Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons

The palace guards immediately recognised Arthur as he approached the imposing gates that protected Caldera's royal complex. His distinctive appearance and growing reputation as both the Power Guild's leader and Princess Elara's close friend made him a familiar figure to security personnel who maintained careful awareness of individuals with influence in Caldera.

The guard captain stepped forward with obvious respect, a genuine smile brightening his face as he addressed one of the kingdom's most influential visitors.

"Guild Master Azarel," the captain said with warm courtesy that reflected both personal recognition and institutional appreciation for Arthur's contributions to Caldera's prosperity. "How may we assist you today?"

Arthur returned the greeting with appropriate politeness before stating his purpose of visit.

"I would like to request an audience with His Majesty. I have matters of some importance that require the king's personal attention."

The guard captain nodded with immediate understanding, recognising that someone of Arthur's status wouldn't request royal audiences without substantial justification for demanding the monarch's valuable time.

"Of course, Guild Master. Why don't you come inside first? I'll inform His Majesty of your presence and arrange the audience according to his current schedule."

Arthur nodded with appreciation for the courteous accommodation as the massive gates opened to allow his entry into the palace complex. The familiar magical architecture and enhanced security measures created an atmosphere of controlled grandeur that reflected the kingdom's growing confidence and prosperity.

The guard captain escorted Arthur to an elegant waiting chamber designed for high-ranking visitors whose requests for royal attention required appropriate dignity and comfort during the coordination process.

"Please make yourself comfortable, I'll return shortly with His Majesty's response," the captain said as he gestured toward luxurious seating arrangements.

Arthur settled into the offered accommodations while the guard captain departed to navigate the formal protocols necessary for arranging impromptu royal audiences.

The waiting period lasted approximately five minutes before the captain returned with obvious satisfaction at the efficient resolution of Arthur's request.

"His Majesty will see you immediately," the captain announced with a pleased tone. "He has cleared his current schedule to accommodate your audience request."

The rapid response reflected both King Aldric's recognition of Arthur's importance and his understanding that urgent matters requiring personal discussion shouldn't be delayed through excessive bureaucratic formalities.

Arthur rose from his seat with appreciation for the king's expedited accommodation of his request.

Arthur was escorted through the palace's ornate corridors to the royal throne room, where King Aldric awaited his arrival.

The monarch's expression carried both curiosity and respect as Arthur approached, recognising that his mysterious protector wouldn't request personal audiences without substantial justification for demanding his personal attention.

"Your Majesty," Arthur began with appropriate diplomatic courtesy as he offered a respectful gesture befitting his status as both guild leader and unofficial ally. "Thank you for accommodating my request on such short notice."

King Aldric gestured for Arthur to speak freely, his posture reflecting readiness to address whatever concerns had prompted this impromptu meeting.

"I find myself in need of royal dispensation regarding my enrollment at the Academy of Mera," Arthur explained with straightforward honesty about his administrative complications. "My responsibilities as Power Guild leader and various... protective activities... have made regular class attendance practically impossible."

The king's understanding expression suggested he immediately grasped the nature of Arthur's dilemma without requiring a detailed explanation of the conflicting obligations.

Arthur continued with emphasis on the critical aspect of his request, "I need to maintain my enrollment status and qualification for the upcoming secret realm trials."

Arthur deliberately avoided mentioning his agreement with Seraphina Gilderhaven, recognising that such details would complicate the discussion without adding value to his core request for administrative accommodation.

King Aldric nodded thoughtfully as he processed the request and its implications for both Arthur's personal circumstances and the kingdom's broader interests.

"The secret realm trials represent significant opportunities for advancement," the king acknowledged with obvious understanding of why Arthur would prioritise maintaining access to such prestigious events. "Your continued participation serves both personal development and potential benefit to Caldera's interests."

Arthur had briefly considered raising questions about Nikolas Phantom during this private audience, recognizing that the king's extensive intelligence networks might possess valuable information about the mysterious figure who had been manipulating events within Caldera for decades.

But after careful consideration, Arthur decided against introducing that topic during their current discussion. The timing felt inappropriate for such sensitive inquiries, and he believed it would be better for Jasmine to take the initiative in addressing her past trauma when she felt ready to confront those painful memories.

Since Jasmine hadn't yet made a definitive decision about pursuing answers regarding her mysterious past and the pills that had altered her memories, Arthur wouldn't pressure the situation by conducting independent investigations that might complicate her emotional recovery process.

"I understand the challenges your expanding responsibilities create for conventional academic obligations," King Aldric said with diplomatic consideration. "Given your... unique contributions... to our kingdom's security and prosperity, I believe special accommodations are entirely appropriate."

The king's smile carried satisfaction as he prepared to resolve Arthur's administrative complications through royal authority.

"Consider your attendance requirements officially waived while maintaining full enrollment status and trial qualification," King Aldric declared with the definitive authority that only royal decree could provide. "The Academy will receive appropriate instructions to accommodate your circumstances without penalty."

Arthur's expression showed genuine appreciation for the king's understanding and efficient resolution of what could have become problematic bureaucratic obstacles.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. This accommodation will allow me to fulfil both my guild obligations and my academy commitments without creating unnecessary conflicts. I will make sure to attend any important examinations."

The audience had accomplished its objectives efficiently, leaving Arthur free to focus on the increasingly complex challenges that demanded his attention across multiple worlds.

After concluding the administrative matters regarding his academy enrollment, Arthur decided to address a strategic project that he had been planning for some time. It was a project one that could fundamentally transform Caldera into something else entirely.