Page 1
Why is everyone staring at me like that? I thought, my chest tightening. My memories were still a fog, pieces missing where they should've been whole. And yet… that nam Kira it echoed in my mind like a bell I couldn't place.
From the far end of the hall, a sharp, venomous voice cut through the silence.
"You!"
My head jerked toward the sound. The man who had been saved by Dorothy… the same one who had come with my parents. His body was still battered and injured, but rage burned in his eyes. With a snarl, he staggered forward, then lunged straight at me, sword scraping the ground as he lifted it.
"I'm gonna get you back!"
The sound of his boots pounded THUD! THUD! THUD! as he rushed. The crowd gasped, guards reached for their weapons, but before he could close the distance
BOOOOOOOM!
A wall of pure force exploded into existence. A translucent dome shaped barrier shimmered around him, locking him inside like a prison. His blade clanged uselessly against the glowing walls CLANG! CLANG! CRACK! but he couldn't move another inch.
General Max stood calm and unmoving beside the King, one hand raised lazily as if he'd swatted a fly. "Enough." His voice carried like thunder across the hall.
The King's eyes narrowed sharply as he rose. "General Kira… what is the meaning of this? Why are you attacking my guest?"
Inside the barrier, the man General Kira glared at me with fury. He slammed his fists against the walls. "That kid next to you is not who you think he is! He's a monster! He's the one who defeated me!" His voice was wild, spit flying with every word.
Gasps rippled through the hall. All eyes turned to me. The silence was so heavy I could hear my own heartbeat hammering thump, thump, thump.
The King shifted his gaze to me, his expression unreadable. "Kyo. Have you ever seen this man before, let alone fought him?"
My throat felt dry, but I forced myself to answer. "I… don't remember ever seeing him. However… the name Kira… it does sound familiar."
The King studied me for a long moment, then gave a firm nod. "Very well. Within a few days, after General Kino has been discovered, we will go through your memories to see the truth. But in the meantime guards, lock General Kira up."
Kira's face twisted in shock and outrage. "Wait, what? Lock me up—for what?! I did nothing wrong!"
"You attacked my guest without evidence of your claim," the King replied coldly.
Kira gritted his teeth, his pride cracking under the weight of the judgment. After a pause, he exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Mxm… alright, fine. You do have a point, Your Majesty." His eyes darted back to me, blazing with fury. His lips curled into a scowl. "Kid… you better watch your back."
The hall fell silent again, everyone staring not at Kira, but at me. I could feel their gazes burning holes through my skin, weighing me down with unspoken questions, doubts, and fear.
And in that silence, the only thing I could think was just who am I really…?
Page 2
The King leaned forward, his voice calm but steady. "Pay him no attention, Kyo."
I exhaled slowly, still uneasy from earlier. "Alright, Your Majesty… however, I do have a question. Is it possible to fasten the generals' recovery?"
The King gave a thoughtful nod. "Yes, there is a way but it's not simple. You see, regular healing magic won't work. General Sakura would be the only one capable of healing them, but she remains unconscious. And General Kiba, though talented, is only imitating her healing magic. It isn't strong enough. When Katsu punched them, he caused a type of damage that normal healing simply cannot undo."
I frowned, curiosity and confusion mixing. "But… how is that even possible?"
The King's eyes sharpened slightly. "Let me explain Katsu's power to you."
I wasn't as excited to hear it as I thought I'd be too many questions crowded my mind. Who am I really? Who was that man from earlier? Why does his name still echo inside my head?
The King continued. "When Katsu attacks, he coats the part of his body he's using with his magic. If he punches someone or strikes them, the area he hits cannot be healed for a period of time. Why? Because he leaves a trace of his magical essence inside his opponent. That essence prevents any healing weather internal or external from working.
"Now, since he was only using less than twenty percent of his power today, the generals were able to heal after some time. But once he channels between fifteen to twenty percent, that's when his essence truly takes hold. It's extremely dangerous."
I leaned forward, hanging onto his words, my confusion shifting into awe.
The King gestured with his hand as though painting a picture. "Think of it like this: you plant a field of grass, one meter wide. But you place a small rock in the middle. The grass around it cannot grow because the rock blocks it. In this case, Katsu's magical essence is the rock. It won't last forever… but it can kill without a doubt."
He stroked his beard for a moment, thinking. "As for the generals' recovery… I would say it will take about a day for Katsu's essence or mana to fade completely from their bodies. After that, they can be healed in minutes, or perhaps a few hours. And mind you—what I've just explained is not even his innate magical power. It's an ability he created himself. It took him more than thirty years to perfect that single technique."
My jaw nearly dropped. My face was frozen in astonishment, my thoughts racing. "I better make sure to stay on his good side…" I muttered with a nervous chuckle, "Hu hu huu…"
Inside, though, my mind screamed: How is that even possible? Katsu really is unbelievably strong. And that was only twenty percent of his power…
The King nodded gravely. "Katsu is indeed powerful."
I couldn't help but ask, curiosity sparking again. "What other abilities does he have?"
The King chuckled, then burst into laughter. "Ha ha ha ha ha! You really are a curious one, aren't you? You'll have to ask him yourself when he recovers. He should heal faster than the generals. For Katsu, it should take no more than a single day to fully recover even from yesterday's battle."
Page 3
"We are nearing our destination," the King said, his calm voice echoing faintly down the endless marble corridor.
I glanced at him curiously. "How big is your palace?"
