"Good! You've got a head on your shoulders. I like people like you."
Hydris grinned and smacked Shen on the back hard enough to nearly knock him over.
Shen winced, rubbing his spine. Does this guy not know his own strength?
Before he could complain, Hydris spun him around, lifted his hand into the air, and bellowed across the vast chamber:
"THIS IS THE DISCIPLE OF SHU! HE SHALL BE TREATED AS A GUEST OF HIGHEST HONOR!"
The words echoed off stone walls fifty feet away, torchlight flickering in agreement.
Shen blinked, dumbfounded. Is this guy bipolar?
"Shen, is it?" Hydris continued, shaking his hand with vigor. "By the looks of you, Shu never got the chance to train you. Then in honor of my friend, I shall take you as my disciple henceforth!"
Shen gawked. Wait—when did I agree to this?!
"Now then, follow me." Hydris's tone snapped sharp, commanding, as if he were already a teacher. Shen could barely keep up with his shifting moods. The advisers shuffled nervously behind them, whispering doubts about Shen's arrival.
At the end of the hall, Hydris opened a massive stone door. A stairway stretched upward, light spilling faintly from above. They began the climb together.
"How do you know Shu?" Hydris asked, eyes fixed on the steps ahead.
"He… was my only family," Shen said, voice cracking. His throat tightened. "My only family."
Hydris slowed, glancing back. For once, his voice softened. "Would you like to know how I met him?"
Shen nodded.
Hydris exhaled, eyes distant. "Before I was king, I was a soldier. Shu was my enemy then. My unit's mission was to evacuate civilians during the war. We almost got everyone out… almost. But one girl was left behind."
Shen leaned in, entranced.
"I found her trapped inside a burning house. Carried her out, but the roof collapsed. I braced for death, holding her close… then—nothing. No pain. Just the sky above."
Shen's eyes widened.
"A hole had burned clean through the rubble. Before I even processed it, someone yanked me out by my collar. It was Shu. Your grandmaster."
Shen's heart skipped.
"Even though we were enemies—he saved me. He saved us. That day, I swore I'd never forget his kindness." Hydris's voice rumbled, steady and proud.
At last they reached the top. Light flooded Shen's vision. He shielded his eyes as they stepped onto a wide balcony.
"Because of him, I lived to become what I am today. A Grandmaster. A King." Hydris swept his arm wide. "And because of him—I built this."
Shen lowered his hands. His jaw dropped.
"Woah…"
Before him stretched Medtron, a city like none other. Buildings floated on glistening water, tethered to platforms that rocked gently with the waves. Bridges of light connected the districts, while gondolas and great sea beasts ferried people across canals. It was as if Venice and Atlantis had been reborn together.
And the city moved. Slowly, majestically—carried on the back of something colossal.
Shen squinted. "What is that… thing holding up the city?"
Hydris grinned. "That, Shen, is Triton. A Grandmaster water beast. We tamed him when he was young—he keeps sea monsters away."
Shen swallowed hard. "You said 'docile enough.' What do you mean, enough?"
Hydris chuckled. "Just don't piss him off."
Shen paled. Noted.
"Come," Hydris beckoned. "There is much to do."
A gilded buoyant carriage, inscribed with glowing runes, drifted toward them. Hydris stepped inside with the confidence of a man who owned the world. Shen hesitated, then followed, sinking into the velvet cushions.
"Go where?" Shen asked, eyebrow raised.
"To the palace," Hydris replied. His grin returned. "There, Shen, we will begin your training."