CHAPTER 2 The Fairy King's Invitation - REINCARNATED AS A FAIRY IN ANOTHER WORLD

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As I slowly regained consciousness and opened my eyes, I felt my face resting on something warm and soft. I realized I was lying on my mother's lap. As I tried to take a breath, I saw my mother's face, filled with tears and sorrow.

As I raised my head, she screamed, "My baby boy, you're finally awake!" She cried buckets of tears. I tried to speak, but my throat felt like it was burning from the inside. She gently stroked my hair and said, "My son, I'm glad you're still alive. Don't you ever make us worry like that again."

Looking closer, I noticed most of her clothes were torn, dirty, and burned. She called my father to tell him I was alive. From a distance, I heard a voice yell, "My son!" at the top of its lungs. My body was still too weak to turn and see.

Next to my mother, I noticed a man with wings on his back. They weren't very large, but they were beautiful, patterned with bright, attractive colors. I tried to get a full look at him, but he suddenly hugged me with such force that I could barely breathe, and it felt like my bones might break. I couldn't say anything my throat was still extremely sore.

My mother slapped him on the head and said, "Are you trying to kill him with that hug? Ease up a bit! The child can barely breathe." He released me, and I took a deep breath of relief. The hug had only lasted seconds, but it felt like weeks.

After a few minutes, he said, "Thank the Fairy God you're alive. I don't know what I would have done without you." Tears streamed down his face, and snot ran from his nose. I felt a little grossed out but ignored it.

Looking him over, I noticed most of his clothes were gone—his shirt missing, his pants burned and torn, with scratches marking what remained. My mother was similarly disheveled. Then I realized I was wearing his shirt. I couldn't move my neck, so I moved my eyes to observe them more carefully.

My parents stopped crying and introduced themselves. My mother went first: "I am Yuri Misuki, princess of the Human Kingdom, and your mother."

The man followed: "I am Kuro Kanasatsu Suru. My name means Black Observer, symbolizing someone who watches in the shadows. Unlike your mother, I'm from the Fairy God's Forest."

After their introductions, they decided to name me Kyoryokuna, meaning "Powerful," and gave me the nickname Kyo. They hadn't decided on a surname yet, so my father proposed that once I could speak, I would choose the surname, and we would all share it.

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My father gave me a pill infused with magic and human science. I swallowed it, and immediately all the pain in my body vanished. I could walk, move, and speak without a surge of pain running through me. After celebrating my healing, I looked around, and my expression shifted from joy to fear and sorrow.

The sight was terrifying. Trees were blackened, their branches skeletal. The ground was scorched and cratered. One house stood amid the devastation, but it too was damaged—walls cracked, windows shattered, the roof partially torn off. I had no idea what this place was or why it looked like it had been ravaged by a disaster. The destruction was so vast that imagining what it looked like before was impossible.

The air smelled of smoke and ash, and the silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional creak of twisted metal or distant rumble. My parents' somber expressions suggested they knew more than they let on. I wondered who they were, who I was, and what kind of creature could have caused this destruction.

Unease gripped me. I was scared, feeling like I might die. My eyes widened, pupils dilated, sweat ran down my body, and my arms and legs shook. Breathing became harder and harder until I started hyperventilating and collapsed to the floor, paralyzed by fear rather than injury.

My parents rushed to my side. "Are you alright?" they asked, concern etched on their faces.

Suddenly, hundreds of huge winged creatures appeared in the sky, flying toward us. Some were scaled, others feathered, but they were too far away to see clearly.

"My love, take the boy and run. We both know what those things are and what they're here for," my father said.

My mother refused. "I'll stay by his side to the bitter end."

My father began to cry. "I know, but I can't watch you or our son die."

As they argued, the enemy drew closer. I tugged at my mother's arm and asked, my first words since waking, "Mama, what's going on?"

Her eyes filled with tears. "Okay, fine. I'll take Kyo and run, but once we're far away, you better start running too."

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My father kissed her, making her blush. "Don't worry, my love. I will return to your side."

She scooped me up and prepared to run. Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath us, a low rumble growing louder with each passing second. At first, I thought it was the creatures, but then something else stirred. The scorched soil split open, cracks spreading like lightning. Glowing green light pulsed from the fissures, blindingly bright. Flowers bloomed instantly, petals opening in defiance of the devastation. Trees sprouted, twisting into the air as if time itself was forced forward.

My mother gasped and clutched me tighter. My father's eyes widened. "No… it can't be… a Triad."

From the blooming chaos, a figure rose, as if the earth itself were giving birth. First came the glow of emerald eyes, then a cascade of long blue-green hair, shimmering like woven rivers and leaves. She wore flowing green robes threaded with living vines, and small red blossoms rested in her hair like jewels. Thorny crowns of energy hovered above her head, shifting and twisting as if alive.

The air changed, fresh and alive, scented with spring yet heavy with pressure. Even the winged beasts hesitated midair.

She stepped onto the ruined ground, bare feet leaving trails of fresh grass. Her voice rang clear and commanding, yet gentle: "I am Dorothy, Triad of the Fairy God's Forest. By a promise I made, I have come to rescue all fairies in this area."

My parents collapsed to their knees, awestruck. My mother whispered, "We're saved…"

To me, she seemed less a savior and more a goddess born of the earth itself.

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My parents screamed, "Yes! We're saved!"

I was still confused. "Umm, excuse me, with no disrespect, but I don't see how one of you can defeat hundreds of them."

Dorothy smirked. "The plan was to save the fairies, not fight. But it seems I must show you the power of a Triad."

The hundreds of creatures screamed as they dove closer, their shadows blotting the broken sky. Scaled like dragons, feathered like giant birds of prey, fangs and talons gleaming. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst.

Dorothy didn't move at first. She smirked, emerald eyes glowing like wildfire. "I suppose I'll have to demonstrate why a Triad is not to be trifled with."

