A young Walteran girl dashes through the dense forest, rocking an adorable witch costume and clutching a melon-shaped basket brimming with treats. As she nears her destination, her sprint morphs into skipping, and she bounds up to the door of her cottage.

The door swings open, and she springs into her grandma's arms.

Gala "Well, ain't that the liveliest hug I've had all day! Your school part must've been a blast!"

Margaret "Oh, it was awesome! Hallobut rocks! I scored a lot of candy and did a lot today! I even shared some of the stories you read to me with my friends!"

Gala "Easy there, lil tigerfish. We'll chat all about it over dinner. I whipped up your favorite— tuna loaf and sea kelp pudding. But first..."

With a snap of her fingers, Margaret's basket zaps onto a nearby shelf.

Margaret "Hey! What was that for?!"

Gala "You're having quite the sugar rush, my dear. Anyone can tell with that chocolate smear on your adorable little cheek."

Gala stoops down with a small towel and wipes away the smudge, earning an embarrassed pout from Margaret. Her grandma then sets two plates on the table and chuckles as she watches Margaret struggle to clamber onto her chair.

Margaret "I wish I was taller...

Gala "Patience, my dear. Growth takes its sweet time. Now spill the sea beans about your day."

Margaret "We had a costume contest for the whole school and I got first but it was very weird."

Gala "Oh really? How so?"

Margaret "Well, half the crowd was like, '8 out of 10, cool!' But the other half was all, '9 out of 10, perfection!' They were arguing until the principal swooped in and settled the score by voting 9 out of 10."

Gala "Ah, the kingfish has the final say. What else?"

Margaret "Oh, I spotted some kids selling random stuff, but turns out it wasn't theirs. Then the real owners showed up and things got ugly."

Gala "That's awful! Did the teachers stop it?"

Margaret "Nah, it was over in a flash, and none of the grown-ups caught wind of it. Luckily, nobody got badly hurt."

Gala "That's a relief.""

Margaret "I'll speed through what happened so we can go into more storytime! After that fight, I saw two seniors swoop in and shield a new kid from bullies. It was seriously heartwarming! Then me and my nerdy buddy went through this long lecture, but it was boring, so I bailed early. Next, I teamed up with a couple of other pals and searched the playground for more seashells to add to my stash. Finally, I swung by the roleplaying club and crafted up a bunch of toy weapons while telling them your stories."

Gala "How did that go?"

Margaret "They laughed and didn't believe it! They said that you were lying."

Gala "It's hard to change another person's point of view by yourself but... it isn't impossible. Sometimes, one person is all you need to make a difference. Keep at it, my dear."

Margaret "Okay, granny. Soooo... story time?"

Gala "You betcha. It's story time."

The duo snuggles into bed as Granny Gala sets the stage for the next chapter in Kanji's story.

Margaret "I'm so excited! What will it be about this time?!"

Gala "I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise but let's just say that words are powerful..."

Under the cloak of midnight, Ordan, the bustling city, lies veiled in darkness. An hour where most Rulens have succumbed to slumber, their minds finally finding respite from the day's burdens. Yet, amidst this nocturnal calm, a solitary human man remains wide awake. His focus is fixed on the wardrobe before him, while the soft melodies of jazz drift up from downstairs. As the twilight seeps through his windows, he reaches a decision, his hand hovering over three intriguing garments.

First, he stows away his worn lab coat, replacing it with a sleek black tailcoat. With a flourish, he unbuttons it and flips the collar, admiring the sheen of its fabric and the elegant white spirals adorning its sides.

Kanji "Aside from resembling a vampire with an awful fashion sense, I kinda dig this look."

Kanji stows the other two pieces of clothing in his inventory and with a snap of his fingers, seamlessly swaps out his pants and footwear. Now, he sports sleek black leggings adorned with armored plates protecting his knees. A belt adorned with a silver bucket encircles his waist, while another belt diagonally crosses his waist, equipped with pockets and latches perfect for securing his chains. He carefully attaches the flower pin, its shiny blue and pink petals gleaming against the dark fabric of his tailcoat on the left side of his chest.

As he admires his new attire, Kanji notices the unusual sensation of wearing polished black boots for the first time. However, his astonishment deepens as he realizes something even more remarkable.

