CHAPTER 13

Chapter 13: Entering the Battlefield

Early in the morning, the sound of loud horns echoed throughout the camp. The princes and princesses, just waking up, stepped out of their tents in confusion. The sun had not yet fully risen, but in the center of the camp, the Minister of the Interior stood, watching them closely.

With a firm voice, he announced,

"Training is over. Now, you will enter a real battlefield."

Ryo, still half-asleep, blinked and muttered,

"What? You mean… war?"

The Minister locked eyes with him and gave a faint smile.

"Yes. But not a war between nations. This is a real mission—one that will test your abilities."

The princes and princesses fell silent, their gazes fixed on him.

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Mission Objective

A large map was spread out on the central table in the camp. The Minister tapped his hand on a marked location.

"Here—one of our remote outposts—has been under attack in recent weeks. The enemies are not ordinary soldiers but creatures of darkness that strike at night, destroying everything in their path."

"Your task is to defend the outpost and discover where these creatures are coming from."

Yuma hesitated before asking,

"Aren't we supposed to fight against the Kingdom of Light?"

The Minister shook his head calmly.

"Not yet. This mission is to prepare you. Before you face the real enemy, you must first learn how to survive on the battlefield."

The air grew heavy.

This was no longer just training. This was a real battle—one that could cost them their lives.

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March to the Outpost

The princes and princesses mounted their horses and, along with a group of experienced soldiers, set out toward the outpost.

Throughout the journey, silence filled the air. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, wondering if they were truly ready for this.

Ryo glanced around. Aya looked deep in thought, Yuma and Kazuki had their hands resting on the hilts of their swords, and Sachiko stared ahead with a serious expression.

No one was joking. No one was complaining.

They all knew—this was their true test.

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Arrival at the Outpost & The First Night

Hours later, they arrived at the outpost—a worn-down stone structure that had barely survived the attacks. The soldiers stationed there had weary, anxious expressions.

The outpost commander stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Welcome, Your Highnesses. Ever since these attacks began, the nights have been filled with terror. The creatures of darkness appear out of nowhere and destroy everything in their path."

Ryo asked,

"Have you managed to kill any of them?"

The commander shook his head.

"We've taken some down, but every time one falls, another, stronger creature takes its place."

Kazuki drew his sword and said,

"Then we need to find out where they're coming from."

The commander glanced at him and replied,

"That is exactly what we must do tonight. Be ready, because they will return."

The princes and princesses exchanged silent looks.

Their first real battle was about to begin.

End of Chapter 13.