Combat Trials – Midnight Arena
The firelight of a hundred torches danced across the arena floor as the practical exam began. It was a violent spectacle—swordplay, spell enhancement, and survival tactics—all under pressure. The crowd watched from above, nobles and sponsors placing bets on their favorites.
"Xzavier Shishiroma vs. Kento Dazura!"
Kento was a mountain of a teen, wielding a massive hammer wrapped in lightning runes. He looked like he wanted to make a statement—and that statement was 'Crush the Flame.'
Xzavier unsheathed his Flame Blade.
Kento grinned. "Let's see how well you burn when your skull's smashed in."
The fight began with an explosion of motion.
Kento's hammer crashed down—but Xzavier was gone. A flicker of flame appeared behind Kento—then steel flashed. Sparks exploded as Xzavier's blade raked across the hammer, sending it skidding.
The crowd roared. Xzavier didn't hear them.
He was inside the fire.
He dodged another swing, this time twisting mid-air and striking Kento's knee. The bigger boy roared in pain. His lightning surged.
But Xzavier didn't back away.
With a cry, he flared Blazing Fang, his blade's first technique. The sword burst into white-hot flame as he drove it into the hammer's shaft—melting it partially before twisting free and kicking Kento square in the chest.
Kento fell.
Silence.
Then thunderous cheers.
---
The Next Day – Grand Parade, Eidolon's Capital
Against all odds, Xzavier had passed the practical. The five who succeeded stood atop the Great Warden Steps.
The sun shone bright as trumpets blared.
Red banners lined the path, displaying the Warden Emblem—a phoenix wrapped in chains, breaking free. It symbolized Eidolon's rebirth after the Bladekind War. The ceremony was tradition—meant to honor those who would defend the realms against threats within and beyond.
"We present to you… Eidolon's Newest Wardens!"
The crowd exploded.
Xzavier stood with Yagumi and Hageshi, their expressions vastly different.
Xzavier looked uncomfortable in the spotlight. He didn't like the noise. He didn't like being cheered by people who had mocked him only yesterday.
Yagumi stood perfectly still, eyes narrowed, scanning the nobles in attendance like they were chess pieces.
Hageshi waved wildly, throwing candy into the crowd.
After the ceremony, each recruit was given a new uniform: tailored, reinforced armor of obsidian-threaded silk, etched with glowing crimson lines—the mark of a Warden-in-training. The Red Theme signified youth, fire, and unshaped power.
Xzavier held his in silence. His fingers ran along the phoenix insignia.
"You look like you're about to cry," Hageshi teased.
Xzavier turned away. "Shut up."
"Don't let the crowds fool you," Yagumi said. "This parade? It's the calm before the chaos."