Despite the tensions, despite the threat they felt in the air, in that moment, Makia couldn't help but feel a strange peace knowing that Ian would always be willing to protect her. But she also knew that the destiny they both shared could not be avoided, and that something great, something transcendental, awaited them.
The wind continued blowing strongly between the floating islands, carrying with it the voices of past generations. The ancient legends of the Archangels resonated in the memory of all those who had once walked those same paths, facing the same challenges, fighting with the same fervor. Ian, Makia, Aelius, and Kael were approaching the threshold of that legacy, and the weight of history seemed about to crush them.
As they crossed the gates of the School of the Archangels, a profound feeling of anticipation ran through Ian. The school was not just a training ground; it was a sanctuary of war, a place where the greatest warriors were forged, but also where many souls were lost in the process. The main corridor was decorated with banners of ancient champions, legendary figures who had left their mark on the history of the Great Empire. Each step resonated like an echo of ancient battles, as if the very walls of the school were whispering the feats of warriors who once walked there.
At the entrance, an instructor with a severe face, Master Rhygar, awaited them. His presence was imposing, as if his own body were made of steel. With a gaze that seemed to pierce the souls of the new aspirants, Rhygar observed Ian and his friends without saying a word. He knew that the challenges they would face here would not be simple, but he also knew that among all these young people were those destined to make a difference.
"Welcome to the School of the Archangels," Rhygar said, his voice deep and resonant. "Here, only the strongest survive. Do not seek compassion, because you will not find it. You will be molded in the forge of war, and only those who manage to adapt to suffering and struggle will be worthy of bearing the title of Archangel. The rest… will fall."
A heavy silence filled the air as the master's words settled in their minds. Ian, however, felt no fear. The school might be a place of suffering, but he had already made a pact with destiny: he would stop at nothing. Combat called to him, and nothing would make him retreat.
Ian stared at him intently. The man before him was a true warrior. He had the bearing of a champion, and his red eyes shone with an intensity that seemed to pierce the soul. Ian couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement. This was one of the 5 Legendary Warriors.
In his mind, he thought: This is one of the 5 legendary warriors… This guy must be as strong as Dad. I want… I need to face him.
A burning fire ignited in his chest, a sensation of desire and challenge like never before.
At his side, Makia looked at him, catching the intensity in Ian's eyes. She knew that the brother she loved so much would not be intimidated. He was a warrior in his soul, and that desire to face someone so formidable only made him more determined.
Rhygar, without saying a word, turned to give them his back and led them into the interior of the building, where their destiny awaited them.
The registrations began. A young woman with an imposing bearing, dressed in an outfit that combined the formality of a secretary with the authority of a military officer, approached the new aspirants. Her brown hair was pulled back in a simple bun, and her glasses, with fine frames, rested on her nose, giving her an even more severe air. Her gaze was firm and calculating.
"Form two lines, please," she ordered with a cold and authoritative voice, pointing to the two designated areas. The aspirants, nervous but eager, quickly aligned themselves, forming two groups.
As she noted the names of those who approached, the woman stopped upon seeing Kael. Her gaze, previously neutral, changed immediately. A flash of disdain crossed her eyes as she observed him from top to bottom. Kael, with his calm presence but marked by his origin, was an outcast, and that was something that did not go unnoticed.
"And what is a damn outcast doing here?" she said in a low voice, but loud enough for Kael to hear. Her words were full of contempt, as if his mere presence were an affront to the process. The woman couldn't help but continue speaking, and her disdain became more evident.
"Damn outcasts," she muttered, looking at Kael with a mixture of disdain and distrust. "They'll only come here to die. What strength do they think they'll have with the hunger they suffer in their disgusting Dark Zone? I'd call it the 'Ugly and Hungry Zone,' because that's all they are."
Upon hearing her words, several of the aspirants nearby began to murmur among themselves, their voices full of disdain and mockery.
"An outcast here?" said one, almost laughing. "What's he going to do? Does he think he's going to be an Archangel?"
"He'll never survive the test," commented another with a sarcastic tone. "They have nothing to offer, they come from that miserable place."
"Who does he think he is, coming from the Dark Zone?" added another. "They should keep him there, in his 'Ugly and Hungry Zone.'"
Kael, though he heard every word, did not react. The weight of those comments and the woman's constant disdainful look hurt him, but he remained firm, determined to prove to them that they were nothing but empty prejudices. Ian, standing in line, felt contained anger for his friend, but preferred to remain silent. Despite the murmurs, Kael was not a man easily broken.
