Finally, the moment had arrived; Harry and Stephen had been teleported to the bridge over the river. The calm waters of the river flowed silently under the bridge, while the sunlight danced on the surface of the water. With a silent gesture, Harry touched Stephen's shoulder and pulled him closer. When Stephen opened his eyes, he found himself facing a captivating sight: the bridge stretching out before them formed a mysterious and majestic silhouette.
As they stepped onto the bridge, the sound of water could be heard from beneath the boards. The gentle breeze occasionally rustled the wooden structure of the bridge. Despite encountering worn-out and cracked planks at times, they continued to move forward.
With a sigh filled with exhaustion, Stephen asked, "Why are we walking this path? Why didn't you teleport us directly to our destination?"
In a weary tone, Harry replied, "Because magic cannot be used in this area."
Stephen expressed a slight disappointment, saying, "Oh..." as they continued on their way, his eyes reflecting uncertainty and curiosity, ready to take the next step.
As they ascended the bridge, the atmosphere became even more tense, and Stephen's ears filled with a piercing pain from the height. With each step, the pain in his ears increased, even amidst the stunning scenery. Impatience had taken hold of him, and Harry must have noticed. With a tired smile, he said, "We're almost there. Hang in there, please," but at the moment, Stephen was solely focused on the door ahead.
When he looked up, the scenery changed, and a smile appeared on his face. Above them, there loomed a door of magnificent size and grandeur, dazzling his eyes. He sighed inwardly, forgetting the pain of his exhaustion as he hurried towards the door. While Harry ran to catch up, Stephen hastened his steps, as if racing towards the door.
However, he was so engrossed that he didn't even notice the guards at the entrance to the door. They were immediately halted; the guards stood erect, their faces displaying seriousness as they guarded the entrance, resembling guardians of time.
One guard suddenly drew his sword from its sheath. The sharp edge of the metal blade gleamed, reflecting the sunlight. Stepping forward with determination, he bellowed in a masculine and menacing voice, "Why have you come? Who are you? Answer quickly!"
The guard's appearance was impressive; his sturdy stance exuded confidence, while his sword emphasized his seriousness. The other guards stood silently behind him, their eyes displaying attentiveness and preparedness. Both of their attires emitted a mysterious aura that blended with the surroundings.
⚔️⚔️⚔️
Princess Amber leaned against a marble railing adorned with golden details on the balcony of the castle. The magnificent gardens and vast lands of the castle lay before her. Among these gardens, one held a special place in her heart. This garden was specially commissioned by King Edward for his late queen, Layla. It stood out from the others with its grandeur.
However, the princess seemed not to be enjoying these beauties. Lost in deep thoughts, she gazed into the distance with a melancholic expression.
As her hair danced lightly in the breeze, her eyes were lost in the distance. Perhaps she was in the grip of an internal struggle or battling a pain in her heart. Yet, even from the outside, these emotional storms within her could be easily discerned.
The servants wandering the corridors of the castle noticed the princess's melancholy state and looked at each other in curiosity. However, none of them dared to inquire.
Amber felt alone in every aspect within the castle. While roaming the grand, majestic corridors, it felt as though this structure had isolated her from the outside world, almost imprisoning her. The echoing footsteps between the stone walls with each step only emphasized her loneliness.
In the grand halls of the castle, amidst the gilded furniture, Amber felt as though she were in some kind of dungeon. This feeling fueled her desire for freedom even more. However, she also knew that living in this castle was the dream of many young girls. Yet, the loneliness and sense of imprisonment brought by this dream were never desired.
Encountering nobles and ladies in the tranquil corridors of the castle would leave Amber feeling empty. Although she conversed with them, she could not enjoy it. The insincerity of their conversations only made her feel lonelier. She couldn't form an emotional connection because no one saw the real Amber within her. Every day, the scream inside her would be silenced, trapped within the castle walls, hoping for her freedom to come.
Although Amber had to accept her current situation, her greatest dream was always to become a master of magic. She wanted to work in the organization and fight criminals. Albert, her mentor, had seen great potential in Amber and had told her that she could become one of the strongest wizards if she worked hard enough. However, being trapped within the castle walls hindered her from realizing these dreams.
Amber never lost faith in her magical abilities and potential. She always read books on magic and prioritized magic training. She took notes on everything she learned from Albert about magic mastery. According to what she learned from the wizard, if she wanted to be noticed more easily by the organization, she should join the Chosen Ones. Albert promised to talk to the organization leaders about her joining the Chosen Ones if she further developed herself. No matter what, Amber would continue to fight for her dreams.
As she drowned in the dark sea of loneliness, a commotion reached Amber's ears. It was the shouting of a guard at the castle door. For a moment, Amber was surprised by this sudden activity, and she wanted to go down and see what was happening, but her uncle stopped her immediately. With a curious expression, Amber looked at her uncle as he said, "They've found the one who stole the Sword of Justice. And he's come to us himself. Unbelievable." These words did not answer Amber's questions. Instead, they only fueled her curiosity even more.
Amber expressed her desire to go down and see what was happening, stating her curiosity, "Please let me go too."
"Unfortunately, Amber. It could be dangerous."
The silence between these sentences reflected Amber's indecision and her uncle's concern. Her uncle was considering her safety and insisting that she not take any risks. However, Amber's curiosity and desire wanted to investigate this mysterious event filled with obstacles. The tension between the two sides was a reflection of Amber's complex emotions because she was caught between both security and exploration desires.
Amber had no choice but to focus on the sounds of chaos to try to guess what was happening. It would be very difficult to distinguish the sounds of chaos in this castle filled with voices. This further fueled her curiosity. However, for now, she was content to just listen because her uncle's warning still echoed in her mind.
