[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical-":3,"chapter-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-257":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","SSS-Ranked Awakening: I Can Only Summon Mythical Beasts",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1326708,1762,"Chapter 257: A Day With The Rescued Captives","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-257",257,"\u003Cp>Damien finished the last bite of his morning meal, pushing the tray aside as he rose from his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no time to waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already made up his mind—before anything else, he needed to check on the captives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their well-being was his top priority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adjusting the freshly gifted clothes, he made his way to the hallway, where he quickly spotted the familiar guard assigned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man stood at attention, his posture rigid, awaiting orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien didn't waste time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'd like to see the rescued captives,\" he said firmly. \"Both the injured and the ones who are just recovering.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard nodded, his expression calm and unsurprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Queen anticipated this request,\" he responded. \"She had already instructed me to escort you to them should you ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's brows lifted slightly. 'She planned ahead, huh?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't surprising. Queen Lareen had a sharp mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good,\" Damien said simply. \"Lead the way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, the guard turned on his heel, guiding Damien through the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The walk to the infirmary was quiet, save for the soft echoes of their footsteps along the polished stone floors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon arrival, Damien was immediately greeted by the strong scent of medicinal herbs and the soft murmurs of healers tending to their patients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rows of neatly arranged beds filled the spacious chamber, occupied by the injured captives who were still recovering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of them were awake, while others remained unconscious, their bodies still healing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien stepped forward, his sharp blue eyes scanning the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, he visited each individual, speaking to them, checking on their recovery progress, and offering a few words of reassurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of them smiled weakly, grateful for his presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others expressed their gratitude in hushed voices, thanking him repeatedly for saving their lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man, whose arm was still wrapped in bandages, looked up at Damien with an expression of deep appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're really something, you know that?\" the man said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien smirked lightly. \"I get that a lot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man chuckled before gesturing toward a small wooden board game beside his bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Play a round with me?\" he asked. \"I've been stuck here for too long, and I need a distraction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien arched a brow, but after a moment, he sighed and sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just one round,\" he said. \"Don't expect me to go easy on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man grinned. \"Wouldn't have it any other way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The game lasted only a few minutes, and although Damien lost effortlessly, the lighthearted moment was exactly what the injured man needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing the game, Damien continued his rounds, ensuring that no one felt forgotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the unconscious ones weren't ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien paused by their beds, standing in silence for a few moments before uttering a small prayer under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Damien was satisfied with the condition of the injured captives, the guard led him outside toward the second area—where the physically healthy captives were being sheltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the infirmary, this space was open, resembling a courtyard surrounded by stone walls and warm lantern lights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people here were sitting or standing in small groups, engaging in quiet conversations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment they noticed Damien's arrival, a hush fell over them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—one by one—they stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Damien could even speak, the entire group lowered their heads in a deep bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you,\" one of them said, his voice heavy with emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You saved us,\" another added, eyes gleaming with gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More voices followed, overlapping each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We owe you our lives.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will never forget what you've done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're the reason we're still standing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien exhaled softly, rubbing the back of his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't need your gratitude,\" he said. \"I only did what had to be done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the captives remained firm, their gazes unwavering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You may not want it,\" an older woman said, stepping forward. \"But you have it anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien sighed in defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no point in arguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he simply nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine,\" he muttered. \"Do what you want.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captives smiled, their postures relaxing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Satisfied, Damien took a few steps forward and began speaking to them individually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some asked about their future plans, while others simply wanted to shake his hand or express their appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was warm, filled with a newfound sense of hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Damien continued his rounds, a familiar voice suddenly called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're faster than me, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to see Lizella approaching, her expression a mixture of amusement and relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had expected to drag Damien here herself, only to find that he had already arrived ahead of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien smirked. \"I don't waste time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella crossed her arms, glancing around at the people he had checked on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really made sure to visit every single one of them, didn't you?\" she observed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien simply nodded. \"They deserve that much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella smiled softly, her gaze warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's finish the rest together,\" she suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien didn't argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, they continued moving through the courtyard, ensuring that every last rescued individual received the time and attention they deserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were still recovering mentally, their eyes haunted by past horrors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others were already looking toward the future, eager to return home once they were strong enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of their individual situations, one thing remained constant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Damien was determined to make sure they stayed that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rescued captives who had once been nothing more than lost souls now spoke with hope in their voices, their eyes no longer clouded with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien and Lizella spent hours ensuring that each person had been checked on, their conditions assessed and acknowledged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after the work was done, the two of them found themselves lingering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella sat atop a stone bench, watching as the people around them engaged in quiet conversations, some even laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned to Damien, who stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his gaze thoughtful as he observed the captives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since they'd arrived, he seemed relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took the opportunity to ask something that had been on her mind for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So,\" Lizella started, breaking the silence, \"what's your goal, Damien?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien glanced at her, one brow raised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My goal?\" he echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah.\" She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on her knees. \"You're strong, and you obviously have a purpose. So, what is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien let out a small breath, staring toward the darkening sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to be strong enough,\" he said after a pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella blinked. \"Strong enough for what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's fingers tightened slightly around his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Strong enough to protect my loved ones,\" he admitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella nodded, understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an honorable goal—one that most warriors shared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice dropped in tone, and when he spoke again, his aura shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And to kill a certain someone,\" he added. For the first time, Damien told someone this part of his goal. A part he'd kept to himself all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella's eyes narrowed slightly at the sudden change in his demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression hardened, his usually calm gaze now sharp and cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoever this person was—Damien wanted them dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could tell from the way his posture tensed, the way his breathing slowed slightly, as if restraining himself from letting his emotions take over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't pry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she simply asked, \"Do you think you'll succeed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's answer came without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know I will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His certainty was unshakable, and Lizella found herself believing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she didn't know who his target was, she knew one thing—Damien didn't make empty promises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment of silence stretched between them before Damien turned the question back to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you?\" he asked. \"What do you want, Lizella?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a soft hum, considering his question carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't want to be a failure,\" she finally said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien arched a brow. \"That's it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to make my mother proud,\" she continued, \"but more than that, I want to make myself happy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sighed, leaning back slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the longest time, I felt like I didn't belong anywhere. Even before I was captured, I didn't think I had a purpose. But now…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers brushed against the feathered crest of Aquila, who was still resting nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to change that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien watched her for a moment before nodding in approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a good enough reason,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Glad you think so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just like that, their conversation ended on a lighter note.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the last of the captives settled in for the night, Damien and Lizella finally decided to part ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You heading back?\" Lizella asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien nodded. \"Yeah. I need to rest before I leave this place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella smiled. \"Then I guess this is goodnight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She offered a small wave before turning toward her own quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien watched her go for a moment before shaking his head, exhaling lightly, and making his way toward his own room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lizella entered the hallway leading to her quarters, she felt a presence ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she saw Queen Lareen standing there, arms crossed and smirking, she knew she was in trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enjoyed your time with Damien?\" her mother teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cheeks flushed red almost instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not like that!\" she protested, a little too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen chuckled. \"I didn't say it was.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella groaned, rubbing her temple. \"Mother, please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen only smiled knowingly. \"You act differently around him, that's all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella huffed, refusing to meet her mother's gaze as she hurried past her, heading straight for her room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm going to bed,\" she muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mother's soft laughter followed her down the hallway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen shook her head in amusement before turning and heading toward her own quarters. \"Tonight's a good night.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1629,"2026-06-05T19:28:51.148Z",1,"novelbin.me","17d99404ad7bb79501b3589a4896eb65d06fb769082a8d95ea0fa11da16d1120","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-258","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-256",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--cover.jpg"]