The ceremony continued at length.

Names kept appearing on the crystal display, each one carrying its own story—some brief, some small, but all representing meaningful contributions to the battle.

With every new name, applause followed as the recipients stepped forward to receive their rewards and medals for their service.

Standing to the side, Mike looked at the vast number of people being honored.

"…That's a lot of people," Mike murmured under his breath.

Lily nodded beside him. "As it should be. Yesterday wasn't won by just a few."

"Besides," she added, "Lionheart City is huge. We probably only covered two or three percent of it."

Mike nodded in agreement.

The atmosphere remained solemn as everyone watched the heroes being rewarded.

Misty had gone quiet on Layala's back, her small hands gripping the cub's soft fur. Even she seemed to sense the mood, her earlier excitement replaced by quiet curiosity.

Layala, for her part, sat perfectly still—too still. Her ears twitched once as powerful auras flared near the stage, but her presence remained completely suppressed.

After a full hour, Arnold raised his hand and the crystal display dimmed.

"Now," he said, his voice carrying through the hall, "we will honor the visitors—those who came to Lionheart City merely to sightsee, yet still chose to stand and defend our home from the masked fanatics."

The crystal flared to life once more, names scrolling across its surface as Arnold began reading them aloud, one by one.

Then—

"Next," Arnold said clearly, "Mike Vester."

Hearing his name, Mike stepped forward and stood before the City Lord.

"Thank you, young man, for your service," Arnold said, placing a medal into Mike's hands. "This is not just symbolic. From now on, within Lionheart City, you will receive a ten percent discount on all sales and purchases."

Mike smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

Arnold looked at him with interest. "Now, have you decided on your skill reward?"

Mike nodded. "I'd like disguising and illusion-type skills."

Arnold nodded in approval. "Very well. You will receive them."

After that, it was Lily's turn.

She stepped forward with calm composure and received her own medal and rewards as well, standing beside Mike as other heroes continued to be called and honored one after another.

The ceremony moved on, the hall once again filled with respectful applause as Lionheart City acknowledged every hand that had helped protect it.

As the last few names were called and the final medals were awarded, Arnold returned to the center of the platform.

His expression softened, the solemn weight easing from his shoulders.

"Lionheart City thanks you," he said. "Every one of you."

Then a faint smile appeared.

"And now," Arnold continued, spreading his arms slightly, "we have prepared the finest delicacies our city has to offer. Please—enjoy yourselves as much as you like."

With that, the formal atmosphere loosened.

Music swelled through the hall, changing from a restrained ceremonial tone to something lighter and festive. Servants moved quickly between the tables, uncovering new dishes and refilling drinks. Conversations sparked up everywhere at once, the hall slowly transforming into a true celebration.

Misty perked up almost instantly.

"Brother! Food!" she said, pointing enthusiastically as Layala let out a soft huff and began padding toward the tables.

Mike laughed quietly. "Alright, alright."

He was halfway through loading another plate when a hand grabbed his sleeve.

"Hey."

He turned to see Lily standing there, one eyebrow raised, her other hand already tugging him away from the food.

"You've eaten enough," she said. "Dance with me."

Mike blinked. "Dance?"

Before he could protest, Lily pulled him toward the center of the hall, where couples had already begun moving to the music.

"I'm bad at this," Mike muttered.

"Who cares," Lily replied, placing one hand on his shoulder.

Reluctantly, Mike followed her lead. His movements were stiff at first, awkward compared to Lily's smooth steps, but she adjusted easily, guiding him without making a big deal out of it.

After a few moments, the awkwardness faded, and Mike found himself actually enjoying it.

Pity there's no club-style music here, he thought. That would've been way better—wild dancing, no rules.

Still, he kept dancing with Lily, matching her steps more naturally now. The music was slower, but the atmosphere made up for it.

Around them, other couples joined in as well.

Their parents weren't far away, laughing and dancing together, the tension of the previous day finally melting off their faces.

Meanwhile, Misty had wandered off and quickly found a group of kids around her age.

At some point, someone summoned a pet.

Then another.

"My Leo is better"

"NO, My Layala is better"

Among the many kids, another had a Lion cub thus Misty and he begun to fight whose Lion cub is better.

And before anyone could stop it—

It turned into a full-on Pokémon-style battle.

"Go! Bite him!" one kid shouted.

"Layala, don't lose!" Misty cheered, pointing at the red fur cub.

Layala, now in her cute cub form, gently swatted another child's summoned creature with her paw, sending it rolling across the floor—harmlessly, thanks to the safety barriers the hall automatically deployed.

The crowd nearby burst into laughter.

"Look at them go!"

"That white cub is pretty strong!"

"Come on, Leo! You can't lose!" a boy shouted. "Show that little girl who's the boss!"

The one yelling was Drake, another six-year-old, standing with his fists clenched as he cheered. Around him, adults gathered as well, amused as they watched the children command their pets with exaggerated seriousness.

The scarlet flame lion cub stepped forward, flames flickering faintly around its paws, and lunged at Layala.

Layala didn't move.

She casually raised one paw and stopped the attack mid-step, pressing the red cub gently—but firmly—into the floor.

The flame vanished instantly.

"…What?" someone muttered.

"That white cub is ridiculous."

"Is she even a cub?"

A few awakened leaned closer, curiosity lighting their eyes as they tried—and failed—to sense Layala's presence.

Misty puffed out her chest proudly. "See? Princess Layala is the strongest!"

Layala simply sat down afterward, tail swishing once, as if nothing worth mentioning had happened.

Mike, watching from a distance, found it strangely amusing.

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