The woman, showing no empathy, continued with her contemptuous comments, noting the names of the other aspirants. However, her gaze toward Kael remained icy and full of contempt. The murmurs increased, and the atmosphere became more tense, but the group of aspirants, though uncomfortable, knew that the process would be long and that their destinies were yet to be defined.
Ian, standing in line, felt anger invade him upon seeing his friend's humiliation. He could no longer stand it.
"Shut up, you're the ugly one!" Ian shouted furiously, causing everyone present to fall silent for a moment. His voice resonated in the environment, defying the woman's authority.
The woman, surprised by the shout, first blinked and then her face filled with shame and anger. Her expression became severe, and for a moment it seemed she would approach Ian to reprimand him, but she remained still, unable to respond immediately. The situation had taken her by surprise.
Kael, for his part, didn't know how to react. He brought his hands to his head, looking at the ground with a nervous laugh that reflected his discomfort. He was embarrassed, but couldn't help but feel somewhat relieved to see that Ian had spoken for him. His face showed a mix of nervous laughter and embarrassment, conscious that the situation had become more tense than expected.
The woman, quickly recovering her composure after Ian's shout, looked at him intently with a gaze full of disdain. She stepped closer and, with a cutting voice, directed some words full of sarcasm at him.
"And you?" she said with a sneer of contempt. "From your surname I can see you're from one of the Empire's most important families, and you're going to defend this disgusting outcast? Really? Is this how you're going to use your power?"
From the side, Aelius watched, relaxed, with that calm that seemed to arise from having seen chaos too many times. His voice, low and with a hint of resigned humor, cut through the air:
"Here they go again… they'll cause an uproar."
Before Ian could respond, a swift figure slipped between them. In a blink, Makia appeared at great speed, her movements so fast they could barely be followed. In the blink of an eye, Makia was in front of the woman, and without a word, delivered a precise kick to the woman's head.
The force of the blow was so powerful that the woman flew several meters backward, crashing violently against a nearby wall. The impact left a crack in the wall and a shuddering echo resonated throughout the place. The aspirants were left in shock, the air tense with disbelief at what had just happened.
Makia remained in the same position, her gaze cold and determined, showing not an ounce of regret. Her presence, as imposing as her action, made it clear that she would not tolerate contempt toward her own, no matter how important the person who interfered might be.
The woman, astonished and struggling to get up, looked at Makia with hatred, but knew it was not the time to continue the confrontation. The murmurs among the aspirants began again, but this time they were not just of amazement; some laughed nervously, others murmured comments of admiration and respect, while others, visibly intimidated, chose to remain silent. The tension in the air was palpable, and everyone knew that that first confrontation had not only marked Makia's character, but had also made it clear that they should not underestimate her, nor her brother Ian, nor Kael.
Before the fight could continue, a strange and oppressive pressure flooded the environment, leaving everyone nervous, the air charged with fear, as if suddenly all the weight of the world had concentrated in that very place. The woman, still lying on the ground, could not react, but all the aspirants, including Ian, Makia, and Kael, began to feel how the air became dense and heavy, as if their lungs were being crushed. Suddenly, Rhygar appeared out of nowhere, falling from above, as if he had descended directly from the sky. Upon landing, his impact broke the pavement beneath his feet, creating a shockwave that made everyone stagger from the force of the pressure. The atmosphere froze, and the pressure of his presence was so overwhelming that even the strongest of the aspirants, including Ian and Aelius, felt trapped in a state of shock, paralyzed by the power emanating from him.
Makia's face changed instantly. She felt Rhygar's power, an energy so dense and oppressive it made her shudder. Her body reacted instinctively, but something inside her didn't know if this man's presence before her would be good or bad. As she observed Rhygar, a mix of fear and nervousness filled her eyes. Her instinct told her this man was not someone to toy with.
Makia stood before Rhygar.
Rhygar's gaze was intense, almost defiant, while his presence filled the place with palpable tension. Makia, feeling the weight of his gaze and the pressure of being under his judgment, remained firm, though she couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable and on high alert.
Ian, observing everything from the lines, noticed how the atmosphere became heavy. Though it was the first time he saw Rhygar demonstrate his power and authority, something in his posture before Makia made him react. Rhygar, without uttering a word, seemed to impose a challenge. His gaze was like a test, and Makia, though strong, was under pressure to prove her worth before him.