The King chuckled, his laugh deep and confident. "Bwahahaha!" His eyes glimmered with pride. "It's extremely huge. If one room was over 100 meters wide and that wasn't even the biggest room how big do you think the palace really is?"
My face froze in pure shock. My mind scrambled, trying to imagine the sheer scale, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't wrap my head around it.
CLACK… CLACK… CLACK… Our footsteps echoed as we stopped in front of a massive golden door. Words were etched around its frame in a language I didn't recognize.
Beside the door stood a Fairy Maid. She was breathtaking her wings shimmered blue and green, her long green hair decorated with tiny flowers that glowed faintly. Her brown eyes, framed by long lashes, seemed to sparkle against her smooth, light skin. Her elegant maid outfit only enhanced her beauty.
As I was busy staring, she spoke softly. "Good evening, Your Majesty, General Max, and…" she tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing on me, "have I seen you before?"
The King shook his head with a smile. "No, you have not. He has recently arrived he is my guest."
Her expression shifted with a hint of surprise. "Oh… I see. Forgive me, Your Majesty. Greetings, guest of the King. My name is Sarah."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I replied warmly. "My name is Kyoryokuna—but you can call me Kyo for short." I extended my hand, and she gently shook it, her touch light as silk.
"So, where will you be going?" she asked curiously.
"To the East Wing of the palace, where all the guests reside," the King replied.
"Very well," Sarah said, nodding. She placed her hand against a hovering black orb beside the golden door. HUUUUMMMM… The orb pulsed with energy as she spoke clearly: "East Wing of the Palace, where guests reside."
VWOOOOOOM! The massive golden door groaned as it opened on its own, the runes glowing brightly. Beyond it, a swirling green-and-blue magical portal burst into life, crackling with energy. SHHHHHHHHHHH!
The King turned to me, his voice calm yet commanding. "Right this way, Kyo." He stepped into the portal without hesitation.
WHOOSH! General Max followed right after him.
I stood there for a moment, eyes wide, still shocked by the portal's power. My chest tightened in awe, but I forced my legs to move. Before stepping through, I turned back, offering Sarah a grateful smile.
"Goodbye, Sarah—and thanks for your help."
She nodded gently. "Safe travels, Kyo."
With that, I stepped forward. FWOOM! The portal engulfed me, and my body felt weightless as colors spiraled all around me
Page 4
FWOOM! My feet landed softly as the portal's glow faded behind us. We had stepped into the East Wing of the castle
and my breath caught in my throat.
It was beautiful.
In the very center stood a crystal fountain, water spraying upward in shimmering arcs. SHHHHHHHH… SPLASH… TSSHHH! Tiny glowing circles of light danced and giggled around it, their soft laughter filling the air. Teeheeheehee…
Surrounding the fountain were towering, majestic trees. Each one bore leaves of a different, radiant color—red, blue, pink, green, yellow, purple, white, gold, and orange. Their branches swayed lightly in the breeze, releasing a faint whoooosh as if whispering secrets.
But my eyes widened even more when I saw the tree at the very heart of it all. It bore every color of leaf I had just seen, shimmering together in a dazzling rainbow that seemed almost divine.
The ground was carpeted with lush, green grass, dotted with flowers of every imaginable hue. The air was sweet with their fragrance.
A wide pathway stretched out before us, its surface smooth and clean, crafted from polished concrete and beautifully inlaid with streaks of gold. Each step along it echoed softly. Tap… tap… tap…
All around, scattered in neat rows, were small yet elegant clubhouses at least eighty of them, by my count. Each one looked cozy and inviting, with polished windows, sturdy doors, and walls made from materials so fine they shimmered faintly under the light.
I turned in awe, completely overwhelmed. "This place…" I whispered.
The King's voice carried proudly. "You see those clubhouses? They are where the food and goods are stored for this area. So if you are relaxing here, you won't need to travel long distances for refreshments."
My eyes sparkled with wonder, and I couldn't help but grin. "Wow… that's amazing."
Page 5
I turned to the King, curiosity still buzzing in my chest. "What is the point of this room?"
The King gave a warm smile, his voice echoing gently through the vast space. "It is one of the places where the people who work in this castle can rest, relax, and enjoy a marvelous break time."
I blinked in surprise, glancing around again. "How large is it exactly?"
The King stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm… this room is larger than my first Royal Room you saw earlier. I would estimate this room is around… 0.4 kilometers in length. And remember—there are many more rooms like this. In fact, far more than you might imagine. Also…" he raised his hand, pointing upward, "…the sky above us was replicated using magic."
I tilted my head back and gasped. Woooooah… The ceiling stretched endlessly, painted in a perfect blue sky with drifting white clouds. A warm glow mimicked sunlight, bathing the entire area in golden radiance. Tiny magical birds fluttered overhead, their wings leaving faint trails of light. Chirp-chirp! Fwip-fwip-fwip!
Still confused, I turned back to him. "But wait—you said this room was for your guests… and now you're saying it's for the fairies who work here to rest?"
The King chuckled, amused by my expression. "This specific room is indeed for the workers to rest and relax. However, guests are free to enter and enjoy it as well. You see, the room is enchanted with a spell that limits how many can enter at once. If the room is full, no one else may pass through the door. And if someone makes a mess or disturbs the peace…" he snapped his fingers lightly, SNAP! "…the spell will teleport them outside immediately. Guards are also stationed beyond the doors for extra protection."
