For centuries, the existence of Skyph had been an undeniable truth. Across the universe, millions of shattered Skyph Core fragments lay scattered, each carrying traces of immense power. Yet the Main Core—the source of infinite energy—remained unfound. Humans and aliens alike hunted these cores relentlessly, extracting their energy in hopes of dominance, survival, or glory.
To control this power, academies were established. Only selected students were granted Skyph energy and trained to wield it. Even then, what they received was merely a fraction of the true power. The rest was sealed away, hidden beyond reach.
The quiet clanking of metal echoed inside a small garage. Oil-stained tools lay scattered as Clive worked alone, carefully repairing an old car. His movements were slow but precise, shaped by years of repetition and solitude.
"I heard the date of choosing Skyph Warriors will be on today's news," Clive said quietly to himself. "I need to watch the news."
He wiped his hands and glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall, its corners bent with age.
"I think it's June 24th. No, no. It's June 27th."
The sound of a bike approaching broke the silence. Delom stepped into the garage, pushing his damaged bike beside him.
"Hey Clive! How are you? My bike is broken, can you fix it?" Delom asked.
"Of course," Clive said. "Give me that. I am fine."
Delom hesitated, his voice lowering.
"But wait... I don't have money with me."
"No problem," Clive said calmly. "You don't need to give me money for this. Friends don't need money for each other for something."
"Thanks!" Delom said brightly. "I heard today they will announce the date to choose Skyph Warriors in the news!"
"Yes, I heard too," Clive replied, a spark lighting his eyes. "Become a legendary warrior is my dream!"
Delom laughed and lightly punched Clive's shoulder.
"I have this dream too. I knew you have this dream."
Clive's expression softened, then darkened.
"I don't think I can become a warrior," he said. "I don't have money to apply for this program. My dream will always be a dream."
"You forgot me, my friend," Delom said quickly. "I didn't mean that. I mean, I can help you with this."
"But how? And why?" Clive asked.
The present blurred as memories from the past surfaced.
Clive was only eleven. Laughter echoed around him as Delom and several other boys stood nearby.
"Look... Little kiddo is crying," Delom said mockingly.
Tears streamed down Clive's face.
"Friend! Why do you make fun about me?" Clive asked.
The boys laughed louder.
"Because you don't deserve to have fun," another boy said before kicking Clive, forcing him back.
"Why do you all make fun about me every day?" Clive cried.
"Guys... Let's have some fun!" Delom said.
They beat him without mercy. When it was over, Delom turned away.
"Let's go. He needs to go home, and so do we!"
The next afternoon, it happened again.
"I can't take any more. Please let me," Clive begged.
"It's more fun than anything else!" Delom laughed.
Afterward, everyone left—except Delom.
He slipped on an abandoned soap and fell onto the road. A truck sped toward him. Fear locked his body in place.
"Looks like something bad is about to happen!" Clive shouted.
Ignoring his own pain, Clive pushed Delom aside. The impact sent Clive crashing into a wall. Bones snapped. Pain consumed him. Still, he crawled forward.
"Friend.... Are you alright?" Clive asked weakly.
"W-what? Y-you saved me.... But...?" Delom stammered.
Tears fell from Delom's eyes.
"But... Why??"
"Because... We are friends," Clive said softly.
His vision faded.
"You should think about yourself!" Delom cried. "You saved my life without caring about yours."
White walls replaced the streets. Days later, Clive slowly opened his eyes in a hospital bed.
"How you feel now, Clive?" Delom asked quietly.
The memory dissolved, returning to the garage.
"So, prepare for the interview, Clive," Delom said firmly. "I can give you a full scholarship from my family! Because, friends help each other."
"Really? Is this going to happen?" Clive asked.
"Yes, I promise you!"
"Thanks a lot to you. It means a lot..." Clive said.
"No sorry or thanks in friends!" Delom replied. "Clive, it's nothing to you. I should pay more than this. I can't forget the day that you saved me."