The dining hall had settled into a soft hum of voices and clinking plates. The flickering light from the Heart of Atlantis above filtered gently through crystalline walls, casting dappled patterns across the long table. Kida, poised yet curious, regarded her guests with sharp, intelligent eyes.
After quickly finishing her meal, she folded her hands together. "After we finish here," she began, her voice smooth and resonant in the large chamber, "I will personally take you on a tour of the city. I will explain some of its history, so you may understand where you are and why we protect it so fiercely."
Helios smiled warmly. "We would appreciate that very much, Your Highness." He inclined his head with a glint of humor in his eyes. "And to show my gratitude for such generosity, I'll share something with you in return. Perhaps a little magic lesson before then, if you'd indulge me?"
Kida's eyes lit up, her usual composure cracking with childlike excitement. "You will teach me?" she asked eagerly. "Can you show me the spell you used earlier—the one that made the breeze?"
Helios chuckled softly, resting his elbow on the table and propping his chin on his palm. "Ah, the Aero spell?" He shook his head teasingly. "I'm afraid not, Princess. Not here."
Kida narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously, leaning forward slightly. "And why not?"
"Because," Helios said, his voice lowering conspiratorially, "if you accidentally create a hurricane or powerful winds in this room, I don't think your guards will forgive me for teaching you."
The guards stiffened, glancing between each other, as if unsure whether Helios was joking.
Kida leaned back, crossing her arms. "A fair point. Then what will you teach me, traveler?"
Helios reached for a nearby jug of water, swirling the liquid thoughtfully. "This," he said. With a simple wave of his hand, the water rose from the jug, twisting in midair as it shaped itself into a perfect fish. It swam gracefully through the air as if it were still in water, shimmering with soft blue light. Gasps of surprise rippled through the room as the liquid fish leapt into Helios's mug. He sipped casually. "This spell is called Water. Elegant, simple… and much safer indoors."
Kida's eyes widened with wonder, then softened into a grin she couldn't quite suppress. "You will teach me this?"
Helios held out his hand, and a glowing sphere of blue light bloomed in his palm. "Magic is like a language, Your Highness. To speak it, you must first touch it. This essence will help you understand."
The guards bristled immediately, spears shifting uneasily. One stepped forward. "Your Highness, don't—"
Kida raised a hand to silence him. "You fear everything," she said bluntly. Rising from her seat, she strode over to Helios, her formal white robes flowing like water itself. Without hesitation, she pressed her palm to the glowing sphere.
The energy rippled through her body, and her eyes widened at the sensation. "It's… warm," she whispered.
Helios smiled, a glint of mischief dancing in his gaze. "Good. Now close your eyes and imagine water swirling in your hands. Picture it forming a ball, and when you feel it's ready… throw it forward."
Kida exhaled slowly, focusing. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the air thickened slightly, droplets coalescing in her palms until a shimmering sphere of water floated between them.
The guards murmured in shock, stepping back.
"Now," Helios said softly, "release it."
The water ball shot out like an arrow, straight at Helios.
"Whoa—" Helios flicked his wrist, casting Aero. A controlled gust deflected the sphere neatly to the side… right toward Kurai.
Before anyone could warn her, a sphere of black fire exploded in midair, meeting the water with a hiss of steam. The spells neutralized each other in a swirl of vapor.
Kurai didn't even look up from her plate. "Annoying," she muttered, her voice flat.
Helios burst into laughter, leaning back in his chair. "Well! Looks like the princess has some raw talent. You nearly got me, Your Highness. Not bad for a first attempt."
Kida looked down at her hands, still glowing faintly with the residue of magic. "I… I did it."
Helios nodded approvingly. "You have a natural affinity for magic. That much is clear."
Kida straightened, regaining her composure quickly, though a faint blush colored her cheeks. "I have always been gifted in the Atlantean arts."
"Then it makes sense," Helios said smoothly. "All magic comes from the same source, though each culture interprets it differently. You likely have an excellent attunement to this universal energy."
Kida's lips curved into a small smile before she masked it behind her usual regal expression. "You are an intriguing man, Helios."
Helios gave her a playful wink. "Oh, I'm full of surprises, Princess. As are you."
Kurai's silver eyes flicked toward him briefly. "Too full of yourself, if you ask me."
Skuld stifled a laugh behind her hand.
Helios ignored them, sipping his water serenely as if nothing had happened.
"Perhaps," Kida said, her voice turning more serious, "you can teach me more later."
"I'd be delighted," Helios replied, bowing slightly in his seat. "Though next time, we'll try somewhere a little less… delicate."
The guards muttered uneasily but held their tongues at Kida's raised hand.
As the meal continued, Helios caught Kurai's cold gaze across the table. For a moment, her eyes narrowed slightly as if to warn him not to get too comfortable with playing these tricks. He smirked back, unfazed, before returning his attention to Kida's eager questions about magic.