Chapter 16 – A Day Without Battles… But the War Isn’t Over

The chaos from last night…

It ended with a bang.
A big, glorious, Kline-brand bang.

And now… I’m in what feels like my deathbed.

Kline, across the room, is snoring like a dying engine—mouth hanging open, a thin string of drool dangling precariously. The guy’s smiling in his sleep, too, like he’s having the time of his life.

I grab the nearest bottle from my bedside table, take aim, and—

THONK!

Perfect headshot.

“Arghhh!… ah…” he groans, rolls over, and falls right back asleep.

Tough bastard. I’ll give him that.

Meanwhile, Luna is already up and running the aftermath like some queen of order.
Fu Xi hovers nearby, handing her documents and whispering reports.

The palace is basically under new management.
Which means… Luna is the boss.
The boss who—

Oh.

She’s next to me now.

Not sitting. Not standing.
Lying.

On my bed.

Correction: lying next to me in bed.

And she’s not alone.
Elysia’s on my other side.
Marlisa, too.
Even Oswald is curled up at the foot like some weird, bitey cat.

…We are all in Luna’s chambers.
My brain is still booting up.

WHAT THE HELL!?

I should be freaking out more, but… whatever. My body’s too sore to argue with fate right now.

I shift slightly and glance sideways. Luna’s hair spills over the pillow like strands of silver silk, her cat ears twitching faintly in her sleep. One hand rests on the sheets between us, fingers just brushing mine. Her tail flicks once, lazily.

Her breathing is slow. Peaceful.
But even asleep, there’s this faint, commanding aura about her—like she’s dreaming about giving orders.

I wake up to the sound of quiet breathing all around me.
Luna’s tail twitches faintly in her sleep. Elysia’s arm is draped over the blanket. Marlisa’s hair is spilling across my shoulder. Even Oswald is curled up like a smug little ball of fur at my feet.

I slip out of bed very carefully, making sure not to wake the three ticking time bombs beside me.
Lucky for me, I’m still in the same clothes from last night—safe from any awkward “how did I end up shirtless?” moments.

Slowly, I ease the door open.
Click.
The hallway’s quiet.

Just outside, I spot Fu Xi sitting at a desk piled high with scrolls, sipping tea like a man who hasn’t slept in three days but refuses to admit it.

“Hey, morning, kid,” he says without looking up.

“Uh… morning?”

He raises an eyebrow.

“Is that a question?”

“…Maybe?”

“Fine, we’ll call it a question. Anyway—”

He stands and walks over, a rare serious look on his face.

“I deeply thank you. Because of you, we managed to change this place… well, most of it.”

I tilt my head.

“I heard there are still some who follow the previous king.”

Fu Xi scratches his chin.

“Well, when you were… tortured… or beaten… or, ah… having fun—”

I deadpan at him.

“That’s not funny.”

“Ai?”

“Do you know the horrors of dealing with those stupid girls!?”

He smirks.

“But you all seem like good friends.”

“Yeah… friends. Friends who almost sent me to the underworld!”

“Hahahaha! That’s what friendship is!”

“…I really think we need to have a long conversation about your definition of friendship.”

Fu Xi chuckles, then waves a hand.

“Well, get some rest. Luna’s already handling the paperwork.”

I pause mid-step, remembering something.

“Wait… since Kline managed to cleanse everyone, what about Princess Verica?”

“Huh? Oh, she’s in the cell now. Your friends Raul and Alfian too.”

“That’s not my friend.”

“Oh, really? Well, they’re all under house arrest. But they were in the dark about most of this mess.”

I shrug.

“Feel free to interrogate them. I don’t mind.”

Fu Xi’s lips curl into an amused smile.

“You are something, kid…”

The words hang in the air.
Somehow, they sound less like a compliment… and more like a warning.

The office door swings open and Gindol steps in, boots clicking against the polished floor.

“Lord Fu Xi, the repair crews and cleaning teams are already underway,” he reports, voice steady.

Fu Xi nods, arms folded.

“Good… then, kid—go get some fresh air.”

“Yeah, yeah…” I mutter, already stretching my back. I glance at Gindol. “Hey, where’s the airship?”

