In the late afternoon, after Key wrapped up his tasks at the tavern, he headed straight to the flower garden, where Alric and Lira were already waiting. Once the three reunited, they set off toward the forest beyond Starhaven's walls to begin their training for the day.
At the city gate, Nemu and Polos were keeping watch, chatting idly as they leaned against the stone archway. They noticed the three approaching and waved them over.
"Hey, Key," Nemu called, sounding a little guilty.
"Sorry I couldn't make it to Garcias last night. Something urgent came up."
Key shook his head with an easy smile.
"It's alright, Mr. Nemu. Really. I'm not going anywhere until the Knight's Trial is done, anyway."
Polos raised a brow, looking them over. "So, where are you three heading?"
"To the forest," Key replied.
"They invited me to train."
Alric glanced at the two guards, an excited spark in his eyes.
"Mr. Polos, Mr. Nemu… did you guys know that Key was trained by Guru? The legendary knight?"
Polos and Nemu exchanged a look before nodding.
"Of course we know," Polos said. "Why?"
Alric frowned. "I asked you about Key's training back when he left Starhaven, but neither of you said he was trained by Guru!"
"If I remember right," Nemu replied, rubbing the back of his neck,
"you asked where he trained. And we told you, at the temple near the ancient forest."
"Yeah, but you didn't say the one teaching him was Guru!" Alric protested, throwing his hands up in frustration.
Polos and Nemu burst into laughter.
Lira folded her arms, letting out a long sigh.
"Why are we wasting time on something that doesn't matter? Let's just go."
"It does matter!" Alric shot back, sounding offended.
Key, amused by the entire exchange, couldn't help laughing.
Lira, sharp as always, smirked. "You're such a kid, Alric."
Alric's face flushed immediately. He pressed his lips together and muttered something under his breath.
With that, the three stepped past the gate, heading toward the forest that bordered the outskirts of Starhaven.
— — —
[Nebura Palace]
The grand hall of Nebura Palace shimmered in the golden light of the late afternoon sun, its rays breaking into a kaleidoscope of colors as they passed through the stained-glass windows.
Upon his throne sat King Edlen Starfall, bearing an air of quiet authority. Standing before him was Erwin Noether, fifty one years old, one of the Stellar Knights, clad in gleaming white armor. As one of the most senior and experienced knights in the Kingdom of Nebura, Erwin was a figure held in great respect.
They were engaged in a serious discussion regarding the Knight's Trial, a sacred examination scheduled to be held in the coming days.
"The number of participants this year seems higher than in previous years," King Edlen remarked.
"Four thousand five hundred and twenty eight people have registered from all across the realm, and with six days remaining before registration closes, I expect that number will continue to rise."
Erwin nodded. "By my estimate, Your Majesty, another two to three hundred will likely come forward before the final day."
"This year," Erwin continued,
"the Stellar Knights and Lunar Knights shall choose two thousand of the best participants who pass the first stage. They will officially become soldiers of the Kingdom of Nebura and be granted the title of Guardian."
"Then, from those two thousand newly sworn Guardians," Erwin added,
"we will divide them into four groups to proceed to the second stage of the trial. From those four groups, two hundred of the finest participants will be chosen by the Stellar Knights and by Your Majesty to be officially appointed as knights of the Kingdom of Nebura and granted the title of Astral Knight."
"Two hundred," King Edlen said, leaning back against his throne. "That's four times the number we selected in previous years."
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Erwin affirmed.
The king's expression grew more solemn.
"I entrust everything to the Stellar Knights and the Lunar Knights to ensure that the finest soldiers and knights are forged through this trial, those who will protect Nebura with strength, honor, and loyalty."
Erwin bowed his head slightly.
"As you command, Your Majesty. Thank you for your trust."
— — —
The knightly order of the Kingdom of Nebura is divided into three distinct ranks:
• Stellar Knights (the highest rank) — At present, only four knights bear this title.
• Lunar Knights (the second rank) — At present, twenty one knights bear this title.
• Astral Knights (the third rank) — At present, eight thousand nine hundred fifty six knights bear this title.
Beneath these ranks stand the Guardians. Sworn soldiers who form the main strength of Nebura's military. At present, more than seventy thousand soldiers carry this title.
