“I-I see, so your people are fine with letting someone cherished to them see each other nude.” Celina stated in faux understanding, her blush still on her face.
“Hehe, well we are a bit of an outlier. We both love each other. It's as simple as that. We see each other often enough, so it’s never been an issue for us.” Kouki explained, Celina still not understanding as they moved towards a set of large doors that were nearly as tall as the ceiling.
“Ahem, A-Are you both ready?” Celina asked, the blush now less prominent.
“Yes, we are both ready.” Saki stated, placing a hand on Kouki’s shoulder who looked back at her face.
Celina saw something be exchanged through their eye-contact, suddenly causing Kouki to take a breath with his face became stoic and serious.
“It’s like they can read each other’s mind.” Celina admired, smiling as she nodded towards the guards who took that as a signal to open the doors. A slight glow illuminating the doors, moving towards the inside of what looks to have been a lavish room. However, at the moment it looked dusty and the windows looked as if they hadn't been cleaned in weeks.
“Isn’t this a castle, how can anyone live in these conditions?” Saki questioned with a furrowed brow, looking around at the room with her eyes.
As she did, her eyes fell onto a pair of royals who wore a regal regalia. However, the man who Saki and Kouki assumed to be the king seemed tired and looked as if he had just been working for 24 hours straight which both could relate to. However, the woman beside him seemed the complete opposite looking as regal as princess Celina and a professional smile on her face.
“Their royal highness Princess Celina is proud to present their royal majesties with the summoned heroes Lady Saki, and Lord Kouki!” a nearby guard exclaimed, causing the King to immediately sit up in his chair as if electrified.
“Mother, father, I hope you are doing well.” Celina greeted with a slight bow, which Saki and Kouki quickly followed. “Kouki, Saki, these are my parents otherwise known as Queen Munya and King Turan Moonhaven.”
“These are the heroes you summoned hmm?” questioned the Queen, her facial expression unchanging.
“Yes mother, this is sir Kouki and lady Saki. They have agreed to help us with certain conditions in place.” Celina reintroduced.
“Ah yes, the conditions you spoke of stated that in exchange for giving one sanctuary and treating them as royalty the other will do what their title indicates. Do I have that right?” the queen questioned, looking over the two heroes.
“Yes your majesty, my beloved Kouki and I have discussed this and while we may make some adjustments to the terms we will be willing to assist however we can.” Saki announced, stepping forward.
“I can tell…” Saki thought.
“Oh? Pray tell what are these changes you’d like to make to the terms?” Queen Munya smiled, her head tilted.
“If I may, I don’t know all the proper ways of speaking to royalty as we aren’t from a place that had such things. May I request to speak frankly?” Saki stated, being honest but professional.
“I will allow it, but do not forget that you are speaking to royalty.” Munya stated, her eyes taking on a stern look but her smile did not diminish.
“She’s definitely the one with the most authority here…” Saki thought, taking in a breath.
“Thank you, it is as the princess explained. However, It was made clear by my partner that you may require the both of us to greet the public. Should that be the case, I would prefer we add one of the greatest healers you have to our party.”
“I see, and why do you need that?” The queen asked.
“Kouki…is a rather special case, unlike most he has a low immune system and gets Ill easily. He requires care regularly, and while I can monitor him just fine if we do find ourselves in conflict I will need someone trustworthy to look after him.” Saki explained, gesturing to Kouki who was doing his best to keep his composure.
The queen’s regal face cracked slightly as her mouth opened in shock for a fraction of a second, this also seemed to rattle the king who had been quiet this whole time.
“My wife understands your situation, and as her parents we share the blame for summoning you out of the blue. However, we cannot part with our strongest healer.” the king replied.
“But-”
The king raised his hand, and Celina closed her mouth in frustration. King Turan sighed, and furrowed his brow.
“However, we can provide you with a slave who we found to be a rather exceptional healer with extraordinary healing magic.” The king explains.
“Forgive me, but I feel as if there is more to this that you are not saying.” Saki stated, ignoring the look of shock on Kouki’s face at the thought of slavery no doubt.
“Yes…the issue with this slave is that she is a soldier of the demon realm. She was captured simply due to the fact that her comrades left her behind, despite that she’s still incredibly loyal to their side.” Turan sighed, bowing his head apologetically.
“I see, and you say she’s a slave but would she attack us the moment our back is turned?” Saki questioned, earning a look of slight surprise on the king's face.
“N-No, with the slave contract she would be bound through magic to obey your every command and with it she is forever forbidden from attacking her master’s.” the king explained instantly, Saki nodding in response as she gave it some thought.
“I see, then I must ask what would we start with?” Saki asked, her choice made as she moved on.
