The SHO Training Facility was a sprawling fortress, its metallic corridors and reinforced walls designed to hold secrets and forge warriors. The air was sharp and cold, and the hum of technology buzzed like a warning. Unit : SG-04 stood at the center of the main arena—a space filled with advanced training equipment, combat simulations, and the faint echo of past battles.
Noah, the quiet observer, stood with his arms crossed. His sharp blue eyes scanned the room, his face calm yet unreadable. Beneath the surface, a storm brewed, and his presence demanded attention without a single word.
Stephen, tall and broad-shouldered, had a smirk tugging at his lips. His amber eyes burned with a mix of confidence and raw power, his stance radiating an untamed ferocity.
Lyra, with her long black hair tied back, stood poised and focused. Her sharp brown eyes darted between the others, always calculating, always ahead. She carried herself with an air of quiet authority, her intelligence evident in her every move.
Claire, the smallest of the group, bounced slightly on her feet, her energy vibrant and uncontainable. Her vivid blue wolf-cut hair framed her sharp features, and her eyes glimmered with curiosity and excitement.
They were an eclectic group, bound by a shared purpose, yet each radiated their own kind of intensity.
Yuri, their instructor, walked in with deliberate steps. Her crimson hair shimmered under the harsh arena lights, and her emerald-green eyes scanned them with a critical edge.Though she wasn't as strong as them, her presence was commanding, forged by years of experience.
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●The Challenge
Yuri wasted no time. "Welcome to your first day of hell. I am Yuri, your instructor," she said bluntly, her voice cutting through the tension. "I know you are the special grades, you may be stronger than me, but strength isn't everything. Out there, the Spirits don't care how powerful you are—they'll still rip you apart if you're not prepared.You have to prepare both mentally and physically."
Stephen chuckled, his deep voice carrying a playful edge. "We'll see about that."
Yuri's eyes narrowed. "Careful, Stephen. That arrogance will get you killed faster than any Spirit."
Claire tilted her head, grinning. "Don't worry. We'll survive, Yuri. You just have to keep up with us."
Yuri's lips twitched, almost forming a smirk. "We'll see if you're still smiling after today's drills." She turned and motioned to the combat ring. "No fighting me. Your challenge today is to face each other."
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■ Team Dynamics
The announcement sent a ripple through the group.
Stephen cracked his knuckles. "Finally, some action."
Lyra sighed, her tone calm but firm. "This isn't about winning, Stephen. It's about learning."
"Don't overthink it," Claire chimed in, flashing a grin. "Let's just have fun."
Noah, silent until now, finally spoke. His voice was measured but carried weight. "We'll push each other. That's the point."
Yuri nodded approvingly. "Exactly.You're here to learn each other's strengths and weaknesses. Out there, you'll have to trust one another with your lives. Now, pair up."
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●The First Match: Noah vs. Stephen
Yuri gestured for the two to step into the ring. "No supernatural abilities. Just fists and skill. Fight until one of you taps out or I say stop. Got it ?"
Stephen cracked his knuckles, his smirk widening. "Ready to get schooled, rookie?"
Noah stepped into the ring, his stance loose but steady. "I'll try not to make it too embarrassing for you."
Yuri's hand sliced through the air. "Begin!"
Stephen moved first, closing the gap with a powerful straight punch aimed at Noah's face. The force behind it was enough to knock most people flat, but Noah sidestepped it with ease, his expression calm.
"Quick on your feet," Stephen said, grinning. "But dodging won't win you this fight."
He followed up with a sweeping kick aimed at Noah's legs, but Noah jumped back, maintaining his distance.
"Fight back, rookie," Stephen taunted. "Or are you scared?"
Noah's eyes narrowed, and he stepped in suddenly, delivering a sharp jab to Stephen's ribs. The blow landed cleanly, but Stephen barely flinched, his grin widening.
"Cute. Let me show you how it's done.", Stephen said.
He launched a heavy hook, and though Noah managed to block, the sheer force sent him sliding back. The sound of the impact echoed through the arena.
Claire winced from the sidelines. "Jeez, is Stephen trying to kill him?"
Lyra, arms crossed, shook her head. "Stephen doesn't pull punches. Noah's in for a tough match."
