The brisk, unfamiliar chill of early morning slid across Asahi’s face as he stood on the deck of the mammoth flying sail ship. Even though the sun had yet to rise, the bright, bustling landscape below could deceive anyone into thinking otherwise, if not for the dark, star-speckled sky. Asahi's home planet offered a warm glow at night, yet here, everything teemed with incessant activity.

"There are just too many people here," he thought, the ship descending towards the ground.

“Lord Asahi, have you collected all your belongings?” a voice called out from behind him.

“Yes, Ademir,” Asahi replied.

Securing his belt which bore four hanging daggers, Asahi felt the fabric of his clothes fitting perfectly against his body. His sleeveless top exposed his sizable, toned arms, betraying his proficiency in combat. His dreadlocks rustled as he turned to face Ademir, settling subtly against his cheeks.

"It's impossible to conceal royalty," Ademir thought to himself.

“Excellent. We've reached the last port. From here, we will proceed to the academy by carriage.”

Ademir walked towards the ship’s boarding platform, and Asahi, picking up his bag of belongings, followed the refined older man.

“Was I the only one you were responsible for on this ship?”

“Yes, Lord Asahi. You come from a unique corner of the galaxy, hence you were the only one on your route.”

"As expected. Few can claim they hail from the border of the galaxy’s warring factions," Asahi brooded while trailing Ademir through the ship's corridors. They bypassed the crowded exit line and customs check effortlessly, thanks to Ademir's recognition by the security staff.

Once they disembarked, a lady in a crisp sergeant uniform approached Ademir and saluted. Her immaculate stance, her head-to-toe green attire, and the patch on her chest reading ‘Cadet Marriam Lance’ all confirmed her military affiliations.

“Reporting, Colonel! I have successfully gathered the two remaining recruits from their respective pick-up points.”

“Excellent. At ease, soldier,” Ademir responded.

Behind Marriam, two figures emerged. One was a woman of radiant beauty, in casual jeans and a white shirt, her long red hair resting on her shoulders. The other was a man, a pillar of hardiness, his golden hair cascading down his back, his imposing shoulders all too visible.

Ademir gestured them forward. “Lord Asahi, meet your fellow recruits, Dahak Vahar and Ayana. Dahak, Ayana, meet Lord Asahi.”

“Pleasure,” Asahi remarked, giving a small bow.

“It's nice to meet you too,” Ayana responded. Her voice was as smooth as silk.

“Nice to meet you, friend!” Dahak added enthusiastically.

Beside Ayana's petite and toned frame, Dahak was towering. His golden hair fell to his shoulders, his chiseled features almost bursting through his clothes. Every muscle in his body seemed to demand attention. His well-groomed, golden beard framed his handsome, friendly face, suggesting he was in the same age group as Asahi and Ayana.

“Now that you're all acquainted, my name is Ademir. I'm a colonel of the empire and responsible for your safe transport to the capital and its academy. Upon your arrival, you will join the rest of the recruits to complete the enlistment process. Any questions?” Ademir concluded.

“None sir,” the trio chorused.

“Good. Then follow me. Cadet, is our vehicle here?”

“Yes, sir, just beyond this docking area.”

Ademir nodded and led the newly acquainted trio towards it. As they walked, Asahi's eyes roamed across the bustling air dock. It was filled with mammoth-sized air sail ships and swarming with people and cargo. The seamless movement of hundreds of stewards, baggage handlers, and support vehicles created a fascinating spectacle.

"So, this is what the center of the galaxy looks like," Asahi thought.

"It really is something, huh? My planet’s main dock doesn’t even come close," Dahak commented, noticing Asahi's fascination.

"Indeed," Asahi responded, his gaze still wandering.

Suddenly, Dahak draped a massive arm around Asahi, bringing his face uncomfortably close. Startled, Asahi was about to pull away when Dahak started to speak.

"But do you know how you can truly tell this is the capital?” Dahak whispered, as if about to share a deep secret.

Intrigued, Asahi allowed his curiosity to take over. His eyes followed Dahak's gaze, landing on the exquisite form of Ayana walking slightly ahead of them.

"When such beauties are one of the first sights you behold.”

“Huh…” Asahi responded, amused yet slightly disappointed by the hulking man’s sentiments.

"Ah! But I was the first to lay eyes on her, therefore I've already claimed my chance!" Dahak declared, his eyes gleaming with an excitement that rivaled a treasure hunter who had just uncovered an elusive map.

"Uhm... I don't believe you can 'claim a chance' on someone you've just met," Asahi reasoned, an eyebrow raised in disbelief.

"Nooo, not claiming 'her', claiming the 'opportunity' of her being available. This way, I get the first shot!" Dahak corrected, his expression beaming like a child who had just been handed his favorite sweet.

"I see…"

"I hope you gentlemen realize your conversation is far from discreet," interjected Ayana, her voice a touch amused. She was clambering aboard what appeared to be a steam-powered vessel, its four sides lined with rotating propellers. The size of a modest boat, the contraption had a seating arrangement for ten in the passenger section.

