Like the others, Rein had no clue what had just happened to them. A suffocating darkness swallowed her vision, and before she could even react or realize anything, she was already sinking deep beneath the sea.

 

The surroundings were pitch black. The only light she could glimpse was a faint glimmer from far above. That had to be the surface, and she desperately wanted to swim toward it, but the panic was too intense. 

 

She didn't know how to swim. 

 

To make things worse, her magic staff had been separated from her when the dark mist engulfed her. She tried searching for it, but the water was too murky to see anything. Time was running out. Her lungs were burning, and she was seconds away from drowning.

 

Just as her consciousness began to slip, a shadow passed quickly above her. A beautiful, soft voice echoed directly in her head, whispering that everything was going to be okay. Then, the lack of oxygen finally won, and she blacked out.

 

During her unconscious state, Rein dreamt of all the happy memories she shared with her found family. But slowly, those moments began to fade away. She tried chasing after them, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't reach them. Everything was about to vanish when she suddenly woke up from the terrifying nightmare.

 

“N-no, please, don’t leave me alone!” Rein yelled, sitting bolt upright. She was sweating and panting heavily, her eyes wide and haunted. The nightmare had felt so real that a heavy wave of sadness washed over her.

 

Pant Pant

 

After she realized that she wasn’t dreaming anymore, her first thought was: how was she still alive? She then remembered the fleeting shadow and the voice before she passed out. 

 

Someone had saved her.

 

Tears sprang to her eyes. She clenched her fists and held her aching heart, completely overwhelmed by everything that had happened. Even in her unstable state, her family’s well-being was her top priority.

 

Please, let my family be okay, she prayed silently. Once she calmed down, she wiped her tears and hardened her resolve. She needed her staff. Without magic, she felt completely useless.

 

Rein was about to hop off the bed to search for it, but the view completely stopped her. The room she was in was huge and gorgeously decorated. It was built mostly of bright white marble and tile, and the decorations were all treasures from the sea: polished shells, glistening pearls, and luminous seaweeds.

 

As she admired the architecture and decorations, she spotted a massive window and rushed over for a look. What she saw on the other side was absolutely breathtaking. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever witnessed, yet it felt strangely familiar. 

 

She had only read about it in books, but now she was standing in the very place she knew the most about. She didn't have to think twice, she instantly knew she was in Lazuli, the home of the Sea Folks, one of the seven great races.

 

Lazuli was a kingdom hidden deep beneath the ocean's vast expanse, protected by a colossal dome of ancient water magic. This shimmering barrier, crafted by forgotten power, protected the city from the crushing pressure and brutal currents outside. Although invisible from the surface, sunlight filtered through the dome in soft, golden shafts, bathing the city in a serene, dreamlike glow.

 

Within the dome, Lazuli was an elegant and breathtaking testament to resilience. The architecture channeled the grandeur of the Roman Empire, featuring sweeping white marble structures, towering columns, and wide arched bridges. The buildings were etched with flowing, wave-like patterns and embellished with polished coral, seashells, and glistening pearls. 

 

The whole city felt ancient, carved right from the ocean’s heart, yet vibrantly alive.

 

The Sea Folks, the native inhabitants, were a race both human and otherworldly. While they retained human form and legs, their features were distinctly aquatic. Their skin came in cool, oceanic hues, dotted in places with shimmering, crystal-like scales that caught the light. Delicate gills lined the sides of their necks, and translucent fins extended subtly from behind their hands, feet, and backs.

 

Rein was so mesmerized by Lazuli and its people that her heart hammered with pure excitement. This was a dream come true for her. After all, water magic was the first type of magic she had ever learned as a witch, and it originated with the Sea Folks.

 

“Am… Am I still dreaming?” She wondered. She couldn't believe it was real. She even pinched her cheek to try and wake up, but it didn’t work.

 

Rein was completely lost in her own little world and didn’t notice that someone else was already in the room with her. A Sea Folk girl around her age had been trying to get her attention, but Rein was too deep in her awe to hear anything.

 

Rein finally snapped back to reality when she heard a girl singing nearby. The melody was so beautiful and comforting it felt like the world had stopped spinning. Rein turned around to see who it was.

