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Chapter 4 : The King's Declaration
The golden gates of the citadel opened slowly as Paul and Valot stepped through, returning from the grand Realm Convention. The air in the chamber shifted immediately as Maya approached with a hesitant smile.
"Welcome, Pau—sorry, my king," she said, bowing slightly.
Paul chuckled softly. "You'll get used to it."
Ezra emerged from the shadows beside the throne. "Welcome back, my king. How did the Realm Convention go?"
Maya clasped her hands nervously. "Were you able to speak with the realm leaders?"
Paul nodded. "Sure… though it wasn't exactly peaceful."
His tone grew distant as his eyes flickered with the memory.
A flashback unfolded in his mind — seven hours earlier.
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Flashback: The Realm Convention
"Welcome, everyone," the host's voice echoed through the grand hall.
Duke Austin's eyes narrowed the moment he saw Paul. "Why is he here?" he demanded. "After causing problems in our realm, he dares to show up again?"
Luna Nightshade, leader of the Luminaria Realm, frowned. "Enough, Austin."
Liam Ryder of the Arkon Realm added, "Indeed, Austin. He is still one of the Creations."
Paul stepped forward calmly. "Before anything else, can everyone introduce themselves?"
One by one, the leaders rose to speak.
> Luna Nightshade – Leader of Luminaria Realm, home of the Spirit Warriors.
Liam Ryder – Leader of Arkon Realm, land of Heroes and Demons.
Sage Hinata – Leader of Zenithor Realm, domain of Women Leaders and Mages.
Aurora Wynter – Leader of Xanders Realm, birthplace of Sci-Fi invention.
Hiroto Matsumoto – Leader of Nova Heaven, stronghold of the Dwarfs.
Shota Aethonix – Leader of Aethonix Realm, haven of Elves and Human Mages.
Duke Austin – Leader of Elyndor Realm, the Battle Station.
Elara Moonwhisper – Leader of Calanthor Realm, council of the Supreme Elders.
Valot – Representative of Aethoria Realm.
When the introductions ended, Paul took a breath. "So, Earth doesn't have a representative or leader. I see." His eyes darkened. "Then I've come here to tell you something important. You are to return to your roles as representatives, not rulers. I will grant you all—"
Elara Moonwhisper slammed her staff against the floor. "You arrogant child! Who gave you the permission to make such a demand?"
Paul's voice turned cold. "Arrogant child, huh? Then I'll speak my mind freely."
Duke Austin's lips twisted. "You're going to declare war on us, aren't you?"
Sage Hinata looked shocked. "War?"
"Yes," Austin growled. "He attacked our nobles for keeping our traditions alive!"
Paul's gaze sharpened. "You call that thing you do 'tradition'? You disgust me."
Shota Aethonix rose to his feet. "I agree." He bowed deeply. "I, Shota Aethonix, swear loyalty to you, Paul Kirman Stark."
Paul gave a faint smile. "That's one."
Luna Nightshade stood gracefully. "I will swear loyalty as well—but only if you agree to see something very important."
Paul arched a brow. "And what could that be?"
"My mother told me to show you," Luna replied cryptically.
Paul nodded. "Alright."
Hiroto Matsumoto leaned forward. "I will need to speak with my people first."
Duke Austin slammed his fist on the table. "How can you betray everything we built? We became leaders to unite the realms!"
Shota's eyes hardened. "The realms have never been united—not since the death of Luke Stark."
Sage Hinata rose proudly. "I refuse. We mages have thrived better without the Head of Creation."
Paul's eyes burned with power. "Then hear me now—
I, Paul Kirman Stark, declare war on Elyndor Realm, Zenithor Realm, Xanders Realm, Arkon Realm, and Calanthor Realm! Prepare yourselves. In one year, I will return to reclaim what is mine!"
The chamber erupted into chaos.
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Return to Present
Maya's face went pale. "You declared war on them? You can't do this alone!"
Ezra smiled faintly. "Our king is not alone. He has hidden allies."
Paul raised an eyebrow. "I do? You should have told me."
Ezra nodded. "You have the Cosmos Beings, Earth's representative, the Elven Mages, and… your long-lost family."
Paul's expression softened. "You mean them. The Earth representative… Sai Fujimoto. If I recall correctly, he's still in high school. I'll go talk to him."
Ezra bowed. "My king, may I have a moment alone with you?"
Paul nodded. "Of course."
Ezra glanced at Maya. "Would you please leave us, Maya?"
She bowed and exited quietly.
Ezra's tone grew serious. "You left out Luna Nightshade's part. What did she say?"
Paul looked away. "Something about her mother's prophecy. I don't want to discuss it yet."
Ezra nodded solemnly. "As you wish, my king."
Paul exhaled and raised his hand. "It's school closing hours. I should catch up with Sai Fujimoto."
A shimmering portal opened before him, swirling with energy.
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Earth Realm
"Sai, wait!" a girl's voice called. "I told you to stop leaving me behind!"
Sai Fujimoto turned and smiled faintly. "Hurry up, Sakura. The most beautiful girl in school hanging out with a loser like me—how lucky am I?"
