Sunset Training
The golden hues of the setting sun painted the skies of Zephyros as Kenzo and Yuto trained in their usual spot atop a grassy hill. Kenzo, drenched in sweat, gritted his teeth, pushing himself through relentless push-ups, while Yuto focused on sit-ups nearby.
"I can't believe you defeated the Super Demon Lord," Yuto said, his tone a mix of awe and disbelief.
Kenzo, still counting his push-ups, shook his head. "No, I didn't defeat him."
Yuto sat up, frowning. "Don't kid around, Kenzo."
"I'm not."
Yuto's eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something from me. Tell me."
Kenzo sighed, finally stopping. "I got a ring… called the Infernal Signet."
"A ring?" Yuto's brows furrowed in confusion.
Kenzo nodded. "The ring gives me power. That's why I could beat the Super Demon Lord."
Yuto's jaw dropped, his voice filled with shock. "Infernal Signet…?!"
Kenzo's gaze darkened. "And I can feel some dark power… like a demon."
"What?!" Yuto exclaimed, his shock intensifying. "I think Lisa did something during the fight."
Kenzo frowned, slightly taken aback. "Lisa?"
Yuto nodded, his cheeks turning a faint shade of red. (Her… boobs were awesome, he thought to himself but quickly shook off the thought.)
Kenzo shrugged. "In the fight, the Super Demon Lord did talk about cursed powers and cursed heroes."
Yuto's expression turned grim. "That means Lisa gave you cursed power?"
Kenzo looked away. "I think so…"
They fell silent, the tension hanging in the air. Eventually, they grabbed their modest dinner: apples, fish, cursed mushrooms, and dirty water.
Yuto grinned, taking a bite of an apple. "Our dinner is awesome."
Kenzo smirked. "Yeah."
Yuto paused. "Did you tell anyone about the ring?"
Kenzo glanced at him. "Who?"
"Princess Ayame."
Kenzo shook his head. "No."
"But why not?"
"I don't want her to worry."
"Oh, okay then," Yuto said, standing up. "Bye, I'll go now."
"Okay."
The Palace and Ayame's Room
As evening turned to night, Kenzo returned to the palace, entered his room, and collapsed onto his bed, falling asleep almost immediately.
The next morning, in Ayame's room, the young princess was brimming with excitement. "Finally, this day has come," she exclaimed, her voice bright and cheerful. "Today is our last day at the Academy!"
Her maid, Sarina, smiled softly. "That's good news, Princess."
Ayame twirled around happily. "Yeah! After finishing at the Academy, we can become magic knights and complete hard missions or quests."
Sarina observed her quietly. (She's just like her grandmother, she thought.)
"Sarina, what happened?" Ayame asked, tilting her head.
Sarina shook her head. "No, nothing special."
"Okay, I'll go now. Bye, Sarina!" Ayame said, skipping toward the door.
Sarina smiled warmly. "Have a good day, Princess Ayame."
Sarina watched as Ayame walked away, her gaze shifting out the window to catch sight of Kenzo heading toward the Academy.
Academy Hall
The Academy hall buzzed with energy as students gathered for the last day.
(Oh my God, everyone looks nice except me…) Yuto thought miserably, running a hand through his messy, shoulder-length dark brown hair streaked with electric blue. His bright blue eyes faintly glowed as he adjusted his gray sleeveless tunic and black pants patterned with lightning.
"I'm so ugly," he muttered under his breath.
A girl's voice broke through his thoughts. "I think not."
Yuto turned around, startled, and saw a girl with long black hair tipped with purple. Her glowing violet eyes met his as her dark purple kimono-inspired outfit fluttered slightly in the breeze.
"Hello, I'm Kiyomi Takane," she said, smiling.
Yuto blinked. "You're… Yuto, right?"
"Yeah…"
From a distance, Ayame approached. "So, you introduced yourself?"
"Princess!" Kiyomi greeted, bowing slightly.
Ayame grinned. "Our Academy days are finally over."
Yuto nodded. "Yeah."
Kenzo and the Infernal Signet
Meanwhile, Kenzo stood in the Academy hall, suddenly clutching his index finger.
"Oh, my index finger!" he yelled, running toward the storeroom.
Inside, the Infernal Signet glowed brightly. Kenzo groaned in pain. "AHHHHH!" He struggled to control the overwhelming power, forcing it to subside before leaving the storeroom and acting normal.
A boy ran past him. "Go to the hall fast—there's a special announcement!"
"Okay," Kenzo said, following him.
In the hall, the teacher addressed the students. "Dear magic students, you have been promoted to magic knights. You deserve it. Kenzo, come to my office."
After the announcement, Yuto approached Kenzo. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
Yuto leaned closer, whispering, "Be careful, Kenzo—you're cursed."
Kenzo nodded silently.
Teacher's Office
Kenzo entered the office, bowing respectfully.
"Welcome, Kenzo. Sit here," the teacher said.
"Thank you, sir."
"You're a magic knight now. Can you handle it?"
"Yes, sir."
The teacher's gaze hardened. "One thing, Kenzo—without magic, can you still do anything?"
Kenzo stood tall. "Yes, sir."
Satisfied, the teacher nodded. "Then I trust you."
Kenzo left the office, his resolve stronger than ever.
Into the Forest
Later that day, Yuto and Kenzo sat in a quiet clearing.
"Why didn't I see you in the Academy?" Yuto asked.
Kenzo hesitated. "My cursed power was too strong."
Yuto pulled out a book.
Kenzo frowned. "What is this?"
"This book has all the information about the Infernal Signet," Yuto explained, flipping it open.
As Yuto read aloud, Kenzo's eyes widened. The power within the ring was immense… and dangerous.
The Elder's Summons
The following day, Kenzo, Yuto, Ayame, and Kiyomi stood before Elder Kaito.
"You know that every kingdom has a mighty hero. Unfortunately, ours does not," Kaito began.
Kenzo stepped forward. "Then I will become one!"
"Kenzo's kidding, sir," Yuto interjected.
Kaito continued. "Yesterday, Aetheria's mighty hero, Kaiden, requested our help. Their king has asked us to protect Princess Rose. She's only six years old. I'm assigning you this mission."
Excitement and determination filled the group.
(My first mission… With my powers, I won't give up!) Kenzo thought.
To Be Continued…