The sun stood high in the sky. A light breeze stirred the flags of the Kingdom of Air across the various camps erected to welcome the young Awakened after their first test. The air itself seemed to hum with new energy, with promises of renewal and power.
Amid the crowd, two figures stood side by side. Kenzo observed his companion with a mix of conflicting emotions. He was happy—relieved—to see Yareth again, but deep inside, a persistent unease gnawed at him. There were shadows lingering in his mind, and Kenzo hated not knowing.
He turned his head slightly toward his friend.
– « Say, Yareth… do you know who our kidnappers were? »
Yareth's gaze darkened faintly, though he remained composed.
– « No. I spoke to the Transfigured assigned to me. An investigation will be conducted. Unfortunately, aside from you and me, none of the other kidnapped youths survived the test—or even obtained an Orb of Revelation. So they're either dead… or somewhere unknown. »
Kenzo's chest tightened. He still remembered those faces—blurred now, but once filled with hope. Children like him, caught in something far beyond their understanding. Before entering his own test, he had glimpsed a fleeting vision: Yareth standing tall, radiating a dazzling light. A different kind of light—almost celestial.
– « Uh… Yareth, your Orb… It was extremely bright. You wouldn't happen to be… you know… »
Kenzo hesitated. The brilliance he had seen still lingered in his thoughts. Was it a sign of the Phoenix? The legend said it was reborn endlessly, guiding the chosen.
Yareth shook his head.
– « No. Remember? I told you—I am an heir to the Divine Power of Light. None of the Eight Royal Families can be the Phoenix. »
That clicked in Kenzo's mind.
So that was it… A member of a royal family cannot be the Phoenix… He had understood that the Phoenix had guided the royal families in the past, but he hadn't known it could not reincarnate among them.
Time pressed on.
– « Well, Kenzo, that aside—we need to go. The academy is waiting. »
Kenzo frowned.
– « Why go immediately? Can't we rest first? »
Yareth shrugged.
– « No. Follow me. I'll explain on the way why we need to move fast. »
Saint 13 approached, exuding quiet authority.
– « Allow me to escort you to your vehicle. »
It was thanks to him that Kenzo had been reunited with Yareth. He was also the one who had advised Kenzo to accept his friend's offer and join the Royal Academy. He walked calmly ahead, guiding them through the camp's alleys, where dozens of young Awakened exchanged stories filled with excitement and trauma.
Kenzo dared to ask:
– « Excuse me, Saint 13… Why are there so many people? I spent at least a week in my first test. I thought some would have finished earlier… or later. Yet it seems we all returned at the same time. »
The Manifested turned slightly toward him, a faint amused smile curving his lips.
– « Ah, that's right… You lack knowledge in this field. The first test ends for everyone the day after it begins. That is why you are all gathered here today. All who succeed return at precisely the same moment. »
Kenzo froze for half a second.
Wait… I spent days in that world… and yet I return the very next day?!
It was… unbelievable. Stylish , and terrifying.
They continued toward the vehicle parked near the camp entrance. It resembled a massive armored SUV, angular in design, radiating intimidation. A machine built for war, capable of crossing magical storms or facing a Void Creature head-on without flinching. Beside it stood a soldier in green uniform bearing the symbol of Air and the Roman numeral II, marking his rank as Transfigured.
Saint 13 spoke in a calm yet firm tone:
– « Deliver them to the academy as quickly as possible. »
– « Yes, sir! »
Kenzo blinked. Watching a Transfigured obey so readily was… surprising. Saint 13 was Manifested , a higher rank. All Transfigured owed him respect. And even more so someone like Kenzo, who was merely Awakened.
They entered the vehicle. Inside, Kenzo nearly gasped.
Everything exuded cutting-edge technology fused with magical enchantment. The black leather seats were engraved with vibrating runes capable of massaging or reinforcing posture. Floating crystal displays projected maps and live feeds in midair. A small alembic in one corner distilled a soothing mist, and a hovering training sphere emitted harmonic tones to enhance focus.
This thing is insane… Kenzo thought, stunned.
Once seated, he finally turned toward Yareth.
– « Yareth… why are we in such a hurry to reach the Royal Academy? We have four years, don't we? »
Yareth's expression turned serious.
– « Actually, Kenzo… the Royal Academy has its own rules. It offers accelerated preparation for the bravest Awakened. After two months of intensive training, we will participate in the second test. »
– « What?! » Kenzo burst out, shocked.
Why such haste? Why rush toward death when four full years were allotted for normal preparation?
Yareth crossed his arms.
– « I know. It sounds absurd at first. But the royal families want to demonstrate their superiority… and independence. Their children have prepared for this since birth. They are one hundred percent certain they will obtain their Orb of Revelation on the appointed day. So why wait four years? They want to become Transfigured as early as possible. The two months are merely to familiarize themselves with their powers. »
Kenzo understood the logic. It was a display of strength, of certainty—a clear message to the people: We were born to rule.
But something was wrong.
– « But… Yareth… I'm not from a royal family!! »
Silence settled between them.
Kenzo could already see himself being thrown into a hell he could not control. Barely two weeks ago, he had lived an ordinary life. Now he was preparing to face the second test in two months—with no real knowledge of the Awakened world, no foundation, no true training.
I'm going to die… he thought, fists clenched.