City Sven-1 shone under a dull sun that barely managed to pierce the thick layer of smog that covered the city. The streets, crowded with makeshift markets, barefoot children running, and the constant sound of shouts and laughter mixed with the music from old radios, were a controlled chaos. But amidst that anarchy, there was a strange order, as if everyone knew exactly where they fit, even in a city on the brink of collapse.

In a dusty corner, Saico waited with his arms crossed. He wore his patched jacket and had his sword sheathed on his back. His patience was running thin.

— Where the hell is he? — he muttered, kicking an empty can.

A few seconds later, a tall, slender young man appeared around the corner, with a wide smile that seemed to light up even the darkest parts of the city. His messy hair, a light brown almost blonde, fell over his eyes as he enthusiastically waved.

— Saico! Did I keep you waiting? — said Deff, his voice always full of energy.

— What do you think? — Saico replied sarcastically, though he couldn’t help but return the smile.

Deff was known throughout City Sven-1. Although he was only a Desturio, his connection to Leppart and his magnetic personality had earned him respect, even from the most bitter veterans of the city. For Saico, however, Deff wasn’t a hero. He was a friend... though a friend who always arrived late.

— Relax, man. Today I’m going to teach you something that will change your life.

Saico looked at him skeptically as Deff led him through the alleyways. They passed by a crowded market, where vendors shouted deals to attract customers. There were fruits on the brink of rotting, pieces of old technology, and in a dark corner, clearly illegal weapons.

— What exactly are we going to do? — asked Saico as he dodged a man carrying a cage full of live rats.

Deff stopped in front of a crumbling building. Its facade was covered with graffiti telling stories of revolution, loss, and hope. In the center, a symbol Saico recognized: the lightning bolt representing the Rock Brigade.

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— This, — Deff said, pointing at the symbol, — is more than just a drawing on a wall. It’s a promise. A promise to protect our own, to fight until our last breath. And Leppart always says that to protect others, you first have to protect yourself.

Saico raised an eyebrow.

— What does that mean?

— It means you need to learn how to fight like a real Elemental.

Before Saico could respond, Deff drew his sword, a thin and lightweight blade that glowed with a faint blue light.

— Come on, move. I want to see what you’ve got.

For the next hour, Deff trained Saico in the fundamentals that Leppart had taught him: how to control his breath, how to observe his opponent’s movements, and how to use the environment to his advantage. Although Saico already had combat experience, Deff’s lessons had a clarity and precision that surprised him.

— You’re better than I thought, Saico, — Deff said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. — But you still have a lot to learn.

Saico snorted, trying to catch his breath.

— What do you expect? Not all of us are the chosen one of the great Leppart.

Deff smiled, but there was a tinge of melancholy in his expression.

— Don’t think it’s easy. Being his chosen one means carrying his expectations. But it also means I have the chance to make a difference. That’s what I want to teach you.

The afternoon passed quickly, and as the sun began to set, they headed to the market to buy some food. While sharing a plate of noodles at a makeshift stall, Saico looked around.

— This city is a mess, — he said, chewing slowly. — But I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Deff nodded.

— City Sven-1 is a mess, but it’s our mess. And if Leppart taught me anything, it’s that even in a place like this, we can find beauty.

Elsewhere, not far away, Max and Whisper Wind walked through one of the few quiet areas of the city, a neglected but lively park. Wildflowers grew amidst the rubble, and the sound of birds replaced, for a moment, the constant noise of the city.

— Isn’t it strange? — Max asked, breaking the silence. — Here we are, enjoying this day while out there the world is falling apart.

Whisper Wind smiled softly, the wind playing with her hair.

— Sometimes we need moments like this, Max. We can’t fight all the time.

— Is this a date, Whisper? — Max asked with a teasing grin.

Whisper lightly punched him in the arm, but couldn’t help but laugh.

— Don’t get your hopes up, Max.

Back with Saico and Deff, night had fallen, and the makeshift lights of City Sven-1 illuminated the streets. As they walked toward their shelters, Saico realized something.

— Deff, thanks. For today.

Deff looked at him surprised, but then smiled widely.

— That’s what friends are for, right?

And so, amidst the chaos and decay of City Sven-1, two young Elementals forged a friendship that would withstand even the worst storms.