"Well, of course, mi lady! We are men of honor; hence our intentions are as clear as a cloudless sky!" Dahak responded, his boisterous tone echoing through the metallic interior as he stepped into the waiting vessel.

"Huh!? Who is 'we'?" Asahi inquired, confused.

"We, of course!"

"We just met."

"And?"

"..."

Caught off guard by Dahak's casual camaraderie, Asahi could do nothing but release a stifled chuckle.

With a jolt, the vessel sprung to life. The whirling of the propellers grew louder, steam billowed from a chimney atop the craft, and within moments, it was aloft. As they glided away from the bustling dock, Asahi found himself captivated by the view from the open-air windows. A concoction of fresh timber, aromatic steam, and the intoxicating hustle-bustle of city life wafted up from below, slowly merging into a symphony of wind sounds and propeller drone.

“Tell me, Asahi, aren't you of royal descent?” Ayana's question caught his attention, drawing him away from the captivating spectacle outside.

The sudden question also piqued Dahak's interest, who turned towards Asahi with an expectant look.

"What makes you ask?"

"We've all received briefings about each other since this is a joint operation."

“Ahhh, now that you mention it…” Dahak echoed, nodding in agreement.

“Well, yes, you could say I am royal,” Asahi replied nonchalantly, returning his gaze to the picturesque landscape outside.

A tense silence pervaded the cabin.

“Aren't the Androki hostile towards the Solarius family, the rulers of the galaxy?” Dahak ventured further.

Ayana had harbored the same question, and inwardly she was grateful for Dahak's upfront manner.

“We recently signed a pact with the Solarius family to join forces. As a gesture of goodwill, I've been dispatched to this temporary platoon to investigate Fractos.”

“Indeed,” Ademir chimed in, “In the spirit of peace, you two and the other chosen ones, whether lords, royals, or exceptional individuals, shall participate in this joint mission, binding us all together.”

“We haven't chosen peace. We've just found a way to lessen the burden on our people. This mission is more of an exploration, a test. The war is still raging. People are still perishing…” Asahi's tone grew heavier with each word. He was a prince, a representative of a proud system and planet. He wouldn't sugarcoat the harsh reality, even if it displeased some. His priority was to avoid any misunderstanding. There was a war, innocent lives were being lost, and he was resolutely against it.

“Ahh, that's excellent news, bro! It means we’re no longer enemies with the Androki. Great to have you on our side!” Dahak exclaimed, playfully thumping Asahi's back with a force that felt like a slab of stone had been dropped on him.

“What in the world is he made of? Rocks?” Asahi wondered, wincing from the impact.

“Now that we've started introductions, what royal families do you belong to?” Asahi asked, eager to divert the topic.

“None, I’m an exceptional,” Ayana responded almost instantly.

“Same here,” Dahak added.

“Oh? That's unexpected."

“It's quite normal, Lord Asahi," Ademir explained, "There are very few royal families or lords who control various systems within the empire. Therefore, most of your contemporaries are exceptional individuals from normal families who have demonstrated great potential and valor. They are handpicked to be nurtured directly by the royal army."

"I see. That makes sense," Asahi mused.

"Glad we're finally on the same side, friend!" Dahak exclaimed, delivering another thump to Asahi's back that made him grimace.

"You seem to be under the impression that we're wrestling," Asahi managed to retort, trying to mask his discomfort with a hint of humor.

"We are here. Please prepare your belongings as we are about to land," announced the pilot from his cabin.

Asahi peered out again, his gaze now greeting a transformed landscape. The once infinite cityscape had melted away into a panorama of sun-kissed, rolling hills adorned with sprawling emerald forests. A cool, invigorating breeze danced in through the open window, offering a tranquil caress to his senses. In the distance, he could discern a sprawling campus of buildings and quadrangles, teeming with uniform-clad figures. The urban jungle was now but a speck on the horizon, supplanted by this bucolic scene. A wave of anticipation surged through him, their journey was just beginning.

As the air vessel gently alighted, Ademir sprung the hatch open and gestured the trio onto the landing area. Once they were all clear, the craft rumbled back to life, ascending to the azure skies and leaving them in its wake. Ademir then ushered them towards one of the nearby structures.

"There are currently about five cadets in your platoon, but remember, other platoons are also stationed here, meaning there are around fifty cadets of a similar standing as you. The Lords' Program is reserved for the crème de la crème of talent and potential, so rest assured, you all will fit right in," Ademir said as they crossed the threshold into what seemed to be a dormitory building.

Inside, they completed some paperwork and were then guided to their designated quarters under Ademir's supervision. Upon reaching a divergence in the hallway, Ademir halted and gestured towards each direction.

"The first room on the right is for the gentlemen, while the first room on the left is designated for Lady Ayana. As you may have surmised, all rooms on the left are for the ladies and those on the right are for the men. Each room accommodates a pair. These are temporary arrangements until you are assigned a permanent class and team. Having grasped the essentials of your living quarters, you now have an hour to prepare and assemble in the main quad for the official introduction of this class. Your uniforms await on your beds."

