Chapter 28: After Victory: The Price of Power

"If they cannot control the light, they will try to extinguish it."

— Queen Seraphina Lys Radiant

The throne room of the Radiant Palace, usually a place of graceful music and dignified conversation, was anything but heavy tonight.

The heavy doors had barely closed before King Althain Radiant stood from his gilded throne with fury burning behind his eyes. The atmosphere snapped, silence choking the grand chamber as nobles, commanders, and high mages lined the hall.

Kael, the Empire's envoy, stood arrogantly in the center of it all — his silver cloak draped elegantly, his expression unmoved even in the face of royal fury.

- "You will explain yourself," King Althain's voice cracked like a thunderclap, echoing against marble pillars and stained glass. "You brought a creature — an ogre — into our sacred arena. You dared let it wear armor, take up a sword, and represent your Empire. That was not a duel. That was a provocation."

Kael didn't flinch. He stepped forward with measured calm, a diplomat's poise masking the smirk tugging at his lips.

- "Your Majesty," he began, voice smooth as oil, "Arem is indeed one of our… enhanced soldiers. Tamed. Controlled. Loyal. And not once during our stay within your Kingdom's walls did he act out of line."

His gaze swept the hall slowly, letting the implication linger.

- "We've committed no crime. We came offered Honorable Duels between our nations. You allowed the duel while we followed the rules. If the crowd is disturbed by the outcome, perhaps it is because your expectations were too low."

Murmurs erupted like sparks from dry wood. Duke Malrik narrowed his eyes. Duchess Elrion whispered something sharp to her steward. Serenya, watching near the Queen, looked as though she'd just swallowed ice.

The King clenched his fists.

- "You speak of expectations? You speak as if this was nothing but amusement? A monster—no, a weapon—was unleashed in my arena, under my roof!"

- "But it was your champion," Kael said, voice turning cold, "who triumphed, was it not?"

Silence. Then, he bowed mockingly.

- "Which means, by the Emperor's decree, the score is now, even. One win for each side. I have only one duty remaining—prepare for the final match."

The nerve of him. Every noble could feel it — the way he twisted truth into safety, hiding behind his so-called orders. It wasn't diplomacy. It was theater. He was here to observe, to provoke… and report.

Kael turned, as if done, and said,

- "I will await the day of the final duel. Anything else, Your Majesty, is outside my orders."

The King's voice dropped, trembling with restrained wrath.

- "Then wait, Kael. Wait in your chambers until summoned. You will not walk freely in my capital again."

Kael simply nodded, as though he had expected it. As he walked past Jin, he offered a faint nod — not of respect, but recognition.

- "You fought well," he said quietly. "The Emperor will be… intrigued. I…will be waiting for you at the final match."

Jin didn't reply. He just watched the man leave with the same chill he'd felt standing before wild beasts.

The doors closed.

For a long moment, no one spoke. Then voices rose—angry, divided, passionate.

- "This is war!" shouted Marquis Grondel. "They used our arena to mock us!"

- "No!" countered Duke Darius. "This was a test. They wanted to see our strength — and they got it!"

- "Then let us show more," said a darker voice—Duke Malrik. "Send them a message. Silence the envoy before he leaves the capital. No duel. No third match."

The room fell still. Even the Queen turned to stare at him. King Althain's jaw tightened.

- "No, there'll not be any assassins. We are not the Empire. We do not move in shadows when the sun still shines."

- "Then what do we do?" Grondel snapped.

Jin stepped forward.

He hadn't meant to speak — but something in him couldn't stay silent anymore.

- "If I may…your Majesty!"

The room shifted. Jin looked up at the King — face calm; but firm.

- "If we act now, we give them what they want. A war sparked by emotion. They came here to measure not just our swords… but our restraint…endurance."

A pause.

- "I've seen how these things play out. One move, one death, and we'll be pasted the point of return. So, let them think we're calm; that we're weak, if it means we strike smarter later."

The King studied him for a long breath, then he stood up, gave a slow nod while walked down from his throne

- "You speak with the weight of someone who's seen war, not just fought it. I see…" – He turned to the court. "Let the third match play out. We show the Empire not just our steel… but our dignity."

