As the grand doors swing open from behind the prestigious throne, King Hayasaki and Queen Hayasaki step into the room with a regal air, their three children trailing closely behind them.
Kyutora, the eldest, stands tall and proud —an embodiment of his father's strength and legacy. Beside him walks his sister, Yunako, whose grace and poise reflect the elegance of her mother.
And then there is Mareyaki—the youngest. Pride shimmering from his every step, his arrogance gleaming as brightly as the gemstones stitched into his lavish robe.
Together, they make a striking sight: royalty carved from power, beauty, and command. Each member of the family radiates presence in their own distinct way.
Mareyaki peers across the room directly at Houki as they lock eyes, a storm of disdain brews between them as memories of their last tournament clash surge to the forefront of their minds. The tension in the air was palpable, each recalling the fierce competition that left them both simmering with unresolved rivalry.
The king's booming voice breaks the silence, summoning all Pillars to kneel before the throne. Each Pillar drops to one knee in perfect unison, their heads bowed low.
"Arise, my Pillars," King Hayasaki declares, his voice deep with authority but not lacking warmth. "You have served your kingdom well—but I've gathered you all here today because of a dire situation regarding demons infiltrating the kingdom."
The Pillars rise. The audience chamber settles into a charged quiet.
Before King Hayasaki can continue his speech one of the front doors of the castle swings open. Everyone in the room turns their attention to the entrance as Shosai walks in chin raised high.
As he walks past the Shiku, Houki, and Kasumi, a sneer crosses his face, clearly signaling his disdain for their status. With an air of superiority, he dismisses them entirely and continues his path toward Gorran.
King Hayasaki furrows his eyebrows, clearly annoyed by the disrespect displayed by Shosai. He addresses Gorran directly, saying, "Please get your student under control. I'll only allow his imprudence this once." His expression conveyed both authority and impatience as he emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
Gorran's eyes narrow as he places a firm hand on Shosai's shoulder before he can reach the Pillars' formation.
"That mouth of yours is going to dig your grave, boy," Gorran muttered low enough that only Shosai could hear.
Shosai smirks without turning. "A grave built on bones stronger than theirs."
Gorran gives his shoulder a sharp squeeze before releasing him, letting the message sink in.
King Hayasaki's gaze lingers on the exchange for a moment longer before he continues, his tone firmer now.
"As I mentioned earlier, while the demons have been temporarily pushed back by four of our esteemed guests, we recognize that this respite won't last indefinitely. Today, we wish to honor the contributions of three remarkable students alongside their master. Therefore, I invite the four of you to step forward now to receive our gratitude and acknowledgment for your bravery and efforts."
Nobori, Shiku, Houki, and Kasumi step forward to the middle of the floor directly in front of the throne. King Hayasaki steps down from the dais, his regal robes brushing the floor as he approaches.
Mareyaki can't help but feel a swell of frustration as he watches his father praise those he considers losers. "Why is he treating them like they're something special?" he thinks to himself, incredulous. Deep down, he is convinced that he could have taken down that demon all by himself, without needing any recognition or assistance from those he deemed unworthy.
King Hayasaki stops before them, his piercing gaze sweeping over each one. He rests his eyes briefly on Nobori, giving a small nod of respect—one warrior to another. Then his gaze moves to the trio.
"You haven't had much combat experience," the King begins, his voice echoing through the chamber, "Yet you proved yourself where many of greater experience would have fallen. That… commands respect."
Kasumi bows her head humbly. Shiku swallows hard, fighting the urge to fidget. Houki holds the king's gaze without flinching.
"In recognition of your actions during the incident with Asmoth," the King continues, "I hereby declare you honorary warriors of the realm. Your names will be etched into our records, and your future… watched closely."
A soft murmur runs through the room. Even the pillars glance at each other with thinly veiled surprise.
Mareyaki, standing with his siblings, scoffs just loud enough to be heard. "Watched closely, indeed," he mutters, his smirk curling.
Queen Hayasaki leans forward then, her voice carrying the elegance of frost. "But honor alone is not enough. Valor must be tested… refined."
A beat of silence follows. Then her eyes briefly flicker toward her youngest son—Mareyaki—who's still wearing that crooked smirk of superiority.
"Those who seek recognition must prove themselves beyond titles and singular acts. There will come a time, soon, when that opportunity arises."
Her words hang in the air, ambiguous but heavy with meaning.
Shiku frowns slightly, unsure whether her remark was a warning, a promise, or a challenge.
King Hayasaki folds his hands behind his back and addresses the room once more.
"In the days ahead, we will organize a joint trial—one that will serve as both training and assessment. Our lands grow restless. Demonkind tests our borders. It is time the next generation steps into the fire. In four teams led by the Four Pillars of this nation."
Mareyaki's smirk deepens, clearly understanding the subtext.
He steps forward. "May I speak, Father?"
The king gestures for him to proceed.
"If this is about testing potential," Mareyaki begins, voice smooth and confident, "I request that I be allowed to form a team of my own choosing. One that will… properly reflect what this kingdom's elite can do."
His tone is pointed—his eyes once again locking on Houki.
Houki lifts his chin but says nothing.
King Hayasaki considers him, then gives a small nod. "Very well. You shall have your team."
Mareyaki bows with exaggerated grace. "Then I look forward to the trial."
"Dismissed," the king declares. "All of you. Prepare yourselves. Your next task will not be ceremonial."
As the Pillars and students begin to exit the chamber, the atmosphere remains heavy—expectation, rivalry, and something darker crackling just beneath the surface.
The grand chamber begins to empty as murmurs stir like shifting wind. Pillars exit with silent purpose, while students, nobles, and guards filter out in hushed groups. But not all left quietly.
