“KING?! King though. King? King!” Atreo was yelling as loud as he could in the open lecture room.

Deacon was sitting in a padded chair in front of a chalkboard, elbows on the desk and fingers entwined at the mouth. Eli was watching the blonde boy throw his fit with an annoyed look on his face. If there was one thing Eli hated more than bratty people, it was ungrateful people.

“You know, I’m sure you probably got the big end of this stick dealt to us.” Eli offered.

“I don’t even know who you ARE! I don’t know who anyone is! One second I’m hit by lightning and the next-“

“Lightning?” Eli shot up out of his chair.

“Yeah, let me guess, you’re the same way too? Figures.” Atreo kicked a chair out of his way en route to Deacon.

“Everyone on this Planet was transported here! All by lightning I’m assuming, hmm Mister Deacon?” Atreo said Deacon’s name as sarcastically as he could. Eli swore he could see Deacon’s eyebrow twitch at the remark.

“Yes, this is true. I was also teleported here many years ago as a child.” Adjusting his glasses with his hand from the side, Deacon sat back in his seat.

“Once you’re transported here, that’s it. You can’t have children, you can’t leave the city, you can’t do anything. You are given a job once you’re a certain age and you put up with it. In your guy’s case… it’s a prophecy.”

“Great. Wonderful. You know, I really value my peace and quiet. Now I have to be King and put up with a whole Planet and HIM.” Atreo pointed a finger into Deacon’s face. One Deacon pushed away from.

“Okay, but I still need an answer about the monsters I have to fight. The King was implying that there were more than the ones I have to deal with. ‘The likes of which’ and what not.” Eli interjected.

“Yes, it’s true. Every hundred years, three monsters are teleported over along with the Heir and the Hero. We call them Bosses. Only the Hero can deliver the Final Blow and retrieve the crystal.” Deacon explained.

“What are the crystals for exactly?” Atreo asked.

“Did you happen to notice the Royal Crown atop the King’s head? The crystals retrieved from Hero Amal rest in them. The power of those crystals give power to the King himself. With this power, the King can keep monsters out of the city and regulate balance within the Planet.”

“Regulate the Planet itself? Why would you need all of that power?” Eli asked.

“You haven’t seen it for yourself yet but Evangel is terribly small. With the crystals at his aide, the King acts at the Planet’s core. Without the King, the Planet will fall apart.”

The silence came back for a split second. Deacon took this time to adjust his glasses again and sit back in the chair. A hefty sigh escaped Atreo’s nose as he rested on the desk next to Deacon.

“So… that’s going to happen to me? I’m going to be the core of the Planet?” Atreo softly asked.

“In a sense, yes. You’re not going to burn up or anything but your existence as King will keep the Planet in tact and in orbit. Even if your Hero fails, you would still have time to acquire your power though a new Hero.” Deacon answered.

“Hey, I’m RIGHT here. I don’t want to fail, you know.” Eli said in an annoyed tone.

“I didn’t mean anything by that, Eli. It’s happened before. Not while I was here but in books, a time where the Hero fell and another Hero had to be summoned before the Fall of Evangel. It took some grit but they got it done.”

“I’m guessing things weren’t all sunshine and diamonds during that time though, huh?” Atreo pressed.

“No, it wasn’t. The King died and the Planet fell into darkness. Literally. Without the strength of the King, the Planet couldn’t retain sunlight, the walls of the city fell and monsters ran rampant. It was chaos but… the Hero pulled through in time.” Deacon sat forward again, returning his hands to his mouth.

“Tall order, huh?” Eli mused. He didn’t want to let on how nervous he actually was.

In a way, he was extremely grateful for the powers that be that erased his memory of his home and family. If he could remember them, he would hold on to those memories for as long as he could and not let go. Stuff like this would only cause him to wallow away somewhere in fear so… he was grateful to not remember.

“I know it’s hard but you don’t have to go it alone. You must deliver the finishing blow but you can have others help you fight. The Questing Guild and the Royal Arms are at your disposal.” Deacon relayed.

“That does make me feel a bit better.”

“Although, the Questing Guild might want you to run quests for them as payment or to test your strength…and the Royal Arms requires ACTUAL payment in gold…” Deacon finished.

Eli’s shoulders slumped down in defeat.

“Well, what the hell then!” Throwing his hands up in the air, Eli finally gave up.

The sound of a door opening and closing snapped all of the boys out of the dreary atmosphere. Looking at the exit, the green haired maid had returned with a cart full of food and tea supplies.

“Please forgive my intrusion.” The dead tired tone in her voice ever prevalent.

“It’s quite alright, Arainii. We’re in need of a break anyway.” Deacon rose from his hair to help the maid, named Arainii, serve tea and food.

Eli and Atreo also approached to get a helping of whatever she brought.

“Oh wow! Look at all of this!” Atreo exclaimed.

“You have a taste for sweets, Atreo?” Deacon asked.

Not answering but nodding his head bashfully then turning away, Atreo agreed.

“Hmm, I’m fond of them myself. Good to see we have one thing in common.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Atreo wanted to drop the subject as he reached for a plate with a sliver of cake on it.