But this wait wouldn't last long. Amber was determined to find a way to get there. At any cost, she had to be at the scene.
Her uncle left her alone and went to the scene. Just then, Amber's mentor, Albert, approached her. Albert's quick steps and worried looks further increased Amber's excitement.
With curious eyes, Amber said to him, "Are you going there?"
"Yes, although I don't want to go, I have to. I need to confirm something," he replied in a weary tone.
"Please, take me with you."
"Aren't they allowing you to go?"
"My uncle is preventing it. But you can take me, I know. You work for the organization, so you must have some unknown powder. "
"You've done too much research on the organization. Since that's the case, I won't refuse it. Maybe your help will be useful for me to confirm the situation."
"Thank you, Master Albert."
Now with Albert, Amber was walking confidently. Her eyes bravely moved towards the scene. There was no turning back now.
⚔️⚔️⚔️
"Indeed, sir, he is the owner of the Justice Sword," Harry replied confidently and warmly.
"But he's a criminal. How can he be the owner?"
"The sword chose him. We are sure of that," he replied with a determined expression this time.
Henry also joined the scene. Having heard Harry's last words, he said, "No, that's impossible!"
"It's not, sir. Even the demon said he was the owner. It tried to attack him because of it."
"Are you really going to believe every word those monsters say? There's no trust in them. The Queen of Evils is our enemy!"
"So, are you saying he tricked us?"
"Exactly, yes. Moreover, if he's the owner and so sure about it, why did he escape from the dungeon by disguising himself as me? I've been through a lot because of him!"
Stephen had remained silent for a long time, but this time he couldn't keep his silence. In a resentful tone, his voice trembling, he said, "Because no matter what I said, you didn't believe me, and you would have continued not to believe me!"
As these words echoed around, the atmosphere tensed for a moment. Henry responded with astonishment, "Look at the tone you're using with a mighty palace wizard! Why would the Sword choose such a disrespectful owner?"
With these words, the tension in the room increased even more. Stephen's anger and Henry's astonishment filled the air with higher tension.
Albert, opening the door, stepped out into the castle's garden. Unexpectedly, Amber was also with him. Her presence created an unexpected change in the atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention in the room. All eyes were on Amber.
Albert glanced around the room and saw two unexpected figures there. He looked at Stephen's face with surprise. This boy was the one he had hit on the head and imprisoned weeks ago. The expression on Albert's face reflected his inner turmoil and astonishment. Stephen's presence reminded him of past events and stirred up complex emotions within Albert.
The other second person was Harry. Harry's presence further complicated the situation. As Albert quickly prepared to cast a defensive spell, Harry intervened to stop him. This sudden intervention heightened the tension in the room and made the atmosphere even more intense.
"Sir, please don't. He is the owner of the Justice Sword," Harry said.
Albert, shocked by Harry's words, fell into deep thought. He examined Stephen for a long time, carefully studying him, trying to understand his complex emotions. Amber quietly followed Albert, sharing his determination and curiosity.
Finally, Albert took a step towards Stephen and approached him a little. This directed the attention of the others in the room to listen more carefully.
"Why don't we look at his right arm? We might understand it more easily," Amber suggested thoughtfully.
"No, there was no birthmark," Albert said firmly.
But Harry insisted on his ownership. "But Aina said he could wield her sword. Could you look at the birthmark again? Maybe you're remembering it wrong."
These words made the atmosphere even more intense. Everyone was eagerly waiting for Albert to examine the birthmark on the right arm again. Finally, he asked Stephen to open his right arm. Although Stephen hesitated at first, he agreed after seeing Harry's gaze. Albert focused on Stephen's right arm for a while, examining it carefully. And he finally found that birthmark. He was looking at the birthmark on Stephen's shoulder, similar to a sword, still trying to grasp this sight.
"This is impossible! Why didn't I see it when I looked a few weeks ago but now I do? This is ridiculous."
Sensing Albert's discomfort, Harry addressed him, "Stay calm, Master Albert."
Albert took a deep breath for a moment and tried to calm down. However, his mind was still confused, and he couldn't hide his astonishment.
"Do you have the ring?" Albert asked, getting straight to the point.
Stephen nodded slowly and said, "Yes."
Albert continued firmly, "Give it to me."
"What if you take the sword from me? How can I trust you?" Stephen asked.
"Look at me, kid. I've been looking for the owner for years. Why would I take the sword from you? I have no reason to do that."
Satisfied with Albert's response, Stephen agreed to give up the ring. He took out the ring from his pocket and handed it to Albert. Albert took the ring and after casting a few spells on it, he put the ring on Stephen's finger. Then he quietly walked away.
Stephen was surrounded by golden fairy dust. These dust illuminated the room, turning the atmosphere into a magical one. As the fairy dust spread around, it danced around Stephen, giving him a natural glow.
When the fairy dust disappeared, Stephen stood there in princely attire. His attire was rich and magnificent, with a crown sparkling on his head. He wore a flawless prince outfit made of white silk; a long coat adorned with golden embroideries, with a small cape detail added to his shoulders. Underneath was a shirt made of flowing and rich fabric. His trousers were elegantly tailored, hugging his legs snugly. He wore black leather boots, adorned with golden buckles.
Stephen looked at himself in amazement, astonished by this sudden transformation. Now he emerged as a prince, but it wasn't just a change in appearance; it also awakened a new sense of power and responsibility within him.
Everyone watched him in admiration, except for two people; Henry and Prince Sam. They watched the scene with angry and disgusted expressions.