The applause still echoed through the arena when Darius Valtier walked up to Inavy, clapping with a wide grin.
"Incredible, Inavy! What a show!" he shouted, bursting with excitement. "But don't think I'm falling behind, you hear me? I'll break that record of yours soon enough!"
Inavy smiled faintly, wiping the sweat from his forehead and straightening his uniform.
"Then you'd better start training, Darius. Because this… was only the beginning."
They locked eyes, that spark of rivalry flickering between them — the kind that only true competitors shared.
"By the way," Inavy said, raising a brow, "the next test is the speed trial, right?"
"Exactly!" Darius cracked his shoulders, energy radiating from him. "And now, my friend… things are about to get serious."
Before they could say another word, the announcer's voice roared through the sound system, deep and dramatic:
"Speed is more than just running. It's reading the wind, anticipating the turn, cutting through the air like a blade. Get ready, young heroes… the world is watching!"
The metallic gates of the tunnel slid open, revealing the illuminated field of Zeta Arena — the legendary circuit of the Elite Academy.A light rain began to fall, silver reflections shimmering across the track. The course stretched endlessly, a labyrinth of sharp curves, ramps, and floating platforms.
The two walked out side by side, joining dozens of other competitors already gathered. The air was tense — filled with determination, pride, and a hint of envy.
Inavy felt the weight of every gaze. Some looked at him with admiration, others with jealousy.
"Looks like we're not exactly everyone's favorites," he murmured, crossing his arms."Yeah," Darius replied with a smug grin. "But if anyone's got a problem with that… we can always settle it one-on-one."
They both laughed, but their amusement faded when a familiar voice called out:
"Hey! There you are!"
Rose Eldara came running toward them — her golden hair tied back, eyes wide with relief."I've been looking everywhere for you two!"
Inavy raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong, Rose?"
She hesitated, cheeks faintly pink."It's just… I thought you might've gotten hurt. Darius almost fainted back there, and you, Inavy… you carried that weight until the end. I thought you'd need help."
Darius laughed, flexing his arm with exaggerated pride."Relax, Rose! I'm all good! See? Pure iron, baby!"
Rose sighed, then turned to Inavy."And you?"
He smiled gently. "I'm fine. Thanks for worrying, Rose."
She looked away, but a small, honest smile curved her lips.
Location: Zeta Arena — Speed Circuit
An endless straightaway of shifting light, treacherous turns, and floating obstacles. The ground was made of crystalline panels glowing with blue energy.Drones hovered overhead, their sensors locked onto every participant.
A giant hologram appeared above the track:
TEST 2 — SPEEDTechnical obstacle race.No flying or teleportation permitted.Only raw speed and terrain awareness allowed.
The competitors lined up at the starting line.The audience roared with anticipation. Cameras streamed to every corner of the world.And from the grandstands, the Supreme Guilds watched closely.
Broadcast Booth
The commentator's voice rang with excitement:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for — the Speed Test! The current record still belongs to none other than Lorien Valtier himself: seventeen flat seconds! Can anyone break that legendary mark today?"
The camera panned toward the upper balcony.Lorien chuckled, crossing his arms."Tch… that kid's going to try? Let's see what he's made of."
Diana Flamesoul, seated beside him, smirked."Uhh… what's wrong, Lorien? Afraid the boy might actually beat your record?"
Lorien frowned."Afraid? Please. Ten drafts, and no one's even come close. It's impossible."
Diana leaned her chin on her hand, teasing."Oh, the famous blue-eyed hero and his fragile pride. Who would've thought?"
He sighed. "You'll never change, Diana…"
Meanwhile, in the crowd, Ray Stormbreak sat calmly, his expression steady."He doesn't need to break records," Ray said softly. "He just needs to trust his own legs."
Competitors Ready
Darius stretched, eyes fixed straight ahead."This is my territory."
Inavy chuckled. "Don't start bragging already…"
Leon Ravel, the muscular giant, cracked his neck and clenched his fists."No one's passing me. I'm pure power in motion."
Rose, calm but focused, studied the holographic projections of the obstacles."The track changes every twenty meters… I've already memorized the pattern. Half of this race is memory."
Inavy looked up at the gray sky. A drop of rain slid down his cheek."Speed, huh? Alright then… let's do this."
He closed his eyes.The wind brushed against his face.For a heartbeat, the world slowed down.
All noise faded.Only his heartbeat and his breathing remained.
The Signal
BEEP!
In an instant, the race exploded.
Leon thundered forward, each step shaking the ground.Darius sprinted lightly, his form perfect, breathing in sync with every stride.Rose moved like a dancer — twisting, leaping, and adapting with impossible precision, dodging the floating obstacles.
And then—
The thunder awakened.
Inavy Stormbreak — The Lightning in Human Form
Inavy bent slightly, his emerald eyes glowing bright.His dark, wavy hair whipped in the wind.In a blink, he vanished from sight.
A vortex of wind erupted where he had been standing.The sensors glitched. The cameras could only capture a blurred red silhouette.
"He… he disappeared!?" the commentator shouted."No — he's moving so fast, the lenses can't keep up!"
Inavy ran in silence.Each step was in perfect harmony with the wind.He wasn't just running — he was the wind.
"It's not about running," he thought. "It's about feeling the wind. Becoming one with it."
He blitzed past Leon like a lightning bolt, ran up the wall, twisted in a perfect arc, and cut through a 90-degree turn without losing an ounce of momentum.
Darius's eyes widened."What the—!? He's floating on the air currents!?"
Rose, still running, whispered under her breath:"He's become one with the track… just like his father, Ray Stormbreak."
The Finish Line
The timers flared with light.
1st Place — Inavy Stormbreak – 14.93 seconds
2nd Place — Darius Valtier – 17.10 seconds
3rd Place — Rose Eldara – 21.23 seconds
4th Place — Leon Ravel – 21.97 seconds
The crowd went wild.
"He broke Lorien's record!""Incredible!""A true Stormbreak!""That boy's legs are made of lightning!"
Diana burst out laughing, clapping her hands."Hahaha! I told you, Lorien! That kid's from another world!"
Lorien exhaled, crossing his arms."You're unbearable today, Diana… but fine. He earned it."
From the top of the observation tower, Kelvin Nox watched silently.His golden eyes reflected the rain."Fast… very fast. But can he keep up when the blade is real?"
In the stands, Ray Stormbreak stood up, shouting like an overjoyed fan."That's it, Inavy! That's what I'm talking about, kid!" he yelled, raising his fist high.
After the Race
Darius, exhausted, leaned against Inavy's shoulder."Dude… are you a magician or something? Because I swear, you were floating!"
Inavy laughed softly."It was just the wind… giving me a little push."
Rose approached, breathing heavily but smiling."You made history today, Inavy. Don't forget that."
He met her gaze — calm, determined."I won't. Because as long as I'm alive… I'll make my own history."
His words hung in the air like rolling thunder.
Rose felt her heart skip a beat. Darius smiled, placing a hand on both their shoulders.
"Then let's make history together, guys."
For the first time, all three smiled in unison — as comrades destined to change the world.