 

Standing there was a stunning Seafolk girl with an otherworldly beauty that set her apart immediately. Her long, silky hair flowed like sea silk, a deep, dark blue woven delicately with rare shells and iridescent pearls. Her sharp, discerning eyes were the same deep blue, calm yet piercing like the deep ocean itself.

 

Even without speaking, her regal poise and luxurious attire made it obvious: she was someone of high status, a figure of nobility beneath the waves.

 

“Phew, I finally got your attention,” the Sea Folk girl chirped.

 

Rein was stunned by her appearance, but her voice struck her as incredibly familiar. She then realized it was the same voice she had heard right before losing consciousness. “You… I think I remember your voice! Were you the one who saved my life?” Rein asked, her tone hopeful.

 

“Yep, but it was purely by chance,” the Sea Folk girl explained straightforwardly. “Actually, I was trying to sneak out of the city when I accidentally stumbled upon you, so I saved your life instead.” Her easygoing personality and casual speaking voice definitely didn’t match her noble appearance or soft singing voice.

 

Without hesitation, Rein bowed her head low, showing deep gratitude. “I owe you my life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

 

The Sea Folk girl, who had been trying to contain her excitement since Rein woke up, finally gave in to her curiosity. She rushed toward Rein and grabbed her hand, practically vibrating with excitement. 

 

“Never mind that! It’s my first time seeing and talking to a human. I’ve never been to the surface, and I really want to explore it one day. Would you mind telling me what it’s like up there?” She asked, her eyes sparkling.

 

Rein genuinely loved the Sea Folk girl’s enthusiasm and honesty. “I’d be happy to, but is it okay if we introduce ourselves first?” She suggested.

 

“Of course! My name is Laira, and I’m Lazuli’s one and only princess,” she revealed.

 

Rein wasn't surprised to learn she was a princess. Her appearance alone confirmed it. “I see. Nice to meet you, Princess Laira. I’m Rein, and I’m an aspiring witch.”

 

“You don’t have to call me princess, Laira’s just fine. Also, Whaoa! A witch?!? That’s so awesome! Does that mean you can use magic?” Laira pressed excitedly.

 

“Yes, but I’m still learning other types of magic,” Rein explained. “The first magic I mastered was water magic, which is why I’m actually very familiar with the Sea Folks.”

 

“Wow, so it’s true that only humans can use and learn multiple types of magic. I totally envy you,” Laira confessed, her excitement dimming a little. “I’m a Sea Folk, but I don’t know how to use water magic at all. I guess I just don’t have any affinity for magic.”

 

“Don’t lose hope,” Rein comforted her friend. “It takes time and effort, but I believe you’ll eventually learn it.”

 

“Oh! Pfft! It’s fine, honestly,” Laira waved off. “The truth is, I don’t have any interest in magic anyway. What I really want is to go to the surface and meet different people and races. I want to travel the surface and sing and perform with my whole heart,” Laira announced proudly and happily.

 

“Tee-hee… that’s a really awesome dream, Laira,” Rein assured her, her smile genuine. “I’m sure people from the surface would love to hear your voice and watch you perform.”

 

Laira’s eyes sparkled even brighter. “You think so?!? Aah! I wish I could just go there right now!”

 

Rein was confused by the Princess’s sudden longing. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you allowed to go to the surface?” She asked.

 

Laira’s joyful face immediately fell. “Unfortunately, you’re right. I’m not allowed to leave because, you know… I have a responsibility and a role to play.” She made air quotes with a disappointed look. “I’m the only princess, which means I’m the only one next in line to be queen. That’s why they won’t let me leave.” She paused, then added half-heartedly, “Me being bad at magic is another issue, but whatever. A Sea Folk singing and performing on the surface isn't that realistic anyway.”

 

It was obvious Laira didn’t genuinely mean the last part. Rein was about to offer some more comforting words when a sharp knock interrupted their conversation. Outside the door were two of Lazuli’s proud guards, known as expert fighters and water magic users. They were tall, well-built Sea Folk men, each holding a shell-made spear and shield, and wearing sturdy, uniquely designed, sea-tailored armor.

 

“Princess, it’s time,” one of the guards stated, hinting at something Laira understood immediately.

 

“What? Already?!? But there’s still so much I want to ask!” Laira whined, a disappointed pout on her face.

 

“The queen made it clear, princess. Any foreign race is not welcome in the city, and humans are no exception. You already did her a favor by saving her life. Now that she has recovered, she must leave at once,” the guard explained further, his voice firm.

