Kairo stood, chest heaving, Swiftbane dagger still humming in his grip, its silver red glow pulsing with his heartbeat. Blood dripped from his cuts—shoulder, thigh, ribs, cheek—but the pain felt distant, drowned by the rush of his new power. Shadow Tarek was gone, split by Swiftbane's strike, his blue mist scattering like dust in the wind. Kairo's Phantom Stride afterimages faded, the air crackling with leftover Etheron. Across the shattered battlefield, Tarek and Mira emerged from a haze of steam, their fight with Shadow Kairo done. Tarek's blades spun lazily, dark-blue Etheron trailing, his grin cocky despite the sweat and blood streaking his face. "Your shadow's a prick, Kairo!" he called, wiping a cut on his arm. Mira, her water trident dissolving into mist, nodded, her shoulder wound still bleeding but her eyes fierce. "He's down. Chains and all," she said, voice steady. The red-hot chains of Shadow Kairo lay broken, their glow snuffed out, the tyrant's taunts silenced. But the fight wasn't over. Three shadows remained—Shadow Mira, Shadow Lira and Shadow Orren—circling lira and orren like wolves, "Mira! Tarek! Let's join them" Kairo said, voice rough but sure. Mira rallied them, her water knives orbiting like a swarm. "Hit hard, no mercy!" Tarek laughed, blades spinning. "About time we end this circus!" Lira's shields sparked, her sass cutting through the tension. "Let's finish this" Orren's gravity hummed, his nod firm. They charged, a blur of Etheron and will, the ground quaking under their resolve. Kairo led, Phantom Stride igniting, five afterimages splitting out, confusing Shadow Orren. He darted in, Swiftbane glowing, slashing the shadow's arm, mist spraying as the anti-speed skill slowed his gravity pulses. Orren followed, his own gravity field pinning Shadow Orren's legs, dirt exploding. "You're done!" He roared, a pulse sending the shadow crashing into a cliff, its form flickering. Tarek and Mira hit Shadow Lira, Tarek's blades carving through her glitchy shields, Mira's water knives piercing gaps. "Fake-ass mfs!" Tarek taunted, dodging a claw, his slash cutting her side, mist leaking. Lira's shields surged, spiking into Shadow Mira's water arcs, disrupting her flow. "Control this!" Lira snapped, her storm pinning the shadow's arms, water splashing. Kairo zipped to Shadow Mira, Swiftbane striking her armor, the dagger's hum cracking it, while Mira's trident speared through, shattering the shadow into vapor. Shadow Orren's gravity wave rocked Kairo, but he dashed, Phantom Stride blurring him, and struck again, Swiftbane grazing the shadow's chest. Shadow Lira's claws slashed Tarek's thigh, blood welling, but he spun, blades landing a hit, her form glitching out. Shadow Mira's water surged, knocking Lira back, but Orren's gravity pulled the wave down, grounding it. With a final push, Kairo's Swiftbane sliced Shadow Orren's core, mist bursting. Tarek and Mira downed Shadow Lira, blades and knives syncing in a flash of light. Lira and Orren crushed Shadow Mira, shields and gravity smashing her into oblivion. The Proving Ground stilled, the crimson sky clearing, black fire snuffed out. The shadows were gone, the final test officially over. The team stood, panting, bloodied but unbroken, their Etheron fading but their bond burning bright. "We did it," Kairo gasped, Swiftbane heavy in his hand. Tarek smirked. "Told ya, freaks. We're unbeatable."
The world shimmered around them, the battlefield of the Proving Ground fading like a bad dream slipping through their fingers. The ground beneath them fractured into light, and in the next moment, they were back—bodies still tense, hearts still pounding—as the stasis pods slowly unlocked with a hiss. Their lids lifted one by one, releasing waves of warm air as the exhausted candidates inside stirred awake. Kairo blinked against the brightness, his limbs heavy but mind still racing, the echoes of the fight clinging to him like dust. Around him, the others were coming to as well.
