Hiro cradled Kai's unconscious form against his chest while Fi held Mei close as they approached the horses. Senior Pat's massive frame moved with surprising grace as he prepared their mounts.

"We need to move fast." Senior Pat's accent rolled through the evening air. "The castle's thrrrree days away."

Fi's melodic voice lifted in a gentle song, her power wrapping around the horses in shimmering waves of blue light. The animals' muscles rippled with newfound strength as Senior Pat raised his hand, the Seven of Spades glowing. The horses' hooves barely touched the ground, their weight reduced to almost nothing.

They galloped through the darkening forest, branches whipping past. The normally grueling journey transformed into a swift dance between trees and shadows.

As moonlight filtered through the canopy, Kai stirred in Hiro's arms. His eyes snapped open, power surging as he shouted, "Deal! Play!"

Before anyone could react, Kai lunged at Fi, his eyes wild with confusion at seeing Mei's limp form in her arms.

"Yo, calm down!" Hiro tackled him mid-leap, both men rolling across the forest floor. Kai struggled against Hiro's grip, still disoriented.

"Easy therrre, young man." Senior Pat pulled his horse to a stop. "The ladies saved yourrrr life back therrre. They'rrre Knights of Spades."

Kai's resistance slowly faded as understanding dawned in his eyes. "Knights... of Spades?"

Mei's soft groan drew their attention. She blinked awake, immediately reaching for her satchel in panic.

"Your potions are safe," Fi assured her, helping Mei sit up straight on the horse.

"We found you both after that bright light," Senior Pat explained. "You're under our protection now."

Mei's shoulders relaxed as she processed his words. "Thank you... for saving us."

The group resumed their journey, their horses gliding across the landscape under the combined effects of Fi's enchanting voice and Senior Pat's gravity manipulation. Mountains and forests blurred past as they covered ground at supernatural speed.

Dawn broke as the castle's ivory spires pierced the horizon. The massive structure dominated the landscape, its walls gleaming in the morning light. As they approached the main gate, a towering figure emerged from the shadows.

Sitka La La Strygwyr's blood-red eyes fixed upon them, his white hair catching the breeze. His muscular frame dwarfed even Senior Pat as he stepped forward.

"What brings you back so soon, Patrick?" Sitka's deep voice carried across the courtyard.

"Ah, Sitka! We've made quite the discoverrry." Senior Pat dismounted with a flourish. "This young man here," he gestured toward Kai, "appears to be the next wielder of the Jack of Spades."

Sitka's gaze locked onto Kai, who met those crimson eyes without flinching. The prison warden's lips curved into the barest hint of a smile as he moved closer, his presence overwhelming.

"I am Sitka La La Strygwyr, keeper of the kingdom's justice." He towered over Kai. "The Jack of Spades hasn't chosen a wielder in decades. Interesting."

Mei clutched her satchel tighter as Sitka's intense stare swept over their group. After a moment of consideration, he stepped aside and motioned toward the gate.

"Enter." The massive doors groaned open at his command, revealing the castle's interior.

* * *

Senior Pat's heavy boots echoed through the castle corridors as he turned to face Kai and Mei. "Time to meet our Captain. The most powerrrful knight in the kingdom."

"Yo, catch you both later." Hiro clapped Kai on the shoulder. "Got some training to do with the new recruits."

Fi twirled a strand of her brown hair, her pale blue eyes darting toward a side passage. "The music room calls. I need to practice for tomorrow's ceremony." She gave a small bow before hurrying away.

Senior Pat led Kai and Mei through winding hallways of polished stone, their footsteps bouncing off walls lined with portraits of previous knights. Mei's fingers drummed against her satchel while Kai's gaze swept across each painting, studying the faces of those who came before.

They entered a grand corridor that stretched longer than any they'd seen. Towering windows filtered sunlight through stained glass, casting rainbow patterns across the marble floor. At the far end loomed double doors that reached nearly to the ceiling.

"That's..." Mei's voice trailed off as she stared at the massive symbol embedded in the wood.

The Ace of Spades dominated the doors, carved in obsidian and trimmed with gold. The black stone seemed to absorb the light around it, creating an aura of power that made the air feel heavy.

Senior Pat's chest swelled with pride. "The mark of our Captain. Behind these doors sits the strongest wielder in all the kingdoms."

Kai stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the symbol. The carved spade reflected in his dark gaze as they approached the entrance to the Captain's chamber.