 

“But… But…”

 

“No buts, princess. You don’t want the queen to personally see this through and be bothered, do you?” The royal guard warned.

 

“Fine! I understand, I’ll see her out in a minute,” Laira responded, a hint of anger in her voice.

 

“Understood, Princess. We’ll be waiting for you outside so we can guide her to the surface,” the guard answered. The guards then left the room after Laira conceded to their demand.

 

Laira’s disappointment was obvious. She flopped onto the bed and started throwing a minor tantrum. “Ugh… I’m so sorry about that, Rein. No matter what I do, they just won’t listen to me, not even my mother, erm… the queen herself would bother listening to me.”

 

Rein approached Laira and sat down next to her on the bed. “Don’t feel bad, Laira. I completely understand the situation. You’ve already done me a huge favor by saving my life. I don’t want to cause you any more trouble by staying here,” she responded gently.

 

“What? That’s not true! You’re no trouble at all! Heck, you’re the only one here who actually listens to me! Ugh… I wish you could stay longer, I still have so much to ask and learn from you,” Laira said with genuine sadness.

 

“I wish I could also stay and chat with you more, but rules are rules. Also, I’m worried about my family. The faster I leave, the faster I can see if they’re okay,” Rein responded.

 

“Sigh… I get it. Ugh! This is so frustrating! If only my mother weren’t so rule-obsessed and stubborn, my opinion would actually matter! What’s the point of being a queen and a chosen one if she won’t even listen to anyone?!?” Laira shouted, venting her frustration.

 

Rein, who had firmly resolved to leave, had a sudden change of heart the moment she heard that last phrase. Overwhelmed by everything, she had momentarily forgotten what they were trying to do before being separated. It all came flooding back after hearing the words ‘chosen one.’

 

Rein jumped up and gripped Laira’s shoulders, giving her a serious look. “L-Laira, can you repeat what you just said?”

 

Laira was confused by Rein’s sudden change of expression. “Oh, that my mother,  erm… the queen is stubborn?” She responded.

 

“N-no, after that! Did you just say that the queen is a chosen one?” Rein clarified urgently.

 

“Oh, yeah. Why? Is something wrong?” Laira asked.

 

Rein’s serious expression instantly shifted to excitement. “N-no, this is actually great! Even if I’m not with my family, I can still help them.” She pulled Laira into a tight hug. “Oh, thank you, thank you!”

 

“H-hey, Rein? You’re totally confusing me right now. Maybe you should start explaining,” Laira said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

 

Rein and Laira sat facing each other on the bed. Rein then quickly explained the vision of the great catastrophe, the Titans, that was about to unfold during the next solar eclipse. She explained that the only way to prevent this fate was by uniting the chosen ones, which had been their original plan before a demon separated them. Everything felt unreal to Laira at first, but she quickly believed Rein’s story.

 

“I see. So that’s why I found you drowning in the sea. That must have been a terrifying experience for you and your family,” Laira sympathized.

 

“Yeah, but knowing my family, I believe they’ll be fine and that we’ll reunite someday,” Rein said with conviction. “But for now, I think I need to do my part, which is why I can’t leave just yet. Not until I’ve convinced your mother.” Her resolve was clear in her eyes. 

 

She then looked directly at Laira and begged for her assistance. “Please, help me, Laira.” Her eyes were full of desperate hope.

 

“Ugh… I want to help, I really do, but the seven great races have been on bad terms since like… forever! I just don’t know how you can change that with mere words,” Laira countered. 

 

“Also, did you forget what I said earlier? My mother won’t listen to anyone! She won’t even bother listening to me, her own daughter! She is that stubborn!”

 

Even with all the obstacles Laira presented, Rein’s determination didn't waver. “I know, but I can’t just give up without even trying. I’m sure she’s bound to listen if it concerns the safety of the entire world,” she assumed, her belief in everyone’s compassion unparalleled.

 

Laira, who knew her mother all too well, couldn’t possibly imagine Rein’s plan working. But she looked at Rein’s unwavering resolve and decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. “Okay, let’s say I’ll help you. Then what? How are you even going to convince my mother?”

 

“I don’t know yet, but I’ll make sure to come up with something. I just need you to help me evade the guards so I can talk directly to your mother.”

