To the order

The atmosphere in the lodge went intense as I asked how to return back to my home .I can tell from the Emperor's expression that what he's about to tell me is something unpleasant.

" You have to Carry out the mission given to Akito shimizu " The Emperor lowered his eyebrows and uttered in a serious tone.

My hands started shaking as I heard people behind me gasp and murmur about the Emperor's dissicion. How can I possibly carry out a mission allocated for a strong 30 year old man .

" Your Majesty, I admire the fact that you gave this weak mortal a chance to return to her homeland, nevertheless, restoring the jade Phoenix gem is our top priority and are you willing to appoint someone who has no ability or experience ? " said Hiashi as he pointed his shimmering golden sword towards my face .

" What else do you have in mind ? "

" We shall exterminate this mortal after giving her your blessings " I knew Hisashi hates me , but he's going too far .

" Absolutely not !! No being shall be enilated unless they took someone else's life , besides we don't have any other option but to let her restore the jade Phoenix gem. " The Emperor stood from his throne and grabbed everyone's attention.

Why does it have to be me !! can't they bring another strong human who can succeed in this mission .

Even though I tried to interrupt and ask them if there's another way out , no one paid any attention to what I have to say . I can't help but patiently wait to what the Emperor have to say.

Setting down his head , The Emperor gave me a nod as in ' everything is going to be okay ' which helped me stay at ease .

" Shinzuko Akira , you are now given a chance to return to your homeland once you restore the Jade Phoenix gem "

w...what !!? These where the most hope trimming words vocalized by the Emperor .

His Marvelous soothing sound just got cold on my heart . Most of the citizens in the lodge weren't pleased by the Emperor's dissicion, but none had the courage to oppose it.

" As for you Hisashi , you'll be in charge of training this young mortal till she reaches a remarkable stage of strength and fighting skill " As those words escaped from the Emperor's vocal cords , Hisashi clutched his fist and dropped his head in anger .

" Your Majesty I__. "

" Say no more ! Shinzuko, you'll start your training tomorrow after sunrise . You shall head to your room and have some rest for you have a heavy burden laying on your back . " The Emperor cut of Hisashi before he could start complaining and ordered the soldiers to lead me to my new room.

Traumatized and stressed , I walked away and head to my room where I can cry it all out . It all just feels surreal

This all must a silly dream , a dream which happens to last more than 2 months ....

" [ groan ] uh !! who I'm I kidding "

Not matter how much I tried to deny this isn't real ,I end up getting genuine answers for the reality of this situation. perhaps this is a punishment for making fun of my friends or for cutting flowers from my Nieghboors beautiful garden in my previous life.

* knock !! knock *

" huh ? " puzzled by the sudden interruption, I moved closer to the door and twisted the door knob .

For my surprise , it was Hisashi.

" I'm here to hand you this regimentals to use during training session tomorrow, and I'm....."

" I apologise for my impertinent behaviour " he lowered his head and stretched out his hands holding uniform.His beautiful heterochromia eyes added to the way he was apologising reminded me of my cat Ruby who used to snuggle me all the time .

" Pfttt !! "

I was unable to hold my laughter any longer , I let out a faint giggle , but Hisashi assumed I was mocking him and shoved the uniform on my face in frustration.

" As the Emperor's order , you'll start training tomorrow after sunrise , so don't be late !! "

Hisashi slammed my own door on my face and went to wherever he is heading to.

I moved closer to my bed which was located next to the window and set down on the soft pillow.

I'm too overwhelmed by everything right now , it's kinda interesting though . maybe this is my chance to show everyone that I'm not a weakling seeking for others protection. I can protect myself and save this falling kingdom, for that's the only way to return back home .

... Next Day ....

I flickered my eyes into opening and lifted my head slightly upwards.

" is it morning already ?! "

I haven't noticed it was morning, but it was definitely past sunrise ." oh no !! I'm going to be late on my first day of training !! "

Jumping off my bed , I rushed towards the dressing room and changed to my uniforms .

My uniform consisted of white shirt covered with pitch black coloured leather vest , accompanied by fluffy blue-black coloured skirt reaching my knees.

After dressing up for my training , I went outside while closing the door behind me . I kept walking towards random directions cause Hisashi didn't mention where I'll be training.

A while later , a familiar high pitched voice called my name from behind.

" Shinzuko !! wait up !! "

I recognize that voice , I turned around and saw Yakeru waving his hands from a distance.

" Yakeru ? what are you doing here "

Because of staying in this ridiculously immeasurable mansion , I haven't seen Yakeru for about 2 months .

" Hisashi told me to get you , but I couldn't find you in your room so I started wondering all over the place " said Yakeru as he reached me .

"oh about that , do you know where the training area is ? "

" needles to say ! that's why I'm here " he giggled.

I walked with Yakeru to the training area while he talked continuously about Hisashi and his trainings . I also raised the topic of me appointed to restore the Jade Phoenix gem and the reason why I'm training.

We talked a lot that I haven't realized we're already here .

The training area was located next to the castle , bounded by thick tall walls of brick and guarded by bulky tough soldiers.

The soldiers opened the gates to the training area and * gulp * it's so extensively huge !!

Turning to my left and right , I scanned the entire place and it was remarkable . But I noticed that I wasn't the only trainee in this place .

A lot of young beings where doing exercises . activities such as climbing ropes , fighting metallic dummies , doing stuff that I didn't understand yet and I saw a guy breathing out fire . wait what !!?

These people ( more or less ) where doing various strange activities as well . some controlling water and plants while some fighting with swords.

" Maybe I came to the wrong training area ...." I turned around ignoring everything I saw in disbelief and took a step forward when * Clutch * something just grabbed my shirt .