This is Pandora, a planet like no other, teeming with magic and life. It is home to the Pandorians, a race blessed with intelligence, resilience, and the gift of wielding magic. Perhaps we are the only civilization in existence, a belief passed down through generations. The Creator bestowed us with the strength to command the beasts of Pandora and protect our land from any who might challenge us.

My name is Jake, a 17-year-old cadet of the Northern Plains Kingdom. I train at the Royal Academy, a grueling six-year program that shapes us into the warriors of tomorrow. My dream is to join the elite Air Legions, Pandorians who take to the skies, majestic and fierce, on winged beasts or by summoning their own magic-born wings. I often imagine myself as one of them, soaring through the clouds, diving into battle with unmatched precision. The thought alone is exhilarating, but there’s much to endure before that vision becomes a reality.

This is my fifth year at the academy, and next year, I’ll face the Test—a rite of passage that determines our place in the legions. For now, I am here to observe the Test for my seniors, who will be evaluated in a series of challenges. These include aerial maneuvers, obstacle navigation, and, to my dismay, the dreaded written examination on Shields and Spells. I have never been particularly skilled with spells; in fact, I nearly failed them in my second year. Shields, however, are my strength, both mental and physical. I’ve always been top of my class in that regard, and I take pride in it. It’s a skill vital for the Air Legions, whose primary role is to protect and shield the army from above.

“The flying test begins soon. Cadets, please proceed to the registration pod for admission into the field. You may select your preferred beast or opt for your own wings,” boomed the omnipresent voice of the academy announcer, amplified by some intricate magic.

I found myself wandering towards the stables, my gaze sweeping over the array of majestic creatures tethered within. There were the graceful, winged Pegasi, with their sleek forms and ethereal auras; the fiery, serpent-like beasts with scales that glimmered like molten lava; and, towering above all, the dragons. My eyes lingered on the largest of them, its body a tapestry of shimmering scales, its eyes burning with a fierce intelligence. The dragon let out a deafening roar, its nostrils exhaling small bursts of flame, as though challenging me. The mere thought of riding such a beast sent a thrill through me. One day, I promised myself, I would command a dragon, lead a legion, and earn my place in the Hall of Fame. My statue, carved in gold, would stand beside the great Jason himself, the legendary Pandorian who led his legion to victory against a horde of ancient monsters twenty years ago. My plaque would read, Dragon Rider Jake.

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The crowd’s excited murmurs pulled me from my thoughts. All eyes turned skyward as a mighty dragon soared high above the arena. At its helm was Diana, Commander of the Kingdom’s air units and the supervisor for today’s Test. Her presence was a spectacle in itself, a reminder of what we were all striving for.

But the cheers turned into uneasy whispers as a low, rumbling noise echoed across the grounds. It was faint at first, like distant thunder, but it grew steadily louder. The ground beneath us began to tremble. The wooden viewing platform, packed with cadets and spectators, shuddered violently. Then, without warning, it started to tilt. Screams erupted as panic swept through the crowd. Below, the beasts in their stables began to thrash and roar, their cries mingling with the chaos above. The dragon, chained to its metal enclosure, tugged fiercely, the rattling of its bonds adding to the cacophony.

Teachers and military officials scrambled to take control of the situation, shouting orders that were drowned out by the noise. The platform continued to sway precariously, and I gripped the railing tightly, my heart racing. Then, a brigade of Royal Knights shimmered into view, their armor gleaming under the midday sun. These were the highest order of the land legions, their presence commanding instant respect.

But their arrival brought no reassurance. This was an evacuation. Whatever was happening was dire enough to call for the intervention of the Royal Knights. Fear gripped me as questions raced through my mind. What could possibly be so dangerous as to warrant this level of alarm?