Uniformed agents waited nearby, sharp-eyed and quiet until the last pod clicked open. One of them stepped forward and spoke clearly, no emotion in his voice. "The Awakening Trials are now officially complete. You are to proceed to the main auditorium." No one argued. They followed without speaking, steps slow but certain, guided through pristine white corridors until they reached the great auditorium. black marble floor gleamed beneath their boots, the silver lights above twinkled softly, and the silence carried a weight that felt unreal.
The team dropped into the nearest seats, tired but buzzing with the last of their adrenaline, some still catching their breath while others stared blankly ahead. Kairo sat among them, heart still thudding but excitement was rising unmatched. Then, from behind the velvet curtain, Zairen stepped onto the stage. His silver cloak shimmered as it caught the light, his presence commanding without a word. The red gleam of his eye scanned the crowd, and for a moment, it seemed like something close to pride flickered there.
"You've faced your shadows and emerged ready for your long awaited purpose," he began, pacing, cloak flowing. "The Proving Grounds and Mindscape Descent stripped you bare, tested your muscles, brains, hearts, your will. And You didn't just survive—you conquered." His eye swept over them, sharp but warm. He gestured, and a holographic screen flickered behind him, glowing with numbers and names. "First," Zairen said, his voice calm and steady, "let's reveal your final score." The air shifted as names and scores flickered into view on the large display, numbers ticking upward one by one. "Tarek Varn," Zairen read aloud, "your precision and leadership during the final test earned you 10 additional points. Combined with your previous 39, that brings your total to 49." Tarek lit up instantly, throwing a grin at Kairo as he gave him a light punch on the arm. "Told ya, top score!" Zairen moved on without pause. "Kairo Virel. Three points from the final test. Your total—52." Zairen kept reading off names. "Mira, two points added. Final score: 47. Lira, two points as well, total of 45. Orren, three points added, for a total of 46." Kairo blinked. Wait—highest score? That hit fast. The rest of the team turned to him, clapping and grinning while Tarek let out a loud whistle. "Kairo, you sneaky bastard!" More names scrolled, one after the next, as Zairen ran through the remaining candidates scores. The auditorium was quiet, tense with anticipation. Then Zairen raised his hand again, and the board shifted. "Here is the list of those who passed and those who did not," he announced. "Congratulations to all who made it." Dozens of eyes snapped to the screen. The team scanned fast, reading line after line, names flashing by as hearts pounded. A few seconds of silence. Then Mira gasped. "We did it," she said, eyes wide. "We all passed."
"Now, you step into the life of an Etherborn, a path of power, duty, and danger. Let me show you what that means." Zairen added, cutting through the cheers and joy in the crowd of candidates. He gestured back at the holographic screen who changed to glowing with blue runes and maps. "First and foremost, your training. For three weeks, you'll live at C.E.L.E.N.'s primary training facility, a fortress in the mountains, built to hone your Etheron and skills. You'll spar, study, and master your abilities—Instructors will push you harder than the Proving Ground, forging you into implacable weapons against the Veil's threats." Zairen's voice grew sharper. "Week four, you'll join supervised Veilruns—real missions in Veilzones, unstable rifts where Etheron leaks into our world. You'll face creatures, anomalies, and worse, but with mentors watching. Mistakes will hurt, but they'll teach." He paused, the screen shifting to a network of glowing nodes. "After training, you'll choose a guild. Guilds are your home, your allies, your edge in this life. In this country, five major guilds dominate, each with a specialty, plus the public Nexus Authority, C.E.L.E.N's branch organization with partnership from the government's arm that oversees them all. "Let me introduce them," Zairen said as the screen shifted. Five emblems zoomed into view, each pulsing with its own distinct energy and presence.
First was the Iron Vanguard—a silver hammer crossed with a jagged lightning bolt, stamped on a black iron shield glowing with red-hot veins.
