Chapter 189: The Completion of TUNA
Eren stepped out of the chamber, his mind still processing everything that had transpired. The cool stone corridor felt like a welcome relief after the intensity of what he had just experienced. He paused momentarily, steadying himself against the doorframe, trying to center his thoughts and prepare for whatever awaited him next.
The same two guards from before stood at attention outside the chamber. As soon as they saw him emerge, their faces lit up with an almost electric excitement that seemed far more intense than their previous encounters. They straightened immediately, their postures becoming rigid with anticipation.
"Veilwalker!" the taller guard exclaimed, her voice trembling with barely contained enthusiasm. "The final ritual! You’ve completed the TUNA! Word has already reached the Master - she’s absolutely ecstatic about your success!"
The shorter guard nodded vigorously, her eyes practically glowing with reverence. "We’ve never seen anything like it, Veilwalker. The energy that emanated from the chamber... it was extraordinary. The entire fortress is buzzing with news of your incredible achievement. You’ve truly become legendary among us."
Eren’s brow furrowed slightly as he observed their intense reactions. There was something different about their enthusiasm this time - a raw excitement that seemed almost personal. ’They’re acting like they’ve witnessed something life-changing,’ he thought, noting how their hands trembled slightly and how they kept exchanging meaningful glances.
"The Master demands your immediate presence," the taller guard continued, her voice taking on an urgent tone. "She’s waiting for you in her chamber, along with your honored family. Everyone is eager to celebrate your monumental success. This is a historic moment for our fortress."
As they began walking, both guards flanked him more closely than before. Their movements seemed more animated, their steps lighter, as if they were barely containing their excitement about something beyond just his completion of the ritual.
"If I may say so, Veilwalker," the shorter guard said, her voice dropping to a more confidential tone, "what you’ve accomplished today will be remembered for generations. The TUNA represents the pinnacle of our practices, and you’ve mastered it completely. The transformation in Number Two... it was visible even from outside the chamber."
They moved through the familiar winding corridors, past the ornate pillars and tapestries. The torchlight seemed brighter somehow, casting dancing shadows that appeared to celebrate their passage. Other fortress inhabitants they passed stopped to bow deeply, their faces filled with awe and respect.
"The Master has been preparing for this moment since your arrival," the taller guard mentioned as they turned a corner. "She’s spoken of little else but your potential to complete the TUNA successfully. Your family should know that you’ve achieved something truly remarkable - something that will elevate the status of everyone associated with you."