"Understood, sir," the trio chimed in unison.

"Excellent. This is where I bid you adieu," Ademir said, a gentle smile gracing his face. "Work diligently and aim high. You're in capable hands now."

With that, he turned on his heels and sauntered away.

The three cadets lingered, observing his retreat until Ayana was the first to break the silence, turning towards her assigned quarters.

"Ah, Ayana!" Dahak called out.

Ayana paused, angling her head to meet the gaze of the towering man.

"Please, don't tarry. My heart can't bear prolonged absence from you."

Asahi was taken aback. What on earth was this man saying?

A coy smile graced Ayana's lips before she continued her journey.

"I'd advise against becoming overly attached to someone you've just met, love," she retorted, and with that, she vanished into her room, closing the door behind her.

"Ah! Isn't she simply divine!"

"But you've only just met her?"

"And?"

"..."

Amused, Asahi studied the boisterous giant for a moment before redirecting his attention towards their quarters.

"But Asahi, she called me 'love'! 'Love', she did call me!"

"I believe that was a figure of speech."

"Huh?"

Perhaps his brain is composed of rock as well, Asahi mused as they crossed the threshold into their room, closing the door behind them.

In the verdant quad, a contingent of fifty cadets stood in rigid formation, adorned in their blue army uniforms and black shoes, with the trio among their ranks.

Six of us, huh... Asahi mused internally, his eyes scanning the assemblage while maintaining his stance.

"Oi, oi, oi, oi," a hushed whisper resonated, prompting Asahi to swivel his gaze toward a grinning Dahak.

"Dahak...?" Asahi queried, a tinge of hesitance lining his voice.

"Feast your eyes on these exquisite specimens of the fairer sex!"

"Starting to consider ignoring you outright…"

"I’m serious!" Dahak retorted, his excitement palpable, his gaze darting around restlessly.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

"Well, considering this program is predominantly designed for the offspring of nobility—barring a few 'exceptions'—it's only natural to find appealing individuals here."

"I knew that, but this... it's beyond my expectations!"

"I thought Ayana already had your full attention," Asahi teased.

"Oh, she still does. But I can appreciate others. None, however, hold a candle to Ayana."

"I can hear you, you know," Ayana chimed in from across Asahi, on his left.

"Ah... my apologies," Asahi conceded.

"I wanted you to hear me, Ayana!" Dahak whispered, his boldness unabated.

"Honestly..." Asahi began, but his words were swept away as a whistle pierced the air, commanding the cadets to attention.

A commander, clad in a green uniform, emerged and positioned herself before the platoon. Her afro, dancing gently in the breeze, was her most notable characteristic.

"Good day, cadets. I am Commander Leia, and I will be overseeing your programs at this academy for the next two years. Respond if you understood."

"Yes, ma'am!" the cadets responded in perfect unison.

"Excellent. Now, before we proceed, I'd like to introduce another integral member of this year's class."

Commander Leia gestured for someone to join her. Emerging from the same direction Leia had walked in from, a lady with lustrous, pitch-black hair appeared. Her delicate yet determined face spoke of an inner resolve. Her gait, graceful and commanding, coupled with a uniform identical to theirs—albeit accented with gold—elevated her presence further.

"Whew," Dahak whistled under his breath.

I can't blame you, Asahi agreed silently, his gaze lingering on the newcomer.

"This is Princess Elysia Solarius, the first princess of the Solarius family and heir to the throne of the empire."

A collective gasp swept through the cadre. Knees buckled and heads bowed, a surge of awe and profound astonishment coursed through them. The sight of royalty, especially this close, was a rare phenomenon. Only the top echelons of the nobility and the military ever had such a privilege. Yet, there she was, the princess herself, standing before them.

"Hey...psst... hey!"

"What is it, Dahak?" Asahi replied, somewhat exasperated.

"I think it's time you joined us in paying our respects, Asahi."

"It's rude to be the only one standing," Ayana whispered.

Indeed, Asahi became painfully aware of the concentrated gazes of both the Commander and the Princess upon him. Not to mention the disgruntled glares from his kneeling peers. As he held their attention, a voice laden with haughtiness boomed from behind the Princess.

"You dare disrespect the Royal Lady!?" a man barked, as he lunged forward, his hand on his sword.

Who does he think he is? The indignation was evident on the faces of the kneeling cadets.

"At ease, Admiral Beckett," came the princess's soft yet firm command.

"I believe you are Prince Asahi Androki. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Princess."

The confrontational man, about to unsheathe his sword, looked even more aggrieved as he was checked by the princess once again.

"Show respect to Her Highness!" he shouted, his agitation mounting, yet he remained rooted to his spot.

An oppressive silence descended on the quad. The atmosphere turned dense, like a fog of tension cloaking the area, making it difficult to breathe. The cadets held their breaths, expecting an imminent clash.