"Vanguard's your pick if you wanna smash first, think later," Zairen said with a faint smirk. "They hold the line." Next came the Starweave Syndicate—a constellation of white stars stitched together by golden threads, spinning slowly on a deep-blue orb that shimmered like a galaxy. "Syndicate's for those who move unseen," he said. "They always know more than they say." The third was the Dawnforge Covenant—a golden sunburst cradling a steel anvil, flames curling around it, all set against a burning crimson disc. "Covenant builds the tools that win wars," Zairen added. "Their forges never cool." Then came the Voidspire Collective—a black spiral tower piercing through a swirling purple vortex, silver sparks orbiting like comets. "Voidspire tames the chaos others fear," he said, his tone shifting. "Their minds are as sharp as their power." After that was the Eclipse Sentinels—a silver crescent moon cutting through a black star, framed by twin daggers glowing with faint green light. "Sentinels end threats before they begin," Zairen said, his red eye glinting. "They're shadows with purpose." Finally, the screen displayed C.E.L.E.N's Nexus Authority—a white globe wrapped in blue gridlines, crowned with a golden emblem radiating control. "Nexus keeps order," Zairen said simply. "Join them if you like rules—or want to enforce them." Zairen's tone shifted, more practical. "Guilds are your choice, but missions are your life. Veilruns come in two flavors: team or solo. You can visit your guild's hub, browse mission boards—think digital bounty lists—and pick what suits you. Hunt a Veilbeast, secure a rift, recover artifacts. Some pay big, others save lives. Your guild might also assign missions—scout a Veilzone, guard a convoy. Most are optional; you decide if it's worth your time. But sometimes, Nexus or your guild will issue ordered missions—no choice, you go, because the stakes are too high. A collapsing Veilzone, a rogue Etherborn, a city at risk. You'll learn to prioritize, to weigh glory against survival." He leaned forward, voice intense. "Missions aren't games. Veilzones are unpredictable—rifts where reality frays. Some are dungeons, labyrinths crawling with Veilbeasts, traps, and loot. Others are open zones—ruined cities, glowing forests, or worse. Each has a rank, from D to S, and your Etherborn rank—starting at D for you—decides where you can go. Climb the ranks, and you'll face deadlier zones, bigger rewards. Training will teach you the rest—how to scout, survive, and win." The screen dimmed, Zairen's cloak catching the light. "This is your glimpse of Etherborn life. The facility will drill the details into you. For now, know this: you're not just fighters. You're the line between our world and the Veil's chaos. Embrace it." Zairen let the silence hang for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle. Then he nodded once. "You're dismissed. Follow the agents outside—your badges and provisional combat gear await." With that, he turned and vanished behind the curtain. The candidates stood slowly, still processing everything, then followed the waiting agents through a side exit. Their footsteps echoed in quiet unison as they moved into a sleek adjoining chamber where tables were lined with personalized gear. Glinting badges etched with their names, types, and rank. Tarek's: Tarek, Assassin-Type, A-Rank. Mira, Elemental-Type, B-Rank. Lira, summoner, B-Rank. Orren, Controller-Type, C-Rank. Zairen handed them out, his grip firm. "Wear these with pride. They're your proof, your key to the Veil." Kairo glanced across the tables, scanning badge after badge, but his wasn't there. A small knot of confusion tightened in his chest. Before he could ask, a familiar voice cut through the quiet. "Don't worry, kid," Zairen said, stepping up beside him. "Yours is coming. Once you've got your gear, meet me in my office. There's something we need to talk about." His tone was calm, but there was something beneath it—something that made Kairo's pulse quicken. He nodded, swallowing hard. "Got it, sir." The team moved to the next table, where sleek black cases held their new costumes, each tailored to their style and Etheron. Agents in crisp uniforms handed them out, the cases hissing open to reveal gear that looked like it belonged in a high-budget fantasy epic. Kairo grabbed his. The case was cold to the touch, humming softly with energy. As he cracked it open, his breath caught. Inside lay a sleek, dark combat suit—midnight black layered with sharp violet etchings that pulsed like living veins of light. A lightweight, asymmetrical coat was folded on top, stitched with arcane patterns that curled like flame across the shoulders and chest. The armor beneath looked sculpted to fit him perfectly—slim, high-mobility plating over a bodysuit that felt like shadow and steel woven together. Wicked purple sigils glowed faintly at the gloves, belt, and boots, and the right shoulder bristled with a claw-like flare of energy-marked armor. Kairo brushed a hand across it. The surface was smooth but thrummed like it recognized him. He blinked, a grin forming despite the lingering confusion about his badge.
