Chapter 189: The Completion of TUNA

Chapter 189: The Completion of TUNA Eren stepped out of the chamber, his mind still processing everything that had transpired. The cool stone corridor felt like a welcome relief after the intensity of what he had just experienced. 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 an almost electric excitement that seemed far more intense than their previous encounters. They straightened immediately, their postures becoming rigid with anticipation. "Veilwalker!" the taller guard exclaimed, her voice trembling with barely contained enthusiasm. "The final ritual! You’ve completed the TUNA! Word has already reached the Master - she’s absolutely ecstatic about your success!" The shorter guard nodded vigorously, her eyes practically glowing with reverence. "We’ve never seen anything like it, Veilwalker. The energy that emanated from the chamber... it was extraordinary. The entire fortress is buzzing with news of your incredible achievement. You’ve truly become legendary among us." Eren’s brow furrowed slightly as he observed their intense reactions. There was something different about their enthusiasm this time - a raw excitement that seemed almost personal. ’They’re acting like they’ve witnessed something life-changing,’ he thought, noting how their hands trembled slightly and how they kept exchanging meaningful glances. "The Master demands your immediate presence," the taller guard continued, her voice taking on an urgent tone. "She’s waiting for you in her chamber, along with your honored family. Everyone is eager to celebrate your monumental success. This is a historic moment for our fortress." As they began walking, both guards flanked him more closely than before. Their movements seemed more animated, their steps lighter, as if they were barely containing their excitement about something beyond just his completion of the ritual. "If I may say so, Veilwalker," the shorter guard said, her voice dropping to a more confidential tone, "what you’ve accomplished today will be remembered for generations. The TUNA represents the pinnacle of our practices, and you’ve mastered it completely. The transformation in Number Two... it was visible even from outside the chamber." They moved through the familiar winding corridors, past the ornate pillars and tapestries. The torchlight seemed brighter somehow, casting dancing shadows that appeared to celebrate their passage. Other fortress inhabitants they passed stopped to bow deeply, their faces filled with awe and respect. "The Master has been preparing for this moment since your arrival," the taller guard mentioned as they turned a corner. "She’s spoken of little else but your potential to complete the TUNA successfully. Your family should know that you’ve achieved something truly remarkable - something that will elevate the status of everyone associated with you." Eren walked mostly in silence, processing the guards’ words while trying to understand the undercurrent of their excitement. Their admiration seemed genuine, but there was something else - an anticipation that went beyond mere professional respect. "Your reputation has now reached its zenith," the shorter guard added, her voice filled with something approaching worship. "The other warriors speak of you as if you were touched by destiny itself. What you’ve done today proves that you possess gifts that transcend normal human capabilities." 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 with renewed significance, as if Eren’s achievement had somehow changed the very atmosphere of the place. "The Master has been making special arrangements since receiving word of your success," the taller guard said, her voice taking on an even more mysterious tone. "She’s been quite... energetic in her preparations. I believe she has something very special planned for this celebration." Another turn brought them down the long corridor lined with suits of armor. Each piece seemed to gleam with reflected glory, as if Eren’s presence somehow elevated their importance. The guards’ excitement continued to build with each step. "We’ve heard that the celebration will be unlike anything the fortress has seen," the shorter guard said, her voice barely concealing her anticipation. "The Master has been speaking about reward systems and... special recognitions for those who have served faithfully during your time here." Eren noticed how both guards exchanged another meaningful look, their faces flushing slightly with what appeared to be eager anticipation. There was clearly something they knew that he didn’t, something that had them both barely able to contain their excitement. They reached the massive double doors carved with intricate designs. The guards pushed them open with even more ceremonial flourish than before, their movements sharp and precise, clearly proud to be presenting the successful completion of the TUNA. "After you, Veilwalker," they said in perfect unison, bowing so deeply it was almost prostration. "May your historic achievement bring honor and reward to us all." Eren stepped through the doorway and immediately felt a wave of celebratory energy wash over him. There, in the 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 the brightest smiles he’d seen since his arrival. "There he is!" Kiada’s voice rang out triumphantly from her throne. She rose with fluid grace, her arms spread wide in a gesture of pure celebration. "Our champion! Our Veilwalker! The master of the TUNA! Excellent work, my dear warrior. Simply magnificent! You have exceeded every expectation and achieved something truly historic." The assembled group erupted into enthusiastic applause, a warm, genuine