The Light Guardian

Days after the DLA celebration:

Joe woke up groggily in his bed, only to feel a sharp pain as Frosty pounced on his shoulder.

"Ouch!" Joe exclaimed as Frosty's claws scratched him. He quickly grabbed her to prevent her from falling.

"Frosty, you've injured me," he said, rushing to the mirror. Opening the cabinet beneath it, he retrieved a first aid kit and took out some bandages and antiseptic. But as he prepared to apply the spirit to the wound, the pain suddenly subsided.

Curious, Joe looked into the mirror and watched in amazement as the scratch closed itself completely. His thoughts flashed back to the events in the dimension, recalling how he healed during his battle with the Light Sage.

He hurried downstairs to the kitchen, opened the utensil drawer, and grabbed a knife. Positioning his hand over the washbasin, he intentionally sliced his palm. Expecting intense pain, Joe instead felt a mere itch.

To his astonishment, the wound began healing instantly, the blood that spilled even flowing back into his palm before the injury sealed entirely.

"Not a single drop escaped," he muttered in disbelief, chuckling nervously. "What have I become?"

Joe stared at his hands, trying to process the situation. Rushing back to his room, he grabbed a pen and paper, jotting down everything he remembered from the dimension and the cave. He highlighted the abilities he had used and began forming a plan to join the soldiers' training group for further testing of his newfound powers.

"I'm going to be late," he realized, glancing at the clock, which showed 7:20 a.m.

In a flash, he was in the bathroom and back out, fully dressed in seconds. Admiring himself in the mirror, Joe noticed his enhanced speed.

"I've really become this fast?" he wondered with a smile. But his expression faltered when he noticed his outfit.

"This is all I have? I wish I could change into the Imperium Prince's suit," he thought wistfully.

Suddenly, a long beeping sound filled his ears, growing clearer after a moment. Looking around, Joe saw only Frosty in the room.

"Do you want to change your clothes?" a distorted, foreign voice echoed in his mind.

Joe froze, glancing around. "What are you…?"

"I'm in your head, silly," the voice said playfully, realizing he was searching for its source.

"In my head?" Joe asked, staring into the mirror.

"Yes, I'm in your head," the voice replied. "I'm your familiar, and my name is Arna."

"A familiar? What are you, a lady?" Joe questioned.

The voice chuckled. "I see you're intuitive. Yes, I'm female," Arna confirmed as her voice became clearer and more refined.

"Now, back to my question—do you want to change your clothes?"

After a moment's hesitation, Joe agreed. "Yes, I do."

Arna chuckled, and Joe's clothes began to glow brightly. The fabric morphed, transforming into the lost design of the Imperium Prince's suit—an outfit crafted from pure higher Eldrath.

When the glow faded, Joe stared at his reflection in awe. The suit was a pristine white adorned with intricate golden patterns along the edges, sleeves, and trousers. It was a masterpiece, a garment beyond beauty itself.

"All done," Arna said, her tone amused.

"Am I supposed to wear this outside?" Joe asked, overwhelmed.

"You wished for it," Arna replied simply.

"But how am I supposed to wear this in public?" Joe protested.

"Raise your head confidently. Ignore what others say. Focus on where you're going. Don't be the first to greet. Listen more than you talk. Speak slowly. Only then will the authority of the Imperium activate," Arna explained.

Suddenly, Joe began to float, his bag following him as the door opened on its own. Stepping outside, he walked confidently down the street. Neighbors stared, their eyes wide as they whispered and snapped pictures.

"But Arna, I don't have any money for a carriage," Joe said.

"Leave it to me," Arna responded, controlling his body. Joe raised his hand to hail a carriage, and one stopped immediately.

"The college grounds," Joe said, stepping in. The driver's jaw dropped at the sight of Joe's suit, and passersby took more pictures, murmuring in astonishment.

"Isn't that the Imperium Prince's suit?" someone exclaimed.

Others followed Joe's carriage, contacting people via their Eldrath ringers.

Reaching the city square, the carriage halted due to traffic. The crowd surrounding Joe's carriage grew, reporters snapping pictures and shoving microphones in his direction.

"We need to move," Joe said, sensing their presence.

"Here, take this," Joe said, tossing two gold coins to the driver.

"Thank you, but this is—"

"Keep the change," Joe interrupted, climbing onto the roof of the carriage.

As he stood there, floating effortlessly, the crowd gasped in disbelief.

"I could've flown here and saved two gold coins," Joe thought, slightly irritated as Arna ignored his complaint.

Descending gracefully, Joe landed at the college gates. His technique—Phoenix Flight—was a rare ability possible only for those whose Eldrath level had reached the elite tier. Even then, its usage over such long distances was unheard of.

Students and faculty alike stopped in their tracks, awestruck by the sight of Joe in the legendary suit. The boy who had always lived in the shadows now stood in the light, radiating authority and grace. Cameras flashed as he walked toward his classroom, his every step confident yet poised.

Joe had stepped into a new chapter, and the world was beginning to take notice.

"Look at those clothes—it's the Imperium Prince's design!" a group of students whispered excitedly as they rushed out of their classrooms to confirm the rumors.

Joe walked down the hallway leading to the other classes. Students lined the hallway, whispering and staring at the legendary outfit. With his head held high, eyes closed, and hands folded behind his back, Joe maintained a composed demeanor.

"You've got trouble," Arna warned.

Joe opened his eyes slightly, noticing three male students blocking his path. Known as the "Tri P," they were notorious bullies at the academy. Philip, Pedro, and Paeans were sons of noble families with significant influence. Their families controlled the kingdom's warfare and security sectors, with Pedro's family leading the effort and the others serving as financiers. Their privilege often shielded them from serious consequences.

"This is going to be a hassle," Joe thought.

"Just ignore whatever they say," Arna advised calmly.

Joe approached them, his steps unhurried.

"Hey, pretty boy," Pedro sneered, stepping in front of Joe to block his path. The air grew tense as students eagerly watched, anticipating what would happen next.

Joe stopped, his gaze momentarily on the trio. Closing his eyes again, he sidestepped them without a word, continuing his stroll to class.

"Stop right there!" Pedro barked, rushing forward to grab Joe's right shoulder and forcefully pull him back. Joe halted, slowly turning his head as he opened his eyes slightly, locking gazes with Pedro.

"I have no time for your games," Joe said in a calm yet deep tone.

In that moment, Joe unleashed a faint but potent surge of his Eldrath energy. The raw power made Pedro's hand tremble as he instinctively recoiled, his confidence shaken by the overwhelming strength he sensed.

"Who is he?" Pedro muttered as Joe walked away, leaving the hallway filled with whispers and gasps.

"That was crazy," Joe thought to himself, his heart racing as adrenaline coursed through him.

"I thought I was going to die," he added inwardly, grateful to have handled the situation without further conflict.

Reaching the end of the hallway, Joe turned into his classroom, where the students had already settled. Class was about to begin. Without breaking stride, Joe made his way to his seat and sat down calmly.

"Mr. Joe?" the professor called, prompting Joe to rise slowly from his chair.

"Can you please explain to the class why you're late?" the professor asked, his tone expectant.

Joe scanned the room before meeting the professor's gaze.

"Because of my dress," he stated plainly, his voice unwavering.

The classroom fell silent as all eyes turned to him.

The professor cleared his throat, looking visibly unsettled. "Alright. You may sit down."

Joe returned to his seat, but just as he relaxed, the professor added, "After class, report to the founder's office."

Joe nodded slightly and sat back, feeling the weight of the many stares pinned on him.