from heading into danger. But before I could act, they had already arrived in Eidera. The group was already here.
I met them soon after they arrived. The Grand Party, and The Rising Heroes. I already knew of The Grand Party. They had a solid reputation. Strong, skilled, and experienced. I had no doubts about their ability or commitment. But The Rising Heroes… they were a different case. They were still green, still learning. I saw them and, at first, I thought this was a mistake.
Still, I held back my judgment. I decided to observe them for a while before making a decision. I watched how they moved, how they behaved with one another. I also spoke to The Grand Party. I wanted to hear everything about what had happened in the Dungeon of Karcanis. They told me everything—the danger, the chaos, and how The Rising Heroes stood their ground. They did not run away. They did not break under pressure. They fought and survived.
That made me think. I can stop people who are weak. I can stop people who are not ready. But I cannot stop people who have a strong will. And in the eyes of The Rising Heroes, I saw something real—something firm. A deep will that refused to back down. That's not something I can ignore.
So, I decided not to interfere for now. I let them stay in Avelya and continue their training. Still, I had to be careful. I had some of my most trusted men keep an eye on them. I wanted daily updates on their progress. If I felt even the slightest doubt, I was ready to pull them out. I had already spoken to King Arthur about it. We made a deal. If I, at any point, believed they were not ready, then they would not be allowed to take part in the dungeon mission. Arthur, of course, couldn't argue. He knows he can't win a argument with me easily. But he had something else on his face, confidence. Complete confidence in the Rising Heroes. I found that odd, but he accepted the deal. Time would tell.
I waited. Every day I received reports about their progress. I read every word, searching for signs of weakness, signs of unpreparedness. I kept thinking, "Why put these young people in such danger?" I have always believed in nurturing young adventurers. We train them. We guide them. We help them grow strong at their own pace. In Avelya, we know danger too well. We've lost too many promising young lives because they were thrown into battles they weren't ready for. The pain of those losses stays with us. That's why veterans like me work hard to protect the younger generation. And yet, here I was, forced to watch this group walk into danger.
Then came the day we confirmed the presence of a dungeon that might have a corrupt core. That changed everything. We could not ignore it. A corrupt dungeon is not a simple threat, it may consume entire regions, destroy lives, and grow stronger the longer it's left unchecked. We had no idea as of what can the corrupted core do. We had no choice but to act.
When The Rising Heroes entered my chamber to report for the mission, I looked at them carefully. I had seen them before, but now something had changed. Their presence felt different. The air around them was heavier, stronger. Their eyes were not filled with fear or confusion. There was determination in their gaze. That kind of determination is rare.
I closed my eyes and thought deeply. I thought about all the young lives I've seen rise and fall. I thought about my duties, about Avelya, and about what was right. When I opened my eyes again, I knew what I had to do. I gave them my blessings. I wished them good luck on their mission. I told them what I could from the heart of a man who has seen too much.
And as they left the hall, I sat back down on the throne. I watched them go. I didn't say much after that. I could only wait now. Wait and hope that the path they walk does not break them. Hope that they come back stronger. Hope that the fire in their hearts doesn't fade.
Because no matter how powerful you are, it's the strength inside that keeps you moving forward. And in that moment, I saw that strength in The Rising Heroes.
Now all I can do… is wait.