A few minutes later, Kael stood in front of a massive gilded door that led to the royal throne hall.
Yes, he was about to meet the King of this Kingdom.
The Pope had dragged him here, saying how the King wanted to meet him and how the King and the Hero were supposed to be on the same page and whatnot.
Since it was the King, the Head of this place, Kael couldn't deny it either.
Staring at the Grand Gates, Kael was overwhelmed. The Pope, wearing his golden white robes, placed a hand on Kael's shoulder.
"The King has awaited this moment for years. He sees you not only as our savior but as the hope of all Nerathis."
Hearing his words, Kael nodded, and a determined look appeared on his face as he mentally prepared himself to meet the King.
The doors opened up, revealing a grand throne hall that seemed like it was designed to make others awe at its majesty.
Massive columns carved with intertwining dragons spiraled toward the ceiling. The shimmering tiles caught the sunlight streaming in through tall stained glass windows.
At the far end of the room, seated on a crimson and gold throne, was the King,
The King rose as Kael entered, his purple eyes shining brightly with excitement. His purple hair gleamed under the golden light, and his imposing figure radiated both authority and warmth.
He descended the podium with practiced grace, his crimson cloak flowing behind him.
Alden's voice resonated throughout the hall.
"I welcome you to the heart of Drakthar. Your arrival is a blessing, a fulfillment of prophecy, and the dawn of a new era for our Kingdom."
'Who talks like that?
Has he memorized all this…? '
Kael couldn't help but wonder.
However, seeing that the King continued to stare at him, he realized that he was supposed to say something here.
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty."
That was the only thing he could think of.
His response made the nobles present in the throne room frown. The King, however, laughed out loud.
You don't need to be so nervous."
Then, he placed his hand over Kael's shoulder and said,
"You can calm down. Let us start with our introductions.
I am Alden Dragonborn, the King of the Great Drakthar Kingdom.
The King nodded as he stared at Kael.
Kael, once again, had no clue what he was supposed to say here, so he just repeated what he had done before.
His response seemed correct, as the King continued,
"I know you must be confused, being summoned to a world completely different from what you are familiar with. It must be quite overwhelming."
"Be at ease, Brave Hero.
Let me give you a brief description to help you familiarize yourself with this world."
Kael repeated. The King then started,
"The World of Nerathis is a land blessed by Lord Feraos, the Primal Beastlord, the Origin and Guardian of all Bonded Creatures.
It was through His Divine Will that the first Sacred Bonds between humans and the beasts of this world were formed.
These Bonds are the foundation of everything we hold dear."
The King stared at Kael and continued,
"In this world, we do not fight, live, or grow alone. We rise or fall together with the Bonded Creatures that Lord Feraos has gifted us.
These beings are not mere companions—they are our equals. Our partners.
Together, we build strength, wisdom, and prosperity.
Together, we plow fields, construct cities, and even wage war."
'In the end, I couldn't skip the Lore, huh…'
Kael sighed inwardly.
Of course, now that he knew he was going to stay in this world, he listened attentively.
The King leaned forward, his voice steady but passionate.
"Everything in Nerathis depends on these Bonds.
Our progress, our culture, our very survival—everything hinges on these Bonds. The stronger the beast you bond with, the higher you rise in this world.
Nobles are revered for the strength and rarity of their bonded creatures, while Marshals lead armies of beast-bound warriors.
Even our most sacred rites are carried out alongside our loyal companions.
In battle, a warrior who has forged a Bond with a mighty beast will always be unmatched.
Even if that warrior fights without their Bonded Companion at their side, the strength of their Bond makes him far superior to someone without a beast or with a weaker Bond."
'So a World of Beast Tamers...'
Kael noted in his head.
"It is said that the stronger the Bond, the closer we come to Lord Feraos' divine essence. Those who walk this path, nurturing their Bonds, become unparalleled.
As our Hero, you too, will walk on the same path.
You will form bonds with strong creatures, strengthen those bonds with time, and face your enemies together with your trusted bonds.
Of course, in this journey, we, the Drakthar Kingdom, will always be your allies and have your back.
Your Talent is still unknown, but that isn't a problem, with time…"
The King continued. Kael, however, could already summarize what he needed to know.
'So like Pokémon… but here, the Pokémon trainer grows stronger together with the Pokémon,
"Hero, I understand I am overwhelming you by divulging all of this to you the instant you arrived, but there is one final matter that I must share with you."
The King spoke after a solemn pause.
He straightened his back, his expression shifting from the warm enthusiasm of earlier to something heavier, more serious.
"It is regarding the true reason for your summoning."
The King spoke as he stared at Kael, and this time, Kael looked at him, mirroring the same solemnity. Of course, he didn't forget one last thing,
The words 'Yes, Your Majesty,' seemed to act like the 'Enter Button' in the games Kael had played before. Every time he pressed this button, the King continued.
Honestly, Kael was tempted to try and spam this button to see if the King would skip the Lore, but just thinking about how foolish he would look if he continued to shout 'Yes, Your Majesty,' again and again, he dropped the thought.
And who knew? The King might think that he was trying to dishonor him and throw him out, or worse, execute him.
Kael wasn't daring enough to try it out.