Axel followed Dragora through the long corridor, their footsteps echoing in the still air. The silence between them felt heavy, like the space before a storm. Neither spoke. The hum of the academy seemed distant, muffled behind walls thick with tension.

  After a long stretch of silence, Dragora finally broke it. “Quite the performance you put out there.”

  Axel didn’t answer. His eyes stayed fixed on the path ahead.

  “You can talk to me,” Dragora said, his voice calm and steady. “I’ve never done you any harm.”

  The comment cut deeper than Axel expected. He stopped for half a second before replying, his voice low. “It doesn’t matter who did. You and Giola work together, meaning you’re the same.”

  Dragora’s gaze didn’t waver. “Is that what you truly believe? Don’t you think it’s harsh to judge me by the actions of my partner?”

  Axel’s jaw tightened. He didn’t answer right away. Something in Dragora’s tone, less defensive and more weary, made him hesitate. Axel finally muttered, “Can we skip to what you wanted to talk about?”

  Dragora opened a door leading to the principal’s office. “Let’s talk here, away from others.”

  Axel stepped inside and closed the door behind him. The air in the room felt heavier than before, the scent of paper and polish mixing with faint traces of metal from Dragora’s armor.

  “So?” Axel said.

  Dragora turned to face him. “Your performance surprised me. I knew you were destined for greatness, considering who your father was.”

  “Is this all?” Axel asked flatly.

  “That is not all,” Dragora replied. “I’ve been assigned a mission to track and report any progress you make, meaning”

  “Giola will hear about it,” Axel finished for him.

  “Correct.” Dragora’s tone stayed even. “I’m sure Prius has already informed you of what is to come.”

  “He has,” Axel said. “Are you here to repeat what I already know?”

  Dragora didn’t respond in words. Instead, he released his power. The air rippled. Heat radiated outward, filling the room until it felt suffocating. The floor groaned, the walls trembled, and faint cracks spread through the marble tiles.

  Axel’s pulse spiked, but he stood firm. His own energy surged in response, a golden flare bursting around him. The two forces collided, clashing in invisible waves that sent a low rumble through the academy.

  Elsewhere in the building, Lucio steadied himself against a wall as the floor shuddered beneath him. “What the hell is happening? Tell me he isn’t about to fight Dragora!”

  Felix’s voice echoed from across the hall. “What? We need to help him!”

  Lea’s voice cut through the noise. “Stay put. I trust he knows what he’s doing.”

  Miria nodded, calm despite the tremors. “I agree with Lea. Trust him.”

  Lucio and Felix exchanged tense looks but obeyed.

  Back in the office, Axel met Dragora’s gaze without flinching. “I’m weaker,” he said, his voice steady, “but if you think for a second I’ll shake in front of your power, think again.”

  Dragora’s expression didn’t change, but his thoughts stirred. He isn’t backing down. Not even slightly.

  Axel’s eyes burned with defiance. “Remember this, Dragora. I have far too much to lose.”

  The words lingered between them until Dragora finally eased his power. “Relax. Think of this as a show of strength. This is the gap between me and you.”

  He took a slow step forward. “If we were to fight right now, you’d be walking toward an unnecessary death.”

  “All of this just to show off?” Axel shot back.

  “I’m setting a goal for you to reach.”

  Axel scoffed. “I’m supposed to believe you did this out of the goodness of your heart?”

  “You’ve piqued my curiosity.”

  Axel’s tone sharpened. “I thought you were supposed to have no feelings.”

  “Don’t judge someone by a past you don’t even know.”

  Dragora’s voice shifted, quieter now, edged with something like regret. “I never asked for any of this. But like you, we play the cards we’re dealt.”

  Axel’s stance loosened, the anger draining from his voice. “Can I go?”

  “Yes.”

  Axel turned to leave, but Dragora’s voice stopped him again. “You and Giola aren’t as different as you may think,” he said. “You’ll realize it eventually.”

  Axel didn’t reply. He opened the door and stepped out, closing it softly behind him.

  Dragora stood alone in silence, the last echo of their clash fading through the cracked tiles. The faint hum of his own energy still lingered in the air, refusing to die out.

  Axel walked down the empty corridor, his footsteps slow and uncertain. His thoughts wouldn’t quiet. “I’m similar to Giola,” he muttered under his breath. “I would never be as heartless as him. Right?”

  The question stayed with him as he left the building.

  When he entered the gym, every head turned. The students froze as if they’d seen a ghost.

  Mr. Spear rushed over. “Axel, are you alright?”

