Chapter 3: The Kings and Queens
The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows over the training field. Kaito wiped the sweat from his brow, his muscles sore from hours of practice. The training Miya had set for him was unlike anything he had ever experienced. She had pushed him to his limits, forcing him to channel the strange energy coursing through his veins. And yet, despite the exhaustion, there was a fire inside him—an unwavering desire to prove himself worthy of the power he had been entrusted with.
Miya stood a few paces away, watching him closely, her eyes sharp but filled with something akin to approval. There was an unspoken connection between them, a bond that went beyond the physical power she had shared with him.
Kaito paused, catching his breath. "Miya," he said, his voice still hoarse from the training. "I… I think I'm starting to understand it, but there's still so much I don't know. What exactly am I? What does it mean to be a king?"
Miya's gaze softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. "You are a king, Kaito. And that means your life will never be the same. But it's not just about power. It's about responsibility, about protecting those who stand by you. You are the ruler of a kingdom, but not in the way you might think."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "A kingdom? But… I'm just me. I don't know anything about ruling anything."
Miya smiled, her lips curving in a way that was both reassuring and mysterious. "Not yet, but you will. You are the King of the Seven Queens."
Kaito's heart skipped a beat. "Seven Queens?"
"Yes," Miya replied, her voice steady and filled with authority. "In this world, there are many like us—beings who possess incredible power. They are called the Queens, and each one is bound to a king. A king is chosen for each queen, and together they form an unbreakable bond. You and I share that bond now."
Kaito stared at her, his mind racing. "So… there are others like you? Other queens?"
Miya nodded. "Exactly. You are now part of a much larger world, one where kings and queens live, fight, and protect what matters. This world is full of conflict, and only those with the strength to wield their power can survive. But you are not alone. You have me, and you will have your other queens as well."
Kaito's brow furrowed in confusion. "Other queens? You said I have seven?"
"Yes," Miya confirmed. "I am your first queen, but there are six more you will meet in the future, one by one. Each queen has her own power, her own domain, and each will play a crucial role in your journey. You will form contracts with them, just as you did with me. And as you grow stronger, so will your bond with each of them."
"But why seven? Why me?" Kaito asked, the weight of the words sinking in. He still couldn't fully grasp what he had become, what he was meant to do.
"You were chosen for a reason," Miya said, her voice quiet yet filled with conviction. "The bond between a king and his queens is powerful, but it's also rare. The number seven represents balance in this world—a perfect harmony of power and purpose. Only those with the potential to unite their queens can achieve the true strength needed to protect this world. That's why you were chosen."
Kaito nodded slowly, the magnitude of her words beginning to settle within him. It was overwhelming, yet somehow, it made sense. He wasn't just a boy anymore. He was part of something far greater than he had ever imagined.
"So… from now on, my life is going to be completely different, isn't it?" Kaito asked, looking at Miya.
She nodded. "Yes, Kaito. From now on, you will live both your normal life and your life as a king. You will have responsibilities, challenges, and dangers that come with being the king of the seven queens. You will fight, protect, and lead your queens when the time comes. But you must also remember to live as a person. It is your balance between these two lives that will define you."
Kaito swallowed hard, his thoughts swirling. He had never asked for this life, never wanted to be caught in a world of battles and responsibilities. But now that he was here, he couldn't deny the pull of something inside him—the same force that had drawn him to Miya from the very beginning.
"How do I even begin?" he asked, his voice a little uncertain but filled with a spark of determination.
Miya's gaze softened, her expression becoming warmer than it had been during their intense training sessions. "The first step is to accept what you are. You are a king, Kaito. A king who has already made a contract with a queen. Together, you and I will start the path of your journey. And when the time comes, you will meet your other queens. Each one will bring you closer to your true potential."
Kaito took a deep breath. "I understand. I'll do my best, Miya."
She smiled, a proud and knowing smile. "I know you will. But remember, Kaito, this is not just about power. It's about heart. The love and loyalty between a king and his queens are what will make you truly strong. Keep that in mind, and you'll be ready for anything."
With those words, Miya turned and gestured for him to follow. "Let's continue your training. The next trial awaits."
As they moved forward, Kaito couldn't shake the weight of the words she had shared. He was no longer just Kaito, the boy who had lost everything. He was now Kaito, the King of the Seven Queens. His life had changed forever. But with Miya by his side, he felt a sense of purpose stirring deep inside him.
He wasn't sure what the future held, but one thing was certain: his journey had only just begun.