LUNA: Alpha’s Soulmate from Another World

A Few Hours Earlier

The sound of swords clashing and swinging, accompanied by the shouts of knights training, filled the sword training field. The gunshots from the shooting area not far from the training ground added to the bustling atmosphere of the Vasilos Imperial Knights’ main training hall.

None of them sat idly chatting; all the knights trained with full strength and seriousness, especially with their Emperor on the podium overseeing the training alongside Beta Savon, the aide, general, and commander. Alkrevas observed every movement and posture of the knights, looking for even the slightest mistake they made.

“Where is the entire archer unit?” Alkrevas asked without diverting his gaze from the knights securing the empire’s entire realm. Nonetheless, his aides understood his question was directed towards Beta.

Beta Savon crossed his arms behind his back, looked towards the forest, then back at the Emperor’s back, bowed, and replied, “The archery unit is training in the forest by hunting wind deer, Alpha.”

Of course, there was no response from Alkrevas. He remained silent after hearing Beta’s answer. “Does Alpha want to see the training?”

“No. No need.” Then Alkrevas turned to face Zyne while removing his coat and gloves, remembering to remove the cravat and all accessories attached to his body. Finally, he took off his shirt, revealing his muscular upper body with perfect muscles displayed.

“I’ll stretch my muscles a bit.”

“Your Majesty, if that’s the case, I can prepare the Emperor’s training hall. You don’t need to-” Sigmund did not finish his sentence when he saw the Emperor’s palm directed at him, signaling him to stop talking. After that, Sigmund chose to bow obediently and step back.

Alkrevas watched the knights still training earnestly before looking at one of his strongest generals, Almbra. He smiled slightly before stepping towards the general, patting the tall, large, muscular man decorated with scars on the shoulder, and asking, “Shall we duel, Almbra?”

The man did not answer momentarily, but then he nodded and said, “With pleasure, Your Majesty.” Then, the two men started to prepare and descended from the podium to the middle of the field. This time, the knights had stopped training and moved away from the training area.

They watched their general and the Emperor facing each other for a duel with eager eyes because, for them, seeing their Emperor, famous for his prowess in martial arts and weaponry, display his skills in front of them was a rare sight and could serve as motivation to improve their techniques and skills continually.

Alkrevas smiled and rotated his shoulders, clicking his tongue softly as he felt a slight ache from sitting too long at his desk managing paperwork. Of course, he regularly trained and ran for stamina and body health, honing all the sword and weapon skills he had learned for decades. But after the arrival of his soulmate, he had neglected that due to focusing on the woman he had to supervise twenty-four hours a day.

He stared into the distance for a moment. The bracelet he had placed on Luna’s ankle functioned as a tracking device and a tool to block her thoughts from him because Luna had not yet learned how to build a mental wall between their minds. Alkrevas did not want to set up the mental barrier spell to read Luna’s thoughts continuously and know what she thought about him, but he allowed a bit of leniency. He wanted to give Luna privacy since she needed to adjust to his presence.

Moreover, he could deactivate the mental barrier if he wished. With just a single command from within his mind, the spell would disappear, and if he wanted to reactivate it, he could do the same. After all, he needed to concentrate on carrying out state duties. If he focused on Luna’s thoughts, all his work would never be finished, and he would be labeled a lazy Emperor.

Thinking about that, he chuckled softly. Alkrevas checked the bracelet signal and found his woman in the sunroom. He guessed she was relaxing, sipping tea, and talking to the servant he had assigned to accompany his soulmate. Alkrevas blinked to focus and stood casually, noticing his general was already positioned to attack. Alkrevas weighed the wooden sword and commented, “I prefer using real swords, but since we’re training, I have to accept this.”

“Your Majesty knows it’s a training procedure, right?”

“Of course,” Alkrevas observed the military uniform worn by Almbra. “You know our fight is unfair from the start, right?”

“But that doesn’t mean I will give up, Your Majesty.” Alkrevas smiled, satisfied with Almbra’s confident response. The man’s ambition to become the strongest knight was extraordinary, making it worthwhile for Alkrevas to appoint him as one of his generals. Besides his strength and technique, the man had a sharp mind and was an expert strategist.

“Good. I like your answer.” Alkrevas looked at his bare upper body and wiped away the bangs that had fallen from his hair due to sweat. The sun was shining brightly, signaling that summer had arrived.

“I will restrain my strength. I will grant you any wish if you can wound me even slightly.” Alkrevas’ statement could be seen as a trap by some because wounding an Emperor is a severe crime punishable by death, akin to rebellion.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

However, they were neither Emperors nor generals; they were two knights eager to showcase their swordsmanship. “I promise to hold back Norris.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Instantly, Almbra ran with incredible speed. As the general and commander of the Royal Pack forces, who were trackers, Almbra, despite his large frame, could move like the wind without making a sound. Even his footsteps were inaudible.

The swing of the sword he held also made no sound. The man moved like a ballerina. While trackers usually had small and slim bodies, Almbra was an exception. Nevertheless, Almbra couldn’t be underestimated; he captured many fugitives and criminals targeted by the empire.

Alkrevas smiled, seeing his former student fight him with such enthusiasm. He moved left and right, dodging Almbra’s attacks leisurely. One hand was behind his back, while the hand holding the wooden sword remained still.

Alkrevas’ face was cold and dismissive. He seemed lazy and uninterested, but Alkrevas felt the opposite despite that. His dark brown eyes sparkled brightly, and the corners of his lips curled into a small smile.

