The golden sun began to lower, bathing the Kingdom of Alberto in soft orange hues. The Spirit Ceremony, a momentous event for many children across the realm, had finally ended. The ancient Spirit Gate shimmered faintly before closing with a low, melodic hum that echoed across the plaza like a sigh of closure. The air was heavy with a mix of triumph, disappointment, and anticipation.
Captain Morvio, still standing tall with his dark-blue cloak fluttering behind him, raised his voice once more. His tone was firm yet warm:
> "Now that the Spirit Ceremony has ended, I hereby grant all participants one day to return home and rejoice with their families. Rest well, for tomorrow... your journey to becoming Magic Knights shall begin."
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd as young spirit-bonded children turned toward the stands where their families waited. Joyful laughter, excited screams, and proud embraces filled the once-formal plaza. Spirits flitted around, whispering to their new partners or hovering silently on shoulders.
Among the celebrants stood Sam Robbin, his shoulders a little more hunched than the others. Though his father approached with tears in his eyes and a wide smile, Sam couldn't help but hear the whispers around him.
> "That's the boy who got the Professional Spirit, right?" "A commoner with that kind of spirit? He won't survive a month." "That spirit will kill him. It's cursed—he's the unluckiest child here."
The words pierced deeper than any blade. Sam lowered his head, trying to push them away. But then came the strong hands of his father—Robbin Carlo, a blacksmith with calloused hands and warm eyes. He gripped Sam's shoulders tightly.
> "My son, I am proud of you. You did something none of us expected. A commoner like you... no, a hero like you bonded with a Professional Spirit. You've already done the impossible."
Before Sam could speak, two voices rang out beside him. Kiro, tall and wild-eyed with electric energy still crackling faintly around him, slapped Sam's back.
> "Let 'em talk, Sam. You just got a Professional spirit! One of the ten! You'll be stronger than all of them."
Beside Kiro, Ayana, gentle and wise with a glowing light spirit flitting over her shoulder, smiled softly.
> "We're with you. You'll show them all. Let your strength do the talking."
Sam looked up slowly. Despite the poison in the whispers around him, his friends' faces were full of belief—real, solid belief. His father joined them, placing an arm around Sam.
> "My son... a commoner has never become a Senior Magic Knight in Alberto. The nobles don't allow it. But you must be strong enough to change that truth. You'll rise higher—beyond a Senior Knight. I believe you can even become a Grand Magic Knight."
Sam's eyes burned as he met his father's gaze. He clenched his fists, fire burning in his chest.
> "No... not just that. My dream has changed. I want to become... the King of Alberto."
Kiro's eyes widened. Ayana gasped softly.
> "If I become King," Sam continued, "I'll erase this wall between nobles and commoners. I'll make a country where everyone has equal rights—where no one's worth is judged by birth."
Kiro placed a hand on his shoulder.
> "You will be, Sam. You're already on that path."
Just as the mood lifted, a soft, sleepy voice echoed.
> "You all talk too much... it's annoying. I was napping."
Sam flinched slightly. His spirit appeared on his shoulder again. The ethereal being had a faint purplish-blue glow, her translucent body floating lazily as if still half-asleep. She looked like a young woman wrapped in oversized, floating sleeves and drooping hair. Her eyes barely opened as she yawned.
> Sam whispered, smiling nervously, "We're just... talking."
> The spirit's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Talking? Then let's talk with actions."
Before Sam could react, the spirit merged into him instantly.
Sam's demeanor changed. His face grew expressionless, and he stepped forward. Kiro blinked in confusion.
> "Hey, Sam? You okay—?"
Suddenly Sam's hands shot forward and grabbed Kiro's cheeks.
> "You disturbed me. So now I disturb you."
> "OW! OW! Let go, you psycho! That hurts!" Kiro shouted, flailing.
Ayana laughed despite herself.
Robbin Carlo rushed over. "Sam! Let go of your friend!"
Just as quickly, the grip loosened. Sam's eyes returned to normal, and the spirit appeared again with a sleepy pout.
> "If you disturb me, I will disturb you more. Simple. Now... I sleep again."
She vanished into the air with a soft hum.
Everyone stood there silent for a moment—then burst into a mix of laughter and nervous glances.
> "Well," Kiro said, rubbing his red cheeks. "Your spirit's got more personality than all of us combined."
Sam looked down at his hands, still tingling from the merge.
His father placed a hand on his back again.
> "Son, this spirit... she's your first step. She's your partner now. You must learn to win her trust—just like you will with the people of this kingdom."
> Sam whispered, "I'll make it happen, Father. I'll earn her trust... and then I'll earn Alberto."
The group shared one last moment before the plaza began to empty. Families were now leaving, walking down cobblestone paths beneath the warm glow of evening torches. Birds chirped from rooftops, and distant melodies of celebration echoed through the city. It was a time of peace, but underneath that quiet, a storm of ambition and challenge brewed.
---
That night, the children slept in their homes for the last time as civilians.
Outside, the stars blinked above the capital of Alberto. Tomorrow, these children would step into the halls of training academies—into the path of swords, spells, and spirits.
But deep in the stillness of the night, Sam Robbin sat alone near his window. His purple-blue eye glowed faintly in the dark. The spirit appeared again, floating next to him.
> "You still awake?"
> "Yeah... can't sleep."
> "You'll never become King."
Sam looked at her, puzzled.
> "What?"
The spirit floated closer.
> "You are going to sleep every hour...."
She vanished again, leaving Sam alone.
He looked back out at the stars.
> "I will become King. For all of us."
The sky above Alberto seemed to shimmer just a bit brighter.