Since there were no matches scheduled for the day, Marco stretched his arms and looked around lazily.
“So… what shall we do today?”

Lukas shrugged. “We could walk around the marketplace again. There’s some food I wanted to try but didn’t get the chance to last time.”

Marco turned to Sofie. “You wanna come?”

Sofie nodded quietly. “Yeah… sure.”

As they walked through the lively market streets filled with vendors and performers, Sofie remained unusually silent.

Marco noticed first. “Hey… you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Sofie replied, avoiding eye contact.

Lukas glanced at her. “You know… we won’t understand how you feel if you don’t tell us.”

“I know…” she said softly, but didn’t elaborate.

They eventually stopped at a small food stall and began eating. Just as they settled down, a familiar figure approached.

It was Arthur.

He greeted the trio casually before turning to Lukas. “Got some time to train?”

Lukas hesitated for a moment.

Before he could answer, Sofie suddenly leaned forward. “Can Marco and I join too? I… want to get stronger.”

Arthur gave a small nod. “That’s fine with me… if Lukas is okay with it.”

Sofie turned toward Lukas and gave him a pleading puppy-eye look.

Lukas sighed. “…Alright. Let’s go.”

They soon arrived at the training grounds. However, just as they were about to begin—

A servant of the royal house approached them.

“I have orders to summon you four immediately,” the servant announced.

Since it was a royal summons, they had no choice but to comply.

Once they arrived at the palace, they were escorted into a heavily guarded chamber. The entire room was covered with layered magic barriers—anti-sound and anti-surveillance spells preventing anyone outside from hearing what was said within.

Inside the room were some of the most powerful figures in the kingdom:

The King sat at the head.
Beside him stood the Crown Guard.
Prince Rudolf was present, along with the Heads of House Aquelyn and House Ignivar.
Lancelot and Reinhard stood near the walls as silent protectors.

Several tournament fighters were already seated as well—Rowan, Klaus, Bjorn, Rio, Griffin, and Orion.

The atmosphere was tense.

The Crown Guard stepped forward and addressed everyone.

“Please take your seats. You have all been gathered here because a dangerous organization is actively working to undermine the kingdom… and target the royal family.”

The room fell silent.

“We believe you may soon be caught in the middle of their plans,” the Crown Guard continued. “Which is why… we require your assistance in stopping them.”