"Yo… this is sick." Tarek was already half-dressed, his jacket a striking black-and-red ensemble, cut with angular lines and knife holsters integrated into the sleeves. A hood, draped low, gave him the look of a rogue assassin. "Check this out," he said, spinning a blade, the metal catching the light. "I'm gonna slice Veilbeasts in style." Mira was adjusting a teal armored vest that shimmered like liquid glass, its surface rippling with subtle shifts in hue. The gauntlets hummed as she flexed her fingers, the energy running through her limbs like a current. "This'll make my knives hit harder," she said with a smirk. Lira's gray jumpsuit glitched and shifted, vibrant patterns flashing in and out of existence. Her visor synced with her summonings and shields, casting an eerie glow. "I look like I'm about to crash a mainframe," she laughed, striking a playful pose. Orren's dark-green trench coat fell heavily around him, sleek and imposing. Gravity runes pulsed gently beneath his bracers, responding to his movement. "Feels like I could crush a tank," he muttered, testing the weight. Their voices bounced off the chamber walls, the casual banter bright against the quiet. "Man, these make our trial suits look like pajamas," Tarek said, nudging Kairo. "You gonna flex that coat or what?" Kairo chuckled and slipped into his own sleek ensemble. The dark combat suit clung to him like a second skin—midnight black with violet etchings that pulsed like veins of light. The coat, lightweight and asymmetrical, draped over him with arcane patterns curling across the shoulders and chest. "Gotta keep up with you, blade-boy," he teased. Mira elbowed Lira. "Bet your visor's got a selfie mode." Lira snorted. "Hell yeah, I'm posting this on instagram" Orren shook his head, grinning. "Y'all are ridiculous. These suits are for Veilruns, not a fashion show." Tarek clapped his shoulder. "Speak for yourself, tank. I'm slaying and slashing." As Kairo adjusted his gloves, a familiar neon-blue grid snapped into his vision, digital lines pulsing like a heartbeat. The Codex's synthetic voice whispered in his mind, cool and precise:
[HOST: FRACTUREBORN]
[CODEX LEVEL-UP PROTOCOL ACTIVATION COMPLETE.]
[TRAINING PHASE BEGINS IN 24 HOURS.]
Kairo blinked, the grid fading, his heart skipping. "Codex, you're back," he muttered under his breath, a grin tugging at his lips. The timing was perfect—24 hours to chill before the grind started. He flexed his fingers, feeling the Swiftbane dagger's hum in his pocket, ready for whatever came next. "Yo, Kairo, you good?" Tarek asked, noticing his pause. Kairo waved him off. "Yeah, just…I gotta dip, Zairen wants me." Mira raised an eyebrow. "What's up with that? You in trouble already?" Kairo shrugged, playing it cool. "Nah, probably just badge drama. I'll catch y'all later." Lira smirked. "Don't get expelled before training, hotshot." Orren gave a nod. "Handle it, Kairo." Tarek punched his arm. "Hurry up, we're hitting the cafeteria after this. I'm starving. Kairo broke away, his new coat swishing as he followed an agent's directions through a maze of white corridors, the C.E.L.E.N. facility's sterile glow making his cuts sting under the lights. He reached a heavy steel door, Zairen's office, and knocked. "Come in," Zairen's voice called, smooth but firm.