 

“Ugh… this is insane! You don’t have a plan at all!” Laira complained, scratching her head in frustration. But eventually, she caved. “F-fine! I don’t care anymore! I’m done being a goody two-shoes princess anyway! I was trying to sneak out of the city when I met you, so let’s just do this!” She announced, making her decision final.

 

“Oh, thank you, thank you!” Rein responded happily, giving Laira one last tight hug before they proceeded with their crazy plan.

 

“If we want to stop the guards from identifying you as a human, then there’s only one option: you need a disguise!” Laira proposed. She immediately opened her wardrobe full of fancy dresses and her drawer stuffed with accessories and makeup. “The guards won’t wait for us, so let’s start right away,” she added with a rush of excitement.

 

Even though Laira was a princess, her dream of becoming a performer had made her surprisingly independent. She knew fashion and how to apply makeup, skills she had secretly developed for the day she finally reached the surface.

 

She started by dressing Rein in one of her fancy Sea Folk dresses. The chosen design mostly covered Rein’s hands and feet to hide the fact that she didn’t have any fins. She then styled Rein’s hair, adding hair accessories like shells and pearls. Next, she used her makeup to replicate the Sea Folks’ iconic crystal-like scales, painting them all over Rein’s exposed skin to make the disguise totally believable. Finally, she covered Rein’s neck with a strap and a necklace to conceal the fact that she had no gills.

 

“And with that, your disguise is finished! You look nothing like a human anymore! You look so pretty the guards won’t even suspect a thing!” Laira complimented proudly.

 

Rein looked in the mirror and was shocked by the transformation. She never thought she could pull off such a sophisticated look with such finesse.

 

“Are you ready to go?” Laira asked.

 

Rein nodded in response, her voice ringing with full determination. “Let’s go meet the queen.”

 

After making sure the corridor was clear, the two girls sneaked out of the room. Thankfully, no guard was stationed in front of the door, so they left undetected. Laira led the way toward the main hall where the queen and her counselors were meeting. They had to pass through several corridors to reach their destination. They met numerous maids and attendants, some of whom even greeted the princess, but Rein’s perfect disguise meant that no one suspected a thing.

 

It took a while, but the girls were finally only a few meters from their destination. They thought they were in the clear when a guard suddenly approached them. The two girls tried to act as naturally as possible to avoid arousing suspicion.

 

“Princess, allow me to accompany you to your destination,” the guard offered politely.

 

“Oh, no need to worry yourself. I’m just showing my new friend around the castle,” Laira responded casually.

 

“New friend?” The guard questioned, sounding skeptical.

 

“Y-yes. Is something wrong with that?” Laira asked nervously.

 

“Hmmm…”

 

The guard stared so intently that the two girls began to internally panic. They froze, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads as the guard took too long to respond. Just as the girls thought the disguise was busted, the guard simply let out a huge sneeze.

 

“Achoo!”

 

Sniff Sniff

“I’m sorry about that, Princess. Please take care on the way,” the guard said before walking off.

 

The tension instantly vanished, and the two girls finally relaxed and took a deep breath.

 

“P-phew, that was close,” Rein whispered, exhaling slowly.

 

“Y-yeah.”

 

They continued walking, and after a painstaking effort of deception, they finally arrived at the main hall. Standing before them was a massive door, about five times their height. Behind that door was their target: the Queen of Lazuli and the Chosen One of the Sea Folks.

 

“Ready when you are,” Laira said, a hint of nervousness coloring her tone.

 

“I’m ready,” Rein responded, her voice filled with unwavering determination.

 

The two girls pushed the huge door open together, revealing a vast, well-decorated hall filled with important Sea Folks counselors, advisers, maids, attendants, and guards. In the center of the hall, the counselors and advisers sat around a wide, circular table, discussing Lazuli’s future plans. The queen was seated, actively listening to their discussion.

 

The counselors and advisers were mostly middle-aged Sea Folk men and women. Some were older with gray hair and beards, leaning on canes. They all wore fancy clothes and expensive accessories, radiating class, confidence, and sophistication.

 

The Queen, in all her majesty, stood out from everyone else, an embodiment of undeniable elegance and power. Her Sea Folk features were the most refined and captivating in the kingdom. 

