Chapter 24

The Great Hall of Melromarc Castle was a sensory explosion of wealth and excess. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over long oak tables groaning under the weight of roasted meats, exotic fruits, and rivers of fine wine. Nobles in velvet and silk mingled, their laughter echoing off the high stone walls.

It was a stark, sickening contrast to the blood-soaked ash and terrified villagers Maya had left behind just hours ago.

King Aultcray sat at the head table, his crown gleaming. To his right sat Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki, looking clean, bandaged, and thoroughly thoroughly pleased with themselves. Myne sat close by, sipping from a jeweled goblet.

Maya stood near the foot of the high table, wearing a simple but elegant dress provided by the castle staff. Her Gauntlet was safely in its default silver form. Hidden perfectly within the shadow of her flowing skirt, Onyx slept soundly.

"Silence in the hall!" the Royal Herald bellowed, striking a heavy staff against the stone floor.

The music ceased, and the nobles turned their attention to the throne. King Aultcray stood, raising a golden goblet.

"Tonight, we celebrate the salvation of Melromarc!" the King’s voice boomed. "The first Wave of Calamity has broken against the unyielding strength of our summoned Heroes! To the Sword, the Spear, and the Bow—who engaged the nightmare beast and secured our future—we offer our deepest gratitude!"

The hall erupted in applause. Motoyasu stood up, flashing a charming smile to the swooning noblewomen. Itsuki puffed out his chest, while Ren offered a cool, composed nod.

The King's eyes then shifted to Maya. There was a calculating edge to his gaze. The royal knights had reported back that the Gauntlet Hero had delivered the final, devastating blow to the Wave Boss.

"And to the Gauntlet Hero," the King continued, his tone slightly more measured. "Who bravely stepped into the fray to deliver the decisive strike. You have proven yourself a capable warrior, Maya Lin."

This was the critical moment. Maya could see Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki tense slightly. Their egos were fragile after the beating they took. If Maya bragged about her MVP status or how she had to literally order them around, she would make enemies of them all and paint herself as a massive threat to the King.

Maya stepped forward and dropped into a deep, flawless, and utterly submissive curtsy.

"You are far too generous, Your Majesty," Maya said, her voice soft, projecting the perfect image of a humble, star-struck maiden. She looked up, her dark eyes wide with manufactured awe. "I merely landed a lucky strike at the very end. I could never have done it without the incredible power of the other Heroes."

She turned to face the three boys, offering them a deeply respectful bow.

"If Sir Ren had not distracted the beast's terrible serpent head, I would have been devoured," Maya lied smoothly. "If Sir Itsuki had not blinded it with his brilliant archery, I would never have found the opening. And if Sir Motoyasu had not so bravely crippled its legs, the beast would have crushed me. The true glory belongs to them. I am merely their humble support."

The tension in the room instantly evaporated. Motoyasu’s chest puffed back out. Ren looked relieved. Itsuki smiled benevolently. The King relaxed back into his throne, his suspicion entirely assuaged. The Gauntlet wasn't a mastermind; she was just an overly modest girl who got lucky and knew her place.

"A noble sentiment, Gauntlet Hero," the King smiled warmly. "Humility is a virtue."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Maya said, keeping her head bowed. "But… if I may be so bold, I have one humble request to ask of the Crown's infinite mercy."

The hall grew quiet. "Speak," the King commanded.

"While we were fighting the great beast, the village of Lute was heavily besieged by the monster horde," Maya explained, her voice trembling just enough to sound on the verge of tears. "The brave militia there fought with everything they had, but many were injured, and their walls were damaged. I humbly request that the Crown send relief funds to rebuild their homes, and royal healers to treat the wounded."

King Aultcray frowned slightly. Spending royal gold on a peasant farming village wasn't high on his priority list.

Maya anticipated the hesitation. She flawlessly executed her trap.

"Princess Myne worked so tirelessly to protect those people," Maya continued, turning her teary, admiring gaze toward the red-haired spy. "She stood upon the walls, casting the most beautiful, powerful fire magic I have ever seen to keep the monsters at bay. It would be a profound tragedy if the people she so bravely fought to save were left to suffer after her heroic efforts. Please, Your Majesty. Honor the Princess's hard work."

The trap snapped shut.

Every noble in the room turned to look at Myne with expressions of awe and admiration. Myne’s eyes widened. She hadn't expected Maya to publicly credit her with saving the village. Her vanity flared like a supernova. She sat up straighter, adopting a look of profound, regal sorrow.

"It is true, Father," Myne spoke up, her voice ringing clear. "The people of Lute are dear to my heart. I fought desperately to shield them. It would bring me great joy to see them restored."

King Aultcray was completely cornered by his own daughter's ego and the watching nobles. He couldn't refuse without looking like a tyrant who didn't care about his daughter's "heroic" deeds.

"Very well!" the King declared, forcing a benevolent smile. "The Crown shall dispatch a caravan of supplies, silver, and our finest Church healers to Lute Village at first light! Let it be known that Melromarc cares for all its citizens!"

The nobles cheered. Myne beamed, soaking in the adoration. And Maya simply bowed her head again, hiding a cold, victorious smirk.

She had just manipulated the King into paying for Naofumi's mess, secured medical aid for the innocent civilians, massively boosted her own cover, and stroked Myne's ego so hard the spy was practically purring. It was a flawless victory.

The banquet raged on late into the night. Maya eventually excused herself, claiming exhaustion from the battle. Myne, completely swept up in the attention of the nobles praising her "defense of Lute," barely noticed her leave.

Maya walked through the quiet, torch-lit corridors of the castle, heading toward the guest wing. The adrenaline of the day was finally beginning to crash. The Wave was over, but a horrifying thought settled into her mind.

That was only the first one. She checked her status menu. The Dragon Era Hourglass timer had reset.

[Next Wave of Calamity: 30 Days, 14 Hours.]

Thirty days. The monsters were adapting. The Bosses were stronger than the games. And she was the only Hero actively trying to figure out the actual mechanics of this world, while the other three drank wine and believed their own hype.

As Maya entered her lavish guest room and locked the heavy oak door, Onyx slipped out of her shadow, shaking his midnight fur and letting out a soft, tired yawn.

Maya sat on the edge of the bed, her mind already turning toward the next month. She had the Queen's gold, she had Onyx, and she had her cover. But if the next Wave was exponentially harder, she needed more firepower. She needed intelligence.

Interactive Choice: The Strategy for the Second Wave

With a month on the clock until the next apocalypse, Maya must choose her primary focus for the upcoming weeks.