The next morning was brisk, with the air fresh and the city of Eldeon alive with its usual bustle. Kazuki, Serena, and Leo set out from the inn toward the royal castle, but there was no shortage of distractions along the way. The market square was filled with colorful stalls, and despite the looming seriousness of their mission, Kazuki found himself slightly overwhelmed by the sheer vibrancy of it all.
A merchant approached, waving a feathered hat in their direction. "You there! You look like a fine gentleman! Fancy a hat for the occasion? Just five silver coins, and it'll make you look like a proper noble!"
Kazuki stared blankly at the man. "Do I really need a hat?"
"Of course!" the merchant insisted, smiling wider. "How else will they know you're an important person?"
Serena snickered under her breath, and Leo was already chuckling. "Yeah, Kazuki," Leo teased, "imagine the great hero of another world showing up at the castle with a fancy feathered hat. You'd be unforgettable."
Kazuki sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm good, thanks."
The merchant looked disappointed but quickly moved on to another group of tourists. Serena couldn't hold back anymore and burst into laughter. "You really do attract the weirdest people, Kazuki."
Kazuki gave her a sideways glance. "I guess that's my superpower. Not the strength or speed. Just... this." He waved vaguely at the market around them.
Leo shook his head, still amused. "Hey, it could be worse. At least no one's trying to sell you magic potions to grow taller."
Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "Is that something I should be worried about?"
Serena, between fits of laughter, added, "Maybe just avoid looking interested in strange potions or hats. You might end up in a duel before we even reach the castle."
---
Despite the lighthearted exchanges, the mood shifted as they approached the towering gates of the royal palace. Guards clad in shining armor stood at attention, and the closer they got, the more imposing the structure became. Massive stone walls loomed above them, and the sheer scale of the castle made Kazuki realize just how much power was centered here.
"I take it they don't do anything small in this kingdom," Kazuki muttered, his eyes scanning the high towers and banners fluttering in the wind.
"Not when it comes to royalty," Serena said, her tone serious now. "Let's keep our heads down and avoid drawing too much attention. We're not exactly here for a social visit."
Leo nodded in agreement. "We should be cautious. With the demon king's generals possibly making moves, who knows what we'll run into inside."
As they neared the gates, a voice rang out from one of the guards. "Halt! State your business."
Serena stepped forward, her stance formal and respectful. "We're travelers seeking an audience with the court mages. We've come across troubling information that may be of interest to the kingdom."
The guards exchanged glances, clearly measuring Serena's words and the group's appearance. After a tense moment, one of the guards stepped forward. "Very well, you may enter, but be warned: the court is tense these days. Don't go stirring up trouble."
Kazuki gave a short nod, his usual laid-back expression barely hiding his growing curiosity. As they entered the grand castle, the atmosphere immediately shifted. The grandeur of the halls, the polished marble floors, and the grand tapestries on the walls were awe-inspiring, but there was also an undeniable heaviness in the air, a tension that mirrored the guards' earlier warning.
---
They were led through the vast corridors by a palace attendant, eventually arriving at the doors to the court's main audience chamber. The doors opened with a heavy creak, revealing a vast room filled with nobles, advisors, and knights. At the far end, seated on a grand throne, was the king himself—an older man with a commanding presence. His stern eyes scanned the room with the gaze of someone who had seen too many battles and political machinations.
But what caught Kazuki's eye even more was the figure standing beside the throne. A young man, wearing a dark robe and holding a staff adorned with glowing symbols—clearly one of the royal mages. His piercing blue eyes flickered with interest as they approached.
Serena stepped forward, taking the lead. "Your Majesty, we have traveled far with urgent information about the threat posed by the demon king and his forces. We've come to seek guidance and assistance."
The king raised an eyebrow. "You are not the first to bring such news. We have received word of other... heroes from beyond our world arriving. Yet, here you stand before me without magic. What makes you think you are different?"
Kazuki sighed internally, ready for this line of questioning. He could almost predict the response.
Leo cleared his throat, sensing Kazuki's reluctance to speak. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, our companion is indeed a hero. His strength may not lie in magic, but his abilities are extraordinary."
The king leaned forward, his gaze narrowing. "We have little time for idle boasts. If you are truly a hero, then you will prove yourself soon enough. The demon king's forces grow bolder by the day."
Just then, the window screen Kazuki hadn't seen since his arrival in this world flickered into view.
**Warning: Approaching dangerous area.**
Kazuki blinked, startled by the sudden message. He hadn't even realized how much he had forgotten about this strange system. It always appeared in moments of importance—when danger was near.
"Looks like things are about to get interesting," Kazuki muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" Serena asked, glancing at him.
"Nothing," he replied, waving it off. But his eyes were drawn back to the court mage, who was now staring directly at him. There was a glint of recognition in the mage's eyes, as if he knew something Kazuki didn't.
The court mage stepped forward, addressing the king. "Your Majesty, if I may—these travelers, and their 'hero'—I believe they are worth keeping an eye on. There's something unusual about this one."
Kazuki gave a small shrug, his laid-back expression returning. "Unusual? I've been hearing that a lot lately."
The mage gave a knowing smile. "Unusual doesn't always mean bad. Perhaps it's a sign that things are about to change."
The king waved a hand dismissively, though he seemed intrigued. "We shall see. For now, I will allow you to remain in the capital. But know this—if you are lying about your strength, you will be thrown into the dungeons without hesitation."
Kazuki gave a small salute. "Wouldn't dream of it."
---
As they left the audience chamber, Leo couldn't help but break into a grin. "Well, that went better than I expected."
Kazuki gave him a side glance. "Yeah, aside from the part where I almost got sent to the dungeon."
Serena smirked. "It's the hat. Should've gotten that feathered hat."
Kazuki sighed dramatically. "Great. First a hat, now the king. My life in this world is just getting better and better."
They shared a light laugh, but Kazuki's mind drifted back to the warning from his window screen. Something was coming—and it wasn't just the demon king. The shadows of fate were converging, and Kazuki was right in the middle of it.
Whatever lay ahead, he had a feeling it was going to be anything but ordinary.