**Chapter 6: Dawn at the Training Grounds**
The crisp morning air rang with the clash of steel as Lito approached the royal training field. There, towering above a group of battered knights, stood Gark—the mightiest Guardian from the Oni Race in Eden. His pink skin glistened with sweat under the rising sun, his flaming red hair tied back in a warrior's knot. The massive spiked club resting on his shoulder looked heavy enough to crush stone.
"AGAIN!" Gark roared, his voice shaking the training dummies. "That sword stance wouldn't scare a sickly goblin! You fight like nobles at a tea party!"
The knights groaned but reset their stances. One spotted Lito and straightened. "Your Majesty!"
Gark turned, his three eyes—two crimson, one vertical golden slit on his forehead—narrowing. "Hah! The king finally graces us." He stomped over, the ground trembling slightly with each step. "Come to watch, or actually learn something?"
Lito smiled weakly. "Just observing today, Gark."
The Oni snorted, crossing his muscular arms. "Observing won't save Eden. These soft-bellied recruits need a real challenge." His fanged grin widened. "Spar with them."
---
The knights perked up, some with excitement, others with pity—they all knew Lito's limitations. One whispered, "Poor guy. He probably bruises from hugging too hard."
Lito's hand instinctively touched the simple iron sword at his hip. "I... don't think that's wise."
Gark's grin vanished. "Why? Because you're weak?" The word hung in the air like a challenge.
Lito chuckled inwardly, feeling the familiar twist of humility tighten in his chest. *He's not wrong,* he thought. *If someone ranked us by strength, I'd be behind the court jester.*
"Because I don't enjoy fighting," Lito said aloud. "Not like you do."
A tense silence fell. The knights held their breath. Gark's golden eye studied Lito, then he suddenly laughed, the sound like boulders crashing. "Hah! At least you're honest." He clapped Lito's shoulder hard enough to make him stagger.
"But a king who can't swing a sword is just a fancy talker. Even your scholar Truth could break you in half."
Lito didn't argue. He nodded calmly, still rubbing his shoulder. "Then it's good I have warriors like you."
Gark's expression softened slightly. "Tch. Fine. But one day, you won't have a choice."
He turned back to the knights. "What're you lot gawking at? BACK TO DRILLS!"
As the clanging resumed, Lito lingered, watching the Oni's brutal training methods with a mix of admiration and unease.
He's right, Lito thought. I'm a king who can't fight. A ruler who can't protect with his own hands. And yet... they follow me.
---
Mid-Morning – Garden Stroll
Later, as Lito walked the palace gardens, Luna fell into step beside him. She knew what happened between him and Gark—knights were terrible at keeping their voices down.
"Gark was harsh today," she remarked, her moonlit staff glinting.
Lito sighed. "He's not wrong. I should be better."
Luna stopped, turning him to face her. "You lead with wisdom, not blades. That's why Eden thrives."
Her silver eyes hardened. "But... he's right about one thing. The day may come when you must fight."
Lito looked at his hands—no calluses, no strength. Just the faint scars of a ruler who'd never swung a sword in true battle. I can't even open a stubborn jam jar without calling Truth, he thought wryly.
"Aren't you teaching at your magic school, Luna?" Lito asked, watching her face.
"I have class in the afternoon," she replied, leaning her head on Lito's shoulder. "So I want to relax with you here."
Lito blinked, caught off guard. He always felt like a cracked porcelain plate next to her—delicate, fragile, lucky to be held with care.
"I see... then I'll relax in this park too," Lito murmured, turning his gaze to the tranquil view.
---
Afternoon – The Academy's Lesson
Luna stood before her students at the Elemental Arts Academy, her moonlit staff resting against her shoulder. The young mages watched with rapt attention as she demonstrated a complex water-weaving technique.
"Remember," she said, calm but firm, "true power comes from discipline, not just raw strength. Even the smallest spell can turn the tide if used wisely."
A student raised their hand. "Headmistress Luna, is it true that King Lito only uses weak artifacts?"
Luna's gaze sharpened. The room suddenly felt colder.
"Strength isn't measured by the might of one's tools," she said, her voice low, "but by the heart that wields them. Lito may not have the raw power of a Guardian, but his wisdom and courage have saved Eden more times than you know."
There was silence. Even the rowdy fire mages in the back looked appropriately cowed.
*Poor kid,* one of them thought. *Hope he survives his next class.*
---
Evening – The Tavern's Laughter
The Drunken Griffin was alive with chatter. Yune slammed her empty tankard onto the wooden table, her cheeks flushed. "Another round!" she called, grinning at Lito, who sat across from her, nursing his first drink like a cautious diplomat.
"You're going to regret this tomorrow," Lito warned, though he slid another ale her way.
Yune waved him off. "Nah, I've got the constitution of a—hic—a forest stag!" She leaned in, voice dropping to a mock whisper. "Besides, I heard Luna's got the academy running drills all night. No way I'm missing a chance to relax."
Lito chuckled. "She does take her duties seriously."
"Seriously?" Yune snorted. "She's scarier than Gark when someone slacks off. At least Gark just yells. Luna? She gives you *the look.*"
Lito smiled, shaking his head. "That's why Eden is safe. Because of people like her."
Yune studied him for a moment. "And you, King of Humble Pie. You always deflect praise."
"I just know I wouldn't last five minutes on the battlefield. I once tripped over a cabbage cart during a parade."
Yune burst out laughing, nearly knocking over her drink. "To Luna, then! The most terrifyingly loyal moon elf in existence!"
They clinked drinks, laughter ringing through the tavern.
---
Night – The Moonlit Study
The palace was silent when Luna stepped into Lito's chambers, her silver hair glowing faintly in the moonlight. Lito looked up from his desk, where maps and reports were spread out like fallen leaves.
"You're still awake?" she asked softly.
"Couldn't sleep," he admitted, rubbing his temples. "Too much on my mind."
Luna approached, fingers brushing his shoulder. "You carry too much alone. Let us help you."
Lito hesitated. *How do I admit I'm scared of letting everyone down? That I feel like a shadow of the heroes who serve me?*
"I just… don't want to fail Eden."
Luna's hand cupped his cheek, drawing his gaze. "You won't. Because you're not alone."
For a moment, the weight in his chest eased. He gave a small smile. "You should rest. Tomorrow's another long day."
Luna nodded, though her fingers lingered for a heartbeat longer before she turned to leave. "Goodnight, Lito."
As the door closed behind her, Lito stared at it for a long moment before whispering to the empty room, "Thank you... for believing in me."
---
Far From the Palace – An Ominous Watch
Mist curled over Eden's eastern border as a column of soldiers emerged from the trees. Their armor was unfamiliar, their faces obscured by helmets. At their head rode a figure clad in black steel, their presence sending a chill through the morning air.
A scout hidden in the branches above stiffened. This wasn't an invasion force—not yet. But the intent was clear.
Eden was being watched.
The scout slipped away, heart pounding, racing toward the capital with a warning on their lips.
To Be Continued…