[Nightmare]



"Weddings are the worst… I can't start this message with a threat." Tyrene's low, grumbling voice pierced the Alzerian skies.

A moment of silence ensued, followed by uproarious laughter from the Capital.

"But I suppose this wedding is special, so I wouldn't anyway."

Alzeria's citizens' and soldiers' minds went blank when they heard Tyrene's characteristic opening.

"How do I put this?" Tyrene hesitated. "Witnessing Helix's tireless devotion to Charlotte, Riley, and Marie… it gave my life a sense of purpose."

Her confession took many aback but couldn't help shedding tears for an inexplicable reason.

"It helped me understand why I dedicated my life to safeguarding others," she explained. "Perhaps he gave me words to express my aspirations. Or maybe witnessing his love illuminated the ideal I had always sought.

Helix's unwavering commitment to protecting them was the most genuine emotion I've ever encountered. Regardless of how many challenges I added to his routine, how many extra hours of training I assigned, or how formidable the foes I set before him were… his determination remained unshaken. It was constant."

All eyes were on Helix as he wept, and Marie, Charlotte, and Riley rushed to comfort him.

The Alzerian otakus experienced the rawest emotions they had ever felt, watching them together.

"Helix, I apologize." Tyrene sighed. "The day your partners arrived, I followed you to witness what motivated your fierce determination."

Marie, Charlotte, and Riley sobbed.

"The joy on their faces when you revealed the home we rented for you…" Tyrene caught her breath. "It made me comprehend why you'd risk your life every day."

Her words brought the emotions of everyone present to a crescendo.

"And the day I accepted Charlotte, Marie, and Riley as my apprentices…" she went on. "That day had an equal impact."

The four shared an awkward laugh, piquing the audience's curiosity.

"I take every student on a journey to teach them they're not invincible and can't always depend on magic," Tyrene clarified. "But that lesson never worked on you, did it, Helix? No matter how strong the opponent was, you'd lead them into a trap, pull out some deadly herb, or if all else failed, they'd swallow a half-cooked calamity spell."

Helix scratched his cheek awkwardly, and the crowd burst into euphoric laughter.

"For everyone else, confronting a Balken Bear 21 levels above the strongest individual is terrifying, and the lesson is easily learned…" Tyrene chuckled. "Unless they're with you. Then you ruin it for them, too"

His partners wept tears of happiness, embracing him tightly.

"Helix made a monster 12 levels above him seem like a confused kitten," Tyrene laughed. "He demonstrated he wouldn't let anyone so much as roar at his women."

Marie, Charlotte, and Riley giggled and nudged Helix playfully.

"Witnessing that, I realized that fleeing is pointless when loved ones are at stake," Tyrene expounded. "And seeing the radiant faces of my lovely apprentices set my heart ablaze. That night, I cried tears of joy."

Helix, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley cried alongside many audience members.

"Helix's ability to fight against extreme odds to protect those he loves drove me crazy," Tyrene continued. "Until today."

Astonishment swept through the crowd as they detected the emotional shift in Tyrene's voice. Helix, Marie, Charlotte, Riley, and Tilo were equally perplexed.

"I bet that boy used a Warpshire pelt to create some ostentatious, impractical attire, as always," Tyrene choked. "So you'll likely see him around in it."

A wave of surreal realization passed through the crowd as they grasped that the recording was made before Tyrene's will.

"If you do, understand it symbolizes his love for his wives and the day Helix Hellsgate Margrave saved General Tyrene Masney's life."

Shock reverberated through the Alzerian Capital, touching streets, stations, shops, barracks, and the Kozen military encampment. Every eye turned to Helix, who appeared just as bewildered.

"I'm recording this wedding address tonight because I made a grave mistake and nearly missed the chance to create one." Tyrene choked.

A somber hush fell over the Alzerian Capital.

"Teachers must protect their students and help them learn from their mistakes," she asserted. "Today, I failed in my research and almost cost him his life."

The turmoil in Helix's body language was undeniable. Charlotte hugged him immediately, followed by Marie and Riley. Eliza observed from afar with a heavy heart.

Tyrene recounted the story about the Warpshire leading up to the climax in detail, including the darkness, mapping, and challenges with leaving.

"Despite those odds, Helix Hellsgate Margrave confronted a third-evolution Warpshire Hellhound, equivalent to level 357, while he was only at level 70, without any senses – and triumphed." Tyrene declared. "That's the kind of miracle this kid can achieve."

Charlotte, Marie, and Riley panicked, realizing the extent to which he had downplayed the event.

"We were that close to death because of my incompetency…" Tyrene swallowed. "Yet, when we emerged alive…"

Her tone caused many to gulp or flinch.

"... he was relieved I was unharmed," she choked. "He saved both our lives from a hopeless situation I caused, and his first concern was for me!"

The sight of the Winter General crying sent shockwaves through the Capital.

"I wanted to scold him right then," Tyrene swallowed. "But the look on his face… It was the same expression he wore when he saved Marie, Charlotte, and Riley from the Balken Bear. He showed the same concern for me as for his now beautiful wives. After witnessing and experiencing it, I couldn't bring myself to reprimand him. So I just hugged the fool."

Helix dissolved into tears, and his wives gathered around him. He drew Riley into his lap for a hug while Marie and Charlotte hugged him from the sides. It was a heartwarming scene filled with potent emotions.

"It was a surreal experience for me," Tyrene chuckled. "After more than half a century of defending Alzeria, I remembered what it felt like to be protected."

General Masov and the other Alzerian military personnel choked up at her words.

For so long, everyone viewed her as the invincible guardian of Alzeria, never considering that she, too, might need protection.

"I finally grasped why my three beautiful apprentices would often burst into laughter, even after enduring 14 hours of relentless training," Tyrene smiled. "I sensed the sheer force behind that expression I witnessed when the four reunited.

It was among the most profound experiences of my life. So, I'm recording this message while its intensity still flows through me. I hope the emotions come across, helping you all to understand just how remarkable this young man is.

And to my lovely apprentices, I want you to know how genuinely elated I am for you. You deserve the best, and Helix Hellsgate Margrave is the finest the world has to offer."

Tyrene ended the connection with that, and thunderous applause erupted in the reception area.

It cascaded down the hill, reaching those who hadn't attended the ceremony.

From there, it surged through the city streets.

Guards on the towers began cheering.

Barracks and stations filled with military personnel joined in the applause.

Finally, those in the Kozen encampment unleashed exuberant war cries.

Their passion was unmatched, for Helix had saved their lives and country.

As the war cries from the encampment reached those on the wall, they added their own, causing the wave of cheering to return with even greater force.

Helix, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley embraced each other tightly.

The four received a standing ovation, their affection on full display.

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