“Behind the palace. Go on ahead—Anduril’s there.”

“Got it.”

I turn to leave, but as soon as I’m out the door, their voices drop lower.
Footsteps fade behind me, replaced by quiet murmurs.

“I saw that demon general… Azazothik,” Gindol says, tone heavy.

“Huh!? And?” Fu Xi leans in.

“That guy Kline… managed to beat him. Or more like… vaporize him.”

Gindol grunts.

“I’m sure they’ll be back for revenge. And… Randy didn’t tell me the flying demon he asked me to shoot down was the former Queen.”

“Yeah… his decision-making is really deadly. Almost as if…” Fu Xi said

“He’s trained to handle these situations,” Gindol finishes.

Fu Xi narrows his eyes.

“Yes… and I wonder… who trained him like that?”

Outside, sunlight pours over the palace courtyard. I make my way toward the rear gardens, where the airship looms over the skyline like a sleeping beast.

Anduril spots me first.

“Hey! Morning!”

“Morning,” I reply, stepping up the gangway.

The hull gleams in the light, almost untouched. I run a hand over the plating—smooth, pristine. But the guns… that’s another story. There are faint scorch marks along the barrels, like someone tried to burn them out from the inside.

“Looks like the gun materials need an upgrade,” I say.

Anduril crouches beside one mount, tracing a mark with his finger.

“Yeah… looks like it. But damn, son… that’s some serious firepower.”

I nod.

“Exactly. No need for huge armies when you have this.”

His expression hardens.

“Yeah, but I’d rather no one else build one. Machines like this… they lead to domination.”

His words pull an old memory from deep in my mind—Uncle’s voice, low and firm.
“Remember nuclear deterrence… power belongs to whoever has the bigger gun. Got it?”

I smirk faintly.

“Don’t worry. I’m not giving this to anyone. It’s mine to begin with.”

Anduril smiles, a rare proud look crossing his face.

“Good. Keep it that way. By the way… the design’s revolutionary. We already built one based on your floor plan—without the weapons.”

My eyebrows lift.

“Oh? Sounds fun.”

“Yep. Still a well-kept secret.”

“Agreed,” I say, glancing back at the towering airship. Its shadow falls over me like a warning. In the stillness of the courtyard, I can’t shake the feeling that this “secret” might be the very thing that draws the next storm to our doorstep.

I lean against the airship’s rail, stretching my sore arms.

“Well, since all’s well and done… might as well make my next adventure… the Sky Island.”

Anduril squints toward the horizon, then points upward.

“You mean that?”

I follow his gaze… and my jaw drops.

A massive island—trees, rivers, even faint clouds clinging to its cliffs—floats impossibly high in the sky. Sunlight catches the waterfalls spilling from its edges, making them glimmer like liquid crystal.

“…You have got to be kidding me.”

Anduril smirks.

“That’s the island I mentioned. Something tells me it needs to be explored. Up to the challenge?”

I grin.

“Yep! I’d love to. Still need to find a way back to my world—and bring the others with me.”

“Agreed. Well then… care to help me get this ship ready?”

“Got it. I’ll need to modify this gun again… and when Kline wakes up, I’ll need his help too.”

Without another word, we dive into repairs. Tools clank, panels open, and the smell of oil fills the deck. The airship’s hull hums faintly beneath my hands, as if eager for the journey.

Meanwhile – Luna’s Chambers

The early morning sun filters through silk curtains, painting the room in gold.

Elowen stirs first, stretching—only to realize something warm and… firm is cupping her chest. She blinks down.

It’s Kline.
One hand on her.
The other… on Seraphina.

“…Gah!!!”

Her fist flashes faster than thought. BAM! BAM!
Two direct hits—the perfect alarm clock.

Kline collapses back into the bed, eyes rolled up like a dead man. Seraphina is spinning in place, dizzy spirals in her eyes.

Luna sits up slowly, rubbing her eyes, her cat ears twitching.

“…What’s with the noise?”

Her gaze lands on Seraphina wobbling like a broken toy, and Kline sprawled dramatically as if slain by divine judgment. Elowen stands above them, chest heaving, her glare sharp enough to cut steel.

