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A series of images flickered through, blurry yet recognizable. One image resembled a forest, another a small village in a mountain. And suddenly, a flash of crimson flames engulfed everything. Screams and cries started echoing out, people in black outfits stood ominously, and the world began spinning and shaking. The sensation, so utterly unreal, jolted the boy awake.

His chest heaved, his heart pounding against his ribs. A hand flew to his chest as the tree’s leaves fluttered above him, mirroring his wild brown hair. His body slightly shivered from the cold breeze, a reminder that he had been sleeping on a tree branch again.

‘This dream again.’ His emerald green eyes narrowed as he recalled the dream. It was the same every time. Even he couldn’t remember how long he had been having it for.

Then, a voice shouted from below, shaking him off his own thoughts. “Hey, Aelio!“

He looked down to see a red-headed boy standing below with his hand over his golden eyes, blocking the sunlight.

“On your journey to conquer the dreamland?“ The boy joked with a smirk.

“Shut up, Mael.” Aelio shot back, jumping down from the tree branch. The wind tousled his wild brown hair as he landed with a solid thud. “Can’t you choose a better greeting? You’re a terraguard now; act like one.”

Approaching Mael, Aelio’s gaze fell upon his armored attire, which was a mix of verdant green and earthy brown, well suited for someone who guarded the land. A sword with a dark red sheath hung tightly on his waist.

“I’m not on duty right now, alright? Give me a break.“ Mael flicked his wrist dismissively. “You sure you want to be slacking off? The exam is coming up.“ He gave him a worried look, crossing his arms.

“I’m saving up my energy. Plus, I’ve been training hard while you were gone. I’ve got it this time, just you wait.“

Seeing Aelio’s serious face, Mael exhaled with a slight smile. “Fine, I’ll take your words for it.“

He turned around before looking back over his shoulder, his red cape fluttered by the momentum. “Wanna go for a walk?“

With a smile, Aelio followed Mael back into their hometown, Geodot, which wasn’t very far from where they were.

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The duo strode down the lively city street as they talked about various things, including Mael’s new experience as a terraguard apprentice.

“So, how’s your one year with the terraguards?“ Aelio asked his hands behind his neck.

“I’d say I did pretty good. But because I’m still training, there weren’t many things to do just yet.“

A chuckle escaped Aelio’s lips. “The seniors took all the credits, huh?“

Mael sighed, his shoulders slumping with disappointment. “Yep.“

“Told you we should apply for skyrangers together.“

“You know exactly why.“ He hugged himself, shivering as he imagined himself being so high up in the sky and looking down to the ground below. “And working as an operator isn’t my thing either.“

“Yeah, yeah. Same here.“

The duo abruptly stopped their paces as they heard sudden humming sounds from above.

“Oh, look. Here comes one.“ Mael looked up with a smile, with Aelio following his gaze.

Flying across Geodot was a large airship with glowing crystals attached to its underside. The crystals pulsed in rhythms with their loud humming, turning and propelling the ship forward through the clear sky.

Aelio’s gaze remained fixed on the airship as it flew by, eyes widen and mouth slightly ajar. The sight only further fuelled his passion to pass the upcoming exam.

Seeing determination in his eyes, Mael smiled softly without saying a word. Despite failing the exam last year, Aelio seemed surprisingly cheerful. Most would just give up and went to apply for other professions, but Aelio kept going, his spirit as high as the sky above.

After a while, the humming began to fade as the airship finally went past the city into the horizon, leaving the city in silence before the liveliness of the street quickly restored.

Aelio turned back to Mael, who was standing beside him. “So how long are you staying this time?“

“A few days. I can probably go watch you during the exam tomorrow.“

“Not sure I want that, actually.“

“Oh, come on! Let brother cheer you up.“ Mael teased, giving him a playful nudge with his elbow. “You said you’re gonna make it this time, right? So what’s the problem?“

“You’re gonna make me nervous, that’s why.“ Aelio gave him a side eye, but Mael’s amused smile said otherwise.

As they reached an intersection, Mael turned. “Guess I’ll go see dad at the school.“ He looked back at Aelio briefly before walking away. “See you in the evening.“

Aelio waved as Mael disappeared into the alleyway, leaving him alone among the townspeople who were going about their lives. With a deep breath, he continued walking towards his next destination: the local smithy.

As he entered the building, a short, portly blacksmith greeted him delightfully.

“Ah! It’s Aelio! Perfect timing.“ The blacksmith chirped cheerfully, adjusting his white round glasses as he turned back to pick up something in the back. His hurried movements suggested urgency.