With a flick of her wrist, thorny vines shot from her hair like living whips, tangling wings and claws, dragging the front line to the scorched earth. The creatures shrieked and thrashed, but the vines only tightened.

Her hair shimmered, scattering into thousands of glowing petals. They swirled around her like a deadly storm before launching outward. Each petal cut like a blade, carving into scales and feathers, draining strength with every strike.

I should have been terrified but my eyes were locked on something else. Every time Dorothy spun, her chest bounced, and my teenage brain short-circuited.

Oh no. Don't look. Stop looking. I looked.

My nose tingled. Drip. Dammit, not now. I wiped my face desperately, hoping no one noticed.

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Dorothy raised her arms; her hair whipped like rivers in a storm, and a vortex of wind lifted her gracefully off the ground. Her robes fluttered, revealing a flash of white.

Oh sweet Fairy God, why are you testing me like this?

Another nosebleed. I tilted my head back, pretending to admire the sky.

Meanwhile, the monsters were shredded. The vortex caught dozens, suspending them midair. Dorothy clapped, the winds exploded outward, hurling beasts into the distance. Screeches faded.

But she wasn't finished. A massive emerald crystal materialized above her, pulsing with energy. It descended like judgment, unleashing a wave of green light that engulfed the remaining creatures. Their bodies convulsed, magic drained, and they dissolved into dust.

Silence. The battlefield, once filled with wings and roars, was now calm except for me frantically pinching my nose before anyone noticed the mess running down my face.

Dorothy descended slowly, feet touching the ground, leaving trails of grass. She didn't look winded. She gave me the smallest, knowing smirk, as if she knew exactly what I was thinking.

I froze, face burning red. She knows.

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As I looked away, my eyes darting guiltily to the side, I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. My lips parted in a mixture of surprise and fear as the voice in my head seemed to echo with an otherworldly tone, 'I saw you peeking.' My eyebrows shot up, and I felt my heart skip a beat as I wondered if it was truly her. I pushed the thought aside, my brow furrowing in concentration as I focused on the desolate landscape before me.

The battlefield was a graveyard of splintered trees and boulders, with dust and debris swirling in the air like a morbid storm. The stench of death hung heavy, a pungent reminder of the carnage that lay before me. My nose wrinkled in distaste as I took in the scene. Hundreds of lifeless winged beasts littered the ground, their bodies twisted in impossible poses, feathers and scales scattered like confetti. The ground was slick with the residue of battle, and the air was thick with the metallic tang of blood. My face contorted in a mixture of horror and awe as I realized the true extent of the destruction.

Dorothy's battle had left an indelible mark on the landscape, an example of her power. As she finished, she turned to face us, her movements almost casual. In the blink of an eye, she closed the distance between us, standing right in our faces. I was shocked at her speed, my eyes widening in surprise. She then turned to my father and asked, "Is this human an enemy or friend of yours?" My father replied calmly, "She is an ally, not an enemy."

With a swift motion, Dorothy created a magical orb that surrounded the battlefield. She then teleported all the fairies in the area, including General Kira, to a single point. In an instant, everyone within the orb was instantly transported to a new destination, leaving us staring at the empty space where they once stood. The sudden disappearance left me breathless, my mind struggling to keep up with the rapid sequence of events.

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The palace loomed ahead, massive and imposing. Towering walls carved from dark stone shimmered faintly with runes that pulsed like veins of magic. The gates themselves were enormous slabs of black obsidian, etched with glowing sigils that made them look less like doors and more like the jaws of some great beast.

As we approached, hundreds of guards in golden armor stepped forward, swords and shields at the ready. Their faces were hidden behind helmets, but the intensity in their stance made their intention clear. They thought we were intruders.

The leader, a tall man with a booming voice, stepped forward and demanded that we halt. My mother's face paled, my father tensed, and I felt my stomach twist with unease.

Then something caught my eye. Lying at the side of the path was General Kira, one of the most powerful fairies, badly injured. His body was mangled, blood staining the grass around him. The sight ignited fury in the hearts of the guards. Their swords rose, gleaming in the sunlight. Rage painted every movement.

"Kill them!" the captain shouted. "Humans are the enemies of our kind! They must pay for this!"

Panic surged through me. My mother grabbed my arm tightly, eyes wide with fear. My father stepped forward, trying to reason with the guards. "She is with me," he said firmly, but the guards' fury did not waver. To them, he had betrayed their people by accompanying a human.

Then, the air shifted. A tremor ran through the ground, subtle at first, then stronger. The leaves on the trees rustled without wind, and the hair on my arms stood on end. Every guard froze, their eyes widening behind their helmets.

From the distance, a figure appeared, radiating an overwhelming aura. The air itself seemed to bend around him. Light pulsed faintly as if the world recognized the arrival of someone extraordinary.

It was Kino. His presence was so powerful that even the most disciplined guards staggered slightly, some losing their balance. I could feel the pressure pressing against my chest, my legs quivering under the invisible weight of his power. Even my father struggled to stand.

Kino's wings unfurled behind him, iridescent and massive, shimmering in the sunlight. His silver-and-gold hair glimmered like threads of starlight, and his chiseled face radiated calm confidence. A small blue rose tucked behind his ear added an almost impossibly perfect touch to his appearance. He moved with such grace that the world seemed to slow around him.

He looked directly at me, eyes piercing like they could see through my very soul. Then he smirked, voice smooth and teasing. "Ah. I see you're in a bit of a pickle. I'm impressed you're still standing. Most children I encounter collapse under my presence."

The guards froze, unsure whether to fight or flee. The fairies around them, blinded by their fury over General Kira, were still caught in shock at Kino's overwhelming aura. The scene hung in suspended tension, every heartbeat amplified.

Finally, Kino stepped forward, his wings fluttering gently. His voice carried with authority. "I have been assigned to personally escort these humans to the King. Stand down, or be rendered unconscious."

The guards faltered, swords lowering slightly as they realized the impossibility of resisting him. The path ahead cleared, the tension easing only slightly. My parents exhaled, though I knew the danger was far from over.

