Divine Protocol: Rise Beyond Mortals

After Hiroshi and Sayuri left, King Haruto sank into a deep reverie, his voice a low murmur.

"Divine Fire… this power belongs only to them…"

His words trailed off as he shook his head slowly, a shadow of doubt crossing his face.

Meanwhile, Hiroshi and Sayuri made their way toward the Technique Shrine, located on the third floor of the Shivakura Empire palace. The grand staircase spiraled upward, its marble steps gleaming under torchlight, the air growing cooler as they ascended. The walls were adorned with ancient carvings, each telling a tale of past warriors, adding to the shrine's mystique.

Sayuri glanced at Hiroshi, pondering for a moment before speaking.

"Hiroshi! You haven't told me much about yourself… where are you from, and who is this Aoi?"

Hiroshi paused mid-step, turning to her with a look that suggested he thought her mad.

"It seems the princess has a weak memory! I told you in the forest just hours ago where I'm from. And you've forgotten already?"

Sayuri's face flushed red, caught off guard by his blunt retort. She'd only wanted to learn about Aoi without asking directly—fearing it might seem improper or make Hiroshi misjudge her intentions. His scolding, however, left her embarrassed, her cheeks burning under his gaze.

Noticing her discomfort, Hiroshi chuckled softly.

"Hey, I was just joking! Don't take it so seriously. Can't I tease a princess?"

Sayuri's tension eased, and a shy smile crept onto her lips.

"You've started joking now! Don't blame me later—I'm quite the prankster myself."

Hiroshi grinned, and the two continued chatting lightly as they climbed higher, their laughter echoing off the stone walls, blending with the faint hum of spiritual energy in the air. Suddenly, Hiroshi's gaze fixed on a stunning girl approaching them. She wore a white saree, her eyes accentuated with kohl, a bindi on her forehead, and a silver beaded waistband that highlighted her graceful figure, swaying gently with each step.

"Such a beautiful girl!" he murmured, unable to hold back his admiration, his voice tinged with awe.

Sayuri's expression soured instantly. Though she outshone the girl in beauty, her warrior attire and disheveled hair from the hunt diminished her appeal at that moment. He's never seen true beauty, has he? Wait a bit, and I'll show him who's stunning, she thought bitterly, her pride pricked.

Hiroshi's admiration wasn't lustful—he simply appreciated the girl's well-maintained appearance and the elegance of her saree, a stark contrast to the casual fashion of his Earth. True beauty shines in a saree, he mused, recalling the traditions he'd left behind.

The girl reached Sayuri and spoke warmly, her voice melodic.

"Sister! Where did you go? Grandfather was so worried!"

Hiroshi quickly pieced it together—she was Sayuri's sibling. Sayuri replied with a hint of exasperation,

"That's old news. I brought someone with me—that's the current story."

The girl's eyes lit up with excitement, her face glowing. Sayuri gestured toward Hiroshi.

"Meet him—his name is Hiroshi, and he's here to design your wedding outfit."

Shizuka's joy turned to concern in an instant, her brows furrowing. Sayuri introduced her.

"Hiroshi, this is my younger sister, Shizuka!"

Hiroshi smiled warmly at Shizuka.

"I'm Hiroshi. Nice to meet you, Shizuka."

Shizuka returned the smile, her voice soft.

"Nice to meet you too, Hiroshi, but…"

She glanced at Sayuri, who shook her head subtly, her eyes conveying a silent warning. Confused, Hiroshi asked bluntly,

"Is something wrong? Why the eye signals?"

Both sisters blushed, their gazes dropping to the floor. Shizuka gathered her courage, her voice trembling slightly.

"Didn't you find it odd? We're royalty, yet we have no tailor!"

Hiroshi frowned, his mind racing. For a royal wedding, the lack of a tailor seemed implausible, almost absurd. Shizuka continued, her tone heavy,

"We have a step-sister, Shiori. We always fought, and one day, I burned her wedding outfit on her big day. She swore no tailor would ever make mine, threatening to kill anyone who tries. That's why no one will help."