Many of the plates had cake or cookies. The cake had powdered sugar and fruit on top and looked very spongy and delicious. The cookies had a checkerboard pattern and a flower pattern with a jelly substance in the middle. The presentation was very cute and to top it all off, the tea served was a warm peach tea.

“I hope it is to your liking, Young Hero and Noble Heir.” Arainii spoke.

“You know, you can just call me Eli.”

“Thanks!” Atreo blurted out right after Eli tried to re formalize himself to Arainii.

Stuffing his face with cake, Atreo found a seat in one of the chairs with a desk. Arainii poured a cup of tea and placed it on a saucer to deliver to Atreo.

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“And what of you, Eli. Do you enjoy sweet things?” Deacon pondered.

“Ehh, depends on the day. In general, I guess I don’t really mind sweet things on my plate. After the day I had, this is a welcome sight.” Eli answered, seizing a plate of cookies.

“Shall I pour you a cup of tea, Sir Eli?” Arainii asked, the teapot in her hand.

“Mmmm, if you want…I guess.” Eli still didn’t know how to respond to being called ‘Sir’ or any other formality. It was something that was going to have to take some getting used to.

Arainii turned towards the empty teacup and filled it half way with tea. Placing it on a saucer, she handed it to Eli who grabbed it with his free hand.

“Thanks, Arainii.”

“It is my pleasure to serve.” Arainii simple said as she turned back to place the teapot back on the cart.

Wincing a bit at the extreme formality, Eli set his food and drink on the nearest desk and sat down again. He bit into a cook and marveled at how crisp they were.

“You’ve outdone yourself again, Arainii. These are wonderful.” Deacon said as he bit into a slice of cake.

“No thanks to you.” The soft words came of out Arainii’s mouth and stunned the whole room.

Looking over to Atreo, Eli saw that Atreo was also looking at him in surprise. The drama that was about to unfold and the tension in the air thickening as Deacon set down the fork on his plate.

“I shouldn’t even let you have a slice, you never do any work in the kitchen.” The soft words came again.

“Arainii, you know I work very closely with the retainers and organizers. Spending time in the kitchen is not a… luxury I have at the time.” Deacon defended himself.

Atreo snuck another bite of cake has he turned his head slightly to listen in. Eli sipped his tea as quietly as possible, wide eyed in the face of drama.

“So why do I see your stupid glasses every time I’m in the kitchen sneaking treats out of the cupboards and cooling racks? If you have time to sneak a treat, you should spend time  helping make them, am I right?” Arainii’s case deepened as Deacon visibly sighed and set down his food.

“Arainii, I’m sorry you caught me acting like that. I don’t get many hours off to help you. In the middle of all that is happening right now, I going to be busier now more than ever.”

“Not my problem. I have to feed everyone in the Castle.” The deadpan voice struck through Deacon like a knife.

“I’m sorry, Arainii.” Deacon’s head dropped in defeat.

“It can’t be helped. You and I are busy people but I request you stop sneaking food out of the kitchen.” Arainii finished.

She began to load up the cart again with used dishes. Atreo came up and offered his plate and cup to Arainii who took it diligently.

“Thank you.” The soft and tired voice was starting to make Eli tired.

“H-here, I'm done with mine too. It was delicious, thank you.” Eli offered his plate and cup as well.

Taking it from Eli, Arainii began to back out of the room.

“It is late, if anyone needs me, I will be in the study until morning. You should all be getting some sleep.” Arainii said before opening the door.

“Can’t you get someone else to re organize the Study? You always do so much work…” Deacon tried to say but right as he finished, the door closed behind Arainii. She had left.

With a sigh, Deacon took the glasses off his face and clean them with a rag from his pocket.

“She really laid one on you, didn’t she?” Atreo joked, earning another sigh from Deacon.

“You guys sound like you’re married almost.” Eli mused.

“Her and I are most certainly not romantically affiliated. Plus, she is too busy for anyone to give affection to her. I’m not even sure if she would have enough energy to give it.” Deacon said.

“She does seem tired all the time… I wonder why she takes so many jobs. Cook, retainer, cleaning maid, you name it…” Eli thought to himself.

“No one knows… she’s been working here for as long as I have…if not longer.” Dropping the subject, Deacon returned to the front desk.

“Now that we’re fed, are you lot ready to retire for the night or do you have any more questions?”

“Just one more from me.” Eli answered, raising his hand.

“You said the monsters I have to defeat were called Bosses, right?”

“That’s right.”

“And I have to defeat three. Where do they come from if they only show up now?” Eli finished his question.

“Maybe they are sleeping deep in the Planet for a hundred years?” Atreo offered before Deacon could answer Eli’s question.

“The Bosses you will fight….are also people transported here.”

Both of the boys froze in fear at Deacon’s weathered reply.

“People? Like you and me people?” Atreo asked in a worried tone.

“Yes. Handpicked like you and me to come to this world only to transform into horrible beasts. Inside of them resides the new crystals…the likes of which can only be obtained by our Hero, Eli.”