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I could barely hide my awe. Kino's presence was intense and commanding, but surprisingly, it didn't overwhelm me. My parents staggered slightly under the force of it, but I only felt a spark of curiosity, like standing near a storm without getting drenched.

Kino's piercing gaze landed on me, and a small, knowing smirk appeared on his lips. "You're still standing. Impressive," he said, voice low, smooth, almost teasing. "Most children collapse immediately under my presence."

I wanted to respond, but my throat felt dry. My brain couldn't help noticing his wings, shimmering in sunlight, and the way his hair caught every glimmer of light. Unlike what happened with females, though, I felt no tingling, no nosebleed just fascination.

My father finally spoke, still shaken from the earlier confrontation with the guards. "What… happens now? Where do we go?"

Kino glanced at the palace gates, wings fluttering slightly. "I will take you to the King. You and your parents will be escorted safely. General Kira… is not my concern," he said firmly.

Then, he turned to the guards trailing behind us. His voice became sharper, commanding, and tinged with deadly authority. "You there," he said, pointing to the soldiers, "escort these humans and General Kira separately. Do not harm them. Any transgression, and you will regret it beyond imagination."

The soldiers froze, eyes wide behind their golden helmets. The soldiers began seperating from us with each passing minute.The words alone carried a weight that made even the bravest hesitate. Kino's wings shimmered faintly, and the air around him seemed to thrum with invisible energy, a warning that he would not tolerate disobedience.

My parents exhaled quietly, still pale but visibly relieved. I followed closely, keeping my breathing steady while observing Kino. Every movement he made was smooth, confident, and commanding, yet somehow playful in the way he carried himself.

The forest around the palace grew denser, ancient trees with twisted roots and glowing moss guiding our path. The air smelled faintly of magic, thick and intoxicating. I felt like we were stepping into a world far beyond anything I had ever imagined.

Even with Kino leading us, calm and unbothered, I couldn't shake a sense of unease. The King awaited, and I had no idea what tests or dangers lay ahead.

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We walked in silence for a few minutes, the forest path winding deeper into the palace grounds. My parents remained quiet, still pale from the earlier encounter, while I tried to keep my mind sharp, observing everything.

Kino finally stopped, turning to face me. His wings stretched gracefully behind him, glinting in the soft sunlight filtering through the canopy. "Before we proceed any further, introductions are in order," he said, voice calm but carrying undeniable authority. "I'm General Kino Oshiko, but you can call me Kino."

I straightened my back and met his gaze. "My name is Kyoryokuna, but you can call me Kyo. Now… can you tell me more about your powers?"

Kino chuckled, a low, musical sound that made the forest feel smaller somehow. "Impatient, aren't you? Very well. Listen carefully." He raised his hands slightly, letting the air shimmer around him.

"My abilities are as follows: I can create up to ten clones of myself. Each clone can use only twenty percent of my full power, but I can teleport to their location at will. I can see and hear everything they do. I can read minds, but only of those weaker than me or those who allow it. I can manipulate dreams, drawing anything I desire from them into reality, but there are limits to what I can extract."

I blinked, trying to process it all. "So… you can make ten copies, read minds, and pull things out of dreams? That's… insane."

Kino smirked again, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Insane is one way to put it. Powerful is another. Don't get too excited, though. Clones disappear after ten days, and the things I pull from dreams… well, only the strong can resist me."

I nodded slowly, my curiosity growing. "Have you… ever failed?" I asked cautiously.

His smirk deepened, almost predatory. "Failure is temporary. I don't fail often, and when I do… I make sure it's unforgettable."

As we continued down the forest path, I noticed the soldiers who had been trailing us earlier veer off in a different direction. Kino hadn't even looked at them as he gave the order, yet they obeyed without question. My parents and General Kira were being escorted safely, just as he promised. Kino's authority was absolute.

I swallowed hard, trying to hide the mix of awe and nervousness bubbling inside me. Despite my small, childlike body, I was starting to feel slightly more comfortable walking beside Kino. He exuded calm and confidence, and being near him made the forest feel a little less threatening.

We hadn't gone far when a rustling sound came from the bushes nearby. My instincts kicked in—I thought it might be another enemy and I tensed. Kino, calm as ever, didn't even flinch.

Suddenly, a figure tumbled out of the undergrowth. I blinked. She was a fairy, and not just any fairy. Her crystal-blue eyes shimmered like a calm lake, and her short black hair framed her face perfectly. Her shirt was slightly tight, drawing attention to her large chest. My eyes widened, and a small trickle ran from my nose immediately. Oh no, not now.

She scrambled to her feet, trying to regain balance. Every movement especially her chest bouncing slightly as she shifted made the trickle grow. I pinched my nose desperately, but it was already more noticeable.

"Oh no… oh no no no…" I muttered, flustered.

Kino glanced at me, one eyebrow raised. "Careful, Kyo. You're already bleeding. Amateur," he said with a faint smirk. I glared at him, but he just chuckled, clearly amused.

The fairy began speaking, apologizing for startling us.

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As we continued walking, I noticed the fairy from before keeping pace quietly behind us. Suddenly, she spoke up, her voice a little louder than I expected. "Wait… you guys are also going to the King's Palace?"

I nodded. "Yeah… the King sent General Kino to escort me personally."

Her eyes lit up with curiosity and determination. "Oh! Then… can I come with you?"

Kino glanced at me with a faint smirk. "Sure. It's no problem, as long as you change your clothes first. Something… more formal," he said, his voice calm but carrying that authority he always had.

Sakura tilted her head, considering for a moment, then nodded eagerly. "Alright! In that case, I'll go change. Can you guys accompany me to my house?"

I and Kino exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. "Okay, we can do that," I said.

I hesitated a little, curiosity bubbling up. "If you don't mind me asking… who are you?"

Sakura blinked, realizing she hadn't introduced herself. "Oh, right! Silly me. My name is Sakura, and I'm a general in the Fairy God's Forest."

