The next morning, Septh woke to a knock at the door. A maid informed her of another meeting arranged by the king. Unsure how to wear the local clothing, she hesitated, and the maid gently assisted her in getting dressed.
When she entered the bright sunlit room from the previous night, she noticed Ki and Zephyr already there. Ki wore his usual hoodie and jogger pants, while Zephyr was in the formal attire given to him, looking confident.
"Good morning," Septh greeted.
"Morning," Zephyr replied cheerfully.
Septh's gaze fell on Ki. "Why are you still wearing your old clothes?"
Ki glanced at her calmly. "They're more comfortable. The other clothes slow me down."
Zephyr and Septh exchanged a look and laughed softly. Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the king, Sophie, and three attendants. The king settled them down and spoke.
"We are here to discuss you three," the king said, introducing the attendants.
Zephyr stood confidently. "I'm Zephyr Nguyen, 19 years old, and I like sports."
Septh followed. "I'm Septh Garcia, 18 years old, and I like reading."
Ki introduced himself simply. "I'm Ki Tanaka, 18."
A young man stepped forward. "I'm Kenji, 21 years old," he said in perfect modern language, giving Ki a long, appraising stare. Zephyr immediately noticed Kenji's sharp features and wondered about his relationship with Sophie, who only smiled faintly. Kenji's modern attire stood out, and Ki sensed a silent superiority in him.
Another man, clad in heavy shining armor, stepped forward. "I am Clayman Griffin, general and right hand of the king," he said, the scar across his face making him look even more imposing.
A quiet voice followed. "Hannah, librarian," she introduced herself humbly.
"These are my key personnel," the king said. "They will guide and watch over you starting tomorrow. But today… we test your strength."
The group was led to the garden, where wooden swords awaited.
Zephyr swung his wooden sword with confidence, eyes bright. "I could get used to this," he said, grinning.
Ki held his own sword effortlessly, stance relaxed, as if he had been practicing for years. Zephyr blinked, impressed and confused. "Wait… since when did you learn to use a sword like that?"
Ki's lips curved slightly. "Since now," he said casually, almost as if it were no big deal.
Zephyr froze for a moment, then laughed in disbelief. "Since now? Give him a dagger and I have a sword, he'd still beat me…"
The king signaled the start, and the duel began. Zephyr charged, Ki remaining perfectly still. As Zephyr swung horizontally, Ki countered with a vertical strike. The collision sent Ki's sword flying, but he dodged skillfully, using his body to flip and kick Zephyr off balance. Ki's sword ended up at Zephyr's face... victory.
Round two began with Ki throwing his sword toward Zephyr, who used his own sword to block. But Ki was already repositioned below him. An uppercut punch landed on Zephyr, ending the match.
It was time to assign responsibilities. Hannah chose Septh. Clayman chose Zephyr. Kenji stepped forward. "Why him?" he asked quietly. "Ki clearly won."
Clayman explained, "On the battlefield, your sword is your only true companion. Ki just threw his."
Kenji smirked, whispering, "Fair enough… your choice." He then turned to Ki. "It's me and you now, kid."
Later, Kenji entered the king's room. The king's gaze was sharp. "Watch him closely. Don't let him slip from you. He is too aware… too careful."