The mist-covered horizon stretched endlessly before them as Renjiro stood 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 that somehow were infused with Cerula energy. Their sleek, luminous forms shimmered in the early morning light.

The excitement around him was palpable. Renjiro glanced at Taro, who was practically vibrating with enthusiasm.

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

Renjiro chuckled but didn’t share in his friend’s excitement. His hand throbbed beneath the hastily wrapped cloth, the pain was a reminder of his secret. No Luminarian should have a wound—they didn’t bleed. He had tied the bandage tight that morning, hoping no one would notice, but the ache pulsed with every movement. He flexed his fingers slightly. It would have to hold. No one could see.

He could feel the eyes of the Luminarians, 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 learn to ride a Phalyx,” Vaelis began, her tone firm. “These creatures are not mere mounts. They respond to your Lumina energy. Treat them as equals—partners in the sky—and they will serve you well.”

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

Renjiro watched as Kairro from Squad Storm was the first to be called. He 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 launched into the sky, his Phalyx soaring with precision.

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.

Taro’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. Taro’s laughter echoed through the clouds as they climbed higher.

Finally, Renjiro’s name was called.

He swallowed hard and stepped forward, his wounded hand tucked behind his back. His Phalyx stood before him, its luminescent lines pulsing gently in response to his presence. He reached out, his uninjured hand brushing its side. A familiar surge of Lumina rushed between them—but it felt off.

For a moment, the Phalyx hesitated.

Renjiro stiffened. Could it sense his weakness? His secret? He forced himself to focus, masking his uncertainty, and after a brief pause, the Phalyx lowered its wings in a welcoming gesture. 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. For the first time in days, he felt free.

He noticed Yumeru below, struggling. Her Phalyx resisted her commands, its wings twitching and kicking its legs aggressively as if debating whether to obey.

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

“That’s odd… Phalyx don’t usually hesitate like that,” Emi murmured, adjusting her glasses.

Taro, 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.

Below, Commander Vaelis’ voice rang out. “Now, we begin the first exercise. You will guide your Phalyx through a series of rings—each more difficult than the last. These checkpoints will test your focus and control.”

Large Wooden rings appeared in the sky ahead. 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 practised ease.

He shot past Renjiro.

Kairro and Renjiro locked 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. Taro’s voice carried above the wind. “Look at them go!"

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

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.

Then—pain.

A sharp, searing throb shot through Renjiro’s injured hand. His fingers spasmed involuntarily, and in that instant, his grip slipped.

His Phalyx veered sharply.

Renjiro felt himself slide sideways—

And then, he was falling.

The sky twisted around him as the wind roared past his ears. His stomach lurched. The ground was rushing up to meet him at a terrifying speed.

A blur of movement—someone above him hesitated.

Kairro.

For a split second, Renjiro saw uncertainty in Kairro's. The moment stretched—Kairro’s hands twitched on the reins—was he going to dive after him?

Renjiro plummeted.

He gritted his teeth, reaching for his Lumina, but his panic drowned out his focus.

Then—a powerful force slammed into him.

Commander Vaelis.

Her Phalyx caught him mid-air, its wings straining against the speed of their fall. She yanked him up onto her saddle.

“Control yourself, recruit,” she barked. “If you panic in the real world, you die.”

The weight of her words hit hard.

They descended, landing roughly on the ground. As soon as Renjiro’s feet hit solid earth, he clenched his injured hand, wincing. His bandage had loosened slightly, but thankfully, no one had seen beneath it.

Kairro and the other recruits landed nearby. 

Vaelis crossed her arms. “Reckless. But salvageable.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Next time, keep your head in the sky.”

Renjiro swallowed hard and nodded.

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, clenched his wounded hand.

If he lost control again… it wouldn’t just be a fall.

It would be his secret exposed.