The palace hallways echoed softly as Sky walked beside Zeto. The towering pillars and shimmering marble floors still felt unreal to him—like a dream he might wake up from at any moment.

  As they rounded a corner, a familiar figure appeared ahead.

  “Your Majesty,” Zeto said, immediately stopping and bowing deeply.

  Empress Yanara had been on her way to the dining hall. She smiled gently upon seeing them, and the three soon entered the grand chamber together, taking their seats at the long table.

  Once they settled, Zeto straightened and bowed once more.

  “Your Majesty, Sky… please excuse me. I have other duties I must attend to.”

  Sky blinked in surprise.

  “Mr. Zeto? You’re not joining us?”

  “I only came to escort you here,” Zeto replied calmly. “But thank you for the invitation.”

  With one last respectful bow, he turned and left the chamber.

  Sky watched his retreating figure, an unexpected sense of loneliness settling in his chest. He hadn’t realized how comforting Zeto’s presence had become.

  Slowly, Sky turned back toward the Empress.

  “I’m… I’m truly sorry for your loss, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice quiet but sincere. “I didn’t know that summoning someone had such a cost.”

  Empress Yanara didn’t respond right away. She simply smiled—a gentle, graceful smile—but the sadness lingering in her eyes told him everything.

  After a moment of hesitation, Sky spoke again.

  “U-Um… isn’t Princess Liyela going to join us?”

  The Empress released a soft sigh.

  “She will be dining in her room today.”

  “Oh…” Sky’s shoulders drooped slightly. He had hoped—if only a little—to see her again.

  The meal began in silence, silverware clinking softly against porcelain. Finally, Empress Yanara spoke, her voice warm yet solemn.

  “Sky… you will soon be escorted to one of the kingdoms to begin your training. It is time for you to prepare. Zeto will accompany you and guide you.”

  Sky nearly dropped his spoon.

  Training…? A journey?

  His heart pounded—not with fear, but with overwhelming excitement.

  When the meal ended, Sky rushed back to his room. He hastily gathered his clothes and belongings, stuffing them into a small pack. His hands trembled—not from nervousness, but from anticipation so strong it made his chest ache.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  Sky flung it open to find Zeto standing there.

  “Are you ready?” Zeto asked.

  Sky nodded enthusiastically.

  Zeto chuckled. “Wow… you look more than prepared. Excited, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, Mr. Zeto! I’m super ready!” Sky said brightly. “I hope I packed enough.”

  “If you need anything else, just say so,” Zeto replied. “I’ll be with you throughout your training. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

  Sky’s eyes sparkled.

  “Really?? That makes me so happy! Thank you, Mr. Zeto!”

  Zeto placed a hand over his chest, standing tall like a knight pledging loyalty.

  “It is my honor. The Empress entrusted you to me. I will help shape you into the hero who will save this world.”

  Something ignited within Sky’s heart.

  Magic… training… a real journey.

  “I wonder what I’ll learn…” he smiled, excitement bubbling over. “I can’t wait! Let’s goooo!”

  “Come, Sky,” Zeto said. “Empress Yanara is waiting. We’ll meet with her before heading to our destination.”

  At those words, Sky’s expression instantly brightened.

  Maybe I’ll see Princess Liyela…

  They made their way to where the Empress awaited them. Sky greeted her politely—but his gaze flickered around, searching. When he didn’t find the princess, a small pang of disappointment tugged at his heart.

  The Empress began to speak.

  “My apologies, Sky, for how sudden this is. We must prepare quickly. We do not know when the forces of evil will make their move.”

  “There’s no need to apologize, Your Majesty,” Sky replied earnestly. “I may be young and small, but the cost of performing such an ancient summoning ritual tells me how serious this is.”

  He clenched his fists lightly.

  “I don’t know much yet… but I swear I’ll do everything I can to help everyone.”

  Empress Yanara’s eyes softened.

  “I didn’t expect such mature words from someone so young,” she said warmly. “Zeto will accompany you and explain everything you must know.”

  She turned her gaze toward the distant horizon.