I glanced around once more, and that's when I truly noticed it. Fairies were scattered across the vast space, lounging beneath the radiant multi-colored trees, some sitting in circles on the grass, laughing together. Heeheehee! Hahaha! A few were dipping their feet into the fountain, splashing playfully. SPLASH-SPLASH! Others rested inside small cozy huts lined with vines, sipping drinks served in crystal cups. The entire atmosphere hummed with peace and joy. Soft chatter… distant giggles…
The King's voice cut back in, steady and calm. "As for the East Wing—it is specifically meant for guests and representatives from other nations to rest, relax, and enjoy. Of course, there is a process they must go through before they can enter, and certain restrictions apply. But this room…" he spread his arms wide, "…this room is one of the many havens built solely for the hard workers of this castle. A place for them to breathe freely."
I slowly nodded, still taking it all in, my face lit with awe. "Yes… I understand now. Thanks."
Page 6
As I finished speaking, I caught a few glances from the fairies around the room. At first, it was subtle, a pair of eyes peeking from behind a tree, a soft whisper carried on the air. psst… psst… Then more of them turned their heads, curiosity sparkling in their eyes.
One fairy with golden wings whispered to another, her voice barely audible. "That's him… the King's guest…"
Another fairy with silver hair tilted her head, studying me closely. "He looks… different, doesn't he? Not like the others we've seen before."
I shifted slightly, feeling the weight of their stares. My chest tightened as their whispers multiplied, blending into a chorus of hushed tones. whisper-whisper… murmur…
Some fairies smiled warmly, as if welcoming me, while others seemed unsure, their brows furrowing with quiet questions. A group near the fountain even giggled softly, sneaking glances in my direction. teeheehee!
The King noticed and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. His deep voice carried authority and comfort. "Pay them no mind, Kyo. They are merely curious. Guests are rare, and someone like you… even rarer."
General Max, who had been silent for most of the walk, gave a small smirk. "Heh, looks like you're already the center of attention, kid."
I scratched the back of my head, forcing a laugh. "Hu hu huu… yeah, I can tell."
Still, deep inside, unease swirled. Their stares didn't feel harmful, but the way their eyes followed me, it was as if they sensed something I didn't yet understand.
The King's voice broke the silence once again. "Come. We are not far from our destination." His robes swept lightly against the ground as he began walking. swishhh… step… step…
I followed closely, though my mind was restless, questions piling up faster than I could answer them.
Page 7
The King groaned and said, "We just need to go straight and we'll be able to exit this room, but I'm not in the mood to walk. Ugggg." His face twisted into an annoyed and lazy expression, the kind that made it clear he was used to getting his way.
"Ohhh… I can just use my magic," he added with a small smirk. I thought to myself that he must be exhausted from all the events of the day.
"Teleport!" he commanded. WHOOSH! In an instant, Max, the King, and I vanished from the East Wing, reappearing in front of an enormous door.
The door itself was breathtaking. Towering at around 8 meters high and 5 meters wide, it was crafted from polished dark stone, engraved with swirling patterns that shimmered faintly in the light. Golden handles shaped like intertwined dragons jutted out, their ruby eyes glinting ominously. The circular emblem at its center depicted a sun rising over a mountain, with runes circling it, faintly glowing as if alive. CREAKKK… The massive hinges groaned as the King pushed it open effortlessly.
On the other side, the room was enormous and stunning in its own right, though unlike the magical outdoor beach I had imagined. The space was vast, easily spanning over 1 kilometer from end to end, with polished marble floors that reflected the soft golden light from crystal chandeliers suspended above. The walls were carved with intricate reliefs of past battles and peaceful landscapes, each detail so fine it seemed alive. CLINK… CLINK… The faint sound of footsteps echoed across the hall as visitors moved around.
A receptionist's desk stood in the center, crafted from gleaming white marble with gold accents. Behind it, a fairy with silver hair and delicate lavender wings typed gracefully on a floating crystal tablet. TAP TAP… Several other fairies hovered nearby, ready to assist guests, their soft laughter and whispers teehee… giggle… blending with the ambient sounds of the room.
A line of fairies waited patiently to check in. Each visitor had a glowing blue tattoo on their arms, indicating their status as guests. The tattoos were intricate: a swirling pattern resembling waves and wind intertwined with a small emblem of the castle, glimmering softly with magical light. Each fairy displayed their tattoo proudly, the glow casting faint sparkles on their skin.
The fairies themselves were varied and stunning. Some had green, blue, or pink hair, often adorned with small flowers or shimmering ornaments. Their wings ranged from translucent crystal-like patterns to multicolored feathered designs. Their eyes shone with golden, brown, or violet hues, each framed by long delicate lashes. Their attire was elegant yet practical, soft tunics and flowing skirts that allowed graceful movement as they hovered or walked.
As we entered, every fairy present instinctively bowed their heads slightly in respect to the King. SHWISH… Their wings fluttered faintly as they lowered themselves, murmuring soft greetings. I followed their lead, bowing my head slightly as well, while Max kept a composed stance beside the King.
The room's sheer size and beauty were overwhelming. Soft golden carpets ran along the polished floors, guiding visitors to the receptionist. Magical orbs floated above, casting a warm, calming glow. Potted trees and flowering plants were placed strategically throughout, their leaves gently swaying despite the absence of any breeze. SHHH… SHHH… The combination of reflective marble, soft lighting, and gentle greenery made the room feel welcoming yet regal.
