Scene: King's Palace, Continuing the Conversation
The tension in the room thickens as Boldon shifts in his stance, a sly smile creeping onto his face. He sees an opportunity to undermine the Novac family and its reputation.
Boldon: (smugly) "Your Majesty, while we're discussing threats and family power... I feel it's important to mention that General Aiden's daughter, Linda, has been acting beyond the rules. She recently took it upon herself to kill an intruder—a demon—without proper protocol. She hasn't even bothered to report here, to face the consequences of her actions."
Aiden Novac: (narrowing his eyes, fists clenching) "Boldon, watch your words. My daughter's actions are in the best interests of the kingdom, and you know it. Don't twist her bravery into something dishonorable."
Boldon: (feigning innocence) "Oh, I'm not questioning her bravery, Aiden. I'm merely pointing out that there are rules, and even the most powerful families should follow them. Otherwise, where does it end? Chaos, perhaps?"
Aiden Novac: (gritting his teeth, his temper rising) "Linda saved lives, Boldon. Don't act like you care about the people—this is about your petty rivalry."
Before the situation escalates further, the King raises his hand, his calm voice cutting through the tension.
King: (calmly) "Enough. Both of you."
The room falls silent as everyone looks at the King.
King: (thoughtful) "Sometimes, when rules and protocols fail to keep the peace, we must rely on courage and instinct. Linda acted bravely and saved lives. For that, we should be thankful."
Boldon: (surprised, trying to hide his frustration) "But, Your Majesty, the rules—"
King: (interrupting, with a firm yet calm tone) "Boldon, rules are essential, yes. But there are times when rules alone cannot protect the people. We are fortunate that Linda took swift action when she did. Her decisiveness saved a child and restored order. For that, she deserves our gratitude, not scrutiny."
Aiden Novac: (smirking slightly, but remaining respectful) "Thank you, Your Majesty. Linda understands the weight of her responsibilities, and she acted in the best interest of the kingdom."
Boldon: (gritting his teeth, still attempting to maintain his composure) "Of course, Your Majesty. I'm sure Linda had good intentions. It's just... important that we don't let emotions override proper conduct."
King: (calm but with finality) "And it's equally important that we recognize when someone's bravery exceeds the limits of our expectations. Linda acted not out of recklessness, but out of necessity. That is something to commend, not criticize."
Boldon: (bowing slightly, masking his frustration) "As you say, Your Majesty."
King: (nodding) "Now, let us focus on the real threat—these demons. We need strength, strategy, and unity to protect the kingdom. There will be no more bickering over family matters."
Scene: The King's Palace, After the Meeting
The King stands, signaling that the meeting is over. The tension in the air lingers as the generals and nobles begin to file out of the grand hall. Aiden and Boldon walk side by side, though the atmosphere between them is anything but friendly.
King: (calmly) "You are all dismissed. Focus on the task ahead. The kingdom must be protected."
The scene shifts to the palace grounds as Aiden and Boldon leave together, both still on edge.
Boldon: (smirking as they walk) "So, Aiden, let's see how your family deals with the demons. After all, you so boldly volunteered to lead the charge. You'd better not disappoint."
Aiden Novac: (with a sharp glare) "You'd like that, wouldn't you, Boldon? Sitting back, hoping for failure so you can swoop in and claim all the glory. But I promise you—my family will handle this, and when we do, don't even think about interfering."
Boldon: (chuckling sarcastically) "Oh, don't worry. If you somehow manage to handle these demons, I won't lift a finger. But I doubt you'll succeed without my help. Let's be real, Aiden—without the Igedvon family, the kingdom would have fallen long ago."
Aiden Novac: (voice low and threatening) "Be careful, Boldon. Your arrogance blinds you. If you or your family try to meddle in this, you'll regret it. I don't take kindly to interference, and I won't be merciful if you stand in my way."
Boldon: (grinning, leaning in slightly) "Oh, I'd love to see you try, Aiden. But we both know that when the real threat emerges, you'll be the one asking for mercy."
The tension between them crackles, both men staring each other down, neither willing to back off. Their rivalry, already fierce, seems to escalate with each word.
Aiden Novac: (warning, voice cold) "I'll handle the demons, Boldon. Keep your family out of it, or you'll see just how little mercy I have."
Boldon: (mockingly, with a smirk) "I'll be watching, Aiden. Watching you fail."
With a final glare, Aiden turns and walks away, leaving Boldon standing with a satisfied smirk on his face. Their rivalry continues to intensify, both men determined to outshine the other.
