Part Three - I.

I.

‘Rulers at the Gate’

Author's Note: Please, please don't even try to plagiarize, illegally copy this story (and its terminologies which are mentioned in the following/previous chapters) or even try to distribute a soft copy. If you do, may Karma find you. Thank you.

‘Alementalia’

‘Central District’

Inside a make shift tent…

The ‘Royal Physicians’, Mr. Sean and Mr. Ciyan are seen resting on the ground after doing their duties.

“Ah! I’m tired. We finally managed to tend all of their wounds.” Mr. Sean said as he growled on the ground.

“Me too. I just wished that His Majesty and Prince Shouta were also in here to assist us on treating these villagers’ injuries.” Mr. Ciyan said as he sat upright beside his older brother on the ground.

“After we somehow survived from that ordeal with those enormous ‘Beasts’, Sir Sai and the other remaining ‘Council’ members, immediately summoned and helped us in assembling this temporary clinic few minutes before Sir Hikaru and Lady Mayumi came inside the ‘District’ followed by these injured villagers.” Mr. Sean said as he crossed his arms.

“I’m glad that they chose to stay in here to help us lull those crying children down while we tend their wounds.” Mr. Ciyan said as he waved back at Hikaru and Mayumi.

“Anyway, I cannot believe that you have managed to find our biological Mother – I mean Lady Azumi after all of those years.” Mr. Sean said as he looked back at Mr. Ciyan.

“Ah, yes. I also had the chance to meet big sister – I mean her new family while I’m working back at the Head Quarters.” Mr. Ciyan said as he tells to Mr. Sean.

“Oh, is that so? Good for her.” Mr. Sean said as he sighed in disbelief.

“I knew it! You are still mad to her.” Mr. Ciyan exclaimed as he gazed back at Mr. Sean who flinched.

“Yes, you are right. I’m still mad. That stupid woman chose to abandon us, starving and dying along those streets back in our respective ‘Villages’ to elope and live with her new family in ‘Iytheria’.” Mr. Sean said as he shouted back at Mr. Ciyan.

“Even so, Mother managed to find and reconnect with us. She and Lady Lilia even vouched for us by personally recommending us to work in the Head Quarters as the ‘Royal Physicians’ which Prince Shouta immediately approved.” Mr. Ciyan said as he glares back at Mr. Sean.

“Who cares?! What she did was unforgivable and I do not recognize Lady Lilia and Sir Eito as our younger half-siblings.” Mr. Sean angrily said as he stood up on the ground and dusted off his torn, winter coat.

“That is bad. Lady Lilia – I mean big sister really, really wants to meet you. Anyway, speaking of her, I wonder what is taking her and Sir Miko so long.” Mr. Ciyan angrily said as he stood up on the ground and dusted off his white, laboratory coat.

“More importantly, what was that huge commotion back in the ‘Central Plaza’ about?” Mr. Sean said as he wondered.

“Sir Physicians, I finally managed to lull those children down back onto their wooden stretchers.” Mayumi cheerfully said as she approached Mr. Sean.

“Thank you very much, Lady Mayumi. Now, we only have one problem left.” Mr. Ciyan said as he looked at Hikaru.

“Calm down, little child…Hey – Mayumi, can you please help me?” Hikaru angrily said as he approached and asked Mayumi.

“What happened? I told you calm him down and not to make things worse.” Mayumi softly said as she asked Hikaru.

“I did! I did. I cannot sing beautifully so instead I told this child a scary story, hoping that he would go to fast asleep.” Hikaru said as he explained to Mayumi.

“Stupid! Why would you do that to this poor child?” Mayumi angrily said as she crossed her arms.

“Hey – how about you help them lull that child to sleep? It is your fault anyway why he is still wailing like that.” Mr. Sean said as he teased Mr. Ciyan who flinched.

“I know! C-Can you stop doing that?! Fine! Sir Hikaru, give him to me.” Mr. Ciyan nervously said as he approached Hikaru.

“If you have not showed and scared him using that big syringe before you tend his wounds, he would not probably wailing like that. So, please do your best to calm him down.” Mr. Sean said as he continue teasing Mr. Ciyan.

“Calm down, little child. Why would you not stop from crying...Stop it! I know so can you please shut up?” Mr. Ciyan angrily said as he shouted back at Mr. Sean.

“Sir Physicians, we are back!” Miko said as he and Lilia arrives and goes inside the tent.

“Oh, my! Welcome back, your highnesses. So, what was that commotion about?” Mr. Sean said as he approached Miko and Lilia.

“Ah, yes. That commotion... an hour ago, we left this tent and followed that angry mob to that ‘Central Plaza’ where we all witnessed that miracle, saving that ‘Aethyrian’ child’s life from her dreadful fate and how Sir Sai and the remaining ‘Council’ members crowned Lady Rai Akimura as this Kingdom’s new ‘Imperial Ruler’.” Miko calmly said as he tells to Mr. Sean and the others.

“What?! That is clearly impossible! It cannot be!” Hikaru angrily said as he shouted back at Miko.