---
■ The Fight Intensifies
Stephen charged again, throwing a barrage of punches. Noah dodged most of them, his movements fluid and precise, but one slipped through, landing on his shoulder with enough force to make him stagger.
"You're tough," Stephen admitted, stepping back slightly. "But i am the strongest, I will beat the shit out of you."(with a smirky arrogance in his voice)
Noah rolled his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "You talk a lot for someone who hasn't landed a clean hit yet."
The comment made Stephen's grin falter for a split second. Then he laughed. "Alright, no more holding back."
Stephen lunged again, this time feinting with his right hand before swinging a low kick toward Noah's knee. Noah anticipated the move, stepping inside Stephen's range and countering with an elbow to the chest.
Stephen grunted, the impact forcing him to take a step back.
■ On the Sidelines
Claire leaned forward, her eyes wide. "Noah's holding his ground! Did you see that elbow? That was brutal!"
Lyra tilted her head, her sharp gaze fixed on the fight. "He's not just holding his ground. He's analyzing Stephen's every move. He's waiting for an opening.
Stephen wiped the blood from his lip,
his grin morphing into something more
dangerous. "You've got guts, Noah. But
now, playtime's over."
He charged with renewed intensity, his
strikes faster and more unpredictable
Noah's focus sharpened, his feet
moving in calculated steps to avoid the
brunt of Stephen's assault. But
Stephen's raw strength was starting to
overwhelm him.
A heavy punch connected with Noah's
ribs, forcing him to stumble back.
stephen didn't let up, following with a
swift knee to Noah's stomach. The
impact knocked the air out of him, and
he fell to one knee, gasping for breath.
"Come on, Noah" Stephen taunted
standing over him. "You're not done yet,
are you?"
Noah gritted his teeth, forcing himself
to his feet. His body ached, but his blue
eyes burned with defiance. He lunged
forward,"Bro, you are talking too much, let me break your jaw !!"
He attacked Stephen with a quick jab to the jaw, followed by a low kick that made him falter.
Stephen staggered but didn't fall.
Instead, he laughed, a wild sound that
echoed through the arena. "Not bad....not bad. But you're going to need more than that
to take me down."
The fight turned brutal. Stephen's
attacks grew relentless, his punches
and kicks landing with bone-crushing
force. Noah fought back with
everything he had, his strikes precise
and deliberate, but the gap in physical
strength was undeniable.
At one point, Stephen grabbed Noah by
the collar and threw him across the
ring. Noah hit the ground hard,
coughing as he tried to push himself up.
From the sidelines, Claire's smile faded.
"He's going too far! Yuri, stop the fight!"
Yuri raised a hand, her voice firm. "Not
yet. Noah hasn't tapped out."
Lyra's eyes remained locked on the ring,
her expression unreadable. "Noah's not
the type to give up. I guess he's testing his
limits, but Stephen is the toughest guy I have ever met."
Stephen loomed over Noah, his chest
heaving. "Stay down, Noah. You've got
nothing left."
Noah spat blood onto the ground, his
hands trembling as he pushed himself
to his knees. "Not...yet."
Stephen's grin faded. For a moment,
there was something like respect in his
amber eyes. Then he stepped forward
and delivered a final, devastating punch
to Noah's jaw.
The force sent Noah sprawling onto the
ground.Yuri stepped in immediately, raising her hand. "Match over ! Stephen wins."
Stephen extended a hand to Noah, who was still on the ground. "You've got guts, Noah" he said, his tone genuine. "Not many can take that kind of beating and keep going. You are a good fighter."
Noah looked up, hesitating for a moment before grasping Stephen's hand. "You hit like a truck," he muttered.
Stephen laughed, helping him to his feet. "And you've got the will of a tank. Keep that up."
From the sidelines, Claire cheered. "That was insane! You both were incredible!"
Noah remained silent, analyzing Stephen's personality.
Lyra murmured softly, "Stephen might be tough, but deep down, he's got a good heart."
Yuri clapped her hands, breaking the lingering tension in the arena. "That's enough for now. Good fight, both of you." She gave Stephen a sharp look. "But next time, try not to break your teammate on the first day."
