The morning sun painted Everwood in golden light, the village already alive with activity. Blacksmiths hammered steel, children ran through the roads, and soldiers drilled with rifles in the training yard.
Itsuki stood at the edge of the village square, overseeing the work with quiet pride.
At the gates, a commotion stirred. Four figures stood waiting, their presence commanding silence from the guards.
The Arrival
The first was a knight, her silver armor gleaming, a longsword at her hip. She moved with disciplined grace, her blue eyes sharp.
The second was a beastman warrior, towering and broad-shouldered, fur bristling along his arms, an axe taller than most men resting casually on his shoulder.
The third was a young man with a cocky grin, a blade strapped to his back, his confident gait making villagers mutter nervously. His very presence felt like fire restless, dangerous.
The last was a girl with a flowing cloak, her staff topped with a glowing crystal. She said nothing, her violet eyes cold but curious, as though already dissecting Everwood with her gaze.
The guards shifted uneasily. These were not simple travelers.
Itsuki walked to the gates, cloak trailing behind him. "State your business in Everwood."
The knight bowed formally. "I am Seraphina Albright, Knight of the Dawn. We have come for you, Itsuki of Everwood."
The beastman thumped his chest proudly. "Name's Ragnar Ironhide. Heard you killed a wyvern with a single shot. I came to see if that's true and if you're worth following."
The young man scoffed. "Kael Stormfang. Some call me the 'near-hero.' You? You're just a rumor. I'll be the judge of what you really are."
The wizard finally spoke, her voice soft yet firm. "Mira Everwinter. I seek knowledge… the kind no ordinary mage could wield. If you truly created that weapon of yours, I want to see it with my own eyes."
Itsuki studied them, then smiled faintly. "So, challengers."
Kael smirked. "Think of it as… an audition. If you're as great as the stories say, then prove it."
The Challenge
Word spread quickly, and soon the villagers gathered outside the walls. Lyra, Selena, and Elara stood near Itsuki, each watching with wary eyes. Lunaria leaned against a tree, tail flicking, clearly amused at the spectacle.
Itsuki stepped forward. "If you came here for a fight, you'll have one. But understand this: strength in Everwood isn't for glory it's for protection. If you can't accept that, you won't find a place here."
Kael laughed. "We'll see."
The four challengers stood ready. Itsuki cracked his knuckles and pulled the Codex of Creation from his cloak. Pages fluttered, glowing faintly.
"Then let's begin the Trial by Combat."
Kael vs. Itsuki
Kael charged first, blade flashing in the sun. His movements were sharp, practiced—a swordsman honed by countless battles. Itsuki barely raised his dagger in time, their blades clashing.
"Not bad," Kael smirked, pressing forward with relentless strikes.
Itsuki adapted with each clash, his reflexes sharpening, footwork adjusting. He summoned a revolver with a snap of his hand, firing point-blank. Kael barely twisted aside, the bullet grazing his shoulder.
"You… you really fight like that?" Kael grinned, exhilarated. "Fine! Then I'll take you seriously!"
But soon, Itsuki disarmed him, revolver aimed at his chest. Kael froze, then laughed breathlessly. "Tch. You win. Guess the rumors weren't lies after all."
Ragnar vs. Itsuki
Ragnar bellowed a laugh and leapt forward, axe cleaving through the earth where Itsuki had stood a moment before. The sheer force rattled the villagers' teeth.
"You've got tricks, human! But can you handle raw power?!"
Itsuki darted aside, firing his revolver, the bullets striking Ragnar's shoulder. The beastman only grinned wider, ignoring the wounds. Itsuki quickly crafted a grenade and tossed it an explosion thundered across the field, smoke billowing.
When it cleared, Ragnar stood with his axe buried in the dirt, chest heaving—but laughing. "Hah! You're clever. Strong and clever! That's rare in a leader."
Seraphina vs. Itsuki
Seraphina stepped forward, sword drawn, her posture flawless. Unlike Kael or Ragnar, her strikes were precise, measured. She fought not to win, but to test.
Itsuki met her with calm focus, their blades clashing in sparks. For minutes they exchanged blows, each strike ringing like steel on steel.
Finally, Itsuki shifted his stance, disarming her with a flick of his wrist. Her sword fell, and she stepped back, bowing deeply.
"Enough. You are a true protector. If Everwood will have me, I pledge my sword to you."
Mira vs Itsuki
Mira raised her staff, chanting softly. Flames burst from the ground, water coiled into spears, lightning crackled through the air. Her spells were rapid, merciless.
Itsuki adapted swiftly, weaving barriers of pure Creation, redirecting her attacks back into the ground. At last, he snapped his fingers—his Codex formed a shining bullet, which he fired through one of her spells, scattering it like glass.
Mira's eyes widened, her lips curving into a rare smile. "Impossible… you created something that resists even magic."
She lowered her staff. "I see. Then she lifted her staff and started chanting and launched a dual attack of water and fire , but itsuki made a big shield with his power that blocked her attack and then quickly shot at the staff forcing her to leave the staff."
"I surrender, I acknowledge this magic of yous." She said.
Oaths of Loyalty
One by one, they stood before Itsuki.
Ragnar slammed his axe into the dirt. "I'll fight by your side until the end!"
Seraphina knelt, hand over heart. " lord itsuki I vow to protect Everwood with all that I am."
Kael smirked, crossing his arms. "Damn it, fine. You're stronger. I'll follow… just don't think I'll call you master."
Mira's gaze softened. "You're a mystery worth solving, master Itsuki. Count me in."
Itsuki looked at them, then extended his hand. "Welcome to Everwood. From this day forward, we build a future together."
The villagers erupted into cheers. Everwood had gained not just allies, but champions.
And beyond the forest, kingdoms trembled at the name of Itsuki the Creator of Everwood.