The grand double doors creaked open, revealing five figures walking in perfect formation down the castle's polished hallway.
Cloaks swayed behind them as they marched forward champions of the Flameheart Tournament. Ashen Vanguard had arrived.
Banners depicting their victory hung proudly on both sides of the corridor. Trumpets blared. Guards saluted. Nobles raised crystal goblets in their honor, celebrating the young warriors who had shaken the foundations of Flamguardia's hierarchy.
Inside the grand banquet hall, the atmosphere was electric. Tables brimmed with roasted meat, sweet wines, golden pastries. It was a celebration worthy of the champions of the tournament.
Still, the four members of Ashen Vanguard couldn't help but steal glances at Cairo. They wondered if he would act out if he would lose control when he met the Queen.
But when the announcer cried, "All hail Queen Alice! We are blessed by her presence!" the entire hall fell silent.
Down the grand staircase she came, Queen Alice in her divine elegance. Draped in silver and crimson robes that shimmered under the light of chandeliers, she looked nothing short of celestial.
A soft glow surrounded her, and her every step commanded reverence. Her beauty was unmatched, her face the picture of serenity, her aura commanding yet kind.
But to Cairo, the scene twisted with memory.
The last time he saw Alice, she was no queen of grace. She had been possessed, horns piercing through her head, eyes black as a void, darkness leaking from her skin. She had begun to awaken as a demon lord.
Now, she descended like an angel. To others, a divine queen. To Cairo... a paradox.
Zayn whispered, "Oh my god... she's beautiful."
Cairo's eyes narrowed slightly. A fleeting flashback, Robert Flamesworth laughing over a drink with Alice Shard centuries ago, before the war. Before the betrayal.
But Cairo didn't flinch. He stepped forward with elegance and poise.
He bowed low. "Your Majesty. I am Cairo Flamesworth, leader of the Ashen Vanguard."
The rest of the team followed his lead, equally stunned by his composure.
"Congratulations on your victory," Queen Alice said, her voice smooth as velvet. "They say you were magnificent."
Cairo offered a humble nod. "It was nothing, Your Majesty."
She smiled, then raised her goblet. "Your reward, as promised one hundred thousand gold pieces. But tell me, Flamesworth, what else does your heart desire?"
Murmurs passed through the crowd. Nobles leaned in with curiosity.
The members of Ashen Vanguard glanced at one another, confused. Cairo hadn't mentioned any wish. And yet, his eyes never left the Queen's.
"Let the five of us join Ignis Arcanum Academy," he declared, his voice strong and unwavering.
The hall erupted in gasps.
Ignis Arcanum the nation's most prestigious academy. Only nobles, or those with immense wealth and status, could gain entrance. It was the training ground of heroes, generals, and legends. For commoners to even dream of setting foot there was unthinkable.
Even Cairo's own party turned to him in shock.
Queen Alice blinked once. "A bold request..."
But before she could speak further, a thunderous voice cut through the hall.
"YOUR MAJESTY! With all due respect!"
Lucious Morningstar stepped forward, slamming his boot into the marble floor. The ground trembled under the weight of his fury. Clad in thick armor, the commander of Flamguardia's army burned with righteous rage.
"Ignis Arcanum is a sacred institution," he barked. "A place for the elite. For those of noble blood, talent, and class. Not... peasants who kill for coin."
The room fell deathly silent.
Cairo, unbothered, raised his chin slightly. "What if we prove that we are worthy?"
Lucious' eyes narrowed into slits. "Nonsense. The five of you should leave this castle. Now."
But Queen Alice raised her hand. "That is enough, Lucious."
The commander halted, gritting his teeth.
She looked to Cairo. "If you wish to enter Ignis Arcanum, then prove your worth through a trial. Think of it as an entrance exam."
"And what would this trial be, Your Majesty?" Cairo asked, calm and collected.
"A trial by combat," she said. "You will face Flamguardia's Main Force our elite unit under General Lucious Morningstar's command."
The hall buzzed again with renewed intensity.
Zayn leaned to Serene. "Are they serious?"
Serene shrugged, eyes wide. "Apparently so."
Cairo gave a slight bow. "We accept the trial."
Queen Alice nodded. "Very well. The arena shall be prepared by dawn. Until then, enjoy your evening. The banquet is concluded."
She turned and left, her guards close behind. Nobles followed, whispering feverishly.
Ashen Vanguard remained behind, still processing what had happened.
"Cairo," Aurella began, "What the hell was that about? Ignis Arcanum? Why didn't you tell us?"
Cairo offered only a sly smile. "It's all part of the plan."
Maevis narrowed her eyes. "You better not get us killed."
"Trust me," Cairo said, looking toward the moonlit window. "This is exactly where we need to be."
Tomorrow, they would face Flamguardia's finest.
And the true test... would begin.