Asahi, however, remained unflustered. He stood tall, his arms clasped behind him, and ignored the incensed royal guard who seemed ready to strike. It was indeed an intimidating spectacle. Yet, the cadets remained mute, perhaps fearing a mistake could cost them dearly.

"Prince Asahi, why do you not bow?" the princess queried, breaking the taut silence.

"I am not your subject. Why should a prince bow to another?"

"Understandable. I hope there will come a day when we can converse as equals."

"Perhaps when there's no war."

"Indeed. Everyone, at ease. It's discourteous to continue bowing and even more so to impose our traditions on an honored guest."

With the tension dispelled, the cadets rose to their feet, regaining their formal stance. The royal guard reluctantly sheathed his sword and stepped back, but his gaze remained locked on Asahi.

He’s clearly going to be a headache, Asahi sighed to himself, Well , not that I expected much else.

As if disregarding the whole issue, commander Leia continued.

“Usually, even the rulers of the galaxy take part in this training program, as you know she is next in line to be queen, so be mindful that if you are here, you are selected as worthy of being in this caliber. For now, she is not just the ruler, but your comrade”

Leia then nodded to the princess and she rejoined the ranks.

“Now for the sake of clarity, everyone here is exceptional, however as a tradition we like to remind you all that you should respect your elders! I am sure each of you has had special training and incredible instructors, but war is war! No matter how well you have trained, experience is king!” Leia said. She allowed for a moment of silence to let her words sink in.

“To that, I would like to run a demonstration.”

Leia then took out a small flag tom her back pocket and placed it on the ground in front of her.

Commander Leia's words hung heavy in the air. She stood before her trainees, a small flag resting on the ground at her feet.

"Why is that, Commander!?" Elysia retorted, disgruntled by her exemption from the exercise.

"I've trained you numerous times, Elysia, and am well-acquainted with your abilities. It would pose an unfair disadvantage to me. As for Prince Asahi, this will offer him an opportunity to observe his comrades. From what I've heard, I fear I wouldn't last long if he were to join." Leia explained.

"No objections from me," Asahi responded with a nonchalant shrug.

"Very well then," Leia began, sweeping her gaze across the remaining trainees, "What's your course of action? I believe I've given the go-ahead."

The quiet that followed Commander Leia's invitation was abruptly shattered by a blur of movement. Dahak, a rush of kinetic energy, surged forward. The air around him seemed to pulse and tremble with some unseen force. He stretched out an arm to seize the flag, but his hand sailed through as though it were mere illusion. Momentum carried him past Leia, bringing him skidding to a stop several feet away.

Leia, bearing an amused smirk, spoke up. "You'll have to do more than move fast, Dahak."

Next, the air darkened around Ayana. She seemed to dissolve into the shadow of a tree nearby, her form fading into the blackness. When she reappeared, it was behind Leia, her hand inches from the flag. But Leia, with an aura of knowing calm, flicked her wrist. An unseen force emanated from her, flooding the area around her with bright light. The shadows receded, forcing Ayana into sight, her outstretched hand frozen in mid-reach.

"Ingenuity, Ayana. Relying solely on your Gift isn't enough."

As Leia finished her sentence, two more cadets sprang into action. One took to the air, body sailing overhead, while the other lunged low, aiming for distraction. But the ground beneath them suddenly rippled and shook.

The airborne cadet was sent spiraling off course while the low striker's arm passed harmlessly through Leia.

"War is not a solitary dance," Leia said, steadying herself on the quaking ground. "There are elements at play you may not see."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Dahak was once again a blur of motion. This time, the ground seemed to undulate in his wake, a ripple of force rushing towards Leia. But Leia merely glided across the ground, her feet barely touching the surface.

"Dahak, strength isn't just about raw power."

Ayana reappeared from the shadow of a tree, lunging for the flag. As her fingers brushed the fabric, however, she recoiled. A shock seemed to have coursed through her, sending her stumbling backwards.

"Think outside the box, Ayana. If your enemy knows your Gift, they'll predict your moves."

With each failed attempt, Leia taught them something new, effortlessly defending her flag while imparting lessons. It wasn't just about showcasing her strength or their weaknesses, but rather, it was about revealing to them the vast sea of possibilities that lay before them in the heart of battle. They needed to learn to adapt, to strategize, and above all, to always keep their enemy guessing.

Brushing herself off, Leia nodded approvingly. "Well, you certainly don't lack for spirit. Let's take a moment to review."

She turned first to Dahak, the grinning fireball whose every move pulsed with kinetic energy. "Dahak, your Gift is Mass. You manipulate momentum to perform extraordinary feats of speed and strength. But remember, power is more than raw force. Use your head along with your strength."

Then, she moved her gaze to Ayana, the quiet shadow at the edge of their group. "Ayana, your Gift is Shade. You blend into shadows, becoming nearly invisible. It's a useful skill, particularly for subterfuge. But in battle, you can't just disappear. You have to be able to strike from the shadows and retreat back without being tracked."