The massive doors swung open with surprising silence. A slender figure emerged from the shadows, barely reaching Kai's height. Light brown hair framed delicate features, and reddish eyes held an intensity that made both Kai and Mei take an involuntary step back.

"Welcome to my chambers." The voice carried authority despite its gentle tone. "I am Captain Bizel La La Bacharati, leader of the Knights of Spades."

Mei's eyes widened. This was the legendary warrior? The Invincible Knight whose tales spread across the kingdom? She'd imagined someone... larger.

Senior Pat dropped to one knee. "Captain, these arrre the two I mentioned in my rrreport."

Bizel circled Kai and Mei, his light armor catching the stained-glass reflections. "So, you're the boy who chased down those thieves?" His gaze fixed on Kai. "Tell me, what drove you to pursue them?"

Kai's shoulders straightened. "They stole from innocent people and me. I couldn't stand by."

"And you." Bizel turned to Mei. "Your alchemy skills saved both your lives, from what I hear."

Mei clutched her satchel tighter. "I just did what I had to."

"Interesting." Bizel's lips curved into a slight smile. "Pat tells me you wish to join the Knights, boy. And you, girl - you seek access to our libraries and alchemy rooms?"

"Yes, Captain." They answered in unison.

Bizel stopped his pacing. "Why should I grant either request?"

The question hung in the air, heavy as the symbol above their heads. Through the windows, shadows lengthened across the floor, and the rainbow patterns shifted like living things.

Kai lifted his chin, meeting the Captain's intense gaze. "I was left at an orphanage as a baby. No name, no history, just a pendant with strange markings." His hand touched the metal disc beneath his shirt. "The knights protect people, give them purpose. I want that same chance - to stand for something greater than myself."

The captain's eyebrows raised a fraction. "And these markings, you've never discovered their origin?"

"No. But becoming a knight might help me find answers."

Mei stepped forward, her fingers still wrapped around her satchel. "My father was an alchemist. He dedicated his life to helping others through his craft." Her voice grew stronger. "I want to follow his path, but expand on his work. The academy's resources could help me develop medicines for those who can't afford traditional healing."

Bizel's boots clicked against the marble as he moved to the window. Light filtered through the stained glass, casting his face in shifting colors. "Noble causes, both of you." He turned back. "Pat?"

"They've shown prrrromise, Captain. Raw talent that needs direction."

"Very well." Bizel's voice carried through the chamber. "Mei, you'll join the Deudonary Class. Our alchemy wing could use fresh perspectives." He shifted his attention. "And you, Kai - the Core Class awaits."

Mei's eyes widened. "But sir, the Core Class is reserved for-"

"Card candidates and holders, yes." Bizel's gaze lingered on Kai. "Something tells me this one belongs there."

"Captain," Senior Pat straightened. "Shall I handle the paperrrwork?"

"See to it immediately." Bizel nodded toward the doors. "Classes begin tomorrow at dawn. Don't be late."

* * *

Senior Pat led them through winding corridors, his heavy boots echoing against stone floors. He shuffled through a stack of papers, ink marks fresh on the edges.

"And that should do it." He pressed the documents into a leather folder. "Just need my stamp of approval."

The trio stopped at an ornate archway marking the dormitory entrance. Inside, the halls split into two wings - left for female students, right for male.

"Mei, you'll be in chamber twelve." Pat handed her a brass key. "Kai, yourrrrs is twenty-three." The second key glinted in the afternoon light. "Uniforrrrms are already laid out inside."

Mei traced her fingers over the numbered key. "Thank you for everything, Senior Pat."

"Yes, thank you." Kai bowed his head. "We won't let you down."

Pat's chest rumbled with laughter. "Save that energy for tomorrow. One of our senior students will come by later to show you around." He adjusted his white cape. "They'll help you get your bearings, explain the rules, that sort of thing."

The vice-captain's expression softened as he looked between them. "Welcome to the Knights of Spades Academy." He turned with a swish of his cape, his footsteps fading down the corridor.

Kai and Mei exchanged glances before heading to their respective rooms. The dormitory halls stretched before them, lined with dark wooden doors bearing silver numbers.

Inside room twenty-three, Kai found a neat bundle of black and silver cloth on the bed. The uniform's fabric felt sturdy yet flexible under his fingers. A spade insignia was embroidered on the breast pocket, marking him as a Core Class student.

Across the hall in room twelve, Mei unpacked her satchel of potions onto a small desk. Her uniform featured the same colors but with the distinctive purple trim of the Deudonary Class. She changed quickly, adjusting the collar in her mirror.

