After the tournament incident, Imperial wakes from unconsciousness but struggles to accept the mysterious lightning power he unleashed—only the old man and Kai know the truth. Determined to control this power, Imperial leaves home secretly to meet the old man who offers to train him. Meanwhile, Kai is summoned urgently to the Royal Palace, hinting at growing tensions within the Empire.
Scene: Arrival at the Royal Palace
Kai arrived at the grand gates of the royal palace just as the sun was at the top, casting long shadows across the courtyard. The heavy stone walls stood tall and imposing, the empire's power and history etched into every brick. His footsteps echoed in the silent corridor as he made his way through familiar halls, heart pounding—not with fear, but anticipation.
Inside the vast foyer, he saw Zeran waiting, leaning casually against a marble column. The fire user's expression was calm but guarded, his sharp eyes flicking up as Kai approached.
Before either could speak, a royal guard in polished armor stepped forward, bowing slightly.
"This way, sirs. The Council awaits."
Kai and Zeran exchanged a brief glance, both steeling themselves, then followed the guard down the long hallway toward the Royal Hall.
When they entered, an unexpected chill ran down Kai's spine. The hall was empty. No council members. No emperor. Just the cold silence echoing off towering pillars carved with ancient runes.
Suddenly, a voice boomed from beside the throne, breaking the silence like thunder.
"Kai Alden and Zeran Drake... we appreciate your swift response."
Kai's eyes darted toward the voice, but no one was visible. The vast hall seemed to swallow the sound, making it impossible to locate the speaker.
Another voice followed, calmer but laced with authority:
"We summoned you to discuss the recent incident at the Valorian Arena."
"During your match, a powerful attack was unleashed—one far beyond the capabilities of an ordinary magic user."
Kai's stomach tightened. The weight of the council's gaze, even unseen, pressed down on him.
A sharper voice interrupted:
"Zeran Drake."
Zeran stepped forward, his jaw clenched.
"Yes, sir?"
"Reports indicate you experienced a sudden, unusual power boost during the match. Was this the result of any drug, potion, or external magic enhancer?"
Zeran's mind flickered back to a moment before the match—one he had tried to push from his thoughts.
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Flashback: The Good Luck Drink
The sun filtered through a small kitchen window, warming the worn wooden table where Zeran sat across from his mother.
"Hey Mom, what's this?" he asked, holding up a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid.
His mother smiled softly, her eyes filled with quiet hope.
"Just a good luck drink I made. It probably won't change anything, but I wanted to give you all my blessings."
Zeran smirked, shaking his head. "You know I don't believe in this stuff."
She laughed gently. "I know, my boy. But still… drink it, for me."
He hesitated, and then sighed. "...Okay. Thanks, Mom."
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Back in the Royal Hall, Zeran swallowed hard. Could that drink really have caused his sudden boost? No. It was unlikely, and he dared not admit it anyway. The Drake family's reputation was at stake. Even a hint of suspicion could ruin them.
"I believe it was a new skill I've developed," Zeran answered firmly. "Though I have yet to master it completely."
One of the elders nodded slowly.
"Understood. But next time, you must exercise caution. Uncontrolled power is dangerous and could harm others."
Zeran bowed his head.
"Yes, sir. I will be more careful."
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Scene: The Lightning Attack
Another elder spoke, voice low and serious.
"Now, regarding the other matter—the mysterious attack unleashed after Zeran lost control. It was not fire magic. That was clearly lightning."
Zeran's eyes narrowed defensively.
"No, sir. I only use fire magic. If you doubt me, you're welcome to test my abilities. I won't resist."
The elders turned toward Kai.
"Kai Alden... or rather, the Alden Prodigy. That leaves you."
Kai frowned, confusion creasing his forehead.
"I was barely able to stand during the battle. I couldn't have unleashed such an attack."
The elders exchanged glances.
"Very well. We will test your magic strength."
A guard brought forward a glowing cube—the Magic Strength Measurement Device. Its surface shimmered with arcane energy.
"Kai Alden, place your hand on the device."
Kai obeyed, fingers trembling slightly. The cube pulsed rhythmically, then dimmed, revealing a glowing 'B' grade.
A collective gasp swept through the chamber.
"B-rank?" whispered one elder. "Rare... but not for an Alden."
Another nodded approvingly. "Your grandfather and father were the same at your age. The Alden bloodline is truly exceptional."
The lead elder concluded the session.
"That will be all for now. But we may call upon you again."
Kai and Zeran bowed deeply, their minds racing as they exited the hall.
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Scene: Imperial in the Forest
Meanwhile, far from the palace, in the dense eastern forests of Royal Town…
Imperial wandered beneath towering trees, his footsteps muffled by thick moss and fallen leaves.
"Where does that old man live? This is all just trees... I think I'm lost," Imperial muttered, frustration thick in his voice. "First time I'm out alone, and this is how it ends. Ugh, what a pain."
He turned to leave but stopped. A faint voice whispered through the leaves, calling his name.
Curious and a little hopeful, Imperial pushed through the branches until he spotted a small, weathered house nestled between ancient oaks.
Standing in front was the very man he sought.
"Kid," the old man said gruffly, "looks like you finally made up your mind after two days."
Imperial shook his head, breathless.
"No, I woke up today and came straight here."
The old man grunted.
"That attack you used must've drained you. You alright?"
Imperial nodded.
"Yeah... I'm fine. Sorry, I forgot to ask your name?"
"Kaien," the man answered simply. "And you... you're younger lord Imperial."
Imperial's eyes widened.
"You know my name?"
"Of course. You're a royal. More importantly, you're Kai's younger brother."
"You know Kai too?! And hey, drop the 'young lord' stuff—I'm not used to it."
"My apologies. Kai's well-known around here. A prodigy, a skilled fighter, and already one of the strongest in the empire—even as a teenager."
Imperial sighed.
"And what do you know about me, old man Kaien?"
"That you struggle to control your powers... and I know about the prophecy."
Imperial stepped back, shock on his face.
"What?! How do you—"
"That can wait," Kaien interrupted. "Tell me, are you here to train?"
Imperial nodded eagerly.
"Yes. Can I call you Master Kaien?"
Kaien smiled faintly.
"Of course. But know this—it won't be easy. We start by mastering your magic control. Then, I'll teach you new techniques."
"I'm ready, Master."
"Good. I'm also a lightning user. I should be able to help you unlock your full potential."
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Scene: One Month Later
After a month of intense, exhausting training under Kaien's watchful eye, Imperial finally began to grasp control over his thunder powers. The crackling energy no longer overwhelmed him—it bent to his will, trembling with potential.
But far from the Central Lands, in a shadowy council chamber of another empire…
A room fell into stunned silence.
"What? Someone used an S+ rank attack—'Lightning Summon'?"
Murmurs spread like wildfire.
The council's unease was palpable. Whoever had unleashed such devastating power was a force no one could ignore.