Some grumbled. Others nodded. But none objected.

Then, softer, the King added; putting his hand on Jin's shoulder

- "You've done well, Jin Kazama. You gave us more than just a victory today. You gave us something even more precious - time."

That praise landed heavier than Jin expected. He bowed his head.

Queen Seraphina glanced toward Serenya, whispering something behind a silk fan. The priestess looked away, face troubled.

Beside the King, Lyrderu and High Mage VeilQuinn exchanged quiet words. The former looked toward Jin with something close to pride.

Meanwhile, Duke Ragan Wyrmane stepped close. Just earlier, he had scowled at Jin, suspicious of his intentions.

But now?

He gave a short, rough laugh and tapped Jin lightly on the head with a gloved hand.

- "Any friend of Lyrderu's… is no enemy of mine. That was one hell of a Meteor."

Jin managed a faint grin.

Across the room, Duke Malrik and Marquis Edrien said nothing. But their eyes followed Jin carefully. Measuring. Calculating.

The meeting began to shift toward other topics — territory concerns, military logistics, and how to handle the northern border.

But even as the nobles debated, one truth rang clear in every mind:

The Empire had played its hand. So now, the Radiant Kingdom would be ready to counter when the last card was drawn.

As the nobles began to disperse into clusters of hushed debate and speculation, Jin stood quietly near one of the hall's pillars. His breathing had evened out, but the weight of everything that had just happened still clung to his shoulders. The King's praise was still ringing in his ears, yet the unease in the air refused to lift.

He felt a presence approach, her presence cutting clean through the crowd's whispers like a blade through silk.

Her gown was an intricate cascade of deep indigo and gold threads, embroidered with arcane runes that pulsed faintly in rhythm with her steps. Her silver-blonde hair framed a face too poised to be called merely beautiful—this was a woman who wore power like a second skin.

- "Sir Jin Kazama, is it?" the Duchess Elrion Vaelis said, her voice smooth, crystalline, and laced with a sharp undertone that told him she wasn't used to being ignored.

- "Yes, Your Grace." - Jin offered a quick bow, instinctively respectful.

Jin turned to see Duchess Elrion Vaelis, a gentle smile playing at the edge of her lips.

"You handled yourself impressively," she said. "Not just with sword and instinct… but with that last spell."

- "Thank you. I wasn't sure it would work, honestly." – Jin offered a nod.

- "You call it Meteor, correct?" - She tilted her head slightly.

- "That's what came to my mind when I saw it." - He hesitated, then nodded again.

- "I've never seen anything like it," she continued, eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Not in spell tomes, not in Tower archives, not even whispered in bardic exaggerations. And trust me… we've looked."

- "I'm still learning. I… try a lot of things until something sticks. That one just… did." – He answered awkwardly

A flicker of something passed through her expression—surprise, then consideration, then something softer.

- "So, you're an instinctive caster. That's rare and also Dangerous… but often brilliant."

- "I wouldn't go that far." – Jin let out a dried laugh.

- "I would." Her voice was quiet, but firm.

She stepped closer, her gaze studying him — not in judgment, but in fascination.

- "Tell me, was that… some sort of multi-layered invocation? A spell chain you built mid-battle?"

- "I…guess you could say that," he replied cautiously. "I started with Rock. Then reinforced it. By pulled in some Fire… then shaped the whole thing into something that would fall instead of explode."

Elrion blinked slowly, digesting every word.

- "And it responded?"

- "I'm not sure but…I did change or messing with the ratio of each spell…or layers. Though, it failed; so, I did again and again. Till it finally gave in."

A genuine smile bloomed on her face — one that made her seem far younger.

- "You do realize mages spend decades trying to do what you just described casually, yes?"

- "I didn't mean it casually," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "It nearly blew up in my face once or twice. I just got lucky."

- "Luck… or talent disguised as modesty." She chuckled softly. "Either way, I find myself intrigued." – Then, her tone shifted; suddenly serious - "Kazama Jin. Have you taken a mentor in magic?"

- "Mentor? No, I've been self-taught ever since." – he blinked.

- "Good," she said immediately. "Then I claim you."

- "…Claim?" – Jin straightened slightly.