“The second, ‘Imperial Council’ cannot possibly do that! The other, four ‘Candidates’ were not informed about this sudden coronation event.” Mayumi angrily said as she approached her big brother.

“Miracle huh? I’m intrigued on what actually happened.” Mr. Sean said as he wondered.

“Based from what we have witnessed, Lady Rai – I mean Her Majesty has already begun enchanting a strange ‘Nullifying’ enchantment, undoing that little girl’s ‘Cursed Mark’ which eventually saved her from completely turning into a ‘Living Fiend’.” Lilia said as she reported to everyone.

“Is that even possible?! How the hell Her Majesty conjured such enchantment without consulting us – I mean Lady Julie?” Mr. Sean exclaimed as he wondered.

“It is possible, Mr. Sean.” Ms. Julie said as she slowly woke up and sat upright inside her wooden stretcher.

“Lady Julie! Thank goodness, you are finally awake.” Mr. Sean cheerfully said as he approached Ms. Julie.

“That wailing child interrupted my sleep. Why is he crying anyway?” Ms. Julie said as she wondered and asked Mr. Sean.

“It is Ciyan’s fault. Hey – explain to them what happened.” Mr. Sean said as he teased Mr. Ciyan who flinched.

“Shut up, stupid big brother! How about you come in here and help me instead?” Mr. Ciyan angrily said as he asked Mr. Sean.

“Alright! Would you like me to help you, Mr. Ciyan?” Miko cheerfully said as he approached Mr. Ciyan.

“Uh? Thank you very much, your highness.” Mr. Ciyan said as he carefully handed the child over to Miko.

Miko cheerfully kissed this child’s forehead as he carefully began rubbing his back and gently lull him to sleep onto his right shoulder.

“Amazing! Your weird sleeping technique is working.” Hikaru exclaimed as he approached Miko.

“Hikaru, please lower down your voice or else you will wake him up.” Mayumi softly said as she gently nudged Hikaru’s right arm.

“Thank you very much, Sir Hikaru. Mayumi and I were asked to take care of Atsuki after our Mother passed away few months ago. I invented and usually use this technique to put Atsuki to sleep every night and I must admit, it does work on other children too.” Miko softly said as he smiled back at Hikaru.

“You are a life saver, Sir Miko! Now, where are we? Possible huh? What do you mean by that, Lady Julie?” Mr. Ciyan said as he got curious and asked Ms. Julie.

“Truth to be told, I was the one who wrote and helped that dancing ‘White Skeleton’ – I mean Mr. Anthony in conjuring that same ‘Nullifying’ Enchantment I actually used to selfishly save myself from my ‘Cursed Mark’. But, the only thing I do not comprehend is how the heck Lady Rai got hold of that enchantment?” Ms. Julie said as she wondered and crossed her arms.

“Speaking of those ‘Living Fiends’, the ‘Yellow Queen’, Queen Faeya and her accomplices foolishly and impulsively declared Lady Rai as their ‘Imperial Hero’ after they witnessed that miraculous ‘act’ performed by Her Majesty in front of those curious spectators. ” Miko softly said as he continue reporting to everyone.

“Those foolish spectators who allegedly claimed that they were miraculously ‘saved’ by Her Majesty also began cheering for her along with Queen Faeya and her accomplices. One of them even approached me and showed his right hand, describing that his ‘Mark’ slowly began disappearing as they continue watching Her Majesty’s performance.” Lilia said as she got pissed off and sighed.

“What?! No way! Rai has become both the new ‘Imperial Ruler and Hero’ of this Kingdom?! That is clearly impossible! ” Hikaru angrily said as shouted out and kicked the chair beside him.

“Hikaru, please calm down… and this is getting out of hand! I thought that the ‘Imperial Family’ and ‘Imperial Council’ has the only right to declare their potential candidate or rather what they call their ‘Champion’ as this Kingdom’s new ‘Imperial Hero’.” Mayumi angrily said as she approached her Hikaru and shouted back at Miko and Lilia.

“Interesting! This story is really getting interesting.” Mr. Sean said as he went mad and laughed out.

“Her Majesty, one of those ‘Demons’, aspires to become an actual living ‘God’ or something more powerful than that. She is indeed mad.” Mr. Ciyan said as he smirked and crossed his arms.

“A living ‘God’ huh? No. You are wrong, Sir Ciyan. My best friend – I mean, Rai and I grew up together inside that same village and based from my observations, I assume that she desires something more than that.” Hikaru softly said as he gently pulled the chair he kicked earlier up on the ground.

“Ah, yes. Now, I remember you have mentioned to me that Lady Rai, the ‘Fireiyan Witch’ was once your ex-lover. I wonder what happened. ” Mayumi cheerfully said as she asked Hikaru who blushed.

“Lover huh? You have earned my respects, Sir Hikaru.” Lilia said as she approached Hikaru and tousled his head.

“I-It’s complicated! I will explain everything later. For the meantime, let’s get out of here and go to the Head Quarters. I simply cannot accept this decision from those ‘Council’ members. They must at least hear us out first.” Hikaru angrily said as he went out of the tent and left.