The scene fades out as Boldon watches Aiden's retreating figure, the tension between the two families far from over.
Scene: The King's Room
The grand doors of the King's chamber close behind him as he takes his seat at the head of a long, ornate table. His most trusted advisors stand around him, alongside two of the top teachers from the kingdom's most prestigious university—Kaelen and Enna. They are here to discuss the Gunxam Exam, which will determine the future warriors of the realm.
The air is thick with anticipation as the King addresses the room.
King: (speaking with authority) "The Gunxam Exam is approaching quickly. The matches must be fair, and we must ensure that everything is organized with precision. This tournament will shape the future of our kingdom, and we need to be prepared."
An advisor unrolls a large scroll, displaying the fixtures for the upcoming tournament.
Advisor: (pointing to the fixtures) "Your Majesty, these are the current match schedules. We've grouped the participants based on their skill levels and specialties. The rules will remain unchanged: no fatal strikes, and every competitor must balance their physical strength with magical prowess."
King: (nodding) "Excellent. But this year, I want to see something more. I want new faces to rise to the occasion, not just the same names and families."
The King then turns to the two teachers from the university, each renowned for their roles in shaping the next generation of warriors. He first looks at Marlow, a sharp and confident instructor known for his rigorous training in magical powers.
King: (to Marlow) "Marlow, how are your students preparing for the Gunxam this year?"
Marlow: (with a proud smile) "Your Majesty, my students are as prepared as ever. They've been trained to harness the deepest levels of magic, and I have no doubt that many of them will reach the finals, as they always do. Magic has always been the defining factor in this tournament, and this year will be no different."
The King listens carefully but shows a subtle smile, as if expecting a change in the usual outcomes.
King: (gently but firmly) "Marlow, I understand your confidence, but this year might surprise you. I have a feeling that there will be more balance between physical prowess and magical skill. We may see different strengths emerge."
Marlow chuckles softly, though his confidence doesn't waver.
Marlow: "With all due respect, Your Majesty, magic has always determined the champions of the Gunxam. The strongest magic-wielders inevitably rise to the top. I see no reason for that to change this year."
The King then turns to Moana, a quiet yet commanding presence in the room, known for her expertise in Teja Shakti, the energy that powers much of the kingdom's combat strength.
King: (addressing Moana) "And Moana, how are your students preparing? I've heard this year's class is especially large."
Moana: (calmly but with pride) "Indeed, Your Majesty. This year, we have the highest number of participants from my class in years. They've worked hard to master Teja Shakti and its practical applications in battle. They're not just focusing on magical power—they've honed their physical abilities as well. It's the largest group of entrants I've ever had."
King: (impressed) "That's wonderful to hear. A balance between magic and physical strength will be essential in this competition."
Marlow glances at Moana with a slightly raised eyebrow, clearly confident that his students' mastery of magic will still dominate the competition.
Marlow: (smirking) "A large group is impressive, but when it comes down to the finals, it's magic that will decide who wins. My students are ready to prove that, once again."
Moana: (smiling calmly, not rising to the bait) "Magic is important, yes, but this year will be about balance. Strength, strategy, and the control of Teja Shakti will matter more than ever. My students are prepared for every challenge."
The King watches the exchange between the two teachers with quiet amusement. He knows both are deeply invested in their students, but he also senses that this year's tournament will be different.
King: (thoughtfully) "This year, I believe we will see more surprises than ever before. Moana, your students' mastery of Teja Shakti will certainly play a key role. But Marlow, don't assume magic alone will lead to victory. Strategy and adaptability will be just as important."
The room falls quiet as the King's words sink in. The teachers exchange glances—Marlow's pride clashing with Moana's calm confidence.
Moana: (speaking evenly) "Your Majesty is right. The Gunxam is about more than just magical prowess. My students understand that they'll need to rely on their wits and strength as much as their magic."
Marlow: (unable to resist a final word) "We'll see, Moana. But I'm confident my students will show the kingdom that magic remains the key to victory."
The King stands, signaling that the discussion is nearing its end.
King: "Finalize the rules and fixtures. We want a fair competition, but also one that challenges our students in every way. Let this year's Gunxam reveal the true strength of our future warriors."
With that, the advisors begin gathering the scrolls and leaving the room, while Marlow and Moana exchange a final glance—both determined to see their students rise to the top. The air is thick with anticipation, as the future of the kingdom's strongest fighters rests on the outcome of the Gunxam.