- "I don't normally take apprentices," she went on. "Frankly, I find most mages lack imagination. They chase the past. But you, however… seem to be stumbling into the future."

There was a moment of silence between them.

- "You want ME to be your student?" – Jin bewiled.

- "Yes, I want to see what you can become when you're not working alone."

- "Wait." – Jin stared at her, stunned. "As I said, my magic was self-taught. You don't even know how much basic I actually got"

- "I've seen enough," she said firmly. "Anyone who can birth a new spell from raw deserves refinement, not doubt. Under my guidance, you'll learn how to shape that chaos into true art."

He hesitated. Not because he doubted her, but because the offer felt... surreal. Apprenticed to one of the greatest mages of the kingdom? Wasn't that the kind of thing that happened only in stories?

Still, he remembered the limits of his current spells. The gaps in his knowledge – only from novels of whose know if it was right or wrong. The instability when he channeled his mana. He needed a foundation — and if anyone could give him that, it was her.

- "Thank you! I'll be in your care from now on" – he said finally. "But... I hope you're ready. I've probably built up more bad habits than good ones."

- "Then it's a deal." – She smiled wider. "Visit the Magic Tower tomorrow. I'll make sure the top floor is prepared. Just… bring that wild imagination of yours."

- "I will." – Jin gave a quiet nod.

With that, she stepped back into the moving tides of nobles, her silver robes catching the light as she vanished into the shifting conversations — leaving behind a man who had just earned the attention of the kingdom's most brilliant Archmage.

Jin watched as Duchess Elrion glided away then

- "You sure made quite the impression."

The deep voice came from behind, casual but rough — like a boulder that decided to speak.

Jin spun slightly, hand almost twitching out of reflex. Standing beside him now, somehow unnoticed until that exact moment, was a giant of a man clad in armor that bore real scratches not for show, but from war. His broad shoulders could probably block a gate, and his presence felt like a fortress had decided to walk upright.

- "Don't look so shocked, kid," the man added, a grin spreading beneath the scar on his left eye. "You're not the only one who can move quietly when needed."

- "…Duke Darius," - Jin managed.

- "The same. Though if you ever call me 'Duke' outside this castle, I might punch you out of reflex."

The man let out a short laugh.

- "You know, you just got recruited by the most magic-obsessed elf in the realm. None of her tower rats have ever satisfied her, not even once. And now - bam! - you're her first apprentice."

Darius gave him a sideways glance, his grin sharpening like a blade before continue in whisper

- "Better watch your back. Magic folks are… clingy when they find a new toy."

- "I'll keep that in mind." - Jin chuckled nervously.

There was a beat of silence. Then Darius folded his arms, his eyes still on Jin.

- "You faced that ogre like it owed you money," he said flatly. "Didn't hesitate. Didn't flinch. You just moved."

- "I just didn't have time to think. The situation just called for it" - Jin shrugged.

- "That's what makes it even more impressive." – the big man nodded, as if confirming something in his mind. "You've got guts, and you don't swing your blade like a show-off. That's rare."

- "That…I'll have Lyrderu to thanks for. We've always sparred together" – Jin glanced at Lyrderu and spoke.

Darius leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret, though his voice didn't drop.

- "Is that so? Then, I also want to spar with you. I want to see what you've got when there's no crowd. No politics. No roaring arena. Just you and me, blades and bruises."

- "A spar? With you?"

- "Yes, a little talk, man to man. I mean a good old-fashioned conversation — with swords."

- "I'd like that." – looking straight at Darius, Jin smiled.

- "Good. I'll send word. But don't keep me waiting, Kazama. I'm not as patient as that elf." – Darius gave him a solid nod, like a man signing a deal with his spine.

And with that, the mountain of a man strode off, leaving Jin to quietly process the fact that he'd just agreed to spar a living legend.

Just then, he heard a low grunt cut through the murmuring nobles behind him.

- "Young man," came a voice like grinding stone, "your sword is crying."

Jin turned to find a squat, broad-shouldered dwarf with a wild silver beard and eyes sharp enough to split ore. The man wasn't looking at him, but at the weapon strapped to his waist — as if the blade itself had spoken first.

