CHAPTER 10

Chapter 10: A Test of Strength

The battle against the monsters had forced each of the princes and princesses to awaken their powers, but now, as the dust settled, they realized the true challenge had only begun.

The Minister of the Interior stepped forward, his piercing gaze sweeping over each of them.

"Your powers have awakened, but that does not mean you are strong. It only means you have taken the first step."

His words sent a chill down their spines. Ryo, still catching his breath, clenched his fists. He knew the minister was right. Simply dodging an attack or releasing energy was not enough to win a real battle.

Kazuki, always the boldest, crossed his arms and smirked.

"So, what now? You gonna train us?"

The minister's lips curled into a slight smile—one that didn't reach his eyes.

"Train you? No. I will test you."

With a snap of his fingers, the ground beneath them trembled. A strange energy filled the air, heavy and oppressive. Suddenly, shadowy figures emerged from the surrounding darkness. Warriors clad in black armor, their faces hidden behind ominous helmets.

"These are phantom knights," the minister said. "They will be your opponents. Show me if you truly deserve to be called the princes and princesses of this kingdom."

---

A Battle of Desperation

Before anyone could react, the knights charged. Their movements were swift and precise, nothing like the mindless monsters from before.

Aya barely dodged a sword strike, rolling to the side. Her breathing was rapid, her heart pounding. "These things… they're on a completely different level!"

Sachiko tried to teleport away, but the moment she disappeared, a knight predicted her reappearance and slashed at her position. She barely managed to deflect the attack, stumbling backward.

"They can read our moves?!" Yuma growled, throwing another rock. This time, the knight easily deflected it with his sword.

The group was being pushed back. Their newfound powers were still too unstable. The knights fought with perfect coordination, unlike them.

Ryo gritted his teeth. He knew that if they didn't work together, they would lose.

"Everyone! We need to synchronize! Stop acting alone!"

For a brief moment, there was hesitation—then, slowly, the others started to listen. Aya used her foresight to predict the knights' movements, calling out warnings. Yuma used his enhanced strength to block attacks for the others. Sachiko's teleportation became more strategic, allowing her to strike from behind.

Kazuki, grinning, charged forward, unleashing another shockwave. This time, it hit with even more force, sending two knights crashing to the ground.

Little by little, they began to push back.

---

The Minister's Judgment

As the battle raged on, the minister watched silently. The commander beside him observed as well, impressed.

"They're adapting quickly," the commander muttered.

The minister's expression remained unreadable.

"It's not enough yet. They have power, but they lack discipline. They need to understand what it means to be warriors—not just children playing with new abilities."

He raised his hand slightly, and the knights instantly became more aggressive. The fight, which had begun turning in the students' favor, suddenly shifted again.

One by one, they were overpowered. The knights struck with lethal precision, forcing the students to retreat.

Finally, the minister stepped forward.

"Enough."

At his command, the knights stopped moving. The exhausted students collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily.

The minister looked down at them.

"You all survived. That is enough for now."

Kazuki growled.

"What was the point of this? Just to humiliate us?"

The minister met his gaze.

"No. It was to show you reality. You are not strong yet. You are not ready to face the Kingdom of Light. You have much to learn."

His eyes locked onto Ryo.

"Especially you."

Ryo felt a lump in his throat but nodded. He knew this was just the beginning.

The real training had yet to begin.

End of Chapter 10.