A moment passed when the king turned to his wife, she was still a bit lost in thought before jumping at the king's gentle touch on her hand. Queen Munya looked towards her husband, who smiled at his wife giving her silent comfort. After a moment, Munya took a breath and began.
“Apologies, as for your question I assume that you both would need to get assessed for the skills you possess. Once that is complete, we will be able to find teachers for you both to learn how to use said skills and find your place within our army.” the queen explained, her face contorting into thought as she contemplated the next steps.
“Will our terms be met?” Saki questioned.
“Yes, you have our word as royalty that you both will be cared for as family. You will have full authority in our kingdom second only to us and our daughter.” Queen Munya confirmed, causing a wave of relief to fall onto Saki as she bowed her head allowing herself to breathe easier.
“Now, are there any other concerns or requests you may have?” Queen Munya asked, causing Saki to look up.
“Yes, I have one last request.” Saki stated confidently.
“That is?” Queen Munya questioned, raising an eyebrow at Saki’s tone.
“If we are to have the same authority as your family, we would like to address you less formally as well. Would that be acceptable?” Saki smiled, causing the three royals to look surprised.
“Hmm, yes I suppose that will be fine…Saki.” Munya answered, smiling at the two of them more warmly than before.
“Thank you Miss Munya.” Saki replied back smiling, this scene caused both Kouki and Celina to sigh in relief smiling towards each other.
“Now, since all that business talk is done shall we all talk over tea?” Celina suggested, drawing everyone’s attention.
“While that would be lovely Celina, your father and I were still going over the paperwork for our domestics and will have another meeting with representatives of the neighboring Kingdom of Zador.” Munya declined, clearly wishing she didn’t have so much to do.
“I see…that’s alright, I wish you both well and please do not overwork yourselves.” Celina begged, bowing gently to her parents.
“Same to you my dear daughter, now enjoy yourselves for now and allow our heroes time to rest after their assessments.” King Turan stated, his wife nodding in agreement.
Celina continued to bow, as both king and queen rose and began to take their leave. A guard opening a nearby smaller door which they both walked through. After a few moments, all three of them turned to each other.
“Seems as if everything is settled, shall we head down to the assessment temple?” Celina offered, taking the lead as she began to walk past them.
“Temple?” Saki and Kouki questioned in unison.
It had taken a while to arrive at the temple Celina spoke of, and during that time she explained in detail as to the reason it was being done in a temple as well as the process they will be conducting. According to Celina, the power that she used to summon Saki and Kouki was granted to her by the God of Light Rueus. He apparently provides all the people of this world with what are called ‘Skills’. These skills are given to every person in the world, with the Temples acting as a means of evaluating and presenting what their skills are as well as what level of said skill is.
Most individuals are blessed with multiple common skills like “Swordsmanship Level 2” or “Potion Brewing Level 1” but there are occasionally more high ranking skills like those of the royal family. With Celina’s being given a high tier level of summoning magic, which as described only brings things to her rather than putting things back. Skills can be leveled up through consistent use, or simply by studying up on your skill thus enhancing it.
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According to Celina, there were many times when she first received her skill that she used it to cause quite the commotion. This brought out a few warm laughs to the conversation, as they arrived to the temple.
“Ah, here we are. Please follow me.” Celina gestured, opening the door with a gentle push which surprised Kouki and Saki as it was a rather large door.
However, it was soon ignored at the sight they witnessed. The temple all in all was in the same state as the throne room, but what was at the center of the room was a magical orb. It was floating above a pedestal, and was brightly glowing with a rainbow of colors in the center but was a cool blue on the surface.
“Incredible…” Saki stated under her breath, she turned to see Celina giggling at them both which caused her to turn towards Kouki.
Saki almost fell to the floor, Kouki did not have a look of admiration, he didn’t even look scared. His face was positively glowing at the sight, his body trembling in what Saki recognized as uncontrollable excitement.
“No going back now…” Saki thought in exasperation, smiling as he rushed off.
“So cool! Saki, look it’s floating off the ground!” Kouki excitedly pointed out, almost bouncing as his eyes looked as if stars were in them.
“Heh, yes Kouki. I see that.” Saki chuckled, seeing as Kouki ran around the orb in excitement trying to find out how it worked.
“This is the Orb of Rueus, it is said that Rueus used this orb in his battle against the first Demon Lord.” Celina began, walking alongside Saki as they approached the orb.
“As a token of gratitude for humanities assistance in this battle, he bestowed us with several of these orbs which are actually the inferior to the original but still just as powerful. It keeps the monsters that lurk in the nearby forests at bay.” Celina explained, causing Saki to look at the orb more carefully.
“Interesting, it’s definitely different here than in our world…Seems their god actually cares for his people.” Saki thought darkly, remembering the past as she turned to Kouki.