My eyes widened as I realized something. Both she and Kino were generals… which meant they must be equally strong. My mind began racing, trying to imagine how powerful she could be.

I hesitated, then asked cautiously, "And… your surname?"

Her expression turned thoughtful, and she replied, "I don't have one… since I don't have a child."

I froze. "Wait… what? Why do you need a child to have a surname?" I asked, utterly confused.

Kino sighed, clearly expecting my reaction, and explained calmly. "Since fairies are born from the Tree of Life, we don't have reproductive organs. When a fairy child is created from the Tree, the child is the one who gives the family a surname. This happens when the child can talk and walk, usually around six years old."

I blinked, completely flabbergasted. My jaw dropped, and my mind felt like it had just exploded. I struggled to process the idea that a family name didn't exist until a child was born—and that I was supposed to understand this at my age.

Sakura, oblivious to my shock, smiled and lightly bounced on her feet. "Alright! Let's go, then! I need to change before we continue."

I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed, still flabbergasted, while Kino gave me a faint, amused glance. Somehow, even with all the chaos, my journey was only getting stranger. Kino then tells me that we shouldn't keep the King waiting, so let's hurry up. I replied, "Okay, fine. We'll discuss this later," with a disappointed tone.

Sakura said, "It will go faster if I just use my magic, so I'll need both of you to stand still." I began to feel uneasy and closed my eyes. When I opened them again, we were suddenly in front of a huge, magnificent house.

I wanted to ask how we got here so fast, but suddenly my stomach started to hurt. Before I could react, I threw up all over the floor. Sakura's face softened with apology. "Oh! Right, I forgot to mention there are side effects to this power, especially if it's your first time. Nausea, dizziness, headaches, and extreme hunger are common."

I clenched my fists in frustration, enraged that she hadn't warned me, but kept throwing up. Afterward, I asked why Kino wasn't affected. Sakura explained that the side effects only hit those using the power for the first time or significantly weaker individuals.

We prepared to teleport to the King's Palace. This time, surprisingly, I didn't vomit nor feel the side effects. Sakura blinked in mild surprise. "Huh… that's weird. It looks like you're not showing any side effects. How odd. Most people need at least ten tries before they can get used to it. How interesting."

When the world solidified, I found myself standing before the King's Palace, and I was absolutely awestruck. The courtyard stretched endlessly, with towering stone walls and ornate fountains sparkling in the sunlight. Guards lined the gates with rigid discipline, and the massive palace loomed above us, spires glinting in the afternoon light. Every detail, from the intricate stonework to the carved statues and polished gates, screamed power, wealth, and majesty. My chest tightened as awe coursed through me. This wasn't just a palace; it was a statement.

Sakura led us forward, her dress shimmering like liquid leaves, and the sun caught the palace walls perfectly, reflecting dazzling shards of light across the courtyard. Each step toward the gates amplified my anticipation and nerves.

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The air around us shimmered as the teleport finished, and the world snapped back into focus. The dizziness never came, and my feet felt steady against the white stone ground. I looked up, and there it was, the towering gates of the Fairy King's Palace.

They weren't just gates. They were alive. Thick, golden vines crawled upward in twisting patterns, blooming with flowers that glowed faintly even under daylight. Strange symbols pulsed faintly across the archway, like the whole structure was breathing magic.

Sakura stepped forward, her expression shifting into one of respect. "This is it… the heart of fairy kind."

I whistled under my breath. The palace itself stretched beyond the gates, crystalline spires reaching into the clouds. A faint hum filled the air, like thousands of wings beating in unison, though no fairies were in sight yet.

Just as I took a step closer, the gates stirred. The vines tightened, blossoms closing, and two massive figures began to form from the living wood. Guardians. Their eyes lit up emerald, and they spoke in a voice that was less a sound and more a vibration in my chest:

"WHO APPROACHES THE KING'S DOMAIN?"

General Kino responded with, "It's me, General Kino, with the boy His Majesty personally sent me to fetch." General Sakura then said, "As well as me, General Sakura, as well."

For a heartbeat, silence ruled. Then the vines loosened with a low groan, blossoms unfurling once more. The guardians' glowing eyes softened, the emerald fire dimming to a steady pulse.

"VERY WELL… THE KING AWAITS."

With that, their massive wooden arms reached outward. The gates of the Fairy King's Palace parted, not with the screech of metal or the grind of stone, but with the whisper of rustling leaves and the faint chiming of unseen bells. A wave of cool, fragrant air rolled out, carrying the scent of flowers I had never known existed.

Sakura glanced at me, her lips curving in the faintest of smiles. "Stay close. The palace can be overwhelming."

General Kino gave a curt nod, his hand hovering near the hilt of his blade, even here. His caution made my pulse quicken.

I took my first step past the threshold. The moment my foot touched the palace floor, the world shifted. The marble beneath my shoes shimmered like liquid light, and each step forward sent faint ripples across the surface. The walls glowed faintly, their crystal surfaces reflecting colors that shifted like an endless sunrise.

The sound I had heard outside, the hum, the wings, the living breath of this place, was louder now, echoing in rhythm with my heartbeat. For the first time, I truly felt it: this palace wasn't just built. It was alive.

"Welcome," the guardians intoned in unison, their voices fading into the vast chamber beyond.

I exhaled slowly, realizing I had been holding my breath.

And just like that, we were inside the Fairy King's Palace.

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The chamber that greeted us was unlike anything I had ever seen. The ceiling arched impossibly high, formed of translucent crystal that scattered the light into shifting waves of color. Each ray painted the walls with patterns that seemed to move on their own, as if the palace itself were alive and breathing.

Rows of fairy statues lined the hall, but these weren't mere carvings. Their wings shimmered faintly, as though they might awaken at any moment. Between them, fountains of liquid light flowed in midair, cascading along invisible paths and pooling into basins that glowed from within. My footsteps echoed softly, swallowed quickly by the hum of magic saturating every corner. The air itself seemed heavier here, charged with energy, as if the walls were listening.