“Come on, Almbra. I didn’t become your teacher to see you slack off.” Alkrevas murmured. He clicked his tongue as his feet moved swiftly like a dancer to avoid Almbra’s attacks.

Alkrevas jumped and spun in the air before landing on the other side of the arena, a few meters behind Almbra. His hand holding the wooden sword moved, slashing the air aimlessly. “If it’s like this, I’m more interested in fighting Savon.”

“I’m better than Beta Savon,” said Almbra, facing the Emperor. His grip on the sword hilt tightened, and his jaw clenched.

“Oh?” Alkrevas murmured, glancing briefly through the corner of his eye at Beta, who smiled at Almbra’s words.

“Show me, then.” Alkrevas spread his legs to brace himself as he saw Almbra running. He held the sword, ready to counter Almbra’s attack. When Almbra’s wooden sword swung at him, Alkrevas squinted and immediately parried.

Alkrevas fought back against Almbra’s various attacks with calculated precision. “I always tell you not to focus on one point, Almbra.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Then Almbra stepped back to catch his breath, strategize, and assess his weaknesses. After that, he attacked again, and unlike before, Almbra heeded the Emperor’s advice and no longer focused on one vital point. He then attacked Alkrevas again, swinging his sword expertly. However, since his opponent was the Emperor himself, who had been his sword master in the past, every attack he launched was easily countered and parried.

Sweat began to pour, and breaths became heavy. Their hearts raced quickly, and if not for their stamina as werewolves, they would have already been exhausted. Almbra quickened his movements, trying to attack the stomach, neck, and legs. However, what he didn’t expect was that his previously relaxed opponent was now becoming serious.

Alkrevas fought back. His wooden sword swung skillfully as if the sword were a part of him. Alkrevas spun while swinging his sword, but Almbra managed to dodge and counterattack. Yet, Alkrevas did not stop there. He used his foot to kick Almbra, sending him flying quite a distance.

As Almbra was stunned by the attack, Alkrevas came in and swung his sword, which Almbra miraculously blocked at the last second.

“Very good, Almbra, but unfortunately, I have to end our duel,” Alkrevas said, pulling back his sword and surprising Almbra. Alkrevas took advantage of the moment to punch Almbra in the stomach and face, then threw him to the ground. The sword in Almbra’s hand was released and thrown away, leaving him lying helplessly as the Emperor pointed the wooden sword at his neck.

“I win.”

Alkrevas stepped back and extended his hand to Almbra, helping his General up. He then patted Almbra’s shoulder and praised his prowess before leaving the arena. Zyne was waiting at the arena’s edge with a towel in hand. Alkrevas handed the wooden sword to one of the knights and took the towel, wiping away the sweat from the recent fight.

Savon, Sigmund, and his other aides approached. “Where is Mathias?” Alkrevas asked after he had cleaned himself of sweat.

Sigmund calmly replied, “Gamma is investigating the dam in the western region.” Alkrevas nodded. He dismissed his aides, generals, and commanders as he walked toward the palace. Now clothed in a shirt, his body felt lighter after some exercise.

“What’s my schedule after this?”

“Lunch with Marquis Bloyd to discuss the mineral mines in the Sigrard region.”

Alkrevas nodded. He stopped walking and looked at Beta with a severe gaze. “Discuss rotating the border guards with Mathias. We need to tighten the border wall, as the Goblins seem to be looking for a gap to enter. Make the schedule random and different from one time to another.”

“Anything else, Alpha?”

“Coordinate with Mathias to change the guards at the posts. Ensure the point is always heard during shift changes. I will inspect the protective shield after the Moonflower Festival. Prepare for my departure as well.”

“Yes, Alpha.” Alkrevas nodded and permitted Savon to carry out his tasks. After Beta left Alkrevas with Sigmund, Zyne, several imperial palace soldiers, and male servants, Alkrevas looked towards the Empress’s palace, visible from where he stood-the palace, more beautiful and striking in structure than other palace buildings.

“Zyne, has the greenhouse been updated?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The staff is currently finishing the construction. It will be completed tomorrow.”

“And the arrangements for my Empress?”

“Everything is neatly stored in the room beside your chamber.” Alkrevas rolled up his sleeves to his elbows. He smiled, imagining Luna’s reaction tomorrow when he took her for afternoon tea in the greenhouse or perhaps lunch.

“Sigmund, move the cabinet meeting to the day after tomorrow. I want to clear my schedule for tomorrow.”

“But the Ministers will…”

“Give them any reason, and during the cabinet meeting later, besides discussing the tax system, I also want to discuss the wedding ceremony and the coronation of the Empress.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You may go.” Alkrevas then walked into the main palace. He followed the signal from the bracelet he had placed on his soulmate. He smiled, realizing the signal was now in the imperial palace library, reserved for the imperial family and palace staff. The library was closed to the public and housed history, comprehensive books, and various information, scripts, and records of Vasilos from the past.

Upon reaching the library entrance, Alkrevas stepped inside, signaling the soldiers and servants to wait outside. His dark brown eyes saw Luna’s servant standing near the reception desk with library staff, and upon noticing his presence, everyone immediately bowed in respect.

“Luna is in the Rhodes storage room, Your Majesty,” one library staff informed him. Alkrevas nodded, signaling them all to leave, and as the door closed tightly, Alkrevas locked the large library door. He didn’t want his alone time with his soulmate to be disturbed.

…