 

Her hair’s color is the same as her daughter's and a sophisticated golden crown, delicately crafted and embedded with pure crystals sat high upon her head. Her eyes, sharp and commanding, held a mesmerizing depth, like gazing into a star-filled ocean sky.

 

Yet, more striking than her appearance was the sheer force of her magical presence. It radiated from her, calm and composed, yet undeniably potent. To stand near her was to feel the weight of the ocean itself, a refined and pure pressure of magic that inspired both awe and reverence in all who beheld her.

 

Tension instantly flooded the air as the girls entered the room and interrupted the private discussion. Everyone in the hall immediately turned their attention to Laira and Rein. The judgmental eyes were nerve-wracking, but instead of succumbing to the pressure, the girls stood firm, their heads held high.

 

“Princess, what is the meaning of this? We are currently having a private discussion,” one of the counselors said, trying to assert his authority.

 

“I apologize for the sudden intervention, but I brought someone bearing urgent news,” Laira countered. Her voice wavered slightly at first, but she regained her composure when Rein squeezed her hand reassuringly.

 

One of the advisers suddenly stood up and slammed his hand onto the table. “This is preposterous! You ought to know that such action needs to follow a very strict process! Even if you are the princess, you can’t just waltz in here and do whatever you want!” The adviser shouted, an angry look on his face. Most people in the room clearly agreed.

 

Thankfully, an elderly councilor stepped in, a reasonable and comforting figure who tried to ease the tension. “Now, now, everyone. Let’s all calm down. Let’s at least give the princess a chance to explain,” the elderly Sea Folk said, her voice soft and soothing.

 

The elderly woman held the highest authority among them, so everyone had no choice but to listen. The room quickly calmed down, reaching a tense agreement.

 

“Go ahead, Princess,” the elderly councilor instructed.

 

“T-thank you,” Laira responded. She then stood up straight and spoke with confidence and finesse. “Allow me to introduce the person bearing the urgent news: Rein, an aspiring human witch from the surface.”

 

Everyone in the room had assumed Rein was a Sea Folk due to the convincing disguise, but the moment they heard the word human, the hall erupted into chaos again.

 

“This is preposterous! Why is that human still here?!? We instructed you to show her out of the city as soon as she recovered!” One of the counselors roared in anger.

 

“We already overlooked the fact that you saved a human and brought it inside our sacred home, but bringing her here is going too far!” Another adviser pointed out furiously.

 

“P-please, at least give her a chance to talk,” Laira pleaded, making one last effort. “What she’s going to say concerns not only us but everyone else in the world!” 

 

Unfortunately, her plea didn’t work.

 

“No, this is over! We will not waste our time listening to a lowly being such as a human,” one of the counselors declared.

 

Laira and Rein were at their wits’ end. Reasoning with the infuriated council seemed totally impossible. Things were spiraling out of control, but thankfully, the queen finally broke her silence.

 

“Enough!” She said, her voice a graceful command that echoed through the hall. With just that single word, everyone instantly silenced and scrambled back into their seats. 

 

“Stop embarrassing yourselves and show some decency,” the queen chastised the counselors and advisers, disappointment etched clearly on her face. She then shifted her sharp gaze toward Rein. 

 

“I apologize on behalf of my people for acting like animals. Let us start over. I am Allura, Queen of Lazuli and the Titan of Sea’s Chosen One. What is it that you wish to speak of?” She asked with complete finesse and authority.

 

Laira was astonished. It was the first time she had ever seen her mother willing to listen to an outsider. This single moment sparked a fiery hope that they might actually pull this off.

 

With the Queen’s intervention, Rein finally got the chance she desperately needed. She took a confident step forward and bowed her head low, greeting the queen with genuine respect. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. Allow me to get straight to the point. The princess of a human kingdom, a close friend of our family, saw a terrifying vision of the future through her power of clairvoyance. My mother also saw it, confirming that the vision is real. A great catastrophe is about to unfold during the upcoming solar eclipse. The seven great Titans will rise again, and they will cause worldwide destruction,” Rein explained quickly.

 

The queen didn’t respond right away. The room was filled with heavy silence, broken only by the Queen’s finger tapping gently on the arm of her chair. “Hmmm… I find your story appealing, but frankly, unrealistic. You claim the great catastrophe will be caused by the Titans, but that is impossible. The Titans sacrificed their bodies ages ago and ascended into spirit form. It’s impossible for them to move now, as their physical bodies are merely empty shells. Naia, can you confirm what I have stated is true?”