Kanji "Hold on... I'm underwater. I should be drenched and weighed down, but... this feels surprisingly comfortable. In fact, it feels better than if I were on land. Perhaps this is a hidden perk that Neptunez hasn't told us."

Kanji gazes at his reflection in the mirror, marveling at the transformation that has turned him into an almost perfect image of an aristocrat. However, his satisfaction is marred by the sight of his slightly out-of-place t-shirt. Refusing to compromise on his chosen style, Kanji's mind lights up with an idea. With a simple command, a legion of nanobots swarm over the offending garment, reshaping it into a neatly white buttoned shirt. The atomic symbol on the shirt shrinks and is painted black, positioned slightly to the left of his heart and partially covered by the tailcoat.

Kanji "I hope you enjoyed witnessing my initial foray into fashion. Now, reveal yourselves."

Suddenly, five dark figures descend from the ceiling, their forms obscured by a swirling black mist. Kanji discerns the glint of knives in their hands, ready to strike.

Kanji "And you, behind the door, don't be shy and step in."

With a creak, the door swings open, revealing an unexpected duo. First emerges an old knight clad in heavy gold armor, followed closely by a jittery Charles, his fingers tapping nervously together.

Knight "Well, this is quite the surprise. How did you know we were here?"

Charles "S-S-Sorry, Sir Kanji Kimura! I-I tried to stop them but—

The towering figure of the knight looms over Kanji, nearly scraping his head against the ceiling with each step of his enormous boots. Clad in plates of shimmering gold from neck to toe, he cuts an imposing figure. Intricate designs adorn his shoulder plates, knee guards, and chest armor, featuring the head of a shark clasping an orb in its jaws which carries a symbol resembling the back of a yellow hand with its index pointed up. His skin takes on a pallid blue hue, and his head bears only scars where hair should be. One eye is clouded over, while the other gleams with fierce intensity like an untamed beast.

Kanji "It's alright, Charles. The fact that we have this unexpected audience of a high caliber here suggests that they're beyond your control. Although I must say, breaking into someone's home at 3 am surely violates some sort of law. So much for a land governed by rules."

The shrouded figures brandish their knives at Kanji and he tightens his grip on his chain.

Knight "ENOUGH! ALL OF YOU!"

The sheet tone of his voice causes the five shadows to shrink back in fear, though Kanji remains resilient, much to the knight's surprise.

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Knight "You possess a formidable will, indeed. Allow me to offer a belated introduction. I am Sir Edwin Blue Maelstrom, royal guard to His Highness. Regarding your statement, I dare say we're since you entered our city and made yourself home without a permit."

Kanji "So, we have to undergo some kind of test before entering."

Edwin "No, not at all. It's simply that, you see... We've never encountered your kind here before, and that alone poses a direct threat to the order of our kingdom."

Kanji "That's understandable. But why take action now? My little device has been on high alert ever since I arrived in the city."

Edwin "Muahahaha! You've caught on since yesterday?! Impressive, kid! Either your device is truly remarkable or this group of assassins is rather sloppy. Regardless, I hereby request your presence at court, where your fate will be decided."

Charles "P-P-Please, Sir Edwin! Show some mercy to my benefactor! He saved my life!"

Edwin "Fear not. This won't be a trial for execution. At worst, he may face exile, but that depends on his actions and words. So, what say you, human?"

Kanji "I should honor the customs of another land. I'll accompany you. My name is Kanji Kimura by the way."

Edwin "I knew you were a reasonable person, Kanji. Here, take this."

He hands over a thick, circular black disk outlined in gold, with a familiar gold hand symbol at its center.

Kanji "I can sense... something. Like it's trying to tell me... access information?"

Edwin "That, my boy, is Ordan's state-of-the-art Access Token. Certain areas in our kingdom require permission granted to your token for access. It can communicate with any Walteran-patented communication device simply by visualizing the owner's image. Remarkable technology! Oh, and it also serves as your ID, which Sir FishBiscuit here forgot to mention."

Charles "I was just about to inform you this morning, Sir Kimura. My apologies."

Kanji "No need to fret, Charles. By the way, I sense a familiar energy emanating from this token. Does it possess teleporting properties?"

Edwin "Impressive, you can tell just by feeling it! I know a noble who would be eager to meet you. Yes, it can teleport, but this time it's a one-time use, as we're heading to the royal courtroom."

