The six Xeon Warriors moved forward in unison, their steps booming like synchronized thunder across the field. Their presence rolled over the cadets like gathering storm clouds wrought from steel and fire. The air still shimmered with heat from Viron's earlier challenge, a lingering pulse of tension barely broken when a calm, commanding voice cut through the silence."That's enough, Viron," said the figure whose armor crackled faintly with blue lightning arcs—the Thunder Emperor, Shin. His presence was electrifying, dominance radiating in steady waves. "They're still cadets, not warriors."The Flame Emperor, Viron, turned with a faint, amused smile—the molten glow of his amber-red armor flickering like a living flame. "Relax, Shin. Strength is forged under pressure, not comfort," he said, eyes dancing with fire.Shin exhaled slowly, shaking his head before addressing the gathered cadets. "You've survived the Flame Emperor's trial. Fourteen of you endured till the end." His sharp gaze swept the crowd, pausing on a young man standing tall amidst the others. "Among you, one stood above all—Auren, first rank. Alys follows, second."Murmurs rippled through the cadets. Alys's lips pressed tight, her eyes reflecting barely contained fury and disbelief. The sting of failure cut deeper than any heat could sear her skin.One by one, the remaining Xeon Warriors stepped forward, each radiating their own formidable aura."I am Shin," announced the lightning-clad Thunder Emperor, electricity flickering at his fingertips. "Known across the sectors as the Thunder Emperor."He gestured toward Viron. "The one who tested you is the Flame Emperor."Next came Rykon, the towering Beast Emperor, his armor claw-marked and eyes gleaming gold beneath wild black steel. "I am Rykon, the Beast Emperor."A melodic, cool voice followed, sharp as a blade. "The Sword Empress." Behind her hovered twin katanas forged from shifting spectral steel."I am Lysara, the Snow Empress," breathed another, frost forming at her words, her gaze icy and majestic.Finally, the last figure moved forward with fluid grace, a subtle distortion bending reality around him. His silver mask caught the light. "And I," he murmured, "am the Illusion Emperor."Auren felt the weight of their combined mastery—a near-divine power pressing on his spirit.Shin's tone shifted from formal to instructive. "You've heard of the World Ranking System—the measure that classifies the strongest one hundred warriors across the whole world. Those ranked below fifty shift often—power changes hands. But above fifty..." Shin paused, letting the silence stretch.In the stunned quiet, the cadets absorbed the gravity of his words as Shin revealed his rank at forty-four, and Viron's at fifty. The raw force these legends wielded felt almost palpable across the academy grounds."If rank fifty commands forces capable of such destructive power, imagine the unimaginable might of those above us—the top ten." Shin's eyes blazed with conviction. "They are not mere warriors but living legends, bearers of power beyond mortal understanding. They govern the World Order Council—an elite body controlling the fate of nations."His gaze scanned the cadets, imprinting the immensity of his revelation. "Every head of state, every leader, bows to their will. No one stands above these ten. They wield strength to shatter mountains and command the elements themselves."Softening, Shin's voice carried both reverence and caution. "To train under one of the top ten is to walk alongside titans, to learn strength that reshapes worlds. They uphold order, but their power is as terrifying as it is magnificent."The cadets stood awestruck, the vastness and ferocity of their world casting long shadows over their futures. Auren felt destiny's weight settle heavier in his chest, his own resolve flickering into a bright, unyielding flame.Then Shin raised a gauntleted hand, command cutting through the murmurs. "Each of you will now choose an Emperor to train under. This decision will define your future as combatants of the Ion Sector. Choose wisely."Excitement surged instantly. Cadets exchanged eager glances, debating their options.Nine stepped toward Thunder Emperor Shin, drawn by his electric authority. One cadet approached the towering Beast Emperor, two chose the Sword Empress—including Alys—and one went to the serene Snow Empress.All eyes turned to Auren.Silent, rooted beneath the weight of every gaze, he defied expectation. The obvious choice would have been Shin, the strongest. But Auren's instincts answered a different call.His core flame stirred—a wild, restless blaze pulsing in synch with an ancient, smoldering presence. His eyes locked on Viron, the Flame Emperor, whose molten armor seemed to beckon him.Without hesitation, Auren stepped forward. The world hushed as he crossed the field, dropping to one knee before Viron. The blue blaze of his flame flared fiercely against the heat of the Emperor's presence."I, Auren of the Ion Sector Cadets, accept you as my master," he declared, voice steady.For a moment, silence reigned.Then laughter—deep and rumbling, not mocking but fierce with approval. Viron's smirk returned, sharp and approving."So you sensed it, didn't you?" Viron said quietly, narrowing his fiery eyes. "You felt my flame burns higher than I show."Leaning forward, the crimson blaze in his eyes mirrored Auren's azure fire."Good," Viron whispered. "You've chosen well, disciple. Let's see how high your fire can climb."Beneath the blazing sun and awed gazes of the cadets, their flames intertwined—a silent covenant forged in heat and light.As the day faded, Auren retreated to his room, the calm hollowed by the earlier chaos. Stretching out his hand, a flicker of blue flames danced across his palm, casting ghostly shadows.His eyes sharpened with resolve, shimmering with runes of power as he focused on the pen resting on the table.It trembled faintly under his will—then pain shattered the moment. A brutal, searing storm tore through his mind, nerve and bone alike—a ruthless torment that struck without mercy.Blood burst from his eyes, crimson rivers staining his cheeks. Staggering backward, clutching his head, his vision swam in waves of deep red.His breath came ragged, a groan escaping through clenched teeth, body trembling."Why... why can't I use the second attribute?" he whispered, raw anguish threading his voice. "I remember the assassin's attack—I used this power to defend, to kill. But now… every time I try, my mind feels like it will explode."His glare was fierce, edged with frustration and desperation.The room seemed to close in, the blue flames flickering weakly, sensing his inner turmoil. This power—once his fiercest weapon—had become a forbidden agony.