I couldn't help but glance around at the fairies waiting in line, each interacting politely and gracefully with one another. Their laughter was gentle but melodic, blending perfectly with the hum of magic and activity in the room. It was clear that even a guest check-in had been transformed into a luxurious, magical experience within the King's palace.
Page 8
The King and I made our way toward the receptionist desk, the polished marble floor reflecting our steps. I asked her politely, "Excuse me, where are the couple who arrived with the guards?"
"They are in Room 50," she replied gracefully, her wings fluttering lightly behind her, shimmering in the soft golden light of the guest hall.
We headed straight toward Room 50, walking along the wide corridor lined with floating lanterns that cast a warm, gentle glow. I couldn't help but ask the King as we walked, "Your Majesty, how many rooms are there in this wing?"
He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmmmm… I'm not exactly sure. There are hundreds, perhaps over a thousand. Some are reserved for guests, others for diplomats, and a few for unexpected visitors like yourself."
As we passed a row of flowering trees and potted magical plants, a young fairy stepped into our path. She was breathtaking. Her long red hair fell in gentle waves down her back, adorned with two delicate roses tucked above her ears. Her deep blue eyes sparkled, framed by long eyelashes, and her cheeks glowed faintly as she blushed. She wore a finely tailored outfit in shades of green and blue, embroidered with tiny golden threads that shimmered as she moved, and delicate translucent wings glimmered behind her.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, and General Max," she said, bowing slightly. She gave me only a fleeting glance, completely ignoring me, which left me feeling like a ghost. Her gaze returned to Max, and she blushed deeper, her lips parting slightly as she added, "My name is Hannah."
Her words were accompanied by the soft flutter of her wings. She extended a small, folded piece of parchment toward Max. "May I please have an autograph from General Max?"
"Of course," the King replied casually, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Max took the paper and signed it smoothly. Hannah's eyes widened in awe, a faint gasp escaping her lips. "I… I can't believe I actually got his autograph!" she said, turning bright red. With a quick swish of her wings, she spun around and dashed down the corridor, leaving a faint trail of sparkling dust in her wake.
I muttered to myself, slightly annoyed, "She didn't even greet me… acted like I didn't exist. She only introduced herself to you two."
I glanced at the King and Max, then continued, "Wait… her name… what was it again? Nahhah… HAHH… Maha… no, that's not it."
Max chuckled softly and said, "Hannah."
"Yeah… Hannah," I confirmed, finally remembering.
The King laughed lightly, shaking his head. "How do you forget her name so quickly? She introduced herself only a few minutes ago. Hahaha!"
I shrugged. "She introduced herself to you two, not me."
The King and Max laughed heartily together, their voices echoing off the marble walls. The soft CLINK of magical orbs floating nearby punctuated their laughter.
After a few minutes, once they had calmed down, the King wiped a small tear from his eye and said with amusement, "Wow, you really are entertaining, Kyo. Now… what about her?"
I replied, "She reminded me that you haven't formally introduced yourself yet. Along with Max, but he was summoned later in the middle of the meeting."
The King's eyes widened for a moment, then he chuckled softly. "Ohhhhh… I completely forgot. My bad."
As we continued down the corridor, the golden light from floating lanterns danced on the polished floors, the faint giggle of distant fairies mixing with the soft flutter of wings, making the entire hall feel alive and vibrant. Hannah's brief encounter lingered in my mind, leaving me both bemused and slightly flustered by the attention she had lavished solely on Max.
Page 9
The King turned toward me, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Tell you what… I'll introduce myself properly, but only if we first go to a different area. One of the training rooms in the palace. Actually… let's go to my personal training room."
I furrowed my brows. "Hmmm… okay, but is it far?"
He shook his head, calm and unbothered. "It's only about an hour's walk from here."
I blinked, my jaw dropping slightly. "An hour?!" My voice rose in a mix of annoyance and disbelief.
The King chuckled softly, a quiet tinkle in his laughter. "Indeed. An hour, though we don't need to walk. We can teleport there using my magic."
I exhaled, relief washing over me. "Pheww… at least that saves us some time."
I turned toward Max, nodding slightly. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go. And you also need to introduce yourself, General Max."
Max shrugged, a small grin forming. "Mxm… alright. I guess I will."
The King's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Very well, then let's go." With a wave of his hand and a soft incantation, a shimmering WHOOSH of blue and green magical energy enveloped us. The air tingled with a faint hum of power as our surroundings blurred.
In an instant, we appeared in a breathtaking expanse that felt more like an open forest than a room. The King's personal training area stretched over hundreds of meters, bathed in natural light that filtered through a high, magically enchanted transparent ceiling. Soft grass blanketed the ground, dotted with clusters of colorful flowers and gentle streams that flowed GLUB GLUB over smooth stones.
Trees of all shapes and sizes stood scattered throughout, their leaves rustling softly with the faint SWOOSH of magical wind. Some trees had blossoms of red, pink, and purple, while others shimmered faintly with golden or silver leaves. A large tree at the center stood taller than the rest, its canopy forming a natural dome over part of the training grounds.
The air was alive with the faint hum of magic, accompanied by the occasional CHIRP of fairy birds fluttering between branches. Enchanted dummies and wooden targets were scattered across the room, but they didn't disrupt the natural look. Some floated midair, glowing faintly SHWISH, ready to test precision and power.
Balconies lined the edges of the training area, partially hidden among hanging vines and flowering plants. Shelves along the balconies held scrolls, magical artifacts, and weapons imbued with soft, pulsing magic. The room felt alive, like a combination of a sanctuary, battlefield, and academy.