  “You will be heading to the Kingdom of Alonaya. There, they will determine what magical power you possess and teach you how to use it.

  “Alonaya is said to be the first kingdom ever established—its origins tracing back to the descendants of the first humans created by the Almighty Creator. It was founded to protect the entire continent, which is why it stands at the outermost edge of the land… surrounded by water.

  “King Maelyo, the current ruler, is already awaiting your arrival.”

  Sky listened intently.

  “One of our priests will use teleportation magic to send you there immediately.

  “Best of luck, Sky. I look forward to seeing what magical power you possess as a hero from another world. Though I wish I could witness your awakening myself, the council has ruled that it must take place in Alonaya.”

  She smiled gently.

  “May the Almighty Creator bless your journey. And you as well, Zeto—take care. Until we meet again.”

  Sky bowed deeply.

  “Until we meet again, Your Highness.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Zeto said. “We’ll be going now.”

  The two stepped into the glowing teleportation circle as the priest began his chant. Light enveloped them—

  —and in the next instant, they vanished.

  They reappeared inside a vast castle hall.

  Rows of armored knights stood at attention. At the far end of the chamber stood the king, queen, and a young princess.

  Sky’s breath caught.

  The hall was enormous—nearly rivaling the palace of the Empire. His eyes wandered in awe until—

  “Greetings, King Maelyo, Queen Hanaya, and Princess Hanna,” Zeto said, bowing deeply.

  Sky snapped back to reality and quickly bowed as well.

  “I-I’m Sky. It’s an honor to meet you.”

  King Maelyo laughed heartily.

  “Ha ha ha! Finally, you’ve arrived! Welcome to the Kingdom of Alonaya—both you, Zeto, and you, our Hero Sky.

  “I am King Maelyo. This is my wife, Queen Hanaya, and our daughter, Princess Hanna.”

  The queen smiled gently, though her eyes widened slightly at Sky’s youth.

  “I witnessed your summoning myself,” the king continued. “When I returned home, I told my wife how surprised I was that the hero summoned was such a young man.”

  Sky scratched his cheek shyly.

  “Well… I’m only thirteen,” he admitted. “But I promised Empress Yanara that I’d do everything I can—to help everyone… and to return home someday.”

  King Maelyo laughed again, warm and reassuring.

  “No offense was meant, Sky. We merely spoke honestly. Everything happens for a reason. Empress Yanara sent you here because she believes I can awaken your power.”

  His gaze sharpened with resolve.

  “And as the King of Alonaya… I will see it done.”

  “We don’t even know what kind of power you possess yet—but the fact that the crystal turned to dust the moment you touched it is far from ordinary,” Zeto said solemnly.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  He shifted his gaze toward the throne.

  “His Majesty’s bloodline descends directly from the ancient ancestors. His power surpasses that of any living mage. With that being said, there is no one more qualified to awaken your power.”

  For a brief moment, silence filled the grand hall.

  Then—

  “Ha ha ha!”

  A booming laugh echoed against the towering pillars as the king threw his head back in amusement.

  “Come now, Zeto—those are some rather generous words,” King Maelyo said, waving a hand dismissively, though the smile on his face betrayed his pride.

  “And to hear such praise from the Star of the Luntianya Kingdom, no less.”

  Sky blinked.

  Star… of Luntianya?

  The words didn’t fully register at first. His gaze slowly drifted toward Zeto, whose expression remained calm—far too calm for someone carrying a title of such magnitude.

  The king leaned forward slightly, resting his chin upon his hand, eyes gleaming with interest.

  “And you’ll be training him as well, won’t you?”

  Sky froze.

  His mind struggled to keep up—not only with the revelation itself, but with how casually the king addressed Zeto. That title alone carried a weight that could shake an entire kingdom.

  “E–Excuse me, Your Highness,” Sky said hesitantly, forcing his voice to steady. “I’m… a bit confused. Mr. Zeto will be training me too? I thought he was only accompanying me.”

  “Ha ha! My apologies, Sky,” King Maelyo replied, his laughter softening into a gentle chuckle. “It seems they wished to keep it a surprise.”

  A warm, reassuring smile spread across the king’s face.