“Unless I mess it up…” Eli dropped his head in despair from this new news.

“Make no mistake, you wouldn’t have been picked to come here if you weren't strong enough. Mistakes can happen but I believe you will do it.” Deacon reassured.

Sitting back in his seat again, Eli folded his arms and fumed. Atreo rounded around his own desk and sat atop it.

“All of the bosses must be defeated in order. The first two bosses will be hard but the Final Boss is meant to really test your might. Your love for Evangel.” Deacon continued.

“My love for Evangel? I have only a little bit of time until blondie here becomes king right?” Eli asked.

“Hey! Watch where you throw your insults!” Atreo shot Eli a dirty look, one which Eli matched with an annoyed one.

“You were transported here ten years before the hundred year mark…so in a way, you have ten years until you run out of time…” Deacon said.

“Ten whole years, huh? You think I could waste one on training myself? I’ve never held a sword before.” Eli mused.

“It would be smart to learn up on swordplay. Without even basic knowledge, the lowest type of monster will make quick work of you.” Deacon offered the best advice he could.

“And what about me? I feel like a fifth wheel…” Atreo moped.

Turning to the blonde boy, Deacon offered a smile.

“Well, after all of this briefing, I will ultimately answer only to you and the King for a while. I have been ordered to be your right hand man.”

“Yeah, once again, great.” The sarcastic tone in Atreo’s voice rose back up.

“In the coming months, you will be expected to attend meetings and lessons to help you prepare for your Reign. We may be the only kingdom on the planet but keeping people happy and suppressing monsters is not an easy job.” Deacon explained.

“So you’re gonna be ghosting over me for the next ten years making sure I’m as kingly as I can get?” Atreo pressed.

“In a sense…yes. But I’ll give you your space when you request it. Just know that while Eli has to but up a lot of physical labor, you will be expending a lot of emotional labor as well.” Deacon explained.

Atreo sighed deeply looking away from Deacon.

“Well, I guess we should become friends or something then, right? I’d hate to be around someone everyday that I dislike.”

“I’d like that, let’s make time to learn more about each other.” Deacon offered a genuine smile at Atreo’s offer of friendship.

“You guys sound like you’re on the first date!” Eli blurted out from the back of the room.

Atreo jumped off his desk facing Eli again with the angriest look he could muster.

“What’s with you!? Take this seriously!” Atreo yelled at the fleeing Eli, who was already on his way to the door.

“Yeah well, serious matters can wait until tomorrow. I’m beat. Deacon, thanks for the lesson.” Eli waved as he opened the door to leave.

“Anytime, please come see me if you have further questions!” With that, Eli was out of the room.

Atreo and Deacon were left in the lecture room alone, Atreo still fuming.

“What’s with him? Joking around like that. He’s so annoying!” Atreo turned towards Deacon then, face red as an apple. “He’s not taking anything seriously! I’m supposed to trust him to do HIS job?”.

“I think he asked some pretty important questions actually. It doesn’t help that you were acting kind standoffish…” Deacon offered his opinion.

“You think I’m being standoffish?” Atreo’s tone dropped to one of annoyance.

“E-ehh, no. Just forget I said anything.” Deacon protected himself from an outburst.

“No, it’s okay. It just being thrown into a new world and expected to uphold laws and prophecies takes a bit of a toll on me. I think I’m inclined to throw a bit of a fit.” Atreo calmly said.

Deacon took the time to look at Atreo then as the blonde boy was looking elsewhere.

“I understand. We were pretty much the same, you know?” Deacon said. Atreo looked at him and listened.

“When I was brought here years ago, I cried for days. The people I now call my parents, I didn’t know who they were when I showed up. I was angry and sad for a long time. Eventually, I came to terms with my new life and now I’m lucky enough to help the new King sit the Throne.” Deacon’s words were paired with a smile.

Atreo dropped his hands and head as he listened. He didn’t want to stop being angry right now but Deacon had a point. Eventually, he would have to come to terms with his new found responsibility.

This was a revelation for another day, however.

“Well, whatever…” Atreo knew he was still being sour.

Turning away from Deacon, he made for the door himself. He turned back to Deacon, who was getting up himself and stacking papers.

“What time can I expect to see you in the morning?” Atreo asked.

Deacon looked up suddenly, not expecting Atreo to say anything more to him. Standing up straight, bringing the papers to his chest, he offered another smile.

“Well, I usually start my day at 6:00 a.m. every morning.”

Atreo winced visibly.

“Don’t even think about it!” Atreo bickered to which Deacon giggled a bit at the fit.

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t come to you unless you were ready for the day yourself. However, it’s respectful to be up before 8:00.” Deacon said.

Atreo wanted to fight the suggestion more but was too tired to yell.

“Mmmnngh, whatever. I’ll see you at eight then!” Atreo finished and finally exited the lecture room himself.

Deacon sighed in relief. The young Heir was going to prove to be a handful. It was nice that he extended a hand of friendship prior…

“I hope we can get past these next ten years without incident…”Deacon softly said to himself.