King Karyu's gaze lingered on Kaosu and his companions. The air in the throne room was still, charged with quiet authority.
"I'll place you and your friends in the Knight Academy," Karyu declared.
Kaosu bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majest—"
"Stop being so formal," Karyu cut in, his tone half amused. "Just call me Karyu."
Kaosu blinked, startled by the casualness. Before he could respond, Supira stepped forward, curiosity bright in his eyes.
"Then, Karyu… what is the Knight Academy like?"
The King's smile widened. "Ah, a good question. The academy is where you'll learn to fight, to lead, and to carry yourself as knights. You'll be tested in strength, discipline, and honor."
Kaosu crossed his arms. "So… when do we sign up?"
"Tomorrow," Karyu replied smoothly. "The entrance exams will be held. Be there."
Kaosu and Supira exchanged grins, relief and excitement sparking between them. Behind them, Kaji's jaw dropped.
"I… I actually get to go to knight school…" he whispered in disbelief.
Karyu chuckled lightly. "Don't wander too far. Monsters still roam near the city. For now, return to your chambers."
The group bowed once more and left the throne room.
Later that evening, inside their quarters, Kumo pounced on the bed and licked Kori's face until he jolted awake. Kori rubbed his eyes, groaning. "Ugh… I'm up, I'm up…"
Still groggy, he glanced at the others. "What about our friends… the ones below the heavens?"
Supira frowned, then looked at Karyu, who had accompanied them this far. "Can we bring them up here?"
But the King's answer was firm. "No. They will remain where they are."
Before Supira could argue, Kaosu grabbed his brother's arm and tugged him away. "Don't push it. We won't disobey the King's wishes."
Reluctantly, Kori followed. Kaji trailed behind, still stunned by their new reality.
Kudo guided them through the palace halls until they reached their living quarters. The doors opened to reveal a vast room—so large it could have housed a family of nobles.
Kori immediately sprinted forward and threw himself onto the massive bed. "This… this is mine now!"
Supira, trembling as he carried Kumo, shoved the little creature into Kaosu's arms. "Here—hold him. I need a shower." He bolted for the bath, leaving Kaosu awkwardly holding the squirming beast.
Kumo wriggled free, hopping from Kaosu's hands onto the bed beside Kori.
Kaosu exhaled slowly and walked toward the window. The city stretched below, moonlight dancing across its rooftops. He rested a hand on the sill, his thoughts heavy. Our friends… I hope they're safe. Wherever they are, may they find their own path.
For the first time, he felt the weight of a new beginning pressing down on him.
Meanwhile, back in the throne room, the doors creaked open once again. A figure stepped through the shadows, their voice carrying into the vast chamber.
"Hope I didn't come late, fa—"
The scene cut to black.