The office was sleek, with black walls lined with glowing blue runes. A massive window stretched across one side, offering a view of the city's skyline, lit up by neon lights and the fading dusk. Zairen sat behind a glass desk, his silver cloak draped over a chair, his red eye gleaming as he gestured toward a seat. "Kairo. Sit." Kairo took a seat, his coat creaking as he settled, Swiftbane resting comfortably at his side. Zairen leaned forward, hands clasped, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "You've done well. Highest score—52 points. That's impressive. But there's something you need to know." Kairo's throat tightened. "The badge?" Zairen nodded, his expression unreadable. "At the start of the trials, we couldn't pin down your type or rank. We still don't know much about your case. It's unique. Unstable, but powerful. We saw it during the trials—your speed, your control over debris, and don't even get me started on that dagger you pulled out of nowhere." He smiled, almost slyly. "Don't worry, I won't ask about that." Zairen tapped the desk, and a hologram flickered to life, showing Kairo's fight with Shadow Tarek, Swiftbane flashing through the air. "There's something special inside you, Kairo. Something even C.E.L.E.N. doesn't fully understand yet." Kairo's heart raced, a mixture of pride and unease. "Special how?" Zairen's lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "As I said, we don't fully understand it yet. But from what I've seen, your Etheron reacts differently. It's adaptive, unpredictable, almost like it's alive—like there's an intelligence guiding you. But that's not the main concern right now. You'll figure it out in time." He paused, his gaze sharpening. "What I wanted to talk about is this: because of your… unique abilities, we're designing a specialized program just for you at the training facility. We'll do everything we can to help you navigate this." Kairo exhaled, feeling the weight of it all settle in. "That's… a lot. Thanks, sir. I really mean it." He hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward, his voice earnest. "But there's one thing I need—sometimes, I need to figure things out on my own. I need to train by myself, push my limits. Is that okay? Can I get some space for that?" Zairen studied him, his red eye narrowing as he considered the request. After a moment, he nodded. "Fair enough. You'll have the freedom you need. Access to solo training pods at the facility, and limited off-site sessions, as long as you report your progress. But be careful when you're on your own." Kairo grinned, relief flooding him. "Deal. I won't let you down." Zairen stood and handed him a small case. Inside was his badge: Kairo Virel, Assassin-Type, D-Rank. The surface was warm, almost as if it were alive. "Use this for now, since it's necessary. We'll make you a new one once we figure things out. Wear it well." He paused, his voice softening. "You're a good kid, Kairo. Make us proud." airo stepped out of Zairen's office, the badge warm in his hand, Time to find the crew, he thought, a grin tugging at his lips. Tarek's cafeteria plan was calling, and his stomach growled in agreement. He navigated the maze of hallways, boots clicking on the polished floor. The cafeteria wasn't hard to find; the smell of grilled meat and fresh bread hit him before he even saw the wide glass doors. Inside, the place was a sleek, modern hub—long tables, glowing blue accents, and a bustle of candidates in new gear, their voices a mix of exhaustion and hype. Kairo scanned the crowd, spotting his team near the exit, their trays already cleared, ready to head out. Tarek was in his black-and-red jacket, hood up, spinning a blade like it was a toy. "There he is!" he called, spotting Kairo. "Took you long enough, freak. What, Zairen ground you already?" Mira, her teal vest shimmering, smirked, leaning against a table. "Or did you get lost in those fancy corridors?" Lira's gray jumpsuit glitched faintly, her visor pushed up, revealing a playful grin. "Bet he was admiring his coat in a mirror." Orren, his dark-green trench coat heavy on his broad shoulders, gave a quiet chuckle. "Lay off him. Looks like he survived the boss man." Kairo laughed, catching up, badge now pinned to his coat. "Nah, just some admin crap. I'm good. Y'all done stuffing your faces?" Tarek snorted, slinging an arm around Kairo's shoulder. "Man, you missed the best burgers. Actual food, not trial slop. You're slipping." Mira nudged Tarek. "Says the guy who inhaled three in ten minutes." Lira cackled. "He's prepping for Veilruns—gotta store that energy somewhere." Orren shook his head. "Let's move before Tarek raids the dessert bar." They pushed through the glass doors, stepping into a wide hallway that led to the facility's main exit. The chatter flowed easy, their new costumes making them feel like legit Etherborn, not just candidates. "This gear's next-level," Tarek said, flexing his arm, the knife holsters clicking. "Feels like I could take on a Veilbeast right now." Mira rolled her eyes. "You'd trip over your ego first." Kairo grinned, adjusting his gloves, the purple sigils glowing faintly. "Gotta admit, these suits are fire. training starts in 24 hours. We ready for that grind?" Lira's visor flickered as she nodded. "Born ready. My summons are gonna be unstoppable after three weeks." Orren's bracers pulsed, his voice steady. "Facility's gonna be tough, but we've got this. Team's solid." Mira's gauntlets hummed, her smirk sharp. "Just don't cry when I outscore you all in sparring, y'all may have had higher scores but i got the highest rank. I'm the strongest here hehe" Tarek laughed, spinning his blade. "Dream on, I'm keeping my top score vibe." Kairo chuckled, the badge's weight reassuring.