From the corner of the bed, Oswald pops upright, eyes wide at the scene.
He clasps his hands, looking skyward.

“Oh… thank you, Jesus… for this fine morning… hallelujah…”

Yep. Oswald just got a full view of every beautiful girl in the room—including his sister, Marlisa, who just so happens to be sitting up, hair tousled, looking way too casually sexy for a family-friendly morning.

Somewhere in the distance, I swear I can hear the ominous hum of trouble brewing again, but right now… it’s the conversation in front of me that’s making my head spin.

Outside of the Palace, Skybreaker airship docks

“You… okay, son?” Anduril asks, frowning as he watches me squirm.

I gulp. “Umm… I can sense danger. Right… now.”

Anduril blinks at me, skeptical. “Huh? Maybe it’s just your imagination, son.”

“No… I feel it. I just hope I’m not getting caught in the crossfire this time…” I mumble, my voice low and tense.

And then, out of nowhere, Anduril leans back, smirk wide and eyes twinkling like he knows something he shouldn’t. 😑

“I know my daughter is a looker…” he says casually. 😏

I cough violently, nearly choking. “W-what the hell did you just say!?!” My heart practically skips a beat. 🤯

My jaw drops. “Uh… are you sure you’re right in the head, Anduril?” voice mixes disbelief and disgust perfectly.

Anduril just shrugs, unbothered. “Huh? She is a looker. And her body… it’s nothing like any other dwarf girl I know. That’s what I’m proud of.”

I letting out a long, exasperated sigh. “Geez… old man, seriously. Fix your thinking—or one day she’ll leave you behind without a second thought.”

Anduril chuckles softly, unashamed, while I just shakes my head, muttering under my breath, “I swear… this man’s impossible.”

The tension in the air is almost comedic now, but my instincts are still buzzing. Trouble’s coming.

Oswald wakes with a groan, blinking away the blur in his eyes… only to find Marlisa hovering over him with a scowl that could crack stone.

“Hey! Don’t forget to brush your teeth!” she snaps, arms crossed. 😠

Oswald yawns so wide it looks like he’s about to unhinge his jaw. “Are you my mom now…?” 🥱

Marlisa’s glare only sharpens. “If your mom were here, she’d agree with me.”

Across the room, Elysia stirs and nudges a certain someone on the bed next to her. “Hey, wake up, Princess…”

“Uhh… emmm…” Luna groans, rubbing her eyes before slowly opening them. “Uh… where’s Randy?”

“Not sure…” Elysia shrugs.

Kline, still scratching his back in his sleep, lets out a snore that sounds like a dying kettle.

“He’s still sleeping,” Elysia mutters, half amused.

“Typical of a bookworm,” Elowen comments dryly, already in full gear and ready for the morning.

Meanwhile… outside, the teachers—still pale and shaken from last night’s incident—try to keep their composure. One of them spots a certain figure crouched by a massive airship, tools in hand.

Randy.

She approaches cautiously. “Hey… Randy.”

Randy glances up mid-repair. “Uh… who are you?”

“It’s Ms. Jackie! Don’t you remember? From Social and Living class!?”

“…Yeah… sort of…” Randy replies, already turning back to the bolts he’s tightening.

Ms. Jackie—short, petite, and standing at 5’1—peers up at him with wide eyes. Randy, at 5’6, feels like a giant in comparison.

“Did you build this?” she asks.

“Huh? Nope… he did.” Randy jerks his thumb toward Anduril.

The old man doesn’t even look up. “You’ve got it all wrong, lady. This boy here’s been doing all the work.”

“Hey!!” Randy shoots him a glare.

Ms. Jackie hums in admiration. “I always knew you had a knack for fixing things, but building an airship… that’s impressive.”

Randy fights the urge to groan. She’s being really annoying right now… I don’t have time for this.

“Umm… why don’t you go meet Raul and Alfian? Seems like they could use a… lecture?” Randy suggests.

“Huh? Well… none of the teachers are willing to be teachers after this…”

“Oh?” Randy shrugs without looking up.