Kanji "So I'm meeting the head huncho. This will be interesting."

Edwin "Confidence. I like it! I'm pleased we can resolve this without resorting to bloodshed. Assassins! You're dismissed!"

The assassins rise and sheathe their daggers before disappearing from sight.

Kanji "They're quite quick."

Edwin "The finest in the land, I say. Now, let's depart! Just say the word 'Royal Court' into the token."

Kanji "Royal court—

A flash of brilliant blue light blinds Kanji momentarily, and when his vision clears, he finds himself engulfed in pitch-black darkness. Suddenly, a spotlight beams down from the ceiling, illuminating him as he discerns the outlines of three ascending balconies. On the lowest balcony, four pairs of piercing green eyes fixate on him with curiosity, their bodies shrouded in mystery despite Kanji's intense focus. The second balcony reveals five pairs of luminous yellow eyes filled with mixed emotions, while atop the highest balcony, a vague silhouette of a throne emerges, crowned by a pair of ominous red eyes.

From the depths of darkness, a frowning servant clad in a sharp suit strides forth toward him.

??? "Go on then! You are in the presence of royalty!"

Kanji "I would, if that rule applies to humans."

??? "That's... Err... It applies to everyone!"

Green eyes 1 "It certainly does not! The rules do not apply to foreigners. Just do what you're supposed to, Homer!"

Homer "S-S-Sorry, Master Calin Maelstrom."

Kanji "Calin Maelstrom? Perhaps he's the old man's brother or... cousin? Can't quite tell it at the moment."

Homer "Right! You're in the presence of the four great nobles! Master Calin Maelstrom, Master Chaus Deepborn, Master Bellal Findal, and Master Otium Tide. Beyond the nobles are the mighty royal children of His Highness! Lord Saton Greystorm, Lord Mamman Greystorm, Lord Belphor Greystorm, Lord Levi Greystorm, and umm..."

Saton "Go on! Say it!"

Homer "Err... Lord Useless."

The room erupts into laughter, except for two of the green-eyed nobles.

??? "I knew attending this meeting was a waste of my time!"

Kanji "Hold on... Did that guy just glance at this flower pin for a second? Hmm, how interesting."

Homer "Last but not least, our glorious and mighty king, the Lord of Lords, the Great Conqueror, The Iron Dragon, Master of Executions, His Majesty King Omnistar Eclipsal Greystorm!"

Omnistar "I believe you forgot a title."

Kanji barely catches a glimpse of a blurry yellow mass falling at lightning speed, cutting down the unfortunate soul beside him and plunging the room into a dead silence.

Omnistar "This court case is becoming rather dull. Let's get this over with. Vote now. Should the human be allowed to stay, or shall he be exiled?"

Otium "I, Otium Tide, vote in favor of allowing the fellow to remain. He hasn't committed any grievous offense besides entering our city without a permit. Let me remind everyone here that we've let a couple of Gassions and Castastrians go in the past for the same offense."

Chaus "I, Chaus Deepborn, disagree. Our leniency with other foreigners was to prevent potential conflicts. Furthermore, why should we permit a human to roam freely, further complicating our efforts to monitor outsiders? Such a hassle and I also find his edges quite unrefined."

Bellal "I, Bellal Findal, sentence you to exile for not having enough war potential. You barely look like a fighter just like that guy."

Calin "Don't throw shades to places you may regret, Findal. I vote for the human to stay. I've heard he possesses impressive technical skills, which I find most intriguing."

Saton "I don't like him. He dresses fancy despite not being a noble! SO EXILE!"

Mamman "Calm down. I find it rather charming, so I vote for him to stay."

Belphor "That chain of his is pretty cool. He can stay."

Levi "I don't like his confidence. He should leave."

Omnistar "It appears we have tie. How annoying. Let me pose you a question...

All "OH NO!"

Omnistar "What is your goal here in my fine nation?"

Kanji "I could lie but there is a chance there's someone here that can detect lies. I'm not taking any chances so I might as well tell the truth." "I AM HERE TO USURP YOUR THRONE WITH MY BARE HANDS!"

The entire chamber falls into a stunned silence as Kanji observes all the nobles and royals directing their gaze toward the king, where a yellow aura begins to emanate from his form.

