The academy's combat arena roared with the sound of hundreds of young cadets gathered to watch the day's sparring matches.
The open arena was ringed with glowing sigils that kept stray energy bursts from harming the crowd. The instructors sat at the front platform, evaluating each performance with sharp, expectant eyes.
Orion stood at the edge of the sparring field, his hands loose at his sides. His heart beat steadily, not from fear but from focus. He knew who his opponent would be.
Across the ring, Rhyden cracked his knuckles, a smug grin tugging at his lips. A faint golden glow shimmered around his arms—the mark of a solid, well-formed Stellar Core.
> "So it begins", Orion thought.
"Let's see if last night's training was enough to keep me on my feet."
"Next match—Orion of Squad D versus Rhyden of Squad B!"
The instructor's voice cut through the cheers.
"You've been itching for this," Rhyden said as he strode forward, golden sparks dancing along his fists. "Let's show everyone what happens when a coreless wannabe tries to step up."
Orion met his eyes calmly. "We'll see."
"Begin!"
Rhyden moved first, a blur of motion, his fist glowing bright as it cut through the air. The crowd gasped at the speed.
Orion dodged, barely, rolling aside as the blow left a faint scorch mark on the arena floor.
The impact rattled his bones, but his instincts were sharper than before.
Every movement of Rhyden's body left a ripple in the air, and Orion could sense it—not see it, but feel it.
Rhyden pressed the attack, blows raining down in quick succession.
Orion slipped aside, deflecting when he could, enduring when he had to.
The spectators murmured—some impressed he hadn't fallen yet.
> "His power's overwhelming", Orion thought as he blocked a low kick.
"But… I can predict his strikes. I just need one opening."
The next punch grazed Orion's shoulder. The pain jolted him, but also focused him.
As he sidestepped, his shadow stretched unnaturally across the arena floor, pooling beneath him like dark water.
A faint violet crescent flickered along his palm for an instant—too quick for most to notice.
He slashed his hand sideways.
A thin ripple of violet energy shot out, barely visible, but enough to disrupt Rhyden's footing and force him to stumble back.
The arena fell silent for a heartbeat.
> "What… was that?" a cadet whispered.
Rhyden snarled, more embarrassed than hurt. "You think a cheap trick will save you?"
He lunged again, faster, heavier, his blows hammering down.
Orion back-stepped, breathing steadily, drawing on that strange, dark pulse inside his chest.
Another crescent flicker traced his fingers.
He moved with it, not forcing it—letting it guide his motions.
Rhyden's next punch missed by inches, and Orion's palm strike caught him square in the chest, driving him back several steps.
The crowd erupted in shouts of disbelief.
"Enough!" The instructor's voice rang out like thunder.
"Match halted."
Rhyden froze, glaring. Orion relaxed his stance but kept his guard up.
The instructor's sharp eyes lingered on Orion's hands. "That wasn't Stellar energy. We'll discuss this after class."
As they left the arena floor, Rhyden shot Orion a dark look. "You're hiding something, coreless. Next time, you won't get lucky."
Orion didn't respond. He was too busy wondering what he had just unleashed.
The memory of the crescent's cold glow lingered in his mind.
Up in the observation deck, Seraphine watched with a faint smile.
> "The Eclipse is awakening faster than I expected…"