Noah wiped the blood from his lip and stepped out of the ring, his expression composed despite the strain. His blue eyes lingered on the amber-eyed fighter, for the first time since the fight started, Noah's lips curved into a faint smirk. "You're not as bad as you act, Stephen."
Stephen, " Yup."
Claire rushed, her vibrant energy undeterred. "Noah, you were amazing out there! I mean, Stephen's a beast, and you still got a few good hits in!"
"Yeah, thanks," Noah muttered, his voice low.
Yuri's commanding voice rang out again. "Alright, enough chatter. Let's keep the momentum going. Lyra, Claire—you're up next."
Claire's eyes lit up with excitement. "Finally! I've been itching to move!"
Lyra, calm and composed, stepped into the ring without a word. She adjusted her gloves, her sharp brown eyes focused entirely on Claire.
Noah and Stephen moved to the sidelines, settling next to each other. Stephen smirked. "This should be good. Lyra's like a machine. Claire's got energy, but that won't mean much against her."
Noah glanced at him. "Don't underestimate Claire. Sometimes energy is enough to break through precision."
Stephen chuckled. "We'll see."
● Lyra vs Claire
Claire bounced on her feet, her wolf-cut hair swaying as she grinned at Lyra. "Alright, Lyra, let's see if you're as tough as you look!"
Lyra didn't respond immediately. She adjusted her stance, her movements smooth and deliberate. "This isn't about talking, Claire. Let's just focus."
Yuri stepped between them, raising her hand. "Same rules: no supernatural abilities. Fight until I call it. Begin!"
Claire exploded into motion, closing the gap between them with lightning speed. She aimed a quick jab at Lyra's face, but Lyra sidestepped effortlessly, redirecting the punch with a smooth motion of her arm.
"Too slow," Lyra said, her tone calm.
Claire grinned, unfazed. "Oh, we're just getting started!"
She pivoted, spinning into a low kick aimed at Lyra's legs. Lyra jumped back, avoiding the strike with minimal effort. Her movements were calculated, each step precise and efficient.
On the sidelines, Stephen leaned forward. "See what I mean? Lyra's in total control. Claire's too reckless."
Noah crossed his arms, watching intently. "Claire's testing her. She's unpredictable—that could throw Lyra off if she's not careful."
Back in the ring, Claire switched tactics, feinting a punch before twisting into a roundhouse kick. This time, her speed caught Lyra off guard, and the kick connected with her shoulder, forcing her to stumble slightly.
"Ha! Gotcha!" Claire exclaimed, her grin widening.
Lyra straightened, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Not bad. But don't get cocky."
She surged forward, her movements a blur of precision. A quick jab to Claire's ribs made her wince, followed by a sweeping kick that sent her staggering.
Claire coughed, clutching her side, but her smile didn't waver. "Alright, Lyra. You wanna play serious? Let's go!"
Stephen laughed, shaking his head. "Claire's got guts, I'll give her that. But guts won't save her."
Noah didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the match. He could see the subtle shifts in Lyra's stance, the way she anticipated Claire's every move. But he also noticed Claire's tenacity, her refusal to back down even as the fight grew more intense.
"Come on, Claire!" Claire shouted to herself mid-match, her energy almost infectious. "Let's turn this around!"
Claire launched herself into another flurry of attacks, her strikes wild but relentless. Lyra blocked and dodged with mechanical efficiency, her calm demeanor unshaken.
But then, Claire did something unexpected. She deliberately stumbled forward, pretending to lose her balance. Lyra stepped in to capitalize on the opening, only for Claire to twist at the last second and deliver a powerful uppercut to Lyra's chin.
The force of the blow sent Lyra reeling, and a ripple of shock ran through the room.
"Whoa!" Stephen exclaimed. "Didn't see that coming."
Lyra recovered quickly, her sharp gaze locking onto Claire. For the first time, a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Clever. But don't expect that to work twice."
The match continued, each fighter pushing the other to their limits. Lyra's precision clashed with Claire's unpredictable energy, creating a dynamic, fast-paced battle that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Finally, after a grueling exchange of blows, Yuri stepped forward, raising her hand. "Match over! Lyra wins."
