The Guardians
Atta drifted in and out of darkness until the sound of chanting voices pulled him back. When he opened his eyes, he saw healers glowing with white mana, their hands hovering over his ribs. Pain ebbed away in waves until at last he could breathe again.
The first thing he saw when he focused was Princess Isha, arms crossed, glaring at him.
"…Well," Atta muttered with a weak grin, "I won."
Isha slapped her palm against her forehead. "Atta, your ribs and spine were shattered. Without these healers, you'd be bedridden for three months. And that's the first thing you say?"
Atta chuckled, wincing. "It's a blessing to have healing magic. Maybe I should learn a few spells myself."
"Idiot." Isha rolled her eyes. "Just try not to die in the next round."
Atta smirked. "Oh? Did I make you worry?"
Her face turned slightly pink as she looked away. "…Who said I was worried? Don't make things up, fool."
He leaned back, still smiling. "If you say so. Anyway—who's fighting next?"
"The second match is Reyan from the Angel Kingdom against Lithius of the Dwarf noble House Aestin."
Atta stretched, ignoring the dull ache still in his body. "Reyan's match? That'll be fun to watch."
"You're supposed to be resting," Isha scolded.
"I'm not a fragile doll, my princess," Atta teased as he pushed himself off the bed.
Isha sighed but walked with him toward the balcony. Just before they reached it, she excused herself. "Wait here, I need the washroom."
"Of course," Atta said with a smile.
As he approached the balcony alone, a tall elf stepped into his path, appearing out of nowhere. He had sharp black hair, piercing yellow eyes, and carried himself with dangerous confidence.
Atta stopped, his hand twitching near his blade. "Do you want something?"
The elf looked down at him with disdain. "You fought my younger brother just now. Luc Diamante."
Atta raised an eyebrow. "And?"
The elf leaned against the wall, a cold smirk on his face. "You injured him badly. Do you even understand who I am?"
Atta sighed. "Doesn't matter who you are. It was a duel. He lost."
The elf's eyes narrowed. "Bold words for a commoner. I am David Diamante, first son of the Diamante House… and a Guardian. Do you even know what that means?"
Atta's expression hardened. "Of course I know. What's disappointing is that you don't know who I am."
David's vein twitched with fury. "Arrogant brat. Bow to me while you still can."
Atta's eyes sharpened. "Make me."
David's fist shot forward, faster than Atta expected. His instincts screamed—if that punch landed, his skull would shatter.
"Derona—" he whispered.
"Yes, Master," the spirit answered in his head.
But before Atta could even draw his blade, another figure appeared, catching David's punch with a single hand.
"Enough, Diamante," the man said.
David's eyes widened. "Luke Blackwood?"
Atta recognized him immediately: blonde hair, steady brown eyes, calm but radiating power. Princess Fiza had spoken of him—Luke Blackwood, earth mage of the Human Kingdom, wielder of a white mana core, and now a Guardian.
Luke's tone was calm but carried weight. "And what do you think you're doing, attacking the prince of my kingdom?"
David froze. "…Prince? Of your kingdom? Why is he here disguised as a commoner?"
Luke released his hand and answered flatly, "That's our internal affair. Not yours." He turned to Atta, bowing slightly. "Forgive my colleague's behavior, my prince. It won't happen again."
Just then, Isha returned. Her sharp eyes flicked between them. "What are Guardians doing at the Theoms Tournament?"
Atta sighed. "Well… your kingdom's people are quite hot-headed, Isha."
Her gaze fixed on David. "Did you misbehave with Prince Atta?"
David's jaw tightened, but under her glare he finally said, "It was a misunderstanding, Princess. I apologize."
Luke placed a hand on David's shoulder and added, "It won't happen again. I assure you, Princess, as his senior."
Isha gave them both a long look, then nodded. "Good. Leave."
Luke inclined his head. "We are here as guards. With so many nobles and royals gathered, the Guardians have been assigned as security." He bowed again, as did David, before both walked off.
Atta watched them go, then turned to Isha with a half-smile. "You know… the Blackwood family is said to be the most loyal house in our kingdom."
Isha's lips curved into a small smile. "Yes. And today Luke proved it—he saved you from David."
Atta exhaled, his gaze drifting toward the arena. "…Loyalty. A rare quality indeed."
To Be Continued...