A month had passed since Kaito first met Miya. In that time, they had grown closer, trained tirelessly, and forged a bond that was both powerful and personal. Yet, amidst the progress they made, a new challenge loomed over them—one that wasn't about fighting monsters or mastering powers.
They were broke.
Kaito and Miya had been living in a small clearing within the forest where Kaito had gone for a vacation before his life turned upside down. The place was far from ideal—cold nights, makeshift shelters, and the constant challenge of finding food and basic supplies. While Miya never complained, Kaito felt a growing sense of guilt and responsibility. He was supposed to be a king, but he couldn't even provide a proper place to live.
One afternoon, as they sat by the fire after another grueling day of training, Kaito racked his brain for solutions. "We can't keep living like this, Miya," he said, frustration lacing his voice. "We need money, a house, something… anything. But I don't even know where to start."
Miya, ever composed, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "These are challenges every king faces, Kaito. Remember, strength isn't just about power—it's also about finding solutions to the obstacles life throws at you."
Kaito sighed and pulled out his old smartphone, a relic of his simpler life before all this chaos. He scrolled through it aimlessly, hoping for inspiration, when he noticed a video message left behind by his parents. His heart skipped a beat.
"They left me a message?" Kaito whispered, a mix of surprise and trepidation in his voice.
Miya leaned closer, her crimson eyes scanning the screen. "Play it, Kaito. Perhaps it holds the answers you're looking for."
With a deep breath, Kaito opened the file. The screen flickered to life, and there they were—his mother and father, smiling warmly at him.
"Kaito," his mother began, her voice soft but steady, "if you're watching this, it means you've come of age and have likely started to uncover the truth about our world. We're sorry we couldn't be there for you, but there's so much you need to know."
Kaito's heart ached at the sight of them. They looked so alive, so full of warmth, yet he knew they were gone.
His father took over, his voice deep and reassuring. "Your mother and I were a queen and king, just as you are now. But being part of this world is not without its dangers. Our contract made us ageless, but it didn't make us invincible. We could still be killed, and that's exactly what happened."
Kaito's eyes widened, a lump forming in his throat. He turned to Miya, who nodded solemnly. "It's true, Kaito," she said gently. "The contract stops us from aging, but it doesn't protect us from harm. That's why we train—to survive, to protect each other."
The video continued, his mother speaking again. "We were caught in a monster wave—a massive horde of creatures that overwhelmed us. We fought as hard as we could, but it wasn't enough. We're so sorry, Kaito, for not being able to stay by your side."
Tears welled up in Kaito's eyes as the weight of their words sank in. His parents hadn't abandoned him; they had sacrificed themselves in a fight he couldn't even imagine.
As he began to cry, Miya wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. "It's okay, Kaito," she whispered. "You're not alone anymore. I'm here, and together, we'll face whatever comes our way. You're stronger than you know."
Her words, combined with her gentle embrace, soothed his aching heart. Kaito wiped his tears away, and Miya placed a soft kiss on his forehead. "Good boy," she said with a small smile.
Kaito nodded and pressed play on the rest of the video.
His father's tone grew lighter. "Now that you know the truth, there's something else you need to know. We didn't leave you with nothing, Kaito. We've secured your future."
His mother continued, a proud smile on her face. "We've left you an inheritance. In your name, there is an account with 90 trillion dollars, a large house in the city, and more cars than you'll probably ever need."
Kaito's jaw dropped. "Wait... WHAT?" he blurted out, his mind struggling to process the staggering amount.
The message went on, his father chuckling. "We know it's a lot, but you'll need it. Being a king comes with responsibilities, and you'll face challenges that money can help you overcome. The details of the account, including the card and passbook, are in the house. The address is also included in this message."
His mother added, "There's one more thing. You'll need to get a KQ license from the King-Queen Association. This license will allow you to use your powers freely and legally, especially when fighting monsters. It's essential for your future."
The video ended with his parents smiling warmly. "We love you, Kaito," his father said. "Be strong, and never forget—you're destined for greatness."
Kaito sat in stunned silence, the weight of their message sinking in. His financial problems were over, and he now had the resources to truly begin his journey. But more importantly, he had a connection to his parents, a legacy to carry forward.
Miya placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice soft but firm. "You're not alone, Kaito. Your parents may not be here, but their love and legacy live on in you. And I'm here, too, to help you every step of the way."
Kaito looked up at her, a determined glint in his eyes. "Thank you, Miya. I won't let them down. Or you."
With their next steps clear, Kaito and Miya prepared to leave the forest and head toward the city, where a new chapter of their journey awaited—one filled with opportunity, challenges, and the promise of a brighter future.