Claire dropped to her knees, breathing heavily but still grinning. "Man, you're tough, Lyra. That was awesome!"
Lyra extended a hand to her, her expression softening. "You've got potential. Just need to channel that energy better."
Claire took her hand, letting Lyra help her up. "Thanks! And you… you fight like a robot. It's scary, but kinda cool."
Lyra smirked faintly. "I'll take that as a compliment."
From the sidelines, Stephen clapped. "Not bad, ladies. That was one hell of a show."
Noah nodded in agreement, though his focus remained on Lyra. He was starting to piece together the strengths and weaknesses of each team member, filing them away for the challenges ahead.
________________________________________
The training facility buzzed with energy as Unit SG-04 continued to push their limits. The fights between Noah, Stephen, Lyra, and Claire had revealed their individual strengths and weaknesses, but it also began to forge a bond between them. They were no longer just teammates—they were becoming a unit.
**A Moment of Respite: The Café **
After a grueling week of training, the group decided to take a rare day off. They found themselves in a small, cozy café nestled in the heart of Eldoria's bustling Commercial Zone. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled the air, a welcome change from the sterile, metallic scent of the training facility.
Claire was the first to break the comfortable silence, her vibrant energy undiminished even in relaxation. "Okay, Stephen," she said, pointing a fork at him, her plate of pancakes half-eaten. "You've been holding out on us. What's your deal? You're strong as hell, but you've got this whole 'brooding tough guy' thing going on. Spill it."
Stephen leaned back in his chair, his amber eyes flickering with a mix of amusement and something deeper. He took a sip of his coffee before responding. "You really wanna know?"
Stephen chuckled, his deep voice carrying a playful edge. "You know, Noah here is tougher than he looks. Took a beating from me and still came back for more."
He glanced at Noah, his expression thoughtful. "Reminds me of my brother. Ryan. He was always the quiet one, but he had a fire in him. Never backed down from a fight."
Claire raised an eyebrow. "You have a brother?"
Stephen nodded, a wistful look crossing his face. "Yeah, Ryan."
Claire nodded eagerly, while Lyra and Noah listened intently, their curiosity piqued.
Lyra said, "Continue...."
Stephen sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, fine. But don't go getting all sentimental on me."
He began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "I grew up with Ryan. Our parents… well, they weren't exactly the nurturing type. They abandoned us when I was nine and Ryan was just a kid. We were on the streets for a while, until Sana's dad found us. He took us in, gave us a home. Sana's my stepsister now, but she's always been more like a real sister to me."
Claire's eyes widened. "Wait, so you and Ryan were just… left on the streets? That's horrible!"
Stephen shrugged, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his calm demeanor. "Yeah, it wasn't great. But Sana's dad… he's a good man. He always cared for me and Ryan as his own child and he's the one who taughtme ho to fight."
Lyra, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "That's… actually really admirable, Stephen. You're stronger than you let on."
Stephen smirked, though there was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "Don't go soft on me, Lyra. I've got a reputation to uphold."
Noah, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Family's complicated. But it sounds like you've done right by yours."
Stephen glanced at Noah, his expression softening. "Yeah, well… I Iove my brother and sister very much, they are the motivation for me to move on and I could do anything in orderto protect them."
As the conversation shifted, Lyra found herself opening up about her own past. She rarely spoke about her life before SHO, but something about the group's growing camaraderie made her feel safe.
"I grew up in the Outskirts," she began, her voice calm but tinged with a hint of bitterness. "My family was poor—we barely had enough to eat. I joined SHO because it was the only way I could earn enough to support them."
Claire's eyes softened. "That's… really tough, Lyra. I can't imagine what that must've been like."
Lyra nodded. "It wasn't easy. But I worked hard. I trained day and night, and eventually, I was promoted to Elite Grade. Then, one day, I discovered something… unusual. I had abilities I didn't even know I possessed. That's how I became a Special Grade."
Stephen raised an eyebrow. "So, you're saying you're a self-made badass? Respect."
Lyra allowed herself a small smile. "Something like that. But it's not just about me. I'm here to protect my family and make sure they never have to struggle again."