  “Yes. What you heard is true. Zeto will train you—alongside me.”

  The weight of those words settled heavily in Sky’s chest.

  To be trained by the king himself… and by the Star of Luntianya—

  Only then did Sky begin to realize just how extraordinary the path before him truly was.

  The king’s voice grew firm, filled with authority.

  “From this day forward, we will hone both your magic and your body here.”

  He turned his gaze toward Zeto.

  “Zeto will handle your physical training. He is known as the Star of Luntianya—a warrior born in that kingdom. His strength was so overwhelming that he was transferred to Banalaya to serve as one of our Holy Knights.”

  The king’s smile widened.

  “He may not possess magic of his own, but his mastery of enhancement techniques and sheer physical power alone allows him to rival even the greatest mages.”

  “Ha ha! I’m quite curious myself how far you’ve progressed since then,” King Maelyo said, eyes gleaming.

  “I look forward to seeing what you’ve become, Zeto.”

  Zeto placed a hand over his chest and bowed deeply.

  “Your Majesty… your words honor me.”

  He then turned to Sky.

  “And yes, Sky—as Her Majesty the Empress has commanded, I will train you as well. With the threat of evil approaching at any moment, we were ordered to prepare you without delay.”

  Sky’s heart thundered in his chest.

  A strange heat surged through his body, as if something deep within him was awakening in anticipation. His blood burned with excitement.

  “I can’t wait any longer!” Sky exclaimed, clenching his fists.

  “My body feels like it’s on fire—I want to know what I can do! Please… let’s begin right now! Haha!”

  King Maelyo laughed loudly.

  “Ha ha ha! I knew you’d say that!”

  He rose from his throne and raised his voice.

  “Very well! Everyone—make the necessary preparations at once!”

  At the king’s command, the royal guards stepped forward.

  Sky and Zeto were escorted back to their respective rooms, where they were given further instructions on where to proceed next.

  Unbeknownst to Sky, the path before him would test not only his strength—but his will, his heart, and the truth behind the power sleeping within him.

  The palace hallways echoed softly as Sky walked beside Zeto. The towering pillars and shimmering marble floors still felt unreal to him—like a dream he might wake up from at any moment.

  As they rounded a corner, a familiar figure appeared ahead.

  “Your Majesty,” Zeto said, immediately stopping and bowing deeply.

  Empress Yanara had been on her way to the dining hall. She smiled gently upon seeing them, and the three soon entered the grand chamber together, taking their seats at the long table.

  Once they settled, Zeto straightened and bowed once more.

  “Your Majesty, Sky… please excuse me. I have other duties I must attend to.”

  Sky blinked in surprise.

  “Mr. Zeto? You’re not joining us?”

  “I only came to escort you here,” Zeto replied calmly. “But thank you for the invitation.”

  With one last respectful bow, he turned and left the chamber.

  Sky watched his retreating figure, an unexpected sense of loneliness settling in his chest. He hadn’t realized how comforting Zeto’s presence had become.

  Slowly, Sky turned back toward the Empress.

  “I’m… I’m truly sorry for your loss, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice quiet but sincere. “I didn’t know that summoning someone had such a cost.”

  Empress Yanara didn’t respond right away. She simply smiled—a gentle, graceful smile—but the sadness lingering in her eyes told him everything.

  After a moment of hesitation, Sky spoke again.

  “U-Um… isn’t Princess Liyela going to join us?”

  The Empress released a soft sigh.

  “She will be dining in her room today.”

  “Oh…” Sky’s shoulders drooped slightly. He had hoped—if only a little—to see her again.

  The meal began in silence, silverware clinking softly against porcelain. Finally, Empress Yanara spoke, her voice warm yet solemn.

  “Sky… you will soon be escorted to one of the kingdoms to begin your training. It is time for you to prepare. Zeto will accompany you and guide you.”

  Sky nearly dropped his spoon.

  Training…? A journey?

  His heart pounded—not with fear, but with overwhelming excitement.