Despite the tension accumulating in the air, Ian did not hesitate. He knew his sister, Makia, should not face that pressure alone. Without thinking, he stepped forward firmly, confronting Rhygar with the same determination. Despite the pressure the master generated, Ian did not doubt for a second to approach and position himself in front of Makia, acting as a protector before the situation. It was not only his sense of loyalty that motivated him, but also his deep desire to ensure Makia was not in danger, that she would see she would always have someone to protect her, regardless of difficulties.
Ian's action was not only an act of protection toward Makia, but also an affirmation of their unbreakable bond. Rhygar, observing Ian's attitude, nodded slightly. His gaze changed, and a small sign of respect shone in his eyes. He had understood the implicit message in Ian's action: respect between them was not earned only through words or powers, but with the loyalty and courage they demonstrated in moments like that.
Makia, seeing how Ian stepped forward, smiled in silence. She needed nothing more than that small gesture of support to know she was not alone on her path.
Rhygar averted his gaze and slowly approached the woman, still lying on the ground, and with his grave and authoritative voice asked:
"What is your name, soldier?"
The woman, still struggling to get up, looked at the ground with anger before responding:
"Isolde Varkas, sir."
Rhygar, with a gaze that could pierce the soul, asked again:
"And your rank?"
"Level 5 Officer, sir," she responded, her voice now tense and trembling, trying to maintain respect despite the humiliation.
Rhygar looked at another nearby soldier and, with a voice that brooked no argument, indicated:
"Bring the Vital Energy Meter, now."
The soldier, nervous from the pressure emanating from Rhygar, nodded quickly and hurried to comply with the order.
Rhygar observed Kael, who was nervous, clearly uncomfortable under the pressure of the situation. The master slowly approached him, his steps resonating in the silence. With a smile that contrasted with the intensity of his presence, Rhygar placed a hand on his shoulder, an action that made Kael tense even more.
"What is your name, little outcast?" Rhygar asked, his voice warm but charged with unsettling intensity.
Rhygar's smile was not cruel, but inquisitive, as if he were genuinely interested in knowing Kael, but the way he said it made everyone nearby hold their breath.
Kael, still nervous from the pressure of the situation and Rhygar's focus on him, responded quickly:
"Kael…" he said in a low voice, feeling the weight of the master's gaze on him.
Rhygar nodded slowly, without removing his hand from Kael's shoulder.
"Will you let me measure your Vital Energy, Kael?" Rhygar asked, with a calm that counteracted the tension in the air.
In this world, each being's abilities come from Vital Energy, the force that runs through the body and sustains life. Some powers are born genetically, others manifest with training, and some only require pure energy without flows. Others depend on one or more flows, or are reinforced by technology or minerals. Vital Energy is channeled through a type of flow which depends on the nature of each person's power: spiritual, linked to internal essence and consciousness; psychic, tied to the mind and extrasensory perception; primary, capable of creating or manipulating matter; celestial, connected with higher planes; cosmic, which emanates from universal energies; elemental, which allows control of fire, water, earth, wind, or lightning; bestial, which awakens instincts and sharpened senses; and divine, source of miracles and extraordinary phenomena. This becomes tangible in several ways: as an aura, a perceptible glow that reflects concentration, emotions, and energy level; as a charge, the density of energy that passively influences the environment and reveals the power of its possessor; and as an impulse, the concentrated release of energy that enables devastating attacks, defenses, or extraordinary manifestations.
The soldier, who had been watching attentively, approached with a small box of advanced technology in his hands. Kael, feeling the nervousness in his chest, couldn't help but tremble as he responded:
"Sure…" he said, his voice trembling, still not fully understanding the scope of what was about to happen.
Rhygar smiled at him again, a gesture that seemed to be an attempt to calm him, but the pressure emanating from his presence remained inescapable.
The soldier, with the technology box in his hands, began to measure Kael's Vital Energy. The machine emitted a soft hum as the meter analyzed his energy. Suddenly, the soldier let out a nervous shout, his voice trembling, as he looked at the screen in disbelief.
"Level 1, sir!" he exclaimed, his face pale with surprise.
Silence filled the air for a moment. Everyone, even Rhygar, seemed surprised by the reading. Murmurs began to grow among the aspirants, and some exchanged incredulous looks.
Level 1. Officers were classified from 0 to 5, with level 0 being the highest and 5 the lowest. After level 5 came normal soldiers, those who were not considered high-rank aspirants.