Claire, ever the optimist, chimed in with her own story. "Well, I guess I'm the odd one out here. I come from a pretty wealthy family. My mom's amazing—she's always supported me, no matter what. But… I didn't join SHO because I had to. I joined because I wanted to."
Lyra tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
Claire's grin widened. "I discovered my abilities when I was younger. I didn't know what they were at first, but I knew I had to do something with them. When I heard about SHO, I knew it was where I belonged. I want to make a difference, you know? Even if I don't have the same struggles as you guys, I still want to fight for something bigger than myself."
Stephen chuckled. "Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine?"
Claire stuck her tongue out at him. "Hey, someone's gotta keep this team from turning into a bunch of brooding loners."
Lyra,"Hmm...Noah, why don't talk about yourself."
Noah,finally spoke."I don't have much to talk about, Everything I know is, I am a orphan....And I don't want to remember my past."
Stephen replied,"Ok...ok, we respect your boundaries. So, let's everyone not talk about this."
Noah, "Anyways, we're all here for different reasons. But in the end, we're fighting for the same thing—to protect Eldoria."
The group fell silent, the weight of his words settling over them. Despite their differences, they were united by a common purpose.
The café's warm glow felt almost like a shield against the reality waiting outside. But elsewhere, in the heart of SHO Headquarters, there was no such comfort.
---
**Growing Tensions: Commander Garick's Burden**
In the shadowed corridors of SHO Headquarters, Commander Garick sat in the solitude of his office, the weight of recent events pressing down on him like an anchor. Files detailing the Sector-9 breach lay scattered across his desk—a stark reminder of a secret that could unravel everything. Every report, every note, hinted at the potential disaster if the truth ever came to light. The ministers, more preoccupied with maintaining their polished images than with the city's safety, were playing a dangerous game that Garick knew all too well.
A measured knock interrupted his brooding silence. "Come in," he called, his voice edged with both fatigue and controlled authority.
The door opened to reveal General Mariana—her uniform marred by the fresh scars of a recent spirit encounter in Block-B at the training ground. Despite the bandages and bruises that spoke of a battle hard-fought, her eyes burned with unwavering resolve. She stepped into the room with a purposeful gait that belied her recent hospitalization.
"Commander," she began, her tone clipped yet respectful, "the ministers are demanding another meeting on the so-called 'containment measures.' They're set on controlling the narrative, regardless of the cost to our operations."
Garick's jaw tightened as he regarded her, a mixture of concern and grudging admiration in his gaze. "Mariana, I expected no less. Their priorities are as misguided as ever—they care more about their own reputation than the city's well-being."
Mariana crossed her arms, the faint tremor of pain in her voice hidden behind professional poise. "You know, if I hadn't been laid up in the hospital after Block-B, I would have taken a far less diplomatic approach at that meeting." Her words were measured, yet the underlying threat was unmistakable. "Those corrupted ministers had no idea what true leadership looks like. I swear, if I had been there, I would have broken every last one of them."
Garick's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I understand your frustration, Mariana. But we must remain disciplined. Outbursts, however justified, only play into their hands. We need to expose their hypocrisy without turning this into a blood feud."
Mariana leaned forward, her tone intensifying. "Discipline is one thing, Commander, but when the safety of Eldoria is at stake, measured responses sometimes fall short. I witnessed their smug faces, their dismissive tones—if I were in that room, I'd have made sure they understood exactly what happens when you trample on the lives of our people."
A heavy silence settled between them as Garick absorbed her words. After a moment, he exhaled slowly. "Mariana, your dedication is unquestionable. But let's be clear—our strength lies in our ability to channel that passion into strategic action. The ministers may be corrupt, but we cannot afford to stoop to their level. We need to something."
"Yeah", Mariana replied.
Garick nodded, the tension in the room palpable. "I'll ensure that our next steps are calculated and resolute. And for now, your recovery is important. Once you're back at full strength, I expect you to lead our frontline discussions on security. We need your fire—and your insight."
Mariana allowed a brief, weary smile. "Sure."
With that, the air in the room seemed to thicken with unspoken resolve. Both understood that the coming days would test their mettle, their strategies, and their unity. For now, the battle was not fought on the training grounds, but within the corridors of power—a fight that demanded both unyielding passion and disciplined restraint.
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