  When the meal ended, Sky rushed back to his room. He hastily gathered his clothes and belongings, stuffing them into a small pack. His hands trembled—not from nervousness, but from anticipation so strong it made his chest ache.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  Sky flung it open to find Zeto standing there.

  “Are you ready?” Zeto asked.

  Sky nodded enthusiastically.

  Zeto chuckled. “Wow… you look more than prepared. Excited, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, Mr. Zeto! I’m super ready!” Sky said brightly. “I hope I packed enough.”

  “If you need anything else, just say so,” Zeto replied. “I’ll be with you throughout your training. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

  Sky’s eyes sparkled.

  “Really?? That makes me so happy! Thank you, Mr. Zeto!”

  Zeto placed a hand over his chest, standing tall like a knight pledging loyalty.

  “It is my honor. The Empress entrusted you to me. I will help shape you into the hero who will save this world.”

  Something ignited within Sky’s heart.

  Magic… training… a real journey.

  “I wonder what I’ll learn…” he smiled, excitement bubbling over. “I can’t wait! Let’s goooo!”

  “Come, Sky,” Zeto said. “Empress Yanara is waiting. We’ll meet with her before heading to our destination.”

  At those words, Sky’s expression instantly brightened.

  Maybe I’ll see Princess Liyela…

  They made their way to where the Empress awaited them. Sky greeted her politely—but his gaze flickered around, searching. When he didn’t find the princess, a small pang of disappointment tugged at his heart.

  The Empress began to speak.

  “My apologies, Sky, for how sudden this is. We must prepare quickly. We do not know when the forces of evil will make their move.”

  “There’s no need to apologize, Your Majesty,” Sky replied earnestly. “I may be young and small, but the cost of performing such an ancient summoning ritual tells me how serious this is.”

  He clenched his fists lightly.

  “I don’t know much yet… but I swear I’ll do everything I can to help everyone.”

  Empress Yanara’s eyes softened.

  “I didn’t expect such mature words from someone so young,” she said warmly. “Zeto will accompany you and explain everything you must know.”

  She turned her gaze toward the distant horizon.

  “You will be heading to the Kingdom of Alonaya. There, they will determine what magical power you possess and teach you how to use it.

  “Alonaya is said to be the first kingdom ever established—its origins tracing back to the descendants of the first humans created by the Almighty Creator. It was founded to protect the entire continent, which is why it stands at the outermost edge of the land… surrounded by water.

  “King Maelyo, the current ruler, is already awaiting your arrival.”

  Sky listened intently.

  “One of our priests will use teleportation magic to send you there immediately.

  “Best of luck, Sky. I look forward to seeing what magical power you possess as a hero from another world. Though I wish I could witness your awakening myself, the council has ruled that it must take place in Alonaya.”

  She smiled gently.

  “May the Almighty Creator bless your journey. And you as well, Zeto—take care. Until we meet again.”

  Sky bowed deeply.

  “Until we meet again, Your Highness.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Zeto said. “We’ll be going now.”

  The two stepped into the glowing teleportation circle as the priest began his chant. Light enveloped them—

  —and in the next instant, they vanished.

  They reappeared inside a vast castle hall.

  Rows of armored knights stood at attention. At the far end of the chamber stood the king, queen, and a young princess.

  Sky’s breath caught.

  The hall was enormous—nearly rivaling the palace of the Empire. His eyes wandered in awe until—

  “Greetings, King Maelyo, Queen Hanaya, and Princess Hanna,” Zeto said, bowing deeply.

  Sky snapped back to reality and quickly bowed as well.

  “I-I’m Sky. It’s an honor to meet you.”

  King Maelyo laughed heartily.

  “Ha ha ha! Finally, you’ve arrived! Welcome to the Kingdom of Alonaya—both you, Zeto, and you, our Hero Sky.

  “I am King Maelyo. This is my wife, Queen Hanaya, and our daughter, Princess Hanna.”

  The queen smiled gently, though her eyes widened slightly at Sky’s youth.

  “I witnessed your summoning myself,” the king continued. “When I returned home, I told my wife how surprised I was that the hero summoned was such a young man.”

  Sky scratched his cheek shyly.

