Scene: The Grand Hall of the Royal Palace
The Grand Hall of the Royal Palace stands as a monument to the kingdom's grandeur and history. Sunlight streams in through the tall, stained-glass windows, casting colorful reflections across the polished marble floor. The hall is vast, with towering pillars that reach toward a domed ceiling, decorated with intricate murals of the kingdom's victories. The center of the room is dominated by a massive, circular table made of obsidian, its dark surface gleaming under the enchanted lights hanging above. Around this table sit the kingdom's most powerful and influential teachers, each of them summoned by the king to discuss the rules of the Gunxam Exam.
The king himself sits at the head of the table, his presence commanding yet calm. He wears no crown today, but his royal blue and gold robes flow gracefully around him, symbolizing his authority. His gaze moves slowly across the room, observing the teachers who have gathered, each representing a critical element of the kingdom's education and combat strategy.
Closest to the king is Enna Igedvon, the serene and composed teacher of Teja Control. Enna is 24 years old and stands at 165 cm. Her sky-blue hair falls gently down her back, and her brown eyes, hidden behind her glasses, exude calm intelligence. Enna's demeanor is soft, always greeting others with a kind smile, and her voice, when she speaks, is gentle but firm. She wears flowing robes that reflect her peaceful nature, and though she is quiet, her mastery of Teja Shakti—the mystical energy force that flows through all living beings—commands deep respect from her peers. Many students adore her for her patience and her ability to connect with them on a personal level, always offering wisdom when they are troubled.
Beside her sits Kaelen Isseki, the cold and calculating teacher of Combat & Martial Arts. Kaelen, at 23 years old and standing 175 cm tall, possesses an aura of quiet authority. His loose black hair is tied back in a traditional samurai-style braid, and his brown eyes are sharp, always observing the room with a detached intensity. Kaelen rarely speaks unless necessary, but when he does, his words carry a weight that demands attention. He is known to be one of the greatest warriors of the Isseki family, and his combat skills are unmatched. His father, the king, watches him closely, knowing that Kaelen's silence often hides deeper thoughts and motivations. Though he is the king's third son, Kaelen's demeanor is often distant, as if he carries a burden known only to him.
Across from Kaelen is Angelina Novac, the radiant teacher of Medical & Healing. Angelina, at 24 years old and standing 173 cm tall, exudes warmth and compassion. Her golden-blonde hair falls in soft waves down her back, and her grey eyes sparkle with kindness. Despite her beauty, it is her incredible skill as a healer that has earned her respect throughout the kingdom. Angelina is known for her ability to mend even the most grievous wounds, both physical and emotional. Her students adore her for her gentle touch and her ability to comfort them in times of distress. Today, she sits with her hands folded neatly in her lap, her smile soft but unwavering. She wears a long, flowing dress of white and gold, symbolizing her role as a healer and protector.
Seated across from Angelina is Adrean Igedvon, the fierce and aggressive teacher of Beasts & Animal Control. Adrean, at 24 years old and towering at 190 cm, commands attention simply by being in the room. His red hair stands out in sharp contrast to his pale skin, and his black eyes, which occasionally flicker with a deep red hue, reflect his intense and fiery nature. Adrean is known for his ruthlessness, both in combat and in his approach to teaching. He believes that strength is the only true measure of a person's worth, and his students are often pushed to their limits under his harsh training. Today, he sits with his arms crossed, his muscular frame tense, as if he is already prepared for a battle of words. His reputation as one of the most brutal teachers in the kingdom precedes him, and many in the room know that when he speaks, it will be with force and conviction.
Sean Isseki, the eldest and most experienced of the teachers, sits to Adrean's right. Sean, at 26 years old and standing 180 cm tall, is a towering figure, his muscular frame covered in scars from battles long past. His short black hair, streaked with grey, is a testament to his years of service to the kingdom, and his deep brown eyes are sharp with wisdom. Sean is the teacher of Artificery, and his thoughtful nature has made him one of the king's most trusted advisors. He is calm, steady, and always thinking several steps ahead. Today, he watches the room carefully, his hands resting on the table as he listens to the conversation. Though he speaks maturely, when he does, his words are filled with insight and experience. His presence brings a sense of stability to the room, and the king often relies on him for guidance in matters of strategy and innovation.
Seated beside Sean is Kylie Isseki, the energetic and fiery teacher of Science, Technology & Innovation. Kylie, at 23 years old and 157 cm tall, is a small woman with short blue hair that frames her face. Her single green eye gleams with excitement and curiosity, while her other eye is covered by a patch—a reminder of an accident from her childhood that left her partially blind. Despite her small stature, Kylie's presence is impossible to ignore. Her energy is infectious, and her students often find themselves swept up in her enthusiasm for discovery and invention. Today, however, she sits more quietly than usual, her hands fidgeting with the fabric of her robes as she waits for the conversation to unfold. Known for her quick temper and passionate outbursts, Kylie is a force to be reckoned with, both in the classroom and in the council chamber.
Across from Kylie is Yangden Deak, a teacher from a C-rank family, known for his cold and ruthless nature. Yangden, at 24 years old and standing 176 cm tall, has green hair and piercing blue eyes that seem to look through people rather than at them. He is quiet, rarely speaking unless provoked, but his presence is always felt. Yangden is a close ally of Adrean, and the two share a mutual respect for brutal methods. Yangden believes that only the strong should survive, and his teaching style reflects this philosophy. His students are often subjected to harsh training regimens, and those who cannot keep up are left behind. Today, he sits with his hands resting on the table, his expression unreadable, but there is a tension in his posture that suggests he is ready for the debate to begin.