“They’ve had enough. They just want to return home.”

“I get the feeling. Well then, let me finish this and I’ll head out to find clues.”

But before he can go back to work, Ms. Jackie steps closer—way closer—and says in a low voice, “I’m a bit lonely as well…”

“…Eh?” Randy’s brain stutters to a halt.

Even Anduril drops his wrench with a loud CLANG—followed by the metallic THUNK of his head smacking into the airship door.

“Ai?! Uhh… maybe the tavern could help with your… loneliness?” Randy blurts.

Don’t tell me this is happening again…

His mind flashes back to the time Luna appraised him:

Skill – Anti-magic, Survivalist, Marksmanship, Craftsman, Inventor, Trading, Negotiations, Fighter, Tamer, Chemist, Herbalist, Hunting… Lady Killer.

That last one…

Randy facepalms. “Uh… teacher, aren’t you supposed to be with the other teachers?”

“Huh? …Right. Okay.” She turns away, but not before glancing over her shoulder—eyes glinting like a predator sizing up prey.

Randy’s stomach sinks. Why am I in this situation again… First Seraphina, and now Ms. Jackie…

“Oooh boy, son…” Anduril chuckles.

“…What?”

“Nothing~.”

The two return to work, pretending the moment never happened.

Meanwhile, in the palace…

Luna is already striding toward the royal office, arms full of papers, when a voice calls out.

“Hey… Princess…”

She groans. “Ugh…”

“I thought you weren’t a drinker…”

“I don’t,” Luna says flatly. “…But everyone’s in my room right now…”

The voice chuckles. “Randy’s a good man… he could make good offspring.”

Luna nearly trips. “WHAT are you talking about?! We’re only friends!!!”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes!!!”

Lord Fu Xi stands and strolls toward the window. “Luna, you’re going to be bus—eh?”

Before he can finish, Luna slams a mountain of books onto his head.

“EARRGGHHH—!!!” BPOOOM!!!

“DUMB UNCLE!!!”

Fu Xi goes down like paper—his legs folding under him—and Gindol winces awkwardly from the corner. 😅

“Hmph!” Luna spins on her heel and storms out, her boots clicking sharply against the marble floor.

Inside the palace conference chamber

The teachers are gathered around a long table. The air feels heavy—it’s been two months since they were dragged into this mess, and no one seems any closer to a solution.

One of the older teachers clears his throat. “I know it’s not my place to bring this up, but… we are teachers. We mustcontribute somehow.”

The assistant principal—now the de facto leader—sighs deeply. “We still need to assess the situation. And now… we face the problem of our own students doing things their own way.”

“But we need to settle this! We can’t just stand here!” another teacher snaps, her voice rising.

Within seconds, the room erupts into overlapping voices—heated arguments bouncing off the palace walls.

The door creaks open.

Ms. Jackie steps in, her voice cutting through the noise. “Enough. We need to do something for our students. We’re all here—we need to take responsibility.”

She looks around the table, her gaze sharp. “Raul was my class monitor… but look at him now. And Alfian—don’t even get me started.”

Another teacher interrupts, almost defensively. “Then what do you suggest we do?”

Silence. One by one, their eyes drop to the floor. No answers. No courage.

Jackie presses on. “Whatever we decide, we need to set an example. Our students are handling things without us. Elysia—our own student leader—is taking matters into her own hands. Are we just going to watch?”

“Then…” a hesitant voice begins.

Jackie raises her hand. “Randy. You all remember him?”

A murmur goes around the table. Heads nod.

One teacher swallows hard. “I felt… guilty. Powerless to handle what happened before.”

“But look at him now,” Jackie continues. “He’s already doing something. He’s searching for clues to get us back home. He’s doing what we should have been doing from the start.”

The room falls quiet.

“Randy,” she says softly, “the one we all overlooked. We should be ashamed as educators.”

She straightens, resolve burning in her voice. “Let me talk to him. Maybe he’ll have an idea.”

Airship docks

Randy, hunched over a pile of tools, suddenly sneezes so hard he almost drops a wrench. “Ahhchoo!”

Anduril glances over with a flat stare. “Uh-huh.”