“If gods are so powerful as to provide an entire world with magic, then why is ours so hands-off? Does he not care…or, are we just entertainment for him…”
Kouki’s face seemed to reflect her thoughts, his face still excited to see the orb and hearing a fantastical story. Saki couldn’t help but take a deep breath to calm herself, placing a content smile on her face.
“Nevermind that…we didn’t have him then and we don’t have him now, nothing has changed and I will continue to protect Kouki with all I have.” Saki calmed herself, as the sounds of a nearby door and following footsteps.
“Ah Father Magus, thank you for taking the time to see us.” Celina bowed gently to the man adorned in Black robes.
“Nonsense your highness, even if they weren’t the heroes of this age I would come anytime you called.” Magus stated honestly, bowing more deeply to show his respect.
“Still, thank you all the same.” Celina giggled, causing Magus to do the same as they both raised their heads.
“I assume they are here to be assessed?” Magus asked, turning towards Kouki and Saki.
“You assume correctly, Lady Saki, Sir Kouki, this is Father Magus. He is the head priest of the Rueus faith, he is also a close friend of my father and our family so I can vouch for his integrity.” Celina introduced, earning a small bow from Saki and quite an adorable wave from Kouki as his excitement was still rather high.
“Nice to meet you Father Magus, I am Saki Katsumi, and this is my partner Kouki Takara. As the princess stated, we are the summoned heroes.” Saki stated, reaching out her hand towards the Priest.
“My, partners you say? Are you married?” Magus asked, causing a small blush to form on Saki’s face.
“Ahem, no as our personal situations were rather unique we were not able to publicly marry as it would impede his work.” Saki answered honestly, catching Kouki’s attention.
“If I remember correctly, you asked if we kidnapped Sir Kouki. Why would anyone wish to kidnap him?” Celina wondered, remembering the moment clearly.
“Yes, well Kouki is known as what is called an ‘Idol’ an individual who sings for large numbers of people to gain popularity.” Saki explained, causing Celina’s eyes to widen.
“Sir Kouki, you can sing?” Celina asked excitedly, causing him to go into what Saki called ‘Idol mode’.
“Yes, I have been singing since I was very young. One day we were discovered, and from there an amazing fanbase came to support me.” Kouki stated honestly, chuckling nervously as Celina looked more amazed
“Would you mind if I heard you sing?” Celina requested, taking Kouki’s hands in hers.
“Not at this time your highness, I believe we still have this assessment to do then we must rest.” Saki reminded her, causing Celina to recall their purpose here.
“Ah…yes, apologies for my outburst.” Celina blushed, causing Magus to chuckle at the display.
“Alright then, Lady Saki please follow me to the front of the orb.” Magus gestured, as she followed closely behind him.
“Now, the process is rather simple. The orb will reach it’s magic inside you, circulating your mana and taking it back into itself. That is how it will determine your skills, and soon after you will be able to access your skills.” Magus explained, stepping aside for Saki to approach.
“Are there any negative effects when others do this?” Saki questioned, looking towards Kouki worriedly.
“Not that I have heard of, when under the light of the Orb of Rueus all are safe-”
“Yes or no please, I am not asking for myself.” Saki interrupted, a surprised look coming over Magus’s face.
“Ah, well no I have never heard of anything happening to anyone who interacted with the orb.” Magus stated, trying to sound encouraging.
“Alright, so what do I have to do to get started?” Saki bluntly asked, Kouki smiling nervously as if apologizing with his mannerisms.
“All you need to do is place your dominant hand against the orb.” Magus answered, gaining a stern nod from Saki as she placed her hand against the orb immediately.
The orb glew and started to float above Saki, a few streams of cyan blue colors began to surround her this cause a chill to consume the room making Kouki and the Princess shiver slightly.
[Skill: High Tier - Ice Magic, Mid-Tier - Wind Magic, God-Tier - Combat skills]
“What?” Celina and Magus exclaimed, both with looks of shock as Saki and Kouki looked back in confusion?
“What’s wrong?” Kouki panicked, worried for Saki’s safety.
“N-No, nothing is wrong…It’s just, we have never seen this level of skills when someone first gets assessed.” Celina began, still trying to find her voice.
“Not only that…but ‘Combat Skills’? I have never heard of such a general sounding skill.” Magus continued, causing a bit of fear to fill Kouki’s chest.
“What does that mean?” Kouki asked hurriedly, annoyed at their vagueness.
“Forgive us Sir Kouki, but typically most people get specific skills like ‘Swordsmanship’ or ‘Brawler’, even ‘Martial Arts’ aren’t ever as general as Lady Saki’s current skill. By just saying ‘Combat Skills’ it insinuates that she can fight in all types of ways, and with the ‘God-Tier’ which was said to be only given to heroes tells us that she will most likely be the strongest warrior in this world.” Celina explained, doing her best to calm Kouki’s fears.
