Angel #1 (bonus)

Eckert walked out of his chambers, feeling more invigorated than ever. The morning sun streamed through the grand windows of the palace as he made his way to the dining hall, where his family was already gathered for breakfast. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air, and the familiar warmth of home enveloped him as he approached.

As Eckert entered the dining hall, he was greeted by the sight of his parents seated at the head of a long, ornate table. His father, King Arthritis Van Bilbord, was in high spirits, and his mother, Queen Mirabelle, was seated beside him, her regal demeanor softened by the love she held for her family.

"I ought to have a banquet inviting all my ministers, hahaha!" the King declared with a hearty laugh. "My son has finally awakened! We ought to celebrate!"

Queen Mirabelle smiled and nodded in agreement. "You're right, Your Highness," she said, her voice filled with pride. "But where is he? Didn't you say he was awake?"

"Who knows," she continued with a gentle chuckle, "he's probably just resting now. Nobody should wake him up."

At that moment, Eckert's voice rang out from the entrance to the dining hall. "Dad, you need to be careful of me now. Before you know it, I'll surpass you entirely!"

King Arthritis looked up from his meal, a grin spreading across his face. "See this idiot," he said with mock exasperation, "how did you give birth to such an idiot, my love?"

The King took a huge bite of the beast meat on his plate, savoring the flavor before continuing. "Just because you've awakened doesn't mean you'll surpass me. But nonetheless, I hope you will. Though, if you want to surpass me, you'll need to get yourself a name better than mine."

Eckert laughed, taking his seat at the table. "Naaah, who would want a stupid name like a beast?"

The family continued to banter as they ate, their voices filled with warmth and teasing affection. Eckert looked around the table, a smile tugging at his lips as he thought, *Wow, such a lovely family.* He couldn't help but marvel at how fortunate he was, despite the challenges that lay ahead.

He knew that if anyone else had heard him calling his father's name stupid, they'd have him beheaded on the spot. The name "Thunder Dragon" was an honorary title given to his father by the people, and even the Emperor himself had referred to King Arthritis by that name. It was a symbol of power and respect, one that Eckert knew he had to live up to.

After finishing breakfast, Eckert excused himself from the table and made his way back to the training arena. The time had come to test his newfound power and to face off against Angel, his trusted sparring partner.

As he entered the arena, the familiar sight of the battlefield-like terrain greeted him. Straw dummies were still scattered around, remnants of past training sessions. But his attention was immediately drawn to the figure standing in the center of the arena.

"If it isn't my lovely Angel," Eckert said with a grin as he approached her.

A beautiful young woman stood before him, her expression cold and calculating. Her dark hair was tied back, and her eyes, usually warm, were now filled with an intensity that made Eckert's smile falter. She looked at him like a predator sizing up its prey.

Angel stood up, her movements fluid and graceful. "Who's your angel?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of danger.

Eckert's grin returned, more mischievous this time. "Come on, you know I'm just messing with you," he said, trying to diffuse the tension.

But Angel was having none of it. "You think just because you've awakened that you're invincible now?" she asked, taking a step forward.

Eckert's playful demeanor shifted to one of focus. He could feel the aura in the air thickening as Angel's presence grew more intense. This wasn't just another sparring match—this was a test, and Angel was not going to hold back.

"Let's see if your new power is as impressive as you think," she said, her tone challenging.

Eckert nodded, his expression serious. "I wouldn't have it any other way."