The capital's great training hall had never hosted such a mixed group. Fifty cadets, ten from each faction, stood at attention, eyes shining with ambition, pride, and their first faint fear. Their families mingled on the periphery, noble, humble, or tribal, each bearing with them hopes as weighty as the arms their children bore.
Among the demon cadets, there was Zerath, a lean, lanky boy with piercing red eyes, who was a master of fire manipulation; his older brother was a general in the royal army. Mireth, serene and analytical, was an expert in illusions, coming from a minor demon noble clan. Kaelrik, rash and stubborn, was a master of shadow blades, whose origins were unknown even to him. Velkra, quiet and disciplined, became a master of telekinetic attacks, daughter of a great demon tactician. Draven, intense but fiercely protective, was able to call spectral chains; his twin sister was trained in healing magic. Selith, impish and fast, was an expert in poison-tipped daggers, granddaughter of a demon alchemist. Xyros, strong and tactless, preferred brute-strength magic, son of a military trainer. Lytriel, elegant and calculating, was able to make shadows hide movement, daughter of a respected diplomat. Vorran, unyielding and resolute, was a master of defensive wards, orphaned but tutored by a patron in the wastes of the north. Last but not least, Nyssa, quick-witted and accurate, used energy-charged whips, daughter of the royal quartermaster.
The elven cadets exuded grace and concentration. Lyraen, of silver locks, was a master of wind manipulation and archery, daughter of a legendary scout. Thalindra, unflappable and solemn, was a master of healing and defensive magic, bred in a monastery. Eryndor, boisterous and curious, mastered elemental swordsmanship, son of a blacksmith mage. Sylithia, graceful and cunning, wielded illusions and charms, granddaughter of the high councilor. Faelion, disciplined and analytical, specialized in precise magic strikes, his family scholars of ancient lore. Virelle, quick-witted and playful, could teleport short distances, daughter of a renowned duelist. Aelorin, calm and patient, controlled elemental traps. Talyndra, hot-headed and tenacious, became expert in dual blades and fire magic. Oristal, aloof but lethal, was an expert in poisoned tips on arrows, son of forest guardians. Nymara, refined and maternal, could protect comrades with defensive spells, daughter of an elven healer.
Among the dwarf cadets, solidity and rigor glowed. Borin, sturdy and unyielding, could use dual hammers, son of a leader of a clan. Thrain, accurate and analytical, was an expert in rune-bladed axes. Gralor, tough but true, used shield and hammer. Drelda, stubborn and talented, was an earth magic specialist, grandchild of the master smith. Korrin, optimistic and hardy, was able to enchant weapons with elemental properties. Brumli, reserved and careful, was an expert in traps and defensive wards. Farnok, forceful and brave, used a large axe. Eldra, hot-headed and vicious, used hammers and pyromancy. Orvik, unyielding, could control metal to forge shields. Grimelda, tactical and well-disciplined, was masterful in siege craft.
The cadets of the Beastmen were diverse, as was their tribal heritage. Ravok of the lion tribe, powerful and forceful, wielded claws augmented with strength magic. Tayra, white tiger, swift and stealthy, expert at surprise attacks. Fenric, wolf, acute senses and quickness, skilled in dual daggers. Korra, fox, lean and cunning, expert in traps and deception. Vishan, serpent, sinuous and venomous, poison expert and coiling assault specialist. Liora, lion, disciplined and not afraid, twin spears specialist. Sylvek, tiger, strategic and accurate, ambush attack specialist. Thyros, wolf, brute power and loyalty, heavy weapon enthusiast. Nyssa, fox, nimble and cunning, reconnaissance specialist. Seraphine, serpent, refined but deadly, controlling elemental venom.
The Royal Academy cadets were the best hopes for the kingdom. Alric, disciplined and ambitious, learned defensive and offensive magic. Miriel, studious and elegant, was a master of support magic and healing. Darian, bold and frank, was able to manipulate elemental barriers. Selene, precise and meticulous, fought with a sword imbued with arcane power. Cyril, analytical and keen-eyed, was a master of ranged magical attacks. Elowen, strategic and kind-hearted, was an expert in group buffs. Torvin, methodical and stoic, was a master of siege weapon magic. Lyria, bright and bouncy, could call familiars. Galen, fierce and obstinate, used double staves with fire and ice. Nivara, refined and authoritative, was good at area control spells.
The cadets clicked at once in small groups, laughing, joking, and sparring with small duels. Demon cadets talked of fire and shadow art. Elves swapped ideas on teleportation and elemental magic. Dwarves quarreled about hammer designs and runic etchings. Beastmen cadets ran speed and reflex training. Academy students swapped magical recipes and training methods. But under the laughter, every cadet bore the burden of expectation—family, faction, and the ever-hanging shadow of the monster waves.
By noon, the teachers and mentors made their way through them. Sir Rolan approved Borin's shape with a nod. Sylvara admired Lyraen's accuracy with a head tilt of approval. Raugor eyed Ravok critically, and Korra smiled weakly at Tayra's cunning footwork. Draevor's shadow was over them all—his absence pending, his presence nonetheless felt, a silent reminder that it was only daybreak.
The cadets dined together, exchanging tales of hometowns and family. Zerath teased his older brother's fixation on perfection. Lyraen chuckled at Eryndor's bumbling at a teleportation trick. Borin mocked Drelda for a spilled ale. Ravok grinned in laughter at Fenric's outlandish hunt adventure. Miriel exchanged a whisper of a laugh with Elowen about botched magic in the Academy classrooms. By these small interactions, friendships were building—a web of loyalty, camaraderie, and competition that would sustain them through the savage tests ahead.
Kael watched from one corner, experiencing a surge of pride. These cadets, with their divergent strengths, personalities, and quirks, were more than potential power incarnate; they were the future of the kingdom. His gaze followed their interactions, marking instances of collaboration, gentle taunts, and moments of brilliance. Though Draevor's training lay ahead of them, Kael was confident that with their courage, determination, and the camaraderie they were already developing, these cadets would be able to step up to any challenge—just as he and the Eclipse Vanguard had.
The hallway rang with laughter, clashing blades, and subdued chatter. Fifty cadets—demon, elves, dwarves, Beastmen, and academy students—stood on the brink of greatness. And at their center, Kael's eyes rested, a subdued determination smoldering. What tomorrow brought was unknown, but these young warriors, now more than ever, stood ready to meet it.