Scene: The King's Room, Continuing the Discussion
The room quiets as the conversation between Moana and Marlow comes to a close. Both teachers exchange final glances of professional rivalry before the King shifts his attention to the remaining teachers seated at the grand table. The future of the Gunxam Exam hinges not just on magical prowess and Teja Shakti, but also on the disciplines that these other masters have honed in their students.
King: (calmly) "Thank you, Moana, Marlow. Your insights are valuable, but the Gunxam is not solely a test of magic. There are many paths to victory, as our other esteemed teachers can attest."
The King turns his gaze to Jurem Novac, the instructor of Swordsmanship, and a proud member of the powerful Novac family. The weight of tradition and martial skill rests on his shoulders.
King: (addressing Jurem) "Jurem, swordsmanship has long been a cornerstone of the Gunxam. How are your students preparing this year? Will we see the next great swordsman rise from your ranks?"
Jurem Novac: (nodding respectfully, his voice steady and sure) "Your Majesty, the art of the sword is ever-evolving, yet the foundation remains unshaken. My students have dedicated themselves to perfecting techniques passed down through the Novac family and beyond. Their blades will speak for them in the arena."
King: (thoughtfully) "I expect more than just mastery of the blade, Jurem. This year's Gunxam will be a test of adaptability and ingenuity, as much as it is of strength. Will your students be prepared for that?"
Jurem Novac: (calmly) "They will, Your Majesty. A sword is more than just a weapon—it is an extension of one's will. My students have been trained to anticipate, to adapt, and to overcome any obstacle. You will see their skill in its purest form."
The King acknowledges Jurem's confidence with a nod before his gaze shifts to the next teacher.
King: (turning to Uiden Igedvon) "Uiden, your students are known for their hand-to-hand combat. In battles where weapons and magic might fail, they have proven their worth time and again. How are they preparing?"
Uiden Igedvon, known for his intensity, smiles with quiet confidence as he speaks of his students, who train in Combat and Martial Arts.
Uiden Igedvon: (grinning slightly) "Your Majesty, my students don't need weapons to win. Their bodies are their weapons. They've been trained in every form of combat—quick to react, strong in defense, and brutal in offense. When the time comes for close combat, they will dominate."
King: (smiling) "Good. There will be times in the Gunxam when weapons and magic alone won't be enough. I trust that your students will be ready for those moments."
Next, the King turns to Duren Novac, a quiet but respected figure who oversees the Medical and Healing Arts at the academy. Duren's students may not be the ones wielding weapons, but their role in the tournament is just as critical.
King: (to Duren) "Duren, your students often go unnoticed, but they are the backbone of the battlefield. Healing is as important as fighting. How are they preparing for this year's Gunxam?"
Duren Novac: (speaking softly but with conviction) "Your Majesty, my students have been trained to ensure that no warrior stays down for long. Speed and precision in healing will be their focus. When the battle rages on, it will be my students who make sure their comrades can keep fighting. Healing is not passive—it is as vital as any sword or spell."
King: (nodding approvingly) "Indeed. A warrior who can return to the fight is worth more than any fallen hero. I trust your students will be the unseen strength behind the strongest competitors."
The King's attention then shifts to Gureka Igedvon, whose expertise lies in Mineral and Nature Manipulation. Though less prominent in the public eye, Gureka's students wield the power of the earth itself, turning nature into a weapon.
King: (to Gureka) "Gureka, your students control the forces of nature and minerals. How are they preparing to integrate these elements into their strategies for the Gunxam?"
Gureka Igedvon: (calm and composed) "Your Majesty, my students have learned to bend the elements to their will. The ground beneath their feet is their ally, the minerals in the earth their shield. Whether it's raising stone barriers or harnessing the energy of the earth, they are prepared to make nature work for them. The environment will be their battlefield."
King: (smiling) "Nature is often underestimated, but in the right hands, it can be more dangerous than any sword. I look forward to seeing how your students reshape the battlefield."
Next in line is Nuka Isseki, the head of Artificery. Her students specialize in crafting tools and devices that can change the outcome of any battle. Their innovations often surprise even the most seasoned warriors.