Addressing the remaining two cadets, Leia continued, "And you two, each of your Gifts has unique strengths and weaknesses. The key to success in battle isn't just using your Gifts, it's understanding how to use them effectively. Now, as for my Gift..."

Leia paused for dramatic effect, a wry smile playing on her lips. "I'm sure you've noticed the effects, but perhaps you don't quite understand yet. My Gift is Reality Weaving."

Silence fell upon the group as they tried to grasp what she had said.

"You mean, you can manipulate reality?" Dahak blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity.

"In a sense, yes. I can control the physical rules of my immediate environment within certain bounds. This Gift allows me to change the properties of matter, light, and energy around me."

The crowd fell silent, each one trying to fully understand the implications of what was said.

"So that's how you disrupted our attacks," Ayana murmured. "You changed the rules."

"Exactly. But remember, every Gift has its limits, including mine. I can only maintain these changes for a short time, and it's physically exhausting. I have to be strategic about when and how I use it."

Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous light. "Now, who's ready to try again? I’ll give you all one more shot"

Their eyes widened in renewed determination. A newfound understanding and respect seemed to have been fostered within the group. This was more than a mere sparring session - it was an opportunity to learn, to grow, and perhaps most importantly, to exceed their own expectations. The true battle was about to begin.

Asahi smiled lightly, she’d be a difficult one to deal with.

To Asahi, this was the commander establishing that the empire is strong, and if the other people of her rank are any similar, they are nothing to scoff at.

There was a palpable tension in the air as Ayana positioned herself in front of Dahak, murmuring instructions to him.

"Dahak, gather all your momentum and dash forward as fast as you can," she ordered.

He nodded, not fully understanding her strategy, but because it was what he was going to do anyway, and with a surge of adrenaline, he was off. His speed was considerable, just as Ayana had planned. As Dahak blitzed past her, Ayana raised her hand and laid it lightly on his shoulder, with her other hand she formed a hand sign with two fingers pointing downwards. She then whispered, "Sink."

Just like that, Dahak disappeared, swallowed by Ayana's shadow. The group let out gasps of surprise, but none more so than Commander Leia, who stepped back in alarm. Her usual calm demeanor shattered momentarily as she scanned her surroundings, her eyes darting around for any sign of the charging cadet.

In the next instant, Ayana flipped her hand sign now with the two finger pointing upwards and chanted, "Rise." Dahak shot out from Leia's own shadow, momentum unabated. Leia was quick on her feet, managing a backward flip while grasping the flag firmly in her hand, effectively evading Dahak's reach.

But she wasn't out of danger yet. Ayana re-emerged from Leia’s moving shadow, grabbing Leia's leg mid-flight, rendering her immobile.

"You can only phase a single thing at a time, right?" Ayana pointed out, a trace of triumph in her voice as she kept a firm grip on Leia.

Leia's surprise quickly turned into an amused smirk. "Impressive, Ayana," she praised. Dahak, having recovered his bearings, was charging towards them once again. Time seemed to slow down as the scenario unfolded. Leia was trapped by Ayana and Dahak was inches away from grabbing either the flag or Leia herself.

Suddenly, Leia tossed the flag into the air, and with a her mouth wide open and a sinister excited smile, clasped her hands together. "Break," she commanded.

The ground convulsed violently beneath them, shattering the continuity of Ayana's shadow and forcing her to materialize. The earth under Dahak fractured, leaving fragments suspended in mid-air, and causing him to lose his footing.

Before they could regain their balance, Leia adjusted her hand sign to where both her hands facing away from each other formed a V, and with a forceful utterance “Shake!”, she flung Ayana and Dahak backwards forcefully causing them to wheeze through the air and land a good distance from her catching themselves with their feet.

As the dust settled, Leia gracefully caught the falling flag, her eyes glowing with an electric excitement. She beamed at Dahak and Ayana, who were slowly picking themselves up from the ground.

“Whew, Well done, you two," she commended, a hint of pride in her voice. “Clearly you have had some experience, maybe if this was real things could have ended differently, but that’s enough for today.”

“That’s the true power of a Stellar rank from the Empire!” Elysia exclaimed excitedly, as her mentor displayed her strength.

Leia turned to the rest, “We shall conclude orientation here, you are all already very capable, and our goal is to bring down the newley found Fractos outpost, but before that we need to make sure that this team is ready to work together, so I will be counting on you all. Dismissed to your orientations!”

“Yes ma’am” the platoon responded.

*****

The dining hall bustled with activity, the cacophony of clanking plates and chiming cutlery filling the room. Four weeks had passed, cliques had formed, and the trio of Ayana, Dahak, and Asahi found their place in the corner, munching on their breakfast.

"Feels like we've been ghosts around here since the assembly," Ayana noted, pushing around the remnants of scrambled eggs on her plate.

"Can't disagree with that. Every time I try to mingle, folks seem to vanish the moment they see me with you, Asahi," Dahak added, frowning slightly.

“Probably because of the incident at the first assembly” Asahi mused, his mind replaying the defiant stand that might've permanently isolated him socially. He shrugged it off with a satisfied smile as he enjoyed his pudding.

