Chapter 117 – The Sky Monarch
The knights bustled around the unconscious Manticore, sweating with effort. One of them shouted:
"Heave! Pull!"
Together, they managed to hoist the beast into a heavy caravan reinforced with magical chains. I calmly observed their efforts when a familiar voice called out to me.
"Jonady!"
I turned and saw Kaylen, followed by Nilyna. Both walked with confidence, flanked by their newly tamed Highbeasts. Kaylen approached, a grin on his face, and we exchanged a comradely fist bump.
"So, you made it, huh? I was starting to think I'd have to swoop in and save you," he joked.
I chuckled softly.
"Speak for yourself. Doesn't look like you suffered much either."
My gaze shifted to Nilyna.
"And Raelia? I thought you'd be with her."
Nilyna gave a mischievous smile, her eyes turning skyward.
I turned as well… and saw a majestic figure descending from the sky. Raelia and Sylena were perched on the back of a Gryphon. The immense creature landed gracefully, its talons brushing the ground with surprising delicacy. It let out a powerful cry:
"PRIIIIIIIIII!"
Raelia slid down and gently stroked its feathers.
"Shhh, calm down, big guy. It's all right now."
The Gryphon affectionately licked her, drawing a laugh from Raelia.
"Hahaha, stop... You're full of energy."
Then she tilted her head, thoughtful.
"What should I name you..."
She tapped her chin, then her eyes lit up.
"Oh, I know! From now on, your name is Fey. What do you think?"
The Gryphon spread its wings wide, as if to approve its new name.
I approached Raelia and Sylena.
"Are you two all right?"
Sylena smiled, a bit provocatively.
"Did you doubt us, perhaps?"
Raelia laughed, then turned to me, her expression more serious:
"Jonady, where are we going to keep all these Highbeasts? There won't be enough room in Regalia."
I nodded.
"Don't worry. I already spoke to Sienna about that possibility. She's designed a special enclosure where they can move freely without causing chaos."
Raelia nodded.
"I see. Well thought out."
Twenty minutes later, the caravaneers were organizing the columns for departure. The sun had begun to sink behind the ridges of Mount Lustfor, bathing the scene in golden light.
Standing before the assembled troops, I climbed onto a supply crate and addressed them.
"Soldiers of Ednia! Thanks to your courage and determination, we have conquered the summit of Mount Lustfor. This is a feat no one has achieved since the very founder of our kingdom, Roland of Ednia. I, Jonady Kaya, sovereign of this nation, am in your debt."
A wave of emotion rippled through the ranks.
"I will personally ensure that each of your names is recorded in the royal archives. So that future generations will remember you as pioneers, as heroes of our time."
The soldiers raised their arms to the sky.
"WOUAAAAAAAH! LONG LIVE HIS MAJESTY!"
Yes, they had fulfilled their duty.What those who took part in this expedition did not yet know, was that in the years to come, this event would give birth to a tradition: every heir to the throne of Ednia would be required to climb Mount Lustfor and tame their own Highbeast as a rite of passage.
As for Jonady Kaya, sovereign of Ednia, he would become known for riding a winged Manticore, soaring through the skies beside his companions. A visionary monarch, a protector, a ruler mounted on the creature of storms…
In the history books, he would be described as:
The Sky Monarch— flying on his mount, protecting the island kingdom of Ednia.
But that, of course it s another story.