"I want to visit to the Divine Rock Kingdom. Cancel all my meetings."
A powerful voice echoed through the ancient throne room.
"My King, but the chancellor is—" began Uncle Oswald, an old man with a long gray beard and clad in golden armor, but he was abruptly interrupted.
"Just tell him to leave, Uncle Oswald," the voice commanded firmly.
"But... As you wish, My King." Hesitating briefly, the old man bowed respectfully and withdrew.
Inside the throne room, a young man sat comfortably on a grand throne, smiling brightly. His sleek black hair fell neatly around his face, and his sharp eyes displayed confidence.
High King Fremonth, ruler of the Golden Sky Palace, exuded a calm yet commanding presence—an easygoing yet formidable monarch.
He was the son of the strongest man in the realm and the previous High Queen of the Golden Sky Palace. His bloodline was legendary, descended from two of the most powerful beings in existence.
"Uncle Edmond, activate the portal box," Fremonth ordered with a smile.
"Yes, Your Highness!" a proud voice responded.
An old man cloaked in a flowing black silk robe suddenly appeared, holding a small golden box. With a gentle gesture, he summoned a portal that shimmered and distorted space, radiating potent magical energy.
Fremonth's eyes lit with anticipation as he gazed at the portal. "Uncle, I'll be gone for a while. Tell the Duke of Skyblaze to watch over the kingdom."
"Absolutely, Your Highness," Edmond replied, bowing deeply.
The old man exited the throne room just as Fremonth stepped into the portal.
Suddenly, an older figure with a long gray beard and golden armor reappeared at the entrance.
"Are you not going to follow our king? You're the royal guard commander," he asked sternly.
Old Edmond paused, glancing at him blankly for a moment, then resumed walking.
"Hmph! We promised the High Queen to protect his only son," Oswald said, his voice tinged with frustration.
Old Edmond stopped again, pondering for a moment. Then, smiling softly, he said, "Oswald, he is now stronger than all of us combined."
Oswald trembled, exuding a faint, formidable aura. "That's not it, you old fool!"
"What's the real reason, then? You're the Supreme General—just go and strike if needed," Edmond said with a grin.
"You've spoiled him too much!" Oswald shouted, clenched fists.
"And you've spoiled him too," Edmond countered, chuckling. "Let him enjoy his life."
Meanwhile, the palace trembled beneath the clash of their voices, but Fremonth was already walking through a lush forest bathed in ethereal light.
He marveled at the glowing white trees—part of the sacred Celestial Forest.
Celestial Forest! he thought, awestruck. Legends say only celestials and deities dwell here.
As he admired the divine scenery, a sudden voice rang out sharply.
"Stop! Humans are not allowed here!" a woman's voice commanded.
Fremonth halted, turning to look at one of the towering trees, then smiled gently. "I'm just taking a walk. The Divine Rock Kingdom is nearby, so I thought I'd visit."
The woman remained silent, but Fremonth's smile persisted. "Don't worry, I won't stay long."
Suddenly, she appeared in front of him, nervously pointing a silver spear.
"Can you really see me?" she asked, surprised.
Fremonth nodded confidently. "Certainly. My eyes are special."
He studied her carefully—she was a half-celestial. Her brown eyes shimmered with curiosity, and her white hair glowed softly.
"Who are you? You're not just an ordinary human," Fremonth observed.
She looked astonished. "Hahaha! That's what everyone always says!"
Fremonth chuckled, then stopped himself, realizing he might sound proud or arrogant. The woman lowered her spear, smiling.
"I am Fremonth, Ninth High King of the Golden Sky Palace."
The woman gasped. "The High King?!" She hurriedly bowed deep. Her eyes widened with awe—she had just realized she was in the presence of a legend, the son of the strongest man and the former High Queen.
She had heard tales of the High King's strength—how he defeated evil deities, a demonic phoenix, and conquered tyrannical empires with his legion.
"Please forgive me, Your Highness," she said nervously.
Fremonth waved her to rise. "Rise, I don't mind."
She hesitated, then offered to inform her tribe chief about his presence. But Fremonth shook his head.
"Don't bother. I plan to visit other places too," he said with a smile.
She nodded respectfully. "I've heard there will be a grand celebration for the White Phoenix Festival this year—something special, according to the elders."
He looked up at the sky, contemplative. "A phoenix reincarnation... So it's true."
The woman looked puzzled. "Your Highness?"
"Nothing. What are you doing here in the forest? You're not a ranger, right?" Fremonth asked, eyes twinkling.
She hesitated but then smiled. "Just taking a walk. I'll be going now. See you around."
She bowed, watching as the young king turned to leave.
At the border of the Celestial Forest, Fremonth used his magic to change into simple clothing—'Zziiinng!'—and examined himself.
"This will do. I look good in anything I wear," he thought, satisfied.
He gazed at the Celestial City beyond and chuckled.
"I'm free to do as I please! Today, I'm not the High King—just a tourist!"
Suddenly, he spotted a flying celestial thunderbird overhead.
"Hey, buddy! Mind giving me a ride?" he shouted.
With a mighty leap, Fremonth landed gracefully on the creature's back.
"To the city! Hahaha!" he cheered, waving excitedly.
The thunderbird, surprised but obedient, carried him toward the grand Divine Opal City.
Once there, Fremonth jumped down with a grin.
"Thanks, pal! You're welcome to visit my palace anytime," he said kindly.
He entered the city and was immediately awestruck.
"Wow! The Divine Opal City is truly magnificent!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder.
The city bustled with activity—celestials, divine beasts, and dragons mingled amongst statues of warriors and scholars carved from jade and stone. The architecture was a blend of ancient mastery and divine aura.
He wandered through busy streets filled with shops and entered an antique store. The air was thick with history and age.
An old man approached as Fremonth stepped inside.
"You've come again! Welcome!" the old man greeted with a fist-and-palm salute.
"Old Wang. How are things?" Fremonth asked, smiling.
"Getting older, not richer. Business isn't doing well," Wang replied, chuckling.
"Then start selling roasted meat instead of antiques. Everyone loves roasted meat nowadays," Fremonth suggested.
They both laughed and moved toward a nearby table filled with relics. Wang began preparing tea.
"Is this your second visit to the city? Looking for something special?" Wang asked as he poured the tea.
"Just here as a tourist," Fremonth said, taking a sip and smiling.
"Enjoy yourself. Welcome to Divine Opal City," Wang replied warmly.