The academy uniforms fit them perfectly, as if tailored to their measurements. Both stood a little taller, their reflections showing glimpses of the students they would become.

Kai had just finished adjusting his uniform when a sharp crack hit his door. The sound pierced through the quiet dormitory hall like a gunshot. He crossed the room in three quick strides and yanked the door open. The corridor stretched empty in both directions.

His brow furrowed as he closed the door. Another knock rattled the wood, more insistent this time. He pulled it open again, faster. Still nothing.

Kai scratched his head, purple hair catching between his fingers. "What in the-"

"Down here, peasant." A cold voice cut through the air.

Kai's gaze dropped to find a small boy standing barely past his waist, dressed in an immaculate Core Class uniform. Despite his size, the child's bright green eyes burned with an intensity that made Kai take half a step back.

"I am Juvenis La La Roca, heir to the noble La La Roca family and wielder of the Six of Spades." The boy's chin lifted. "You should consider yourself blessed to be in my presence."

"Uh..." Kai blinked at the sudden introduction.

"Don't just stand there gawking like a common street rat." Juvenis crossed his arms. "I've been assigned to show you around the academy. Though why they'd waste my valuable time on a commoner is beyond me."

The boy's eyes narrowed as he studied Kai. "The fact that you're in Core Class is already an insult to our noble institution. But orders are orders, even if they come from that muscle-headed Senior Pat."

A soft knock echoed through Mei's room as she adjusted her uniform's purple trim. The door swung open before she could answer, revealing a tall figure wrapped in flowing black robes.

"You must be the new student." The woman's voice dragged like heavy silk across stone. Platinum blonde hair framed her face, stark against her pale complexion. "I am Lianna La La Vita."

Mei's greeting caught in her throat as Lianna's icy blue eyes fixed on her. The woman's gloved hands clutched a bottle of pills, which she popped open and dropped two into her mouth with mechanical precision.

"Come. There's much to see." Lianna turned and glided into the hallway, her movements slow and deliberate.

Mei grabbed her satchel and hurried after her guide. Lianna's pace never quickened as they wound through the academy's stone corridors, past towering windows that cast long shadows across their path.

"The Deudonary wing houses our alchemy facilities." Lianna pushed open a heavy oak door. Inside, rows of workbenches lined the walls, each equipped with burners, vials, and an array of mysterious implements. "This will be your primary classroom."

Shelves stretched to the ceiling, filled with bottles of every size and color. The air hung thick with the scent of herbs and mineral compounds.

"I will be your instructor." Lianna's fingers traced the edge of a workbench. "We begin tomorrow at dawn." She paused to swallow another pill. "Do not be late."

After their separate tours, Kai and Mei converged in the dormitory hallway. Mei's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm despite her exhaustion.

"Can you believe this place?" Mei clutched her satchel closer. "The alchemy lab is incredible. They have ingredients I've only read about in books."

"The training grounds are massive." Kai leaned against the stone wall. "Though my guide..." He shook his head. "Let's just say Juvenis made his opinions very clear."

"Miss Lianna is..." Mei searched for the right words. "Different. She kept taking these pills throughout the tour. But she knows so much about alchemy."

"At least you got someone who can teach you something." Kai crossed his arms. "Juvenis spent most of the time listing his family's achievements and telling me how unworthy I am to breathe the same air as him."

Mei's laugh echoed through the corridor. "We're really here though. Actually enrolled in the Spades Academy."

"It still doesn't feel real." Kai pushed off from the wall. "We should get some rest. Classes start early tomorrow."

They parted ways, heading to their respective rooms. Kai closed his door and sat at the small desk by the window. He pulled out a leather-bound journal from his bag - something he'd picked up in town before arriving at the academy.

The blank pages seemed to stare back at him. He dipped his pen in ink and began to write:

"Day 1 at Spades Academy. Everything's changed so fast. Just days ago, I was chasing a thief through the streets. Now I'm here, wearing this uniform, about to start classes. Senior Pat believes in us. That has to count for something.

Met my guide today - Juvenis La La Roca. He's... difficult. But he wields the Six of Spades. Maybe I can learn something from him, if he ever stops reminding me I'm just a commoner.

Mei seems happy. The alchemy wing suits her perfectly. It's good to see her excited about something other than fishing.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Tomorrow, real training begins. I need to prove I belong here. Not just to Juvenis or the other nobles, but to myself."

