Morning arrived warm and bright, the sky clear above Richard's home. As he woke, a flood of mixed emotions washed over him. Excitement surged at the thought of finally joining the Order of Condor, where he would learn to unlock his hidden power and become part of a system where skill and effort truly mattered.
But sadness pressed in just as strongly. He would be leaving home. Leaving his parents. Leaving the community he had grown up in. And then there was Manuel. When would he ever get to train with him again?
Next time I see him, I'll have my power, Richard told himself. Then I can show him how strong I've become.
He washed up and put on his armor, fastening the sword at his waist. This was the military, after all — armor meant nothing without a weapon to match. Before stepping out of his room, he paused, giving the chamber one last look. It might be a full year before he slept here again.
Downstairs, his parents waited for him. Their smiles were warm, though the recent tears in their eyes were unmistakable. Quintin stood beside them, pride practically radiating from him.
"My baby is off to Condor!" his mother said, hands clasped together. "You've grown so fast!"
"Next time I see you, you'll be a proper hero — just like your old man," his father added proudly.
Quintin remained quiet, only hiding a small grin behind one hand.
"Nothing smug to say, old man?" Richard asked, extending his hand.
Quintin shook it firmly. "Make us proud. You have the makings of a legend inside you. Show everyone what you're capable of. And remember — stay focused. Don't force something to happen before you're ready."
"I know, I know." Richard rolled his eyes but smiled.
"Take this," his father said, handing him a small purse. "One gold piece and fifty silver. The Order will convert this into standard credits when you arrive. You'll need it later for equipment and personal effects."
He paused, then added, "I'll add to your allowance every month. And you'll receive a small salary from the Order. Together, you'll be well taken care of."
"Thanks," Richard said, slipping the purse away.
A humming vibration echoed from outside, rattling the front door. They hurried to open it and were just in time to see a sleek craft descending onto the property. Lights glowed beneath its circular frame as it hovered a foot above the ground. A front door opened, and the pilot stepped out, sliding open a rear door.
Inside the cabin were several other new rookies, all wearing their standard-issue armor, staring out with the same mix of fear and wonder that Richard felt.
"I have to go," Richard said, feeling his chest tighten — but he pressed forward. He stepped into the craft and took the only empty seat. The pilot slid the door shut.
"My parents did the same thing," a girl his age said with an eye roll. "It's sweet, but so embarrassing."
"Richard," he said, offering his hand. "Richard Melechor."
"Britney Winters." She shook his hand.
"Rodney Stone," the boy in front added, turning in his seat.
The other students seemed too anxious to speak. Richard could tell they were overwhelmed, and he didn't push them. The craft held ten rookies in total.
"This is surreal," Britney said, almost breathless. "I'm the first girl in my family to join the Order."
"Are you a mage?" Rodney asked.
"No."
"They only recently allowed girls to join the Order," Rodney explained. "For a long time, unless you were a mage, women weren't accepted."
"I know," Britney said. "A terrible rule. I'm glad they overturned it."
"It might still be tough," Rodney warned. "You might be one of the only girls here. Some students might target you."
"Let them try." Britney lifted her hand, and electricity danced across her fingers. "I'm destined for Group A."
"Nice," Rodney said. "Strong ability."
He raised his hand, and a cracking sound echoed as small fragments of stone formed across his knuckles.
"Earth elemental user," he said proudly. "Group A as well."
Both of them looked at Richard, waiting.
"My power hasn't awakened yet," he admitted.
Britney lunged forward and clamped her hand over his mouth. "Don't say that out loud!"
A sliding glass panel separating the cabin from the pilot snapped open.
"None of you are authorized to use your powers on my ship!" the pilot roared. "Knock it off, or there'll be consequences when we land! Understood?"
All three of them stiffened in silence. When the panel closed again, Britney snickered softly.
"Like she said," Rodney whispered, picking up where Britney left off. "Don't tell anyone your power hasn't awakened yet. Keep it quiet for as long as you can. You'll have a huge target on your back if the wrong people find out."
"I'm not defenseless," Richard said, gripping his sword hilt. "I'm a good swordsman."
"That won't matter," Rodney replied. "You won't be bullied by swordsmen. Groups of stronger students will gang up on you. Hide it as long as possible."
"Okay," Richard said, suddenly uneasy.
"Let's stick together," Britney said. "If we stay as a group, no one will bother us. And I'm sure your power will be incredible. You're a Melechor."
"Wait," Rodney leaned closer. "You're their son?"
"I mean… yeah. My parents used to be a big deal."
"Used to be?" Rodney laughed. "They still are! If you're their kid, you're definitely awakening something powerful. Agreed — we stick together."
"How long will it take to get to Condor?" Richard asked.
"You might as well nap," Britney said. "It's a few hours."
Richard rested his hand against the small window. The moment he looked outside, his stomach flipped. They were already high in the sky; the clouds he once looked up at were now beneath them.
The world passed beneath the craft — open plains turned to wild forests, then the massive mountain he could see from home, then a shining blue ocean stretching endlessly. Sea life leapt from the water, glittering in the sunlight.
It felt like forever before they finally saw it: the Order of Condor appearing on the horizon.
The city was enormous. Towering walls circled the entire structure, thicker than any fortress Richard had imagined. Wide highways ran atop the walls, built for army movement and defense.
They flew over outer homes, fields worked by hundreds of laborers, then a vast, bustling marketplace filled with magical and technological advancements. Giant screens advertised goods. Hover-vehicles zipped across the streets. People filled every walkway and corner.
It was more life than Richard had seen in his entire childhood.
The craft began descending toward a fenced-off compound separate from the city. Six massive dormitory structures stood in parallel lines, each large enough to house over a hundred trainees. A main building sat at the front.
This was where they landed.
The door slid open. Several soldiers waited for them.
"Welcome to the Order of Condor!" the lead soldier shouted. "Now get out! On the double! Move, move, move!"