The morning after the grand duel, the air in Everwood was still heavy with awe and whispers. The massive crater left behind in the battle arena had become a silent testament to the power Itsuki had revealed.
Even now, faint traces of energy shimmered across the scorched stone floor — the remnant of when the Titan Frame, Itsuki's giant robot, had faced off against the Dragon Prince.
Though the fight had ended in a draw, everyone knew the truth.
The robot's power… surpassed even that of the dragon prince's full form.
Throughout the village, workers and soldiers busied themselves repairing damaged structures. The once-quiet Everwood was now alive with activity — dwarves inspecting the arena walls with fascinated expressions, elves planting new flowers where the ground had been torn apart, and beastkin helping to move heavy materials with their incredible strength.
Inside the great hall, Itsuki sat at the head of a long table. Lyra stood beside him, along with Selena, Elara, and Lunaria. The leaders of the visiting nations — the Beastkin King, the Dwarven King, and the Elf Queen — had gathered once again.
The mood was calmer than before, but a certain tension lingered beneath the surface.
The Dwarven King stroked his beard thoughtfully. "To think such a weapon existed beneath this village… lad, ye've built something that even my best engineers couldn't dream of."
The Beastkin King crossed his arms, tail swaying lazily. "Aye. But that same weapon could burn nations to ash. You must understand why this unsettles us."
Itsuki met their gazes evenly. "I understand your concerns. But my goal isn't destruction. Everything I create is to protect Everwood — to ensure no one under my care ever suffers again."
The Elf Queen smiled faintly. "You speak like a ruler, Lord Itsuki. Perhaps more fitting than most crowned kings I've met."
Her compliment caused murmurs to ripple across the table. Lyra's expression softened, pride glinting in her emerald eyes.
Before more could be said, a sudden tremor of magic swept through the room — a pulse of human energy. A guard burst through the doors, panting.
"Lord Itsuki! The delegation from the Human Kingdom has arrived!"
The hall grew silent.
Itsuki rose to his feet. "So, they've come at last."
Outside, the sound of hooves echoed through the streets of Everwood. A procession of armored knights marched in formation, their silver armor gleaming under the morning sun. Behind them rode a grand carriage draped in crimson and gold, bearing the crest of the Human Kingdom — a sword crossed with a crown.
The carriage stopped before the great hall, and the door opened.
Out stepped a tall man with golden hair streaked with gray — the Human King, Aldric von Regalia, known across the continent as both a cunning strategist and an ambitious ruler.
Beside him stood Queen Marianne, dignified and calm, followed by their children — Prince Roland, whose eyes burned with curiosity, and Princess Seraphina, a young woman whose beauty and grace could rival any noble elf's.
The leaders of every race watched silently as the human royals entered the hall.
Aldric's gaze swept across the assembled leaders before resting on Itsuki. "So you're the man who built a nation from nothing… and tamed dragons and kings alike." His tone was sharp but respectful. "I must say, you've become quite the topic in every royal court."
Itsuki offered a polite smile. "Welcome to Everwood, Your Majesty. I hope your journey was pleasant."
The king chuckled. "Pleasant enough — though the sight of that… colossal machine near your arena made my knights uneasy."
Itsuki's expression didn't waver. "That machine is for defense only. As long as Everwood stands in peace, it will never be used again."
Aldric's smile faded, his eyes narrowing. "Defense… yes, that's what every nation says before war begins."
The tension in the hall thickened. Lyra's hand instinctively rested near her bow. Elara and Selena exchanged wary glances.
But before the mood could sour further, Princess Seraphina stepped forward and curtsied gracefully.
"Father, please. We did not come here for conflict." She turned to Itsuki, her silver-blue eyes soft and curious. "I've heard stories of you… the Creator of Everwood. The man who brings light to a forgotten forest."
Her tone carried a genuine admiration, and the hall's tension slowly eased.
Itsuki nodded. "Stories tend to grow larger than truth, Princess. But I welcome you to see the real Everwood — a place built by the hands of many races together."
The princess smiled warmly. "Then I look forward to learning from you, Lord Itsuki."
The king studied his daughter quietly before sighing. "Very well. Let's see this miracle village of yours."
As the human royals were led through Everwood, they saw clean streets lit by streetlamps powered by Itsuki's inventions, workshops filled with elves and dwarves collaborating, and children from different races playing together without fear or hatred.
Even King Aldric, hardened by politics and decades of distrust between nations, could not help but feel a flicker of surprise.
"This… place defies the world we know," he muttered.
And as the sun set over the horizon, painting the skies gold and crimson, Itsuki stood on the balcony of his hall, watching the united nations feast below.
The first great gathering of the Six Nations had begun — but beneath the smiles and wine, unseen schemes had already started to move.
Everwood had proven its strength… and now, the world's eyes would never leave it again.