Chapter 1: A Hero's Duty

The Kingdom of Elaria had enjoyed years of peace, but peace never lasted forever.

As dawn painted the sky in shades of gold, a royal messenger hurried through the castle corridors before stopping in front of a pair of massive wooden doors.

"Sir Kael," he called, knocking firmly. "His Majesty requests your presence immediately."

The door opened moments later.

Standing before the messenger was the kingdom's strongest knight.

Sir Kael was known throughout Elaria for his unwavering loyalty and unmatched swordsmanship. Clad in polished silver armor with a navy-blue cloak draped over his shoulders, he carried himself with quiet confidence. He wasn't one for unnecessary words, but whenever the kingdom needed him, he never refused.

"The king is waiting," the messenger said.

Kael simply nodded.

"I'll be there shortly."

---

The royal throne room was unusually tense.

King Aldren sat upon his throne while several generals stood around a large map spread across a table.

As Kael entered, everyone turned toward him.

"You summoned me, Your Majesty."

The king gave a relieved smile.

"Sir Kael, we've received reports from our scouts. A large group of magical beasts has gathered near the northern border. If they continue south, they'll reach our villages within days."

One of the generals pointed at the map.

"They're stronger than ordinary monsters. We cannot allow them to reach the kingdom."

The king looked directly at Kael.

"I wish for you to lead the expedition."

Without hesitation, Kael knelt.

"I accept the mission."

"I knew you would."

The king smiled.

"Take whichever soldiers you need. I also suggest visiting the Royal Mage Tower. You'll need enchanted equipment, and I'd like two battle mages to accompany your forces. Their barriers and healing magic will greatly increase your chances of success."

Kael stood.

"I'll leave immediately."

---

The Royal Mage Tower stood proudly in the center of the capital, its white walls reaching high above the city.

Magic circles floated around the tower, glowing softly as apprentices hurried through its halls carrying books, scrolls, and potion bottles.

Kael entered through the enormous wooden doors.

Almost instantly, an elderly mage approached him with a warm smile.

"Sir Kael! We heard about your mission."

The old man wore elegant blue robes embroidered with golden stars.

"It is always an honor to assist the kingdom's finest knight. I am Senior Mage Orion. Please, tell me what you require."

"I'll need enchanted healing potions, barrier crystals, several mana stones for the battle mages... and two experienced mages to accompany my expedition."

"Of course."

Orion nodded.

"I've already prepared everything."

As they walked deeper into the tower, a loud crash echoed from one of the nearby rooms.

"...Oops!"

Another loud bang followed.

Blue smoke drifted into the hallway.

Kael stopped walking.

"...What was that?"

Orion let out a long sigh.

"Our newest mage."

They rounded the corner to find a young man frantically picking books up from the floor.

His golden hair was slightly messy, his blue robes looked far too new, and his wand was somehow stuck upside down inside a flower pot.

The young mage finally noticed them.

His eyes widened.

"Oh!"

He quickly pulled the wand free.

"Good morning!"

Kael looked at Orion.

"...Who is he?"

Orion rubbed his forehead.

"His name is Eli."

"He graduated from the Royal Academy of Magic yesterday."

"And today is..."

Eli raised one finger with an awkward smile.

"My first day."

Kael remained silent.

Orion continued.

"He's talented."

A pause.

"...Just a little clumsy."

"A little?" another mage muttered under his breath.

Eli laughed nervously.

"I can explain every single accident."

Before Orion could stop him, Eli lifted his wand.

"I've almost mastered this spell! Watch!"

Orion's eyes widened.

"Eli, wai—"

Too late.

Eli swung his wand confidently.

Unfortunately...

He stepped on a loose scroll.

His foot slipped.

"W-Whoa!"

The wand flew from his hand, spun through the air, and released a brilliant beam of pink magic.

It shot straight toward Kael.

Without even thinking, Kael leaned slightly to one side.

The spell missed him completely.

It flew through the open window instead.

Silence.

Everyone rushed toward the window.

Outside, Kael's magnificent black warhorse stood patiently beside the entrance.

A flash of pink light surrounded it.

When the glow disappeared...

The horse was no longer black.

It was the brightest, most ridiculously pink horse anyone had ever seen.

The courtyard fell silent.

One guard covered his mouth.

Another looked away.

A stable boy bit his lip.

The horse happily neighed, completely unaware that anything had changed.

Eli stared for several seconds.

Then...

A tiny snort escaped him.

"Pfft..."

He slapped a hand over his mouth.

"I'm... I'm sorry..."

Another snort.

"I can't..."

The senior mages lowered their heads, their shoulders shaking as they desperately tried not to laugh.

One apprentice gave up completely and ran into another room.

Kael slowly looked from the horse...

...to Eli.

"...Fix it."

Eli immediately stopped laughing.

His face turned pale.

"I..."

He slowly hid behind Orion.

"Senior..."

"Could you... maybe fix it?"

Orion sighed so deeply it sounded practiced.

"I expected as much."

He stepped toward the window, raised his staff, and calmly cast a spell.

Golden light surrounded the horse.

A moment later, the bright pink color melted away, revealing its original black coat.

The courtyard collectively sighed in relief.

Orion turned toward Eli.

"You."

"Back to your room."

"No experimenting outside your workshop."

"No casting spells in hallways."

"And absolutely no showing off on your first day."

Eli lowered his head.

"...Yes, Senior."

He quietly picked up his books before disappearing down the hallway, muttering to himself.

"...Worst first day ever."

Kael watched him leave for a brief moment before turning back to Orion.

"The supplies."

"Right."

Orion handed him a leather satchel filled with enchanted potions, barrier crystals, mana stones, and several magical scrolls.

"As for the battle mages, I've selected two of our finest."

Two experienced mages stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"We'll accompany your expedition, Sir Kael."

Kael nodded.

"Good."

He fastened the satchel to his saddle before mounting his horse.

The soldiers gathered behind him.

The two mages took their places among the ranks.

As the castle gates slowly opened, Kael looked toward the northern mountains.

"The kingdom is counting on us."

With that, the expedition marched out of the capital, disappearing into the distance.

Far above, from a small tower window, Eli watched them leave.

"...He's scary."

He let out a quiet sigh before glancing at the spellbook tucked under his arm.

"I seriously need more practice."

Neither of them knew that this brief, ridiculous encounter was only the beginning of a much greater adventure.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***