In the big, fancy room where the king sits on his throne, King Everhart III was talking to Thea, his maid. Thea stood out with her dark purple hair, purple eyes, glasses, and her maid outfit.
"You seem really into magic," King Everhart said, breaking the silence. "I think a magic guild could really use someone like you."
Thea, pushing her glasses up a bit, replied with a bit of hesitation. "I've tried guilds before, but it wasn't great. The guys there didn't treat me right, even after I told the leaders about it. They said they'd help, but nothing really changed. I always felt left out."
King Everhart listened carefully, then said, "The guilds here have strict rules against that sort of thing. If someone bothers you, tell the authorities here, and they'll handle it."
Thea looked at him, feeling a bit more hopeful after hearing his words.
As Riley burst into the throne room, his eyes sparkled with the mischief of knowing something others did not. "Your Majesty, King Everhart, I have something concerning Prince Vincent to report," he announced, barely containing his excitement.
King Everhart, seated upon his grand throne, looked down at Riley with a mix of curiosity and patience. "Go on, Riley. I'm listening."
"I happened to overhear him in his chambers, speaking to a girl. It sounded quite intimate. Perhaps he's taken a liking to one of the maids?" Riley suggested, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards.
King Everhart's expression remained unchanging. "Vincent isn't one to blur the lines of status. He knows his duties and responsibilities. But go on, tell me more."
Not missing a beat, Riley motioned towards the door. "Bernard, please, share what you told me."
Bernard, a bit hesitant, entered the room. "Your Majesty, I did indeed stumble upon Vincent speaking with a girl. I apologized for intruding, but... it's strange. I can't recall her face or anything about her appearance."
King Everhart's voice was soft, encouraging. "Bernard, tell me everything you remember, no matter how small."
Bernard shook his head, frustration clear in his voice. "I swear I saw her, yet... it's as if something blocks me from remembering her."
At this point, Thea, who had been standing quietly to the side, spoke up. "Your Majesty, may I suggest something? It's possible Vincent used a spell on Bernard to make him forget the girl's appearance."
Riley jumped on this. "If that's the case, it's treason! Vincent must be disciplined for using magic against another royal staff."
King Everhart raised his hand, silencing the room. "I know my son. Vincent is loyal to the kingdom and would never betray it. If he chose to use magic, he had his reasons. We must trust his judgment and believe it was for the greater good."
"But—" Riley began, his voice laced with concern and a hint of defiance.
King Everhart cut him off, his tone firm yet calming. "Riley, enough. Vincent is entitled to his privacy. Whatever he's hiding, it might be to his or our advantage. Unless there's solid evidence of wrongdoing, I consider this matter closed. I don't want to hear any more about it."
He then softened his gaze, looking at both Riley and Bernard. "Please, return to your duties."
Riley and Bernard exchanged a brief look, a silent conversation passing between them. They bowed, a gesture of respect and compliance, before turning on their heels to exit the throne room, leaving the king to his thoughts.
In the heart of a room shaped like a dome with walls curving into a cylindrical form, Vincent stood. The ambiance was mystical, highlighted by the dim, ambient lighting that seemed to emanate from the very structure of the room itself. At the center, a square pedestal caught the eye, its surface plain except for a blue translucent square that pulsed gently in the still air.
S-11's voice, bright yet tinged with a hint of sadness, echoed in Vincent's mind. "I wish you hadn't erased Bernard's memories about me, but I guess there was no stopping you," she mused. Her tone shifted quickly, bubbling with curiosity. "Anyway, what exactly is this place?"
Vincent glanced around, his eyes settling on the peculiar beauty of the room before responding. "This room is a gateway to the Zone of Trials. It's a place that transports people into a simulation where they combat monsters across various terrains. Its creation is among the most magnificent achievements of magic."
Excitement laced S-11's voice, her girly optimism shining through. "That's wonderful! You finally get to showcase your abilities after so long. Though, fighting in a real battle would be nicer since anything conjured by magic gives less experience."
Approaching the pedestal with measured steps, Vincent inhaled deeply, the air filling his lungs with a sense of readiness. Exhaling, he steeled himself. "Let's see what my newfound strength is truly capable of." His hand met the blue rectangle, and in moments, the surroundings dissolved, whisking him away.
Vincent materialized in a landscape that seemed to bleed despair. The ground was a canvas of black dirt, the sky a void of the same color, and dead trees stood as silent witnesses to the desolation. "This area looks dangerous," S-11 observed, her voice a mix of awe and concern in Vincent's mind. "I sense some S-rank monsters around, but I'm confident it won't be a problem for you."
In his mind, Vincent acknowledged the grim reality of his surroundings. 'This is the Lich King's Lair, the most difficult trial in the Zone of Trials so far. Only a few S-ranks have succeeded in defeating the boss.'