“Yeah, something’s happening… I can feel it,” Randy mutters, rubbing his nose. “What the hell is going on…?”

Palace walkways

Elysia strides quickly down the marble corridor, scanning for any sign of Randy. She slows when she passes a meeting room—the sound of raised voices leaking out from within.

Curiosity gets the better of her. She pushes the door open and steps inside.

Teachers sit in tense clusters, mid-discussion.

“Teacher?” she calls.

They all turn. “Ah! Elysia!”

One of the male teachers hurries toward her. “We’re now… discussing—”

Elysia raises her hand, silencing him. “Whatever happened before… it seems that matter is already settled. But…”

They wait for her to continue.

She meets their eyes, steady and serious. “We need to work on something. Together.”

The room goes still, every eye turning to Elysia.
She straightens, her voice clear and decisive.
“Since most of our students are scattered, gathering them all seems impossible… but Randy—let’s start with what we have right now.”

Without waiting for approval, she strides out.
One teacher exhales. “It’s a good thing Elysia’s around…”
Another nods. “Yes… she’s the anchor we needed.”

Corridor — Palace Grounds

Elysia moves quickly, her boots clicking against the polished floor. She spots Oswald lounging against a column, arms crossed, looking entirely too relaxed.

“Hey, Oswald!”

He tilts his head lazily. “What’s up?”

She leans in, whispering her plan. “We need to gather every student we can find—meeting, now.”

He arches a brow. “You realize we’ve got at least two hundred scattered across the city, right?”

“No choice.”

Oswald smirks, pushing off the wall. “Fine. Head Prefect’s orders then—let’s get this moving.”

Within moments, he’s barking orders to passing students, kicking the search into motion.

Luna, emerging from the courtyard, catches sight of the activity. “Elysia, what’s going on?”

“We’re gathering everyone for a student meeting.”

“Need help?”

“Yep.”

The two girls split up, weaving through market streets, gardens, and palace wings—calling names, corralling students, and dodging the occasional distracted guard.

Palace Conference Hall

Hours later, the massive hall hums with voices. Teachers file in first, followed by groups of students—some curious, some nervous.

But one notable absence draws murmurs.

“Where’s Randy?”

Elysia steps up to the podium. “Alright, everyone—let’s discuss the situation.”

“Yes!” one voice calls. Another immediately shouts—
“That dumb Raul and Alfian made us look like fools!”

“Yeah!”

Elysia stomps her foot. The sharp sound echoes, cutting the noise.
“All of you, stop! What happened before was because we were all confused. Don’t deny it—you enjoyed parts of it too, didn’t you?”

Silence. No one dares meet her eyes.

“Then listen. Discuss. We can’t afford pointless fights.”

Oswald steps forward. “We need to remember who we are. We’re not citizens here—we’re students. Don’t forget that.”

The words hang in the air. Even the assistant principal looks thoughtful.
“I want all of you to still live as students,” he says quietly.

Airship Docks

Far from the meeting, Randy is elbow-deep in machinery, sweat streaking his face as he works a stubborn bolt loose.

Kline strolls up, yawning. “Hey.”

“I’m fixing this damn thing,” Randy mutters without looking up.

“I can see that.”

He peers into the weapon’s housing. “I’ll be damned… it’s melted. Anduril—did you guys fire this thing twice without cooling it?”

“Yes. Why?” Anduril replies from the workbench.

Kline groans. “A weapon with that much firepower needs a cooling system!”

“Yeah, I know,” Randy mutters, “but we were on a rush job.”

“Well, guess we’re dismantling it then.”

The sound of tools clinking fills the air—until Luna bursts in, panting.

“Randy!”

He glances over, still holding a wrench. “Huh? What?”

“Elysia’s looking for you! The teachers are looking for you!”

“Can’t you see I’m busy? Plus—”

“No buts!” She grabs his arm, yanking him upright.

Kline chuckles. “Looks fun. I’m coming too.”

Anduril waves them off. “Go on, kid. School’s more important.”

Elowen and Seraphina appear at the dock entrance.
“Can we join the meeting?” Seraphina asks.

