Scene: The King's Private Chamber
In the king's private chamber, Kaelen stands before his father, his brown eyes cold and unreadable as ever. The king, seated at his desk, watches his son carefully. The decision has been made, but the questions about Kaelen's motivations linger heavily in the air.
King: (his voice calm, but firm) "You surprised everyone today, Kaelen. Even me."
Kaelen remains silent, his face impassive. He does not flinch under his father's gaze, but he also does not explain.
King: (leaning forward, his eyes narrowing slightly) "You've always been one for strategy, for control. Voting for brutality goes against everything you've stood for. What changed?"
There is a long pause as Kaelen finally meets his father's gaze, his expression betraying nothing.
Kaelen: (calmly, but with an edge of steel) "I did what needed to be done. That's all."
The king's eyes remain locked on his son, trying to decipher the meaning behind Kaelen's words. But Kaelen, as always, remains a mystery.
Scene: The Training Grounds - Late Afternoon
The training grounds are alive with the sounds of clashing swords, the heavy thuds of wooden dummies being struck, and the rhythmic breaths of students pushing themselves to their limits. In the midst of all this, Charles Deak moves with precision and focus, his every swing deliberate and powerful. Sweat drips down his forehead as he trains harder than ever, preparing for the Gunxam Exam. The stakes have never been higher, especially with the brutal new rules that have been introduced.
But watching from a distance, with an almost wicked grin plastered on his face, is Derek Onisek. He saunters over, his long strides oozing mischief. As soon as he gets close enough, Derek's grin widens. His nickname for Charles comes out with a playful tone that makes Charles immediately tighten his grip on his sword.
Derek: (cheerfully) "Hey there, Mr. Red Carpet! Still training, huh? Looking good! You almost look like you know what you're doing."
Charles doesn't even look up, continuing his strikes against the training dummy. His expression is calm, but anyone close enough can see his jaw clenching slightly.
Charles: (muttering under his breath) "Not now, You Pervert."
Derek, completely ignoring the clear dismissal, steps closer. His tone remains upbeat, but his eyes gleam with that playful spark that makes Charles wary of him every single time.
Derek: (mock innocently) "Come on now, don't be so cold. I was just admiring your fancy swordwork. Look at you, training hard for the big day. You must be excited for Gunxam, huh?"
Charles still refuses to acknowledge him properly, his focus on the strikes and stances he's been perfecting for weeks now. But Derek isn't done. He leans casually against the fence surrounding the training grounds, still grinning as he waits for the right moment to poke at Charles again.
Derek: (with a smirk) "Mr. Red Carpet, seriously, I have questions. You're always so stiff. Are you trying to impress someone? Or are you just worried about tripping during the big exam?"
Finally, that does it. Charles stops mid-swing and turns toward Derek, his eyes filled with barely concealed annoyance.
Charles: (firmly, through gritted teeth) "I've told you before, I'm not 'Red Carpet.' And stop acting like we're friends. We've only met a couple of times, and it's never been by choice."
Derek, utterly unfazed, grins even wider. He has a knack for pushing buttons, and Charles is one of his favorite targets. The fact that Charles gets riled up so easily just makes it all the more fun for him.
Derek: (playfully) "Oh come on, we've met more than twice. And I feel like we're this close to being best buddies. But seriously, Red Carpet—" (he winks when Charles glares at him for the nickname) "—I'm here for a reason."
Before Derek can get another word in, a familiar voice calls out from behind them.
Suzy Novac: (calling out with a teasing grin) "Hey, Yellow Hair, causing trouble again?"
Derek spins around to see Suzy Novac approaching. Her combat gear clings to her with the kind of confidence that only a top student like her could wear, and her pink hair bounces with each step. Her bright smile is welcoming, but it's clear she's also amused by whatever chaos Derek is about to unleash.
Derek: (turning his grin to Suzy) "Ah, Miss Pink Velvet! My day just got even better. I mean, Charles is cool and all, but you? You bring the real sunshine."
Suzy laughs, shaking her head, used to Derek's antics. She knows how to handle him, and honestly, she finds his over-the-top flirting a bit entertaining.
Suzy: (laughing, sarcastic) "Wow, you're funny."
Derek: (playfully putting a hand on his heart) "You wound me, Miss Velvet. But I'm nothing if not persistent. After all, who wouldn't want to spend some time with a lovely lady like you?"
Charles rolls his eyes, clearly tired of Derek's games, but Suzy plays along for a moment.
Suzy: (teasingly) "Really Mr.....?"
Derek-" Derek Onisek."
Suzy-(Smiling) Yay Mr. Derek Onisek but I have something important to talk about with my friend."
Charles: (sighing with relief, but still focused on Suzy's serious tone) "What's up? You don't usually come by during training."
