Rerov placed his blade firmly on the table and spoke with unwavering conviction. "Yes, Your Majesty. But I suspect they have formed an alliance with other kingdoms to achieve this."
King Sarohan leaned forward, pressing both hands onto the table. "Every kingdom has signed the peace treaty. Even the smallest provocation is a violation of that peace."
He stood up decisively, pulling on his royal mantle. Rerov and Larin followed suit.
"We cannot rule out any possibility," the King directed his gaze to Rerov. "Rerov, I am charging you with the investigation into this incident. You know I rely on you for such matters. You will be provided with whatever resources you require."
He then turned to Headmistress Larin. "Larin, I want you to expedite the selection of the finest fifth-year students to join the Echo Vanguards. I am giving you a maximum of four days. I trust you will give your best effort."
The meeting adjourned, and the two bowed respectfully before departing in silence. King Sarohan then ordered a servant to summon the Head of the Enrollment Units to the palace for an urgent matter.
The Internal Garden – The Golden Secret
King Sarohan exited the council chamber and headed toward the palace's inner sanctuary, where the Golden Mikano Tree resided. The garden was a vast conservatory, its convex glass ceiling allowing sunlight to flood the space.
The Golden Tree stood majestic, its roots digging deep into the ancient soil. Its branches were heavy with golden leaves that shimmered like liquid sun. This was the tree that glowed only upon the birth of one who carried the legendary Golden Cells.
Sarohan approached the tree alone—servants were forbidden here except for maintenance. He stared at the shimmering leaves, his voice a low, bitter whisper.
"Why will you not grant me your power?! Why did you choose that boy instead? Everyone tries to steal you from me, but I will never allow it... even if the boy you chose finally appears."
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock. "Your Majesty... Mr. Nabi has arrived. He awaits you in the meeting hall."
Sarohan cast one final, resentful look at the tree—a deep-seated hatred for the 'Miracle Boy' burning in his eyes—before turning away.
The Enrollment Units – Nabi Frost
In the meeting hall, Nabi Frost, the Head of the Enrollment Units, stood as the King entered. Nabi was a man in his mid-forties, wearing a blood-red military coat adorned with intricate gold embroidery. He wore a tricorn hat decorated with black feathers and a crimson mustache that framed his weathered face.
The Enrollment Units were the backbone of the kingdom's security, serving as a training camp for academy graduates to reach peak combat readiness. They managed everything from city gates to the elite Royal Guard.
"Nabi," the King began, his tone hardening. "I need you to accelerate the selection of the best members from your units to join the Echo Vanguards. There are plots being woven behind our backs. We must be more vigilant than ever."
"Give me three days, Your Majesty," Nabi replied with absolute confidence.
Central Hospital – Shadows and Veils
In a quiet ward, Noroko had finally regained consciousness. Minahoke sat by his side as a nurse checked his vitals with a small Mikano-light tool.
"He's recovered well," the nurse reassured them. "You may take him home, but return tomorrow to change the head bandages."
As they left the hospital, Noroko noticed his mother tightening her dark veil. She moved quickly, her eyes darting around as if fearing recognition. Noroko remained silent, though he felt her fingers trembling as she clutched his hand. He assumed she was merely anxious for him to rest.
At the same time, Mizra and Nihi were walking home after visiting Noroko.
"Why does Noroko's mother always wear that veil?" Mizra asked.
"Noroko told me once," Nihi explained, "that she has a very weak immune system. She has to protect herself from airborne illnesses."
When Nihi arrived home, she was greeted by her mother, Kyuri Elbando, a kind woman with sky-blue eyes. Kyuri placed a hand on Nihi's shoulder. "Nihi... I know you've dreamed of graduating from the Mikano Academy. But please, be careful. You are all I have in this world."
Nihi smiled, placing her hand over her mother's. "Don't worry, Mother. I will make you proud."
The New Instructor
A week passed, and while the capital regained its calm, the rumors of the Neron Forest refused to die. Talk of the "Demons of Nokotomo" and the return of "Umito VI" filled the taverns.
At the Academy, Headmistress Larin introduced a substitute for the comatose Instructor Edward.
"I am Baron France," the new teacher announced. He was a tall, thin man in his mid-thirties with slicked-back brown hair and small circular glasses. His expression was stern, masked by a mysterious layer of calm. "I will continue what my colleague began. We pray for his swift recovery."
The Kingdom of Nokotomo
Far to the east, under a sky of heavy gray clouds and atop blackened earth, lay the Kingdom of Nokotomo—the Demon Kingdom. Here, the very soil was stained black.
The land was ruled by King Caesar Banwell, a terrifying fifty-year-old man with crimson hair and black horns. His pale skin and calculating features radiated malice. He wore robes adorned with demonic symbols that hummed with Blue Demonic Mikano—a power unique to his realm.
Deep within the Black Palace, Caesar stood by a narrow arched window, overlooking his dark towers. He watched the storm clouds and smiled a crooked, wicked smile.
"The peace treaty has lasted long enough, Sarohan," he whispered into the wind. "If my plan succeeds, I will wipe your kingdom off the face of the earth."
To be continued