Chapter 171: Another TUNA coming up

Chapter 171: Another TUNA coming up Eren stepped out of the chamber, his mind clouded with exhaustion and the weight of what had just transpired. The cool stone corridor felt like a shock to his system after the intensity of the ritual. He paused momentarily, steadying himself against the doorframe, trying to center his thoughts and prepare for whatever awaited him next. The same two guards from before stood at attention outside the chamber. As soon as they saw him emerge, their faces lit up with the same mixture of respect and admiration he’d seen earlier. They straightened immediately, their postures becoming even more formal than before. "Veilwalker!" the taller guard exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "Another successful completion! Word has already reached us about your incredible performance. The entire fortress is buzzing with talk of your extraordinary abilities." The shorter guard nodded vigorously, his eyes shining with something approaching reverence. "We’ve never seen anything like it, Veilwalker. The way you handle these rituals... it’s legendary. The Master will be so pleased with your continued success." Eren’s brow furrowed slightly. The guards’ enthusiasm felt almost overwhelming, their praise ringing in his ears like a constant reminder of his situation. ’They act like I’m some kind of champion,’ he thought, ’but I’m still essentially a prisoner here, performing these rituals to keep my family safe.’ "The Master requests your immediate presence," the taller guard continued, gesturing down the corridor. "She’s waiting for you in her chamber, along with your honored guests. They’re all eager to hear about your latest achievement." As they began walking, the shorter guard fell into step beside him. "If I may say so, Veilwalker, the transformation in the participants after your rituals is remarkable. They speak of you with such gratitude and admiration. It’s clear that what you’re doing here has profound meaning." They moved through the same winding corridors as before, past the ornate pillars and tapestries depicting ancient victories. The torchlight cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an almost hypnotic atmosphere as they walked. "The Master has been in excellent spirits since your arrival," the taller guard mentioned as they turned a corner. "She’s been telling everyone about your incredible potential and how fortunate we are to have someone of your caliber here. Your family should be very proud." Eren walked in relative silence, processing the guards’ words. Their genuine admiration was unsettling in its sincerity. These weren’t people putting on an act – they truly believed in whatever purpose Kiada had convinced them he was serving. "Your reputation continues to grow with each successful ritual," the shorter guard added. "The other warriors in the fortress speak of you with such respect. They say you possess a rare gift, something that could change the very nature of what we’re capable of achieving here." They descended the familiar flight of stairs, the temperature dropping as they moved deeper into the fortress. The elaborate stone carvings seemed to watch their passage, silent witnesses to countless similar journeys. "The Master has been preparing something special for you," the taller guard said, his voice taking on a more mysterious tone. "She’s been working on arrangements for your final ritual. She seems very excited about the possibilities." Another turn brought them down the long corridor lined with suits of armor. Each piece seemed to gleam with renewed significance, as if Eren’s presence somehow elevated their importance. "We’ve heard rumors about who your next partner will be," the shorter guard said, his voice dropping to a more confidential tone. "Number Two is... well, she’s quite remarkable. The Master’s most trusted, most skilled. If the rumors are true, this final ritual could be something truly extraordinary." They reached the massive double doors carved with intricate designs. The guards pushed them open with the same ceremonial flourish as before, clearly proud to be presenting the successful Veilwalker once again. "After you, Veilwalker," they said in unison, bowing deeply. "May your continued success bring honor to us all." Eren stepped through the doorway and immediately felt the same mix of relief and confusion wash over him. There, in the same elegant seating arrangement, were his mother, Commander Lyra, Naia, and the other warriors from his mother’s guard. They all looked up as he entered, their faces breaking into genuine smiles. "Ah, there’s our champion!" Kiada’s voice rang out warmly from her throne. She rose gracefully, her arms spread wide in a gesture of celebration. "Excellent work, my dear Veilwalker. Simply excellent. I’ve just received word that the ritual was a complete success. You continue to exceed even my highest expectations." The assembled group began to applaud, a warm, genuine sound that filled the chamber. His mother clapped with quiet dignity, while Lyra and the other warriors showed their approval with more enthusiasm. Even Naia was clapping, though her expression remained more reserved. "Truly remarkable," Kiada continued, her voice filled with pride. "Your abilities seem to grow stronger with each ritual. The reports I’m receiving are nothing short of extraordinary. You should be very proud of what you’ve accomplished." Eren felt a complex mixture of emotions as he looked at his family and friends. They all appeared healthy and comfortable, their