A thunderous roar ripped through the forest, shaking the branches above. Gabriel spun toward the sound and spotted a group of armored knights locked in battle against a towering Minotaur, its bulging muscles straining as it swung a massive axe. Around it, goblins cackled and hurled stones. The knights were being pushed back, and at the center of their defense was a white carriage—its ornate design marking someone important inside.
Without thinking, Gabriel raised his hand. Electric Dragon!
Lightning erupted from his palm, twisting into the shape of a colossal dragon made of pure storm. It roared as it crashed into the Minotaur, vaporizing the beast into ash in a single strike. The goblins shrieked in terror and scattered. Silence followed, broken only by the crackle of fading sparks.
Even Gabriel stood frozen. "I… did that?" he whispered, wide-eyed.
The knights regrouped, staring at him. One finally stepped forward, laughing. "Hah! Thank you, Sir Knight in full armor, for saving us. If not for you, we'd be dead."
Gabriel blinked. "Armor? I don't have armor on. I'm the one who cast the spell."
The knights burst out laughing. "You? Don't joke, boy. You've got the face of a prince, not the body of a warrior. Don't claim glory you didn't earn!"
Shizuoka crossed her arms, her crimson eyes flashing beneath her helm. "Idiots. He's telling the truth. Think before you spew nonsense."
Before the knights could retort, the carriage door burst open. A young woman rushed forward—long pink hair flowing, emerald eyes wide with relief. She ran straight to Gabriel and clasped his hand.
"Oh, my prince! Thank you for saving us!"
Gabriel stiffened, caught off guard. "Prince? I think you've mistaken me, lady." His voice softened unconsciously, his words carrying an unintentional charm.
The girl blushed. "I haven't even introduced myself yet. I am Sasha Aracnav, second princess of the Aracnav Kingdom." She curtsied elegantly, still holding his hand.
Shizuoka's gaze narrowed behind her helmet.
"And you are?" Sasha asked, her eyes sparkling as if she already knew the answer she wanted.
"I'm no prince," Gabriel said, gently pulling his hand free. "My name is Gabriel Satome."
"Satome… not a name I recognize." Sasha tilted her head, then smiled. "All the more reason for you to stay by my side. With power like yours, will you protect us on our journey? Monsters lurk everywhere."
Before Gabriel could answer, Sasha gestured to the carriage. "Please, ride with me. Both of you."
Shizuoka hesitated but followed Gabriel as he stepped inside. The interior was draped with silk curtains and polished wood, the scent of perfume heavy in the air. Gabriel sat stiffly across from the princess, while Shizuoka settled beside him, her armored gauntlet resting possessively near his knee.
The carriage jolted forward, wheels crunching over the dirt path. For the first time since he had arrived in this strange world, Gabriel realized his path was now tied not just to survival—but to kingdoms, politics, and people who already wanted to claim him.
And Shizuoka? She wasn't about to let anyone steal him away so easily.