The combat training grounds buzzed with the sounds of recruits practicing strikes, Lumina energy crackling as they focused their efforts. Days before the trials, tensions were high among the squads. Each group honed their skills, aware that soon they would be pitted against one another.

Renjiro stood alongside his squad—Goro, Emi, and Yumeru—at their usual spot. The training dummy took the brunt of his strikes, and though he infused his fists with Lumina energy, the memory of his previous failures lingered in his mind. Each punch carried the weight of his doubt, a reminder that the upcoming trials were more than a physical challenge—they were a test of his control and growth.

As he pulled back from the dummy, Goro leaned over, catching his breath. “We need to think smart about this,” Goro said, glancing at the other squads practicing around them. “The trials aren’t just about strength, you know.”

Renjiro nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. “Yeah, but it doesn’t hurt to know who our threats are.”

Emi, ever observant, spoke up. “Kairro, from Squad Storm—he’s intense. His strikes are nearly perfect.”

Renjiro followed her gaze. Kairro’s Lumina-infused punches sent shockwaves through his training dummy. The serious expression on Kairro’s face and the power in his movements made it clear that he wasn’t one to be taken lightly.

“Yeah, and Veyra,” Renjiro added, noting her quick, precise movements. “She’s agile, moves like she’s always two steps ahead.”

Yumeru, who had been quietly wrapping her hands, finally spoke. “Don’t forget about Squad Mist. Tarek’s the tactical one. He’ll be planning more than just brute force. He’ll use strategy, and that makes him dangerous.”

Goro, munching on a piece of bread he’d snuck in, nodded confidently. “Right, but none of them will be able to handle my strikes. Bread or no bread, I’ve got this.”

Across the training grounds, Squad Storm discussed their own threats. Kairro, focused on his Lumina-infused punches, ignored the chatter at first. Thyros, however, watched Renjiro’s squad closely.

“So, who’s the real threat here?” Thyros asked, eyeing Squad Sky. “That guy—Renjiro—he’s struggling with his Lumina control, but he showed some serious power the other day.”

Kairro grunted, clearly irritated by the mention of Renjiro. “Renjiro’s a joke. He’s a wildcard, sure, but nothing to be afraid of. He’ll crumble in the trials.”

Veyra, always alert, added, “Don’t underestimate Yumeru. She doesn’t even use Lumina, and she sent that dummy flying. She’s stronger than she looks.”

Kairro scoffed, waving off her concerns. “Strength without control means nothing.”

Thyros smirked. “I wouldn’t write them off just yet, especially with Squad Mist around. That Tarek guy—he’s always thinking ahead. Our strategy might beat strength.”

Kairro glanced at Squad Mist, his expression hardening. “Tactics won’t matter when I’m on the battlefield. One hit from me, and it’s over.”

Meanwhile, Squad Mist observed the other squads with quiet intensity. Tarek, the strategist, cataloged each squad’s strengths and weaknesses. “We can’t go into the trials thinking it’s just about brute force,” he said. “Squad Storm has the obvious powerhouses—Kairro and Thyros—but brute strength has weaknesses. They’re slower.”

Nira, always hidden in the shadows, nodded. “Speed and stealth will be our advantage. Hit fast, retreat faster.”

Esmir, quiet but focused, agreed. “We can exploit their arrogance. Especially Kairro—he’ll underestimate us.”

Farin, always the joker, grinned. “And if all else fails, we can just make them laugh to death, right?”

Tarek shot him a look. “Not likely. We need a solid plan if we want to make it through this. Strategy will be our key to winning.”

The sun crested the horizon, casting a golden glow across the training grounds of the Azeron Guardians. Recruits from all squads gathered at the main courtyard, the tension and excitement palpable as they awaited the announcement that would set the tone for the days ahead.

Renjiro stood among them, his mind still buzzing from everything he had learned recently. The weight of his secret—that he was human, yet wielded Lumina energy—pressed heavily on him. It was a mystery that even Captain Rei had acknowledged. He was the only one in the academy who knew, but it made Renjiro feel like an outsider, even more than before.

Commander Thalor stepped forward, his silver hair glinting in the early morning light. He surveyed the group with a calm, calculating gaze. “Recruits,” he began, his voice carrying over the crowd, “the trials are in one week. These trials will test not just your strength but your mind, your will, and your ability to work as a team. They will push you beyond your limits.”

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Murmurs spread among the recruits, some exchanging nervous glances, others wearing determined expressions.

Thalor raised a hand, silencing the chatter. “But before the trials begin, we have an important matter to address. Captain Rei has been observing your progress over the past few days, and he will select one recruit to train with him personally. He believes this recruit has demonstrated exceptional skill, potential, and determination.”

The crowd tensed, everyone wondering who would be chosen. Renjiro, standing quietly with Goro, Emi, and Yumeru, didn’t even consider himself in the running. His failures in Lumina control and the uncertainty of his power made him feel unworthy of such recognition.

Captain Rei, his dark eyes cool and unreadable, stepped forward. His gaze swept over the gathered recruits before locking onto Renjiro. A strange tension filled the air as Rei spoke, his voice sharp and authoritative.