  “Well… I’m only thirteen,” he admitted. “But I promised Empress Yanara that I’d do everything I can—to help everyone… and to return home someday.”

  King Maelyo laughed again, warm and reassuring.

  “No offense was meant, Sky. We merely spoke honestly. Everything happens for a reason. Empress Yanara sent you here because she believes I can awaken your power.”

  His gaze sharpened with resolve.

  “And as the King of Alonaya… I will see it done.”

  “We don’t even know what kind of power you possess yet—but the fact that the crystal turned to dust the moment you touched it is far from ordinary,” Zeto said solemnly.

  He shifted his gaze toward the throne.

  “His Majesty’s bloodline descends directly from the ancient ancestors. His power surpasses that of any living mage. With that being said, there is no one more qualified to awaken your power.”

  For a brief moment, silence filled the grand hall.

  Then—

  “Ha ha ha!”

  A booming laugh echoed against the towering pillars as the king threw his head back in amusement.

  “Come now, Zeto—those are some rather generous words,” King Maelyo said, waving a hand dismissively, though the smile on his face betrayed his pride.

  “And to hear such praise from the Star of the Luwalhatiya Kingdom, no less.”

  Sky blinked.

  Star… of Luwalhatiya?

  The words didn’t fully register at first. His gaze slowly drifted toward Zeto, whose expression remained calm—far too calm for someone carrying a title of such magnitude.

  The king leaned forward slightly, resting his chin upon his hand, eyes gleaming with interest.

  “And you’ll be training him as well, won’t you?”

  Sky froze.

  His mind struggled to keep up—not only with the revelation itself, but with how casually the king addressed Zeto. That title alone carried a weight that could shake an entire kingdom.

  “E–Excuse me, Your Highness,” Sky said hesitantly, forcing his voice to steady. “I’m… a bit confused. Mr. Zeto will be training me too? I thought he was only accompanying me.”

  “Ha ha! My apologies, Sky,” King Maelyo replied, his laughter softening into a gentle chuckle. “It seems they wished to keep it a surprise.”

  A warm, reassuring smile spread across the king’s face.

  “Yes. What you heard is true. Zeto will train you—alongside me.”

  The weight of those words settled heavily in Sky’s chest.

  To be trained by the king himself… and by the Star of Luwalhatiya—

  Only then did Sky begin to realize just how extraordinary the path before him truly was.

  The king’s voice grew firm, filled with authority.

  “From this day forward, we will hone both your magic and your body here.”

  He turned his gaze toward Zeto.

  “Zeto will handle your physical training. He is known as the Star of Luwalhatiya—a warrior born in that kingdom. His strength was so overwhelming that he was transferred to Banalaya to serve as one of our Holy Knights.”

  The king’s smile widened.

  “He may not possess magic of his own, but his mastery of enhancement techniques and sheer physical power alone allows him to rival even the greatest mages.”

  “Ha ha! I’m quite curious myself how far you’ve progressed since then,” King Maelyo said, eyes gleaming.

  “I look forward to seeing what you’ve become, Zeto.”

  Zeto placed a hand over his chest and bowed deeply.

  “Your Majesty… your words honor me.”

  He then turned to Sky.

  “And yes, Sky—as Her Majesty the Empress has commanded, I will train you as well. With the threat of evil approaching at any moment, we were ordered to prepare you without delay.”

  Sky’s heart thundered in his chest.

  A strange heat surged through his body, as if something deep within him was awakening in anticipation. His blood burned with excitement.

  “I can’t wait any longer!” Sky exclaimed, clenching his fists.

  “My body feels like it’s on fire—I want to know what I can do! Please… let’s begin right now! Haha!”

  King Maelyo laughed loudly.

  “Ha ha ha! I knew you’d say that!”

  He rose from his throne and raised his voice.

  “Very well! Everyone—make the necessary preparations at once!”

  At the king’s command, the royal guards stepped forward.

  Sky and Zeto were escorted back to their respective rooms, where they were given further instructions on where to proceed next.

  Unbeknownst to Sky, the path before him would test not only his strength—but his will, his heart, and the truth behind the power sleeping within him.