“Mayumi, listen to me. Go ahead and follow that moron. He needs your help.” Miko softly said as he instructed to Mayumi.

“I understand. Do not worry, I will reclaim my rights on that throne and make our Father proud.” Mayumi seriously said as she went out of the tent and left.

“I hope you do but... Ow-Ouch! L-Lilia, can you stop pinching my right cheek?” Miko softly said as he asked Lilia.

“Poor child. Mayumi was not able to visit Auntie’s grave after my stupid Uncle banished her out of your Household few months ago. She is still your little sister so can you stop deceiving her?” Lilia angrily said as she glares back at Miko who flinched.

“I’m impressed. How did you figured it out?” Miko softly said as he asked Lilia.

“Poisoners like me never reveal our secrets.” Lilia cheerfully said as she smiled back at Miko who flinched.

“I strongly believe that you are referring to ‘Magicians’ instead of – Lady Julie! Where are you going? Your wounds are not completely healed yet.” Mr. Sean exclaimed as he approached Ms. Julie.

“My apologies but I must head out and go to the Head Quarters to assist the other ‘Imperial Soldiers’ in rescuing the civilians who got trapped inside those four buildings.” Ms. Julie seriously said as she looked at Mr. Sean who flinched.

“Do not worry, Mr. Sean – I mean Big brother Miko and I will accompany her back to the Head Quarters.” Lilia cheerfully said as she approached Mr. Sean.

“Mr. Sean would be fine so can you please stop calling me that, Lady Lilia?” Mr. Sean seriously said as he gently grabbed the silver case up on the ground.

“I-I understand! M-My apologies. I-I will be waiting outside this tent.” Lilia nervously said as she flinched and sprinted out of the tent.

“Hey – Lilia! Please wait for me.” Miko exclaimed as he panicked and ran out of the tent along with the sleeping child.

“Hey! Your highness, please bring that child back in here. I’m not finish binding his injured right leg. Your highness!” Mr. Ciyan said as he ran out of the tent, chasing Lilia and Miko along the streets.

“My apologies. You should have not witnessed that. Here is your silver case.” Mr. Sean said as he gave the case to Ms. Julie.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Sean but can you please return this silver case to Mr. Charlie instead?” Ms. Julie said as she requested to Mr. Sean.

“I understand. But before that, allow me to examine your wounds before you head out of my clinic.” Mr. Sean cheerfully said as he went back to his table, searching for his first aid kit.

‘Lake of Va-al’

Inside the Forest…

Guided by Eito, Rai’s group finally arrives back at the ‘Rusty Gate’.

“We have arrived, Milady.” Eito politely said as he reported to Rai.

“I see. And it seems that someone has brought his entourage to welcome us back.” Rai cheerfully said as the fog slowly unveils, revealing the ‘Gate’ itself.

“I wonder who is that person crying or rather sleeping near the ‘Gate’. Milady, I will be right back.” Eito said as he ran away and approached the ‘Gate’.

Kenji’s ‘Silhouette’ slightly titled his shadow head as it got curious to Eito’s actions and then ran away to chase him towards ‘Gate’.

“Hey – You ‘Silhouette’ guy, where are you going? Get back in here!” Kazuki exclaimed as he suddenly ran away, chasing Kenji’s Silhouette’.

“Ryo, let’s follow them.” Rai cheerfully said as she looked at Ryo.

“I understand. You two, come with me.” ‘Ryo’ said as he casually started dragging Shouta and Hiiro off the ground.

“Damn it! Let us go, damn ‘Cog Dragon’!” Shouta angrily said as he cursed out to ‘Ryo’.

“Shouta, shut up. It is clearly impossible for us to get these sharp, ‘Dragons’ Claws’ off our shirts.” Hiiro said as he sighed in disbelief.

“That’s impossible! I-It cannot be! How the hell are you still alive?!” Kazuki exclaimed as he shouted out.

“Uh? What happened?” Rai exclaimed as she approached Kazuki and Kenji’s ‘Silhouette’.

“Harue?! Harue, you are still alive! But that’s clearly impossible.” Eito exclaimed as he approached Harue’s ‘Silhouette’ on the ground.

“That voice…Eito? Eito! Thank goodness, you have finally found me.” ‘Harue’ said as she seized and started crying onto Eito’s arms.

“Your highness? What the hell is happening in here?” Eito said as he flinched and wondered.

“Princess Harue has already passed away. That is just her ‘Silhouette’ that were chained and instructed to stay and guard the ‘Rusty Gate’ itself.” King Markus, who is currently standing back on Mr. Lukas’ backyard, said as he carefully approached the ‘Gate’.

“King Markus?! You are alive?!” Eito exclaimed as he wondered and looked at King Markus.

“But that’s impossible! Sir Kai told us that you already passed away few months ago.” Kazuki exclaimed as he wondered.

“I see. I wonder what kind of lies does my stupid, former ‘Royal Advisor’ and his apprentices told everyone while I was gone and exiled down in this unknown world.” King Markus said as he sighed in disappointment.