"You sure love your sweets, don't you? They're not exactly the healthiest choice," Dahak observed, raising an eyebrow.

"A little indulgence never hurt anyone. It's my guilty pleasure," Asahi answered, savoring the final spoonful.

"I think you should be more concerned about fixing things with the Princess," Ayana chimed in. "This palpable tension is doing none of us any good.”

"I appreciate the concern, but it's my battle, not yours," Asahi said, a touch of stubbornness in his voice. "You don't owe me anything. You guys can still make friends here, and Ayana, weren't you getting quite a bit of attention the other day?”

"That's beside the point," Ayana sighed, rolling her eyes slightly.

“Hmm?” Asahi mused with the spoon still in his mouth.

“Well I think what she’s trying to say is, It may be true we barely know you, but the same could be said about everyone else, and so far, we have a pretty good thing going, so abandoning someone that could be considered a friend is kinda sucky.” Dahak blurted, his mouth full of sausage.

“I don’t get you guys...” Asahi said exasperated as he lay his head on the table next to his empty pudding cup.

“Well its hard to explain...” Dahak struggled as his voice trailed off into the sound chewing.

“What I don’t understand is you Ayana, I mean sure Dahak is an idiot.”

“Oi”

“But you on the other hand, you seem pretty capable, and smart, and many nobles here would love to get to know thee super pretty girl. Why are you even hanging out with us? Let alone me...”

There was a short silence between them letting the sounds of the surroundings drown in to their conversation.

After a moment of silence, Ayana replied, her gaze on the verdant forest view outside. "I value sincerity over status.”

“Hmm? “

Before Asahi could delve further into her statement, a confident voice pierced their bubble. "Cadets!" A fellow cadet announced. "Commander Leia has your assignments ready.”

Following him to Leia's office, they found Princess Elysia waiting. "Prince Asahi, we're on the same side now," she said, offering her hand.

"Likewise," Asahi responded calmly.

An enthusiastic Dahak inserted himself into the conversation, flattering the princess in his usual exuberant style. Ayana and Asahi shared a look of mild disbelief at his audacity. Princess Elysia, however, handled it gracefully, introducing herself to Dahak.

“Pleasure to meet you there princess! If I may say, tales of your beauty don’t tell half the story!”

Ayana and Asahi stared at the grinning , hardy man in exasperation.

“Thank you, I am sorry, I do not know your name”

“Ah, I am Dahak! Dahak Cahar! I am Asahi’s friend! And Ayana’s!”

“Well it is a pleasure to meet you.”

Asahi turned his attention to the mysterious newcomer chatting casually with Princess Elysia. As he tried to discern the man's identity, he was startled by a polite greeting from the stranger himself. As Asahi didn’t catch himself staring studying the pair, wondering who it was that was so casual with the princess of the empire, he was caught mid stare and casually looked away.

what am I a child?? He asked himself unamused by his own actions in his heart.

"You must be Prince Asahi. Pleased to meet you. I'm Clause Kazuki." He was tall, well-built, and wore his uniform like a second skin. Asahi noticed strands of jet-black hair falling across his face, adding to his charismatic appearance.

“Hello there, Prince Asahi, Great to make your a acquaintance.” Asahi heard suddenly as he turned to see a slightly bowed new guy. Even bowed though he was tall, taller than Asahi. He was in the same uniform as them but you could see it stretch in all the right places, he was fit. And strands of his jet black hair swooped slightly over one side of his face.

“No need to be so formal, errr...”

“Clause, Clause Kazuki”

“Of course, And here I was wondering who was so casual with her royal highness herself.”

“Ah friend introduce me to your new friend!” An excited Dahak proclaimed as he grabbed Asahi’s shoulder.

“Don’t assume everyone is as fast as you in calling others friends.” Ayana said from behind him.

Before Asahi could reply, Dahak, once again, interjected, eager to meet this 'new friend.' Clause, undeterred by Dahak's exuberance, introduced himself as the heir to the Kings Guard family of Kazuki, the royal guard of the galaxy.

“So you know of me, I’m kind of flattered”

“Impossible not to hear about your 2 families, even where I’m from. Your father Lutheros is quite famous.”

“ Heard about you as well. Your reputation precedes you of your battles, some even sounding just like fiction all while I realize no one knows what your gift is.” Clause said to Asahi.

“Rumors, disregard them.” Asahi replied.

After a few pleasantries and exchanges about their respective families, Princess Elysia addressed Asahi. Their conversation turned towards the Androki's joining of the alliance, a fact that Asahi seemed disinterested in, stating his primary concern to be the safety of his people.

The statement seemed to cast a somber atmosphere over the room. As the heir to Androki, a family that had been neutral until now, this was a significant shift. Regardless, Asahi was steadfast in his own resolve.

My family, my people – they come first. I won't let my intentions be hidden, he reminded himself, preparing for the journey ahead.

"I feel ignored," Dahak interjected, expertly shattering the awkward silence. It seemed he had a knack for bluntly addressing the elephant in the room, oblivious to the usual social cues.