I couldn't help but gape in awe. "This… this is incredible," I whispered under my breath, barely noticing Max or the King standing nearby.
The King nodded with satisfaction. "This is where I train daily, perfecting both my physical and magical abilities. Even my generals rarely see it. It allows for both physical combat and magical control in a natural environment strength, agility, and strategy all at once."
Max glanced around with a small grin, hands resting casually on his hips. "I see why… it feels like a battlefield already, but one you could actually enjoy being in."
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. This wasn't just a training room it was a living, breathing ecosystem of knowledge, skill, and magic. I glanced at the King, realizing how disciplined and formidable he must be to maintain and utilize such a place.
The soft RUSTLE of leaves and the gentle GLUB GLUB of water gave the area a serene yet powerful energy, as if the very ground were alive and watching.
The King's gaze met mine, calm yet authoritative. "Now, Kyo… before we start, allow me to properly introduce myself."
Page 10
The King took a step forward, his boots pressing softly into the grass. The air around him began to hum with faint golden particles of light, drifting slowly upward like sparks from a sacred flame.
"Before I tell you who I am," he said, his tone calm yet carrying a weight that made the air feel heavier, "I want you to understand something first."
I felt my pulse quicken. The calm forest-like training area suddenly felt different denser, more alive. The faint GLUB GLUB of water from the nearby stream quieted, as if even nature itself was listening.
The King raised his right hand, and a faint circle of runes glowed beneath his feet, spreading outwards in elegant, rotating patterns. The light wasn't blinding it was mesmerizing.
"This place," he continued, his gaze steady on me, "is more than a room for training. It's a reflection of the balance I live by discipline, peace, and power in harmony. To rule… one must master all three."
His words sank deep into me. I didn't know why, but it felt like something inside my chest was responding like his presence alone stirred my own mana.
Max crossed his arms, eyes narrowing slightly but not in hostility. "Heh… this pressure," he muttered, "feels like standing in front of a storm that hasn't decided whether to destroy or protect you."
The King smiled faintly at Max's words. "Good. You can feel it. That means your senses are sharp."
A soft gust of wind swirled around him, stirring his hair and robes as the magical aura brightened, bathing the training area in gold and emerald light.
Then he looked back at me, expression calm yet powerful. "Now that you understand the kind of energy I wield… it's time you learn who stands before you."
He spread his wing magnificent and radiantand as they unfolded with a soft SHHH-WOOOSH, the entire area shimmered with reflected light.
And that's when he spoke his voice echoing through the training grounds.
Page 11
The King's voice was calm yet commanding. "My name is Osama Kotashi. My name means Ruler. I am the Twentieth Fairy King. I am very fond of challenges. I train daily so I can always be ready in case of an emergency."
With that, he flexed his wings, the feathers catching the light with a shimmering SHHH-WOOOSH, and effortlessly lifted above us. The soft hum of magic and wind filled the training room as he hovered gracefully, wings fully extended, casting faint shadows over the grass, trees, and flowers below.
"I am responsible for the safety of my kingdom," he continued, his tone serious yet measured. "Both internal and external threats must be managed. I pass judgment over disputes, oversee justice, and ensure the laws of the land are upheld. Within the domain of the Fairy Gods, the Fairy King stands in charge of all matters pertaining to this realm."
The air seemed to vibrate with authority as he hovered above, golden sunlight glinting off the tips of his feathers, sending tiny TWINKLE reflections across the natural training area. Trees swayed gently, and the soft rustle of leaves mixed with the faint hum of magical energy, giving the room a sense of life and power.
I blinked, awestruck. "He… he really is magnificent," I whispered under my breath. Max let out a low whistle, eyes tracking every movement of the King. "No wonder he's the King. That's… incredible."
The King's gaze swept over us, steady and composed. "Strength alone is not enough. A ruler must understand magic, combat, and strategy in equal measure. That is whI train here, in this environmentit challenges not only power, but adaptability, awareness, and judgement."
Page 12
The King's voice grew solemn, echoing slightly through the vast training chamber. "A King is created from the Fairy Tree a few months after the current Fairy King has died… or loses his title. I myself was created after the King before me was killed."
I froze, my heart skipping a beat. Killed? My mind raced. Who could be strong enough to kill someone this powerful? The very thought left me unsettled.
The King continued, his tone steady but heavy with meaning. "Every Fairy King inherits a unique gift, an ability that passes down the knowledge and experiences of all the Kings before him. From cooking, cleaning, and diplomacy… to ruling, to war, to combat strategies. It is like a grand library inside my mind, a library that only I can access. But to reach into that archive comes at a cost. When I search for specific knowledge, I am paralyzed for days, unable to move until the information has been fully retrieved."
I nodded slowly, my face filled with awe. "I see… so your knowledge is passed down. Every King carries the wisdom of those before him."
The King's expression shifted, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Exactly. And now, with that out of the way… let me show you my power."
His voice suddenly boomed as he shouted: "Training Room, raise difficulty to Semi General Level!"
Immediately, the ground trembled with a deep VROOOOM. The lush grass beneath our feet rippled like water, twisting and pulling away. Trees bent and stretched unnaturally as though time itself had sped up, growing taller and darker. The once peaceful environment warped into a battlefield simulation.
The practice dummies, once simple wooden dolls, shuddered and then began to twist and reform. Their limbs elongated, glowing with streaks of crimson energy. Some doubled in height, towering like giants, while others became lean and sharp, blades forming from their arms. Their wooden faces cracked apart to reveal glowing, empty eyes that burned with eerie blue light. Within moments, there were not ten, not twenty, but hundreds stretching as far as I could see.
