[Scene: Someone lands a light hit on Kolie during battle.]

Kolie: Nice, nice! You've improved a bit, huh?

Kirito: No doubt about it.

Kolie: Now it’s my turn—Dragon Rush!

[Scene: Kirito suddenly sees multiple copies of Kolie.]

Kirito: Wha—Double body?

Kolie: No, this is your illusion. This skill of mine deals spiritual damage to the opponent.

Kirito: Spiritual damage?!

[Scene: Kirito suddenly feels sharp pain in his body. His body feels extremely heavy.]

Kirito: What... is this?! Jujutsu?

[Scene: Kirito instantly returns to normal.]

Kolie: What was that?! Some kind of new skill?

Kirito: Nah, I’ve always had 12 unique skills. One of them is Jujutsu. It completely nullifies illusion, mental, and spiritual attacks. Sometimes, it even reflects 20% of the damage back at the attacker.

Kolie: That’s a pretty broken skill!

Kirito: Now it’s my turn—Mana Blast.

[Scene: Kirito's body glows purple. The mana flows out and condenses into a glowing ball in front of him. He hurls it at Kolie. A massive explosion erupts. The blast is so powerful it damages even Asely and the nearby palace garden. Trees, benches, flowers, and grass are turned into sand. The entire area is swallowed in a glowing purple light. It takes 5 seconds for the light to clear. When it does, a deep crater is revealed with Kolie standing inside it, heavily injured. His left arm and mouth are bleeding, but he’s still on his feet.]

Kirito: I might’ve gone overboard… Dad, are you okay?!

Kolie: Hahaha! I was holding back, and you still did this much damage? That’s impressive, Kirito! I’m coming for you now!

[Scene: Suddenly, Asely grabs Kolie.]

Kolie: Huh?

Asely: That’s enough for today. Can’t you see the state of the palace and garden?!

[Scene: Asely’s right arm is also bleeding.]

Kirito: Mom! You’re hurt too?! What happened?

Asely: What happened?! You’re asking me that?! This is all because of your attack!

Kirito: Uhh… ehehe…

Kolie: If you say so… Alright, Kirito. Rest up. We need to talk later.

Asely: About that topic?

Kolie: Hmm.

Kirito: Huh? Okay?

---

[Scene: Some time later, inside the palace, in Kirito’s room. He’s resting on his bed. Kolie and Asely enter.]

Kirito: You two? What are you doing here?

Asely: What, are we not allowed to visit our son’s room?

Kirito: Of course you can, but… you guys only ever show up when there’s something serious or important. So… what is it this time?

Kolie: Our son knows us too well.

Asely: We need to talk. It’s about your future.

Kirito: Future?

Kolie: Your marriage.

Kirito: Marriage?! At this age?!

Asely: What do you mean "at this age"? Age doesn’t matter in marriage. We fell in love at 5 and got married at 8.

Kirito: So… you're both under 20 years old now?! -_-

Kolie: That’s not the point. For the record, we’re over 34.

Kirito: Haaannn?! Then why the delay?

Asely: We were on a mission. That’s why it took so long.

Kolie: Hmm-hmm.

Kolie: Anyway, that’s not the main topic.

Asely: And we’re not here to talk about our past. We’re here to talk about your marriage.

Kirito: My marriage?

Asely: I have a close friend. His daughter was originally meant to protect you. This was planned eight years ago when you were much weaker. But now that you’ve grown powerful, you need to protect her.

Kirito: Let me get this straight. First, this marriage was because she was supposed to protect me. But now I’m strong… so the reason is… she’s weak?

Asely: No, she’s powerful too. Along with her strength, she’s incredibly beautiful. That beauty means people constantly harass her—in school and even outside. That’s why you’ll need to protect her in both places. And to make that possible, you need to marry her.
Also, she’s the master of the Spirit Kingdom’s greatest guild. Her reputation—and mine—are at stake. We made this promise a long time ago.
Besides, you’ll have to get married someday, whether now or later. Better to marry someone good than regret it later.

Kirito: Hmm… I get it.

(Kirito thinking to himself)

Like I have a choice… Married already?! So early?! -_-

Kolie: Good.

---

[Scene: The next day, in the palace hall. Kolie is seated on the throne, Asely on his right, and Kirito on the left. An informer rushes in.]

Informer: My King! They’ve arrived in the kingdom. They’ll be reaching the palace shortly!

[Chapter 4 ends.]