The Aether Arena stretched farther than Kael had imagined.
Tiered stone platforms surrounded the massive field, etched with glowing runes that pulsed softly as if alive. Above them, floating crystal pylons hovered in the air, each one recording performance, rank, and—most importantly—stars.
Gold for excellence.
Black for failure.
Kael stood at the edge of the arena, fists clenched, heart pounding as hundreds of candidates gathered around him. The air itself felt thick, saturated with Aether. Sparks of light danced around students unconsciously, as natural to them as breathing.
To Kael, it felt suffocating.
"Welcome to the Aether Trials," a booming voice echoed across the arena.
At the highest platform stood the High Overseer, robes flowing, eyes glowing faintly with condensed Aether. Behind him were banners bearing the emblems of every official team in the kingdom.
"These trials will determine your worth," the Overseer continued. "Your teams. Your ranks. Your future."
A ripple of excitement swept through the crowd.
Kael swallowed.
Worth…
That word had always followed him like a curse.
---
Phase One – Aether Manifestation
"One by one," the Overseer said, "step forward and manifest your Aether."
Students surged ahead eagerly.
Flames erupted.
Water spiraled.
Lightning cracked the air.
Each display was met with cheers, and gold stars flickered to life above their names.
Then—
"Kael Draven."
The arena fell unnaturally quiet.
Kael stepped forward, every footstep echoing louder than it should have. Hundreds of eyes bore into his back. Some curious. Most mocking.
He raised his hand.
Focused.
Breathed.
Nothing.
No glow.
No pulse.
No response.
A black star materialized above him.
Laughter followed.
"So it's true."
"He really has none."
"Why is he even here?"
Kael lowered his hand slowly, jaw tight. He bowed once to the Overseer and stepped back without a word.
High above, Rion Valeris was watching.
Moments later, Rion stepped forward. His Aether surged like a storm—brilliant, refined, overwhelming. Multiple gold stars shone above his name instantly.
The difference was undeniable.
Kael didn't look away.
---
Phase Two – Combat Assessment
"Power alone is not enough," the Overseer announced. "Combat begins."
Pairs were formed.
When Kael's name appeared on the crystal screen, murmurs spread again.
His opponent sneered the moment he saw him.
"No Aether?" the boy laughed. "This'll be quick."
The signal sounded.
The opponent charged, Aether-enhanced fists flying.
Kael moved.
He ducked, twisted, pivoted—training honed through endless nights took over. He used momentum, leverage, and timing. A shoulder throw. A sweep. A chokehold.
The opponent hit the ground hard.
Silence.
Kael stood there breathing hard, knuckles bruised, body aching—but victorious.
No gold star appeared.
But the Overseer's gaze lingered on him longer this time.
---
Phase Three – Team Selection
As dusk fell, the final phase began.
Team leaders stepped forward, scanning the remaining candidates. Elite teams picked first. Cheers erupted as names were called.
"Rion Valeris — Crimson Talon."
Applause thundered.
Rion didn't look back.
Kael waited.
Names dwindled.
Hope thinned.
Then—
"You."
Kael looked up.
The man from earlier—the calm-eyed leader—stood before him.
"You have no Aether," the leader said plainly. "But you don't retreat. That's rare."
He turned slightly, revealing the emblem on his cloak.
IRON RESOLVE
Gasps followed.
"That's the worst team…"
"Why would he pick him?"
"Kael Draven," the leader said. "You're with us."
Kael bowed deeply.
"Yes, sir."
A single black star flickered above Iron Resolve's banner.
---
The Worst Team
Iron Resolve gathered at the far end of the arena.
A mismatched group.
A bulky boy scratching his head nervously.
A sharp-eyed girl silently observing everyone.
And—
A silver-haired noble girl with cold, piercing eyes.
Lyra Selendis.
She glanced at Kael, scoffed, and turned away.
"A powerless commoner," she muttered. "Just my luck."
Kael didn't respond.
The leader addressed them.
"You were chosen because you were overlooked," he said. "Iron Resolve exists to prove the world wrong."
Above them, the rankings appeared.
Iron Resolve:
Black Stars – 7
Crimson Talon:
Gold Stars – 18
The gap was humiliating.
Kael looked at the stars, then at his team.
We'll erase every black one, he vowed silently.
No matter how long it takes.
Across the arena, Rion met his gaze.
Not with mockery.
But interest.
The trials were over.
The journey had begun.