The Imperial Palace's war chamber lay deep within its fortified heart — a circular room sealed behind enchanted steel and guarded by runic sentinels. A single round table dominated the center, maps and sealed reports spread across its polished surface. Magic lanterns flickered overhead, their pale glow sharpening the tension in the air.
Only five were permitted entry:
His Highness, seated at the head, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of his high-backed chair.
Raizen, the Royal Swordmaster, arms crossed, every motion precise and measured.
The Duke, trusted blade of the kingdom, hands resting lightly on the table, coiled and still like a predator observing prey.
The Chief Strategist, master of war plans, quill tapping softly against the maps, eyes darting between borders and troop movements.
The Archmage, keeper of Valoria's arcane might, robes folded impeccably, eyes glimmering beneath the hood with quiet, calculated intensity.
The King broke the silence first, voice calm but unwavering. "We summoned our Hero later than any rival nation. The other kingdoms are already advancing their champions, molding them into weapons faster than expected."
Raizen stepped forward, jaw tightening. "Tebet's Hero has successfully completed several field trials, showing remarkable skill with both sword and tactics. Solara's champion has begun forming a bond with a Magic Beast — not yet fully matured, but promising. Citadel's Hero is learning mid-tier arcane magic ahead of schedule, though mastery is still incomplete. Tideholm's champion is experimenting with weapon enchantments, still in early stages…" His fist tightened. "Meanwhile… Akira has only just begun, and the other kingdoms know this."
The Duke let a low curse escape beneath his breath, leaning closer to examine a map of northern borders. "We are falling behind. And if Tebet's rumors are true—"
The Chief Strategist held up a hand, calm but firm. "We hold our borders. Let the others make the first move. We cannot afford to provoke a full-scale war." He tapped the quill against a series of northern supply lines. "The slightest misstep, and we risk igniting a conflict on multiple fronts. Army movements across the northern border, supply convoys — these are not idle drills. They are preparation, not defense."
Raizen's gaze hardened. "Even so, the pressure is mounting. If Akira is unready when the first strike lands, our Hero will be a liability. Every day wasted is a day our enemies gain advantage."
The Duke pressed his lips together, frowning. "Tebet plans to conquer us while we are still unprepared! If war breaks out before our Hero reaches combat readiness—"
"We will be crushed by Tebet's blade," the Archmage said quietly, voice steady but unmistakably grave. "And the others are no less opportunistic. They will make sure it's their kingdom that benefits from our war with Tebet."
The King's gaze shifted to Raizen, steady, unflinching. "And his progress? I want the truth."
Raizen hesitated — a fraction of a second, but enough to signal the weight of what he had to say. "He is progressing swiftly. Determined. Focused. With enough conditioning, he will be ready. But…" His jaw tightened. "Each trial pushes him to the edge. If mismanaged, he could falter under pressure."
The King nodded slowly, yet his eyes betrayed calculation, not surprise. "Very well. Let us proceed cautiously, but swiftly. We cannot linger while our rivals strengthen."
The meeting ended with the officials rising in quiet obedience. The Duke bowed, the Strategist tucked his quill and maps, the Archmage nodded once, teleporting out, and Raizen's eyes lingered on the King. As both the Duke and Chief Strategist exited the chamber, the door sealed with a soft click, leaving only the King and Raizen behind.
Now the chamber felt colder, emptier. Raizen's back straightened, but the King studied him with a gaze that pierced armor — and lies.
"Now," the King said quietly, "tell me what you didn't tell them."
For a long moment, Raizen said nothing. Then:"...His progress is not enough. Not yet. Each battle nearly kills him. He struggles to mold even a fraction of the power expected of a Hero."
Frustration lingered in his voice, and beneath it, something like fear.
"I predicted this," the King replied calmly. "That is why Sebastian will take him to the Archmage."
Raizen's eyes widened, a rare break in composure. "That soon? Your Highness, if his mana flows too violently before his body adapts—"
"He could lose his mind," the King finished for him, voice calm, measured. "I am aware."
Raizen clenched his jaw. "It is a major risk."
"We can no longer afford safety," the King said, eyes cold as forged iron. "And the Archmage will ensure he does not fall. He must not fall."
Raizen lowered his gaze, reluctant acceptance tightening his shoulders. "Yes, Your Highness."
The King turned toward the dimly lit ceiling — as if seeing beyond stone and sky, watching shadows closing in on all sides. "Our enemies are already moving their pieces. We will not be the ones checkmated."
Outside the castle, Akira's carriage rolled toward the Magic Tower — unaware that the fate of a kingdom depended entirely on how well he survived the next steps.