 

A small, flying creature that closely resembled Dot and Willow suddenly materialized. Like the others, it was about ten centimeters long, with a massive head and a small body with limb nubs. But unlike the two, this one had light green skin and a rigid turtle shell on its back.

 

The flying creature responded to the queen respectfully and with elaborate finesse, his speech pattern closely resembling that of a proper butler. “Yes, my queen. It is impossible for our physical bodies to move without a soul. We Titans have long since ascended to our spirit form, and we lost access to our bodies when we created the great races,” Naia explained formally.

 

“The Titan himself confirmed it,” Queen Allura added, a slight air of finality in her tone. “The future you describe is impossible.”

 

“You’re right, it doesn’t make sense for the Titans to destroy the world. After all, the Great Witch of Creation made them to make the world better,” Rein conceded, refusing to back down. 

 

“It’s true that the massive Titans can’t move again, but we can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to the vision than just worldwide destruction. The Titans’ rise might only be the start of something even bigger. We can’t confirm the vision’s full validity, except that it was shown to a clairvoyant and confirmed by a second one. That’s why, just to be safe, my family decided to find all the Chosen Ones so we can unite them and have them work together in stopping this great catastrophe from happening,” Rein explained, desperate to convince her.

 

She had hoped her determined speech would sway the queen, but instead, it completely infuriated the council. Everyone in the room bristled at the mention of uniting the Chosen Ones and the great races.

 

“This has gone too far! You want us to work with those barbarians? Never!” One of the counselors bellowed.

 

“Not only did you barge into our sacred city, but now you spout lie after lie!” Another counselor chimed in angrily.

 

“N-no, I’m not lying! You have to believe me!” Rein insisted, defending herself.

 

“Your story makes zero sense! Unless… I see! You must have been sent by the others as a spy! You claim you want to unite us, but the truth is, you just want us to surrender ourselves!” One of the advisers assumed, pointing a finger at Rein.

 

“That’s absolutely not true! We’ll only have a fighting chance if the great races and Chosen Ones work together. We’ve already convinced the Beastkin Tribe. We only need to convince the others before the next solar eclipse arrives,” Rein argued, trying to provide proof.

 

“Ha! So you’ve already seized control of the mutts! Now you’re targeting us! Guards, arrest this human at once!” One of the advisers instructed the silent men along the walls.

 

The guards began to move toward Rein, but Laira instantly darted out and blocked their path. “Please, everyone! You’re not listening at all!” She shouted in frustration. She then turned to Rein. “I told you! It’s impossible to reason with these people! All they care about is power!”

 

Things were about to descend into chaos yet again when the queen decided to stand up and release her magical presence. Everyone in the room suddenly felt chills shoot down their spines, the sheer force of the pressure preventing them from speaking or intervening any further. 

 

“Human, let me enlighten you a bit. The seven great races have been at each other’s throats for hundreds of years. We Chosen Ones were given our powers so we could protect our own people from the others who want to use us. Words alone won’t change that fact,” she explained, her voice low and dangerous.

 

“I know, but I thought maybe I could convince you if you understood that the safety of the world is at stake,” Rein stated, holding onto her belief.

 

“Then you have your answer. This discussion is over. Guards, show her out,” Queen Allura instructed, ending the conversation.

 

“M-Mother! Please reconsider! This affects not only us but everyone!” Laira begged, knowing her dream of singing on the surface would mean nothing if the world was destroyed.

 

“This does not concern you, Laira. Go back to your room at once,” Queen Allura responded strictly, refusing to budge.

 

“B-but…”

 

Despite all her effort, Rein had failed to convince the queen. No matter what she thought of, her goal suddenly seemed impossible to reach. She felt completely useless, failing her family and her mission. The guards were about to take her away when an outrageous, yet potentially brilliant, idea flashed through her mind. 

 

It was a completely impossible task, but this final, desperate idea was her last ticket to turning things around. Without thinking about the consequences, she chose to follow through.

 

“W-wait!” Rein shouted, cutting through the silence. She took a bold step forward and forced a smile to mask her raging nervousness.

 

“You said yourself that words alone won’t convince you, so instead, I’ll just force you to agree!” She declared with fierce confidence and determination.

