The Great Rebellion : Transformation And Swordsmanship

The sword stopped mid-swing. 

"Sorry, Your Highness," the spectacled guard said, dropping to his knees as he sheathed his sword. 

The scarred guard kept staring in silence, swallowing hard.

All guards froze mid-motion, then bowed as one to the unseen king. 

Alice and Emma followed suit. 

"Leo... Leo!" Emma whispered urgently. 

After a moment, he regained awareness dropping to his knees, chest heaving with ragged breaths

"Sunder, you disappoint me." The king's voice echoed in the sudden silence. 

"Your Highness, I didn't mean.. " Sunder's voice trembled. 

"Beating a child..." The king's tone softened, yet carried steel. "That violates my kingdom's principles and reputation" 

"You've proven unworthy of your charge. Lay down your arms... and depart." Another clap cracked like thunder.

"You will regret it, kid," Sunder whispered to Alice before departing. 

Alice stuck her tongue out at him. 

"Tch..." 

Silence hung heavy, broken only by Sunder's fading footsteps echoing through the courtyard. 

"Nice to see you again... Leo!" a flicker of recognition in his gaze.

"Please, join us"

The King clapped, and the guards instantly formed two straight lines, creating a living corridor. "Please, join us," he invited, and the three stepped in

"Join?! Does that mean DELICIOUS FOOD?!" Alice rushed inside, leaving Emma and Leo. 

"What a girl, she was dying on the ground moments ago!" The king looking down at her as if she were a tiny insect crawling in 

After their cuffs were removed, Leo and Emma stepped into the castle. 

Leo marveled at the towering stairs stretching upward; the air smelled surprisingly pleasant, like lavender. 

Leo flinched at the lavender scent

But Emma showed no surprise, stepping inside as casually as walking down a village road.

"It's a beautiful hall, isn't it?!" Emma turned to Leo, hands clasped. 

"..." Leo didn't answer, his expression unreadable.

When they entered the king's chamber, both bowed. 

"Never ate something like this in my life!!" Alice sat on the table, tearing into fine white bread. 

A faint laugh escaped the king as he watched her feast.

"Hello, Leo. It's been a long time." The king smiled warmly. 

"Who are you?" Leo's voice was cold yet edged with nerves. 

"Oh, I apologize! I didn't introduce myself." The king bowed his head slightly

 "I am King Arthur." 

"Did he just apologize?" Leo muttered.

"I apologize, Your Highness, but I don't remember you," Leo said, eyes closed as if regretting the admission.

"You were just a small child back then." The king scratched his long beard. "But I was your father's old friend." 

Leo's eyes snapped open, widening. 

"You're... my father's friend?"

"Yes. Leos was a kind man..." Arthur's voice softened with sadness. 

Alice chewed slowly, watching intently.

"And these young ladies with you?" Arthur gestured gracefully. "Might they introduce themselves?"

As they spoke, a figure peered from behind the door, only their head visible. 

Leo sensed the presence but ignored it. 

"I'M ALICE S—" Alice's hand shot up excitedly. 

"—LEO'S BEST FRIEND!!!" She vaulted onto the table, forks clattering beneath her. 

Arthur chuckled faintly. 

Emma clutched her cloak, hesitating. 

Leo remained silent. 

"I'm... my name is... Fotia." Emma's voice trembled as she hid deeper in her hood. 

"Fotia? Huh... Nice to meet you both! I'm glad Leo travels with company." 

The king sat, gaze fixed on the door. 

"Enough hiding. Come in!"