Kazuki woke up to find a crown on his bird.
Not just any crown—a silver circlet adorned with feathers made of mana-thread, humming softly with wind essence. Yukimaru, normally cool and aloof, now sat on a rock like royalty, his wings spread just slightly, glowing faintly in the morning light.
"Okay, what kind of dream sandwich did I eat last night?" Kazuki muttered, rubbing his eyes.
"No dream," Tala said, entering the tent while holding a rolled scroll. "You've been summoned."
"To what? Royal bird daycare?"
She dropped the scroll into his lap. It read:
✧ Sky Sovereignty Proclamation
✧ The Phoenixblood of House Yukimaru has been located.
In accordance with Ancient Sky Pact Law, he is to return for Rite of Ascent.
The bonded humanoid must attend. Refusal is punishable by Plummet Trial.
Kazuki blinked. "Plummet Trial?"
"Exactly what it sounds like."
"…Neat."
Smile bounced beside him, mimicking a tiny pair of wings with stubby slime arms.
✦
The Floating Isles of Kazanoko
The journey took a day. By teleport gate, then via a wind-skiff. As they ascended, the clouds parted to reveal sky islands—suspended hunks of stone and crystal floating in serene arcs around a glowing core.
"It's like a Studio Ghibli movie up here," Kazuki whispered.
At the highest islet, a coliseum shaped like a lotus awaited them. Around it, winged creatures and noble avians gathered in rows: cranes in ceremonial robes, hawks with monocles, even an eagle in a velvet cape sipping tea.
Then came the entrance fanfare.
A procession of sky guards blew into flutes made of wind bamboo.
"Presenting the Heir of the Stormplume Lineage, Lord Yukimaru!"
Yukimaru soared past Kazuki with a cry of nobility, circled once, then landed with precision on a crystal pedestal. Mana rippled like thunder.
Kazuki pointed weakly. "That's my birb."
One of the elders stepped forward—a massive heron in layered plumage. His voice echoed inside Kazuki's head.
"You have brought him home. Now he must prove his right to rule."
Tala squinted. "Is it just me, or is that bird telepathic?"
"Definitely not just you."
"And what of you, landbound?" the heron said to Kazuki. "Do you intend to fight in his stead if challenged?"
"Wait, me?! I'm just here for moral support!"
A hawk snorted from the stands. "A groundwalker in the Rite of Soaring? How quaint."
Kazuki turned to Yukimaru. "Hey, buddy. You sure about this?"
Yukimaru gave a soft, noble coo, and nudged Kazuki gently forward.
Then a rival descended from the sky.
A massive, sleek wind falcon wearing battle armor and a proud sneer.
"I, Arator of the Galeborn, challenge the pretender."
Kazuki blinked. "He's gonna eat me, isn't he."
✦
The Sky Duel Arena
The battlefield was a massive floating platform surrounded by smaller, spinning islands. The rule was simple:
If you fall, you lose. Flight allowed. Magic allowed. No killing. "Dramatic flair encouraged."
Kazuki was given a wingpack made of mana-thread and sky-ore.
"Just flap your arms and pray," one attendant offered cheerfully.
Kazuki looked at Tala, who gave him a thumbs up from the stands.
Smile wore a tiny referee hat.
Yukimaru stood on a perch behind him, watching calmly.
The bell rang.
DING!
Arator dove like a thunderbolt.
Kazuki screamed. "HOW IS THIS LEGAL!?"
He dodged left—and immediately fell off the platform.
"Oh no oh no oh no—"
But before he hit bottom, a wind glyph on his pack activated and launched him back up.
Kazuki flew straight into Arator.
BONK.
The falcon tumbled back, disoriented.
The crowd gasped.
"I meant to do that!" Kazuki lied.
✦
10 Minutes Into the Sky Duel
Kazuki had accidentally triggered nearly every trap glyph embedded in the platforms.
One detonated in a puff of glitter.
Another made his pants glow.
One island collapsed under him—but exploded upward just as Arator tried to dive, launching the falcon into a spin.
Kazuki, flailing like a confused noodle, somehow kicked Arator directly in the beak.
BOOM.
The falcon landed hard on a cloud cushion—and did not get back up.
"Victory—Kazuki of the Earthbound."
The arena erupted in shocked applause.
Yukimaru flapped once. His feathers shimmered with golden wind. The crown glowed brighter.
The heron elder gave a regal nod.
"He is worthy."
✦
Post-Duel Tea Ceremony
Back in a peaceful floating tea garden, Kazuki sipped from a leaf-cup as noble birds chatted.
Smile had eaten five cloud buns and was humming again.
Yukimaru stood beside him, now clearly respected—bows, nods, and even poetic haikus were exchanged in his honor.
Kazuki looked up at the sky.
"Bird politics are exhausting."
Tala leaned beside him. "You just won a royal sky duel."
"I slipped off the platform twice."
"Which somehow made you win."
"Classic."
✦
System Update
[Kazuki Amano – Level Up!]
Level 18 → Level 19
Title Unlocked: "Cloudkicker"
Special Trait: Wind Mana Affinity (Beginner Rank)
Passive: You cannot die from fall damage unless you deserve it.
[Yukimaru – Companion Rank Up!]
Title: Heir of the Stormplume
Wind Mana: Enhanced
Skill Gained: Windstep Mirage – Can create afterimages mid-flight to confuse enemies.
✦
Meanwhile… In a Lavish Fortress
Aurelis, watching a floating projection orb, slowly crushed a cup of imported spirit tea in his gloved hand.
"He tripped into the falcon and won a high court duel…"
His assistant whispered, "Shall I prepare your diplomatic request to… duel him formally?"
"No. Not yet."
He turned to a wall filled with ancient swords and flaming relics.
"I need something unbeatable."
Then, from the shadows, a voice replied.
"Then perhaps it's time… you awoke the Emberbound Blade."
Aurelis smiled.
"Perfect."