- "I beg your pardon?" Jin asked.

- "Your sword," the dwarf repeated, narrowing his eyes. "She's restless. You hear that? Whimperin'. Like a pup locked outside a forge."

- "I… didn't know swords could cry." – Jin instinctively placed a hand over the hilt.

- "Of course they don't," the dwarf snorted. "But they hum, they ache, they call. Especially ones like She's got evolution baked into her bones, but she's stuck. Like a song half-written."

- "You can hear that?"

- "Marquis Grondel Stonebeard." – The dwarf straightened up proudly. "Northern forge-master of Emberrest, shopkeeper in Solaria's noble district, and artisan of twenty-seven royal commissions. I don't just hear it. I feel My hands itch like they've found a puzzle worth solving. Lads, Where'd you get that sword?"

- "I made it." – Jin hesitated.

Grondel's eyes widened, then narrowed again in appraisal.

- "You? Hah. Not bad. She's rough but got spirit."

- "I was testing my blacksmithing skill," Jin admitted. "Though, I didn't expect it to work so well"

- "Well," – Grondel mused, stroking his beard – "however it works, that blade is stagnating. Evolution's not just about time — it's about resonance. Opportunity; Intent; The sword's waiting for its next song. Bring her to my shop after your tower visit. I won't touch a thing till I speak with her properly — but I guarantee, if she's ready to sing, I'll help her find her voice."

- "…Alright," he said finally. "After the tower, I'll come."

Grondel nodded, satisfied, and turned to leave.

- "Good. And when I'm done, you won't just be wieldin' a sword. You'll be carryin' a story."

___________________________________________________________________________

Serenya's POV

The hall was thinning out. After the king's dismissal of the Empire envoy and the nobles began to murmur among themselves, Queen Seraphina moved gracefully across the throne room, her white-gold gown trailing like sunlight. Her gaze found Serenya.

- "Child, walk with me," she said softly, yet firmly—like a bell ringing in a quiet temple.

Serenya glanced at Jin, who gave her a small nod. She stepped forward, following the Queen toward a secluded alcove lined with stained glass and polished marble. The warm glow painted both women in hues of rose and gold.

The Queen folded her hands before her, watching Serenya with unreadable eyes.

- "You've grown," she said. "Not in stature—but in presence. The court could feel it. The moment your light flared in that arena... it was as if the First King himself stood among us."

- "You… felt it too?" – Serenya's eyes widened. Her voice wavered.

- "And so did the Church. They've begun whispering. Elders speak your name behind closed doors. They believe you've inherited the legacy of the first king Altherion Radiant—their beloved founder." – Seraphina nodded slowly

- "But… that can't be—"

 - "They've already drafted a position for you," the Queen continued, her tone sharp as a blade hidden in silk. "They'll offer praise, and robes. They'll appoint you as Bishop to extend their reach — across the land, alongside Jin, as your travels make you visible. They will support you, yes… but they will also claim you."

Serenya swallowed hard. Silence hung for a beat. Queen Seraphina stepped closer, resting a gloved hand lightly on Serenya's shoulder.

- "You must understand, my dear, not all chains are made of iron. Some are sewn from silk and sealed with hymns."

- "What… should I do?" – Serenya's gaze dropped.

- "That, I cannot tell you," the Queen said, voice softening. "But I must ask you this: before you give your answer to the Church… come to me. Speak with me again. Consider all your options — not just the ones they offer wrapped in holiness."

The Queen's hand lingered a moment longer, then lowered. Her expression - once regal - now held the weariness of someone who had fought too many unseen wars.

Serenya bowed, slow and full of emotion.

- "Thank you… Your Majesty."

- "I only wish to keep you safe," Seraphina whispered. "Because if they cannot control the light... they will try to extinguish it."

Serenya walked away with a quiet nod, her eyes clouded with thought. She didn't speak as she exited the hall. Her steps were calm, but her mind raced, heart twisted in knots of faith and fear.

From across the room, Jin watched.

He didn't call out. He didn't chase. He just watched the way her shoulders sagged slightly, and the way she avoided looking back. He knew that kind of weight.

Let her breathe, he thought. I'll come when she's ready.