The moment Ace stepped through the gates of Eldoria, two guards crossed their spears in front of him.
"Halt. State your purpose," one of them demanded.
Ace raised his hands calmly. "I was invited by Princess Isami of Eldoria."
The guards exchanged a look. One of them stepped aside and activated a communication crystal, speaking quietly to someone on the other end. After a tense moment, the spears were lowered.
"You are to come with us," the guard said.
Ace was escorted through the heart of Eldoria. The kingdom felt different from his own—cleaner, calmer, yet filled with a strange energy. Tall white structures stood beside flowing waterways, and people moved with quiet confidence, as if strength was woven into their daily lives.
At the castle gates, Princess Isami waited for him, her expression lighting up the moment she saw Ace. Beside her stood a tall man with sharp eyes and a composed stance—her older brother.
"Ace," Isami said softly. "I'm glad you came."
The man stepped forward. "I am Amagi, eldest prince of Eldoria," he said. "You are welcome here."
Ace bowed respectfully.
Isami insisted on showing Ace around the kingdom herself. They walked through bustling markets, peaceful gardens, and training halls where warriors practiced with discipline and grace. Though Ace spoke little, he listened carefully, absorbing every detail of Eldoria's culture.
At one point, Isami glanced at him, sensing something unfamiliar in her chest. Ace's presence felt warm—steady. She quickly looked away, hiding her flustered expression.
Later that day, Amagi led Ace to a private training ground.
"Strength isn't only magic," Amagi said. "Here, we master movement."
He demonstrated a fighting style called Shark's Fin—fluid body motions, sharp turns, and fast, precise strikes that flowed like water. Each movement transitioned smoothly into the next, relentless yet controlled.
Ace watched closely, impressed.
"This style adapts," Amagi continued. "It punishes hesitation."
Ace tried a few motions himself. Though unfamiliar, his body responded naturally. Amagi noticed and nodded in approval.
"You learn fast."
Ace stayed in Eldoria for a day, resting, training, and observing. When it was time to leave, Isami walked with him to the gates.
After Ace departed, Isami stood quietly with her family. Her hands clenched at her side.
"I… have feelings for him," she admitted softly. "But I can't tell him yet."
Amagi looked at her for a long moment. "Then grow stronger," he said. "So when you do speak, you stand as his equal."
Far beyond Eldoria's walls, Ace continued his journey—unaware that his presence had already begun to change another destiny.