“Yeah, sure…” Randy says, still being dragged.

From down the walkway, Marlisa’s voice rings out. “Ah! Randy! And—”

She stops mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing. For some reason… she looks pissed.

Luna calls back cheerfully, “Hey! Found him!”

“Yeah…” Marlisa walks briskly toward them, grabs Randy’s other arm, and plants herself there like she owns it.

Randy stares between them. “Uh… what’s going on here?”

“Nothing!!!” Marlisa blurts, cheeks red. Go die, embarrassment…

From behind her, Marian smirks. “Heh… don’t tell me…”

“Shut up!” Marlisa snaps.

On Randy’s other side, Luna smirks coolly. “Aren’t you supposed to be at the meeting? Why don’t you run along—I can handle him.”

Marlisa’s glare sharpens. “Princess, mind your own country’s business.”

Randy feels the temperature drop. Why does it feel like there’s sudden bad blood here?

He glances at Marian, who grins. “What did I say, Randy? You’re a lady killer.”

“Whatever…” Randy mutters, bracing for impact from both sides.

Palace — Grand Conference Hall

The massive chamber feels less like a school meeting and more like a full-blown parliament session—teachers and students alike are shouting over each other, waving hands, and arguing as if the fate of the world depends on it.

I take one look at the chaos.
“…Uh huh. Time for me to walk away.”

Before I can escape, two hands grab my arms—Marlisa on the left, Luna on the right.

“Like you have anything better to do,” they say in unison.

“Uh… fixing the airship?”

From the far side of the room, Kline calls out, “Hey bro, Anduril’s already on it.”

I give him the finger.

He sticks his tongue out at me. “Serve you right, asshole! Got girls all around you—” His eyes suddenly widen, sparkling. “—BABES. ALL. AROUND!”

Great. Kline’s officially noticed the student council girls.

In an instant, he straightens his back, slicks his hair with his hand, and somehow produces a bouquet of flowers out of nowhere. “Hey, ladies…” he says with a wink.

Of course, my Earth girls giggle. “He’s cute…”

Then—SMACK! Elowen slams a book on his head. “Behave yourself and sit down!”

“Hey—!” Kline protests as she drags him off like a naughty puppy.

I’m forcibly seated at the long table, Luna and Marlisa flanking me like personal bodyguards, while Elysia sits across the aisle… glaring at me.

What the hell did I do this time…?

Elysia clears her throat, her voice commanding the hall.
“Since we’re all here, we need to figure out how to live our lives as students—”

“We’re getting gold here, you know!” a random boy shouts.

THUNK! A book flies through the air and bounces off his head. Elysia’s throw.

“Any stupid suggestions?” she says, and the room falls silent.

Luna leans toward me. “She’s like a good leader.”

I wave my hand dismissively. “Yeah… more like a dictator.”

Oswald stands. “Well then, teachers—since you called us here, let’s not point fingers. That includes you too.”

Ms. Jackie folds her arms. “We want you to have a life as students.”

Someone in the back shouts, “Uh huh, but we don’t even have books!”

THUNK! Another perfect headshot from Elysia. “Next comment?”

The poor kid shrinks into his seat. “Uh… okay…”

The debate drags on. My patience? Gone. I finally raise my voice.

“Why don’t we just… be students? Since we’re stuck here, we could treat this as a field trip—learn from this world. Teachers, you’ve got knowledge—use it. I’m sure the palace library could be a gold mine for learning.”

The murmuring starts again—this time, less hostile, more thoughtful.

“Hell, if I’m the idiot of the group and I can say this, why not build a school somewhere? Then we never have to waste time on meetings like this again.”

People exchange glances. One student finally says, “Randy… we’re not sure. We don’t even know when—or if—we’ll get out of here.”

I sigh, pull out my iPod.
“Looks like they’re trying to get us out, but listen to this.”

“Kline, can you expand the projection?”

“Yeah, no problem.” He taps the side, and the iPod suddenly projects a glowing screen in midair.

Gasps ripple through the room. Elysia’s eyes widen—she’s never seen anything like it.

