Souta held the spoon.

  The only object that seemed to accept him.

  But even it slipped from his fingers if he tried to use it.

  As if it had a will of its own.

  As if the world conspired to remind him:

  *You don’t belong here.*

  In the kitchen, the stares were blades.

  Whispers. Stifled laughter.

  He tried to ignore them.

  But the words cut deep.

  — He’s not even fit to wash dishes, — mocked a guard.

  — How could someone like him be summoned?

  Queen Beatrix entered.

  At her side, Stingara, the first princess.

  Proud. Cold.

  Contempt in her eyes.

  — This man is a disgrace to the Court’s Drones, — said Stingara.

  — He has no place here.

  Souta frowned.

  *What’s with this brat? Show some respect for your elders.*

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  The Queen sighed.

  — You’re right. Not even worthy of serving in the kitchen.

  Stingara smiled.

  — Guards.

  Two soldiers seized him.

  Souta tried to protest.

  But his voice was drowned by laughter.

  — Out with him! — shouted one, throwing him into the mud.

  Souta fell to his knees.

  Covered in filth.

  Villagers watched.

  Some laughed.

  Others only shook their heads.

  Every gaze was a knife.

  Stabbing his dignity.

  Stingara approached.

  Looked down on him.

  — I’m a failure… — Souta murmured, tears almost spilling.

  — Going to cry, hero? — Stingara taunted.

  — If you want to come back, crawl. Like the worm you are.

  Souta didn’t answer.

  He ran.

  Aimless.

  Breathless.

  Groundless.

  *Why… why me?* — he cried to the sky.

  ?

  Meanwhile…

  The forest around the kingdom sank into silence.

  Three Court Drones patrolled.

  Reports of unusual activity.

  Nothing could have prepared them for what was coming.

  A colossal shadow emerged.

  Red eyes.

  A destructive aura.

  Garra, the Red Scale.

  One of the nine divine generals of the Demon King.

  — So, you’re the famous Drones? — he mocked.

  — What a disappointment.

  He lunged with absurd speed.

  Immobilized all three.

  Defenses crushed like paper.

  — Insects, — he said, piercing through one hero’s chest.

  Two down.

  One trying to retreat.

  Garra laughed.

  — Tell the others: the kingdom of Beatrix will fall.

  And I will be the first to bring chaos.

  With a roar, Garra marched toward the castle.

  Leaving destruction in his wake.

  ---