* * *

The morning sun crept through the academy's stained glass windows, painting the stone corridors in a mosaic of colors. Kai adjusted his uniform's collar as he stepped out of his room, the leather journal tucked securely in his bag.

Mei emerged from her room across the hall, her satchel already organized with fresh vials and ingredients. Dark circles under her eyes hinted at a night spent memorizing alchemical formulas.

"Ready for our first real day?" Mei smoothed down her skirt.

"As ready as I'll-" Kai stopped mid-sentence as voices echoed from the cafeteria entrance ahead.

A tall blonde figure stepped out, followed by a much shorter boy with piercing green eyes. Hiro's uniform bore the same purple trim as Kai's, though it seemed to fit him more naturally.

"Yo! If it isn't the new blood." Hiro's face broke into a grin. "Didn't know you'd be in Core Class with us."

Juvenis stepped forward, arms crossed. "Us being the operative word. I'm also in Core Class, though clearly at a higher caliber."

"Name's Hiro La La Raouta." He extended a hand to Kai. "Saw you during orientation but didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself."

"You can skip the pleasantries." Juvenis cut in. "We'll be late for combat training if we waste time on social niceties."

Mei clutched her satchel tighter, eyes darting between the three boys. The tension in the air was palpable as Juvenis stared down Kai, despite their height difference.

"Yo, lighten up, Juv." Hiro clapped a hand on the younger boy's shoulder. "They're part of the team now."

"That remains to be seen." Juvenis shrugged off Hiro's hand. "Core Class isn't for everyone. Some people simply lack the necessary... pedigree."

Mei shifted her weight from one foot to the other, the alchemy building's spires visible in the distance. "I should head to class. Professor Lianna doesn't appreciate tardiness."

"See you at lunch?" Kai's eyes softened as he turned to her.

She nodded, hurrying down the eastern corridor, her footsteps echoing against the stone walls.

"Yo, this way to the training grounds." Hiro gestured toward the western courtyard. "Best part of Core Class - we get exclusive access to the upper field."

The three walked through a series of archways, morning dew still clinging to the grass. Juvenis kept pace ahead of them, his chin lifted.

"The physical demands of Core Class separate the worthy from the weak." Juvenis glanced back at Kai. "Though I suppose even commoners deserve a chance to prove themselves."

"Everyone starts somewhere, Juv." Hiro's boots crunched against the gravel path.

The training grounds opened before them, a vast expanse of packed earth surrounded by weathered stone walls. Weapon racks lined the perimeter, gleaming in the morning light. But it was the figure in the center that commanded attention.

Sitka La La Strygwyr towered over the gathering students, his white hair catching the breeze. Blood-red eyes swept across the newcomers, settling on Kai with predatory focus.

"Welcome to combat training." Sitka's voice carried across the field without effort. "I am Sitka La La Strygwyr, your combat instructor."

His gaze remained fixed on Kai. "You must be the new addition to Core Class. Step forward."

Kai moved to the front of the group, meeting those crimson eyes without flinching.

"Combat is not about flash or glory." Sitka's fingers flexed at his sides. "It is about survival, discipline, and the willingness to push beyond your limits. In this class, you will learn the true meaning of power - or you will fail."

* * *

Sitka circled Kai, his boots silent against the packed earth. "Your recommendation to Core Class came from Captain Bizel himself. I want to see what caught his attention."

"Yo, I've got an idea." Hiro's eyes lit up. "Let Juv and the new guy go at it. Best way to gauge skill levels."

Juvenis straightened his spine, eyes narrowing. "You expect me to waste my time on an unproven recruit?"

"With my power active, no permanent damage will occur." Sitka's blood-red eyes glowed. A crimson aura emanated from his form, enveloping the training ground. "You may fight without restraint."

"Yo, see? Perfect setup." Hiro stepped back, giving them space. "Show us what you've got, both of you. No holding back."

Juvenis pulled out his card, the Six of Spades glinting in the morning light. "Very well. Consider this your first and last lesson in Core Class."

Kai activated his card by shouting "Deal, Play" His knife appears, his expression calm despite the challenge.

"Begin when ready." Sitka crossed his arms, his presence ensuring their safety.

"This should be interesting." Hiro leaned against a weapon rack. "Yo, Juv doesn't usually go all out against newcomers."

Juvenis raised his card, power crackling around him. "Let's see if you deserve to breathe the same air as Core Class, Deal Play."