“Renjiro,” Rei announced, “you will train with me.”

The silence that followed was deafening.

Renjiro blinked in shock, barely able to process the words. He could feel the eyes of every recruit in the courtyard boring into him, their expressions ranging from surprise to disbelief. Kairro’s eyes narrowed, his fists clenched at his sides. He was seething. “Him?” he muttered under his breath. “Of all people…”

Kairro’s reaction didn’t go unnoticed. Thalor, too, seemed taken aback. He had expected Rei to choose someone like Thyros or Kairro—someone already known for their strength and skill. The surprise on his face was evident as he struggled to mask his shock. “Renjiro?” he echoed quietly, his voice almost lost in the murmurs of the crowd.

Goro’s eyes were wide, his face a mixture of confusion and excitement. “Renjiro?” he whispered. “But... how? Why?”

Renjiro, still stunned, managed to step forward as Thalor nodded in approval. “Training for the trials begins now. All of you, prepare yourselves. Push harder than you ever have before, because only the best will survive what’s to come.”

The recruits began dispersing, some casting envious or curious glances at Renjiro as they went to their designated training areas. But Renjiro had no time to dwell on their reactions. Captain Rei gestured for him to follow, and they walked away from the main courtyard, toward the more distant areas of the academy grounds.

As they walked, Rei’s silence was heavy, but Renjiro could sense there was more on the captain’s mind. The tension between them felt thick, especially with the knowledge of Renjiro’s human heritage hanging unspoken in the air.

Finally, Rei spoke, his voice low and direct. “I chose you, Renjiro, because you have something the others don’t.”

Renjiro hesitated, unsure of what to say. “But… why me? I haven’t been able to control my Lumina like the others. Kairro, Veyra—they’re stronger, more experienced.”

Rei’s eyes narrowed slightly as they continued walking, his steps deliberate. “Control can be learned. Skill can be taught. But you…” He paused, glancing at Renjiro with a calculating gaze. “You possess something raw. Untapped power. It’s dangerous, but it also has potential—more than you realize.”

Renjiro’s mind flashed back to the moment when he’d shattered the training pillar in a burst of uncontrollable energy. He remembered the fear, the uncertainty, the way it had felt like something else was inside him—something wild and unknown.

Rei continued his tone firm but not unkind. “You’re different from the others, Renjiro. I know it, and you know it. But if you want to survive the trials—and if you want to control the power within you—you need guidance. That’s why I chose you. You can’t afford to hide behind doubt any longer.”

Renjiro swallowed hard, his heart pounding. The weight of Rei’s words settled on him, bringing with them both a sense of responsibility and fear. He was different, but what did that mean for his future?

They continued walking until they reached a secluded part of the academy, far from the bustling training grounds. The area was surrounded by towering cliffs, and ahead of them lay a high mountain, its rocky slopes littered with large stones and boulders. There were no training dummies, no weapons—just the raw, untamed landscape.

Renjiro looked around, confused. “What is this place?”

Rei stopped, turning to face him. “This is where you’ll begin to understand your power. There are no distractions here, no enemies to fight, no peers to compare yourself to. Just you… and your Lumina energy.”

Renjiro frowned. “But… there’s nothing here to train with. How am I supposed to—?”

“You’ll learn to control your power by using it,” Rei interrupted, his voice hard. “These rocks and boulders will be your training tools. You won’t leave this place until you’ve figured out how to harness your Lumina energy properly.”

Renjiro’s heart sank slightly. It seemed impossible. These boulders were massive—far beyond what he’d ever attempted to move. But as he looked into Rei’s eyes, he saw no room for negotiation. This wasn’t just a test of strength; it was a test of will.

Rei stepped back, his expression cold but focused. “Start by channeling your energy. Use your emotions, but don’t let them control you. Feel the power inside you and guide it. Move that boulder.”

Renjiro stared at the largest stone, its surface rough and jagged. He took a deep breath, trying to focus. His mind was still clouded with doubt, fear, and confusion, but he pushed those feelings down. He needed to try.

Slowly, he raised his hand, closing his eyes as he tried to connect with the Lumina energy inside him. At first, it was faint, barely more than a spark. But then, as he concentrated, he felt the familiar warmth build in his chest, the same surge of power that had overwhelmed him before.

The energy began to flow down his arm, glowing faintly around his fingertips. He opened his eyes, fixing his gaze on the boulder.

He pushed.

The energy surged forward, crackling around the boulder, but it didn’t move. Renjiro gritted his teeth, pushing harder, trying to focus on controlling the wild force within him.

Suddenly, the energy flared, and the boulder shifted slightly, but the force was too much. Instead of moving, it exploded into shards, sending debris flying.

Renjiro fell back, gasping for breath, his heart racing. He’d lost control again.

Rei didn’t move, his expression unreadable. “You’re still letting it control you,” he said calmly. “You need to learn to channel the energy without letting it consume you.”

Renjiro wiped the sweat from his brow, frustration burning in his chest. He wanted to give up, to say that it was impossible. But he knew that wasn’t an option.

Not anymore.

He stood up, fists clenched, and faced Rei once more.

“I’ll try again.”