A small silver bot glided over the surface of the deep ocean, its hull scratched and battered, barely holding together. Sharp winds lashed against it, waves tossing it like a toy. The calm sea from the day before had turned into an unforgiving battlefield. And inside that ruined vessel—was Kyota.
His eyes slowly opened.
Cracks splintered the glass dome above his head, seawater seeping in.
"...Tch. It broke faster than expected," he muttered under his breath.
With a calm breath, Kyota gathered mana into his core. The water around him stilled for a moment. His fingers stretched out, and the mark on his chest shimmered faintly.
"Zenshiki Enjin," he whispered.
A deep rumble echoed beneath the waves.
Then—he bent the tides.
Waves began to rotate in the opposite direction, pulled by a force no ordinary mage could command. The spiraling flow formed a path forward, and using his control over water, Kyota pushed himself across the ocean's surface—walking, step by step, toward the Kingdom of Water.
A lone fisherman sailing nearby blinked in disbelief. "He's… walking on water…?"
But Kyota didn't notice. The winds roared. The sea carried him. And the spy quickly turned his boat around and disappeared into the mist.
By noon, Kyota reached the edge of the Water Kingdom. A shining city surrounded by floating bridges, clear rivers, and canals that glowed with mana. Elegant towers stood tall, wrapped in vines of glowing coral. Magic water lanterns floated in the air, humming with energy.
He stepped into the harbor, dripping wet, and waited in the sun until his cloak dried. Locals eyed him with a mix of curiosity and caution, especially because of the black cape and the faint aura he carried.
He entered the town casually, letting his eyes scan the streets. Merchants sold shimmering fish and mana-charged orbs, children played in puddles that moved on their own, and mages floated above waterways on spinning water disks.
Kyota's gaze softened. "So this is the Water Kingdom…"
Suddenly—a shout pierced the air.
"All guards to the ocean wall! A tsunami is approaching!"
Panic spread fast.
Bells rang. Evacuation orders echoed across the town.
Kyota's eyes snapped to the shore. In the distance, a massive wall of water—towering, monstrous—moved straight toward the kingdom.
And then… they saw him.
A lone boy stood at the beach, cloak fluttering behind him, staring at the tsunami with a calm gaze. The wind swept through his black hair, now slightly damp, and a red crimson tint caught the sunlight.
"Who is that…?!" a guard yelled, rushing forward.
"Stand back, kid!" another shouted. "You'll die out there!"
The King himself appeared moments later—tall, with kind eyes, and a white robe embroidered with ocean waves. A crown of pearl rested lightly on his head.
"Move, boy," the King ordered gently. "I will handle this."
Behind him, royal knights whispered.
"Even the King can't stop that thing…"
"This is madness…"
The King raised a glowing Water Stone, pouring his mana into it. A massive barrier began to rise—but it trembled, cracking already.
That's when Kyota stepped forward.
"Fall back," he said, voice low.
"What?"
Kyota didn't wait. He raised his hand.
The ocean paused.
And then—it bent.
The monstrous wave froze, curved, and then slowly pulled back like a respectful bow before its master.
Everyone stood frozen.
Was it a coincidence…?
Kyota turned guilt on his face. "Sorry. I didn't mean to interfere. I'll leave—"
A strong hand grabbed his arm.
"Not so soon, young man," the King said with a warm smile. "You just saved my kingdom. You're coming with me."
The guards whispered as they returned to town, still shaken. The sea was calm once more.
Kyota was led to the royal castle—a vast palace of white marble, surrounded by endless pools and waterfalls.
Inside, he was introduced to the princess—a young woman in her early twenties with silver-blonde hair tied neatly behind her. She had soft features, but her eyes—those eyes reminded Kyota of Aqua.
He froze for a split second.
"...No. It's not her. Different face cut. But still…"
The King laughed heartily. "You've not told us your name, hero."
Kyota adjusted his hood slightly and bowed. "Kaito Sensaki. I came for the tournament."
"A tournament, eh?" the King smiled. "Then you are welcome here. Stay as long as you like. Take this." He handed him a pouch full of coins and gems.
Kyota refused. "No thank you. Just allow me to stay in the town. That's more than enough."
The King admired his humility. He clapped, and a royal painter sketched a portrait—Kyota, the princess, and the King standing together. The painting was placed near another portrait of a charming woman holding a baby.
Kyota stared at it for a moment, a gentle smile forming.
"Grandma… and Aqua?"
The princess noticed. "You smiled. Do you know her?"
Kyota shrugged lightly. "No. Just reminded me of someone."
But inside, his heart stirred.
The next day, the Water Tournament began. Five days of battle, glory, and reputation.
Kyota wore a bone-white mask and kept his black cape tight. "It's personal," he told the clerk. "I'd prefer not to reveal myself."
No one protested.
The list of names was called. Cheers rose from the stands. The arena was vast, surrounded by floating water pillars and enchanted balconies. The people of the kingdom were excited.
In the first match—a massive man stepped forward, veins pulsing, holding a crystal staff.
"Water Cannon!!!" he roared.
The crowd chanted. "WATER CANNON! WATER CANNON!"
The announcer laughed. "Kaito Sensaki, the masked challenger, should forfeit now!"
But Kyota didn't move.
The man raised his hand—and summoned a massive sphere of water, sharp as spears.
He launched it.
And then—
He collapsed.
Just before the cannon fired.
His body twitched, aura shattered.
Everyone fell silent.
"What… just happened?" the announcer blinked.
The referee ran over. "He's out cold. His mana is sealed."
Kyota walked out of the mist like nothing had happened. Calm. Silent. His hands never moved.
The crowd was stunned.
"Who IS that kid…?"
"He never used magic…!"
"Is that allowed?!"
"Cheating!" someone yelled.
But the referee raised his hand. "It's not cheating. The match is over. Kaito Sensaki wins."
The stadium buzzed. Some clapped. Others whispered.
A noble lady murmured, "That mask… and that aura. Could he be…"
A young boy tugged at his father's sleeve. "He spoke to the sea yesterday, didn't he?"
As Kyota left the arena, hidden under his cape and mask, a single thought echoed through the crowd:
"Who is that boy…?"