  Axel blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. “Yeah. I’m okay. We just talked.”

  Lea folded her arms. “Yeah, right. Was this before or after you two tried destroying the planet?”

  Axel laughed quietly. “We were just playing around.”

  Mr. Spear exhaled in relief. “No matter. I’m glad you’re safe.”

  Lea smirked. “Yeah, you buffoon.” She gave him a playful punch on the arm.

  Axel smiled faintly. “Sorry, Mr. Spear. I’ll be stepping out for a bit.”

  He turned toward the exit. Sunlight poured in through the glass doors, catching the dust in the air as he walked out.

  “I need to find Prius,” he thought. The words carried the weight of something heavier than urgency.

  The laughter from the gym faded behind him, replaced by the steady hum of the city. Dragora’s warning still pulsed at the back of his mind, echoing with every step.

  He followed the main road out of Viloan. The late afternoon light painted everything in gold. Just as he reached the ridge overlooking the fields, a familiar voice called out.

  “Wait up, would you?”

  He turned. “Lea? Shouldn’t you be at the academy? Can’t ruin your perfect attendance.”

  Lea grinned. “Got permission to join you. Don’t worry.”

  “Permission?” Axel asked, raising a brow.

  Lucio’s voice came next, grumbling. “She also dragged us along.”

  Felix laughed. “Oh, come on. Like you needed convincing.”

  Lucio looked away. “I’m only tagging along because I’ve got nothing better to do.”

  Miria smiled softly. “You always put on this tough act, yet you’re always with us.”

  Axel laughed under his breath. “Thanks, guys, but I’m just going to meet with my teacher. I don’t think he’d want com…”

  Felix interrupted, eyes lighting up. “Oh snap, we’re definitely coming now.”

  Before Axel could respond, Felix darted ahead down the road.

  Axel sighed, laughing as he followed. “You don’t even know where to go! Wait up!”

  The rest of the group joined in, their earlier tension dissolving into laughter as they walked into the fading light.

  They finally reached the top of the hill where Prius was. The air was still, warm with the fading glow of the afternoon sun. Axel spotted the familiar silhouette lounging in a tree, one leg dangling lazily over a branch.

  “Hey, old man,” Axel called out. “I’m here.”

  Prius dropped down from the tree with surprising grace for his age, landing in a crouch before standing upright.

  Axel raised an eyebrow. “Do I want to ask what you were doing up in a tree?”

  Prius brushed the dust off his coat. “Easier to be on the lookout. Remember, unlike you, I’m still on the run from Ordine. Never know when a bounty hunter might show up.”

  Axel folded his arms. “How bad could they be?”

  Prius gave him a sharp look. “It’s a big world out there, kid. Don’t make the mistake of assuming Giola’s the strongest.”

  There was a small pause, a faint breeze passing between them, carrying the sound of birds somewhere in the distance.

  “I see,” Axel said. “Well… I brought company.”

  Prius tilted his head, confused, until he noticed movement behind Axel. Lucio, Lea, Felix, and Miria stepped into view.

  Prius’s expression dropped. “You did what? Oh, hell no. You drive me up a wall alone, send them away.”

  Axel smirked. “I was actually thinking… what if they all join me in training with you?”

  Prius blinked. Then again. His voice cracked with disbelief. “You what? No, no, absolutely not. There’s no way.”

  He ran a hand down his face, muttering something inaudible before snapping back up. “You didn’t even bother to ask me?!”

  Axel shrugged. “Thought on the fly. Plus, it’s your fault.”

  Prius froze mid-gesture. “In what world is this nightmare my fault?”

  Axel crossed his arms, almost smug. “You always said I needed to think on my feet more. Well… this is what I came up with.”

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  For a long second, Prius just stared at him. The realization hit, and the faintest twitch crossed his eye as he muttered, “Damn kid might have a point.”

  Then Lucio stepped forward with his trademark deadpan tone. “Heard you’re supposed to be strong. You barely look like you can stand.”

  Prius turned slowly, glaring. “What did you just say?”

  Felix grinned. “Yeah, he’s right. You look one shockwave away from turning into dust.”

  Miria, ever polite, added softly, “I’m sorry… you just look in such a sad state, I can’t help but worry for you.”

  Prius’s entire face contorted somewhere between rage and disbelief as the three stood there, clearly enjoying themselves. Axel and Lea burst into laughter, struggling to keep straight faces.

  Prius threw his hands up. “We haven’t even started, and I already feel like throwing all of you off this cliff!”

