[attr="class","hanspost"]

"Speech #648bb3"

A few days....

It has been a few days since the Magic Knight Exams, but to Hans it felt like it had been months. The dark mage was able to do what he thought he'd never be able to accomplish...

Becoming a Magic Knight.

Even though he was brought into the Royal Knights before this, Hans still had his doubts. With the Royal Knights, things would be temporary, but being a Magic Knight meant that the dark mage has what it takes to be a defender of this kingdom on a more long-term fashion. Hans spent most of his life seeing himself as nothing more but a wandering mercenary, believing that is all he'll ever be...all he is capable of. Though through his journeys, he has met folks that have slowly morphed his gray view on life. He started to see himself as more than a hired hand, scrounging for yul in whatever job he can get. Hans could do more than that, he can make a difference, protect those he has come to cherish. Hans had regained something he had long lost...

Hope...

Now the ex-mercenary turned magic knight was walking through his second childhood town, Aries Garse, the very place he started his new life with his mother after fleeing the Diamond Kingdom all those years ago. It is also the place where Hans lost his other when said kingdom sent troops to attack the town. Though deep down Hans still holds onto those bitter memories, he has managed to make new, light-hearted ones here which he has come to cherish the most.

The dark mage continued to walk through the town with his new magic knight mantle around him, showing the symbol of the Purple Orcas, a squad fitting for someone like Hans. He also had on his usual attire along with his sword in its sheathe on his waist and his grimoire concealed in its holster on the other side.

As he continued his walk, Hans noticed some folks here and there, glancing over his way. Some were whispering among themselves while others smiled or waved, some giving approving nods. This wasn't all that surprising to Hans since he was aware of his growing fame and the fact that he practically grew up here. Still, he would be lying if he said that he wasn't at least a little embarrassed about this attention. Soon, clapping could be heard, growing louder and louder. "U-uh..." Hans stopped in his tracks as he looked around, seeing a majority of the citizens around now clapping and cheering...for him.

"Getta load of the new magic knight!"

"Congrats Hans!"

"Good on ya, lad!"

"That mantle looks nice on you!"

"Woooooo, show those daemons what we Aries Garse folks are capable of!"

"We'll always have your back, just as you've always had ours!"

These were some of the words being shouted out among the cheering crowd. Hans was certainly not the first person from Aries Garse to become a Magic Knight and he will not be the last, but it was still a big accomplishment nonetheless. Not only that, but they were cheering for his Royal knight position as well even though he has been one for quite a while. Still, these were big feats Hans had manage to achieve. Despite how embarrassing and foreign this praise was to Hans, the dark mage couldn't help but feel a little...no...really good about this. It only showed that he was doing the right thing. It was thanks to people like them that Hans was able to make it this far. Not just them, but his fiancee, Suna, his closest friends, Valo, Charles, even Verena among other people. Even his late mother, Drusilla Walker, and the wise Charlotte were driving forces in Hans' goals and determination.

He smiled a little, giving a light nod and waved before continuing on his walk.

But he was not here to be submerged in...fans(?) He was here to meet with someone, someone who had been looking out for Hans and his late mother ever since the dark mage was a child and they first arrived to this town.

Matthew Everley, or "Uncle Matty".

Hans arrived to the meeting place, a particular diner that the dark mage was fond of. It was the diner he took Suna on for one of their dates....and it is also the same diner his mother used to work for. Hans took one good look at the building. Not too big, not too small. It still has that homely feel to it, enough to give Hans a brief nostalgic look before stepping in.

The dark mage opened the door and once he entered was filled with the familiar smells of food and coffee. The place wasn't really busy, so Hans was able to see the familiar elderly yet bulky-looking man, standing out like a sore thumb. Hans approached Matthew who had his face glued to the menu in his hands. As Matthew heard the footsteps approaching, he let out a peaceful sigh without taking his eyes off of the menu. "Ah, yes, I'll have the usual steak and eggs with the bitterest coffee you got." he claimed, assuming he was talking to a waitress. Hans simply crossed his arms, shaking his head lightly. "Careful Mr. Matthew, you might choke on that steak one day." Hans claimed, and after hearing that voice, the elderly man dropped the menu and looked up to the dark mage surprisingly.

"Ahhh, if it isn't little Hans!" He then stood up, quickly reminding Hans how much taller this guy was compared to him, and proceeded to give the dark mage one of his infamous bear hugs. "Urgh..you can...let go....now." Hans said, giving the man a tap on his shoulder. "Bahaha, I thought you would be a lot more durable at this point, Hans!" Matthew claimed jokingly before letting go. "Come sit!" Matthew added before sitting down. Hans smiled a little once more before sitting down as well, placing his sheathed sword against the side of his seat.

"Seriously Hans, unless you're going to use that to chop your food with, I will never understand why you brought that sword with you." Matthew jested. "Ah..." Hans simply glanced away and rubbed the back of his head

Even with Hans' usual stoic expression, Matthew can tell at a glance just how...happy and hopeful Hans has become, enough to make the elderly man grin cheerfully much to the dark mage's confusion.

But soon....that hope of his will be snuffed out, like a dimly lit candle in the wind.


Important notes here



Cool spell descriptions here

[attr="class","hansinfotext"]
TAGS Aeila Jin Zhongli
ITEMS Dark Edge, Magic Knight Mantle
PERKS List 'em here

[attr="class","hansbox"]POW 158

[attr="class","hansbox"]DUR 230

[attr="class","hansbox"]SEN 0

[attr="class","hansbox"]STA 92

[attr="class","hansbox"]CON 107

[attr="class","hansbox"]Speed
25 m/s

[attr="class","hansbox"]Health
grand

[attr="class","hansbox"]Skin
archmage

[attr="class","hansbox"]Pool
310/310

[attr="class","hansbox"]Regen
70 I | 85 O