A video plays—Elysia’s father, General Samuel, appears, speaking with the calm of a man who has faced wars.
“Randy, students, teachers… I know the situation is difficult. Stay in one place. Learn about that world until we find a way to bring you home.”

Before anyone can comment, another video loads—one I haven’t seen yet.

My chest tightens.

The screen fills with the dignified face of the King of Malaysia himself.

“I heard from Professor Griffith that Randy would receive this. People, my subjects—do not lose hope. This incident is not isolated; it is happening across the world. Stay strong, stay united… survive.”

His gaze locks with the camera. “Randy… still remember me, boy?”

My throat catches. I remember. Years ago, before high school—when we traveled together. Before I knew he was royalty.

The King continues, his tone softening.
“To the teachers—be examples for your students. You are their parents now. The parents here worry for their children, but we are doing all we can.”

The hall is silent. Even the rowdiest students lower their heads.

I glance at the teachers—some are quietly wiping their eyes.

“Our King… spoke to us personally,” one whispers, voice trembling.

For the first time in hours, silence takes the room.
No more shouting, no more jabs between students and teachers—just the heavy weight of reality pressing down on us like a blanket we can’t quite lift.

Luna leans closer, her voice soft.
“Your king… he’s really benevolent.”

I scratch the back of my neck. “…Sort of. Well… we do have our own crazy politics back home.”

Her brow furrows. “I wonder… is your country’s ruling like ours?”

“Not exactly. It’s… something called a Constitutional Monarchy.”

She tilts her head. “Constitutional… Monarchy?”

“It’s like—we have a king, but our constitution is the highest authority. The king has to follow it, just like everyone else. It’s a mix: the monarch is a leader, but the law comes first.”

“Sounds complicated.”

“Yeah, that’s modern governance for you.”

“Really? All your people follow that?”

I shake my head. “Nope. Different nations have different systems—republics, democracies, monarchies, socialism, dictatorships… and then constitutional monarchy.”

Luna’s gaze drifts downward. “A nation that does not bow to its king… even the king must obey the constitution. It’s… like an oath.”

“Exactly. And in our system, the king isn’t automatically chosen by bloodline—he’s picked by the highest authorities from each state. Like your nobles, but with voting involved.”

“Yes, but in our lands, one must be royal by blood.”

“Right. For us, kings change often, sometimes every five years. Keeps the power from rotting.”

Her eyes soften. “Interesting… I’d love for my nation to have something like that.”

The discussion is interrupted as the teachers finally stand, their expressions resolute.
The assistant principal clears his throat. “We have come to a decision… Randy.”

I blink. “…Huh? What now?”

“We’ll follow your idea.”

I lean back in my chair. “…Fine. I believe it’s the best way. But in the meantime, I’m still going to search for clues to get the hell out of this place.”

The assistant principal smiles faintly. “No, son. You mustn’t miss these classes either. We’ll rely on you, but you’ll be a student too.”

One of the senior teachers steps forward. “Since some of you are already working in the palace, we’ll organize the class schedule to balance both worlds.”

Suddenly, Luna stands.
“Greetings,” she says, bowing deeply.

Gasps echo around the room. Even I straighten in surprise.

“I apologise… for the inconvenience my family has caused you all.” Her voice trembles slightly, but she keeps going. “For their selfishness, they brought pain to everyone here.”

Dozens of eyes lock on her.

“I know it’s difficult… but I believe we can make this work. As Princess of the Kingdom of Mana, I will ensure you live and enjoy life here—not just as students, but as citizens of this nation.”

I don’t know why… but looking at her now, I realize she’s the kind of leader people have been waiting for. The one they didn’t notice… until now.

A presence appears at my side.
“Randy,” a calm voice says.

I turn. “Lord Fu Xi…”

He steps forward, robes flowing, and bows his head toward the assembly.
“To the people of the other world… I also ask forgiveness for the trouble caused.”

Luna bows beside him.

I can’t just sit there. I take a step forward. “Everyone… I know it’s hard, but look at us now—we’ve survived, haven’t we?”

A wave of nods sweeps the room.

Oswald rises. “Then let’s enjoy life here as students—and respect them.”

