Morning arrived quietly over the royal castle.
Outside—
Snow covered the land like a soft white blanket. A cold wind drifted through the trees, carrying the stillness of winter across the palace grounds.
Inside the chamber—
Joon-Woo slowly opened his eyes.
Prince Leon was already gone.
"…Left early again."
He sat up and shifted into his human form without much thought.
A short while later, a maid entered with breakfast.
"Your meal, sir."
Joon-Woo nodded and ate silently, his mind elsewhere.
The mission.
The danger.
Something was coming—
And he could feel it.
After finishing, he stepped out and wandered through the castle, lost in thought.
Before long—
He reached the royal garden.
The garden was quiet, covered in untouched snow.
At a small table—
Princess Lyra sat with a warm cup of tea in her hands.
When she saw him, she smiled softly.
"Lucius."
Joon-Woo walked toward her.
"…Princess."
"Come, sit."
He sat across from her.
For a moment, they drank in silence, their breath visible in the cold air.
Then Lyra spoke gently,
"…Thank you."
Joon-Woo blinked.
"For what?"
She looked up at him, her eyes sincere.
"For saving me."
Her fingers tightened slightly around the cup.
"If you hadn't been there…"
She didn't finish.
Joon-Woo's expression softened.
"…You're safe now. That's enough."
Lyra shook her head.
"No… it's not something I can forget."
She hesitated, then leaned forward slightly.
"If I hadn't seen it myself…"
"I would never believe it."
Joon-Woo's gaze sharpened.
"Believe what?"
"That someone can change…"
"…from human into a fox."
Silence.
Snow drifted softly around them.
"So tell me, Lucius," she continued quietly,
"What are you really?"
"And why are you staying with my brother?"
Joon-Woo exhaled slowly.
"…I'm a messenger of God."
Lyra's eyes widened.
"I was sent here for a mission."
"To protect this world."
A pause.
"And meeting your brother…"
"…was fate."
The wind passed between them.
Joon-Woo leaned slightly closer.
"What I'm telling you—don't tell anyone."
Lyra nodded immediately.
"I won't."
"If the temple finds out," he continued,
"They'll try to control me… or use me."
Her expression turned serious.
"I understand. I promise."
"…Good."
"Lucius."
A voice cut through the air.
Both turned.
Leon stood there, snow falling lightly behind him.
His gaze—
Sharp.
Focused.
On Joon-Woo.
"Come."
Joon-Woo stood.
"…Now?"
"Yes."
"I'll see you later," Joon-Woo said.
"…Be careful," Lyra replied softly.
Leon turned.
Joon-Woo followed.
Soon—
They reached the training grounds.
Snow crunched beneath their feet.
The air was cold.
Heavy.
Filled with tension.
Leon stepped forward and picked up a wooden sword.
Without a word, he tossed another toward Joon-Woo.
"Use this."
Joon-Woo caught it.
"…Wooden swords?"
"For now," Leon replied.
"No killing intent. Just skill."
Then—
Leon's eyes locked onto his.
"If you lose—"
"You will grant me one wish."
A pause.
"And if you lose?" Joon-Woo asked.
"I will grant yours."
Silence.
The weight of those words settled between them.
Joon-Woo smirked slightly.
"…Fine."
"I accept."
They took their stances.
The world seemed to go still.
Then—
Leon moved.
Fast.
Clack!
Wood struck wood.
Joon-Woo barely blocked in time, sliding half a step back.
Leon pressed forward instantly.
Slash!
Clack!
Another strike—
Joon-Woo deflected it.
Clack! Clack!
Their wooden swords clashed repeatedly.
Sharp.
Precise.
Relentless.
Leon's attacks were direct.
Each strike carried intent.
Joon-Woo moved lightly—
Step.
Turn.
Block.
He countered—
Swing!
Leon dodged effortlessly.
He's reading me…
Leon advanced again—
Faster.
Clack! Clack! Clack!
Three rapid strikes—
Joon-Woo blocked two—
Thud!
The third hit his shoulder.
"…Point to you."
"Focus," Leon said calmly.
"…Alright."
This time—
Joon-Woo moved first.
Dash!
He closed the distance instantly.
Swing!
Leon blocked—
But Joon-Woo twisted his wrist mid-strike.
Clack!
Their blades locked.
Close.
Eyes met.
Tension rose—
Then both pushed back.
Sliding across the snow.
Breath visible.
Silent.
Focused.
After several exchanges—
Leon stepped back.
"…Enough."
"Tired already?" Joon-Woo teased.
"Now," Leon said,
"Use your element."
"Only one element."
"No switching."
"…Interesting."
Blue mana gathered.
Water formed—
A blade.
Leon's sword glowed faintly with golden mana.
"Start."
Boom!
Joon-Woo attacked first.
Fast.
Clang!
Mana collided.
Heavy.
Joon-Woo pressed forward—
Flowing.
Continuous.
Like a river.
Leon stepped back—
Then surged forward.
Clang!
He broke the rhythm.
Joon-Woo's eyes widened.
Leon didn't stop.
Sharper.
Faster.
More precise.
Joon-Woo blocked—
But his foot slipped—
Just slightly.
That was enough.
Leon stepped in.
Clang!
Twist—
Redirect—
Thud!
The wooden sword stopped at Joon-Woo's chest.
Silence.
The fight ended.
Joon-Woo exhaled slowly.
"…I lost."
Leon lowered his sword.
"You rely too much on adaptability."
"That's not a bad thing."
"Not against someone who can read it."
Cold wind passed.
Leon turned.
"I'll take my wish later."
Joon-Woo narrowed his eyes.
"…That sounds dangerous."
Leon walked away.
Snow falling quietly around him.
Joon-Woo stood still—
Thinking only one thing—
This wasn't just a fight.
And whatever that wish would be—
It would change everything.