The sun was high over the village, warming the training grounds. Kael sprinted across the path, hair messy, laughing as he dodged a swinging wooden post.
"Ha! You'll never catch me, Rion!" he shouted, spinning around and flipping over a log. His movements were lively, almost chaotic, but he grinned at the thrill.
Rion stood nearby, arms crossed, posture straight, eyes sharp. "Focus, Kael. Stop wasting energy on theatrics," he said, voice calm but with a hint of a smirk. He adjusted his stance, ready to counter Kael's next move.
Kael skidded to a stop, laughing. "Relax! It's training, not a battlefield!" He darted forward again, faster this time.
Yildes appeared at the edge of the yard, dark robes straight, posture commanding. "Kael! Rion! Enough fooling around. Precision first, chaos later," he barked, voice firm.
Kael froze for half a second, then winked at Rion. "Yes, sir… mostly."
Xilo leaned against the fence, calm and relaxed as always, watching the two teenagers. Silver-white hair fell over his sharp eyes, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. He said nothing -- he didn't need to. Kael's energy and Rion's discipline spoke for themselves.
Rion rolled his eyes at Kael's grin, a subtle smirk tugging at his lips. "One day, you're going to get us both hurt, you know that, right?"
Kael shrugged, laughing again. "Maybe. But I'll make it fun while it lasts!"
The wind rustled through the training grounds, carrying their laughter and shouts. Fifteen years had passed since Xilo first found Kael, and now the boy had grown into a teenager full of life and optimism -- impulsive, brave, and utterly impossible to predict.
Rion stayed composed, teasing but protective, always measuring every move. The contrast between the two made the air feel alive, the dynamic of brothers, rivals, and friends in perfect balance.
Xilo and Yildes exchanged a look -- calm and strict, patience and discipline -- silently acknowledging the work that still lay ahead. The village was peaceful… for now