The sunlight shimmered across the floating city as the Academy of Light began to settle after the exams.Students cheered, others groaned, and Kaosu's group stood proudly among the survivors.
Kudo's shadow fell over them. His gray eyes scanned their faces—stern, but not unkind."You've done well," he said at last. "You've earned some rest. Go into town—celebrate your victory."
Kori's eyes lit up, but Kudo raised a finger."—but remember," he added, his tone turning sharp, "your job isn't done yet."
Kaosu grinned. "Heh. Can't even celebrate without a warning."
Kudo's lips twitched, almost smiling. "That's life as a knight."
And with that, the group was free.
The capital was alive with light and sound. Music echoed through the streets, and golden banners fluttered in the breeze.Kori walked with his hands behind his head, grinning. On his shoulder sat Kumo—a small dragon with soft white scales, icy blue horns, and curious sapphire eyes.
Kumo let out a tiny yawn, his breath releasing a puff of frost.
Kaosu laughed. "Even your dragon looks lazy."
"Don't call him lazy," Kori said, scratching Kumo's head. "He's just… peaceful."
Supira smirked. "Peaceful? That little thing bit me last week."
"Because you poked him with a stick!" Kori shot back.
Their laughter was cut short when Kumo suddenly perked up—his wings flaring. Then, without warning—
FWOOSH!
He leapt from Kori's shoulder and darted through the air, weaving between buildings.
"Kumo! Get back here!" Kori yelled, sprinting after him.
Kaosu chuckled. "Here we go again!"
Supira sighed. "And we were just starting to relax."
Kaji pointed ahead. "He's fast! Hurry before we lose him!"
The four of them chased Kumo through the bustling town—dodging carriages, jumping over crates, and nearly colliding with merchants. The baby dragon zipped higher, then swooped downward, finally landing gracefully… on a snowy ridge outside the city.
When the group caught up, their breath froze in their chests.
Before them stood a towering palace made entirely of ice—its crystal walls glimmering with blue light, sharp towers rising into the sky. Snowflakes danced around it like spirits.
Kumo landed back on Kori's shoulder, curling up proudly as if to say, "Look where I found us."
Kaosu whistled. "This place… is insane."
Supira crossed his arms. "Could it be… one of the Royal Guard's castles?"
"Yeah," Kaosu muttered. "The one who claimed to be Kori's mother."
Kaji suddenly tensed, dropping to one knee. His aura flickered."Th-that energy… it's enormous. I can barely breathe."
Kori helped him up gently. "Don't worry. We'll go in together."
Supira shrugged, holding Kumo now that the little dragon had jumped back into his arms."Yeah, sure. You guys go fight an ice monster or something—I'll babysit."
Kori gave him a look. "Wow. Bravery at its finest."
Kaosu grinned. "Come on. Let's see what's inside."
As they stepped into the frozen palace, the doors slammed shut behind them—BOOM!Frost spread across the floor, sealing the entrance.
Kaji shivered. "That can't be good."
The air grew colder. Crystals formed along the walls, glowing faintly with light-blue runes.
Then—a calm but powerful voice echoed through the vast hall:"Who dares enter the Castle of Ice—"
The voice stopped mid-sentence.
A tall woman rose from a crystalline throne. Her hair was silver-blue, flowing like falling snow. Her eyes glowed pale white—the same as Kori's.
She leapt from her throne, landing gracefully before them with a sound like shattering glass.
"Kori…" she said softly. "My son."
Kaosu blinked. "She's fast."
Kaji could only stare in awe. "And powerful…"
Kori's breath caught. "So… it's true? You're really my mother?"
The woman smiled gently. "Yes. I am Toko—Royal Guard No. 2, the Guardian of Ice."
Her aura pulsed faintly, rippling through the room like a winter storm restrained by grace.
Kori lowered his gaze. "I didn't mean to intrude. My dragon ran off… and when I followed him, I saw your crest. I just wanted to know the truth."
Toko's expression softened. "You deserve the truth. Come—follow me, my child. And your friends may join as well."
Kaosu rubbed the back of his neck. "She's polite and terrifying. Perfect combo."
He dragged a still-nervous Kaji with him as they followed Toko through the glowing corridors. The walls shimmered with embedded crystals, and Kumo's small wings fluttered excitedly as he perched back on Kori's shoulder.
Toko led them into a vast sitting room filled with frozen chandeliers and portraits encased in ice."Sit," she said, gesturing toward a crystal couch.
They obeyed. The room was silent except for the faint hum of frozen air.
Toko clasped her hands and looked into Kori's eyes. "Then I shall start… from the beginning."
Kori nodded. "I'm ready."
She smiled faintly. "Your father's name is—"
The light flickered.The wind howled.And the scene faded to black.
To be continued.