On the day of the grand festival celebrating the unification of the kingdom, Merslin, King of Elysium, planned a tour through the villages with his companions. He wished to speak directly with his people, instilling a sense of pride and belonging as citizens of Elysium.
"It's no longer about words. Trust must be earned with footsteps."Merslin took a quiet breath. He believed this day, spent facing his people, would reveal many unspoken truths.
Their first stop was the blacksmith district—a vital hub for weapons and armor production. The residents were already hard at work. Merslin approached one of the workshops and greeted the blacksmith respectfully.
"You're working diligently as always. Thanks to your efforts, Elysium stands strong," he said with a warm smile.
The blacksmith paused his hammering and bowed. "Your Majesty, it is a great honor to receive you. We're merely doing our part."
"Doing one's part... Such simple words, yet they uphold a nation."Merslin considered the weight of sweat and duty reflected in the blacksmith's eyes.
With sincerity, Merslin replied, "Your labor is the shield of Elysium. If there are issues with material supplies or any hardships, don't hesitate to speak up."
The blacksmith explained rising material costs and supply issues. Merslin took note and instructed Serena to prepare a solution.
"I'll expand our supply routes through diplomatic channels and strengthen trade agreements," Serena replied swiftly, promising to ease the burden on the smiths.
"A fine blade begins not in the battlefield, but in the hands of its maker."
Next, the group headed to the magic market, bustling with those buying magical materials and goods. Merslin spoke directly with merchants, listening to their concerns.
"I've heard your businesses are doing well. If there are any difficulties or suggestions, feel free to speak openly."
One merchant approached. "Sire, business is steady, but quality control has been an issue. We strive to uphold Elysium's reputation, but better oversight is needed."
Elena stepped forward. "I'll investigate and implement improvements. With His Majesty's attention to quality control, we'll ensure it's addressed with urgency."
Merslin encouraged them. "We'll do our best to earn your continued trust. Please keep playing your part in Elysium's growth."
"Nations don't fall at their gates—they collapse in the market when trust is lost."
Then, Merslin and his companions moved to the town square to join the festival. The celebration, shared by all races and communities, was filled with performances, contests, and exhibitions. Lisa observed a martial arts match, offering guidance to young warriors.
"Focus on defense, but don't overlook your opponent's weakness. You are the strength that protects Elysium."
The young fighters listened intently, refining their stance. Meanwhile, Serena stood on the podium and addressed the crowd.
"Today is a day of unity. Each one of you is an essential part of this kingdom. Together, we are stronger."
Merslin stepped forward to deliver his message.
"Thanks to all of you, Elysium grows stronger every day. Let this festival be a reminder of our shared values, and a promise that we will walk toward a better tomorrow—together."
"For this speech, I've raised countless blades and walked through countless nights. Let these words carry all that weight."
Later, Merslin approached a corner of the plaza where Aria was performing magic for children. As the kids cheered in awe, Merslin joined them with a gentle smile.
"How are you all doing? You are the future of Elysium. Dream boldly—and work to make those dreams real."
"These children… they are the quietest, yet greatest reason I must endure."
The children nodded with wide smiles, and the townspeople were visibly moved to see the king and his companions reaching out so directly. As the festival ended, Merslin and his group bid farewell to the villagers. He quietly reflected on how important it was to engage directly with his people and to care deeply about their daily lives.
"A king may rule with law, but earns loyalty through warmth. And that loyalty—holds the kingdom together."
***
Episode: Founding of the Elysium Academy and Martial Hall — Declaration of the National Art
To strengthen his people's minds and bodies, King Merslin of Elysium established the kingdom's first school and martial training hall. He believed that education and physical discipline were essential to building a brighter future—and to weaving the people of Elysium into one.
"A kingdom that cannot teach its children cannot survive its future,"Merslin often reminded himself. "Strength lies not only in steel and sorcery, but in shared understanding."
At the heart of Elysium's capital, he founded a comprehensive school that went beyond basic literacy, teaching subjects like magic, science, history, and strategy. Aria took charge of the magic and healing curriculum, giving children hands-on experience with spellcraft from an early age.
"This school is not merely a place of learning," Aria addressed her students. "It's where Elysium's future is prepared. You will grow not just in knowledge, but in purpose—as those who carry this kingdom forward."
Elena led foundational magic classes, passing down the kingdom's magical heritage with careful precision.
"Magic is not simply power. It's a living legacy—woven from our history, our spirit. And you are its future stewards."
Alongside the academy, Merslin also founded a grand martial hall—a space not only for physical training, but for cultivating a unique combat art: the Elysium Mudō. He declared it the national art of the kingdom.
"We need more than warriors. We need a way of strength that embodies who we are—something entirely ours,"he thought, watching the first students step barefoot onto the polished floor.
The Elysium Mudō was a fusion of strength training, mental discipline, and magic-integrated movement. It blended offense and defense, stamina and finesse, spellwork and martial form into a single flowing system. Lisa, tasked with training young warriors, instilled not only technique, but spirit.
"This is not just a method of fighting. Elysium Mudō is the path that reflects who we are. You will learn resilience, patience, and clarity—not just how to strike."
Merslin himself visited the training grounds and performed a demonstration alongside the students. Sweat beaded on his brow as he moved through each form with precision.
"This martial art is Elysium's pride," he said to them, voice steady, gaze sharp. "It's more than a set of movements—it's a way to overcome your limits. Through it, you'll carry our spirit beyond these walls."
"If even one child finds courage through this… then every scar I carry will be worth it."
To unite the people further, Merslin announced the first Elysium Mudō Tournament—open to all citizens, regardless of age or background. It was designed not just as a contest of skill, but as a celebration of shared values and mutual respect.
Serena used the event as an opportunity to showcase Elysium's culture to the world.
"By presenting our martial tradition and educational values abroad, we strengthen our diplomacy. Cultural exchange will help others see what makes Elysium unique."
Aria, meanwhile, tended to injured participants with healing magic, ensuring that all could train safely.
"There will be injuries. That's part of growth. But through caring for one another, we learn compassion. I'll make sure everyone returns home stronger."
The founding of the academy, the martial hall, and the declaration of Elysium Mudō as the national art sent ripples throughout the kingdom. Families felt renewed pride as they watched their children learn, train, and grow into capable citizens. A deeper sense of belonging took root across towns and cities.
And Merslin—standing at the edge of the practice yard one evening, the sounds of training echoing in the dusk—felt certainty take hold.
"This is the path forward. We teach, we endure, we rise—not through domination, but through understanding and unity."
He vowed to continue his efforts—expanding access to education, safeguarding health, and nurturing the spirit of his people. For that, he would carry the crown not as a symbol of power, but of responsibility.