Sakura and Kino walked ahead with steady strides, their calm faces betraying only the slightest tension in their shoulders. This was no place for mistakes. The deeper we went, the quieter it became. Even the hum seemed to hush, as though the palace itself held its breath in anticipation. Far ahead, another set of massive, radiant doors waited at the end of the hall.

When we arrived, the throne room doors towered above us, encrusted with gold and diamonds, reinforced with steel. Beside them stood two giant statues, swords in hand, their eyes so lifelike that one seemed to shift slightly as I glanced at it. I brushed it off, telling myself I was being paranoid, and stepped forward. Kino reached out, opening the colossal doors, and we followed him inside.

As I entered the throne room, a swirl of excitement and fear coursed through me. My chest tightened at the sight of the King, seated on a throne that seemed alive, crafted from crystal and living wood. Its branches curled upward, cradling him as though grown from the earth itself. Light from the stained-glass windows fractured across the chamber, creating a shifting halo around his figure.

The King was taller than I had imagined, his frame lean but powerful, the air around him vibrating with centuries of authority. His wings stretched wide behind him, shimmering with every hue of dawn—golden edges burning like sunlight, streaks of violet deepening into royal indigo, and silver-tipped feathers sharp as blades. Each subtle movement sent ripples of light across the hall, casting dancing patterns on the golden statues that lined the chamber.

His hair was long and pale as moonlight, cascading over his shoulders, framing a face both regal and severe. A crown of woven crystal branches rested lightly upon his brow, faintly pulsing with magic. His skin was ageless, smooth yet marked subtly by centuries of experience. And his eyes—pools of molten gold, sharp, piercing, ancient—seemed to see right through me, leaving me feeling exposed before eternity itself.

There was no mistaking it: this was the Fairy King, the living heart of his people, a being who carried both beauty and terror in equal measure. The air bent around him, heavy with presence, and the throne room itself seemed attuned to him.

To his right, the adviser stood quietly, a contrast of humility and intellect beside the King's grandeur. His slender frame was wrapped in simple robes, yet his patterned wings shimmered with subtle, shifting hues. Wire-rimmed glasses caught the light as he scribbled in a leather-bound book, his deep brown eyes flicking up at me once, measuring, cataloguing.

To the King's left, the bodyguard exuded quiet menace. His multicolored wings were alive with tension, armor polished but scarred, the kingdom's emblem gleaming faintly. Though his hand rested on his sword hilt, his gaze never stopped moving, cold, sharp, calculating. Every breath I took felt measured against him.

Sakura stood behind me, steady and composed, while Kino mirrored her on my other side, jaw tight, unreadable. The two other generals flanked the chamber, silent and immovable, shadows stretching across the marble floor.

The silence pressed down like a weight until the King finally spoke, his voice deep and resonant, echoing through the hall with the calm authority of one who had commanded armies and witnessed centuries.

"Now that you are finally here," he said, each word reverberating off the golden statues, "let us begin this meeting, starting with introductions."

My heart pounded, but I swallowed hard, forcing my voice steady. "My name is Kyoryokuna," I said, bowing slightly, "though most call me Kyo." Inside, my thoughts raced. What am I doing here, standing before a King? Why me?

General Kino then stepped forward, the air around him thickening as he prepared to speak. "I am General Kino Oshiko, a commander of the forces of this realm," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "My abilities allow me to dominate the battlefield in ways few can comprehend. I can create up to ten clones of myself, each acting independently. I can teleport instantly to any clone's location, perceiving everything they do through a sensory link. I can read the minds of weaker opponents or those who allow me, anticipate their moves, and even control their consciousness. I can enter and manipulate dreams, taking objects, powers, or knowledge from the dream world, though the strength of what I extract depends on my own power."

A faint crimson aura shimmered across his skin as he spoke, and the air seemed to hum with his potential. Even the golden statues seemed to shift subtly, shadows bending toward him in recognition.

The King's eyes glinted with approval. "Now that is a proper introduction," he said, molten-gold gaze flicking toward me. "Kyo, I believe it is time you add a bit of spice to your own introduction, don't you agree?"

I swallowed hard, pulse racing, knowing the weight of expectation now rested fully on my shoulders.

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I drew in a breath, my chest tight. "My name is Kyoryokuna… but you can call me Kyo."

For a moment, I thought about stopping there, but something inside me pushed harder. "The truth is… I was only born a few days ago."

Gasps rippled through the chamber. The adviser froze, quill hovering mid-air. Sakura's eyes widened, her hand drifting to her lips. Even Kino, usually unreadable, tilted his head ever so slightly in surprise.

"I don't have a family name," I continued, forcing myself to meet their stares. "No history, no great deeds to show. I don't even know my purpose yet. But I'm here. And if I was given life then I'll fight to make it mean something."

The silence that followed felt endless. My palms were sweaty, my heart hammering, until the King finally spoke.

Instead of harshness, his voice carried warmth, like sunlight spilling into the room. "A child of only days, yet already brave enough to speak such words before us…" His golden wings shifted, glowing softly. "Kyo, do not think your age makes you lesser. Sometimes, those newest to this world see it with the clearest eyes."

A gentle smile touched his lips as he leaned forward on the throne. "You may not yet know who you are, but I can sense an incredible amount of power locked up inside you. The fact that you stand here, in the presence of people with such power as these generals, is proof of that. Most would have been unconscious long before now."

I bowed slightly, swallowing hard. "Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. I will take them to heart."

The two unknown generals exchanged quick glances, their faces a mixture of shock and a subtle twinge of jealousy. One, tall with silver hair that shimmered faintly like starlight, clenched his fists, while the other, shorter with dark green wings patterned like leaves, shifted uncomfortably under the King's approving gaze.

Sakura's eyes sparkled, a small, approving smile curling her lips. Kino's smirk deepened ever so slightly, though his piercing gaze remained fixed on me, silently acknowledging the King's words without revealing his full thoughts.