“Father – I mean your Majesty, what are you doing in here?” Shouta said as he asked and shouted back at King Markus.

“Ah, yes! Mr. Lukas and I came in here to rescue all of you just in case your plan back fired.” King Markus cheerfully said as he smiled back at Shouta who flinched.

“Oh, is that so? Then, hey – Mr. ‘Gate Keeper’, can you open that ‘Gate’ for me?” ‘Ryo’ said as he asked Eito.

“Of course, Sir ‘Ryo’ but let me ask first Her Majesty. Milady, can I open this ‘Gate’?” Eito said as he asked Rai.

“Please do open that ‘Gate’ for this guy, Sir ‘Ryo’.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at Eito.

“As you wish, your Majesty. Please wait in here, Sir ‘Ryo’.” Eito said as he carefully approached the ‘Rusty Gate’.

“It is my pleasure to meet you, your highnesses.” ‘Ryo’ said as he smirked back at Shouta and Hiiro who both flinched.

Using his huge claws, ‘Ryo’ carefully began lifting Shouta and Hiiro up in the air and then sighed.

“Wait! Wait! What the hell are you doing?” Shouta said as he started panicking and asked ‘Ryo’.

“Unhand us, you stupid ‘Cog Dragon’!” Hiiro said as he tried to take ‘Ryo’s claw off his shirt.

With one swift move, ‘Ryo’ casually lifted up Shouta and Hiiro and threw them towards the partially opened ‘Gate’. Shouta and Hiiro both growled as they accidentally rolled on the ground and hit onto a tree few meters beside King Markus.

“That was dangerous, Sir ‘Ryo’! You should have let me finish opening the ‘Gate’ first before you threw them back at ‘Earth’.” Eito angrily said as he crossed his arms.

“Phew! That was close. Shouta, Hiiro, are you two alright?” King Markus cheerfully said as he asked and shouted back at Shouta and Hiiro.

“Damn it! You will pay for this, damn dragon!” Shouta angrily said as he shouted back inside the ‘Gate’.

“Hey, it is been awhile, Old man.” ‘Ryo’ said as he kicked and slammed opened the ‘Gate’ towards to King Markus.

“Dragon? Ah, yes! Now, I remember you. You finally managed to hatch and grow up just like your other horrible siblings.” King Markus said as he stares at ‘Ryo’.

“I-If I just hatched earlier that morning, I will probably able to save my Mother Dragon from your rotten apprentices.” ‘Ryo’ angrily said as he shouted back at King Markus.

“But you did not. And it is not my or Shouta’s failed judgment that encourage Hiiro to do that. He did that on his own volition so I guess you are barking at the wrong tree.” King Markus seriously said as he wondered.

“Damn it! Stop fooling around. Stop pretending and tell me the truth!” ‘Ryo’ angrily said as he shouted back at King Markus.

“I wonder what actually happened.” Kazuki softly said as he gently nudged Rai’s right arm.

“I do not actually know the exact details but – Look! There is a cute, black cat standing behind us.” Rai softly said as she turned around and noticed ‘Ches’.

“Aha! Cat! Cat…Cute Cat!” Kenji’s ‘Silhouette’ said as it cheerfully ran away and then began chasing ‘Ches’ back inside the forest.

“Hey – Wait! You can speak?! Not again. Wait for me!” Kazuki exclaimed as he growled and then ran away, chasing ‘Ches’ and Kenji.

“Sir Kazuki, where are you going – Huh?! Milady! Please stand back.” Eito exclaimed as he gently pulled Rai behind him.

“Eito? Wait! Is there something wrong?” Rai nervously said as she wondered.

“I’m not sure but I saw something suspiciously move your right side, behind those bushes.” Eito softly said as he reported to Rai.

“We are inside the forest. Those were probably a pack of ‘Black Hounds’ searching for their prey behind those bushes.” Rai softly said as she hides behind Eito.

“I understand. But just in case…Sir ‘Ryo’, could you please stay in here and protect her Majesty while I – Huh?!” Eito exclaimed as he tried calling ‘Ryo’.

“Hell no! We will continue this next time, old man.” ‘Ryo’ said as he walked away and went back to Eito and Rai.

“No?! Are you not in here to protect her Majesty?” Eito angrily said as he asked ‘Ryo’.

“No. That is exactly your job description not mine. And do not worry, I believe those two Long Swords are perfectly capable of protecting Rai herself so let’s go and hunt those mercenaries.” ‘Ryo’ said as he stretched out his arms and then started walking away from Eito and Rai.

“Mercenaries?! Are you certain about that? Sir ‘Ryo’, please wait for me.” Eito said as he smiled back Rai and then ran away to chase ‘Ryo’.

“Please be careful though.” Rai said as she waved back at Eito and ‘Ryo’.

“I see. Everyone, my apologies for the late introduction. I am King Markus the VIII, the former ‘117th Imperial Ruler’ of ‘Alementalia’ and ‘Chief-on-Duty’ of the first ‘Imperial Council’. It is my pleasure to meet you, your Majesty.” King Markus said as he introduced himself to Rai.