A blue gilded Gun appears into Juvenis Hand.

The two fighters squared off, tension building in the morning air. Under Sitka's watchful gaze, the sparring ground crackled with anticipation of the imminent clash.

The silver coin spun through the air, catching the morning light before striking the packed earth with a soft thud. The moment metal touched dirt, Juvenis squeezed the trigger of his blue-gilded gun.

Kai darted left, but the crystalline bullet clipped his ankle. Ice spread instantly from the point of impact, encasing his foot in a frozen prison. He stumbled, catching himself with his free hand.

"Yo, that's the Bullet Emperor's first form." Hiro's voice carried across the training ground. "Six different abilities, six different ways to take down an opponent. That blue one? Freezes anything it touches."

Kai swung his knife, chipping away at the ice while rolling to avoid another shot. Frozen crystals exploded where his head had been moments before.

Juvenis tracked Kai's movement, his eyes focused with predatory intensity. "Your speed won't save you."

Three more shots rang out in rapid succession. Kai deflected one with his blade, the metal frosting over on contact. The second grazed his shoulder, leaving a trail of ice. The third struck his chest, spreading a web of frost across his torso.

"Stand still and accept your fate." Juvenis advanced, each step measured and precise.

Kai broke free from the ice at his feet, ignoring the burning cold spreading across his body. He charged forward, knife leading. Juvenis fired again, but Kai anticipated the shot, using his frozen blade as a shield. The ice-coated knife absorbed the impact, shattering into frozen shards.

Juvenis's eyes widened as Kai closed the distance. The gun swung up, pressing against Kai's forehead just as Kai's remaining grip knife touched Juvenis's throat.

Kai's knife whistled through the air where Juvenis's throat had been. The young shooter leaped back, his face twisted in a snarl.

"No one gets that close. No one." Juvenis's gun shimmered, the blue glow morphing into a blazing orange.

"Yo, heads up." Hiro shifted his weight. "That's the bursting round. One hit and your flesh cooks from the inside out."

The orange gilded gun gleamed in the morning light. Juvenis squeezed the trigger. A streak of fire cut through the air. Kai tried to dodge, but the bullet caught his left arm. Heat exploded through his muscles, sending waves of agony up to his shoulder. His arm dropped useless to his side, the skin blistering and raw.

Kai gritted his teeth against the pain. His right hand gripped his remaining knife. With a burst of speed, he charged forward.

Juvenis lined up another shot. "Know your place."

The knife left Kai's hand, spinning end over end. Juvenis tried to sidestep, but the blade buried itself in his right shoulder. Blood bloomed across his uniform.

Before Juvenis could recover, Kai closed the distance. His right fist crashed into Juvenis's jaw. Another punch followed, then another. Each impact drove the younger boy back, his gun wavering in his grip.

Juvenis staggered back, blood dripping from his split lip. His fingers worked the card's power, transforming the orange gun into a pristine white-gilded weapon.

"Yo, watch out." Hiro's voice cut through the clash of combat. "That's the flash form - one shot will leave you blind and deaf for hours."

Kai lunged forward, but Juvenis had already squeezed the trigger. A burst of pure white light erupted from the barrel, engulfing the training ground in its radiance. Kai's world vanished in a searing flash, his vision replaced by dancing spots and his ears ringing with deafening silence.

Through the haze of sensory overload, Kai heard Juvenis's footsteps retreating. The young shooter's breathing steadied as he put distance between them.

"You fight well," Juvenis's voice carried across the yard. "But I am more than just another student. I am a god among insects."

The air grew heavy, a dark presence seeping into the ground beneath their feet. Even blinded, Kai felt the shift in power as Juvenis's gun transformed one final time. The white gilded weapon darkened to obsidian black, its surface seeming to devour the morning light.

"Witness true power."

The trigger clicked. A beam of absolute darkness cut through the air, a void that consumed everything in its path - light, sound, even the very atmosphere seemed to bend around it. The ray struck Kai's side, carving through flesh and muscle like they were paper. A perfect circular hole appeared in his stomach, edges cauterized by the absolute darkness of the shot.

Kai's legs buckled as blood soaked his uniform. His hand pressed against the wound, feeling the smooth, burnt edges where the void-bullet had passed through him.

Sitka's crimson aura flared as he rushed to the fallen fighters. Blood flowed from his palms, weaving through the air like liquid ribbons before seeping into their wounds. The holes in Kai's torso knitted together, muscle and skin regenerating under the influence of Sitka's power.