The hallway opened to the facility's exit, a massive glass atrium glowing under the sunset, the city skyline sparkling beyond. The team slowed, the reality of splitting up hitting them. "Guess this is it for now," Mira said, her voice softer but firm. Tarek nodded, flipping his hood down. "Hell yeah. Don't slack off, freaks." Orren gave a rare smile. "Take care, Team" Kairo's chest warmed, their bond tighter than ever. "Bet. Catch y'all at camp." They bumped fists, a quick, wordless promise, and the team split off, heading to their own rides or dorms. Kairo stepped outside, the cool evening air hitting his face, the city's neon lights painting the sky. His coat swished as he scanned the lot, and there they were—his mother and sister leaning against a beat-up black sedan, waving like they'd spotted a celebrity. Aveline rushed over, her practical jacket flapping, and pulled Kairo into a hug that squeezed the air out of him. "Kairo, you did it!" she said, voice thick with emotion, holding him at arm's length to take in his gear. "Look at you—an Etherborn, just like your sister. I'm so proud of you"
"Not bad little bro," Selena smirked, she said, "Thought you'd trip over your own feet in the trials, but you pulled through. That coat's almost as cool as mine." Kairo grinned, dodging Selena's playful jab at his arm. "Almost? Please, I'm outshining you already, sis. Highest score, 52 points. Beat that." Aveline laughed, her hand on Kairo's shoulder. "That's my boy!52?!" Selena raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Cocky already, huh? Let's see if you survive training without crying. Those mountain instructors don't mess around." Kairo rolled his eyes, adjusting his gloves, the purple sigils glowing. "Bring it on, I'm ready." They piled into the crawler, Aveline at the wheel. The city streets blurred past, neon signs and towering glass buildings painting the dusk in electric hues. Selena leaned forward, her smirk softening. "For real, though, Kairo, you did good. I saw you at the shipyard, wide-eyed, watching us take down Veilspawn. Never thought you'd be joining the club so soon. That suit, that dagger—you're gonna be a problem out there." Kairo grinned, Swiftbane's weight reassuring. "Thanks, sis. I bet Nox will start harassing me more now since i ended up Assassin-type like him" Selena groaned, flopping back. "Ugh, don't mention that showoff." Aveline shook her head, smiling. "Both of you, focus on Veilbeasts, not egos. Kairo, you've got a big road ahead. Training's just the start." The crawler pulled into their neighborhood, Aveline parked outside their modest two-story home, its windows glowing warmly. "Home sweet home," she said, cutting the engine. Kairo stepped out, the evening air cool, his coat swishing as he followed them inside. The living room smelled of Aveline's cooking—spiced chicken and rice, a family staple. Selena kicked off her boots, raiding the fridge for a soda. "Hope you made extra, Mom. Kairo's probably starving after all that shadow-slaying." They sat around the small dining table, plates piled high, the clink of forks mixing with easy laughter. Aveline passed Kairo the hot sauce, her eyes soft. "So, tell me about the trials. 52 points—that's gotta be a story." Kairo dug in, talking between bites. "It was wild, Mom. We fought these shadow versions of ourselves, like our worst fears come to life. Tarek got 10 points in the final test, but I edged him out overall." Selena whistled, sipping her soda. "Tarek, huh? Isn't that the guy that made it on the news last week. So you ended up befriending the kid from the Tv" Kairo smirked, tossing a napkin at her. "Are you jealous i got my own Nox". After dinner, Kairo helped clear the table, his body starting to feel the day's toll—cuts aching, muscles heavy. Aveline kissed his forehead, her voice gentle. "Get some rest, hero. Big day tomorrow." Selena punched his arm, lighter this time. "Don't sleep through your alarm, rookie. Training camp waits for no one." Kairo grinned, heading upstairs. "Night, you two. I'm gonna crash."