“I’m Rai Akimura, the newly crowned ‘118th Imperial Ruler and Hero’ of ‘Alementalia’. The honor is mine, your Highness.” Rai said as she introduced herself to King Markus.

“I knew it! That is why probably you smiled earlier. You did not came in here to save us but to personally meet that ‘Demon Witch’.” Shouta angrily said as he shouted back at King Markus.

“Indeed! You are right, my son. Now, would you be so kind to help Hiiro unstuck his cape off that tree’s trunk?” King Markus cheerfully said as he requested to Shouta who flinched.

“Ah, yes. Now, the evil ‘Imperial Prince’ and his advisor has exiled, my Kingdom and people are now at peace.” Rai said as she smiled back at King Markus.

“Congratulations, Lady Rai. Just by looking at those ‘Ruins’ on your right arm, you also now bear that throne’s terrible curse.” King Markus said as he crossed his arms and looked at Rai.

“Curse huh? As the ‘Catalyst’, who bears this ‘Cursed Mark’, I obtained the chance to instantly change everything according to my will so I only aspire to do one thing.” Rai seriously said as she smirked back at King Markus who flinched.

“And I wonder what that is. Hm? Let me guess, is it retaliation for my son’s failed judgment on your assault case?” King Markus said as he wondered and asked Rai.

“Retaliation? No! Of course, not. I desire to create a balanced world where these ‘Curse Marks’ does not exists. A Kingdom that I can govern according to my wits and judgment.” Rai cheerfully said as she crossed her arms.

“Hm? I see. Just like our predecessors, you also have the desire to rule over that rotten Kingdom of mine. Hahaha! I bid you good luck then.” King Markus said as he went mad and laughed out.

“I’m intrigued. Please do enlighten me, your Highness.” Rai said as she wondered.

“You and our Readers will see soon. You are not the only one who desires and has the obsession for that throne.” King Markus seriously said as he looked at Rai who flinched.

“Hm? Interesting. As the former ‘Imperial Ruler’, I would like to hear your perspective on how should I address that case.” Rai said as she approached and closed the ‘Rusty Gate’ by herself.

“Your Majesty, you should be wary about those people and ‘Council’ members y working inside the Head Quarters. Do not trust them at all cost, especially those ‘Representatives’ from the Eastern Ocean.” King Markus seriously said as he tells to Rai.

“Stupid master! Stop indulging her every damn requests and help us find a way to unlock that ‘Gate’.” Hiiro angrily said as he shouted back at King Markus.

“I see. Thank you for that advice, your Highness. My apologies but I must head back to the Kingdom and assist the others – Oh? ‘Ryo’, Eito, welcome back.” Rai said as she turned around and saw ‘Ryo’ and Eito.

Eito is seen aiming his Long Sword back at Reika, Aoi and Naomi as they all approached Rai. On the other hand, using both of his claws, ‘Ryo’ is seen dragging Naoki, Maki, and Keisuke while walking behind Eito’s group.

“We are back, Milady. We have finally apprehended these mercenaries hiding those bushes earlier.” Eito politely said as she reported to Rai.

“I assume that they silently chased us up until here to assassinate you.” ‘Ryo’ said as he reported to Rai.

“Assassinate huh? That is bad. I just got crowned few hours so I guess for their punishment, you can both toss and exiled them out of that ‘Gate’.” Rai said as she commanded to ‘Ryo’ and Eito.

“Gladly, your Majesty. Hey – damn ‘Gate Keeper’, open that ‘Gate’ for me.” ‘Ryo’ said as he ordered to Eito.

“I understand and my name is ‘Eito’ so can you please stop calling me that?!” Eito angrily said as he stomped away and opened the ‘Gate’ outwards.

“Ah, we are being exiled, again. What a cliché.” Keisuke said as he sighed in disbelief and looked at Maki.

“Exile us?! Ah, damn it! This is all your fault, Naoki.” Maki angrily said as he shouted back at Naoki.

“My fault?! You were the one who kept blabbering out our plan while explaining to us behind those bushes. This is your fault, Maki.” Naoki angrily said as he stares at Maki who flinched.

“Now, ladies first. Start walking out of this ‘Gate’.” ‘Ryo’ calmly said as he looked at Aoi’s group.

“I-I understand. Everyone, follow me.” Aoi calmly said as she started walking and passed by Rai.

“Aha! Now, I remember you, your Majesty. You were one of Auntie’s assistants whom I met working inside that vineyard while we were exiled back in ‘Earth’.” Naomi cheerfully said as she stopped from walking and looked at Rai.

“It is been awhile, Lady Naomi. I, the new ‘Imperial Ruler’, hereby exiling all of you back to that unknown world. Now, please continue walking out my Kingdom.” Rai seriously said as she glares back at Naomi who flinched.

“Naomi, we are almost out of the ‘Gate’. Are you coming or not?” Reika said as she tried to call out Naomi.

