Chapter 3

When Roy finished his first lesson, he was exhausted but happy.

"Thank you," he told the princess. "I'm excited to learn more."

"Good boy," she said. "Now let's take a break."

They went outside and ate lunch.

Later, they took a nap. When they woke up, they continued their studies.

Before long, Roy was a master of all subjects.

He could read and write in five languages. He could calculate numbers, draw maps, and solve equations.

Next, he learned how to use magic.

"This is fun," he said.

"It certainly is," Selena agreed.

By the end of the third week of classes, Roy was strong enough to beat the Demon Lord himself.

"Wow!" he exclaimed. "I'm awesome!"

"You are indeed," she said.

Roy practiced every day. Soon, he became the finest soldier the kingdom had ever seen.

At last, the time came for the Demon Lord to attack.

Roy stood at the front line alongside the princess.

"Don't worry," she told him. "You'll win this battle."

"Thanks."

Suddenly, the Demon Lord appeared.

He stepped out from behind his army and glared at Roy.

"Are you the weakling who's going to save the world?" he demanded.

Roy gave him a big smile.

"Yes, I am."

The Demon Lord roared with laughter.

"Ha ha! You're a funny little boy. Show me your sword!"

"My name is Roy."

Roy unsheathed his weapon. It was a beautiful longsword.

"Nice blade!" the Demon Lord said. "But it's no match for mine! Come here, and I'll show you what I mean."

"No thanks," Roy replied. "I don't want to die."

"Then you're no better than a coward," the Demon Lord snarled. "But that's okay. I'll kill you anyway!"

The Demon Lord raised his hand.

An enormous ball of fire shot toward Roy.

He jumped backward with a shout.

A second later, the fireball slammed into the ground where he'd been standing.

Everyone looked at him in amazement.

"Did you see that?" he asked. "That was just a little bit of fire."

"Impossible!" the Demon Lord screamed. "He can control fire!"

"That's right," the princess said. "Only mages can do something like that."

"But he's just a kid!" the Demon Lord raged. "I'm a god! I can do anything!"

"I know," she replied calmly. "So can I."

"You?"

"Yes. My name is Selena. And I'm the strongest person in the world."

"I thought you were only a princess."

"I am. But I'm also a mage, much stronger than you."

"It doesn't matter," he sneered. "You're not powerful enough to defeat me. You'll die here today."

"Maybe not," she said. "But I still have one trick up my sleeve."

She took a small glass vial out of her pocket and handed it to Roy.

"Here," she said. "Hold this tight."

"What is it?"

"Just hold it. Don't drop it or touch it."

Roy nodded.

"All right," she said. "Now, watch closely."

Selena drew a circle on the ground with her finger.

The circle began to glow brightly.

"Wow!" Roy exclaimed. "Is that magic?"

"Yes. This is my spellbook. It contains all my spells. I've never used them myself, though."

"Why not?"

"Because the Demon Lord hates magic.