  Axel caught his breath between laughs. “Come on, old man. Give them a chance.”

  Prius glared at him for a moment, then sighed like the weight of the world had just been dropped on his shoulders. “Alright,” he muttered. “All of you, line up before I change my mind.”

  The group scrambled to obey, half-grinning, half-terrified. The sun sank behind them, painting the hilltop in gold and crimson as Prius rubbed his temples and muttered under his breath. “This is going to be a long damn day.”

  He squinted at the group, studying their stances, their faces, their energy. Then something clicked. He sighed deeply, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

  “Axel,” he said, motioning with a hand, “step away. You’re sitting this exercise out.”

  Axel blinked. “What, special privileges already?”

  Prius didn’t even look at him. “No. Just, if you participate, I’ll be at a disadvantage.”

  Axel frowned, confused but compliant. He took a step back and folded his arms. Lea instinctively followed, stepping out of line beside him.

  Prius caught it instantly. “I’m sorry, miss,” he said sharply. “Are you his shadow?”

  Lea blinked. “No. Why would you ask that?”

  “Then why the hell did you step out?” Prius barked. “Get your ass back in line.”

  Lea jumped, rushing back into formation.

  Axel burst out laughing. “Oh man,” he said between chuckles, “I’m going to enjoy this, aren’t I?”

  Prius ignored him, exhaling like he was already out of patience. “Alright,” he said, turning back to the line. “For your first exercise, come at me. Try to hit me.”

  The group looked at each other, confused.

  Lucio raised an eyebrow. “I’d love to,” he said dryly, “but I don’t want to be charged with murder.”

  Prius didn’t respond. “Instead of being concerned with me,” he said, “you should be looking to your left.”

  Lucio frowned. “My left?”

  The moment he turned, Prius’s fist sank into his gut. The impact exploded with a dull thud, launching Lucio backward. He hit the ground, gasping.

  Lucio winced, clutching his stomach. “That was a cheap shot!”

  Prius’s tone hardened. “You always think you know better. In what world would taking your eyes off your only opponent be smart?”

  Lucio’s frustration flared. Blue lines of energy sparked around him as he summoned his control field, his precision zone flickering like glass. He lunged at Prius, striking with calculated precision, but each blow passed through empty air.

  Lucio growled. “Would you stay still?!”

  Prius tilted his head slightly, unamused. “Is that what you’ll tell the enemy too?”

  Lucio kept attacking, his breathing growing heavier, movements sharper, but Prius remained untouchable. After a few seconds, the old man sighed.

  “Alright,” Prius said, “I’ve seen enough. Your turn’s up.”

  Lucio glared. “Yeah, right. I’m not done”

  He didn’t finish. Prius vanished from in front of him and reappeared behind.

  “And I said,” Prius muttered, voice low, “you’re done.”

  He grabbed Lucio by the collar and slammed him into the dirt. The ground cracked beneath the impact, a faint cloud of dust rising around them. Lucio went limp, unconscious.

  Silence followed. The others stood frozen, half shocked, half impressed.

  Prius dusted off his hands and turned back toward the group. “One down,” he said calmly. “Four to go.”

  Axel couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. “Lucio can’t catch a break today. Twice now, he’s the first one out.”

  Felix stepped forward, cracking his knuckles with a grin. “Alright, ladies. Let me show you how it’s done.”

  He barely finished his sentence before Prius’s voice came from directly behind him.

  “How is it done?” Prius asked dryly. “I’m curious. Enlighten me, would you?”

  Felix flinched, spinning around. “Like this.”

  The ground beneath them suddenly lit up with faint red symbols. A series of traps detonated in quick succession, sharp bursts of smoke and flame erupting all around Prius. The shockwave rippled across the clearing, kicking up dust and scattering pebbles.

  When the smoke began to clear, Felix stood proudly, arms crossed. “See? Just gotta use your brain. Booby traps always work.” He peered through the haze, squinting. “Now… I hope I didn’t blow him into pieces. Where is he?”

  A voice echoed overhead.

  “I agree,” Prius said, descending from above, “one should use their brain. Too bad you can’t see past the obvious.”

  Felix glanced up. “Aww, man.”

  Prius dropped from the air like a shadow. Before Felix could react, Prius’s heel connected with the side of his head. A single strike sent Felix collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

  The group stared in stunned silence.

  Axel exhaled, half in awe, half disbelief. “I’m aware there was a gap between them and Prius,” he said quietly, “but this is nuts.”