“I know! I know. I hope to meet you again someday, your Majesty.” Naomi cheerfully said as she continues walking out of the ‘Gate’.

“You three idiots are next. I will just casually threw all of you out that ‘Gate’ just like what I did to those two.” ‘Ryo’ said as he smiled back at Maki’s group.

“Ah, yes! I almost forgot. ’Ryo’, that ‘Aethyrian’ man you are currently dragging on your right claw will stay in here.” Rai said as she requested to ‘Ryo’.

“Wait! What?! You are letting Maki to stay?!” Hiiro exclaimed as he approached the ‘Gate’ and asked Rai.

“This is bad. Maki, stop squirming and do something about this.” Shouta exclaimed as he shouted back at Maki.

“What?! No way! I absolute refuse, your Majesty. I would like to be exiled again rather than to be forced working for you.” Maki angrily said as he shouted back at Rai.

“Gladly, your Majesty.” ‘Ryo’ said as he carefully lifted up Maki, Naoki and Keisuke up in the air.

‘Ryo’ carefully threw Maki back to the bushes behind them while Naoki and Keisuke ended up being forcefully thrown out of the ‘Gate’ and rolled on the ground inside Mr. Lukas’ backyard.

“Damn it! Curse you, stupid ‘Cog Dragon’!” Naoki angrily said as he shouted back ‘Ryo’.

“Ah! Damn it. Naoki, could you get off my back first before cursing out?” Keisuke angrily said as he groaned and asked Naoki who flinched.

“Big sister! Are you alright? Oh, Reika and Naomi are also in here.” Shouta exclaimed as he approached Aoi’s group.

“Huh?! Of course, we are! We also got exiled remember?” Reika said as she got pissed off and approached Shouta.

“Our main objective in here is done. I will now close this ‘Gate’.” Eito said as he gently closed the ‘Gate’ inwards and then carefully locked it.

“Eito, stop! Please do not close this ‘Gate’. I-It is so scary in here so please, please do not leave me again.” ‘Harue’s Silhouette’ said as it seized and started crying onto Eito’s right arm.

“’Harue’, please listen to me. As your friend, I swear that after my official coronation day you will be freed from those chains and from our ‘promise’.” Rai cheerfully said as she tousled ‘Harue’s hair.

“Really?! Wait! You were my friend? So, if I were to stay in here and become a good girl, Eito will you come back and rescue me?” ‘Harue’s Silhouette’ cheerfully said as she wondered and asked Rai.

“Yes. But, I will have you stay in here and guard this ‘Gate’ since it will never open again without its designated ‘Key’.” Rai seriously said as she whispered to ‘Harue’.

“Yes. And that is a promise. I will come in here and visit you often so please stop crying.” Eito seriously said as he gently wiped off ‘Harue’s tears.

“It is been awhile, Sir Eito. I just hope that you are doing the right thing for the sake of your beloved family.” King Markus said as he looked at Eito who flinched.

“No. I am doing this on my own volition. My family has absolutely nothing to with this.” Eito softly said as he stepped back away from the ‘Gate’.

“I see. It seems that your Father got disappointed to you as well. Anyway, I apologize. I was not able to conjure a ‘Nullifying’ Enchantment for your – Uh?” King Markus sadly said as he scratched his head.

“Please do not be, your Highness. It was my sole mistake to seek out for your assistance after ‘Princess’ Harue, Lady Emi and I discovered this ‘Cursed Mark’ of mine.” Eito sadly said as he clenched his left chest.

“I understand. And for you, young lady, see you back inside that damn ‘Plateau’.” King Markus seriously said as he glares back at Rai who started giggling.

“Same sentiments, your highness. And one more thing, everyone standing outside of this ‘Gate’, heed my only warning: ‘Stay out and never come back’. Sir Eito, let’s go back to the Kingdom!” Rai seriously said as she commanded to ‘Ryo’ and Eito.

King Markus, Shouta and the others all flinched as they slowly stepped away from the ‘Rusty Gate’.

“Fine. Anyway, where is that guy? The one who kept following by that strange ‘Silhouette’.” ‘Ryo’ softly said as he wondered and asked Rai.

“Now you finally noticed it? Sir Kazuki and that ‘Silhouette’ ran away to chase that black cat inside that part of this forest land.” Eito softly said as she tells to ‘Ryo’.

“A black cat huh? Wait! What?! You should have told me that earlier. Damn it! I will just meet you back at the Head Quarters.” ‘Ryo’ exclaimed as he started panicking and then ran away from Rai and Eito.

“Milady, this way please.” Eito softly said as he smiled back at Rai.

“Thank you, Sir Eito. Uh? We almost forgot him.” Rai cheerfully said as she saw Maki still trapped inside the bushes.

“Damn it! Somebody please help me – Wait! Eito, what the hell are you doing?” Maki exclaimed as he asked Eito.

“I’m trying to pull your right leg out of these poisoned bushes or do you want me to pull you left leg instead?” Eito politely said as he asked Maki who flinched.