Sakura frowned. "Loser? I don't care what anyone says about you. I believe in you more than anyone else."
A voice echoed from above. "Is that so?"
Sai froze. "Who's there?" He pulled Sakura behind him. "Get back, Sakura-san!"
Paul floated in midair, calm and composed. "I mean you no harm, Fujimoto-kun."
Sai squinted. "Says the guy floating in the sky."
Paul smiled faintly. "That's exactly why I'm here—to take you with me."
Sai frowned. "Your voice… it sounds familiar. What's your name?"
"Paul Kirman Stark."
Sai's eyes widened. "Paul? No way! I thought you died! Your mom said you were killed in an explosion!"
Paul tilted his head. "Really? My mom said that?"
Sakura blinked in confusion. "You… know him?"
Paul sighed and waved his hand. "Elemental Release—Time Stop."
The world froze around them; even Sakura stood motionless.
Paul turned back to Sai. "Better this way. Now she can't hear us."
Sai frowned. "What do you want from me, Paul?"
Paul smiled faintly. "Look at my childhood friend asking something so serious. Of course, I need you to defend Earth for me."
Sai looked down sadly. "Sorry to disappoint you, but my emblem… it was shared in half."
Paul's eyes widened. "What?! Impossible! No one can do that!"
Sai sighed. "My uncle could."
Paul's tone softened. "How did this happen?"
Sai took a deep breath. "If you care to listen, I'll tell you everything."
Paul nodded. "I'm all ears, my friend."
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Backstory of Fujimoto Sai
Seventeen years ago, in a quiet hospital room, a newborn's cry filled the air.
Mrs. Fujimoto smiled weakly. "Beautiful… it's a joy to hear your own child cry."
Mr. Fujimoto beamed with pride. "Soon, ours will be next."
Moments later, the doctor entered. "Mr. and Mrs. Fujimoto, may I speak with you privately?"
"Of course," they replied.
The doctor hesitated. "Your child… will likely be born in four days, on Saturday."
Mr. Fujimoto frowned. "That's impossible! She's only five months and three weeks pregnant!"
"I'm as surprised as you are," the doctor said softly. "But the baby is perfectly healthy and ready. Look—here's the ultrasound."
Mrs. Fujimoto smiled tearfully. "Our second child…"
Her husband placed a hand on her shoulder. "Maybe you should stay in the hospital until it's time."
She shook her head. "No, I want to see Emiko and tell her the news."
The doctor hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. You may leave."
---
That night, Mr. Fujimoto received a call. His expression turned grim.
"Who was that?" his wife asked.
"My elder brother. He wants to sell my company shares."
"Why?"
"He's after something… you don't need to know."
"Not again," she sighed. "You keep me in the dark. Tell me, honey."
He hesitated. "For generations, our family has protected Earth from calamity. My elder brother, Sai, did the same. But our son—he carries the Emblem."
"The Emblem?"
"Yes. A mark given by the universe to protect its people. Our son bears that mark."
Her eyes widened. "So… he's meant to be a hero?"
He nodded solemnly. "But my younger brother wants that power for his own son."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Will this… kill our child?"
He looked away. "That's why I need you to run. As far as you can."
"Call the police!" she cried.
"You don't understand," he said softly. "We have powers—supernatural powers."
She trembled. "We've been married for thirteen years, and you tell me this now?"
He took her hands. "I'm sorry."
Her breath quickened. "Honey, the baby—it's coming!"
He looked into her eyes. "Do you trust me?"
"More than Grandma," she gasped.
He carried her into the sky. "Hold on!"
---
Hours later, at the hospital, her cries echoed.
Then—a baby's cry.
But before joy could fill the air, chaos erupted.
A man in a dark coat slammed a nurse against the wall. "I'll be taking that baby," he sneered.
Mrs. Fujimoto screamed. "What are you doing!?"
The man smiled cruelly. "Mothers who bear the Star Emblem… never survive."
The machines beeped wildly. Then silence.
When Mr. Fujimoto arrived, his rage was boundless. He flew into the air, tearing through the night to confront his brother.
"What have you done, Aoi!?" he roared.
Aoi smiled coldly. "I shared the emblem between them. Now your son has only half a heart."
Mr. Fujimoto's eyes burned. "When I'm done, you'll die by my hands."
He retrieved his son, holding him close.
Later, at the hospital, he whispered, "Honey, I'm here. Our baby is safe."
She smiled weakly. "Why would your brother do this?"
"I don't know," he whispered.
Her voice softened. "Please… name him Sai. Sai Fujimoto."
He nodded through tears. "A beautiful name. I promise he'll remember you every day."
The monitor flatlined.
She was gone.
Mr. Fujimoto fell to his knees and screamed to the heavens.
---
Sai's eyes glistened as he finished his story.
"That's how my emblem got shared in half," he said quietly.
Paul placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry. I never knew you suffered like this."
Sai straightened. "I've got one more year of school left. If I can balance that and protect Earth, I'll do it."
Paul smiled. "Then come with me. I'll take you to my castle."
Sai blinked. "Castle? Wait—what castle?"
Paul grinned as a bright light surrounded them.
To Be Continued...
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