"Attention Cadets!" The stern voice echoed from behind them.

As they spun around, Commander Leia marched into the room exuding a commanding aura. The cadets quickly lined up in front of her.

"I'm pleased to see you're becoming acquainted with one another. From this point forward, you'll be reporting to me directly. When I command you to jump, you'll ask 'how high'; when I say drop, you'll ask 'how low'. Your status outside this room has no bearing here. Is that clear?" Leia's gaze singled out Elysia, Clause, and Asahi as she spoke.

"Sir, yes Sir!" The group responded in unison.

"Excellent. We're at war. This program exists to hasten the end of this conflict by cultivating capable leaders who can vanquish our enemies. Only a select few are chosen to participate. Expect to be pushed to your limits. Once you leave here, you'll be invincible. Any questions?"

Clause eagerly responded, "Commander, I'm honored to be under your tutelage, considering you're the galaxies' fifth-ranked soldier! I look forward to learning from you."

"Don't disappoint me, Clause."

"Ma'am, I will do my utmost to bring honor to my family and to you."

"Anyone else?"

"I look forward to your instruction," Elysia said.

The rest of the cadets gave subtle nods of agreement, standing at attention.

"From now on, you'll be living, eating, working, and yes, even defecating together if necessary. Your first task is to choose a leader."

Clause immediately volunteered. "If I may, I would like to offer my candidacy for the team leader position. I possess extensive leadership experience and have a keen interest in furthering those skills."

Elysia was the first to respond, "Very well." The rest quickly agreed, and Clause was chosen as the leader.

Commander Leia handed Clause a stack of papers. "We're heading to the Andro Galaxy tomorrow to scout an outpost. Fractos movements have been detected in our territory."

"Understood, Ma'am," Clause responded as he accepted the papers.

"I will now hold individual consultations. Ayana, you're first. The rest of you may leave."

Dahak was the first to break the silence as they waited outside the briefing room. "We ended up in the same team, brother! Must be fate."

"Could be," Asahi replied, unsure.

When Ayana exited the room, Asahi was summoned next. After Asahi had gone in, Ayana chose to stand next to Elysia, leaving Dahak somewhat crestfallen. Dahak then turned to Clause and struck up a conversation.

"To be honest, we were unofficially betrothed," Clause revealed to Dahak, resulting in shocked expressions from him and Ayana.

*****

Commander Leia's briefing room was spacious and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the evening sun to filter in. As Asahi took a seat across from the Commander, he felt an odd sense of tranquility amidst the brewing war.

"You have quite an impressive file, Asahi. Your family's resilience in warding off both the Empire and the Concordat is noteworthy. Are you prepared to pledge allegiance to the Empire and fight alongside us?" Commander Leia asked.

"I will fight with you, Commander, but my primary loyalty is to my people. As of now, they've chosen to align with the Empire, so by extension, I'm loyal to you," Asahi replied.

"You won't abandon us?" Leia asked, her tone playfully teasing.

"The Androki’s value honor, Commander. We will stand by you till the end of this war," Asahi assured.

Leia flashed him a sly smile. "And what is your Gift? While I understand the strategic advantage of secrecy, especially if your Gift is rare, I must be informed as your commander. However, the revelation to the team is entirely at your discretion. So, Prince, what is your Gift?"

"My Gift is..."

***

"Here we are, team. Men's quarters to the left, ladies to the right. We share the facilities so we'll need to coordinate schedules. Tomorrow comes early, pack for potentially several days. For now, rest." Clause outlined their living arrangements, adding as an afterthought, "Ladies get first dibs on the showers."

As the group began to split up according to gender,

"Dahak dramatically called out, "Ayana!"

Everyone halted, their attention on him, except for Asahi who carried on to his room, unphased.

"Pray you don't linger long, for your absence weighs heavily on my heart."

Ayana cast Dahak a blank glance before moving towards her room, her expression unreadable. Meanwhile, Elysia and Clause were taken aback, their minds reeling in shock. Both wondered if they had heard right. Had Dahak really just confessed his feelings in front of the entire team?

Dahak's departure left them standing in awkward silence until, remembering their manners, they exchanged a formal bow and continued to their respective rooms.

"Cough, Dahak..." Clause began.

"Yes, leader!" Dahak answered with enthusiasm.

"Are you... seeing... Ayana?"

"No..."

"Oh, good. Because, you know..."

A brief silence fell. Clause struggled for words, Dahak merely waited. Asahi, who was preparing for a shower, kept his thoughts to himself.

"Hold on! Clause, do you have feelings for Ayana? You can't! I saw her first!"

"What? No! I mean, you can't lay claim to a woman! She's not an object!"

"I know, but I called first shot!"

"Huh?"

Asahi inwardly apologized to Clause for the confusion he was experiencing. The dynamics of their team were more complex than he had anticipated.

"I mean, I get the first chance to win her heart! Until she turns me down, she's off-limits!"

"I don't even know what to say."