“Poisoned huh? Are these small flowers called Ivies – Wait! No way! Hurry, please help and pull me out of here!” Maki exclaimed as he started panicking and pleaded to Eito.

“Now, while Sir Eito is trying to help Sir Maki out of the bushes… I would like to inform you, dear Reader that everything happened and what you have read in the past, must be kept as our little secret and must stay in the past. Thank you very much and enjoy reading the next chapter.” Rai softly said as she smiles back at the tree beside her.

“Who the hell is she talking to?” Maki said as he wondered and asked Eito.

“I do not know either. Anyway, let me try pulling you out of this bush again.” Eito said as he continues pulling Maki out of the bush.

“I knew it! You were wrong, Mr. Twig. I’m sure that my friends will rescue me soon out of these chains.” ‘Harue’s Silhouette’ cheerfully said as it seized the twig up on the ground.

Back in ‘Earth’

Inside Mr. Lukas’ Backyard…

King Markus’ group is seen standing on the other side of the ‘Gate’, watching Rai’s group walk back to ‘Alementalia’.

“Now, what are we going to do? They took Maki with them back to the Kingdom.” Keisuke said as he crossed his arms and wondered.

“Poor Harue. That is the main reason why I hate making promises.” Reika said as she sighed in relief.

“That ‘Silhouette’ was not able to go and rest inside ‘Abyssal Plateau’ until its ‘promise’ has been fulfilled.” Naomi said as she sat upright on the ground.

“While working in the ‘Main Island’, I have heard rumors that once you made a promise to someone, you must fulfill it no matter how long it takes or else you will be punished. Your false ‘promises’ shall turn into ‘curses’ and your ‘Silhouette’ will never find peace even after death.” King Markus said as he approached Shouta and the others.

“Ah! Good riddance. My little sister chose that ‘Demon Witch’ over me as her chosen ‘Candidate’ which turned her ‘promise’ into a ‘curse’ that she deserves – Huh!?” Hiiro said as he got frustrated and groaned out.

“Shut up, Hiiro! Harue is still you little sister.” Aoi angrily said as she approached and slapped Hiiro onto his right cheek.

“Oh? I see. I am not the bad sibling in here! I still remember that time when Maki and I witnessed how you gave up and sold your little brother to this old guy for that sack of gold coins.” Hiiro angrily said as he shouted back at Aoi who flinched.

“You two, that is enough! Hey – are you not going to stop your wife?” Shouta said as he asked Naoki.

“No. She is not my wife anymore. Damn it!” Naoki sadly said as he stepped back and then ran away from Shouta.

“What do you mean she is not? Hey – do not run away! Naoki?!” Shouta said as he shouted out, trying stop Naoki.

“Wait! Naoki, come back in here. Naoki!” Reika said as she ran away, chasing Naoki out of the backyard.

“Hm? I knew it! Naoki and Aoi had an argument before they finally came in and saw us hiding behind those bushes. ” Naomi said as she scratched her head.

“Alright! Everyone, that is enough. Now, you are all in here let’s get back to work.” King. Markus said as he started walking away from the ‘Rusty Gate’.

“Work?! We just got exiled, remember? Also, that ‘Demon Witch’ is about to destroy your beloved Kingdom and you still think about your stupid work?!” Shouta angrily said as he shouted back at King Markus.

“Of course, yes! This strange plan of mine is absolutely related on my – I mean our task of saving and retrieving our Kingdom back from that ‘Demon Witch’.” King Markus said as he looked at Shouta and the others.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Hiiro said as he wondered.

“I would like all of you to help me in finding that rumored ‘Troll Bridge’ used by the ‘First Human’ as his pathway to get inside our Kingdom.” King Markus seriously said as he tells to Shouta and the others.

“What?! As if that mysterious ‘Troll Bridge’ exists on this unknown world.” Shouta exclaimed as he wondered.

“That bridge huh? I have only read that legend in Master Kai’s journal once inside the ‘Heroes’ Club room before.” Hiiro said as he dusted off his cape.

“I’m in! But, I will only cooperate if you triple my payment after.” Reika cheerfully said as she approached King Markus.

“Since when you are interested on saving the Kingdom?” Naomi said as she wondered and asked Reika.

“No. I’m only interested on his Highness’ job offer except on that part where we were asked to ‘save’ the kingdom from Lady Rai.” Reika said as she smirked back at Naomi who sighed.

“Please calm down, my apprentices. I know that you are all excited for this mission but for the meantime, let’s leave and descend off this mountain. Your Auntie and his husband were probably waiting for all of you back inside their minivan currently being parked at the Main Highway.” King Markus said as he tells to Shouta and the others.

“What?! You should have told us that earlier. Damn it!” Shouta angrily said as he started panicking and then ran away.

“You heard his Highness. Let’s get out of here.” Keisuke said as he yawned and then stretched out his arms.

Back in ‘Alementalia’

‘Central District’

One hour later…

Rai’s group finally arrived inside the ‘District’ where Sir Yuki and the others were waiting for her.

