Journey to Become the Zenith

A Summons from the Crown

Evening settled over Fantom City as the first chimes drifted through the lanes, right when Videl reached the end of cleaning up after the assault.

Folks gathered close, drawn to the tight pathway where killers now lay still. Glowing lamps trembled overhead, their shine crawling over stones, catching slumped bodies tossed aside as if forgotten.

Videl stood calmly beside them.

A soft breeze tugged at her pale hair as twilight settled in. Light from lanterns flickered along each strand like sparks on water. The fabric of her white top hugged sharp shoulders and a lean waist. Black leather traced every curve from thigh to ankle. A blade lay still against her spine, its weight balanced and known.

Moments earlier, she had called over a patrol of nearby city guards.

”Take them,” she told them simply.

Her voice carried no excitement—only quiet authority.

”These men attacked me. I incapacitated them. Question them if you want answers.”

The guards exchanged stunned glances.

The captain looked down at the pile of defeated assassins, then back at the young woman before him.

”You... did this alone?”

Videl shrugged faintly.

”They tried to kill me.”

One of the guards muttered under his breath.

”Remind me never to pick a fight with academy students...”

Soon the guards hauled the unconscious attackers away, and Videl was escorted briefly to a nearby office where the captain asked her to explain the situation.

The conversation didn’t take long.

After answering a few questions, Videl stepped back out into the evening streets of Fantom City.

The city lights flickered softly across the rooftops.

And as she walked back toward the academy dorms, her thoughts slowly turned inward.

Albion.

The name alone made her eyes narrow slightly.

She already knew who had orchestrated the attack.

There was no doubt in her mind.

Albion Saulon.

She exhaled quietly.

Why would he go this far...?

Her boots tapped steadily against the stone road.

I never threatened him.

I never insulted him.

Her jaw tightened slightly.

Yes... I support Victor.

And yes, I defended him when Albion challenged him.

But Albion was the one who started that fight.

The memory surfaced clearly.

Victor humiliating Albion in front of the academy nobles.

Albion’s furious face.

His pride shattered.

Videl sighed quietly.

So that was enough for him to send assassins...

Her eyes hardened.

Pathetic.

But then another thought crossed her mind.

If he sent assassins after me...

He might have sent some after Victor...

Her steps slowed slightly.

But then she shook her head.

Victor can handle himself.

A faint smile touched her lips.

And Lane too.

Still...

Victor had warned them before leaving.

”Be careful around nobles. Their methods aren’t always honorable.”

The memory of his calm voice made her sigh softly.

He was right.

Her eyes sharpened again.

Which means Albion might try something again.

She clenched her fist lightly.

If that happens...

I just need to become stronger.

So no matter who he sends next...

I can fight back.

As she reached the academy gates, her thoughts turned to her weapons.

What do you think, Amura?

A gentle voice echoed in her mind.

”I will follow whatever you think is right, Master.”

Videl nodded slightly.

Then she asked again.

How about you, Rika?

Another voice answered, softer and more cheerful.

”I don’t really know... but if Master believes it is the right thing to do... then it must be right.”

Videl sighed.

A long, tired breath.

”Well... that was useless.”

No good ever came from asking her weapon spirits for advice.

One would support whatever she said.

The other simply trusted her blindly.

Still... hearing their voices made her feel a little less alone.

By the time Videl finally reached her dormitory building, the academy grounds had grown quiet.

Moonlight spilled across the stone courtyard.

Most students had already gone to sleep.

But as Videl approached her room door...

She suddenly stopped.

Her eyes sharpened instantly.

Someone was inside.

She could feel the presence.

It wasn’t hostile... but it certainly wasn’t one of her friends either.

Slowly, she reached behind her shoulder and grasped the hilt of her long sword.

The blade slid free with a quiet metallic whisper.

Videl pushed the door open.

The first thing she saw was a large man standing calmly in the center of the room.

He was tall. Broad shouldered. Muscular.

A knight.

His armor shimmered faintly with enchantments.

A spear rested across his back.

A shield hung from his left arm.

And a short sword was strapped to his waist.

He looked exactly like the image of a royal knight from old legends.

The man studied her carefully.

Then he spoke.

”Master-rank swordswoman Videl?”

Seeing that he did not immediately attack, Videl slowly placed the long sword back across her back.

”Yes.”

Her voice remained cautious.

”Who are you?”

The man straightened slightly.

”I am Mora, a humble servant of the Queen.”

Videl blinked.

”...The Queen?”

She folded her arms slightly.

”Alright then.”

”So what does the Queen want with me, Sir Mora?”

Mora answered without hesitation.

”Her Majesty wishes to meet you.”

”The youngest Master-rank sword maiden.”

”I have already spoken with the academy Principal.”

”He has granted you a temporary leave of absence.”

Videl froze.

For a moment she simply stared at him.

The Queen...

Wanted to meet her?

Her heart skipped slightly.

But Mora’s serious expression made it clear this was no joke.

Videl quickly regained her composure.

”When do we leave?”

Mora answered simply.

”Right now.”

She blinked.

”Can I at least inform my friends where I’m going?”

Mora shook his head.

”No.”

”This meeting with the Queen never happened.”

”No one must know that you met her.”

His voice lowered slightly.

”Officially... the academy has permitted you to train in a dungeon alongside a senior knight.”

Videl rubbed her temple lightly.

”I see.”

She glanced toward the window.

”How long will this take?”

”It will take one day to reach the capital.”

”You will meet the Queen tomorrow.”

”After that... you may return in three days.”

Videl scratched her head and sighed.

Inside her thoughts raced.

Lane will worry.

Victor isn’t even in the city right now.

Why would the Queen call for me...?

Is this about the assassins?

Or something else entirely?

Still...

She trusted Victor’s preparations.

He always thought ahead.

If something happens... Lane can handle it.

And if not... Victor definitely left some kind of plan.

Then she remembered something.

Victor had once taught her a discreet spell.

A small incognito message spell.

One that activated only under specific conditions.

Videl quietly formed the mana pattern beneath her breath.

If I don’t return in three days...

This message will automatically reach Victor and Lane.

So they won’t worry.

Satisfied, she released the spell.

Then she looked back at Mora.

She exhaled slowly.

”Very well then.”

Her sapphire eyes sharpened.

”Sir Mora...”

”Please lead the way.”

Mora nodded once.

Then he turned and walked out of the room.