 

Rein raised her right hand and pointed it directly at the Queen. She then declared something that shook everyone to their core. “Queen Allura, I challenge you to a magic duel!”

 

Everyone in the room shot up in shock at Rein’s declaration. Even Laira looked completely panicked. “Whaaaaaat? H-have you gone crazy?!?” She whispered urgently to Rein.

 

“Trust me, Laira. This will work,” Rein whispered back firmly.

 

As expected, the majority of the Sea Folks in the room were enraged, but a few were left in awe by Rein’s combination of foolishness and sheer determination. The hall filled with the shocked and furious voices of the council, but the noise came to an abrupt stop when the queen suddenly started laughing really hard. Everyone in the room was stunned, as this was the first time they had ever witnessed their queen show such strong, unrestrained emotion.

 

The queen gently wiped the tears from her eyes after her burst of laughter. “Phew, that was the best laugh I’ve had in years. Never in my life did I think someone would actually challenge me. No one was foolish enough to dare, given my title, but you are the exception. I don’t know if it’s sheer ignorance or pure confidence, but call me impressed,” she responded, completely amused.

 

“D-does that mean you accept?” Rein asked nervously, her heart pounding.

 

“My queen, you don’t have to stoop to this human’s level! Have someone else fight her instead,” one of the counselors pleaded immediately.

 

“What? And miss all the fun? Not a chance,” Queen Allura retorted. She then focused her attention back on Rein. “State your terms.”

 

Rein’s nervousness was replaced with a surge of excitement, she had actually gotten through to the queen. “A simple magic duel, no time limit. The first person to admit defeat loses. The winner gets to demand any wish from the loser,” she explained, keeping the rules clean and straightforward.

 

“Hmm… you are not capable of granting my wish,” Queen Allura stated, a cold calculation in her gaze. “So instead, if I win, you get to lose something very important to you, something that you can’t live without. Only then will I agree to your terms.”

 

Rein immediately understood what the queen meant. The risk was enormous, but if she didn't agree now, all her efforts would be wasted. She hesitated for a terrifying moment, but then she gathered every ounce of her courage and accepted the Queen’s demand.

 

Gulp

 

“F-fine. If I lose, then I will never use or pursue magic ever again,” she agreed, her voice laced with sadness and hesitation.

 

“Then with that, I accept your challenge. I’ll see you again tomorrow. Make sure that you are fully prepared by then,” the queen announced for the final time before gracefully leaving the hall and heading to her private room to rest.

 

Everyone in the hall was still reeling from the sheer shock of what had just unfolded, but they had no choice but to prepare for the event. The discussion between the counselors and advisers was instantly put on hold so they could focus entirely on preparing for the major duel the following day.

 

Laira and Rein, meanwhile, retreated back to their room, still overwhelmed by their actions. They sat on the bed and immediately started arguing.

 

“You never should have agreed to my mother’s demand. There’s a zero percent chance you’ll ever defeat her,” Laira pointed out, her worry obvious.

 

“I didn’t have a choice. It was the only option left for me,” Rein responded, a heavy weight in her chest.

 

“Hellooo? Earth to Rein! Did you forget? My mother is a Chosen One! A CHOSEN ONE! She can literally flatten an entire island just by sneezing! That’s how powerful the person you just challenged is! Aren’t you terrified that if you lose, you’ll never be able to use magic again?” Laira asked, voicing the ultimate fear.

 

“Of course, I’m scared,” Rein admitted. “Magic changed my life. It’s the reason why I’m still alive, and it’s the reason why I found the family I have now. Just the thought of giving up magic is heartbreaking, but if it means that the world will be safe for everyone to live in, then I’m willing to sacrifice it. I know my Mom would do the same thing if she were in my situation,” Rein concluded, fully aware of the life-altering consequences.

 

“Ugh… you’re such a fool, Rein, but that’s exactly why I admire you. You just did something I could never imagine myself doing,” Laira said, a smile softening her worry. She then held both of Rein’s hands warmly. “No matter what happens, I’m with you until the end,” she assured her friend.

 

Rein’s deep uneasiness lessened, comforted by Laira’s loyalty. She now had only one focus: to win, no matter the cost. After their conversation, the two girls went to bed, resting so they could be fully ready for the insane challenge waiting for them tomorrow.