[Inside the Royal Palace of the Empire of Light]
(Inside the royal palace of the Empire of Light, Emperor Luminus waits in a vast, radiant throne hall. The walls are covered with golden ornaments, and tall pillars adorned with crystal stones reflect light in every direction.)
(Standing beside the emperor are two of his children: Crown Prince Elias and Princess Kira. Elias is a tall young man who resembles his father in his calm and intelligent features. His short golden hair and sharp, thoughtful eyes give him a composed presence. Kira, on the other hand, has long golden hair and glowing eyes. She stands with a clear scowl, as if forced to attend.)
(The grand doors of the hall open, and Agnes enters accompanied by Tarkan and Diana, followed by the palace advisor.)
Advisor (formally):
Emperor Luminus, these are our guests: Princess Agnes of the Wind Empire, Prince Tarkan and Princess Diana of the Earth Empire.
(Luminus steps down from his throne with calm strides. His royal attire reflects simplicity and wisdom. He looks at Agnes with golden eyes filled with calm respect.)
Luminus (calm and confident):
Welcome to the Empire of Light. It is my pleasure to host you in my palace.
Agnes (bowing slightly, trying to hide her tension):
The honor is mine, Your Majesty.
(Elias steps forward, placing a hand on his chest and bowing politely.)
Elias (with a warm smile):
Crown Prince Elias. I have heard much about you, Princess Agnes. I hope you feel comfortable here.
(Agnes feels a slight sense of ease due to Elias's kindness, yet she notices Kira's sharp gaze fixed on her.)
Kira (irritably, interrupting):
Does this mean we have to pretend everything is perfect?
(The tension rises, but Luminus gently places a hand on her shoulder.)
Luminus (calmly):
Kira, you must learn patience and courtesy with our guests.
Kira (closing her eyes in annoyance, muttering):
I'll try.
Diana (interjecting with a sarcastic smile):
Looks like there's someone here who hates peace even more than I do.
(Kira shoots Diana an angrier look but remains silent. Tarkan notices the tension and tries to ease the mood.)
Tarkan (cheerfully):
I've heard that training in the Empire of Light is among the harshest. Seems like we're in for some challenging days.
Elias (smiling calmly):
That's true. Training here will be a unique experience. The Emperor is keen on teaching you our techniques.
(Luminus turns toward Agnes and steps closer, studying her briefly.)
Luminus (quiet but profound):
Agnes, I have heard of your progress in controlling your power. But know this—the Empire of Light is not only about strength. Here, we learn balance and the use of intellect.
Agnes (soft yet determined):
I will do my best, Your Majesty.
(Luminus smiles faintly and addresses everyone.)
Luminus:
You will have one day to rest before training begins. Elias and Kira will guide you through the empire.
(They bow and begin to leave. As Agnes walks behind Elias, she notices Kira still watching her, as if trying to analyze her.)
Diana (whispering mischievously):
Kira is interesting. You might become friends soon… or rivals.
(Agnes smiles shyly, unsure of what awaits her.)
<----------❀---------->
---
[The Next Day – Training Grounds]
(The following day, Agnes, Diana, and Tarkan are summoned to a massive training arena at the heart of the palace. Golden walls reflect the sunlight, creating a majestic glow. Elias stands on an elevated platform, while Kira sits on its edge, looking utterly uninterested.)
(The trainees gather as Elias speaks confidently.)
Elias:
Welcome to the main training grounds of the Empire of Light. Here, we focus on three essential skills: energy control, synchronization between mind and body, and the use of light as both defense and offense.
Diana (hand on her hip):
Mind and body synchronization? I hope that's not just philosophical talk.
Elias (smiling):
It may sound philosophical, but it is the foundation of our training.
(Elias turns directly to Agnes.)
Elias:
I've heard of your progress. Today, we'll see how you handle a new challenge.
(He gestures to a glowing circle on the ground.)
Elias:
This circle is an energy field that restricts part of your power. You must adapt and break through without excessive force.
(Agnes steps into the circle. An invisible pressure tightens around her, as if the air itself has grown dense.)
Diana (watching curiously):
She looks trapped in a spider's web.
Tarkan (quietly):
A clever test of adaptability.
(Agnes focuses her energy, but it falters, forcing her to her knees.)
Kira (mocking):
Is that all? I expected more from the "Saintess of Wind."
(Agnes stands, eyes firm.)
Agnes:
I won't give up.
(She focuses inward, imagining the wind adapting rather than resisting. A stronger glow forms—and she breaks through the barrier, astonishing everyone.)
Elias (clapping softly):
Well done. You understood the lesson quickly.
Diana:
You're improving faster than I expected.
Kira (muttering):
Just luck.
(Elias turns to Diana.)
Elias:
Your turn.
(Diana struggles at first but succeeds on her third attempt after Agnes advises her.)
Diana:
That's more like it!
(Laughter follows—Kira even smiles faintly.)
---
[Later – The Palace Garden]
(They rest beneath a massive tree. Kira watches Agnes from afar before finally approaching.)
Kira:
You're… not what I expected.
Agnes:
Is that good or bad?
Kira:
I don't know yet… but you seem sincere.
Agnes (joking):
Does that mean I've earned your approval?
Kira:
Maybe.
(Diana teases, Tarkan laughs, and the ice slowly melts between them.)
Kira (quietly):
You're strong, Agnes. Not just in power—but in will.
Agnes:
And you're strong too. You just hide it behind anger.
(Kira smirks.)
Kira:
Are you analyzing me now?
Agnes:
Maybe.
(Kira admits her insecurity about proving herself as the youngest, and Agnes responds gently.)
Agnes:
Sometimes feeling weak is what makes us stronger.
(Kira smiles sincerely.)
---
[Days Later – Valley of Eternal Light]
(Luminus leads intense training in a mist-covered valley filled with radiant energy.)
Luminus:
This place is called the Valley of Eternal Light. Any mistake here could cost your life.
(Shadow creatures attack. Agnes struggles to control her winds.)
Tarkan:
Focus, Agnes! You control the wind—not the other way around!
(She regains control and defeats one creature.)
(A massive, real monster appears.)
Kira:
This isn't one of Father's creations—it's real!
Luminus:
Work together!
(The team fights. Agnes is nearly struck, but Elias intervenes with a blade of light.)
Elias:
You must be faster next time.
Agnes:
Thank you…
(The creature is defeated.)
Luminus:
Darkness is spreading—even here.
Diana:
Could it be connected to Agnes?
Luminus:
Perhaps. That's why her training is more important than ever.
---
[Later That Night – The Garden]
(After dinner, Agnes sits beside a softly lit fountain with Elias.)
Elias:
You have great power, Agnes—but you fear it.
Agnes:
How could I not? It has caused so much trouble.
Elias (gently):
Power isn't evil—unless you let it control you. I saw your courage today. You can master it.
(Agnes feels warmth from his words, though many questions still linger in her mind.)