I had just woken up when suddenly I heard a knock on the door. "Your Highness, Her Majesty is calling for you," the messenger announced.

"Please tell my mother that I'll be there in a minute," I replied, quickly getting ready for the day. Verano frí, the summer vacation in Enchantia, had just ended. On Earth, they called it "summer break." Before I continue with my point of view, let me first explain our world and how we discovered Earth.

In our world, a wide variety of creatures coexist, including element guardians, wizards, vampires, wolves, hybrids, and more. However, some races, such as the reapers, fairies, faes, and Elves, have vanished, and the reason for their disappearance remains unknown. My aunt once told me that these races disappeared like bubbles after the second great war that took place 20 years ago.

We learned about the existence of the dimension called Earth through our studies at Stoneix High. When I was younger, I even had the opportunity to visit Earth through a portal that connects our realms. While our language is the same as Earth's, the main difference is that they do not possess or utilize magic, whereas we have no technology.

After taking a bath and getting dressed, I made sure to tidy up my room before heading to the throne room where my mother awaited me.

"My dear child, are you excited to return to Stoneix?" my mother asked, her eyes filled with affection.

"Yes, mother," I replied. "And I will ensure that our kingdom remains in the first rank, just as it was before Verano frí."

Upon arriving at school, I expected to see my fellow Elementians excited about returning to Stoneix. However, their expressions were filled with sadness, annoyance, and worry. I wondered what could have caused such discontent among them.

"What happened here?" I asked aloud, trying to remain calm.

"Um, er," Rovina, my cousin and the daughter of Duchess Ireyns, the current Guardian of the Fire element, appeared beside me.

"You see, dear cousin," Rovina began, and I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to explain. "Elementia is now in the second rank."

I was taken aback by her words. "What? Are you not joking?" I exclaimed. "You realize that what you're saying is impossible?! Our kingdom was in the first place before Verano frí."

"I know," Rovina sighed. "Let me show you." She led me to a large book located at the center of the school.

I could hardly believe my eyes. Valoria was now in the lead, and Elementia had fallen below them. It was a shock, especially considering my recent declaration to my mother. I remembered that during our last visit, Elementia was still in the first rank and had a fifty-point lead over Valoria. Unless the Prince of Valoria returned and won a one-hundred-point battle before the end of Verano frí...

What if he really came back?

I glanced behind me, then at the balconies above, and finally scanned the entire central area of the school. Rovina spoke, bringing my attention back to her.

"Hey, cousin, are you okay?"

Before I could respond, something or rather someone caught my attention.

"I see my suspicions were correct. My rival has returned from Earth."

Without hesitation, I walked toward him, but before I could reach him, he vanished. Of course, being a vampire, he could disappear and move at will.

"What do you want?"

"Goodness!" I exclaimed, startled when he suddenly appeared behind me.

  His voice was cold and his eyes piercing.

"I want Elementia to reclaim its rightful rank," I stated firmly, not backing down.

Instead of answering, he gave me a cold, blank stare. The other students started to stare as well, making the situation even more uncomfortable.

"Tsk, what do I have to say?" he finally spoke, taking steps toward me. "Do you think I'll agree with you that easily?"

"What are you doing?" I asked, realizing I had unknowingly backed myself against a wall. I felt embarrassed, with everyone's eyes on us.

He continued to approach, and I continued to step backward until I had no more room. The situation was becoming increasingly frustrating, and the tension was palpable.

"Hey, what are you up to?" I demanded, my voice laced with concern.

Instead of responding, he simply smirked. His eyes remained cold, but an evil grin formed on his lips. Could vampires even grin? Nevermind.

Suddenly, he leaned in close to my ear.

"You look like a messed up tomato, princess," he sneered. "Oh, and if you want your kingdom to regain the first rank, how about a royal duel? Unless, of course, you're a wimp and too scared to-"

*WHACK*

I interrupted him with a blow to his jaw. I had initially planned to aim lower, but I decided to show mercy, choosing a different target. He deserved it for underestimating a future queen.

"That's what you get for looking down on me," I exclaimed. "Fine, if that's what it takes for me and my people to reclaim our rightful place, then so be it. Prince Austin Valor, I challenge you to a royal duel!"

Gasps filled the air as the students around us reacted to my declaration.

"I gladly accept, Princess Ebieria," he replied coldly, holding his jaw. And with that, he disappeared.

"Cousin," Rovina spoke, standing beside me. "What are you going to do? It's the first day of school, and you've already caused trouble,"

"I know, Rove. But this is for the future of Elementia as well."

"Hmm, cousin, I trust your strength, but what if Austin uses one hundred percent of his power? We've only seen him at around fifty to sixty percent, and even then, he defeated three dragons effortlessly while we were still new students here."

"I understand, Rovina. But don't forget that I also defeated those dragons using only fifty percent of my power."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot. You both possess similar strength. But if he uses his one hundred percent, will you do the same?"

"No," I replied. "Because I would rather rely on my seventh hidden power instead of using my full strength."

Rovina who was confused, asked. "Why?"

"I've explained this before, Rove. Utilizing one hundred percent of my power could cause chaos. Imagine a blue fire tornado mixed with lightning, a hurricane, a powerful earthquake, and a flash flood. Do you want that to happen in Enchantia?"

"Oh, no. I forgot that the elements are connected to you," she said. "You might end up destroying an entire race instead of defeating just one person."

"Exactly. fifty percent of my power is already sufficient enough, and relying on my seventh hidden power will make things much easier. After all, we don't know if he possesses a hidden power like I do."