The adviser finally lowered his quill, eyes softening behind his glasses as he inclined his head. "It is rare to see such clarity and courage in one so new. You truly are remarkable, young Kyo."

Even the King's bodyguard, usually stern and unreadable, allowed a small nod of acknowledgment, his multicolored wings shifting in the light as if he, too, recognized something special in me.

For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt a surge of confidence not arrogance, but quiet determination. If these powerful beings could see potential in me, then maybe, just maybe, I could rise to meet it.

Page 14

The King said, "It's now your turn, General Sakura."

Sakura stepped forward with a graceful bow, her presence serene yet commanding. "Greetings, Your Majesty, and fellow generals. I am General Sakura. I am 2,500 years old. My power is healing magic, allowing me to mend any physical injury—mine or others'. I can create small green orbs, roughly the size of marbles, for both combat and defense. These orbs can enter an enemy's body and detonate, or be used to heal. I can also release subtle aromas to distract opponents. And, of course, my healing powers let me regenerate limbs."

To demonstrate, four glowing green orbs appeared, orbiting her elegantly like stars in a constellation. Then, in a blur of light, her arms and legs vanished. Gasps echoed through the chamber as everyone thought she had been attacked. But calm and unshaken, Sakura's body glowed with emerald radiance as her limbs regenerated in flawless perfection. Her clothing tore from the transformation, briefly exposing her, but she covered herself swiftly and without the slightest embarrassment.

I groaned in my mind, Not again... And despite the mildness of the scene, a sudden nosebleed erupted from several men at once: Kino, the King's bodyguard, the adviser, and even one of the unknown generals. Their faces flushed crimson, while only the King remained unmoved.

The King threw back his head and roared with laughter. His voice rumbled like thunder, echoing across the crystalline chamber. "Ha ha ha! That's priceless! I haven't laughed like this in years! Thank you, General Sakura. Truly an unforgettable introduction!" With amusement still on his face, he removed his robe and draped it gently across Sakura's shoulders. She stood serene, composed, and utterly unbothered.

One of the two unknown generals eyed Sakura with open jealousy, her lips tightening as she folded her arms.

The King raised his hand. "Now that the guest, Kyo, and those who escorted him have introduced themselves, it is time for the remaining two. General Kiba and General Megumi, step forward."

Kiba glanced at Megumi and muttered, "Ladies first—you go ahead, General Megumi."

She gave a polite smile. "No, no. I insist, you go first, General Kiba."

The King intervened, his tone decisive. "General Kiba, you spoke first. Therefore, you will go first."

Kiba sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "Huuu… I guess there's nothing I can do. Looks like I'll be going first." Megumi's smile widened ever so slightly, smug satisfaction glimmering in her eyes.

Kiba stepped forward, squaring his shoulders. "Greetings. My name is General Kiba Kakani. I am 2,700 years old. I have a daughter named Tina Kakani—she's quite the rascal. Only 20 years old, but my bundle of joy." His tone softened briefly before hardening again. "As for my powers: I specialize in illusions. Within a radius of 200 meters, I can craft landscapes, phantoms, and false armies so realistic they can overwhelm the senses. Many of my enemies have gone mad, slashing at shadows until exhaustion claimed them."

The generals nodded slightly, though the impact was muted compared to Sakura's performance.

Kiba continued, raising his hand as a shimmer rippled through the room. For a split second, the entire chamber looked as though it were underwater, waves of light bending the walls. Then, in an instant, the illusion vanished. "I can also mimic the magical abilities of others, though only three at a time. Once copied, I can wield them as if they were my own." He clenched his fists, sparks of borrowed lightning flickering briefly across his knuckles.

"And portals," he said, snapping his fingers. A circular tear opened in the air, revealing the palace gardens outside. The scent of roses drifted in before the portal closed with a hum. "Anywhere I can see, I can step through instantly. It makes me… very difficult to pin down."

Finally, he crouched into a low stance, his body taut like a coiled spring. "And when illusions or portals fail, my fists do not. I've mastered over two thousand martial forms across centuries, blending them into my own style."

Despite the effort he put into his introduction, the King leaned on one hand, his expression bored. Compared to Sakura's jaw-dropping regeneration, Kiba's demonstration felt plain. Several generals suppressed yawns. Kiba, humiliated, dropped to his knees and sighed as though crushed by the weight of disappointment.

Megumi stepped forward with radiant confidence, brushing him aside. "Out of the way. Let me show you how a real introduction is done."

As she moved, her beauty seemed to shine brighter, her aura radiant and commanding. Her eyes gleamed like polished gems, and even her steps carried grace and authority.

"Greetings, everyone," she said, her voice smooth yet powerful. "My name is General Megumi. I am 3,200 years old. I have no children—I find them rather bothersome. My magical affinities are simple, like most fairies, but what sets me apart are my stamina, combat ability, battle IQ, and my true power: the ability to form contracts with living creatures. With these contracts, I can summon them and wield their unique abilities. Over the centuries, I have forged more than 2,000 contracts. However, I may only summon thirty at a time, each remaining with me for up to four days before returning to their realms."

She raised her hand, smiling with sheer confidence. "Allow me to demonstrate. Come forth, my darlings!"

Three enormous portals spiraled open behind her, swirling with vibrant colors. From the first burst a massive wyvern, scales glimmering like burnished steel and wings that stretched wider than the chamber itself. Its golden eyes glowed with primal fury as it bared razor fangs.

From the second portal trotted a unicorn, its mane a cascade of rainbow fire that shimmered with every movement. Its silver horn pulsed with radiant energy, each flicker hinting at devastating magical power.

From the third portal slithered a colossal slime, its translucent blue form shifting endlessly. Countless tendrils writhed and coiled like serpents, each dripping with mana.

The chamber fell into hushed awe. Even Kino's usually composed face was struck with disbelief.

"These are three of my companions," Megumi continued with a flourish. She gestured to the unicorn. "This is Blossom. Graceful, swift, and beautiful. She commands every magical element at will, capable of raining destruction or mending the gravest wounds with her horn's light."

