EPISODE 4 — THE KING, THE MAPS, THE LINEUP

The massive door groaned open. Master and his demons stood framed in the entry, their shadows stretching long across the floor, the sun showing its power to the palace. They stepped in—Rage, Love, Strength, Joy—Pity absent, left behind since Episode 3.

A servant in formal attire hurried forward, bowing.

Servant: “Hello, sir. As you are the special guest of our king, I will be guiding you to the throne room.”

Master: “Excuse me—can we quit the formalities and go straight to the throne room? I have very little time. And, by the way… you have twelve big traps and thirty-six small traps in the palace garden—in case you were testing me.”

The servant’s face went pale as he recalled the exact traps. He dropped to one knee, fumbling.

Servant (shaken): “S-sorry, my lord. I now know why you are Master Rage’s… master.”

Rage inhaled, ready to say something—

Master (cutting him off): “Okay. Head to the throne room. We’ll follow.”

Servant: “Y-yes, of course, my lord. Follow me.”

They entered deeper into the palace. It was big and beautiful. Love’s eyes widened at the sight—the fountains, the clean, polished floors, the soft echo of their steps. They climbed the broad staircase and stopped before high, closed gates. The servant pushed them open.

A well-lit, large hall unfolded: a golden throne, set a little higher than the rest, and seven chairs to its right, seven chairs to its left. An aged man, around fifty, with a white beard, sat upon the throne. Seeing Master and the demons, he rose. The people seated in the fourteen chairs rose as well. The king lifted a calm hand; they sat back down.

King: “So, gentleman—you are Rage’s master.”

Master: “Yes, indeed.”

King: “So, Rage’s master—”

The room rippled with suppressed laughter, everyone trying to hold it in.

Master: “Ahem. Excuse me, King… you can call me ‘Blade’ for this operation. A nickname.”

King: “Ah. Okay, Blade—welcome to our palace. I will be straightforward with you because this is an emergency. I want your help.”

Master: “Okay. In which sense? What kind of help do you want from me?”

The king descended slowly from the throne, step by measured step.

Suddenly, a young minister stood, voice high and clear.

Young Minister: “Father, I am going for my training now.”

He turned to leave. The servant hurried alongside.

Servant (low): “Prince, this is not the way to leave the room—”

The Prince ignored him and walked out.

The king exhaled once, steadying himself.

King: “Please follow me, Blade, and the others.”

Master and the demons followed. The king palmed a carved panel beside the throne; a secret door slid open. They entered a large room: three big tables, many chairs. Papers, images, and all kinds of notes were pinned across the walls. On the tables stood two 3D models of Slovara—one short and brief, and one long, elaborated, and detailed, down to trees, stones, and uneven ground—all clear.

The king sat and gestured.

King: “Sit, please.”

Master and the demons sat.

The king raised his voice.

King: “Luthra! Luthra, come here for a second!”

A heartbeat later, a beautiful, elegant, confident, and strong woman entered through another door. She wore armor that shined. She crossed to a chair and sat, posture composed.

Luthra: “What happened, sire?”

King: “These people are going to help us. Explain everything to them.”

Luthra turned to Master.

Luthra: “Your name?”

Master fumbled, nervous.

Master: “Oh—yes. My name is Blade.”

Luthra (smiling): “Okay. No need to be so nervous. Just be calm and relax.”

Master (embarrassed, blushing hard): “Oh—yes, yes. You continue. Continue.”

Commander Luthra explained the situation the whole day. When she finished, Master had zoned out a little, eyes stuck on her face.

King (clearing his throat): “Ahem—Blade.”

Master blinked back to focus.

Master: “Yes, sir. I heard everything. She explained: Slovara is weak in military but very strong in economy. The Ten Gems of the Aurora Kingdom are invading—attacking with Aurora’s beast army. She also told that three Dragon Rulers have kept their army away from the border. And you have gathered fourteen people to fight from Slovara’s side, and you want me to be the head of them as the fifteenth. I agree to help you.”

The king shot to his feet, a tear sliding down his cheek.

King: “Thank you… thank you very much, Blade. Okay—now I am leaving. Luthra, introduce him to the other members.”

He left the room.

Luthra placed one hand on the table and looked at Master, blushing a bit, smiling. Master blushed even more, fixed his gaze on the map, avoiding eye contact, awkward because he didn’t know what to do.

Joy gave a small, polite cough.

Luthra straightened.

Luthra: “Okay—come, follow me, you guys. And you also come, Blade—fast.”

She led them down a corridor to a training room where weights, tools, and weapons were neatly arranged. The clang of metal and the thud of drills filled the air. Master saw thirteen people there, working hard—and one boy sitting while everyone else trained.

That boy was Kai.

Master’s eyes paused on him.