The mist-covered horizon stretched endlessly before them as Renjiro stood, heart pounding, among the other recruits. Today marked a new challenge—one that filled the training grounds with eager anticipation. They would ride the Phalyx, majestic creatures infused with blue Lumina energy, hovering just above the ground. Their sleek, luminous forms shimmered in the early morning light.

The excitement around him was palpable. Recruits from Squad Sky and the other teams whispered excitedly. Renjiro glanced at Goro, who was practically vibrating with enthusiasm.

“I can’t believe it! We’re going to fly!” Goro whispered, his grin wide enough to match the sun.

Renjiro chuckled but couldn’t shake the weight of recent events—his uncontrolled power, the secret of his humanity. Today, he’d try to put it aside and focus on something new. He could feel the eyes of the instructors, his squad, and even his rival Kairro on him, waiting to see how he would perform.

Commander Vaelis, their instructor for the day, stepped forward. Her silver-braided hair and sharp gaze commanded respect. Her reputation as a legendary Phalyx rider preceded her, and as she addressed the group, her voice carried the authority of someone who had mastered the skies.

“Today, you will bond with the Phalyx,” Vaelis began, her tone firm. “These creatures are not mere mounts. They respond to your Lumina energy, your will, and your discipline. Treat them as equals—partners in the sky—and they will serve you well.”

The recruits murmured amongst themselves, the tension rising. Vaelis raised a hand to call for silence, her eyes sweeping over the group. “I will call your names. Step forward, connect with your Phalyx, and prepare to fly.”

Renjiro watched as Kairro from Squad Storm was the first to be called. As usual, Kairro walked forward with an air of unshakable confidence, locking eyes with the Phalyx that awaited him. Without hesitation, the creature bowed its head, sensing the strength of Kairro’s will. In one fluid motion, Kairro mounted the Phalyx and, with a smirk, launched into the sky, his Phalyx soaring with precision.

“Light work,” Kairro muttered, throwing a glance back at the recruits still waiting.

One by one, the other recruits followed suit—Veyra, Thyros, Illira—all bonding with their Phalyx and taking to the air with varying degrees of skill. When Emi’s name was called, the shy recruit’s hands trembled as she approached her Phalyx. She adjusted her glasses, taking a deep breath. The creature hesitated, sensing her nerves, but Emi closed her eyes, focused her Lumina energy, and finally mounted. Her flight was shaky, but her Phalyx carried her into the sky.

Goro’s turn came, and he bounded forward like a child on a festival day. “Here we go!” he shouted as he mounted his Phalyx. The creature, sensing his excitement, launched into the air with a powerful flap. Goro’s laughter echoed through the clouds as they climbed higher.

Finally, Renjiro’s name was called. As he stepped forward, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of everyone’s gaze. His hand met the warm glow of his Phalyx’s side, and a familiar pulse of Lumina surged between them. The Phalyx lowered its wings in a welcoming gesture, and with a quick leap, Renjiro was in the saddle.

The moment they shot into the sky, the wind whipped past his face, and all his worries seemed to fade. The ground fell away beneath them, replaced by the open sky. Renjiro felt free, the rush of flight exhilarating.

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But the peace didn’t last long. He noticed Yumeru below, struggling. Her Phalyx resisted her commands, its wings twitching and breath labored as if debating whether to obey.

“What’s wrong with this thing?” Yumeru grumbled.

Goro, flying nearby, snickered. “Maybe it knows who’s boss.”

Yumeru glared at him, but eventually, her Phalyx relented and carried her into the sky, though with clear reluctance.

As they ascended higher, Commander Vaelis’ voice rang out. “Now that you have bonded with your Phalyx, we begin the first trial. You will guide your Phalyx through a series of rings—each more difficult than the last. These checkpoints will test your focus and control.”

Ahead, glowing blue rings appeared in the sky. The first few were wide and spaced far apart, but further down the course, the rings narrowed and moved unpredictably, shifting with the wind currents.

“Trust your connection with your Phalyx,” Vaelis reminded them. “The more attuned you are, the easier the course will be.”

Renjiro leaned forward, feeling the bond with his Phalyx as they dived toward the first ring. The creature responded instantly, moving with grace through the wide opening. He felt a surge of confidence—perhaps, after all, this wouldn’t be as hard as he thought.

But Kairro had other plans.

Renjiro didn’t see him until it was too late. Kairro swooped down from above, his Phalyx cutting through the air with practiced ease. He shot past Renjiro, his smirk unmistakable.

“Let’s see what you’ve got,” Kairro muttered, eyes gleaming with competition.

Something stirred in Renjiro—a challenge. He urged his Phalyx forward, quickly closing the distance between them. Kairro’s sharp movements were precise, but Renjiro’s approach was more fluid, allowing him to glide just beneath his rival.

Below, the recruits watched in awe. Goro’s voice carried above the wind. “Look at them go! It’s like a race up there!”

Vaelis, observing from below, nodded approvingly. “Not bad,” she muttered, watching their skillful maneuvers.

The final ring loomed ahead, both Renjiro and Kairro pushing their Phalyx to the limit. Their wings beat furiously against the wind, neck, and neck as they approached the finish.

But then Renjiro heard it—a panicked scream.

It was Emi.

His heart skipped as he spotted her, her Phalyx bucking wildly beneath her. She was slipping, her hands desperately clinging to the reins as the creature flailed.

Without a second thought, Renjiro broke away from the race. Kairro, oblivious, surged ahead, focused entirely on victory.

Renjiro’s Phalyx dove sharply, the wind screaming in his ears as he raced toward Emi. His heart pounded as she tumbled from her mount, free-falling through the air.

“Emi!” he shouted, urging his Phalyx faster. They hurtled downward, faster and faster.

Just before she hit the ground, Renjiro’s Phalyx swooped in, catching her in its powerful claws. He pulled her onto the saddle, breathing hard with relief.

“You’re safe now,” he said, his voice breathless.

Emi, pale and trembling, held on tightly. “I thought I was done for…”

Renjiro’s heart slowed as they landed softly on the ground. Above them, Kairro had passed through the final ring, his smug expression faltering when he realized what had happened.

Commander Vaelis descended, her sharp eyes assessing the situation. She gave Renjiro a nod of approval. “You made the right choice, Renjiro. Saving a comrade comes before winning any race. Well done.”

Renjiro smiled faintly, the adrenaline still coursing through him. Kairro, meanwhile, scowled, his victory now hollow. He turned away, frustration simmering in his gaze.

As the recruits gathered, Vaelis addressed them. “Today was a test of skill, but greater challenges lie ahead. The trials are approaching, and your performance will determine your future with the Azeron Guardians. Train hard—and be ready.”

A ripple of anticipation spread through the group. Renjiro, still shaken from the events of the day, knew that this was just the beginning of what was to come.