CHAPTER 190: UNEXPECTED TUNA

The celebration had been magnificent. For hours, Eren had sat surrounded by his family, sharing stories of his experiences while carefully omitting the more troubling details. The food had been exceptional - roasted meats, exotic fruits, and delicate pastries that seemed to melt on the tongue. Musicians had played soft melodies while servants ensured everyone’s cups remained full of sweet wine.

His mother had regaled the group with tales from his childhood, speaking of his determination and natural abilities with such pride that it made his chest tight with emotion. Commander Lyra had shared memories of his training, emphasizing his quick learning and natural leadership. Even Naia had opened up more than usual, laughing at shared memories and seeming genuinely relaxed for the first time since their arrival.

Kiada had been the perfect hostess throughout, ensuring everyone felt welcome and celebrated. She had spoken eloquently about the significance of the TUNA completion, describing it as a rare achievement that would be remembered in their history. The warmth and genuine joy in the room had almost made Eren forget the circumstances that had brought them all here.

As the evening wound down and the last of the desserts were cleared away, Eren found himself feeling more hopeful than he had since their capture. Perhaps completing the TUNA really did mark the end of their ordeal. Perhaps freedom was finally within reach.

It was then that the two female elven guards approached their group. Eren recognized them immediately - they were the same guards who had escorted him earlier, though in the celebratory atmosphere he was seeing them in a new light. Both were tall and graceful, with the ethereal beauty common to their kind. Their pointed ears were adorned with delicate silver jewelry, and their dark hair was braided with small gems that caught the light as they moved.

The taller of the two guards, whose name he had learned was Lyralei, stepped forward with a respectful bow. Her companion, Sylvara, mirrored the gesture. Both wore the standard fortress armor, but it was polished to a mirror shine for the celebration, making them look more ceremonial than martial.

"Forgive the interruption, Veilwalker," Lyralei said, her voice melodious but carrying an undertone of barely contained excitement. "Master Kiada has requested your presence for a private audience. She has... specific instructions for us to escort you."

Sylvara nodded eagerly, her green eyes bright with anticipation. "The Master was very clear that you should come with us immediately. She said to tell you that your next reward awaits, and that time is of the essence."

Eren glanced at his family, noting their expressions of mild concern mixed with curiosity. His mother gave him an encouraging smile, while Lyra nodded approvingly. They clearly trusted that whatever Kiada had planned would be beneficial.

"Of course," Eren replied, rising from his chair. "Lead the way."

As they walked through the corridors, Eren noticed that the guards seemed different than before. Their movements were more fluid, their voices carried a musical quality that seemed enhanced, and there was an energy about them that felt almost electric. They exchanged glances frequently, and their excitement was palpable.

"The Master was very pleased with your performance today," Lyralei commented as they turned down a corridor Eren didn’t recognize. "She’s been making special preparations for your continued... education."

"Education?" Eren asked, but Sylvara just smiled mysteriously.

They were walking down a narrow hallway lined with intricate tapestries when something unusual caught Eren’s attention. The guards were chatting between themselves, pointing out details in the artwork, completely absorbed in their conversation. As they passed a seemingly ordinary section of wall, Eren heard a soft grinding sound.

He glanced over just in time to see a portion of the stone wall shift slightly, revealing a narrow opening. Golden letters appeared to materialize in the air just inside the gap, glowing softly in elegant script:

*"Master Eren, I’m here. - Rose"*

Eren’s heart skipped a beat. Rose - the mysterious figure who had helped him before. His mind raced as he quickly looked ahead to confirm that both guards were still distracted by their animated discussion about the tapestries. Without hesitation, he slipped sideways into the hidden passage.

The opening sealed silently behind him as he found himself in a narrow corridor lit by softly glowing crystals embedded in the walls. The air here felt different - cooler and somehow more alive. He moved forward cautiously, following the gentle curve of the passage.

"Rose?" he whispered into the semi-darkness.

"This way, Master Eren," came a familiar voice from ahead. "Quickly, before they notice your absence."

He hurried forward and found himself emerging into a small, comfortable chamber. Rose stood waiting for him, her appearance as striking as he remembered. She was tall and elegant, with silver hair that seemed to shimmer with its own light and violet eyes that held depths of ancient wisdom. Her clothing was simple but finely made, and she carried herself with quiet authority.

"I’m glad you saw my message," she said with a warm smile. "I’ve been monitoring your progress, and I must say, you’ve handled everything remarkably well."

"Rose, what are you doing here? How did you—"

She held up a hand gently. "There’s not much time to explain everything. Those guards will notice your absence soon, and we need to discuss something important." She gestured toward a doorway that led deeper into her hidden chambers. "Come, let me show you something."

