The classroom of the Astro Opera hummed with quiet anticipation. The students, still carrying the weight of yesterday's revelations, sat in neat rows, eyes fixed on Detro. The morning light slanted through the viewport, illuminating specks of dust floating in the cabin like tiny stars, giving the room an almost ethereal glow. Today was different. Today, their training would go beyond the basics—they would learn to harness and control their Skyph powers, the very abilities that marked them as extraordinary among humans.
Detro, standing at the head of the class, exuded calm authority. His voice carried, steady and warm. "That concludes today's lesson on spaceship control. I hope you all paid attention. Your understanding of this ship will be critical in emergency scenarios."
A murmur of acknowledgment rippled through the students. "Yes, sir," they chorused. Their voices, though small, held a hint of excitement and curiosity, because even the mundane task of spaceship control was now intertwined with their extraordinary new powers.
Detro smiled faintly. "Good. That's all for now. Next class will be conducted by Sir Titus. Learn well, and carry forward what you've understood."
With that, he left, the metallic door sliding closed behind him with a soft hiss. A tense silence lingered for a moment before it was broken by the entrance of Titus.
"Hi, everybody," he greeted, his tone calm but filled with authority. His eyes swept across each student, lingering on their subtle expressions, as if measuring their potential in an instant.
"Hi, sir. How are you?" the students replied almost in unison, their voices a mixture of respect and awe.
"I am fine," Titus replied, his gaze lingering on Clive for a brief second longer than necessary, almost as if noting something unusual. "Today, we'll learn about Skyph powers. These are a type of galactic space powers—distilled fragments of raw energy contained in soft stones. Each piece, while small, contains immense potential. Skyph powers have two branches: physical and magical. Physical powers enhance your body—strength, speed, resilience, agility. Magical powers manipulate the world around you—gravity, fire, storms, energy. But remember, every power carries consequences, side effects that can be dangerous if not controlled."
The students listened intently, their minds racing as they tried to imagine the latent potential within themselves.
"My class today is short. We'll move to the practice ground quickly. Sir Untras is already waiting," Titus continued, gesturing toward the door.
The practice ground sprawled before them like a miniature battlefield aboard the spaceship. Targets of varying shapes and sizes floated mid-air, some with holographic projections, others solid, all designed to test accuracy, control, and creativity. Untras stood at the far end, arms crossed, surveying the students with an intense, calculating gaze.
"Today, you will undergo the aim test," Untras announced. His voice was commanding, yet infused with a subtle encouragement. "We will see who possesses accuracy, control, and instinct. First… Alina. Fire your missiles at the targets."
Alina's pulse quickened. She stepped forward, her fists clenching instinctively. Her mind raced with anticipation, the faint thrill of first real combat igniting her senses. "Ah… I am first. I can't wait to see how powerful my missiles are," she whispered to herself, heart pounding.
"Sir… I can't open this now," she murmured, uncertainty flickering across her face.
"Not like that," Untras instructed calmly, yet firmly. "Take a deep breath. Release your hand from the elbow fully. Let the power flow naturally."
Alina hesitated, then obeyed. Her arm extended, and with a controlled motion, her hand split open, releasing a missile that glowed faintly as it streaked through the air.
Her eyes widened in astonishment. "Wow… how did he know that if I did this, it would open?" she whispered, awe threading her voice.
"Sir… it worked!" she exclaimed, testing the sensation again, marveling at the immediate connection between her intention and the manifestation of her power.
Yuni, standing nearby, observed quietly. "It worked… Sir is so intelligent," she thought, admiration softening her voice in her head.
Clive's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind working in parallel. Sir is brilliant… he can intuitively understand what each of us needs, even without knowing us fully.
Untras nodded approvingly. "Maintain balance. Fire carefully, and be mindful of those around you," he instructed.
Alina adjusted her aim, focusing intently, and launched her missile. The projectile streaked across the practice field with blinding speed and precision. It struck the target with a thunderous explosion, obliterating it instantly. Sparks and debris floated in the low gravity, a visual testament to her power.
I am powerful… Alina thought, exhilaration coursing through her. This ability… it can protect or destroy… I must master it.
Oragi, observing from the side, couldn't hide her admiration. Whoa… that aim, that explosion… her power is incredible.
Untras clapped lightly, his approval measured. "Alina, your power is significant. But control is paramount. Even minor miscalculations could harm your friends. Practice precision as much as strength."
Clive's thoughts mirrored the concern. He genuinely cares… even though he doesn't fully know us yet.
"Who is next?" Untras asked, scanning the students.
Rusla hesitated, then stepped forward. "I… I want to go next, sir."
"Very well. Stand here. Focus on the target board. And remember—control your power. Do not endanger your friends."
"Yes, sir," Rusla nodded, absorbing his words. Her confidence was visible, yet tempered by respect. She concentrated, conjuring a shimmering bullet of electricity. The projectile flew straight toward the target, and a second shot followed, combining with a bolt of pure energy.
Untras observed closely. Hm… Rusla is confident. Focused. Her instincts are sharp.
"Not like that," he instructed after her first attempt.
"First, create the projectile. Then, imbue it with electricity from behind. Synchronize them. Try again."
Rusla's brow furrowed in concentration. "Okay, sir. I will try."
Her attempts were repeated, each more precise than the last. On her sixth try, she managed perfect synchronization. The bullet flew, crackling with energy, striking the target with explosive impact. Lightning arcs danced across the board, leaving a trail of scorched marks.
Yes… I did it, Rusla whispered, a mix of pride and relief washing over her.
"Good. Keep practicing like this," Untras encouraged.
Nancy watched quietly, a flicker of excitement in her eyes. Rusla… so strong. I wonder what I can do…
Next, Delom stepped forward, fists clenched in anticipation. His power flowed from his hands, but the practice setup had a twist—water replaced solid targets.
"What… is this?" Delom muttered, surprise etching his features.
Laughter erupted among the students, the tension breaking briefly.
"Good joke, Delom," Untras said, chuckling. "Now, fire."
"But sir… I was going to fire a bullet… but it's water," Delom protested.
"Then think differently," Untras advised. "Water can carry energy, or be a medium for something more powerful. Focus."
Delom's eyes narrowed. Concentration deepened. His hands glowed red and black as he channeled chaos energy, the fusion of fire and darkness coalescing into a visible tempest around his palms. The wind whipped the ground, debris scattering, as the storm's raw force roared through the training field.
"Delom… what is this?" Angus asked, awe and fear mingled in his tone.
"It's… fully demonic…" Yuni whispered, unable to tear her eyes away.
"Fire, Delom. Now," Untras commanded, voice sharp but steady.
Delom released the power. The projectile moved faster than the eye could track, tearing through the target boards and obliterating the surrounding ones. The path it carved left the floor cracked and smoking.
Untras observed intently. "This… this is chaos type power. Legendary in essence, but… unstable."
Plus, standing silently, clenched his fists. Delom… he may be the most powerful here.
Alina's eyes sparkled, awe mingled with determination. Full demonic power… even stronger than a missile. Incredible…
Finally, Untras' gaze settled on Clive. "Next…" he murmured to himself, a flicker of tension crossing his face. Li… Lightech… first… first fire… I must ensure safety.
He motioned Clive forward, caution etched in every movement.