  Prius looked over the group, his expression shifting from frustration to mild curiosity. “Who’s next?” he asked, scanning their faces.

  Lea straightened her back but avoided eye contact. “We really don’t want to fight, sir. Nothing to assess here.”

  Prius raised an eyebrow. “I instead believe there is, so show me. I’ll tone it down for you.”

  “I refuse your offer,” Lea said flatly.

  Prius blinked, then glanced toward Axel, visibly annoyed. “Is she always like this?”

  Axel chuckled. “You have no idea.”

  Prius sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Then what do I do? I can’t just knock her out for the sake of it.”

  Lea made a face. “You better not. I’m not fighting you.”

  Axel grinned suddenly. “Oh, I have an idea, but you’re paying for it, Prius.”

  Prius looked wary. “Sure, whatever it takes to make her fight.”

  Axel turned toward Lea and shouted, “If you fight him, I’m taking you out on a date!”

  Lea froze. Her ears almost twitched as she turned sharply, her entire demeanor shifting. “I mean… say I was interested in that, not that I am, would you hold that promise?”

  Axel nodded without hesitation. “I promise.”

  Lea’s hesitation melted into confidence. “Alright, old man. You’re on.”

  Prius blinked twice, genuinely stunned. “You’re kidding me… that worked?” He sighed, muttering before dropping into a fighting stance.

  Lea mirrored him, posture sharp and focused. She left no openings, her stance perfectly balanced, every movement clean and deliberate. Prius immediately noticed.

  “You’re good,” he said, smirking slightly. “You’ve got a better stance than knuckle boy over there.” He tilted his head toward Axel.

  “Hey!” Axel shot back.

  Prius ignored him, eyes still locked on Lea. “Come on then, hit me with your best.”

  Lea clenched her fists, energy beginning to surge around her. “You asked for it, old man!”

  She extended her hand, and multiple glowing energy birds materialized in the air, spreading their wings before launching toward Prius.

  For a brief second, even Prius looked impressed, then he realized too late how fast they were moving. The birds struck him square on, flashes of light rippling across the hilltop. When the glow faded,…the birds struck him square on, flashes of light rippling across the hilltop. When the glow faded, he was still standing, smoke curling from his coat, barely a scratch visible.

  He dusted off his sleeve. “Seriously? That’s it?”

  Lea pouted. “Cut me some slack! This is the first time I’ve ever fought anyone!”

  Prius blinked. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Nope,” she said proudly. “Why would I stoop so low as to fight when I’ve got pretty boy over there?” She pointed toward Axel, who was trying, and failing, not to laugh.

  Prius turned to him. “This is worse than I thought. You spoiled her too much.”

  Axel shrugged with a smirk. “Well, not like you’re any better with the ladies. If only I had a mentor for that.”

  Prius sighed. “Alright, you’re done too.”

  Lea backed away quickly. “Wait, wait, no need to knock me out, I’m fine!”

  Prius vanished from sight, reappearing in front of her in an instant. “This is part of the training.”

  He reached out and tapped her gently on the forehead. Her eyes went wide for a split second before she collapsed backward, unconscious but unharmed.

  Prius exhaled, shaking his head. “That’s three down,” he muttered, glancing toward Axel.

  Axel scratched the back of his neck, half amused, half uneasy. “You’re not holding back today, huh?”

  Prius didn’t answer. His gaze had already shifted toward the last student in line.

  Miria’s voice was steady but firm. “You can’t force me into a fight. I don’t like violence.”

  Prius cocked an eyebrow. “Are you not in a combat academy?”

  “Yes,” Miria said softly, “but my dream is to become the best healer.”

  Prius’s expression hardened. “Let me ask you this, what happens if someone targets you? You must know how important healers are in battle. They can very well turn a war around.”

  Miria hesitated. “I never thought I’d need to fight.”

  “Then you are very naive,” Prius snapped. He glanced at Axel. “How do I get this one on the offensive?”

  Axel looked at Miria for a beat, then without a word he stormed off.

  “Where are you going?” Prius called after him.

  “I’ll be right back.” Axel’s voice faded down the path, leaving both Prius and Miria puzzled.

  A few minutes later Axel returned, cradling a small bunny in his hands.

  Prius stared. “Why are you holding a bunny?”

  Axel met his gaze. “You won’t like this one bit, but hurt him.”

  Prius recoiled. “You must be joking. I won’t.”

  “She values all life, especially animals. This will definitely be her trigger.” Axel’s tone was flat.