They moved through a series of rooms that seemed impossibly luxurious for a hidden space. Rich fabrics draped the walls, comfortable furniture was arranged in intimate groupings, and the air carried the subtle scent of exotic flowers. It felt like stepping into a different world entirely.

"This is incredible," Eren said, looking around in amazement. "How long have you been living here?"

"Time moves differently when you’re not bound by the same rules as others," Rose replied cryptically. They entered what appeared to be a bedroom, elegantly appointed with a large bed covered in silk and surrounded by floating lights that cast a warm, golden glow.

Just then, they heard voices from the outer chamber.

"Master Eren? Are you in here?" It was Lyralei’s voice, tinged with confusion and growing concern.

"We saw you enter, Veilwalker," Sylvara added. "Please, we must follow Master Kiada’s instructions."

Rose sighed softly. "They’re persistent, I’ll give them that." She looked at Eren with an expression of mild amusement. "You might as well let them in. They won’t leave without you, and what they have to say might actually interest you."

Eren looked at her questioningly, but she just smiled and gestured toward the outer chamber. "Go ahead. Invite them in."

Still confused but trusting Rose’s judgment, Eren called out, "I’m here. Come in."

The two elven guards entered cautiously, their eyes wide as they took in the unexpected opulence of Rose’s hidden chambers. They clearly hadn’t known this place existed, and their expressions showed a mixture of surprise and wariness.

"What is this place?" Lyralei asked, her hand instinctively moving toward her weapon.

"It’s quite alright," Rose said, stepping into view. "I’m a... friend of Master Eren’s. Please, make yourselves comfortable."

The guards relaxed slightly at Rose’s calm demeanor, though they still looked confused about the situation.

"Veilwalker," Sylvara began, "we really must discuss why Master Kiada sent us to find you. She has a specific request."

"What kind of request?" Eren asked.

The two guards exchanged a meaningful look before Lyralei spoke. "The Master has decided that your completion of the TUNA deserves a very special reward. She wants you to... experience the ritual with both of us. Together."

Eren felt his eyebrows raise in surprise. "Both of you?"

"It’s considered a great honor," Sylvara explained quickly. "The Master said that someone of your exceptional abilities deserves exceptional recognition. She specifically chose us because of our experience and our dedication to your success."

Rose watched the exchange with interest, saying nothing but clearly curious about how Eren would respond.

"I don’t understand," Eren said. "Why would Kiada want me to perform rituals with you when I’ve already completed the TUNA?"

Lyralei stepped forward, her excitement becoming more evident. "Because the TUNA was just the beginning, Veilwalker. The Master believes you’re capable of even greater achievements. She wants to explore the full extent of your abilities, and she’s chosen us to assist in that exploration."

"Think of it as advanced training," Sylvara added. "You’ve proven yourself capable of the most challenging ritual. Now the Master wants to see what you can accomplish with willing, experienced partners who understand your exceptional nature."

Eren looked between the two guards, noting their genuine enthusiasm and obvious anticipation. They clearly saw this as a privilege rather than a duty, and their excitement was infectious.

Rose finally spoke. "It’s your choice, Master Eren. But I will say that these two have been specifically prepared for this opportunity. Kiada doesn’t make such offers lightly."

As if to emphasize their readiness, both guards began removing their ceremonial armor with practiced efficiency. The polished metal plates were set aside carefully, revealing form-fitting undergarments that accentuated their graceful elven forms.

"We’ve been hoping for this opportunity since your arrival," Lyralei admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Your reputation preceded you, and after witnessing your achievements firsthand..."

"It would be an honor to serve in this capacity," Sylvara finished, her own excitement evident in her bright eyes and quick movements.

Eren found himself considering the situation carefully. After everything he’d been through, after the challenges and uncertainty, perhaps this was simply another step in securing his family’s safety and eventual freedom. And if he was being honest with himself, both guards were undeniably attractive, and their enthusiasm was... compelling.

"The Master was very specific," Lyralei continued, now standing in just her light underclothes. "She said this reward was earned through your exceptional performance, and that refusing it might be seen as rejecting her hospitality."

Rose moved closer to Eren, her voice gentle but knowing. "Sometimes the path forward requires accepting unexpected opportunities, Master Eren. These two have been preparing for this moment, and your acceptance would mean a great deal to them."

Looking at the hopeful faces of the two elven guards, their obvious excitement and genuine desire to serve in this capacity, Eren felt his resolve wavering. Perhaps this was indeed the next step in his journey, another challenge to overcome or reward to accept.

The choice was his to make.