"So you've given up already?" Asahi interjected, challenging the large man.

"I don’t think so, but I don’t know.”

"An honest response," Asahi said.

"Absolutely! Honesty is a virtue my father taught me. It keeps things simple and real."

"Your father sounds wise. I wouldn't mind meeting him someday, maybe learn a thing or two."

"Well, that would be great, but he's no longer with us." Dahak responded with a smile.

"Oh."

“Yeah!”

The jovial energy in the room dissipated as Dahak’s mood shifted. He fell silent, and his expression turned solemn and bitter.

“Anyway,” Asahi began, eager to steer the conversation away from sensitive topics, “Why is it good that Ayana and Dahak aren’t dating, Clause?”

“Yeah, why?” Dahak chimed in, completely shifting gears as if the previous conversation never happened.

“Well, um, it could disrupt our work... We need to maintain professionalism. Right?”

“It's certainly possible to be professional and maintain a relationship.” Asahi replied.

“Yeah!” Dahak agreed.

“But, won't that distract us? We risk our lives every day. Distractions could mean the difference between life and death.”

“Mmhmm!” Dahak nodded, arms crossed, eyes closed, completely absorbed in the conversation.

“Or it could motivate you to fight harder. If you have someone to protect, a reason not to die needlessly, it might make you a better soldier. I wouldn't know for sure, I'm just speculating.” Asahi offered as he sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

“I suppose.” Clause admitted.

“Anyway, we're now comrades. Having people to fight for, to return to, can be a great motivation.” Dahak announced, puffing out his chest proudly.

“But Dahak, we've only known each other for a short time. Why are you so quick to call us friends? I think friendship should be earned, not given lightly.” Asahi countered, turning his gaze to the large man.

“But I just know! My dad always said I had a knack for it, and I trust that.”

“Mmh.”

“Anyway, so we know I like Ayana, and that Clause and the princess are unofficially engaged, right?” Dahak pressed on.

Asahi was slightly taken aback; this was news to him. He glanced at Clause who was looking decidedly uncomfortable.

“It's not official yet,” Clause muttered, avoiding eye contact. Dahak grinned widely, while Asahi merely smiled.

"Congratulations," Asahi said.

"I said, it's not official yet!"

“So, Asahi,” Dahak continued, completely ignoring Clause, “Is there someone you fancy?”

Asahi gave Dahak a gentle smile and returned his gaze to the window.

“You know, sharing this kind of stuff can help strengthen our bond as comrades. My father once told me.” Dahak tried to convince Asahi to open up.

“I don’t.” Asahi replied.

“Really? Not even back home? Why not?” Dahak probed.

“Because I don’t feel I deserve it.” Asahi replied, his smile tinged with sadness.

The room went quiet, the mood turning somber.

"Don't look like that. My only focus right now is to end this foolish war," Asahi said, his tone light, trying to lift the gloomy atmosphere.

“Uh, yeah, I see.” Dahak replied, nervously rubbing the back of his head.

“A worthy cause indeed.” Clause chimed in. “I too do not feel I can focus on those things until I have achieved something. Especially for my father to be proud…”

As the evening deepened, the group found themselves settling comfortably into the camaraderie of their newfound bond. Their conversation, which initially started as an awkward exchange, flowed more freely as the minutes passed. Each member seemed to lower their guard, revealing glimpses of their personality and allowing the others to understand them better. They shared stories, laughed at Dahak's jokes, and even engaged in a passionate debate about the best combat strategies. The air was filled with light-hearted banter and laughter, the walls of formality gradually crumbling. For a brief period, they seemed to forget about the looming war and the enormous responsibility resting on their shoulders. The moment was fleeting, but it served as a much-needed respite from their harsh reality. They understood that this was just the beginning of their journey, but if this brief bonding session was anything to go by, they were well on their way to becoming a formidable team.

"I'm going to take a walk. I'll check if the ladies are done with the showers."

“Alright...” Dahak responded as Asahi left the room, closing the door behind him.

"I've landed some interesting teammates, Father," Asahi murmured to himself as he strolled down the hallway.

As he neared the showers, he ran into Ayana, her hair damp, drops of water trickling down her face. She wore a bathrobe and carried a bag presumably full of toiletries. A plume of steam trailed her from the shower room. She paused when she saw Asahi.

"Yo," Asahi greeted, raising his hand awkwardly.

Ayana gave a slight nod and began to move away.

"Uh, um," Asahi stammered.

Ayana stopped and looked back at him, her head slightly tilted in curiosity.

"Are you and the princess done with the showers? We wanted to know if it was our turn."

"I'm done. But the princess isn't here."

"Oh, where is she?"

"She went for a walk. Something about seeing the city?"

"Wait, we can do that?"

"Apparently."

"I should take a walk around the city sometime then. I'll go let the guys know."

Ayana nodded and continued towards her room, leaving Asahi to watch her retreating figure. He found himself lost in thought for a moment before he shook himself out of his reverie.

"I see what you see in her, Dahak..."

****end****