CHAPTER III
"So, as we have said, we wish to recruit Kaizo into our team. For that reason, we respectfully seek permission from Eliana, as the guardian of all the residents of the Kingdom of Notton," Kirito said as he conveyed their request.
Eliana listened seriously, occasionally closing her eyes while massaging her temples.
"So, do you… agree?" Fatih asked.
"You people—couldn't you find a better time? I haven't even had the chance to know him more deeply yet!" Eliana protested.
"Lord Orion never comes without purpose. After he grows bored, he will destroy this planet—especially if no one is capable of stopping him. And it has already been ten years since he arrived here," Este explained.
"My child…" Aydir's voice broke the tension, gentle like a caress.
"It is not our right to force you. But I fear for humanity. If not now, then there will be no future," Aydir said calmly.
Suddenly, the door was burst open. An old man rushed into the room, his eyes swollen as if he had been crying.
"Your Majesty! Please help me, I beg you!!!" he cried as he staggered toward Eliana.
"What happened, sir?" Eliana asked as she bent down and held his shoulders.
"The giant Viking man… the ice controller… he kidnapped my daughter!"
Eliana went weak, stepping back while covering her mouth. Aydir lowered his head and shook it slowly. Everyone in the room fell silent in shock. The giant Viking who controlled ice—who else could it be but Frankos, one of the world's kings? Even Lord Orion barely acknowledged him. That man was the embodiment of human depravity. Everyone knew that the worst possible fate in life was falling into Frankos's cold hands.
The old man stood up and said,
"I know… I understand… my little daughter has surely found peace with her mother in heaven. But I truly want those evil men to taste the consequences of their actions!" He wiped his eyes and left with his head lowered, as if he had come only to pour out his last hope.
"Summon Kaizo! Now!!!"
The queen's command was issued. Soldiers spread across the city to search for their hero, but to no avail. Kaizo and Vernizel were both nowhere to be found.
Eliana and the others grew anxious, pondering where Kaizo might have gone—until he suddenly appeared through the ventilation shaft.
"Eliana! What is all this!? Everyone is looking for me! Am I a fugitive now!?" Kaizo panted.
"Idiot! That's not it!! Your queen has given you permission to join us!" Zen shouted at him irritably.
Hearing that, Kaizo's face immediately lit up. He jumped and landed right beside Eliana, then pulled out a map from his pocket without caring about his surroundings.
"In that case, before the real battle begins, we must defeat the Seven Sins who are currently on the Nihong continent. From them, we can obtain the keys to open the chest of sacred equipment. That will greatly ease our fight—" Kaizo began explaining the entire journey before the team was even fully prepared to accept him.
"Kaizo! I haven't even officially assigned your mission yet," Eliana cut in.
Kaizo stopped, laughed, and scratched his head awkwardly.
Aydir looked at Kaizo and chuckled softly. Noticing this, Este patted Zato's shoulder and joined in the laughter.
"Kaizo, you're really fired up. So, what exactly are these sacred weapons?" Fatih asked as he approached.
"They are tools forged directly by my master. All of them are stored inside a chest—and that chest chooses which weapon belongs to whom," Kaizo explained.
"If the keys are with them, why didn't they just take the weapons themselves?" Bones asked.
"They tried. But what came out wasn't the promised equipment. What came out was my master—who immediately beat them senseless and closed the chest again," Kaizo replied.
"What kind of story is that? That's absurd!" Eliana protested.
"Don't you understand just how strong my master is? He doesn't even need speed to move—he exists everywhere!" Kaizo insisted.
"If that's the case, then he should be the one fighting Orion," Zen said irritably.
"Where is he now, child? May I see him?" Aydir asked.
"Grand Master, forgive my impudence—but simply look in any direction and imagine him there. He will surely appear," Kaizo said respectfully.
Aydir nodded and tried it. In an instant, Vernizel appeared right on top of the table, arms crossed, smiling.
"Zen, if you're wondering why he doesn't interfere, perhaps this is proof enough," Aydir said to the still-shocked Zen.
Vernizel jumped down, walked over to Kaizo, and said,
"Do you want some food?" He pulled on the air, which somehow transformed into a sandwich. Kaizo shook his head, and Vernizel calmly walked out while eating his sandwich.
"So, when do we depart?" Kaizo asked.
"We realize we've taken precious time away from you and Eliana. It would be best if you depart tomorrow instead," Aydir said.
Kaizo looked at Eliana, who smiled while lowering her head shyly. Kaizo returned the smile and gently patted her head.
---
That night, Aydir was chatting casually with Fatih at a small tavern. It wasn't very crowded, as it was already quite late.
The wooden door opened. Eliana entered, and everyone inside immediately welcomed her happily.
"You seem to be quite beloved," Fatih said as he invited Eliana to sit beside him. Eliana only replied with a smile.