King: (to Nuka) "Nuka, artificers are the creators of the tools that shape the future of warfare. How will your students contribute to the Gunxam this year?"
Nuka Isseki: (with a proud smile) "Your Majesty, this year, my students have truly excelled. They've created devices that can enhance a warrior's magic, disrupt an opponent's spells, and even alter the terrain. The future of battle lies in innovation, and this year's Gunxam will showcase just how powerful these tools can be."
King: (impressed) "Innovation is the key to progress. I expect your students will show us all that warfare isn't just about brute strength or magic, but about outthinking the opponent."
The King pauses for a moment, his gaze moving across the room as he realizes someone important is missing.
King: (slightly concerned) "Where is Geinna Isseki, the teacher of Technology and Innovation? She is notably absent from this important meeting."
Nuka Isseki, Geinna's older sister, clears her throat slightly before addressing the King.
Nuka Isseki: (respectfully) "Your Majesty, my sister has been preoccupied with a major project. She sends her apologies for not being able to attend today. Geinna's focus has been entirely on developing new technologies that she believes will revolutionize the battlefield. Her students have been working under her guidance, but she requested a bit more time to finalize her work."
King: (thoughtful, but not upset) "I see. Geinna's contributions to the Gunxam have always been... unexpected. I trust that whatever she is working on will make a significant impact when the time comes. However, make sure she is ready when the tournament begins. Innovation without proper timing can lead to chaos."
Nuka Isseki: (bowing slightly) "Of course, Your Majesty. I will relay your message to her."
The King then turns to the final teacher present, Lui Igedvon, who oversees the training of students in Animal and Beast Mastery. Lui's students form powerful bonds with creatures, using them as both companions and weapons in battle.
King: (to Lui) "Lui, the bond between man and beast is one of the oldest forms of partnership in battle. How are your students preparing for the challenges of the Gunxam?"
Lui Igedvon: (proudly) "Your Majesty, my students have formed deep connections with their beasts. These creatures are not just animals—they are extensions of the warriors themselves. Whether in strength, speed, or ferocity, the beasts will be as crucial to the battles as the warriors themselves. Together, they will fight as one."
King: (thoughtfully) "The strength of a beast, combined with the strategy of its master, can turn the tide of any battle. I look forward to seeing how these partnerships play out in the arena."
The conversation comes to a close, and the King leans back in his chair, satisfied with the reports from each of the academy's teachers. Each discipline—swordsmanship, martial arts, healing, nature manipulation, artificery, beast mastery, and more—will play a vital role in the upcoming Gunxam. The future of the kingdom rests on these students, and the King knows that this tournament will reveal not just power, but potential.
King: (standing, signaling the end of the meeting) "You have all trained your students well. Now, we will see their true strength. Make your final preparations. The Gunxam will be a turning point for our kingdom, and I expect each of your disciplines to shine in ways we have never seen before."
The teachers rise, bowing respectfully as they begin to file out of the room, each mentally preparing for the challenges ahead. The anticipation for the Gunxam grows, as the future leaders, warriors, and innovators of the kingdom prepare to step into the arena.
Scene: The King's Room, Following the Group Discussion
The King watches as the academy's teachers rise and exit the room, each of them preparing their students for the challenges ahead. The air is heavy with anticipation, but also a sense of readiness. The future warriors and leaders of the kingdom are in capable hands.
Just as the last teacher leaves the room, the King gestures to one of his advisors. He has one more matter to address before the Gunxam is fully ready. The advisor nods and steps forward, calling out toward the doors.
Advisor: (respectfully) "Enna Igedvon and Kaelen, the King requests your presence."
Moments later, Enna Igedvon and Kaelen enter the room. Both are well-known figures, not just within the kingdom's top university, but across the entire realm. Enna, the calm and composed master of Teja Shakti, is recognized as one of the most influential and powerful teachers in that discipline. Beside her stands Kaelen, a warrior whose skill in Combat has earned him respect and fear alike. His sharp, battle-hardened eyes suggest a life spent on the front lines.