A horrifying construct materializes before them, brought forth by the mind of the only demented and esoteric creator. It's a grand mechanical throne crafted from gleaming gold, adorned with intricate pipes and wires that snake across its surface, forming and connecting a network of spinning gears at the back. Steam billows from a row of pipes stretching from the top resembling those of a musical organ. The king himself is part of this grotesque creation, his limbs fused into the chair, his flesh melded with metal in a gruesome display like a color gradient from flesh to metal. Any exposed flesh is coated in a layer of molten gold, giving him the most alien appearance. His face is the stuff of nightmares— where noses should be, thick cables protrude, connecting to the throne. More cables emerge from the sides of his towering crown, enveloping the top half of his face.

The only semblance of normalcy is his wide, devilish smile, brimming with razor-sharp teeth.

Omnistar "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I KNEW IT! I sense a kindred spirit between us, human! We are lone wolves, individuals who confront adversity with sheer strength brought out by ourselves! We disdain the notion of companionship! We are natural-born leaders! WE ARE CONQUERERS! You may stay!"

Kanji "I'm a bit confused."

Omnistar "You see, while we have many rules, my primary decree for this kingdom is that ANYONE can ascend to nobility, royalty, or even grasp the throne! It's my ultimate vision, my worldview! The Pact of The Usurper. You can challenge any of us for our positions, as long as you adhere to one simple rule. I detest the idea of the common folk banding together to overthrow someone. It's mundane, and the glory would be divided among many. The Pact dictates that you must challenge them alone. Just! Like! ME!!"

Kanji "So, I can challenge them to a one-on-one right now?"

Omnistar "Woah, let's not be too hasty. I admire your determination, but there must be order to this. Here's the sequence— Otium, Chaus, Bellal, Calin, Belphor, Mamman, Levi, Saton, and finally, myself. Oh, and since you're the challenger, those fools can utilize their armies for defense."

Kanji "Wait. He didn't mention the other royal child. Now I'm even more curious, but let's keep it a secret." "That doesn't seem fair."

Omnistar "If it were a one-on-one match, the essence of the one-man army rule would be lost."

Kanji "Fine, have it your way! That crown is good as mind!"

Omnistar "AHAHA! Man, you're killing me! It's like gazing upon my younger self! Anyway, I hope you won't disappoint like these brats underneath me. Everyone, you're dismissed!"

With that, the eyes vanish, and Kanji finds himself back in his bedroom, where a concerned Charles approaches him.

Charles "D-D-Did they exile you?! Oh, I'm terribly sorry for this! I promise to find you a great home back in Tradan, Sir Kimura—

Kanji "It's alright, Charles. They didn't exile me."

Charles "Oh. Well, that's a relief. I'll leave you to rest for now. I'll whip up some delicious pancakes for lunch!"

Charles exits the room, leaving Kanji alone. Kanji gazes at his token and concentrates hard, visualizing the silhouette of the mysterious fifth prince.

??? "Who is this calling me?"

Kanji "Woah, the voice is inside my head?"

??? "Of course, that's how access tokens work, you fool. Wait, this voice... You were that human in the court!"

Kanji "Took you that long to realize that?"

??? "Oh, haha. Pardon, my lack of skill in recognizing voices. What do you want?"

Kanji "First, what's your name?"

??? "My name is Micheal Greyborn, the so-called "Useless" Lord."

Kanji "Why do they call you that?"

Micheal "My mere existence poses a threat to the meticulously constructed system my father has built, and I'm happy with that."

Kanji "How so?"

Micheal "Look, I don't trust you yet."

Kanji "I think you should trust me seeing you were eyeing my flower pin."

Micheal "What?! You saw that! Did anyone else notice?"

Kanji "No, they were too focused on me. Want me to spill the beans or sea beans?"

Micheal "Okay, okay! How about we meet up tomorrow and discuss this further? Come to this address in secret. Sir Charles should provide you with a map. It's 47 Coral Street, Wall one."

Kanji "Alright. I'll see you there."

Kanji enjoys a leisurely lunch in his room until Charles calls him for the meal. The seafoam pancake surprises him with its addictive taste, and he finishes the plate clean. He then returns to his room and holds his token in his hand, visualizing the faces of his friends, and... it connects!

(to be continued)