In the inner courtyard of the kingdom, six princesses stood in a row on a wide, flat area.
Venya, Ignis, Volt, Aurora, Nxy, and Lyria—each of them was ready to test their powers.
Zero stood before them, one hand in his pocket, the other hanging loosely at his side.
The king's voice echoed across the area:
"This is a test. Not a real battle. But we want to see your strength and coordination."
Ignis smiled, "Are you ready, cursed hero?"
Zero curled his lips.
"Always."
Volt made the first move. He charged forward swiftly, swinging his fist at lightning speed.
But Zero... didn't even take a step.
Luck and dodge ability kicked in—Volt's fist flew past Zero's nose into the void.
"What—?"
Zero shifted slightly to the side, "Not bad."
Then Ignis and Nxy attacked together.
Nxy summoned shadows, while Ignis applied pressure with flames.
Zero closed his eyes.
His sixth sense had begun to work.
The direction of the air currents, the intensity of the sounds, the footsteps of the enemies...
Zero suddenly crouched down, then jumped into the air and slammed his hands onto the ground:
"Frozen Shockwave!"
Ice particles rising from the ground enveloped the area, freezing the shadows and weakening the flames.
Venya immediately activated her magic shield, while Aurora quickly scanned her surroundings.
Lyria watched from a distance; her turn was saved for last.
When Zero landed, the three princesses had been slowed by the ice.
Only Aurora and Venya remained unharmed.
"It's our turn."
Venya charged forward, while Aurora tried to lock the area with magic.
Zero didn't use the full extent of the area expansion, but his eyes turned red, and his surroundings trembled slightly.
"If I get any more serious... it'll really be a fight."
When Venya's attack came, Zero grabbed her wrist and pinned her to the ground, but didn't harm her.
He neutralized Aurora's magic with an ice spear.
Finally, Lyria walked forward.
She approached Zero, and no one said a word.
Lyria placed her hand on Zero's chest.
"Do you think you can defeat me?"
Zero smiled,
"I've already won the battle against you."
Lyria stepped back without saying a word.
Her smile said it all.
________________________________________
The test was over.
The king was silent.
But there was something on his face:
Approval.
Zero's control, power, and heart now belonged not just to the warrior…
But to a leader.