The three adventurers stood in awe before the grand entrance of Azur Castle, its towering spires reaching for the sky. Haruki’s eyes widened in amazement.

“Wow! It’s even more majestic up close! This is incredible,” he exclaimed.

Lila nodded, her gaze fixed on the impressive structure. “Back in my hometown, we had a castle too, but it was nothing like this. Not this grand.”

As they approached the entrance, Lila suggested, “Let’s not keep the King waiting.”

Inside, the castle hall greeted them with opulence and splendor. Haruki couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur.

“Look at this place! It’s spotless. This hall must be for important guests and events. And those stained-glass windows… magnificent!”

Lila’s eyes sparkled with wonder. “Our castle was nice, but compared to Azur, it was just ordinary.”

Roderick, lost in his own thoughts, hadn’t heard Haruki’s question. Lila nudged him gently.

“Hey Roderick, Haruki’s asking you,” she called out.

Roderick blinked, slightly dazed. “Ow, that stung a bit. Sorry, I got lost in the beauty of this place. What’s up?”

Lila sighed in mock exasperation. “You finally snapped out of it. Haruki wanted to know if you’ve ever visited a castle before.”

Roderick hesitated, then shook his head. “No, actually, this is my first time setting foot in one. I used to be a wandering merchant, traveling from place to place. Eventually, I grew weary of the constant movement, and that’s how I ended up here, training alongside you two.”

Haruki, intrigued, added, “This is my maiden castle visit as well. By the way, any idea how we find our way to meet the King? This place is like a labyrinth.”

The ceiling chandeliers suddenly came alive with motion, and two knights descended gracefully, landing before the astonished trio. The first knight spoke with a mixture of curiosity and solemnity.

“Well, well, well… Are you the one who took down my little brother? … Oh… Sorry for being rude… The name’s Zakai Sazama, Shozo’s older brother. And this is my friend, Tsukada Sui. I heard that His Majesty wants to meet you.”

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

Haruki, still taken aback, managed to respond, “That’s right, we were summoned while we were with the medic.”

Zakai and Sui led the way, the knights’ armor clinking with each step, and the three companions followed. They made a series of turns, passing through a corridor adorned with exquisite paintings that left them in awe. Finally, they arrived at a door, and Zakai explained their purpose.

“Here we are, The Majesty’s room. It’s not his private chamber, but it’s where he conducts his affairs. We were instructed by His Majesty to await you in the main hall and bring you here.” Zakai knocked on the door and announced, “Your Majesty, they have arrived.”

The King’s voice resonated from within, “Yes, let them in.”

As the door swung open, a small gathering of people came into view. Kilin, Daisy, Garrick, Elara, Seraphina, and, towering over them all, The Queen stood beside The King. The room fell into hushed whispers as all eyes turned towards Haruki.

“Is that the one the King summoned?” one voice murmured.

“Yeah, he’s the one. I heard he’s quite formidable,” another replied in disbelief.

“No way! He bested Shozo in the Guild Training?” came a surprised response.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense as the man next to them scrutinized Haruki with evident doubt. The King’s voice cut through the unease like a blade.

“Quiet.”

Sazama and Sui lowered themselves in a deferential bow, positioning themselves by Daisy’s side. The King’s attention returned to Haruki.

“So, you must be Haruki? The one I summoned,” he stated, his tone measured and composed.

Haruki offered a respectful bow in reply. “Yes, Your Majesty. I am currently training with the SteelFury guild.”

There was a brief pause, and then the King continued, his voice carrying wisdom and authority.

“I am aware of your presence, Haruki. Kilin and Daisy have kept me informed. I sought to summon individuals like you from other worlds to undergo training. I assume Daisy has explained the purpose of your summoning, and for not forewarning you in your own world, we offer our apologies.”

Garrick stepped forward, his demeanor respectful but assertive. “My King, I beg your pardon for my forwardness, but I also wish to offer my guidance to Haruki. We encountered him in the fields, and after speaking with him, I requested Lady Seraphina’s permission to train him. She rightly deferred the decision to you.”

Seraphina spoke up, affirming Garrick’s words. “Father, it is true. I assessed Haruki myself, and I find him to be no threat.”

The King weighed his options, his expression thoughtful. Just then, the man who had been eyeing Haruki skeptically voiced his concerns.

“Can we truly trust this otherworlder? Are we certain he poses no threat to us?”

The King halted him with a firm command. “Quiet.”

“But, Your Majesty, can he truly harness that power?”

“I said quiet, Senri. Let me conclude, and we shall discuss this further.”

Senri acquiesced, his tone contrite. “Y-yes, I apologize for my impertinence.”