“Princess…” Elysia’s voice wavers. She steps forward and hugs Luna.

“Ah… Elysia…”

“…Thanks.”

The assistant principal approaches Fu Xi and Luna. “Then… is it possible to build a school here? Perhaps our teachers could help your people enjoy the life of learning too.”

Luna’s tail swishes unconsciously, her eyes lighting up like a child seeing snow for the first time.

“She’s never been to a proper school,” Fu Xi explains. “Our nation has no formal education—only what is taught in the church. This could be the perfect time to change that.”

Fu Xi and the assistant principal clasp hands firmly. Luna and Elysia do the same, smiling.

The room erupts in applause—loud, genuine, and for the first time since we arrived… hopeful.

Suddenly, the sky itself seems to hold its breath.

Luna and Fu Xi stand atop the highest balcony of the palace, wind whipping their cloaks like banners in the storm. The late afternoon sun cuts across the city, bathing the rooftops in gold and shadow.

Below, the plaza is packed—citizens shoulder to shoulder, guards posted along the perimeter, curious faces turned upward. We’re there too, gathered with the people of Mana, the air thick with anticipation.

Kline, grinning like a man who lives for chaos, fiddles with a strange array of crystal amplifiers and runic devices. “Alright… broadcasting is live. Try not to yell too close to the crystal, unless you want to blow someone’s eardrums.”

Fu Xi steps forward first, his voice booming across the city.
“People of Mana!!”

A wave of murmurs ripples through the crowd.

“Finally… the division among us ends today! The true cause has been apprehended!” His voice sharpens with conviction. “My family brought you harm… and for that—” He lowers his head, bowing deeply. “I beg your forgiveness.”

The plaza goes utterly silent. Even the wind seems to pause.

Then Luna steps forward, her hair whipping across her face, eyes fierce yet warm.
“For now, we welcome new people among us. They are not from our world… but as long as they remain here, they are our guests—your guests. They are teachers and students from their own land.”

She takes a deep breath. “I hope this will ease the tensions and heal the wounds in our nation.”

Fu Xi raises his hand. “Give us time to rebuild. Demons have taken their hold upon our borders—and that is unforgivable. We must remain vigilant!”

Luna’s voice rises like a battle cry. “This is the time for leaders, nobles, and common folk alike to stand united!”

The crowd’s energy swells.

“This is the moment,” Fu Xi shouts, “to gain strength without fear!”

Luna clenches her fist. “Our old king has fallen into darkness… my sister as well. But hear me—this is not the time to falter! This is a test. A test for us to face the darkness together!” She thrusts her hand to the sky.

A roar erupts from the crowd:
“HAIL PRINCESS LUNA! HAIL LORD FU XI!”

Fu Xi lets the cheers settle before speaking again. “Since you are all gathered here… I propose we name Princess Luna as our ruler—our Queen!”

The cheer doubles, echoing through the city.

But Luna holds up her hand. “I thank you… but I am still a child.” She bows deeply toward Fu Xi. “Please, Lord Fu Xi… lead our nation to prosperity.”

Fu Xi’s eyebrow twitches, his mouth tugging into a smirk. “What are you planning, little niece?”

Luna sticks out her tongue. “Bleh~ You’re not running away from this.”

He sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “…Just like your mother. Fine.”

She turns back to the crowd, her voice ringing with resolve. “For now, I leave the throne at his side. But know this—I will work to make this nation prosper, no matter who sits upon that throne. Give us time. We will change—not just our way of ruling, but our way of life!”

The applause crashes like a wave against the palace walls.

From where I stand, watching her framed against the blazing sky… Luna is something else.
I feel it in my chest—pride, respect, and maybe… a little more.

When the speech ends, Elysia bursts forward and hugs her. “That was sooo cool, Luna!”

Seraphina smirks. “A fine speech, Princess.”

Elowen pumps her fist. “That’s our girl!”

Marlisa tosses her hair. “That’s so you. You go, girl!”

I can’t help smiling. For the first time in what feels like forever, the future doesn’t look like a pit of shadows.

Still… for me, the mission remains.
Finding the way home.

—To be continued.