“Oh my! Your Majesty, welcome back! Thank goodness that you are safe.” The overjoyed Mr. Nile exclaimed as he noticed Rai and approached her.

“T-Thank you, Mr. Nile. I’m also glad that you are finally awake.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at Mr. Nile.

“Welcome back, your Majesty. While you are out, I ordered Mr. Carlo and Mr. Nile to help the other ‘Imperial Soldiers’ to bring those wounded civilians directly to Sir Sean’s clinic situated on the other side of this street.” Sir Yuki said as reported to Rai.

“Thank you, Sir Yuki. Now, would you be so kind to apprehend and take this mercenary to the ‘Underground Prison’?” Rai said as she asked Sir Yuki.

“Mercenary? Wait – Sir Maki?! What the hell happened to your face?” Sir Yuki exclaimed as he approached Maki on the ground.

“Sir Maki got pricked by those poisoned ivies earlier and had a severe allergy reaction afterwards. It got worse while I was carrying him back in here.” Eito said as he reported to Sir Yuki.

“I see. Your Majesty, may I suggest bringing him to the clinic first before we - Uh? Sir Hikaru, you are back.” Sir Yuki said as he noticed Hikaru and Mayumi standing behind Rai and Eito.

“Hikaru, we finally found her so let’s get out of here.” Mayumi nervously said as she nudged Hikaru’s right arm.

“Hikaru! Thank goodness, you are also safe. I was so worried about you and – Huh!?” Rai exclaimed as she ran towards Hikaru.

“H-How could you do this to me?!” Hikaru angrily said as he suddenly slapped Rai onto her left cheek.

“Curse you, Hikaru! How dare you do that to her Majesty?!” Sir Eito angrily said as he approached Hikaru.

“Hikaru? I-I do not understand. Why are you so angry at me?” Rai said as she wondered and asked Hikaru.

“You took everything I have worked so hard for three years away from me… Everything! You pretended to become my friend and deceived me. I will make you pay for this.” Hikaru angrily said as shouted back at Rai.

“Oh, is that so? I think it is the other way around. Am I right, Hikaru?” Rai seriously said as she glares back at Hikaru who flinched.

“Sir Yuki, immediately apprehend these rude ‘Soldiers’ and bring them to the ‘Underground Prison’ along with this mercenary.” Mr. Nile said as he commanded to Yuki.

“As you wish, your highness. Lady Mayumi, this way please.” Sir Yuki seriously said as approached Mayumi.

“Wait – What?! Me too? No! Get away from me.” Mayumi said as she started panicking and then slowly stepped back away from Hikaru and Rai.

“Hurry! Get these two out of my sight.” Rai angrily said as she commanded to Sir Yuki who flinched.

“As you wish, your Majesty.” Sir Yuki sadly said as he started dragging Hikaru and Mayumi away from Rai.

“Everyone, look over there! Her Majesty is back!” Mr. ‘Iytherian’ #1 cheerfully said as he approached Rai.

“Uh? Everyone, please listen to me – your Majesty! We have a problem. Those villagers are currently running towards us to welcome you back in the Kingdom.” Eito nervously said as he panicked and gently tousled Rai’s hair.

“I see. My apologies. Let them come.” Rai sadly said as she gently wiped off her tears.

“Milady, here. You can use my handkerchief instead.” Eito cheerfully said as he took out his handkerchief and gave it to Rai.

“Uh?! Thank you very much, Eito.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled back at Eito who blushed.

“Ah! Somebody please help us! There is a ‘White Skeleton’ suspiciously sleeping inside the water fountain in the middle of the plaza.” Ms. ‘Wathyrian’ #1 said as she shouted out along the streets.

“Amazing! I was not informed that Mr. Terry and his ‘Skeleton Army’ can do that.” Rai said as she wondered.

“There you are, Sir Eito! Please help us! Sir Sai has started a fight with those strange ‘Wathyrian’ twin children inside that bakery.” Mr. ‘Aethyrian’ #1 said as he reported to Eito.

“I understand. Your Majesty, please stay in here with Mr. Nile. I will be right back – Huh!? Did you heard that?” Eito exclaimed as he wondered.

“I wonder where does that sudden loud explosion came from.” Mr. Nile said as he crossed his arms.

“There you are, your Majesty! Please, please help us! My colleagues and I were rebuilding our homes when that flaming ‘Beast’ or child whatever he is came in there and started stealing our hand tools and materials out of our stores.” Mr. ‘Fireiyan’ #1 said as he reported to Rai.

“Sir Hiiro is right after all. With those naughty ‘Beasts’ wandering inside this destroyed ‘Island’, exactly how the hell are you going to rebuild this Kingdom?” Eito exclaimed as he started panicking and asked Rai.

“Truth to be told, I do not know either but let’s see soon.” Rai said as she giggled out, making Eito and Mr. Nile flinched.

Thank you very much for waiting. Sorry for the super late update. I had to sort some things and unimportant stuff out of my life. Anyway, Here is Chapter one and enjoy reading. Will try to update this/next week so stay tuned. – Cheche – chan.