William rested on Emily's lap, her soft hums and gentle massage easing him into a state of relaxation. As he motioned for Ryan to start, Ryan nodded and patted the serpent. The creature's eyes flashed, and a portal materialized before them. The serpent entered the wormhole-like portal, and they began traveling through a tunnel of swirling light.
"I hope Her Highness won't find out we went to the Beastria World," Ryan mumbled, focusing on navigating the wormhole.
"Relax, we'll be back soon," William shrugged, unconcerned, while Emily continued humming softly, her fingers soothing his temples.
Ryan glanced back at them, shaking his head. Of course, none of you would feel scared—it's my fault for taking you guys there, he thought.
Beastria World was another Prime World, home to the Beast Folk. Unlike Riviera, where humans cultivated their talents through traditional means, the people of Beastria had their own unique system. They cultivated by absorbing atmospheric Sila and the essence from beasts they had slain. The Beast Folk were humanoid creatures with animalistic features—furry ears atop their heads, tails at their lower backs—and their bodies naturally absorbed Sila as they fought and grew older.
In Beastria, fighting was more than just survival—it was a way of life. Their bodies were built for combat, refining Sila through battle, growing stronger with each fight. One could even say they were born for the sole purpose of fighting, their very existence tied to the art of war.
For that very reason, this race was dubbed as Nature's Wrath, revered and feared for their unparalleled connection to their world, which they worshipped like a god.
Ryan soon spotted another portal forming ahead and steered the serpent through it, leaving the tunnel behind.
"We're back safely," he announced, relief evident in his voice.
But that relief was short-lived. As Ryan felt a sudden, intense glare at the back of his neck, his throat tightened in fear. Or maybe not... he thought nervously, turning his head to see Queen Lumia standing there, accompanied by Amelia. Both of them were glaring at him, though their anger seemed mostly directed at the still-unaware William, who was peacefully sleeping, oblivious to the trouble about to come his way.
Lumia silently approached William, her expression stern. Seeing him sleeping so peacefully, she grabbed his ear and gave it a sharp twist, nearly rotating it 360 degrees.
"Ouch, ouch, Mom, it hurts!" William cried out, immediately snapping out of his fake sleep.
But Lumia wasn't listening. She continued twisting his ear, her grip unrelenting. Meanwhile, Amelia had seized both Ryan and Emily by their collars, lifting them effortlessly off the ground like helpless kittens. The two looked like they were hanging from a stand, their eyes wide with fear as they dangled in the air, knowing they were in deep trouble.
"Willy, what is the most important thing for a Royal?" Lumia asked, narrowing her eyes at William.
"Perfect rest after a long battle?" William replied, turning his head away, not daring to meet her gaze.
"It's discipline," Lumia stated, her voice firm as her eyes seemed to pierce into his very soul.
"And you just broke not one, but several rules—lying to me, pretending to be exhausted, and arriving late are just a few of them," Lumia continued, her grip on his ear tightening as she began to drag him away. William's cries of protest echoed through the air, but Lumia was unmoved, pulling him along until they disappeared from sight.
Amelia then turned her attention to Ryan and Emily, her expression stern. "Do I really need to tell you two what your faults are?" she asked coolly.
Ryan and Emily hurriedly shook their heads, fear evident in their eyes.
"Good. It means you understand, and yet you still dared to disobey. I think doubling your punishment will be just right for the two of you," Amelia declared, her voice leaving no room for argument. She began to lead them toward the training hall, where a board with the words "Hall of Valor" magically inscribed on it loomed ominously.
As they trudged along, their faces drained of color, Ryan and Emily shared a grim thought. We can never win against this demon.
As Amelia led Ryan and Emily toward the Hall of Valor, the atmosphere grew heavier with each step. The training hall, often regarded as a place of honor, now felt more like a chamber of doom to the two. The magically inscribed board, "Hall of Valor," seemed to mock their situation, reminding them of the rigorous training that awaited.
Ryan and Emily exchanged glances, their shared dread palpable. They had experienced Amelia's strict training before, but they knew this time would be different. This time, they had disobeyed directly, and Amelia was not one to let such things slide.
Amelia stopped at the entrance to the hall, turning to face them. Her eyes were cold, calculating. "You two have potential," she began, her voice steady but laced with a tone that made their hearts sink. "But potential means nothing if it isn't forged with discipline. Today, we will see just how much you're willing to endure to prove that you are worthy of serving William."
Ryan swallowed hard, his mind racing. I just wanted to help... he thought, but he knew better than to voice any excuses. Amelia wouldn't tolerate it. Emily, standing beside him, steeled herself, her fists clenching as she prepared for what was to come.
"Your punishment will be the same training regimen Prince William goes through," Amelia continued, her gaze never wavering. "But doubled."
"If you think you can take part in his shenanigans then show me that you can also prevail like him" She added with a stern gaze.
Ryan and Emily's eyes widened. They knew William's training was intense—far more grueling than anything they had ever endured. To face that, and more, was daunting.
Without another word, Amelia motioned for them to enter the hall. As they stepped inside, the door closed behind them with a resounding thud, sealing their fate.