Streets overflowed with cheering crowds, laughter echoing between towering buildings as banners and flags waved overhead. Vendors lined the roads, selling trinkets and souvenirs commemorating the victory, posters, toys, and banners bearing the faces of the fallen Zoner Knights and the shattered El Bacteria.
Massive holographic balloons drifted above the city, displaying the image of King Mr. Green and the triumphant face of Venku.
People flooded the streets wearing shirts stamped with Venku's likeness. Children waved flags. Merchants shouted over one another, advertising limited-edition figurines and collector cards.
In the center of it all, Venku walked forward.
Flanked by guards, he moved through the crowd as cheers erupted around him.
"Venku! Over here!"
"How does it feel to be the last Elda Knight?"
"Did you really see them die?"
"Are you the strongest now?"
Voices overlapped, cameras flashed, hands reached toward him.
Venku said nothing.
The noise blurred into a dull hum as a sudden memory clawed its way into his mind, the moment France fell. The sound of steel. The smell of smoke. The silence afterward.
His expression hollowed, eyes unfocused as he walked.
He passed through the crowd and toward the gates of the Elda headquarters. Tall, armored sentries stepped aside, allowing him through.
Inside the Elda Knight facility, the atmosphere changed. The cheers faded, replaced by cold metallic silence.
A group of mechanical attendants approached him, their movements precise and emotionless.
"Congratulations on your fast recovery, Master Venku," one of them said. "I hope you have accepted that you are now the sole surviving Elda Knight. It will be your responsibility to select the next two successors."
Venku stopped, his footsteps echoing in the sterile hallway. He looked at the machine, his eyes heavy with exhaustion and a mix of emotions he couldn't quite place.
"Please," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, "just... let me rest."
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He made his way into his room, slamming the door open with a force that shook the walls. Inside, Amiyona was walking around the house, wearing nothing but one of his t-shirts, dancing to twenty-first-century Japanese rock music blasting from the speakers. The bed was a chaotic mess of high-end brand clothes, and the floor was littered with hundreds of shoes. On the dresser, an array of gold chains, bracelets, and hats sparkled under the harsh lights.
The music stopped abruptly as Amiyona turned to face him, her eyes lighting up with a mischievous glint. "Oh my hero is finally home," she purred, sauntering over to him. "You won't believe all the shopping I did. Your money is like infinite."
Venku, driven by a mix of aggression and desire, rushed over to her, shocking her with his intensity. He kissed her aggressively, his hands roaming over her body. Amiyona gave a sinister grin, her lips curling into a smirk. "You missed me," she whispered against his mouth.
"I need you now," Venku growled, his voice hoarse with need.
Amiyona sank to her knees, her hands deftly unbuckling his belt. She took him into her mouth, her movements skilled and confident. Afterward, Venku fell back onto the floor, his body trembling with a mix of pleasure and exhaustion. Amiyona broke out in laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Geez, I know I'm good, but I didn't think I was that good to make an Elda Knight fall to his knees."
Venku sat on the floor, his body trembling with a mix of pleasure and exhaustion. His phone rang on the dresser, the caller ID flashing "Milly, 15 missed calls." Amiyona, still catching her breath, looked at him with a mix of concern and confusion. "You know, you're like the most famous man on the entire island. I can't believe I just blew off Venku the Elda Knight."
Venku began to weep, his shoulders shaking with sobs. Amiyona's expression turned from amusement to worry. "Ummm, are you okay?" she asked, her voice softer.
"Darn it, why, why did it have to end this way?" Venku choked out, his voice breaking.
Amiyona's eyes widened in surprise. "Baby, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.
"Because everything is a lie, all of it, what did they die for?" Venku said, his voice heavy with despair.
Amiyona looked at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. "All of what? I don't understand."
Venku stood up, his movements jerky and uncoordinated. "I have to go," he said, his voice firm despite the tears streaming down his face.
Amiyona grabbed his arm, her grip tight. "Go where? You just got here," she protested, her voice rising in pitch.
"I need you to stay here, don't go anywhere." Venku "I have to go see my superior, Elda Sephiss," Venku said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Amiyona's expression turned from concern to anger. "Venku, wait. I need you here with me and our possible future daughter or son," she pleaded, her voice breaking.
Venku looked at her, his eyes hard and unyielding. "Amiyona, remember our deal. You are just a womb to me to continue my legacy. In return, you get to live in this luxurious place that I pay for."
Amiyona's face contorted with disgust and anger. "Then if that is all I am, why keep fucking me? I'm not some booty call, go ask your stupid girlfriend," she snapped, her voice laced with bitterness.
Venku's expression softened for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "I can't do this right now," he said, his voice final.
With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Amiyona alone with her thoughts and her anger. Amiyona stormed out of the room, her eyes flashing with fury.