"We didn't call for you, so something must have drawn your steps here. What is it, my child?" Aydir asked gently.
"Grand Master, before I fully trust Kaizo, I want to ask for your opinion of him. May I hear it?" Eliana asked softly while rubbing her own arms.
"Hah… about that. I have already looked into his soul with my power, and I find him quite special. He is a good boy. First, at birth, his color was pure—holy, like most people. Second, when he turned one, his color darkened, and that darkness grew deeper and more terrifying until he was ten. Third, at the age of ten, his color became chaotic and mixed—the color of adulthood. It is likely that something unnatural happened to him at that age. Just a few months later, his color turned into bright gold, the same as Fatih's from birth until now. That was likely when he met his master. That color has never changed until now, when he is seventeen," Aydir explained.
"Do you know anything about his past, Eliana?" Fatih asked.
"The Dantarona family was once a noble family of Notton. My father was the one who exiled them. Kaizo is the last son of that family—and that's all I know," Eliana replied.
"In that case, you should ask him directly. Don't let private conversations slip away—especially during times like this," Aydir advised.
Eliana stood up, bid farewell to Aydir and Fatih, and returned to the palace. Fatih offered her a meal, but she declined, saying she had something important to do.
---
"Oh? You're back already? That was fast," Kaizo said lazily from the bed.
"You know you're leaving tomorrow. You should already be preparing," Eliana replied as she locked the door.
"I'm already too strong. Honestly, I'm starting to get bored," Kaizo said, stretching his arms wide.
"You're too arrogant. Someday that'll trip you up," Eliana said as she rested her head on Kaizo's stomach.
"When this is all over, we'll spend our days in happiness. Ever since we first met, that's all I've ever wanted," Eliana said softly.
"Hey! You're heavy! I'm not a pillow!" Kaizo protested, but Eliana ignored him and stayed where she was.
"The moon is beautiful tonight," Eliana said.
"You're not even looking at the moon—but you're right, it is beautiful," Kaizo replied.
"Kaizo… is it wrong if I try to defy fate?" Eliana asked.
"There's nothing wrong with trying the impossible. People believe they can because they never truly know what their fate is," Kaizo answered.
"But isn't mine already clear? In the end, I'm the one who will suffer. But… if you're with me, maybe that will change…" Eliana said quietly.
"You really think that? That's not a problem. I might even suggest that you become my master's student," Kaizo said as he gently stroked her hair.
"Why?" Eliana asked.
"He taught me things I never knew. He showed me things I had never seen. And I think… he might be able to make you stronger too—if you truly wish it," Kaizo replied.
"Kaizo, can you tell me what this tattoo that suddenly appeared means?" Eliana asked.
"Far above, there is a place—the realm of the Rulers. No one is comparable to them, in any story, even in fiction. Vernizel will likely come to meet you soon. It seems he wants to make you his student. You don't need to be afraid. Everything will be fine," Kaizo answered.
Eliana stood, took off her shoes, and returned to Kaizo's embrace. Both of them smiled happily, and in that moment, they spoke softly to one another.
"Will you come back?"
"Yes, I will."
"When?"
"As soon as possible—because I am the strongest."
---
Morning bloomed over the snow city. That day, Notton was overflowing with people. All the citizens gathered in the square before city hall. The mayor stood before them with burning spirit.
"My joyful people! For years we have been oppressed. For years we have suffered. For years our world has been ruled by outsiders who shattered our unity. For years, powers beyond this world have shown us how weak we are. But today—we shall witness a resurgence! We shall hear the tales of struggle and courage from chosen humans, from the brave, from those who believe that no matter how strong the enemy is, we—the people of this world—still have hope!!!"
The people roared with cheers and thunderous applause as the queen appeared before them.
Eliana walked in her royal garments. A silver crown rested upon her head. Her long white-and-blue cloak trailed behind every step. Behind her walked the great figures of the age: Sultan Aydir of the Oruman Sultanate, King Este of the Sacred Forest of Azrylean, and Chief Zato of the Frozen Sword Tribe of the North.
Eliana began her speech:
"My beloved people, today will be written into history. Today, we rise against oppression. Against brutal power. Against corrupt authority. Against those who destroy and trample upon us—the chosen warriors will march forward and shatter tyranny! We will instill fear into them, and they will remember this until the last day of their lives!"
The people erupted in cheers. Everyone was ready to witness Orion's downfall. Everyone was ready for change.
"These heroes are already among us. Therefore, I shall call them forth, one by one. First—he who came from the west, from where the sun sets, from where the horses roam free. We know him as the God of War. Any kingdom would think twice before facing the army he leads. He is Bones Fractura!"
Bones stepped forward and saluted. He was a massive man who always looked fierce. His pitch-black leather armor reflected the sunlight. To the people, he looked like a Mongol war general with charcoal markings across his face like claw scars.
