The day seemed strangely calm...A clear sky whispered of a distant hope, a gentle sun accompanied by soft, pure breezes...The camp had returned to its familiar state،noisy, alive, overflowing with motion.
(Raym) prepared himself to meet his new mentor...Not just any mentor…It was (Leo)، the Vice Commander himself،
He carried his sword—the blade in which he had seen his reflection for the second time...
Are we truly worthy of this???Am I worthy???Do I deserve to be the hope they speak of???Me… who failed to protect his closest friend, who lost him in a single moment because of weakness???
This time, he spoke to his sword honestly...He had spoken like this to no one before except (Lance).Perhaps Lance was the only one who understood Raym as deeply as the sword itself did.
"I'm terrified" he whispered."They say Vice Commander Leo is ruthless… that he abandons anyone who becomes a burden."
Raym walked slowly toward his destination, his steps heavy...On the way, he encountered someone he trusted (Zak), second-in-command of the Third Battalion after (Vail).
A remarkable man. Honest. Powerful...Though his relationship with Leo had never been good, he was widely acknowledged his presence rivaled that of a battalion commander.
Zak noticed Raym's condition and tried to comfort him."Hey… isn't this our chosen hero??? You're the talk of the camp.But you look troubled—because of your friend?"
The words cut deeper than intended.Raym's expression faltered...
Zak quickly apologized and said nothing more before leaving.
Raym continued alone...With every step, the distance felt longer.The air tightened around his chest.
Then he encountered (Mr. Lonz).
As always, Lonz wanted to see Raym at his best."Oh, my bright boy… why do you look so pale today???"
Raym tried to change the subject, but Lonz insisted."Speak what weighs on your heart. Silence only deepens the wound."
Raym spoke.And for the first time, felt lighter.
Lonz succeeded as he always did.Raym truly trusted his advice.
Finally, Raym reached his destination.
His hand trembled as he grasped the door handle.An unbearable pressure pressed from beyond it something waiting with anticipation.
He took a breath… and opened the door.
An attack.
(Leo) was already in motion his strike premeditated.
Raym barely evaded it.
A storm of rapid attacks followed...Raym struggled desperately, one strike grazing him and sending him crashing to the ground.
Leo looked down at him with cold superiority."That was a mere warm-up. Don't expect such mercy next time.Your enemy will never grant you a chance."
Raym lay there, crushed by the weight of what awaited him.
Training under the Vice Commander himself…A dream for many even battalion leaders.
But did Leo truly wish to make him stronger?Or was he merely exploiting his element?
Am I a savior… or a tool???
Raym rose regardless.Hopeless yet resolute.
He remembered (Lance), who believed in him more than anyone.(Vail), who saw hope in him like never before...
Leo smiled faintly and attacked again—harder, faster, more brutal.
Raym barely kept up.
Leo suddenly withdrew.
Not retreat preparation.
He leapt high and unleashed a lightning strike.Raym evaded it narrowly.
Attacks rained from every direction.Raym was struck ،once, twice and fell again.
Leo advanced without hesitation.
Raym felt it...
"Killing intent".
He rolled aside just in time...
Leo smiled."You sensed it? Excellent. You truly are exceptional."
Raym stood frozen.
My ally… intended to kill me???
Leo shouted,"Focus! Your enemy will strike the moment you hesitate.From now on, I am not your teacher—I am your opponent.Do not expect kindness like Vail or Arvela."
Those words struck Raym like thunder.
Another barrage of lightning descended.
Raym endured barely.
Leo stopped."Rest. I expected more.At this level, you are nothing but a burden.Those you care for will die before your eyes ...and you will be powerless."
Raym snapped."Enough! I'm not—"
The image of Lance falling shattered his voice.
His sword slipped from his grasp.
Raym collapsed.
"Yes… you're right," he whispered."I failed. I couldn't save him.I'm weak… waiting for someone else to save me."
Darkness crept in.Voices mocked him. Condemned him.
Then Leo roared.
"Will you let this define you?!Will you lie there and wait for your fate?!If you remain this way, Lance will not be the last you lose!Stand up, Raym! Become stronger!Prove that his sacrifice was not meaningless!"
Raym felt it.
Lance… standing beside him.
What's wrong, my friend? Will you let my sacrifice be wasted?Stand up. Show them who we are.
Was it real???Or merely the echo of loss?
Raym stood.
His eyes burned with resolve.
"Come at me… with everything you have."
Leo smiled."This time...I won't hold back."
Lightning crashed down.
Raym dodged and deflected one strike.
Leo lunged from above.
Raym was ready.
Memories flooded him...
Let's prove it, Raym. Elements mean nothing.
Light erupted.
Blinding, pure.
Leo's attack was diverted.
Raym struck from behind ...an overwhelming blow of light.
Silence.
Leo laughed, breathless."You truly are extraordinary.Our training continues far harsher than before."
Raym smiled, confident."I'm always ready."
Three months passed.
The sun shone brightly.The sky was clear.
Peace… or the illusion of it.
An emergency meeting was called.
Present were (Vail), (Arvela)-now wielding a plant-crafted prosthetic arm-(Daniel), (Irene), and (Leo), who stood at the head.
"Attention. I've received an unusual request.Someone claims to be peaceful—and seeks an alliance.They request a meeting near (Zero Province )"
(Vail) protested."That area is dangerous-near..."
"I know,"( Leo) cut in."That's why I want confirmation."
(Daniel) and (Irene) objected."How can we trust them? We risk exposing our base!!!"
(Leo) raised his voice."I will send a team to verify the truth."
He turned to (Vail)."You will lead. Take (Raym).Report back immediately." Silence fell.
Once again…The world began to move.