“Hello, Mr. Mavin!“ He grinned with an equal enthusiasm, pointing outside the shop. “Did you see the airship that flew by just now? It’s awesome—”

“Before that,” Mavin interrupted, his previous cheerfulness abruptly faded as he turned back with a wooden box full of various ores and placed it down in front of Aelio with a big thud. “Can you turn these into daggers again? I need to restock early tomorrow.“

Aelio looked down at the crate of ores, blinking once then twice. “Oh… O-okay.“

He picked up one of the ores, as big as his fist, then closed his eyes in concentration. The time seemed to slow down as Mavin also waited to see the magic happen.

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Then, after a brief moment, the ore began to glow as it started to morph in Aelio’s hand, becoming a small, beautifully crafted dagger.

Aelio exhaled, opening his eyes and loosening his grip on the dagger.

But before he could say anything, Mavin suddenly snatched the dagger from his grip with a high-pitched noise from his lips. “A good piece as always. Good work, Aelio.“

“Thanks.“ Aelio chuckled as he scratched his head, his expression slightly tired. “But you know it’s not easy for me to do one dagger, let alone an entire crate! I also have exam tomorrow so…”

“I’ll give you extra.“ Mavin raised two fingers, smiling. “120 rudies per piece.“

Aelio’s face lit up at the mention of payment raise, his spirit firing back up. “Whoa! For real?! In that case, I’ll just have to do them all then!“

Mavin chuckled. “Good, good. Now bring that crate to the back and stayed there. Remember, don’t let anyone see you do it, okay?“

“You got it!“ He picked up the crate, feeling the weight straining his arms as he walked into the back of the shop. “I might as well do all these since I’ll be leaving for an apprenticeship anyway once I passed the exam.“

Once Aelio disappeared into the back, a quick smirk crept up onto Mavin’s face. “That wouldn’t be profitable for me now, would it?“

Despite his enthusiasm, Aelio couldn’t make the dagger-making process any quicker. By the time he finished the crate, collected his payment, and stepped out of the smithy, it was already late evening.

“Whew…” His shoulders slumped, the energy he’d saved for the exam all spent. ‘Oh well, guess I’ll just have to sleep a bunch tonight instead.’ With that thought, he headed home.

The house, not far from Geodot’s only school, was a two-story building with a modest design, blending in with its surroundings. The chimney shot puffs of gray smokes upward, signaling that dinner was readying.

Opening the front door, Aelio called out as he stepped inside the cozy interiors. “I’m back!“

Mael, who was placing the dishes on the table, greeted him back. “Welcome back. Dad’s almost done with the dinner.“

Aelio didn’t hesitate, approaching the dining table and taking a seat. The sight of steaming food lit up his face.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had dinner together as a family.“ Another male voice, low and gentle, echoed out from the kitchen.

Stepping into the living room was a tall and muscular man in his early forties, suggested by his well-kept facial hair. His red hair and yellow eyes mirrored Mael’s, none Aelio’s.

“Elric!“ Aelio exclaimed from his seat as he watched Elric placed a dish on the table before sitting himself, following by Mael.

Pouring water into his cup, Elric turned to Aelio. “Are you ready for the upcoming exam?“

“Yeah.“ He took a bite. “Thank you for helping me train, even though you’re busy with your teaching at school.“

“I’m surprised you didn’t pass last year. You’re more than capable.“ Elric praised as he began eating, causing an embarrassed chuckle to escape Aelio’s lips.

“Thanks…” He scratched the back of his head, a faint blush on his cheeks. “But Mael is even better than me, you know?“

Mael looked up from his plate. “Come on, it’s nothing, really.“ He smiled, feeling flustered but kept himself humble.

Elric, however, continued to focus the conversation on Aelio, barely acknowledging Mael. “You’re special, Aelio. I’m sure you didn’t give it your all last year.“

Mael’s lips twitched downward, his gaze lingering on Elric for a brief moment before going back to his dish.

“Th-thank you for saying that.“ Aelio nervously laughed, trying to brighten up the mood after noticing the sudden tension.

Mael watched the exchange between the two with a forced smile, his knuckle white as he clenched his fist quietly on the table.

The rest of the night went by quickly with Elric mostly paying his attention on Aelio, even when he purposely stirred the topic to Mael’s accomplishments as a new terraguard.

That night, in their shared room, Aelio tried to comfort Mael after he noticed his slightly frown expression and unusual silence, unlikely for someone like him.