Mareyaki lingers.
He takes his time descending the dais, his golden robe catching the flickering light from the stained-glass windows overhead. Every step was deliberate. Calculated. A prince reminding the world who he is.
Shiku, Houki, and Kasumi have begun to turn when his voice echoes across the hall.
"You should savor the moment," Mareyaki says. "Recognition from my father doesn't come often. Then again… some of us have to earn it differently."
Houki slowly turns, face blank.
Kasumi's gaze sharpens, a flicker of irritation crossing her face. "The prince is incredibly rude to Houki," she thinks, her stance shifting as she turns to confront him directly.
Mareyaki's lips twitch into a smug smile. "It's fascinating how far pity and circumstance can take someone in this kingdom... When you're the prince."
Shiku steps forward, his fists already clenched. "You've got something to say, say it."
Mareyaki waves him off, already turning to leave. As two figures walk through the middle of the group bumping past the two boys. "You'll get your chance to impress. Or disappoint. The trial will sort the worthy from the lucky."
As he exits through a side corridor, Shosai and Isohi fall into step behind him, both silent and sharp-eyed. Shadows to his flame.
"I trust your preparations are complete?" Mareyaki asks without looking at them.
Shosai grins, bone markings faintly glowing beneath his collar. "Let's just say… I'm ready to bury whatever hope they've built."
Isohi adjusts his gloves, cracking his knuckles as a copper shell coats his fist. "Give the order. We'll break more than pride."
Mareyaki's smile fades into something colder.
"Soon."
❧
Meanwhile, outside the castle steps, Houki walks in silence beside Shiku and Kasumi.
"What do you think the trial will be?" Kasumi asks.
"Doesn't matter," Houki says, eyes distant. "They've made it clear that whatever it is they don't want us to make it out alive."
Shiku grunts "Let him try it. They won't stand a chance."
As they continue to walk away from the castle, the air grows still, allowing for a moment of quiet reflection. However, just as they are about to speak further, a sudden gust of wind sweeps through the street, swirling around them with a force that catches them off guard. Along with the rush of cool air, familiar voices drift in, echoing in the distance and pulling their attention away from their conversation.
"Shiku?!"
They turn to see Tsutan and Yamao approaching.
Tsutan and Yamao stride toward them, both grinning widely like they haven't just spent weeks training in the outer provinces.
Tsutan, the lightning augmenter, had a scar along his jaw now—thin and fresh—but his familiar cocky swagger remained untouched. "You guys really know how to make headlines," he says, slapping Shiku on the back. "Asmoth? Seriously?"
Houki's gaze sharpens, his curiosity piqued. "How do you know about that?"
Yamao, the dust mage, nervously chimes in. "Everyone in the city knows word got around fast especially when it's a group of newly awakened defeats a demon of that level."
Yamao couldn't shake the feeling that Houki's piercing gaze was fixed on him, his expression brimming with irritation. Each glance sent a shiver down his spine, making him instinctively shrink back, as if trying to disappear from his line of sight.
Shiku flashes a broad grin as he drapes his arm around Houki's shoulder. "We even got acknowledged by King Hayasaki himself!"
"So that's what you guys were doing at the castle." Tsutan nods, eyebrow raised, as if suspecting there's more they haven't told him yet.
"Yeah, plus there's a trial coming up with all of us," Shiku chimes in.
Yamao scans the faces in the group, curiosity sparkling in his eyes as they stroll through the vibrant streets of the city. "Hold on—are you saying that includes us as well?"
Shiku nods, lowering his voice as he glances around for eavesdroppers, "Everyone who awakened this year will be there," he says just loud enough for the group to hear.
With a confident stride, Reina emerges from a nearby shop, her hand resting firmly on her hip. "So, everyone will be going where exactly?" she challenges, narrowing her eyes playfully at the group.
Shiku startles at her voice. "Reina?! Where did you come from?"
Reina flips her hair out of her face and uncrosses her arms, a hint of defiance in her posture. "If you must know," she says, her voice steady, "I was out getting this." With that, she proudly reveals her retractable spear, showcasing it as if it were a prized possession.
Shiku practically bounces with excitement, eyes wide in awe."Whoa! That's awesome I can't believe you got such a cool weapon!"
Reina joins the group as they stroll through the city, her curiosity piqued by their unusually tense demeanor. "So what's happening that has you all so worried?" she asks, her voice laced with concern. The group exchange glances, each reflecting a shared unease that hung in the air. As they walk on, their footsteps echoing on the cobblestones, Reina felt the weight of their silence and was determined to uncover the source of their worry.
As the tension within the group thickens, Kasumi finally decides to break the silence. With a deep breath, she begins to recount everything that had transpired in the castle. Her voice is steady, yet there is an underlying urgency as she details their encounters and the challenges they faced.
Reina's expression hardens as the gravity of Kasumi's words sinks in. "So there's a trial coming up where the king wants to test all of us for a war that's inevitable," she replies calmly—too calmly. Her hand tightens around her new spear.
Tsutan whistles low. "Guess this trial's not just a test. It's a weeding out."
"No pressure," Yamao mutters, fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve.
Houki's eyes narrow. "It's not just about war prep. It's about status. Politics. They want to see who's fit… and who isn't worth keeping."
Shiku stretches his arms behind his head, smiling despite the tension. "Then we just have to prove we're the real deal."
Reina looks at him, then the others. "Then we train harder. We move smarter. We don't let them decide who's worthy. We show them."
Her words hit with quiet force.
The group walks on, the sunset casting long shadows behind them. The sky above, a blend of red and gold, seems to burn with the same intensity stirring in their hearts.
None of them knows what the trial will bring.
But beneath the same sky, their resolve begins to forge something stronger than fear.
❧