Journey to Become the Zenith

Before the Throne of Skyfall

Videl stepped deeper into the palace halls of Falling Cloud, the capital of the Skyfall Kingdom, her boots sinking softly into the thick crimson carpet beneath her feet.

The heavy palace doors had already closed behind them.

For a moment she said nothing.

Then quietly inside her mind, she asked—

Amura... are they still following us?

The sword spirit answered immediately.

Most of them have already left.

Videl continued walking beside Mora, pretending to calmly observe the palace walls while listening carefully.

Only a few remain, Amura continued. But they are keeping their distance. None of them dare approach the palace walls.

A faint breath escaped Videl’s lips.

Good...

Fine, that piece finally ended.

Freed from watchful eyes, she took in the room at last. What once felt like chains now lifted, allowing her gaze to wander without fear. Silence replaced suspicion, giving space to see things clearly. The corners of walls, long ignored, came into view. Her breath slowed as details emerged - scratches on floors, dust in seams. A world hidden behind tension revealed itself slowly. Nothing rushed. Everything noticed.

Then she moved -

A small shift crossed her face under the cloth. The look in her eyes grew sharper for just a moment.

The interior of the palace was breathtaking.

Towering barriers climbed into the air, meeting an arched roof carved with delicate patterns in gold. Along the passageways, artwork hung inside frames made of shiny timber and gilded edges. Battles flashed across one panel, triumph on another, while kings bowed during rituals nearby. Myths older than memory filled every open space between them.

Beneath them, plush rugs muffled each step, made of fibers not often seen. Their texture gave away the craftsmanship - delicate, almost silent underfoot.

Ceiling held crystal lanterns, each one breathing soft mana glow into the air.

Everything about the palace spoke of wealth.

Of power.

Of history.

Yet Videl couldn’t fully appreciate most of it.

Not because she disliked it—

But because she simply didn’t understand its value.

She had grown up in Kanal Village, a quiet place where even a simple iron pot was considered valuable.

So when she looked around at the golden ornaments and priceless paintings...

The only thing she could truly understand was one simple thought.

None of this is something I could ever imagine owning.

Still—

The palace decorations were not what caught her attention the most.

What truly fascinated her—

Were the knights guarding the palace.

Her eyes slowly scanned them as she walked.

Every knight wore the same polished armor as Mora.

Silver plate armor engraved with the crest of the Skyfall Kingdom.

Each carried a sword at their waist and a shield strapped across their backs.

But what truly impressed her—

Was their presence.

Each knight stood perfectly straight.

Calm.

Alert.

Their eyes sharp and disciplined.

Even their breathing seemed controlled.

Videl silently observed their mana flow.

Strong...

On average, each knight felt only slightly weaker than Mora.

That alone was astonishing.

Of course—

She couldn’t be completely certain.

Because she still didn’t know Mora’s true strength.

Just like her, Mora seemed very skilled at controlling his mana flow.

It was entirely possible that his real power was far greater than what he showed.

He might even be stronger than me in combat...

The thought made her glance briefly toward him.

Mora walked calmly beside her, hands behind his back, looking like a man completely at ease.

What kind of monster are you really...?

While she was still thinking about that—

They finally arrived.

Two enormous doors stood before them.

The entrance to the throne room.

Two palace guards stood on each side of the doors, their spears crossed in front of the entrance.

The atmosphere here felt different.

Heavier.

More serious.

More dangerous.

Mora suddenly stopped walking.

Videl stopped as well.

He turned slightly and looked directly at her.

His expression became serious.

”No matter what happens inside...”

His voice was quiet but firm.

”I hope you do not show any sign of disrespect toward the Queen.”

His eyes sharpened slightly.

”If you do...”

”...you won’t live long enough to regret it.”

The warning was clear.

The guards standing nearby didn’t even blink.

Videl nodded calmly.

”I understand.”

At that moment—

Amura’s voice suddenly echoed in her mind.

Master.

Videl’s posture stiffened slightly.

What is it?

The sword spirit’s tone had changed.

Inside that room...

I sense several presences.

A brief pause followed.

Then Amura continued.

They are extremely powerful.

Videl’s heartbeat slowed slightly.

How strong...?

Amura answered honestly.

Even with me and Rika...

If they attack you...

We won’t be able to do anything.

For a brief moment—

Videl felt a chill run through her spine.

But she didn’t show it.

Instead she asked another question.

Compared to Victor...?

For Videl—

Victor was the standard of strength.

Whenever she wanted to understand someone’s power...

She compared them to him.

Amura thought for a moment before answering.

If we only compare mana capacity...

Your Victor would not stand a chance.

Videl’s eyes widened slightly.

That much...?

But Amura continued calmly.

However, ...

Mana capacity does not decide everything in battle.

Her voice became confident.

Your Victor’s martial arts...

Are among the greatest I have ever seen on this continent.

Videl felt a small smile forming beneath her mask.

That sounded right.

Amura continued.

And his use of magic is... different.

Very different from how most people here use magic.

She paused.

So if you ask me honestly...

In a fight...

Victor would probably win.

Videl’s eyes softened slightly.

But...

Amura finished her thought.

Only in a one-on-one battle.

If several of the people inside attack together...

Even Victor would struggle.

Videl took a quiet breath.

I see...

She finally understood.

The throne room ahead of her—

Was filled with monsters.

Mora noticed something change in her expression.

Her shoulders had tensed slightly.

He watched her for a moment.

Then waited patiently.

After a few seconds—

Her breathing steadied again.

Only then did he speak.

”Are you ready?”

Videl slowly lifted her gaze.

Her blue sapphire eyes met Mora’s calm black ones.

Then—

She nodded.

”Yes.”

Mora returned the nod.

Without another word—

He placed both hands on the massive doors.

The ancient wood groaned softly as he pushed them open.

And the doors to the throne room of Skyfall Kingdom slowly swung wide.