Hiroshi's jaw dropped, a dull headache brewing behind his eyes. He looked at Sayuri, incredulous. Did she lead me into a death trap? And what kind of feud involves burning wedding clothes? His mind reeled with disbelief and growing anxiety.

Sayuri hid her face behind her hands, wishing she could vanish into a corner, her heart sinking with shame. Shizuka, seeing their reactions, hesitated but explained,

"Don't misunderstand Sister. She loves me deeply, which is why she brought you without telling. If you want to leave, no one will stop you."

Her words carried reluctance—she couldn't risk his life, her voice laced with guilt. Sayuri added sadly,

"Yes, Hiroshi, you can go. It was my fault. I should've told you, but I was blinded by love for my sister. Forgive me."

Her eyes dropped, heavy with guilt, tears glistening at the edges. Hiroshi understood Sayuri's affection mirrored his own for his sisters back home. Sighing deeply, he said,

"No worries. What's done is done—we can't change it."

He paused, recalling the king's gifts—the Power Supplement Pill and technique permission. Leaving now would jeopardize his dream of reaching Nalanda University. Resolving, he added with a determined smile,

"I'll make your wedding outfit, Shizuka! How can such a beautiful bride sit in the mandap without one?"

The sisters beamed, Shizuka blushing slightly, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Hiroshi! No one's done this for me. If you ever need help, just ask."

Sayuri nodded eagerly.

"Absolutely! Need anything, come to me without hesitation."

Hiroshi felt their joy lift his spirits, but inwardly, panic set in. Where will I get the outfit? I can't even hold a needle! Ryūjin, you've landed me in deep trouble. When they learn I'm no tailor, their hearts will break.

Ryūjin chimed in with a playful tone,

"Stop overthinking, hero! A solution will come. Don't fry your brain with worry now."

Disheartened but resolute, Hiroshi vowed to find a way, his mind racing for a plan. Sayuri noticed his distraction and called out gently,

"Let's go, Hiroshi!"

"Oh, yes, let's!" he stammered, earning a warm smile from her. As they moved, Shizuka insisted on joining, her voice insistent yet sweet, and Sayuri agreed. The trio headed to the Technique Shrine, their footsteps echoing in unison.

Soon, they reached the hall's entrance, where bold letters carved into the stone read, "Royal Palace Technique Treasury." Inside, Hiroshi found a library-like space, with rows of racks holding countless books, their leather bindings aged yet pristine, exuding a faint aura of ancient power. It reminded him of Earth's libraries, a pang of nostalgia hitting him.

Sayuri explained with enthusiasm,

"Hiroshi, these books hold various techniques. Pick what suits you—we'll help."

Hiroshi nodded and approached the racks, his fingers brushing the spines as he flipped through books. The first, Three Shadows Attack, he set aside with a shrug. Next, Vajra Claw, also dismissed. Then, Thundering Stars, which made him grimace at its complexity. He spent hours browsing, the weight of time pressing on him, finding nothing ideal, until his eyes landed on an ancient book emitting a cool, refreshing breeze, its cover worn but pulsating with energy.

As he moved toward it, Sayuri stepped forward, holding a book with a proud smile, her eyes gleaming with confidence.

"Here, this is one of the best techniques—Seven Hands Attack. It lets you strike seven ways, confusing your opponent for a decisive win. What do you think of my choice?"

Hiroshi considered it, his mind analyzing the moves, but found it impractical. He needed a technique minimizing physical effort, as he lacked combat skills and didn't want to waste time training when his focus was on Aoi and the wedding outfit.

"I appreciate it, but it's not for me," he said politely, brushing past her toward the ancient book, its mysterious aura drawing him closer.

Will Hiroshi find his desired technique? How will he create Shizuka's wedding outfit? Who is Shiori, and will she pose a threat to Hiroshi?

To find out, keep reading…