The throne room glowed with divine brilliance, golden light spilling across marble floors. At its center, King Karyu sat tall upon his radiant throne, his piercing eyes fixed on the figure kneeling before him.
"You're not late, my son," Karyu's deep voice rumbled. "In fact… you came early."
The young man raised his head, his aura calm yet commanding. His long cloak shimmered faintly with azure energy. "Then I'll speak plainly, Father. I want to join the Knight Academy of Light."
A faint smile touched Karyu's lips. "I knew you'd ask. And yes… you have my blessing."
The young man rose, bowing respectfully before turning toward the great hall. His presence radiated authority with every step.
"Prince Seiro," Karyu said softly to himself as he watched him go. "Things just became… far more interesting."
The scene shifted.
The morning sun poured over the training grounds of the Academy of Light, its vast arena buzzing with energy. Hundreds of students filled the space, whispers of excitement mixing with fear.
Kaosu and his friends stood among them, their nerves taut.
"This is it," Kaosu said, eyes sharp as he scanned the crowd. "Stay focused. We can't afford to slip here."
Kaji swallowed hard, clutching his fists. "I still can't believe it… Me? In the Knight Academy? This feels like a dream."
Supira leaned back casually, but his gaze was fixed on the enormous gates ahead. "Dream or not, we're here now. And we're not leaving without proving ourselves."
Beside them, Kori bounced impatiently on his heels. Kumo rested lazily on his shoulder, tail flicking, already half-asleep. "C'mon, when's this starting? I can't wait!"
The crowd quieted as a booming voice cut through the air.
"Students!" Sir Koksoku, the principal of the academy, stood at the head of the platform. His presence was heavy, commanding silence with a single glance. "The entrance exams begin in one minute."
The arena trembled as the gates opened wide. A familiar figure stepped through—his silver armor gleaming, aura calm yet terrifying.
Kudo the Gray.
The students stiffened in fear, the weight of his reputation pressing on them.
Kudo's gaze swept across the field before he spoke. "By order of His Majesty, the King of Light, I welcome you… to the Academy." His voice carried like a blade. "But remember—this path is not for the weak. Only those who endure will stand."
He turned toward the platform. "Now… rise, and honor your King!"
The ground itself seemed to shine as King Karyu entered, cloaked in radiance. Gasps filled the arena. And beside him walked a young man—his aura pulsing with blue spirit energy that seemed alive, swirling like fire and water combined.
"Behold," Kudo declared, "His Majesty King Karyu… and Prince Seiro!"
The crowd erupted in astonishment. Seiro descended the steps slowly, the weight of his presence enough to make even seasoned warriors shift uncomfortably. His aura flared, then vanished as though it had never been, leaving behind an unsettling calm.
Students whispered in awe.
"The Prince himself?!"
"He's joining the exam?"
Seiro walked across the arena until his gaze landed on Kaosu. Without hesitation, he approached.
"I am Seiro," he said simply, his eyes sharp yet strangely warm.
Kaosu straightened, meeting his stare with steady resolve. "Kaosu. Vanguard."
For a moment, the two locked eyes—warrior to warrior, as if weighing each other's spirit.
But before they could speak further, Sir Koksoku's voice thundered.
"Enough. The exam begins now!"
The air thickened with tension. The students braced themselves.
Then—
A calm, mocking voice slipped through the crowd, slicing straight into Supira's chest.
"Well, well… it's been a while, hasn't it, Supira?"
Supira froze, his blood running cold. His fists trembled as he turned, eyes wide in disbelief.
Kori's head snapped toward the sound, his expression instantly shifting to rage. His aura flared, lightning crackling at his feet.
There he was.
Kurayami.
Standing at the edge of the crowd, his dark eyes gleamed with cruel amusement, his smile sharp as a blade.
Supira's voice broke, raw and furious. "Kurayami!"
Kaosu shouted the name too, his tone filled with equal fury and betrayal.
Kurayami's grin widened. "That's right… it's me."
The arena seemed to shrink, the weight of his presence pulling at their hearts.
Kori's eyes narrowed, his bloodlust unmistakable.
And with a calm, twisted smile, Kurayami whispered—
"Let's make this… fun."
The chapter ended in silence, tension so sharp it could split the heavens.