Dawn at the Training Grounds
The crisp morning air rang with the clash of steel as Lito approached the royal training field. There, towering above a group of battered knights, stood Gark—the one of the mightiest Guardian from Oni Race in Eden. His pink skin glistened with sweat under the rising sun, his flaming red hair tied back in a warrior's knot. The massive spiked club resting on his shoulder looked heavy enough to crush stone.
"AGAIN!" Gark roared, his voice shaking the training dummies. "That sword stance wouldn't scare a sickly goblin! You fight like nobles at a tea party!"
The knights groaned but reset their stances. One spotted Lito and straightened. "Your Majesty!"
Gark turned, his three eyes (two crimson, one vertical golden slit on his forehead) narrowing. "Hah! The king finally graces us." He stomped over, the ground trembling slightly with each step. "Come to watch, or actually learn something?"
Lito smiled weakly. "Just observing today, Gark."
The Oni snorted, crossing his muscular arms. "Observing won't save Eden. These soft-bellied recruits need a real challenge." His fanged grin widened. "Spar with them."
---
The knights perked up, some with excitement, others with pity—they all knew Lito's limitations.
Lito's hand instinctively touched the simple iron sword at his hip. "I... don't think that's wise."
Gark's grin vanished. "Why? Because you're weak?" The word hung in the air like a challenge.
"Because I don't enjoy fighting," Lito admitted quietly. "Not like you do."
A tense silence fell. The knights held their breath. Gark's golden eye studied Lito, then he suddenly laughed, the sound like boulders crashing. "Hah! At least you're honest." He clapped Lito's shoulder hard enough to make him stagger. "But a king who can't swing a sword is just a fancy talker. Even your scholar Truth could break you in half."
Lito didn't argue. He just nodded. "Then it's good I have warriors like you."
Gark's expression softened slightly. "Tch. Fine. But one day, you won't have a choice." He turned back to the knights. "What're you lot gawking at? BACKTODRILLS!"
As the clanging resumed, Lito lingered, watching the Oni's brutal training methods with a mix of admiration and unease.
---
Later, as Lito walked the palace gardens, Luna fell into step beside him and knows what happened to Lito and Gark because she heard the knights' previous conversation.
"Gark was harsh today," she remarked, her moonlit staff glinting.
Lito sighed. "He's not wrong. I should be better.".
Luna stopped, turning him to face her. "You lead with wisdom, not blades. That's why Eden thrives." Her silver eyes hardened. "But... he's right about one thing. The day may come when you must fight."
Lito looked at his hands—no calluses, no strength. Just the faint scars of a ruler who'd never swung a sword in true battle.
"Aren't you teaching at your magic school Luna?" Lito asked while looking at Luna.
"I have class in the afternoon so I want to relax with you here, Lito." Luna replied while leaning her head on Lito's shoulder.
"I see... "Then I'll relax in this park too," Lito replied while looking at the view of the park.
---
Afternoon – The Academy's Lesson
Luna stood before her students at the Elemental Arts Academy, her moonlit staff resting against her shoulder. The young mages watched with rapt attention as she demonstrated a complex water-weaving technique.
"Remember," she said, her voice calm but firm, "true power comes from discipline, not just raw strength. Even the smallest spell can turn the tide if used wisely."
A student raised their hand. "Headmistress Luna, is it true that King Lito only uses weak artifacts?"
Luna's gaze sharpened, but her tone remained even. "Strength isn't measured by the might of one's tools, but by the heart that wields them. Lito may not have the raw power of a Guardian, but his wisdom and courage have saved Eden more times than you know."
The students murmured in thought. Luna's loyalty was unwavering—she would never tolerate disrespect toward her king.
---
Evening – The Tavern's Laughter
The Drunken Griffin was alive with chatter as Yune slammed her empty tankard onto the wooden table, her cheeks flushed. "Anotherround!" she called, grinning at Lito, who sat across from her with an amused smile.
"You're going to regret this tomorrow," Lito warned, though he pushed another ale her way.
Yune waved him off. "Nah, I've got the constitution of a—hic—a forest stag!" She leaned in, her voice dropping to a mock whisper. "Besides, I heard Luna's got the academy running drills all night. No way I'm missing a chance to relax."
Lito chuckled. "She does take her duties seriously."
"Seriously?" Yune snorted. "She's scarier than Gark when someone slacks off."
Lito's expression softened. "That's why Eden is safe. Because of people like her."
Yune studied him for a moment before raising her tankard. "To Luna, then. The most terrifyingly loyal moon elf in existence."
They clinked drinks, laughter ringing through the tavern.
---
Night - The palace was silent when Luna stepped into Lito's chambers, her silver hair glowing faintly in the moonlight. Lito looked up from his desk, where maps and reports were spread out.
"You're still awake?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.
"Couldn't sleep," he admitted, rubbing his temples. "Too much on my mind."
Luna approached, her fingers brushing his shoulder. "You carry too much alone. Let us help you."
Lito hesitated, then sighed. "I just… don't want to fail Eden."
Luna's hand cupped his cheek, forcing him to meet her gaze. "You won't. Because you're not alone."
For a moment, the weight in his chest eased. Then, with a small smile, he pulled back. "You should rest. Tomorrow's another long day."
Luna nodded, though her fingers lingered for a heartbeat longer before she turned to leave. "Goodnight, Lito."
As the door closed behind her, Lito stared at it for a long moment before returning to his work.
---
Far from the palace, where the mist curled over Eden's eastern border, a column of soldiers emerged from the trees. Their armor was unfamiliar, their faces obscured by helmets. At their head rode a figure clad in black steel, their presence sending a chill through the morning air.
A scout hidden in the branches above stiffened. This wasn't an invasion force—not yet. But the intent was clear.
Eden was being watched.
The scout slipped away, racing toward the capital with a warning on their lips.
To Be Continued…