— — —
King Edlen's expression softened as he spoke.
"Have we heard anything from Walt yet? I'm hoping he can make it back in time for the opening ceremony."
Erwin offered a faint smile.
"According to the latest report, Your Majesty, Walt has already set out on his return from the Kingdom of Zundara."
The king let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head in clear admiration.
"If he's already on the road home, then his work there must be done. That man never wastes time, he's always been swift when it comes to his duties."
"Indeed, Your Majesty, Walt is the strongest knight in Nebura at present." Erwin replied with composed pride.
"I'm sure he will attend the opening ceremony."
Clearly satisfied, King Edlen nodded.
"Good. That's reassuring to hear. Very well, Erwin, carry on with your duties."
Erwin straightened and bowed deeply."Thank you, Your Majesty."
As Erwin turned to leave, the king spoke again.
"Oh, one more thing before you go. Would you summon Rhea for me? I wish to have a word with her."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Erwin answered.
He bowed once more before departing the hall.
— — —
[Kingdom of Zundara, Konarky Harbor]
Night had grown late at Konarky Harbor, yet the place was still alive with activity. Lanterns lit the docks, their glow reflecting upon the shimmering surface of the sea. Ships lay anchored, and the crashing of waves mingled with the clamor of workers still busy loading cargo.
Amid the bustle, two figures drew the attention of many.
Walt Haevan, now twenty nine years old, had just completed his duties in the Kingdom of Zundara and was preparing to return to the Kingdom of Nebura aboard a ship waiting for him.
At his side stood Sanney Rumbwe, forty one years old, a dark skinned man with a massive, muscular build, towering over Walt. Sanney was the strongest knight in the Kingdom of Zundara, and one of the Primion Knights, just like Walt Heavan.
The moment they set foot in the harbor, whispers began to spread.
"That's Walt Heavan…" someone murmured in awe."He's more handsome than the rumors say!"
"Why is he here? Did something happen?"
A man carrying a book smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with fascination.
"This is incredible," he muttered."I never thought I'd see a Primion Knight in the flesh. And now there are two of them right before me."
Someone nearby frowned, clearly confused.
"Primion Knight? What's that supposed to be?"
The man with the book let out a sigh, sounding almost disappointed by the question.
"Good heavens, do you really know nothing at all? The Primion Knights are a group made up of the seven knights from the seven Regalian kingdoms."
The one who asked merely chuckled.
"Well, I've been busy working. Not everyone has time to read books like you."
Another joined in with a grin.
"No need for excuses, you can't read anyway, can you?"
Laughter broke out among them, but Walt and Sanney continued on without pause.They were already well accustomed to such attention.
When they reached the edge of the pier, Walt stopped and turned toward Sanney.
"Thank you for escorting me this far."
Sanney shook his head and gave a faint smile.
"What are you saying? I should be the one thanking you."
They shared a light laugh before Walt boarded the ship. From the deck, Walt raised a hand and waved.
As the ship carrying Walt disappeared into the darkness, the tension in the harbor slowly gave way to restless curiosity.
The crowd did not disperse.
Instead, murmurs grew louder.
"Primion Knight... Regalian..."
"I've heard those names before..."
Before long, many eyes turned toward the man holding the book, the same man who had spoken earlier. He noticed the attention and let out a quiet chuckle, adjusting the book beneath his arm.
"Well?" one dockworker asked impatiently.
"You look like you know something. Care to explain?"
The man nodded and stepped forward, lantern light reflecting in his eyes.
"Alright, alright," he said calmly.
"Listen carefully, then. What you just saw is tied to the greatest alliance this world has ever known."
He raised his book slightly.
"Regalian is a united alliance of ten out of the thirteen Great Kingdoms of the world. It was formed two hundred and fifteen years ago, during the age when demons terrorized every land without mercy."
The harbor grew quiet.
"The kingdoms that formed the Regalian Union were..."
He began to list them, one by one.
"The Kingdom of Zundara.
The Kingdom of Nebura.
The Kingdom of Novalot.
The Kingdom of Hinomoto.
The Kingdom of Arubya.
The Kingdom of Vintergard.
The Kingdom of Beastera.
The Kingdom of Silvayne.
The Kingdom of Vorthex.
And the Kingdom of Darvault."