The unicorn stomped, releasing a wave of healing energy that briefly soothed the aches of every soldier in the room. Gasps filled the air.

She pointed to the slime. "And this is Limi. Do not be deceived by appearances. Limi can mold her body into any form she desires. She regenerates endlessly, even without mana. She absorbs magical attacks and returns them with doubled force. And… she multiplies."

Limi split into eight identical slimes, each reshaping into a perfect, slimy copy of someone in the room—down to the smallest detail. The adviser fell backward in terror, while Kino's eyes widened, his composure cracking for the first time.

"And finally…" Megumi's smile sharpened. "Hue, the wyvern."

Hue's roar shook the chamber like an earthquake. The sound shattered every window and made the stone walls tremble. His back bristled with thousands of gleaming spikes, each vibrating with lethal energy.

"Hue's speed in flight is unmatched. He breathes heat so intense it melts stone, and the spikes on his back can fire like arrows, regrowing in mere seconds. Tens of thousands of them, all at his command. And most importantly…" She drew her sword and, with a blur of motion, sliced off his massive tail. Gasps and screams erupted. But within seconds, Hue's tail regrew before their stunned eyes.

The chamber was silent, every jaw hanging open. Even the King's laughter had stopped, his expression now one of awe. Kino clenched his fists tightly, veins showing on his arms. The adviser's mouth moved soundlessly, unable to form words.

Megumi smiled, basking in their astonishment. "This… is the power of my contracts."

Page 15

The King clapped his hands together. "Wonderful, wonderful. That was a truly marvelous performance, General Megumi."

Everyone was still in awe, whispers filling the chamber as they tried to process the raw power of her contracts. Megumi's lips curled into a smirk. "Well of course, Your Majesty. It's only natural. After all, first impressions are the most important." As she spoke, her gaze lingered on Sakura with a sharp, challenging glare.

The King chuckled deeply. "Ha ha ha, I suppose they are."

At that moment, the King's bodyguard stepped forward, his voice deep and commanding. "Well, I believe it's my turn to shine… haa haa haa."

Megumi waved her hand casually. "Limi, Hue, and Blossom you may return to your realms." One by one, the three beasts gave soft cries before stepping back through their glowing portals, which closed with a flash.

The King's bodyguard bowed lightly. "Greetings, comrades and guests. My name is Katsu. I have no children, for I have devoted my entire life to protecting His Majesty and this kingdom. I am a master swordsman, and I also possess other magical abilities."

With fluid speed, Katsu unsheathed his sword. Before anyone could blink, he swung once so fast it was little more than a blur. The sound of air splitting thundered through the chamber. A heartbeat later, the entire hundred-meter-long room was cut perfectly in half. The ceiling cracked and collapsed, rubble and stone raining down like a storm.

Panic surged through me. My eyes widened, and my chest tightened in fear as dust and debris swallowed the room.

"Come forth, Lulu!" Megumi's voice rang clear, calm, and commanding.

A massive blue portal swirled open beside her, its surface glowing like the ocean under moonlight. From it stepped a creature unlike anything I had ever seen. Lulu was humanoid in shape, her body forged entirely from solid rock, each piece of her form glistening as though polished by centuries of tide and wind. Her skin was a mosaic of basalt and sea polished stone, veins of quartz running through her shoulders like rivers of light. Her hair flowed long and wild, a cascade of dark green seaweed that writhed as though alive. Emerald green eyes shone like twin gemstones, steady and protective. In her chest was a gaping circular hole, its rim worn smooth and glowing faintly with golden light as if a molten core pulsed within. Her fists ended in massive knuckles studded with jagged diamonds, each catching the dim light with a sharp gleam.

As the chamber crumbled, Lulu raised her rocky arms and released a deep, echoing roar. With a single stomp, a wave of invisible force spread outward, freezing the falling rubble in midair. Every stone halted as if time itself had paused, before slowly being lowered safely to the ground. But Lulu did not stop there. The chandelier, made of twisted iron and glittering glass, plummeted directly toward us. Her long, flowing hair shot upward like countless vines, wrapping around the chandelier's frame. Her seaweed-strands tightened with surprising strength, and she set the massive ironwork down as gently as one would place a baby in a cradle.

When the dust finally settled, I blinked in disbelief. The generals hadn't moved an inch. Not one flinched, not one gasped. They stood exactly as they had before the destruction began, their expressions calm and unshaken as though having a roof cleaved in half above their heads was nothing more than a breeze.

Megumi herself was utterly composed, not even breaking her posture. She had summoned Lulu with nothing but her voice, no gesture, no panic. Her eyes were serene, as if she had expected this from the start.

The King sat on his throne unscathed, a faint green barrier shimmering around him as the last fragments of rock slid harmlessly off. His face was calm, almost amused.

Katsu scratched the back of his neck, his lips curling into a sheepish smile. "Umm… whoops. My bad," he muttered, letting out an awkward laugh. His embarrassment was almost comical compared to the devastation he had just unleashed.

The King chuckled, his voice steady. "It's all right. Mistakes happen. You may continue with your introduction."

How is this okay?! I screamed in my mind. He just cut a room over a hundred meters long in half with a casual swing and they're acting like it's nothing! My face was frozen in awe, my jaw slack, sweat trickling down my temples.

Katsu sheathed his sword and stood proudly. "You all saw how powerful that swing was and that was only one of my weakest strikes. Along with my blade, I excel in hand-to-hand combat." He clenched his fists, the air trembling faintly around them. Then his eyes hardened as he looked across the chamber.

"Now then… all generals in this room , come at me. Hand to hand combat. No magic. No weapons. Just our strength."

The chamber grew heavy, the air thick with anticipation.

Page 16

The King raised his hand, his voice cutting through the tension. "Halt! Before we proceed, Kishi—summon General Max." His tone was commanding, yet calm, his eyes locking onto his adviser.

