The path into the Cloud Dragon Guild was like nothing Vishwa or Joseph had ever seen before. The sect stretched across five colossal mountains, their peaks hidden in mist, each layer holding its own secrets. The air itself carried a weight—an aura of ancient power that seemed to whisper with every breeze.
The first mountain: Outer Sect—filled with countless disciples, bustling training grounds, and trial arenas.
The second mountain: Inner Sect—where promising talents resided, trained by stronger masters.
The third mountain: Core Sect—home to the prodigies, nurtured to become future pillars of the sect.
The fourth mountain: Library Sect—a sacred land of scrolls, techniques, and forbidden arts.
The fifth mountain: Main Sect—where only elders and guild leaders resided, high above the clouds.
For now, Vishwa and Joseph were placed in the Outer Sect as new initiates, though their performance in the trials already earned them respect. The two walked side by side, their steps echoing as they approached the vast white-stone dormitory of the Cloud Dragon Guild.
The Cloud Dragon Guild's dormitories stood high above the clouds, mist swirling around the carved stone halls that clung to the mountain's edge. Inside one of the dorms, eight new recruits gathered. Vishwa and Joseph sat together on the far bench, Hitami wasn't here—she'd only come two years later for her own trial.
The instructor, a stern woman named Elder Rina, addressed them.
"Every dorm has one leader. This leader will represent your group, take responsibility for decisions, and lead you in team events. You'll decide through a challenge—today."
The room grew tense.
"Rules are simple," she continued. "You'll face off in sparring trials, and then vote. Leadership isn't just about strength—it's about respect. Understood?"
The eight recruits nodded.
---
The Eight Recruits
Vishwa (15, Dark element, calm but a little shy).
Joseph (15, Fire element, outspoken, quick to act).
Lian (14, Ice element, quiet and calculating).
Riku (16, Earth element, big and tough, loud voice).
Taro (15, Water element, cheerful joker).
Maya (14, Lightning element, sharp-tongued, competitive).
Kenji (15, Wind element, laid back).
Sora (13, Light element, youngest, nervous but determined).
Rina clapped her hands.
"First, I'll see how you spar. No killing blows. Show me your strength."
Joseph stood up immediately.
"I'll go first. Who's my opponent?"
Riku, the tall earth-element boy, cracked his knuckles.
"Me. Let's see if that fire of yours is more than just smoke."
Joseph vs Riku
They stepped into the center, the others forming a circle.
"Begin!" Rina ordered.
Joseph ignited his fists with flame, charging straight in. Riku stomped the ground, raising a wall of stone.
Joseph smirked. "You think a wall will stop me?"
He leaped, fire bursting from his legs, vaulting over the wall. His flaming punch smashed against Riku's shoulder, forcing him back.
Riku grunted. "Not bad… but try this!"
He slammed both palms into the floor, causing the ground to ripple. Joseph stumbled but quickly steadied himself, sparks gathering around his arms.
"Fire Barrage!" He unleashed a flurry of blazing strikes.
Riku defended with stone shields, but Joseph's speed overwhelmed him. Finally, a fiery uppercut knocked Riku down.
The others gasped.
Joseph extended a hand.
"You're strong, but I'm faster."
Riku grinned, taking the hand. "Guess you're not all talk."
---
Vishwa vs Maya
"Next!" Rina barked.
Maya smirked. "Dark boy, you're up."
Vishwa stepped forward quietly, his cloak brushing against the floor. His bandaged chest still reminded him of the Black Tiger fight, but he tightened his fists.
"Ready," he said softly.
Lightning crackled around Maya as she dashed in. "Try to keep up!"
She swung a kick charged with sparks. Vishwa barely shifted, shadows forming at his feet, pulling her momentum slightly off balance.
"Huh?"
In that instant, Vishwa's palm struck her side—not heavy, but precise, pushing her back.
"You fight fast," he muttered. "But you leave openings."
Maya snarled. "Don't lecture me!" Lightning exploded around her. She shot forward, but the shadows around Vishwa thickened, creating a dark barrier that absorbed most of her strike.
He countered with a burst of shadow energy, knocking her back.
Rina raised a hand. "Enough. Winner—Vishwa."
Maya scowled, but there was reluctant respect in her eyes.
After a few more spars (Kenji beat Taro, Lian defeated Sora), Rina dismissed them to talk among themselves.
"You'll now choose your leader," she announced. "Think carefully. Leadership isn't just who hits hardest—it's who you'll follow."
The eight gathered around a wooden table.
Taro was the first to speak. "Alright, so… obvious question: are we picking Joseph or Vishwa? They're the strongest."
Maya crossed her arms. "Joseph's too hot-headed. He'd rush us into trouble."
Joseph scowled. "Excuse me? At least I can fight."
Kenji yawned. "Strength is fine, but we need brains too. Vishwa fights with strategy. Did you see how he tripped Maya's momentum with shadows? That's leader stuff."
Riku nodded. "He's calm under pressure."
Joseph slammed the table. "Hey! I'm not reckless! Who do you think saved Vishwa from that tiger back in the village? I don't just charge blindly—I protect my friends."
Vishwa looked uncomfortable, scratching the back of his head.
"I… don't need to be leader. I'd rather just fight alongside you all."
Sora, the youngest, suddenly spoke up. His voice trembled, but he forced the words out.
"I… think Vishwa should be leader. He doesn't try to show off. That makes me feel safe."
The group fell quiet.
Joseph sighed, leaning back. "Tch. Guess you're more popular than me, Vishwa."
Vishwa frowned. "It's not about popularity. You're stronger than me, Joseph."
Joseph chuckled softly. "Maybe. But strength isn't everything. Fine… if you lead, I'll back you up. Like always."
Vishwa gave him a grateful smile.
---
Rina returned. "Have you decided?"
Taro raised his hand. "Yeah. We want Vishwa."
Rina arched a brow. "The quiet one? Interesting. Then prove it."
She waved her hand, summoning a magical formation in the room. Suddenly, shadow beasts of light appeared—wolf-shaped constructs made from energy.
"Leader's first duty—protect your team. Show me."
The wolves lunged.
"Everyone, stay together!" Vishwa shouted, his voice louder than usual. His shadows stretched across the floor, tangling two wolves.
Joseph grinned. "Now that's the voice of a leader." He rushed forward, flames blazing, blasting another wolf apart.
"Kenji, wind! Push them back!"
Kenji smirked. "Got it." A gust swept through, knocking three wolves into Riku's waiting fists.
"Maya, Lian—cover the back!" Vishwa ordered.
Lightning and ice crackled in unison, shielding Sora.
Taro laughed nervously. "What do I do?"
"Distract the last one!" Vishwa said.
Taro whistled loudly, tossing a splash of water in a wolf's face. Joseph finished it with a fiery kick.
Within moments, all the wolves dissolved into light.
The group was panting, but smiling.
Rina studied them carefully. Her lips curved into the faintest smile.
"Not bad. Vishwa, you're the leader of Dorm Seven. May the Cloud Dragon Guild sharpen your blades."
That night, the group sat together, exhausted but excited.
Taro leaned back. "Leader Vishwa… sounds cool."
Maya smirked. "Don't let it get to your head, dark boy."
Vishwa shook his head. "I don't want a title. Just… let's look after each other."
Joseph nudged him with an elbow. "Too late, you're stuck with it now."
Sora smiled shyly. "I'm glad it's you, Vishwa."
Vishwa sat quietly for a moment, then laughed—a rare, soft laugh.
"Alright then. Let's make this dorm the best in the guild."
The others cheered, the sound echoing into the mist outside.
For the first time since leaving their village, Vishwa felt something new—belonging.