The sun had barely risen over Aethernis when a sharp horn echoed across the cliffs. Kairo rubbed his eyes, still tired from the previous day's trial, only to see Akairo standing with arms crossed, a frown etched across his sharp features.
"Rise and shine," Akairo said, his voice cold but tinged with amusement. "Your first real test begins now."
Kairo groaned. "You mean real battle? I thought we were just training yesterday. Why do mornings have to come with death?"
Before anyone could answer, a group of shadowy figures appeared across the valley, their auras dark and threatening. Kairo's stomach clenched. "Rival clans?" he muttered.
Raijin Obi cracked his knuckles, sparks dancing along his arms. "Finally! Someone to actually fight! Hope you're ready, newbie!"
Liora Amunet adjusted her glasses. "Focus, Kairo. Observe your teammates. Learn their patterns. This isn't just about survival—it's about strategy."
Selene Freyja stepped forward, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "Relax. I've got you. Just don't get in my way when I'm having fun."
Kairo swallowed. "Oh great, fun and flirting. Perfect combination."
The enemy clan surged forward, energy radiating like black storms. Kairo's mark flared. Lightning crackled across his body as he summoned his power. Around him, the Pantheon members took their positions like a perfectly choreographed storm.
Raijin leaped first, screaming as lightning erupted from his fists. One enemy went flying backward, smoking and stunned.
"Not bad," Darius shouted, conjuring a tidal wave that crashed toward two more opponents. The water twisted and reformed into spinning blades, forcing the enemy to retreat.
Kali Nyx disappeared into the shadows, reappearing behind a pair of enemies and spreading fear with every movement. "Run, run, run," she whispered, voice dripping with malice, "or you'll regret it."
Kairo glanced at Selene. Her hands glowed with moonlight as she created illusions, confusing another wave of attackers. "You're… really good at this," he muttered, dodging a spear that came from nowhere.
Selene smirked. "Told you. Just keep up, lightning boy."
Kairo gritted his teeth and let his storm energy fully flow. Lightning arcs danced across his arms, deflecting attacks left and right. For the first time, he felt the raw thrill of combat—not just survival, but control, power, and adrenaline all at once.
Aurora Freyr's sunlight beams cut through the shadows, revealing hidden enemies. Liora's shields deflected attacks aimed at the group, while Orion silently struck from the edges, teleporting between shadows and finishing off anyone who slipped through.
By the time the dust settled, the enemy clan lay scattered, groaning and defeated. Kairo stumbled to his knees, panting, hair spiked and clothes scorched.
Raijin landed beside him, grinning ear to ear. "See, newbie? That wasn't so bad, was it?"
Kairo glared at him. "I nearly got fried, drowned, and terrified all at once. Not bad? Are you insane?"
Selene laughed, looping her arm through his again. "You survived. That's what counts. Plus, you looked pretty impressive out there. A little messy, but impressive."
Kairo rolled his eyes, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "You're enjoying this too much, aren't you?"
"Of course," Selene said with a wink. "But admit it… you liked it too."
Kairo felt a spark of warmth—or was it just the lingering storm energy? He didn't answer. Instead, he looked out across the battlefield, at the Pantheon standing together, battered but triumphant.
Akairo's voice echoed across the valley. "Well done. This is only the beginning, Kairo Adeosun. Rival clans will grow stronger, enemies will be relentless, and your bonds will be tested. Remember, power alone will not keep you alive. Trust, strategy, and teamwork will."
Kairo glanced at Selene, who smirked back, teasing silently. Somehow, he knew she was right. Together, they were stronger. Together, they might even survive the coming storm.
And deep inside, he finally understood: this was exactly where he was meant to be.