Kishi bowed lightly. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I shall summon him at once." With a flick of his wrist, a portal shimmered into existence about the size of an ordinary doorway. Its edges rippled like liquid glass, glowing faintly with golden light.

A moment of silence passed. Then whump! a fairy tumbled out headfirst, landing flat on the polished floor with a graceless thud. The sound echoed embarrassingly loud in the massive hall. His wings flapped uselessly for a second before folding awkwardly against his back, scattering faint flecks of light like broken stardust.

"Ugh… curse these portals, they always spin me around!" the newcomer muttered, rubbing his forehead as he tried to regain his composure. He scrambled to his feet, dusting himself off with exaggerated dignity—only for his cloak to slip off one shoulder, leaving him looking even more disheveled.

This was General Max. He had short, spiky silver hair that shimmered like frost under the chamber lights, giving him a slightly unkempt but striking look. His eyes were mismatched one a piercing emerald green, the other a deep sapphire blue an oddity that only made his presence more memorable. His armor was light compared to the others, a sleek dark-gray breastplate with faint glowing runes etched across it, more for agility than brute defense. A long teal cloak trailed behind him, currently crooked from his tumble.

And then, there were his wingsvimpossible to ignore. They were broad, almost twice the span of his body, translucent yet vibrant, with streaks of shifting color that seemed to flow like auroras across the night sky. In the dim chamber, they shimmered between icy blues and pale greens, giving the impression of a living northern light. Even ruffled from his graceless arrival, their beauty was undeniable, a stark reminder that Max was no ordinary fairy.

The generals stared in varying degrees of confusion and amusement. General Kiba raised an eyebrow, clearly trying not to laugh. Kino pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something under his breath. Sakura covered her lips with her hand, fighting back a smile. Even Megumi smirked, though her eyes glimmered with disdain.

Only the King laughed outright, his deep voice booming across the hall. "Ha ha ha! Max, you never fail to make an entrance!"

Max straightened at once, puffing out his chest as though the fall had been part of his grand plan all along. "Ahem… yes, well… dramatic entrances are my specialty. Hello, everyone!" He gave an exaggerated bow, wings twitching awkwardly and scattering faint sparks of light across the floor.

The King's smile softened into something more formal. "Greetings, General Max."

At those words, my heart skipped. My expression must have given me away I could feel my jaw slacken and my eyes widen. Another general? I thought. How many of these monsters does this kingdom even have? The pit in my stomach grew heavier with the realization that the introductions wasn't over and the real test was only just beginning.

Page 17

The King said, "The favor I need from you, General Max, is to create a barrier around the castle."

Max puffed up his chest and grinned confidently, but then his eyes widened as he finally took a proper look at the Royal Room. His jaw dropped, and he stumbled back a step. "Wh… wh… what happened here? Why is the Royal Room such a mess!?"

The King burst into laughter, louder than before. His deep, booming voice echoed across the shattered chamber. Soon, the other generals joined in, and even Katsu chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. General Kiba, tears in his eyes from laughing, leaned forward and wheezed, "You're only noticing that now?"

Max scratched his head, blinking, utterly baffled, his wings twitching nervously as faint sparks of light scattered from them.

When the laughter died down, the King straightened himself and said, "The reason this room is in such a state, Max, is because my bodyguard and these four generals have already tested each other's strength." His tone darkened slightly. "And what comes next will make this destruction look like child's play."

Max's eyes went wide, his playful confidence vanishing. "Hand to hand… with four generals?" His voice cracked as he stared at the King.

The King nodded solemnly. "Yes. And I require you to create a barrier around a very specific area. My bodyguard will be fighting all four generals at once. If you do not, the destruction will spread beyond this hall. The palace itself could be torn apart."

Max's wings twitched anxiously, scattering faint starlight across the debris covered floor. His face paled, lips parting slightly. "Four…? All at once? This is… insane…"

The King raised his voice for everyone to hear. "This palace is no ordinary palace, Max. The Royal Room itself stretches one hundred and fifty meters long, but it is only one piece of the whole. The palace is scattered across my entire domain, connected by portals to different parts of the Fairy King's forest. Each wing holds its own world. This battle cannot risk spreading outside this area."

He gestured to the surrounding chambers. "Around this Royal Room lie the Hall of Blossoms, the Garden Chamber, the Silver Dining Hall, and the Chamber of Mirrors. Those rooms must be cleared immediately."

Fairies stationed in those chambers hurriedly evacuated through portals, leaving the surrounding halls eerily silent except for the rush of wings and fading footsteps.

The King turned back to Max. "Construct a barrier spanning four hundred and fifty meters. That will contain the destruction."

Max swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly. "Four hundred and fifty… meters?" He glanced nervously at the four generals, then at Katsu, and his face paled even further. Still, he lifted his hands, wings flaring wide. Magical energy sparked and swirled around him like a brewing storm. Slowly, a glowing dome expanded outward, wrapping the Royal Room and stretching beyond into the surrounding grounds.

The barrier settled into place. Max stood still for a moment, chest heaving, sweat beading on his forehead. "There… it's done."

A heavy silence fell over the Royal Room. The dust hung in the air, glittering faintly in the light refracting through shattered windows. Everyone froze, muscles tense, eyes locked on one another.

Sakura's calm composure didn't waver, but her eyes were sharp, analyzing every movement. Kiba smirked, crossing his arms, clearly eager for the challenge. Kino's jaw tightened, eyes narrowing with quiet intensity, studying the bodyguard's stance. Megumi tilted her head slightly, a faint smirk tugging at her lips, curiosity shining in her gaze as if this were an intricate puzzle she couldn't wait to solve.

Even the King leaned slightly forward on his throne, observing with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes.

And then there was me. Heart pounding, every nerve screaming. I could feel the tension in the air like static, thick and suffocating. Every glance, every twitch of a wing, every breath felt magnified. The Royal Room had gone from chaos to eerie stillness. The calm before the storm. And in that moment, I realized what was about to happen was going to be unlike anything I'd ever witnessed.