Suzy's playful demeanor fades slightly as she gets down to business.
Suzy: (seriously) "I came to tell you about the Gunxam Exam. There's been a change in the rules... and it's not good."
Both Charles and Derek look at her with raised eyebrows. Derek, always eager for excitement, steps closer.
Derek: (intrigued) "Rule changes? This sounds interesting. What's going on?"
Suzy: (nodding grimly) "Yeah, the council decided to introduce more... brutal laws this year. It's not just about strategy or skill anymore. Injuries are allowed, and things could get deadly. They're letting the participants fight without as many restrictions."
Charles frowns, gripping the hilt of his sword tighter. He's always known the Gunxam would be tough, but this change... gives an unfair advantage to the more ruthless participants, like James Igedvon and Linda Novac.
Charles: (seriously) "That's... not great for us. This kind of rule change favors the ones who fight without mercy. People like James and Linda."
Suzy nods, her face grim.
Suzy: (with concern) "Exactly. I wanted to make sure you knew. We're going to have to be even more careful now. It's not just about winning. It's about surviving."
Derek, meanwhile, looks more excited than concerned. He bounces on his heels, grinning wildly.
Derek: (excitedly) "Wow, this sounds amazing! I've been training for this too, you know. Maybe I'll get to join in on the action!"
Suzy gives him a confused look, while Charles just raises an eyebrow.
Charles: (flatly) "You? Participate in Gunxam? Don't you say that you're from Countryside?"
Derek-" Don't talk like that"(sadly "I want to compete."
Suzy-" I feel bad for you but the laws are laws."
Derek started his crying drama. Suzy also got by seeing it.
Suzy-(caring) "Don't be sad Mr. Derek."
No reply from Derek.
Derek-(one hand on a wide tree and looking at the tree sadly) "Now only a date can fix me up."
Charles-(annoyed) "Here you again, You Bastard."
Derek-" I am not Bastard, You Bitch. Only a loving Pink lady can fix me up"
Charles-(angry)" Why a pink lady?"
Before Derek can respond, the familiar sound of a young voice rings out from behind them.
Kid: (yelling, pointing at Derek) "Intruder! Intruder!"
Charles and Suzy both turn quickly, their eyes narrowing as they see the same kid from earlier standing at the entrance of the training grounds, pointing directly at Derek. The word "intruder" hangs heavily in the air, and Charles' instincts kick in immediately. He draws his sword and steps toward Derek, pressing the blade to his neck.
Charles: (coldly, his voice deadly serious) "What did he say? Intruder? You have five seconds to explain yourself, Derek."
Derek raises his hands in mock surrender, his grin slipping as the situation turns serious.
Derek: (nervously) "Hey, hey, calm down, Red Carpet! I swear, I'm not an intruder. I live in the countryside, remember? This kid is just a menace and always identifies me as an intruder. You gonna believe on his words."
Suzy steps forward, watching Charles.
Suzy: (calmly, but firmly) "Hey Charles, What are you doing? How can you do this? This Kid is real trouble. He won't go to school and always identifies the people he never sees back as an intruder."
Derek, still smiling but a bit more nervously now, nods enthusiastically.
Derek: (grinning nervously) "I'm not lying, Miss Velvet. You're right, We even played hide and seek."
Charles stares at Derek for a long moment, clearly debating whether to trust him. After a tense pause, he finally lowers his sword, though his eyes remain cold.
Charles: (grudgingly) "Fine. But if you're lying, I'll make sure you regret it."
Derek lets out a breath of relief, his usual grin returning full force.
Derek: (grinning widely) "Hey I am not any intruder and I live with my big brother in the mountains over there and he is also a former Gunxam Participant."
Suzy-(shocked) "What did you say? ..A former participant."
Derek-(proudly)" Yes, Miss."
Suzy-(smiling) "Then you've got a chance."
Derek-(Confused) "What do you mean by a 'chance'."
Suzy-"If any family member of yours ever participated in the exam, then you can also participate."
Derek-(smiles like a kid)" For real."
Suzy-(smiles) "Yes."
Derek started dancing, and later, the kid also joined him.
Charles-(practicing again) "But they need a declaration from your brother that he wanna let him participate or not."
Derek again becomes fearful because he doesn't think that Jason will permit him because of his nature towards him.
Derek-(to himself murmuring) " Fuck. I even fought with Master today, he isn't gonna give me a chance. I am fucked."
Suzy-"Is everything alright, Derek."
Derek-"Yes Miss Vevlet, but I remember something and I have to do it now."
Derek leaves and runs to the mountains to his home.
Charles-(serious) "He is weird."
Suzy-(Smiles)" I don't think so, he is funny and cute."
In the end, we see glimpses of Derek serving a cup of alcohol to his Master very professionally and a girl also sitting beside Jason.