“I’m sure he just wanted me to pass the exam just like you.“ He patted Mael’s shoulder. “That’s why he might be too focused on me lately.“

“We both know it wasn’t just ‘lately’, Aelio.“ Mael sighed and shook his head, his tone stern but his usual friendliness still didn’t falter.

Aelio fell quiet, unsure of what to say. As much as he wanted to object, he knew it was the truth. Since they were little, Elric had been giving Aelio more love than Mael, his very own son; the way he talked to each of them, the tones, the gestures, be it during their times at school or around the house.

“You still have me.“ Aelio spoke up, his hand still on Mael’s shoulder. “Brothers don’t abandon each others, right?“

Hearing that, Mael turned to see Aelio giving him a reassuring smile, his expression as friendly as it was serious. He returned a weak smile, his glance lingered. “Thanks.“

And so, the brothers went to sleep, preparing for what was ahead of them tomorrow. Aelio made sure to get plenty of rest for the exam. Mael, on the other hand, decided to tag along to cheer him up, brushing Elric’s favoritism off his mind.

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Early in the next morning, the duo went over their morning routines and quickly prepared themselves for a short journey to the nearest floating city, Nelma, where the skyranger exam would be held.

Mael decided to leave first and waited for Aelio outside the house. Meanwhile, Aelio was called by Elric to talk about something.

“Make sure you give it your all.“ Elric crossed his arms, smiling. His body towering over Aelio’s.

“Of course. I’m not like last year.“ Aelio clenched his hand tightly in front of him, his gaze dropping to the fist, burning with passion. “This time, I’m gonna become a skyranger and travel the world.“

Elric watched him in silence, admiring his ambition. Aelio had always been curious about his past, his real parents and family. All Elric could give him was that his parents passed away in a tragic incident.

But Aelio still clinged to his little hope of finding a relative, anyone who knew his parents, to learn about them, about who they were and what they were like.

“Be strong, Aelio.“ Elric’s words pulled his gaze back up. “And seek allies, ones loyal enough to be by your side no matter what.“

After a brief silence, Aelio replied. “I will.“ Then, a thought popped up in his mind. “Oh and, about Mael—”

Elric’s chuckle interrupted him. “I know what’s been going on in that head of his. I’m his father, after all.“ He paused, his face turned more serious. “But it’s also my duty to make sure you become strong enough to protect yourself, for your own sake.“

Aelio tilted his head. “Duty?“

“Don’t worry about it.“ Elric shook his head with a smile. “I’ll talk to him after your exam, so just focus on that.“

Reassured, Aelio nodded and turned to leave. “Alright, I’m off!“

Just as he was about to reach the front door, Elric called out his name one last time, causing him to turn around.

There was a moment of silence between the two, before Elric spoke up, his expression softened. “Watch Mael’s back for me out there.“

Aelio blinked. Elric’s tone was especially genuine this time, catching him off guard. “You got it.“ With that, he left the house to catch up with Mael.

Watching him disappeared through the door, Elric mumbled to himself. “Be careful, Aelio.“

Outside, Aelio met Mael at the edge of the city, where the manabus station was located. Their destinations included Nelma.

Approaching the vehicle, Aelio’s eyes shifted to the mana crystals attached to its underside, similar to the ones on the airship but much smaller, lifting the manabus off the ground with their rhythmic flashes and faint hums.

As they entered, the bearded driver’s husky voice rang out. “Fifty rudies. A hundred for two.“

Mael reached into his pocket, but Aelio quickly stopped him, then pointed at himself.

“I got this.“ His tone was full of pride as he pulled out his own reddish-pink coins and put them in the small box next to the driver seat.

“Huh.“ Mael raised an eyebrow. “Have you been working part-time or something?“

Aelio replied with a chuckle. “Kind of. Come, let’s take a seat.“

As the manabus started to fill up, the driver booted up the engine. The humming sounds intensified as the vehicle began to move, hovering over the ground.

The mana crystals underneath leaned backward, a translucent ring coming out from each of them in a steady interval, propelling the manabus forward.

For the first several minutes, the manabus stuck close to the ground. But as soon as it reached the open grass field, the mana crystals began to lean back to a more vertical position, lifting the vehicle higher up into the air.

Some of the passengers looked out of the windows in fascination, while those who were already used to it stayed composed. Aelio and Mael were a good example of both groups.

As he looked out the window with his curious eyes, Aelio noticed a silhouette of their destination hidden among the morning fog. Its city-shape shadow loomed darker, before the fog gave ways to the the actual city behind.

The city of Nelma, along with the yearly skyranger exam, awaited the duo on the giant floating island ahead.

Little did they know, Aelio’s exam result had already been decided even before it began.

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