Chapter 9: The Summons

The Hidden Sovereign: Beyond Fate

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Adventurers' Guild infirmary.

Abster slowly opened his eyes.

"...Where am I?"

"You finally woke up."

Lyra sat beside the bed, a relieved smile on her face.

"You've been unconscious for three days."

"Three days?"

Abster sat up too quickly and winced.

His body still felt heavy, as though every muscle had been drained of strength.

Lyra handed him a cup of water.

"You scared everyone."

Abster took a sip.

"The battle..."

"The village is safe," Lyra replied. "Thanks to you."

Abster looked out the window.

"I don't remember much after that."

Lyra hesitated.

"You... changed."

"What do you mean?"

"There was a strange aura around you. Even the monsters stopped attacking."

She lowered her voice.

"And General Gruk... he knelt."

Abster frowned.

"I don't know how I did it."

For the first time, he realized something unsettling.

The power inside him wasn't just strong.

It was something he couldn't control.

---

A knock came at the door.

Guild Master Helena Frost entered, followed by Garrick Thorn.

"Good. You're awake."

Helena's usual calm expression was gone.

She looked unusually serious.

"The royal palace has sent for you."

"The... palace?"

Garrick nodded.

"The King wants to meet the adventurer who saved Eastwood Village."

Abster sighed.

"I was hoping for a quiet life."

Garrick chuckled.

"I don't think that's possible anymore."

---

An hour later...

A royal carriage waited outside the guild.

Its white-and-gold crest marked it as belonging to the Kingdom of Valoria.

Inside the carriage, Abster sat across from Helena.

As the city passed by outside, he asked,

"Why would the King want to see me?"

Helena answered honestly.

"Probably to thank you."

She paused.

"...Or to investigate you."

Abster gave a small smile.

"I was afraid you'd say that."

---

The Royal Palace stood atop a hill overlooking the capital.

Its marble walls gleamed beneath the afternoon sun.

Royal knights lined the entrance.

As Abster stepped out of the carriage, dozens of eyes turned toward him.

"So that's him..."

"The F-Rank adventurer?"

"The one who stopped the stampede?"

Some whispered with admiration.

Others with suspicion.

---

Inside the throne room...

King Aldric Solaris sat upon a magnificent golden throne.

Beside him stood Queen Elara Solaris.

Near one of the pillars was Princess Elena Solaris, quietly observing the newcomer.

Abster bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty."

King Aldric smiled warmly.

"Rise, Abster."

"I've heard much about your courage."

"You saved one of my villages."

"For that, Valoria owes you its gratitude."

Abster shook his head.

"I only did what anyone should."

The King's smile widened.

"A humble man."

"Rare these days."

Before anyone could continue—

The massive doors burst open.

A young knight strode into the throne room without waiting for permission.

Silver armor reflected the sunlight.

His expression was proud.

"Father."

It was Prince Lucien Solaris.

His eyes immediately settled on Abster.

"So..."

"You're the adventurer everyone's talking about."

There was no warmth in his voice.

Only doubt.

"I don't believe the rumors."

Abster remained calm.

"I'm not asking you to."

Lucien smirked.

"Good."

"Then prove your worth."

The room fell silent.

King Aldric frowned.

"Lucien."

But the prince continued.

"I challenge you to a duel."

Gasps echoed through the throne room.

Helena immediately stepped forward.

"Your Highness, Abster is still recovering from—"

"I accept."

Everyone turned toward Abster.

Lyra, who had been standing near the entrance, whispered,

"Abster..."

Abster looked directly at Prince Lucien.

"If this duel will settle your doubts..."

"...then I'll fight."

A small smile appeared on Lucien's face.

"Excellent."

He drew his sword.

"Tomorrow morning."

"The Royal Training Grounds."

Princess Elena watched the exchange in silence.

For the first time...

She became curious about the mysterious young man named Abster.

---

End of Chapter 9

New Character Spotlight

Prince Lucien Solaris – A proud and talented swordsman, heir to the throne of Valoria. He believes strength must be earned and is skeptical of the stories surrounding Abster.

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