The air grew heavy with an artificial magical pressure. The walls shimmered, bending the space around us until it no longer looked like a room at all but an open battlefield under a crimson tinted sky.
Then, in a voice that was not human, the room itself spoke:
"General Level Challenge. Objective: Defeat all enemies."
The words echoed like a divine decree.
The King didn't flinch. Instead, he gestured calmly to Max. "Max, create a barrier for the boy and yourself."
Max bowed lightly. "Roger that, Your Majesty."
With a swift motion of his hand, glowing sigils spun into existence around us with a sharp FWSHHH. A dome of shimmering light expanded outward, encasing me and Max in a solid magical barrier. The moment it locked into place, a resonant DOOOONG rang out, like tempered glass sealing against impact.
Outside, the dolls began to march, their heavy THUD… THUD… THUD footsteps shaking the ground, glowing eyes locked on the King.
Page 13
The Training Room's artificial voice echoed through the chamber, cold and mechanical.
"Item which will be used today is a sword."
With a soft shimmer of light, a gleaming blade materialized out of thin air beside the King. He gripped it effortlessly, twirling it once as it hummed with raw magic.
The King's eyes narrowed. "Time to begin."
With a powerful flap of his wings, FWOOOSH, he shot into the air, his aura radiating authority. His voice thundered across the room like a divine decree.
"By authority of the King… Prostrate yourself!"
BOOOOM A wave of invisible force burst outward. Every training doll within two feet collapsed to their knees, unable to resist. In a blur of motion, SHHHHK-KRAAAASHHH, the King cut down a hundred dolls in the blink of an eye.
The Training Room announced, "100 enemies defeated. 9,900 enemies remain, including 10 Semi-General level enemies."
The King frowned. "This is taking too long."
Ten small glowing orbs of light appeared around him, circling like loyal stars. ZIIIING Each orb shone brighter, then scattered across the battlefield at blinding speed.
Without hesitation, the King swooped low, ripped an entire tree from the ground with his bare hands, and hurled it into the horde. CRAAAASH The massive trunk crushed and splintered ten dolls instantly, their shards flying everywhere.
Before he could rise back into the air, the ground beneath him rippled. GRRRRROOAAANNN A monstrous mouth burst open in the earth, its jagged teeth large enough to swallow a house. Tentacles shot out with a wet SLAAAASH and wrapped tightly around the King's wings and arms, yanking him down toward the abyss.
"Your Majesty!" I shouted, panic flooding my chest.
Max clenched his fists. "No, not like this!"
The King struggled as the beast's colossal maw opened wider. It was thirty times larger than him, a cavern of darkness and teeth ready to consume him whole. The tentacles dragged him down mercilessly.
But the King only smirked. "Substitution Technique: Explosive Clone."
The monster's jaws snapped shut around him. CHOOOOM Me and Max both screamed.
"Your Majesty!"
A heartbeat later… KAAAAAABOOOOOOOM
The entire Training Room shook violently as a massive explosion tore through the monster's head. Shards of energy and smoke billowed everywhere, the shockwave rattling my bones.
The Training Room's voice echoed once more.
"500 enemies defeated."
As the smoke thinned, I gasped in disbelief. The King was hovering high above the chaos, wings spread wide, sword glowing in his hand. He was smirking confidently, unscathed.
"I'm stronger than I look," he said, his voice cutting through the smoky air. "I am the King after all. Don't you dare underestimate me."
My jaw dropped. "Unbelievable…"
Max folded his arms, but even he couldn't hide the amazement in his eyes. "That's… that's insane."
A glowing clone of the King suddenly appeared beside us, stepping casually through Max's barrier. "Hi. I'm here to tell you the names of my techniques and powers while the real me fights. Great idea, right?"
Max sighed and lowered the barrier. "Only you, Your Majesty…"
The clone continued, smiling. "The technique I just used allows me to substitute myself with a clone in times of danger. If I don't have one prepared, a clone is made instantly as I teleport away in four seconds. That's how I survived inside that thing's mouth."
I blinked, still reeling from the explosion. "So while we thought you were being devoured… you were already swapping places?"
The clone nodded. "Exactly."
Out in the battlefield, the real King coated both his swords in shimmering magic. FWWWWUUUUUUM His aura pulsed so strongly that the air itself seemed to shiver. With a single sweeping slash, SHHHHRRRRRAK, he cut down another wave of dolls, splitting them apart as if they were paper.
The Training Room announced coldly, "100 enemies defeated."
Suddenly, the room erupted with violence. BOOOOM BOOOOM KRAAASH Ten separate explosions ignited across the battlefield simultaneously, shaking the entire chamber.
The artificial voice spoke rapidly.
"250 enemies defeated. 350 enemies defeated. 450 enemies defeated. 505 enemies defeated. 1,000 enemies defeated."
My eyes widened as I grabbed Max's arm. "What just happened?!"
The King's clone chuckled. "Earlier in the fight, when I created those ten glowing orbs around me and scattered them, those weren't just lights. They were landmines, primed to detonate."
Max's serious face softened into admiration. "The King truly is incredible… To have that much mastery over his magic, while still fighting like that…"
I just stood frozen, my heart pounding. "He's not just powerful… he's terrifying."
The real King, still battling above, glanced back at us with that same calm smirk. His aura radiated pure dominance.
And I realized something.
