Part X King Ulgrafar

Lazuro entered the throne room, immediately awestruck. Golden pillars with coiled dragons and five red flags emblazoned with dragon emblems led the eye to the king's throne: a lavish, gold-plated chair featuring twin-winged dragons. Above it, a chained, sixty-seven-inch sword served as a stark contrast to the white-haired king. Adorned with a gem-encrusted golden crown and a red robe feathered in white, the king sat upright, radiating graceful authority.

"Your Majesty, allow me to deliver important news." James knelt, followed by Paul, Lazuro, and Tristan.

"I have heard about the Burning T-rex, the rare plant-type mythbreaker, and a child from another world. So... who is causing such a stir among the northern clan leaders?" The king stroked his white mustache and beard.

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty." Paul pressed his head to the ground. “He’s the black-haired boy next to me. His name is Lazuro. Then there’s one more piece of news I want to share. Actually, one of the young men in my village managed to retrieve the Flamebreaker.”

“What did you say!”

The king, struggling to compose himself, rose and then sat back down.

“It seems this isn’t a coincidence. So I’m guessing it’s the red-haired boy who managed to retrieve the sacred Flamebreaker. Then you, the red-haired and black-haired boy. State your name and  goal after obtaining the Mythbreaker!” the king commanded.

“My name is Tristan, and my goal after obtaining the Mythbreaker is to go to—”

Paul elbowed Tristan before the young man could finish.

“Think again, you fool,” Paul whispered. “Do you want to lose your head?”

“Did I order you to interrupt Paul Frost!”

The king stomped his foot, and a powerful wave of energy erupted, sending fear into the room.

“Forgive my insolence, Your Majesty.” Paul knelt deeper.

“Continue your speech, my boy! Come on, don't hesitate!” the king commanded.

“My name is Tristan Draco, and I wish to go to the world tree.”

“Going to the world tree with Flamebreaker? Do you know how dangerous the beasts in the world are?” The King asked.

“Of course I know. But I'm sure Flamebreaker is incredibly powerful. So what's there to be afraid of?” Tristan put on a serious expression.

The king burst out laughing.

“What's so funny—”

James punched Tristan in the stomach, causing the young man to fall to the ground and nearly vomit.

“I told you not to disturb anyone.”

Everyone felt a strong tremor as the king stomped his foot.

“I apologize for the young man in my clan’s disrespect. It's all because he wasn't raised properly. Please show mercy, Your Majesty.” James bowed his head further.

“Well, we'll discuss that later. What about you, black-haired young man? Do you share this child's goal?” the king asked Lazuro.

"Yes, Your Majesty. My goal is also to go to the world tree. My name is Akutagawa Lazuro. I am not from this world. Perhaps by going to the world tree, I can find a way back."

"So that's how it is; today's youth are starting to think freely. Then, show me your mythbreakers!" the king ordered.

Tristan and Lazuro bit their thumbs and rubbed them on their respective mythbreakers. A vine pierced Tristan's neck, and Lazuro's tail transformed their mythbreakers into a spear and a sword.

"So it's true, someone possesses a plant-type mythbreaker. How interesting, for now …"

The king stood, and suddenly the greatsword chained to the throne trembled violently and fell towards him. The king calmly picked up the fallen sword's hilt.

"You think that meager power will be enough to defeat the beasts and reach the world tree? Don't be absurd!"

The king plunged the sword into the ground, causing a violent tremor. A sharp prism erupted from the cracked earth, targeting Lazuro. Tristan intercepted it with his spear, but the deflected prism struck the ceiling, sending him crashing into Lazuro.

"A rusted mythbreaker for centuries, yet its power remains," the king mused, shaking his head. "A shame it wasn't wielded by my true heir."

The king once again radiated a terrifying aura throughout the room, sending Tristan and Lazuro crashing to the ground. Despite the difficulty, Tristan tried to get up, while Lazuro surrendered to his fear.

"What are you doing, Lazu? Get up!" Tristan shouted.

"But…"

"Do you want to die in vain? The king might want to test our abilities. So don't let yourself be defeated just by the terrifying energy he emits."

Although staggering, Lazuro finally followed Tristan and rose to his feet. The king smiled and then glared at Lazuro and Tristan. It was then that Lazuro and Tristan could feel a strong killing intent wash over them. A second later, Lazuro and Tristan saw the shadows of their heads detaching from their bodies. They knelt weakly at the very real image.

"Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness for their insolence. They are still children; I beg your forgiveness," said Paul, now standing.

"Disrespectful!"

The king drew his sword and struck the ground. A dragon snake formed from the ground, slamming straight into Paul's body. The dragon snake dragged Paul until he collided with one of the golden pillars in the room, causing Paul to vomit blood repeatedly. The king slowly approached Tristan and Lazuro, who were still sitting limply on the ground. James, still prostrate, was torn between obeying the king's orders and defending the children of his village. Finally, James chose to remain silent and let the king approach Lazuro and Tristan.

"Damn it, my legs won't move," Tristan grumbled.

Tristan forced himself to his feet while Lazuro, who was sitting, struggled to drag himself back.

"I am Ulgrafar V. Show me the direction of this kingdom, the direction of this world. You young men with legendary mythbreakers!"

Tristan managed to stand and assume a charging stance. Despite this, Tristan was unable to move as King Ulgrafar stood before him. His body froze, helplessly gripping his flamebreaker tightly. Ulgrafar only glanced at Tristan for a moment, then continued walking toward Lazuro. Once in front of Lazuro, Ulgrafar raised his sword high. Lazuro's hands trembled violently as he held his leaf sword. His face was covered in sweat and fear. Ulgrafar drew his greatsword toward Lazuro. At that moment, images of the people who had been Lazuro's reason for returning, especially his mother, appeared.

"I will not die!"

Lazuro raised his leaf sword and slashed with all his might with his right hand. Lazuro and Ulgrafar's swords collided, creating a shockwave that shattered the ground and made the golden dragon pillars clang loudly. The force of the energy was so powerful that Tristan, who was standing, was knocked flying and fell right under the steps of the throne.

"Lazu!" Tristan shouted.

Tristan forced himself to his feet, wanting to help Lazuro. However, the smoke-filled room made Tristan recoil. Only after the smoke cleared did Lazuro reveal himself, still holding back Ulgrafar's sword. Then a low, gradually growing laugh echoed throughout the room.

"Excellent... excellent..." Ulgrafar stabbed his sword into the ground and burst out laughing. "One has a beautiful expression and is very brave, and the other has a very strong will to live. Not only that, but you also managed to deflect my sword. You are an extraordinary young man, Lazuro..."

King Ulgrafar waved, and suddenly the stone dragon that had been confining Paul's movements disappeared. After the chaos, the king returned to his throne while Paul approached Lazuro and Tristan, bringing them back to their knees.

"Stand up! You don't need to kneel anymore!" Ulgrafar commanded.

Everyone immediately stood upon hearing the king's command.

"So... do you two wish to take the academy entrance exam, which will be held in a few weeks?" asked Ulgrafar, who had returned to his throne.

“Yes, we will be participating in the trial. Be sure to check it out later,” Tristan said.

“Oh, I’m looking forward to it. Then you may all leave.”

Everyone left the throne room. Lazuro turned around briefly and observed the massive sword Ulgrafar was carrying, wondering how anyone could lift such a heavy sword.