sound that filled the chamber with joy. His mother clapped with tears of pride in her eyes, while Lyra and the other warriors showed their approval with vigorous enthusiasm. Even Naia was applauding energetically, her usually reserved expression replaced with genuine happiness. "Truly extraordinary," Kiada continued, her voice ringing with pride and satisfaction. "The reports I’ve received about your performance are nothing short of miraculous. You have mastered the most complex and challenging ritual in our entire tradition. You should be immensely proud of what you’ve accomplished today." Eren felt a profound sense of relief as he looked at his family and friends. They all appeared not just healthy and comfortable, but genuinely happy and excited about his achievement. The weight of completing whatever the TUNA had required seemed to lift from his shoulders. "Please, come sit with your family," Kiada said, gesturing toward a chair that had been decorated with garlands and positioned prominently near the group. "They’ve been waiting eagerly to celebrate your incredible success, and you deserve to bask in the glory of your achievement." As Eren moved toward the chair, his mother rose and embraced him warmly. "We heard you accomplished something amazing," she said, her voice filled with maternal pride and relief. "Kiada has been telling us about the significance of the TUNA and how few have ever mastered it completely. We’re so incredibly proud of you, Eren." Eren settled into the decorated chair, looking around at the familiar, beloved faces. "Are you all still well?" he asked, though he could see the answer in their bright expressions. "Has your treatment remained good?" "Better than good," Lyra assured him, her tone filled with genuine contentment. "When word came that you had successfully completed the TUNA, our accommodations were upgraded significantly. We’ve been treated like honored guests rather than... well, you know. The respect shown to us has increased dramatically." Naia nodded enthusiastically. "It’s been remarkable, Eren. The moment news of your success reached us, everything changed. The food improved, our quarters were expanded, and everyone treats us with such deference. It’s clear that your achievement has elevated all of our statuses here." His mother leaned forward, her eyes shining with happiness. "The celebration they prepared for us while we waited for your return was wonderful. Music, dancing, the finest foods we’ve had since arriving. It’s clear that completing this TUNA is considered a monumental achievement." The other warriors murmured their agreement, their expressions reflecting genuine joy and relief. Kiada moved closer to the group, her demeanor radiating satisfaction and triumph. "Your family deserves to share in your glory," Kiada said warmly. "The successful completion of the TUNA reflects not just on you, but on everyone who shaped you into the remarkable man you’ve become. Your mother’s guidance, your commanders’ training, your friends’ support - all of it contributed to this historic moment." She paused dramatically, her expression becoming more serious though still filled with celebration. "Now, Veilwalker, comes the question of what happens next. You have proven yourself capable of the most challenging ritual in our tradition. The question becomes: what reward is fitting for such an unprecedented achievement?" Eren felt his heart rate increase slightly, wondering what she might have in mind. "I’ve completed what you asked of me," he said carefully. "My family’s safety and our eventual freedom - that was our agreement." Kiada smiled mysteriously. "Oh, my dear Veilwalker, you’ve far exceeded our original agreement. What you’ve accomplished deserves recognition beyond our initial arrangement. I’ve been considering how best to honor your incredible achievement." She moved back toward her throne, but paused, turning to look at the two elven guards who had escorted him. Eren noticed their faces were flushed with anticipation, their eyes bright with barely contained excitement. "However," Kiada continued, her voice taking on a different tone, "I find myself in an unexpected situation. You see, my warriors have been working tirelessly to support your success. They’ve maintained constant vigilance, provided security, and shown unwavering dedication throughout your time here." The guards exchanged another meaningful look, their excitement becoming even more palpable. "I believe," Kiada said with a slow smile, "that they deserve some... recognition for their faithful service. Some time to enjoy the fruits of the success they’ve helped achieve." Eren watched in growing confusion and shock as Kiada’s attention turned fully to the two guards. Their faces lit up with an excitement that seemed far beyond professional pride, their expressions transforming into something approaching euphoria. "My faithful guards," Kiada said, her voice taking on a warm, inviting tone, "you have served admirably throughout this entire process. I think it’s time you received some personal appreciation for your dedication." The taller guard’s face broke into a grin of pure elation, while the shorter one looked as if she might actually faint from excitement. Both of them straightened to attention, but Eren could see their hands trembling with anticipation. ’What exactly is happening here?’ Eren thought, watching the scene unfold with growing bewilderment. The guards’ reaction seemed far too intense for whatever standard reward or recognition Kiada might be offering. The celebration of his achievement was clearly just beginning, but the direction it was taking was unlike anything he had expected.