Kael, visibly nervous, tried to hide his discomfort, but couldn't help but feel as if everyone was watching him, as if that reading defined his future.
Rhygar, with a cunning smile, looked at everyone present and raised his voice firmly, making sure everyone could hear him.
"This young man, whom you have discriminated against and offended, has the rank of a high-level officer," he said, with a tone full of authority.
Ian, observing everything with wide eyes, couldn't contain himself. "Hey, wait!" he exclaimed, taking a couple of steps toward the soldier. "I also want you to measure my energy! Come on, come on, quickly!" He gestured exaggeratedly, almost bouncing on his feet, with a face of urgency as if the world depended on them knowing his level. Makia let out a contained giggle and Aelius rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath: "Ah, yes… again the boy will never grow up." Ian, completely ignored, continued insisting with an increasingly annoying tone, causing some nearby aspirants to sketch nervous smiles at the comical scene that contrasted with the moment's tension.
Then, he looked at Kael again, who remained standing, nervous but with his heart pounding strongly. Rhygar approached him and, with a still smiling look, told him:
"You are approved."
Silence took over the place. Everyone present was stupefied, unable to comprehend what they had just heard. The murmur among the aspirants broke out, but Kael, though confused, felt a strange relief knowing that, despite everything, he had passed the test.
Ian, with wide eyes and a gesture between amazement and amusement, exclaimed:
"Wow, Kael! You'll never cease to amaze me!"
Makia and Aelius exchanged a look full of pride. Makia smiled, with shining eyes, while Aelius nodded slightly, making clear that both recognized Kael's courage and determination.
Kael, still surprised by Rhygar's approval, looked at the great master with a mixture of gratitude and determination on his face. He stepped forward, raising his head firmly, and said with a voice trying to sound confident, though his nervousness was still evident:
"I am very grateful, sir Rhygar, but… I would like to take the test like everyone else. I want to prove that I am capable, that I don't need any special treatment."
His proposal resonated in the air, causing some aspirants to look at him with curiosity, while others seemed surprised by his audacity. Rhygar observed him in silence, his eyes fixed on Kael. A heavy silence filled the environment as everyone awaited the great master's response.
Rhygar knew it. The determination in Kael's eyes was palpable, and his desire to prove his worth was stronger than any special treatment he could receive. The master observed him a moment longer, as if evaluating something deep, and then, with a slight smile, nodded slowly.
"I knew you would say that," Rhygar said, his voice grave and calm. He looked at everyone present, making sure everyone heard. "The desire to prove oneself is what separates true warriors from those who surrender to comfort. If that is what you truly desire, Kael, then we will do it your way."
Rhygar, without losing his composure, looked at the woman on the ground and, with a firm tone but without losing his serenity, told her:
"You must continue with your work, Officer Varkas."
While everyone prepared to continue with the registrations, the woman remained lying on the ground. Kael, with a calm but determined look, approached her. Despite the contemptuous treatment he had received, he held no grudge. Extending his hand to her, he said, without a trace of hostility:
"You're right, the Dark Zone is a horrible place, where there is hardship, hunger, and cold, but you know… there are very kind and beautiful people there."
In the instant Kael extended his hand and the woman, surprised, took it, something inside her changed. As her fingers brushed his, a fleeting thought crossed her mind, one she had not considered before. "You are one of those beautiful people."
It was a small but significant revelation, a spark of empathy that ignited within her. The woman, still silent, said nothing more, but something in her gaze began to soften, as if, for a brief instant, she had glimpsed a facet of Kael she had not recognized before: not just the outcast, but the humanity behind his suffering.
Kael, with an even warmer smile, looked at the woman and, in a friendly manner, mentioned:
"My mark is the number 11111, a lucky number."
The woman, still surprised by the kindness he had shown her, looked at him with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. It was not just the number that surprised her, but Kael's attitude, so different from what she had expected from someone like him. The number 11111, so peculiar and full of strange symbolism, seemed to have some meaning for Kael, something only he understood, but which somehow also made him more human and approachable in the woman's eyes.
The woman, still lying on the ground, with her hand touching Kael's, looked at him intently, surprised. It was as if an arrow pierced her heart, an unexpected and disconcerting sensation. Her eyes shone for an instant, reflecting a mixture of astonishment and something more she couldn't identify.
For the first time, she seemed to see Kael not as an outcast, but as a person worthy of respect. And that small spark of humanity she had seen in him left a mark, as fleeting as it was powerful.
For Isolde now there existed only her and the beautiful Outcast.