Address the people.

As you stand upon the stage, you finally realize the true scale of such an event. So many people came after your arrival. There are far more bodies here than you first thought. But you're different than them. You've been invited to stand right beside the queen herself, and as she described you, their attention is like that of those gazing upon a god. Once the sound of clapping softens, she begins to hand the microphone over to you.

"What do you have to say to the people of Avana, Kyle Warren?" she asks once more before doing so.

You take hold and clear your throat.

"I've thought long about what I was going to say up here," you begin. "It's been a weird, wild adventure for me ever since I first arrived. I never thought I'd be in a position like this one. Not for a second. Maybe I had hoped early on that I'd be seen as a hero or something, but this is something else. And after a lot of thinking, I decided to tell you all shortened version of my story. The true story, no matter how it's received. We've be here for six years if I went over everything," you jest. "But what's most important is the beginning."

"I think that's very brave," says the queen. Her voice doesn't reach the magical microphone. The words are just for you.

"No secrets. Full transparency. Absoterra is my home. Tivera is my home."

The audience applauds.

Then after a deep inhale, you start once more. "My name is Kyle Warren, and I'm a traveller from another world. Back around, I think late spring, I was standing by my bed when a traveller from Absoterra appeared through a portal and brought me her by ****. My original homeworld is called Earth. If you want to get a little more specific, I'm from China. From what I understand, I was kidnapped for the express purpose of experimentation, by the very Demon King who recently invaded this land, Elok Daven, or as he was known back on Earth, David. That's right. He was also a traveller from the same world. That's why I have the powers I do. That's why a misunderstanding led me to exile. That's why I was so focused on his downfall."

You can hear the people murmuring, both in confusion and great interest at such an unexpected story.

"Back on Earth, we didn't have magic, or dragons, or goblins, or anything like that. So when a human comes to Absoterra, they don't have the ability to harness mana, and I'm not even sure if they can be given a class. But that was the purpose of his experimentation. He wanted to create the ultimate body for himself, and he did, though he managed to stop him within his own lair during the invasion."

You pause. Their reaction is mostly positive. You can't imagine everybody believes the story, though people have no reason to dismiss your part in the defense of Tivera. You slayed the Demon King, and to that, people cheer. Technically you've done it twice now. So it's a mixed feeling across the crowd. You've done a lot for them, though even you know that your tale is outlandish. Very few people study Isekai Theory.

"China?" the queen repeats. "I hadn't been told the name."

"I woke up dazed and confused. But I met friends, we became adventurers, and the good news is Elok Daven's plans didn't succeed. I was able to control myself, and his army was defeated. Now I'm honoured to be recognized by your queen not only as a knight, but an ally of our nations. Castle Phoenix will continue to protect Tivera."

She leans close to the magic item in your hand this time before speaking. "And Tivera will protect Castle Phoenix in turn."

You picture Breiah in your mind. "And for any others out there trying to repeat Elok Daven's mistakes... We will be ready. Don't even try. I'm sick and tired those trying to--"

Between sudden shouting and screams, and the panicked shuffling of the crowded park, you can tell something is happening. Thankfully you don't hear any explosions or conjured spells in the same manner as what happened at the Sports Festival, but you scan the area swiftly in hopes of finding the disturbance before things get out of hand.