"Second—he who can slay his enemies before anyone even realizes it. Merciless in battle, always advancing ahead of the rest. The handsome prince of us all, son of the northern chieftain—Zen Northon!"
Zen stepped forward, showing himself shamelessly. The women screamed in hysteria. Zen was tall, well-proportioned—not overly muscular, yet not lean. His long hair always looked freshly washed. He wore a thick blue coat with white fur at the collar and cuffs. His face was strikingly beautiful, with eyes that burned with intimidating heat.
"Third—the great archmage. Mysterious and brilliant. Capable of wielding many forms of magic at once, and a vital force of the Sacred Forest. The masked sorcerer—Kirito Azrylean!"
Kirito walked forth with his staff. The staff was wooden, with a looping tip wrapped in green cords. His entire body was wrapped in a wide green mage robe, including a green wizard's hat. Though he was an elf, his ears were not pointed. His face was always hidden behind a smiling mask. His hair was golden, and his voice was gentle and soothing.
"Fourth—the Sultan, our hope. The one who opens the gates for the fearful. The one who grants security. The one who always spreads smiles. The true embodiment of human kindness, with a heart pure as mountain spring water—Fatih Yirtighiloglu!"
The red cloak fluttered, layered over black leather armor of the Sultanate. A tree emblem rested on his chest, and the distinctive Oruman sword hung at his waist. Fatih smiled and waved. His hair was neatly kept, untouched by the wind. His eyes were beautiful, and a thin beard traced his chin.
"And lastly—our hero. The one who came from nowhere, who captured our hearts, who became our sun—bringing warmth amidst the blizzard and offering his soul to protect us all—"
Kaizo stood beside Eliana and suddenly knelt.
Eliana gasped. The people gasped. Everyone watched in stunned silence as Kaizo pulled out a small box and opened it. Inside was a ring made entirely of diamond, shining with breathtaking brilliance.
The crowd erupted:
"Accept it! Accept it! Accept it!!!"
Aydir, Este, and Zato laughed joyfully at the beauty of youth. Fatih crossed his arms with a wide smile, seeing Eliana at the peak of her happiness. Zen, Kirito, and Bones clapped in admiration of their friend's courage. From among the crowd, Vernizel moved like a mere extra, giving an exaggerated thumbs-up toward Kaizo without even looking at him. From the palace, Desmond watched Eliana with tears streaming down his face—the child he had raised was now stepping into adulthood.
"I, Kaizo Dantarona, with all respect to Her Majesty Queen Eliana, humbly wish to propose. With the strength I possess, allow me to devote myself to sharing all of Your Majesty's joys and burdens alike, for one purpose alone: to protect Your Majesty's happiness, the people of this kingdom, and all who live in this world. Your Majesty… will you marry me?"
Eliana blushed deeply. Without a word, she smiled and extended her right hand. Kaizo understood at once, took the ring, and gently placed it on her finger. He kissed her hand as he rose.
His dark blue mantle fluttered in the wind, as did his shoulder-length white hair, parted neatly down the middle. Black markings ran from beneath his eyes to his jaw on both sides. His eyes were beautiful, his smile warm. The people were overwhelmed with joy to see their beloved queen find happiness for herself.
Kaizo and Eliana looked into each other's eyes, exchanging smiles, until Eliana stepped forward first and embraced him tightly, burying her face against his chest to wipe away her tears. Kaizo returned the embrace even more tightly, as the entire city roared with happiness.
That day was a day of joy for all of Notton. Unbeknownst to the people, Orion hid among the crowd—smiling, clapping his hands in celebration as well.
---
Meanwhile, far above the sky, beyond all dimensions, a colossal spaceship floated in the void. It was the Bedrock Creappear—the domain of the Absolute Rulers. Yggdrasil, the embodiment of Life, sat while observing the entire universe all at once. Beside her, Calabras, the embodiment of Death, lay casually.
"Heeey~ Calabras… when do you think we could be like Kaizo and Eliana?" Yggdrasil asked playfully.
"Don't be ridiculous. They're different. We, the supreme entities, have no business with such matters," Calabras replied while twirling Yggdrasil's soft golden hair around his fingers.
"Oh, come on. Even Lord Vernizel doesn't mind. The others would be fine with it too if we were like that…" Yggdrasil pouted.
Calabras shifted his position, now turning his back to her. With a faint smile hidden behind his mask and empty gaze, he said,
"For someone who will naturally always hurt you—seeing you smile and still be happy to see me is a blessing I should be grateful for. Yggdrasil… thank you for staying with me."
Yggdrasil smiled at him.
"You're welcome."
She gently stroked Calabras's head. As the embodiment of Life, she would always act like a kind mother to all her children.
...….