This wasn't even him trying.
Page 14
The King hovered above the battlefield, his wings glowing with radiant energy. His voice thundered across the Training Room like a divine command.
"By authority of the King… attack your comrades… and explode."
WOOOOOOOM A pulse of royal magic surged outward, washing over the nearest dolls. In an instant, their glowing eyes flickered and turned crimson. The eerie sound of grinding gears echoed as their bodies stiffened. Then, in perfect unison, they turned on their allies with violent precision.
CLANG-CLANG-CRAAASH! The enchanted puppets hacked and smashed at each other. Blades clashed, wood cracked, and shards flew in every direction.
I gasped, stumbling back a step. "He… he just took control of them!"
Max narrowed his eyes, impressed. "Unreal. Two hundred enemies… under his command."
The possessed dolls unleashed chaos, tearing through the ranks of nine hundred others. SHHHHKKK-KRAAASHHH-THUUUUD! The battlefield shook with destruction as limbs and fragments scattered across the grass. Within minutes, eight hundred and fifty dolls had been annihilated.
The Training Room's voice echoed coldly.
"850 enemies defeated."
My eyes widened. "This is insane…"
The two hundred controlled dolls then froze. Their eyes glowed even brighter, their bodies trembling as if overloaded with unstable energy.
Max suddenly realized what was about to happen. His eyes widened. "Oh no… they're going to—"
BOOOOOOOOOOOM!
The entire battlefield lit up with blinding fire and smoke as all two hundred dolls exploded simultaneously. The sound was deafening, like thunder striking again and again. A shockwave ripped through the room, rattling the barrier around me and Max. KRRRRK-KAAAAAANG!
When the smoke cleared, nothing remained of the two hundred dolls or the countless others caught in the blasts.
The Training Room declared, its artificial tone almost mocking,
"1,400 enemies defeated."
I stood frozen, my heart pounding, sweat trickling down my temple. "He… he just destroyed over a thousand enemies in ten minutes… using his voice."
Max clenched his fists, his usually calm expression cracking into awe. "This is beyond anything I've ever seen. That level of power… that level of authority…"
The King's clone standing with us smirked. "That move is called King's Authority. It forces any living creature weaker than the King within two meters of him to obey his commands absolutely."
The clone leaned closer, his voice almost playful. "And if he tells them to self-destruct… well, you just saw the result."
I swallowed hard, my eyes locked on the real King who still hovered above the battlefield, calm and composed, as though what he had just done was nothing. "That's… terrifying."
Max nodded slowly, his voice low. "Terrifying… and brilliant."
The King looked back at us from above, his smirk never fading, his presence radiating pure dominance.
Page 15
The King soared into the air, wings spread wide, eyes blazing with authority. "100 Detonating Spears of Light!" he commanded.
Immediately, a hundred glowing spears appeared around him, spinning in the air with a faint hum — Zzzzzt… crackle… — before pointing downward. With a collective WHOOSH, they shot toward the ground like falling stars. The moment each spear struck, massive explosions erupted — BOOM! KRA-KOOM! SHHHH! — sending shockwaves rippling across the training room. Smoke and sparks filled the air. The Training Room's voice echoed, "1000 enemies defeated!"
The King then summoned a magnificent throne of pure, radiant light beneath him. It hovered mid-air, glowing with golden and silver hues, swirling as if alive, crackling softly — ZZZZT… hum… — and he sat on it gracefully, surveying the battlefield.
From thin air, ten elite guards materialized, each shimmering with golden aura. Their armor glinted as if made from molten light, wings folded neatly on their backs, and eyes glowing with unwavering loyalty. They flanked the King, weapons at the ready, moving in perfect synchronization, responding to his slightest gesture.
The King raised his hand and proclaimed, "The Army of My Army!"
From a brilliant, blinding flash of light, a hundred soldiers formed, composed entirely of concentrated magical energy shaped like fairy warriors. Each one shimmered with ethereal glow, armored in crystalline light, and wielded radiant weapons — spears, swords, and bows. Their wings fluttered lightly, creating a faint WHIRRR… sound as they hovered, poised for attack.
"Soldiers! Defeat the enemy and be victorious!" The King commanded. The army surged forward with a thunderous roar — SWOOSH! CRASH! KRA-KOOM! — slicing through the remaining dolls with devastating precision.
I stood frozen, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. "Clone… what is that called?" I whispered, awestruck.
The King's clone hovered beside us, its aura flickering like the original. "It's not exactly a power… it's a technique. It allows me to summon a variable number of soldiers, and I decide their appearance and abilities. Each one fights as I command, perfectly in sync with my strategy."
Max's jaw dropped, eyes sparkling with disbelief. "The King… this is insane. There's no way someone can have this much control over magic!"
I nodded vigorously, gripping the edge of my cloak, heart pounding. The soldiers' blades clashed against the dolls with CLANG! KRA-KASH! SHING! reverberating through the room, sending sparks flying everywhere. The ten elite guards danced around the throne, deflecting attacks with a flurry of precise movements — SWISH! THWACK!, their blades glowing as they intercepted the enemy.
Above us, the King hovered on his radiant throne, smirking confidently, wings fluttering, light cascading down in waves — a figure of absolute dominance. The battle raged on, dolls exploding, light soldiers charging, and we were left utterly in awe of the sheer scale of his power.
Page 16
The King's light army surged forward like a living tide of energy, blades glinting and wings fluttering with soft WHIRRR… sounds. Each soldier attacked with precision, cutting down dolls one by one. CLANG! SHING! KRA-KOOM! echoed through the training room as sparks flew with every strike.