"Yo, that was insane!" Hiro's mouth hung open as he watched the healing process. "Never seen anyone push Juv that far before. Man, I gotta fight you sometime, Kai. Your knife work is something else."

Juvenis winced as Sitka's blood closed the shoulder wound. His usual stern expression softened slightly, though he maintained his distance.

Kai's eyes fluttered open. The training ground came into focus, along with Sitka's towering form above him.

"The void shot should have killed you," Sitka said, his red eyes studying Kai. "Your reflexes at the last second shifted the trajectory just enough to miss vital organs. Impressive."

"Food." Hiro clapped his hands. "Nothing builds friendship like eating after trying to kill each other. Come on."

The cafeteria buzzed with activity as they claimed a table. Kai's tray overflowed with portions that matched Sitka's, his body demanding fuel after the healing.

"Your footwork needs adjustment," Juvenis stated between bites. "But your ability to close distance... it was adequate."

"Yo, adequate?" Hiro laughed. "You used most of your gun forms on him. When's the last time anyone pushed you that far?"

"The timing of that knife throw," Sitka added. "It forced a choice between dodging and maintaining aim. Strategic."

Juvenis's fork paused halfway to his mouth. "The fight revealed areas where I must improve. Perhaps... perhaps training together would be mutually beneficial."

"Yo, look at that." Hiro elbowed Kai. "High praise from our little god of shooting. Usually takes months to get him to acknowledge anyone's existence."

* * *

Sitka rose from the table, his imposing figure casting a shadow across their trays. "Remember what you learned today. Power comes in many forms - but wisdom lies in knowing when to use it." His blood-red eyes lingered on both Kai and Juvenis before he strode away, his white hair swaying with each step.

"Kai!" Mei rushed to their table, her satchel bouncing against her hip. Her eyes widened at the bloodstains on his uniform. "What happened?"

"Yo, your friend here gave Juv a run for his money." Hiro gestured between them. "Best sparring match I've seen in months."

Mei pulled out a small vial from her satchel. "Are you hurt? I have a healing potion-"

"Sitka already handled it," Kai touched his side where the wound had been.

"The match was... educational," Juvenis dabbed his mouth with a napkin and stood. "I have studying to attend to."

"Yo, catch you later then." Hiro stretched and followed suit. "Got knight duties calling."

As they walked through the academy's hallways, Mei told Kai about her alchemy class - about mixing elements and crafting basic healing potions. The stone walls echoed with their footsteps.

"Professor Lianna says I have a natural talent for it," she smiled, clutching her books closer. "But what about you? Fighting Juvenis must have been intense."

"He's strong," Kai's hand unconsciously touched where the void bullet had struck. "But there's always room to improve."

They reached the intersection where their paths diverged - the boys' dorms to the left, girls' to the right. The setting sun painted the corridor in amber hues through the tall windows.

"Get some rest," Mei adjusted her satchel. "You've had quite a day."

Kai nodded, and they parted ways, each heading to their respective dorms as evening settled over the academy.

Captain Bizel's boots clicked against the obsidian floors as he ascended the spiral staircase to the throne chamber. His green cape bearing the Ace of Spades insignia fluttered behind him. Through arched windows, moonlight pooled across tapestries depicting the kingdom's history in silver thread.

Two guards snapped to attention as he approached the twenty-foot reinforced doors. Gold filigree swirled across their blackened steel surface, coalescing into the Spade Kingdom crest.

"Captain," the guards chorused, crossing spears to bar entry until Bizel produced his knight's seal. The moment he stepped through, the metallic groan of hinges echoed through a chamber vast enough to swallow entire villages. Violet flames danced in braziers flanking a dais where twin thrones stood - one forged from battlefield scrap metal, the other inlaid with bone-white ivories.

King Luciel sat leaning forward, elbows resting on knees still clad in bloodstained armor from the day's drills. Queen Charna's slender fingers tapped a pattern against her throne's armrest, her purple braids shifting like snakes beneath her jeweled blindfold beneath her silver crown.

"Your Majesty." Bizel dropped to one knee, spaulders clinking as he bowed so low his brow nearly brushed the floor. The polished stone reflected his face back at him - light red eyes narrowed in focus, lips pressed into a line beneath his close-trimmed beard.

Luciel waved a battle-scarred hand. "Report."

Across the chamber, Queen Charna's blindfold tilted a fraction toward Bizel's position, her lips parting in silence.