Several people exchanged glances at the familiar names.
"But," the man continued, his tone lowering,
"the other three Great Kingdoms refused to join the Regalian Union."
A sailor crossed his arms. "Refused? During the demon terror?"
The man nodded.
"The Kingdom of Xinyu.
The Kingdom of Abyssara.
And the Kingdom of Titania."
A ripple of surprise spread through the listeners.
"Rumors say," the man went on,
"that these three Great Kingdoms are far stronger than any kingdom within Regalian. Strong enough that they did not require an alliance to defend themselves against the demons."
Someone scoffed. "That sounds like nonesense."
The man smiled faintly.
"Perhaps. But consider this."
He lifted a finger.
"Titania is a kingdom of giants. It is said to be the strongest kingdom in the entire world. During the demon terror, they defended their land without suffering a single casualty. The demons weren't simply defeated, they were driven away in fear."
Gasps followed.
"And Abyssara," he continued,
"is a kingdom beneath the ocean. Its people can breathe underwater. It is said to be the second strongest kingdom in the world. If a battle were to take place at sea, Abyssara might even surpass Titania in strength."
The dockworkers shifted uneasily.
"Then there is Xinyu," the man said.
"They are not giants. They do not live underwater. They are humans, just like us."
A pause.
"But their military power is so powerful that they defended their land against the demons without aid from any other kingdoms."
The man's eyes narrowed slightly.
"There are rumors," he said quietly,
"that Xinyu is protected by dragons."
A hush fell over the harbor.
"Yet even Regalian paid a terrible price," he continued.
"The demon terror was so brutal that one of the ten great kingdoms, Darvault, was completely annihilated."
Several listeners lowered their heads.
"Upon the land where Darvault once stood," the man said,
"the Regalian Citadel was built."
He looked around the crowd.
"Every five years, the nine kings of the Regalian Union would gather there for a summit."
The man sighed.
"About fifty years ago, the Kingdoms of Silvayne and Beastera withdrew from the Regalian Union. Personal conflicts. Irreconcilable differences between their kings."
"So now?" someone asked.
"So now," the man replied,
"Regalian stands with only seven great kingdoms."
The harbor remained silent.
Lantern flames flickered in the night wind, and the sea rolled endlessly beside them.
A moment later, another voice rose from the crowd.
"Then what about those knights we just saw?"
"The Primion Knights, what exactly are they?"
The man with the book nodded.
"Ah… the Primion Knights," he said.
"They're not just famous knights. They're an elite order."
"The Primion Knights are a group of the seven strongest knights from the seven great kingdoms within the Regalian Union."
A murmur swept through the harbor.
"Seven strongest…?"
"Strongest from each kingdom?"
"Exactly," the man replied.
He began to recite the names with care.
"Sanney Rumbwe of the Kingdom of Zundara.
Walt Heavan of the Kingdom of Nebura.
Lancelot Dulac of the Kingdom of Novalot.
Musashi Miyamoto of the Kingdom of Hinomoto.
Khaleed of the Kingdom of Arubya.
Björn Stormbane of the Kingdom of Vintergard.
And Magnus Drayven of the Kingdom of Vorthex."
"These seven," the man continued,
"stand at the very peak of Regalian's military might. They're the pride of their kingdoms, symbols of strength"
A dockhand scratched his head.
"But earlier you said some kingdoms left Regalian… and others never joined. Don't they have strong knights too?"
The man smiled faintly.
"They do."
"The other five Great Kingdoms each have their own strongest knights, warriors said to rival the Primion Knights in power."
He listed them slowly.
"Taiga Hellclaw of the Kingdom of Beastera.
Elarion of the Kingdom of Silvayne.
Xiang Yu of the Kingdom of Xinyu.
Reus Nerathy of the Kingdom of Abyssara.
And Vladimir Thundra of the Kingdom of Titania."
"Those knights," the man said quietly,
"are said to stand on the same level as the Primion Knights."
He paused, then added,
"And some of them may even be stronger than the current Primion Knights."
The harbor fell silent once more.
"To think," someone muttered,
"we just watched two of those monsters walk past us like ordinary men…"
No one spoke after that.
The harbor lights flickered, and the waves continued their endless rhythm, as the weight of those names lingered in every mind.