The fireworks slowly faded, and the three remaining pairs were teleported back onto the main stage. Nelson was already standing there with a wide grin, microphone in hand.
"AMAZING! What an epic and calculated ending from our champions! And now, it's time for the most awaited moment… the prize ceremony!" Nelson shouted, sending the crowd into another thunderous cheer.
He pointed toward Shiro and Gampler.
"For Third Place! Congratulations to Shiro and Gampler! You receive a cash prize and… a Special Hunter Rank Promotion without needing to take the exam!"
Hearing that, Shiro simply rubbed the bridge of his nose and let out a long sigh.
"A rank promotion? What for… I'm already Rank 1," he muttered flatly.
Beside him, Gampler puffed her cheeks in annoyance.
"Exactly! I'm Rank 2 already! Why would I even need that?! So troublesome! Well, at least the money's nice for shopping!"
Nelson let out an awkward laugh before turning to the next pair.
"Ahem! Next, for Second Place! Our most romantic couple… Togil and Envy!"
The stage floor slowly opened, revealing a massive dragon mascot plush so huge it was nearly as tall as Togil himself.
Togil stared at the giant plush with his usual blank expression. He lifted it with one hand as if it weighed nothing, then casually handed it over to Envy.
"Here. For you," he said shortly.
Envy froze. Her eyes instantly sparkled as she hugged the enormous plush, burying her flushed face into its soft belly.
"Waaah… i-it's so cute! Thank you, Togil!" she said happily.
The audience erupted.
"So romantic!!"
On the other side, Gampler bit her finger in jealousy.
"Ihhh! Shiro, I want one that big too! Shiro dear, why didn't we just get second place instead?! Buy me one right now!" she whined, tugging on Shiro's sleeve.
Shiro could only sigh in defeat.
"Yeah, yeah… I'll just buy the entire store for you later."
Nelson raised his microphone again, now pointing at Steve and Pulchra.
"And finally, our Grand Champions! The dominators of the sky… Steve and Pulchra!"
Fireworks exploded across the sky once more.
"You are now crowned 'Winners of the Hunter Festival'! And your grand prize is… a Lifetime VVIP Pass with unlimited access to ALL rides in this amusement park completely FREE forever!"
Steve's eyes lit up like a child.
"WHOOOA! Seriously?! AWESOME! Senior, we can ride that dragon rollercoaster over and over without fighting for coins!" he shouted excitedly.
Pulchra smiled softly, her elf ears twitching slightly as she watched him.
"Yes, Steve. Let's try every ride together."
That night, the Hunter Festival ended with laughter, cheers, and pure joy
a perfect moment of peace, even if only for a while, in a world that had just recovered from disaster.