Seated beside Yangden is Jessica Voiden, a teacher from a B-rank family and the kingdom's expert in Magic. Jessica, at 24 years old and standing 164 cm tall, is always impeccably dressed, her brunette hair perfectly styled, and her hazel eyes constantly checking her reflection in the small mirror she keeps with her at all times. Though her vanity is well-known, Jessica is a powerful mage, and her students respect her for her skill, even if they sometimes tire of her obsession with appearance. Today, she sits with her mirror in hand, but her attention is focused on the conversation at hand. Despite her rivalry with Angelina, whom she envies for her beauty, Jessica is keenly aware of the importance of the Gunxam Exam, and she is ready to contribute to the discussion.
Daveon Novac, the teacher of Archery & Blades, leans back in his chair, his amber eyes half-lidded as he listens to the conversation. At 23 years old and standing 178 cm tall, Daveon has a relaxed and carefree attitude that often belies his true skill. His unkempt brown hair and dragon-like teeth give him a rugged appearance, and his students often find him difficult to read. Daveon is known for his unpredictability, often switching between intense focus and complete indifference. Today, however, his eyes are alert, even if his posture is relaxed. He watches the room carefully, his hands resting loosely on the arms of his chair.
At the far end of the table sits Austin Novac, the kind and thoughtful teacher of Swordsmanship (Defensive). Austin, at 24 years old and standing 183 cm tall, has bluish hair that falls neatly to his shoulders and deep blue eyes that reflect his calm nature. Austin is known for his strong bond with his students, particularly Charles Deak, one of the academy's rising stars. He is critical of the kingdom's class system, believing that it hinders true talent, and he is often a voice of reason in debates. Today, he sits quietly, his hands resting on the table as he listens to the conversation, ready to offer his thoughts when the time is right.
Finally, seated beside Austin is Juliana Igedvon, a woman with short purple hair and sharp orange eyes. At 23 years old and standing 164 cm tall, Juliana is known for her arrogance and cold demeanor. As the teacher of Swordsmanship (Offensive), she is fierce and unyielding, much like her cousin Adrean. Juliana rarely smiles, and her blunt, no-nonsense attitude often puts her at odds with her peers. Today, she sits with her arms crossed, her posture stiff, as if daring someone to challenge her. Her orange eyes flicker with impatience, but she remains silent, waiting for the king to speak.
The king's voice finally breaks the tense silence in the room, his tone calm but commanding.
King: (voice steady and authoritative) "You have all been summoned here today because the Gunxam Exam is upon us once more. This exam will determine the future of our kingdom. The decisions we make today will shape the leaders of tomorrow."
He pauses, allowing his words to sink in. The teachers exchange glances, knowing that the stakes are higher than ever.
King: (continuing) "There has been much debate about the structure of the exam. Some of you believe that it should be more brutal, a true test of survival. Others believe that a balance of strength and wisdom is necessary. We are here to decide."
The king's gaze sweeps the room, resting briefly on Kaelen, who remains silent, his expression unreadable. The room is still, and the tension is palpable as everyone waits for the first to speak.
Enna, always calm, is the first to break the silence. Her voice is soft, but it carries a weight of wisdom.
Enna: (gently) "Strength is important, yes. But wisdom and control are equally valuable. We cannot push our students too far, or we risk losing those who could grow into great leaders. The Gunxam should challenge them, but it should also give them room to learn and grow."
Her words are met with a quiet nod from Angelina, who smiles softly in agreement. Across the table, however, Adrean's expression hardens, and he leans forward, his red eyes flashing with impatience.
Adrean: (snarling slightly) "We don't need thinkers, Enna. We need warriors. This is about survival—if they can't handle the brutality of the exam, they have no place in the kingdom's future."
The intensity of his words cuts through the room like a blade, and Yangden leans forward, nodding in agreement.
Yangden Deak: (coldly) "Adrean is right. Only the strong should survive. If they can't take the pressure, they don't belong here."
The room grows tenser, the air thick with conflicting ideologies. Sean, ever the voice of reason, speaks next, his voice calm but firm.
Sean Isseki: (thoughtfully) "Strength is important, yes. But it's not the only thing that matters. We've seen what happens when the exam is too brutal. Promising students are lost before they have a chance to reach their potential. We need to find a balance."
Adrean scoffs, his red eyes flashing again.
Adrean: (sneering) "Balance won't win us wars, Sean. Only the strong will survive, and the weak will be left behind. That's the way it's always been."
The tension in the room continues to rise, the ideological divide becoming clearer with every word. Even Jessica, usually more concerned with her appearance, sets down her mirror and joins the conversation.
Jessica Voiden: (calmly, but with a hint of steel in her voice) "I don't entirely agree with Adrean's methods, but we do need to push these students harder. The world is changing, and we need to be prepared for what's coming."
Her words send a ripple of surprise through the room, especially for Angelina, who had always thought of Jessica as more concerned with her looks than the kingdom's future. Kaelen, however, remains silent, his expression still unreadable.
King: (his voice cutting through the tension) "We will decide this through a vote. Each of you will cast your vote, and the majority will decide how the exam will proceed."
The king gestures to his advisor, who hands out small stones—black for a more brutal exam, white for balance. The room falls into a heavy silence as each teacher takes their stone, the weight of the decision pressing down on them.
SFX: The sound of stones being dropped into a basin. Clink. Clink. Clink.
When the last stone falls, the king's advisor steps forward to count the votes. The room is tense, everyone waiting for the result.