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From the Shadows
A New Beginning in Gaia

A New Beginning in Gaia

Gaia was a revelation, stark contrast to the desolate, industrialised landscapes of Sector 13. Evacuees stepped onto the planet, with wide eyes taking in greenery and life. Actual trees swayed in a gentle breeze, their leaves a kaleidoscope of greens. Flowers dotted the ground with bursts of color, and a clean, earthy perfume from unspoiled nature was carried in the wind. The wind, free of gritty industrial smog, was clean and fresh. For many, it was the first time ever they had seen a world that was not ravaged by corporate greed.

The infrastructure of the planet showed the true ethos of harmonious living. Buildings were designed to live in harmony with nature-intramural vines and technologically sophisticated solar panels on top. Water collected everywhere stood glistening in the light, and water ways were crystal clear and unsullied. Existing at the heart of every community was the Commons-a resource shared between the state and local communities to ensure its sustainability-the epitome of balance and fairness.

The shadow snake tightened itself coiled on Jun's arm, the voice soft hissing inside his mind. "I like this place. It has a charm that outshines many planets. Perhaps even the void would pause to admire it."

Jun smiled faintly; he agreed with the sentiment of the snake. This was what hope looked like: Gaia.

As the evacuees were led to their quarters by Commune officials, Lanoir and the rest of the Shadow Banner team searched for Jun. They finally found him standing nearby a grove of trees, his eyes taking in the entire activity surrounding him.

"Jun!" Lanoir waved her hand over his way. Beside her, Slythe, Myrda, Panois, and Rickety grinned and gave him that welcoming warmth.

"How's it going?" Myrda asked, her stormy eyes curious.

Jun shrugged, his shadow snake shifting on his shoulder. "It's… overwhelming, but in a good way. I chose the academic path. I need to catch up on everything I've missed."

"That's a good call," Panois said, nodding approvingly. "You've got the brains for it."

Rickety tilted his head, his mandibles clicking thoughtfully. "Just remember, the Universal Commune values progress. You're here to grow, not to dwell on what's behind you."

Slythe clapped a heavy hand on Jun's shoulder, his scaled grip firm but reassuring. "And hey, healthcare and education are free, except for the really advanced stuff. But you'll ace those tests, I'm sure."

Lanoir smirked, withdrawing a slim folder from her bag. "Speaking of education, I took the liberty of compiling your portfolio." She handed it over to Jun, who unfolded it curiously.

And inside were detailed assessments of his skills and potential:

- Athletics and Fitness: B

- Mana Theory: B

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- Intelligence: A

- Cunning and Sharpness: A

- Potential: S

At the bottom, Lanoir had added a personal note: "Subject is smart but lacks formal education in history, technology, and beast theory. Highly resourceful and capable of improvisation. Kind and trustworthy."

Jun's face flushed as he read the last line. "You think I'm… kind?"

Lanoir chuckled, misreading his reaction. "I know, I know. Bureaucracy and paperwork can be tedious. But trust me, this portfolio will smooth your way through the system. Most people already have one, but I figured you'd need a little help."

Jun looked up, his gratitude evident. "Thank you. This means a lot."

"No thanks needed," Lanoir said, waving him away. "You are team. And if you're off to Argenic University, then that's the best the Commune has to give you. It's close to your land, so you'll not miss it."

That was how their conversation would have gone on and then was cut short by that familiar voice.

"Jun! There you are."

Riry emerged, her neon purple hair glowing under the sunlight. She had that same manic energy as earlier, while her Sleeping Leviathan drifted lazily around her shoulders.

"Riry," Jun said in a softer tone. "You came too?"

Of course," she replied, grinning. "I had this feeling you were going to follow the academic path. Though if I'm being honest with you, I thought maybe you'd pick something less structured."

Jun's smile fell. "I spent my whole life just scrambling to survive. Now I have a chance to learn everything I missed. I can't waste it."

Riry's face softened. "I didn't mean to… you're right. You deserve this. Sorry if I came off wrong."

"It's okay," Jun said, his sincerity breaking through her manic exterior. "We all have our paths. This is mine."

The two continued to chat as the rest of the Shadow Banner team began to say their goodbyes. Lanoir clapped Jun on the back. "You've got this. Don't let us down."

"I won't," Jun promised.

Jun and Riry boarded Arrow Train, a piece of engineering art promising to be both comfortable and swift. The train had a three-story structure with seating space and expansive windows allowing one to see the panoramic view. However, its engines, which were powered through mana, propelled it at a dizzying 1,000 miles per second.

Jun just could hardly fathom his changes in scenery as the train headed towards Evergreen Falls. Rolling hills were first, then dense forests with wide openings to vast plains dotted with shimmering lakes. The beauty of Gaia was almost overwhelming.

Riry broke his silence. "So Evergreen Falls. What are you going to do there once we get there?

Jun leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting off. "I'll start with the basics. Mana theory, beast theory, history… everything I never had a chance to learn. Then, who knows?"

Riry nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like you have it all planned out. Me? I will probably cause a little chaos, shake things up. Can't help it."

Jun chuckled. "Sounds about right."

Their conversation drifted as the train moved into its destination. When it finally arrived, the two had grown even closer, their excitement over what was to come forging a bond neither had anticipated.

As the Arrow Train receded over the horizon, Lanoir and the rest of the team waited at the station. The hum of its engines died into the distance as she turned to the others.

"They have more potential than we did at their age," she said, her voice laced with pride.

"They'll make a difference," Rickety agreed, his compound eyes reflecting the fading light.

Slythe crossed his arms, serious. "Let's hope they're ready for what's ahead."

The team nodded silently in acceptance as their thoughts settled with Jun and Riry into the new journey ahead. Vibrant Gaia skies stretched above them, reminding the team that even in dark times, there are new horizons that await the brave enough to seek them.