  Miria’s face fell. “Axel, I can’t believe you would do this.”

  Prius glanced at her and, for the first time since the exercises began, noticed something hidden, a sudden, sharp spike of rage-energy coiling beneath her calm. His lips thinned.

  “Damn you, Axel,” he muttered under his breath. “Okay. Here goes nothing.”

  Prius reached out as if to tap the bunny, but the moment his hand touched the small creature he felt something wrong. The bunny collapsed, feigning injury.

  Miria’s composure shattered. Energy rose from her like steam from boiling water, but it remained compact. Prius’s brow beaded with sweat.

  “I thought we were friends,” Miria said, her voice trembling but hard. “But hurting a poor, innocent animal, you shall experience the same fear and suffering you put that poor thing through.”

  Prius dropped into a defensive stance, every old instinct flaring. “Miria”

  She cut him off. “That stance is useless. Countdown.” The words were a whisper and a command.

  Energy flew at Prius. He wrapped himself in a shield, but Miria’s power did not fade. “I said, no matter what you do, it’s useless.”

  For a moment, the air itself seemed to age. Prius’s skin paled, his shoulders stooped minutely with each breath. He staggered backward. “What is this power? I can’t stop it.” His voice grew thin as ancient years pressed on him.

  He moved toward Miria, desperation pushing him forward even as he grew weaker. “Axel, intervene. Her skill only targets one person at a time. Knock her out.”

  Axel froze, every instinct screaming. He felt the pitch of the moment like something cold and physical, but he also understood there was no other way.

  He moved like a shadow, closing the distance. Miria remained focused on Prius, eyes wide with righteous fury. She didn’t notice Axel slip behind her.

  “Do it already, you idiot!” Prius rasped. “I don’t have long! I’m already old!”

  Axel’s fist connected. A sharp crack echoed through the clearing as he hit her temple; Miria collapsed instantly, her energy snuffed out like a breath blown from a candle.

  Prius slumped to the ground, the aging effect unraveling as Miria’s attack failed to complete. His weight hit the soil; his chest heaved. “I was going to die,” he said, his voice hollow. “Her ability is… scary.”

  Axel, still catching his breath, shook his head. “I didn’t even know she had it in her.”

  Prius looked at the fallen bunny in Axel’s hands, then back at Axel. “Between you and me, that wasn’t a real bunny, was it?”

  Axel managed a tired grin. “Nope. I projected my energy into a rock and kept it faint enough to avoid detection unless someone made contact. She didn’t need to know it wasn’t real.”

  Prius let out a long, rattled laugh that was more relief than humor. “Almost got me killed, but good job. She’ll be a handful, I can tell already.” He coughed, then added quietly, “That one’s dangerous.”

  A small pause stretched between them, the hilltop echoing with the aftermath.

  Axel wiped his palms on his trousers and said, half-smiling, half-pleading, “Between me and you, did you hit Lea hard enough to make her forget the whole date thing?”

  Prius glared at him. “No. You are screwed. Good luck.”

  Axel’s face fell in a mock expression of disappointment that made them both crack a tired, shaky laugh.

  Across the planet, deep within Ordine Headquarters on Solaris, the night glowed faintly crimson through the tall glass panels. The structure’s pulse hummed with restrained power, a constant reminder that this was not a place of peace.

  Dragora entered quietly, his armor whispering against itself as he moved through the hall. The guards saluted but didn’t speak; everyone knew better. He walked straight to his quarters, each step deliberate, the weight of the day hanging behind him like a shadow.

  Inside, the room was dim, clean, silent, and cold. The faint scent of iron and wine lingered in the air. Dragora loosened his armor straps and set the chest plate aside, ready to rest for the first time in days.

  Then a voice cut through the darkness.

  “Going to sleep without seeing me?”

  Dragora froze. The tone was light, almost teasing, but the undercurrent was unmistakable.

  A shape moved from the corner, Giola, half-lit by the faint red hue of the room. He leaned casually against the wall, holding a half-filled glass of wine. The deep crimson liquid swirled slowly in his hand, catching the faint light like a living thing.

  Dragora’s expression hardened. “Breaking into my room now?”

  Giola smirked, tilting the glass slightly. “Relax. I thought I’d bring a drink. You look like you could use one.”

  Dragora didn’t answer. His eyes flicked toward the floor, noting the second glass resting untouched on the small table nearby.

  Giola took a slow sip, the faint sound of the glass meeting his teeth cutting through the silence. “Tell me.. What happened at the evaluation?”