Iron Resolve's training grounds were nothing like the others.
While elite teams trained on floating platforms surrounded by refined Aether formations, Iron Resolve was assigned to a worn-down field at the edge of the academy. Cracked stone, broken pillars, and faded markings told the story of a place long forgotten—much like the team itself.
Kael stood silently, observing his teammates.
This… was his team.
A broad-shouldered boy paced nervously, fists clenched. His name was Taren, an earth-type Aether user whose power activated inconsistently. When it worked, it was impressive. When it didn't, he froze under pressure.
Near the edge of the field stood Mira, lean and sharp-eyed, her movements precise even when idle. Her speed-based Aether was fast but fragile—she exhausted herself quickly, making her unreliable in prolonged fights.
And then there was Lyra Selendis.
She stood apart from the others, arms crossed, chin raised as if daring the world to challenge her. Silver hair caught the light, and the faint glow of noble-grade Aether pulsed around her—wild, unstable, constantly fluctuating.
Her power was strong.
Too strong.
And completely out of control.
"This is ridiculous," Lyra scoffed, her eyes flicking briefly toward Kael before turning away. "I don't belong here."
No one responded.
Iron Resolve's leader—Captain Aldren Voss—watched them quietly before clapping his hands once.
"Training begins now."
---
The First Drill
"Team coordination," Aldren said. "Simple exercise. Pair up."
The moment he finished speaking, tension filled the air.
Lyra stepped back instantly.
"I refuse to pair with him," she said coldly, pointing at Kael. "He doesn't even have Aether."
Kael met her gaze calmly.
"That's fine," he said. "I'll support from the rear."
Lyra frowned.
That wasn't the response she expected.
Taren scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh… I don't mind—"
"Enough," Aldren interrupted. "Everyone trains. No exceptions."
Reluctantly, Lyra moved.
The drill began.
Mira dashed forward, striking targets with bursts of speed. Taren summoned stone shields, sweating as he tried to maintain form.
Lyra stepped up.
Aether surged from her body violently.
The ground cracked.
Then—
The energy spiraled out of control.
A shockwave exploded outward, knocking Taren off his feet and sending Mira skidding across the field.
"Lyra!" Aldren barked.
Lyra froze, breathing hard, eyes wide.
Silence followed.
Then laughter—from nearby training grounds.
Kael moved without thinking.
He ran.
He positioned himself in front of Lyra, standing between her and the stares, his body tense, ready to take whatever came next.
"It's fine," he said quietly. "No one's hurt."
Lyra stared at his back.
Why… was he protecting her?
---
Cracks Beneath the Pride
Training was halted early.
Taren sat on the ground, rubbing his arm. Mira leaned against a pillar, exhausted but watching Lyra carefully.
No one laughed.
No one mocked her.
Lyra waited for it.
It never came.
Instead, Kael sat down across from her.
"You have too much Aether," he said simply.
Her eyes snapped to him. "What do you know?"
"Enough," Kael replied. "You try to force it. You're fighting your own power."
Lyra clenched her fists.
"I'm noble-born," she said bitterly. "I was supposed to be perfect. But all they see is my failure."
Kael didn't answer immediately.
Then he said, "Iron Resolve isn't about perfection."
She looked up.
"We're all here because we lack something," Kael continued. "I lack Aether. Taren lacks control. Mira lacks endurance. If we laugh at each other, we stay weak."
Taren nodded slowly.
"Yeah… I mess up a lot."
Mira smirked faintly. "Same."
Lyra stared at them.
For the first time, her pride wavered.
---
Black Stars
That night, the rankings updated.
Iron Resolve:
Black Stars – 7
No change.
Across the academy, Crimson Talon gained another gold star.
Kael stood beneath the star board, fists clenched.
"We'll remove them," he said quietly.
Taren looked at him. "All of them?"
Kael nodded.
Lyra watched him closely.
This powerless boy…
Why did his words feel heavier than Aether?
High above, Captain Aldren observed from the shadows, a small smile forming.
Iron Resolve had not grown stronger today.
But it had taken its first step.
And sometimes… that was enough.