“What does ‘God Tier’ mean? I can assume it’s powerful, but I don’t understand what it means to you.” Saki questioned, now stepping away from the orb.
“We don’t know, it’s honestly the first time it has occurred in this generation.” Magus started, being honest in his approach.
“As I said earlier it has been since our countries founding that a heroes been needed, all we know is that it’s a rare occurrence that only happens with said hero. It’s not so much that we didn’t expect it, it’s more along the lines that you should be able to master any fighting style with little to no effort. With or without weapons you’d be a force to be reckoned with even among a battalion of soldiers if the legends are to be true.” Celina finished, causing Saki and Kouki to release a breath simultaneously.
“Do you mind showing us your skills?” Magus asked, causing Saki to look at her hand.
“You should be able to, since the orb should have shown you how to an extent.” Celina mentioned, encouraging the act out of curiosity.
“I mean I can feel it, and it seems like it would be easy to show them but…” Saki looked at her hands, unsure of what to do.
“Do it Saki!”
“Huh?” Saki looked flabbergasted at Kouki, who himself was looking at her like an excited puppy.
“Come on, don’t leave me in suspense! This is the first time we’ll see magic, real magic Saki!” Kouki pushed, getting closer to Saki and causing her heart to race.
“Why is he so excited, it could be dangerous and…WHY DOES HE LOOK SO CUTE!” Saki thought, clearing her throat with a blush spreading across her cheeks.
“Alright, just be sure to stay safe okay?” Saki did her best to sound serious, but she could tell that Kouki saw right through her. “So, how should I do this? I know how it feels, but how can I control the execution?” She asked, looking towards both Magus and Celina.
“Ah right, well let’s start with your Wind Magic. With that you can create anything from a gentle breeze, to a blade made of wind. Magic is usually taught, and for the majority of people in this world one must study a number of books to learn spells. However, for heroes you should be able to just imagine what you want to do and it should just occur.” Celina explained, not sounding too confident but Saki understood for the most part.
“Just imagine huh?” Saki thought to herself, going through her memories to think of a safe way to use her magic without hurting or damaging herself or others.
“I got it.” Saki stated as she closed her eyes in concentration.
Celina and Magus made sure to stay a safe distance, but Kouki had full confidence in Saki so he didn’t budge. After a few moments, a spiral of wind started to surround Saki’s form causing Kouki to squint his eyes at the sudden wind in his eyes. The wind was starting to mellow out, and allowed for Kouki to open his eyes again but what he witnessed made him want to rub his eyes to confirm what he was seeing.
Saki was floating, actually floating as her hair was flowing beautifully with the wind she commanded. Kouki couldn’t help but stare in slack-jawed wonderment, his face blushing as he couldn’t stop himself from gushing over her beauty. If Celina didn’t know better, she would’ve sworn she saw hearts in the boys eyes.
“Lady Saki, I think that’s fine for now. We don’t want you to overdo it so soon.” Celina called out, causing Saki to lower gently to the ground.
“Sorry, still it’s so surprising how easily it came to me.” Saki looked down at her hands in surprise.
“That is the norm, so we can assume there should be no abnormalities even with you heroes.” Magus offered, causing Saki a bit more confidence in Kouki’s turn.
“Now, Sir Kouki please go ahead and do the same.” Celina gestured to the orb, Kouki soon finding himself in front of the orb.
Kouki immediately placed his hand onto the orb, however unlike with Saki the orb shined much brighter than before. It was so bright that all in the room had to close their eyes due to the intensity.
“What’s happening?” Saki yelled, directing her question at both Celina and Magus.
Before either of them could answer, an angelic voice took over the room.
“Is…that, singing?” Saki questioned internally, the voice continuing its song.
The overwhelming light diminished, and as the group looked to where Kouki was standing they were shocked to see that Kouki’s clothes had changed completely. While before he was wearing what was considered comfortable, with stylish jean with pre-torn knees and a simply black shirt. Now, he wore a much more stylish outfit.
“Isn’t that…?” Saki spoke to herself as Kouki’s voice grew to a more thunderous as a song of hope that Saki didn’t recognize filled the room.
The outfit, was comprised of an oversized black trench coat, a white t-shirt that was stylishly torn at the collar, and a pair of Navy blue pants that seemed to bring together the whole outfit.
“How?” Celina questioned, causing Saki to notice as well.
The entire room had been cleaned with the pure energy that came off of the singing Kouki, the entire area sparkled clean and just as Kouki’s voice hit a dynamic point in his song the light off of him stopped suddenly and Kouki fell to the ground.
Saki wasted no time, and ran to his side.