The Training Room's voice rang out mechanically, each announcement punctuated by a synthetic BEEP-BEEP: "100 enemies defeated… 360 enemies defeated… 500 enemies defeated… 678 enemies defeated… 900 enemies defeated…"
The room's environment shifted subtly; walls shimmered with faint magical runes, the floor beneath us vibrating slightly from the force of the ongoing battle. Light and shadow danced across the room as the dolls exploded or were slashed apart. I could see splinters of wood and metal flying from the destroyed dolls, and faint heat waves rising where explosions had ignited small fires — SSHHHH… CRACK! BOOM!
Suddenly, three Semi-General Level Enemies emerged from the shadows, their forms towering and menacing, crackling with raw magical energy. With a single coordinated strike, they annihilated the entire light army. KRA KOOM! SHHHH! CLANG! The room trembled from the shockwaves. Within minutes, every last soldier of light lay shattered on the floor, sparks fizzing out like dying fireflies.
Before I could react, an ominous GLITCH CRACKLE… filled the air. The Training Room's voice distorted, robotic and urgent: "Error! Error! Error! There has been a malfunction. Difficulty level increased to General Level. If all enemies are not defeated within forty minutes, the room will self-destruct!"
Panic surged through me. I could hear the room itself humming ominously, walls vibrating and glowing with unstable energy ZZZZT… HHHHHH… and the air felt thick with impending danger. I turned to see General Max vanish in an instant, teleporting away with a soft WHOOSH!
"What's going on? Why is the room going to self destruct?" I yelled, heart pounding, eyes darting around as magical energy sparked across the walls and ceiling.
The original King and his clone both froze mid flight, expressions hardening. The clone's voice trembled slightly, a rare hint of concern. "What… what is happening? This isn't supposed to happen."
I opened my mouth to reply when the clone shouted, "Teleport!"
A harsh, metallic-sounding voice reverberated through the room, cutting us off ZZZ-KRAK! "All teleportation from outside the room and inside the room has been blocked, as well as all communication."
I felt my chest tighten. The magical energy in the room pulsed like a heartbeat, THUMP… THUMP… THUMP…, each beat sending a shiver through the floor. Sparks danced across the walls, and distant explosions from the remaining dolls shook the room with a deep BOOM!. Smoke swirled through the air, and faint glints of magical residue floated around us like fireflies.
I glanced at the King and his clone, their wings slightly tensed, ready for the chaos to come. The atmosphere was thick with tension, every sound amplified the clashing metal of the dolls, the echoing hum of the training room, the subtle crackle of energyc reating an overwhelming sense of danger.
I could barely think, my heart racing. Forty minutes. If we couldn't defeat all the enemies… the room would destroy itself. BOOM! CRASH! SHHHHH! KRA KOOM!
Page 17
The King's voice rang out, calm but commanding, "Guards, go deal with this issue."
The ten guards of light that he had created surged into the battlefield like streaks of pure brilliance, WHOOSH! WHOOSH!. They moved with impeccable precision, wings slicing through the air as they cut down dolls one by one. CLANG! SHING! KRA-KOOM! echoed across the training room, the sound of metal striking metal amplified by the room's magical acoustics.
High above us, a timer glowed ominously in the sky of the training room, counting down the remaining minutes with a soft TICK… TICK…. Within moments, the light guards had destroyed a thousand of the weaker dolls. Sparks flew, dust swirled, and the faint smell of ozone filled the air. It was a massacre.
Then, from the shadows behind the King, a massive form emerged. A doll shaped like a dragon, its mouth gaping wide with jagged teeth, lunged toward him. SNAP! CRUNCH! The King tried to dodge, but the dragon's jaws clamped down on him and swallowed him whole. My heart nearly stopped, and I froze mid-step, eyes wide, jaw clenched. NO…! I thought, certain he had been killed.
Before I could react, the dragon began to convulse violently. RUMBLE… CRACK! Sparks and fragments of metal flew in every direction as it collapsed on itself. In a blinding explosion BOOM! KRA-BOOM! SHHHHH! the dragon was obliterated. Smoke and debris filled the room. As the smoke cleared, the King emerged, flying confidently through the center of the explosion, smirking.
"It's time to get serious," he declared, his voice resonating with power. "Up till now, I've only been using thirty percent of my power. For the rest of this battle, I'll go all out."
[37 minutes left]
Immediately, his body began to change. His wings glowed brighter than before, each feather radiating light with a soft FLICKER… SHIMMER…. His hair grew slightly longer, flowing as if caught in a strong wind, shimmering with golden strands. His eyes transformed into molten gold, glowing with an intensity that made the entire room feel smaller, more suffocating. His old clothes dissolved, replaced instantly by a flowing golden robe adorned with intricate runes that pulsed with energy. Behind him, five golden orbs hovered, each the size of my head, spinning slowly and leaving trails of light as they moved, humming faintly VVVUUUM… VVVUUUM…
The King's clone, hovering nearby, muttered with concern, "Even if I go all out, I'm not certain I can defeat this level yet."
The sword that the King had summoned from the training room earlier melted away into shimmering particles, evaporating into the air SHHHH… FIZZLE….
I felt the room's temperature spike immediately. The air thickened and shimmered as heat radiated from the King's aura. Every water source, every fountain, every puddle began to evaporate. SSSSHHH… Steam rose from the floor .