smiles genuine rather than forced. The relief of seeing them safe once again was overwhelming. "Please, come sit with your family," Kiada said, gesturing toward an empty chair that had been placed near the group. "I’m sure they’re eager to hear about your experiences, and you deserve to rest after such an intense ritual." As Eren moved toward the chair, his mother reached out and squeezed his hand. "We heard you did wonderfully," she said, her voice filled with maternal pride. "Kiada has been telling us about the importance of what you’re doing here. We’re so proud of you." Eren settled into the chair, looking around at the familiar faces. "Are you all alright?" he asked, his voice carrying genuine concern. "Has anyone hurt you? Are you being treated well?" "We’re fine, Eren," Lyra assured him, her tone steady and confident. "Better than fine, actually. Kiada has been an excellent host. We have comfortable quarters, good food, and we’re treated with respect. No one has laid a hand on us." Naia nodded in agreement. "It’s been... surprisingly pleasant, actually. Kiada has been very kind to us. She’s shared stories about your achievements here, and we’ve been able to see how important this work is to her. We’re doing well, truly." His mother leaned forward slightly. "The accommodations are quite comfortable, and the food is excellent. Kiada has been nothing but gracious to us. We’ve been able to spend time together, sharing stories and supporting each other. You don’t need to worry about us." The other warriors murmured their agreement, their expressions calm and assured. Eren felt another wave of relief wash over him, though the strangeness of the situation still nagged at him. "I’m so pleased to hear that your family is settling in well," Kiada said, her voice warm with genuine satisfaction. "Family bonds are so important, and I believe that having them here, safe and comfortable, allows you to focus completely on your important work." She moved closer to the group, her demeanor remaining gracious and welcoming. "Your mother has been sharing the most wonderful stories about your childhood, your training, your development into the remarkable young man you’ve become. It’s clear that you were raised with strong values and a deep sense of responsibility." Kiada paused, her expression becoming more serious though still kind. "Which brings me to something important I need to discuss with you, Veilwalker. You’ve completed two successful rituals now, each one more impressive than the last. Your growth, your mastery of these complex procedures, has been truly remarkable to witness." She clasped her hands together, her eyes meeting his directly. "I believe you’re ready for the final ritual. The most important one. With my Number Two." The chamber fell silent for a moment, the weight of her words settling over everyone present. Eren felt his heart rate increase, knowing that this moment had been inevitable but still feeling unprepared for its arrival. "Number Two is my most trusted associate," Kiada continued, her voice taking on a more reverent tone. "She’s been with me for years, through countless challenges and victories. She’s skilled, intelligent, and absolutely devoted to our cause. She represents the culmination of everything we’ve been working toward." Eren’s mother squeezed his hand again, offering silent support. The other members of his family watched with expressions of encouragement mixed with concern. "This final ritual," Kiada said, her voice growing more intense, "will be the most challenging yet. It will require everything you’ve learned, all the skills you’ve developed, and every ounce of your considerable abilities. But I have complete confidence in you, Veilwalker. You’ve proven yourself capable of incredible things." She moved back toward her throne, her movements graceful and confident. "The ritual will take place tomorrow. Tonight, I want you to rest, to spend time with your family, to prepare yourself mentally and physically for what lies ahead. This is your moment to truly shine, to show the full extent of your remarkable gifts." Eren looked around at his family, seeing the mixture of pride and worry in their eyes. He thought about everything that had led to this moment – the capture, the first ritual, the growing expectations, the strange dynamic of being treated as a hero while essentially being held captive. ’I have to get through this somehow,’ he thought, his resolve strengthening. ’Whatever this final ritual entails, whatever Number Two expects from me, I have to succeed. My family’s safety depends on it, and maybe, just maybe, completing this will finally give us a chance to find a way out of this situation.’ He nodded to Kiada, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his mind. "I understand. I’ll be ready." "Excellent," Kiada replied, her smile bright and genuine. "I knew you would be. Tomorrow, you’ll complete your destiny as the Veilwalker. Tonight, enjoy this time with your loved ones. They’re here to support you, and their presence will give you the strength you need for what’s to come." As the conversation continued around him, Eren’s mind raced with possibilities and concerns. The final ritual loomed ahead, and with it, whatever fate awaited him and his family. But for now, surrounded by the people he loved most, he tried to find some measure of peace in the knowledge that they were safe. ’I’ll get through this somehow,’ he thought again, the words becoming a mantra of determination. ’Whatever it takes, I’ll protect them and find a way to end this.’