The morning air was crisp and sharp, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and distant lavender. Birds chirped from the treetops, and in the far-off distance, the Royal Castle sparkled like a beacon, its golden spires catching the first rays of sunlight.
From the open window, a soft shaft of light slipped into the room, landing gently across Helion's face.
His brow twitched. Then, with a long, exaggerated yawn, Helion stretched out his arms.
"Ahhhh… now that's what I call a real rest."
He sat up slowly, brushing back his hair. "The cabin was great, sure… but that morning sky as my ceiling? A bit much for my taste."
Beside him, curled in a relaxed heap, was Loken. The wolf's fur rose and fell with each calm breath.
Helion smiled and reached over, patting Loken on the back. "It's good to be back with you."
He looked out the window at the brilliant dawn and let the silence settle for a moment.
"The last two days were tough," he murmured. "That training… it pushed me. But I think I'm ready now. Ready for the draft."
Loken's ears twitched at the sound of Helion's voice. With a joyful growl, he lunged forward and began licking Helion's face with enthusiasm.
"Haha—alright, alright! Easy, buddy!" Helion laughed, gently pushing him back. "You believe in me, huh?"
He turned to the corner of the room, where his sword—Solstice Edge—rested upright, glowing faintly in the light.
Helion's smile faded as he gazed at it, his tone growing quieter. "If I'd had this power earlier… I could've stood by Gramps' side. Maybe even saved him."
His hand slowly closed into a fist, knuckles whitening. "I'll never let someone close to me die again."
Just then, a warm, steady voice echoed in his mind.
Luminox.
"With our power… we'll protect them all."
Helion nodded. He stood up, adjusted his cloak, and strapped Solstice Edge to his back.
He stepped out of his room and glanced out the main hall window—where he spotted Zeyr standing in the clearing outside, casually tossing something into the air.
"Zeyr!" Helion called out through the open window. "What are you doing up this early?"
Down below, Zeyr tossed a treat into the sky. Linx, soaring through the crisp morning air, swooped and snatched it in one elegant motion. Zeyr turned slightly, not looking back.
"Early bird always catches the worm," he called, a grin in his voice.
Zeyr turned to face Helion now, arms crossed, his usual confident smirk replaced with something more grounded—serious, but not cold.
"We've got your armor and the final materials you'll need to successfully compete in the draft," he said. "Everything's been prepared."
Helion nodded, listening intently.
"The only thing left for you," Zeyr continued, "is your pre-entrance placement."
Helion tilted his head slightly. "Placement?"
Zeyr nodded. "Yeah. The Royal Draft is tomorrow. But today, all participants gather at the Royal Castle's Exam Stadium for the placement round. That's where they'll evaluate you."
He took a step forward, his boots crunching lightly over the grass. "This placement will determine which team you'll be part of. It's based on three things: your raw strength, your mana reserves, and your bond with your soulform."
Helion's gaze flicked briefly to the sword on his back.
Zeyr continued. "The placement itself has only one part—a mana and spirit appraisal. The conductor will bring you into a sealed room, read your aura and power level, and then assign you to a team."
He looked Helion directly in the eye. "Once you're placed in that team, those people become your allies during the first phase of the draft. You'll train with them. Fight with them. Win—or lose—with them."
Helion furrowed his brow. "What kind of challenges are we talking about?"
Zeyr shook his head. "No one knows—not even me. The first two sessions of the draft are team-based. Each year, the challenges change. They're designed to test teamwork, adaptability, and combat instincts."
He paused, then added with weight in his voice, "But the third session… is different."
Helion's breath caught slightly. "How different?"
Zeyr's expression hardened. "It's one-on-one. All remaining participants battle until only a few remain. And those few—those who survive and rise—earn a place among the Royal Guard."
Silence followed. A heavy one. Even Linx stopped fluttering and landed nearby, his feathers catching the rising light.
Helion stared into the distance toward the castle, his eyes sharp with renewed purpose.
"I'm ready."
Well—here you go," Zeyr said suddenly, flicking something into the air without warning.
Helion's instincts kicked in. He caught it effortlessly.
It was a small booklet—worn leather cover, the emblem of the Royal Guard burned into the front. He flipped it open. One of the inside pages held an official wax seal, deep crimson with a golden crest pressed into it.
Zeyr pointed at it casually. "That booklet is your ticket in. It holds my former captain's seal. It marks that you've been trained and endorsed—by me."
Helion looked up, wide-eyed. "You sponsored me?"
Zeyr gave a simple nod. "It's not something I hand out lightly. But you've earned it. Give that to any of the Royal Guard exam officials, and they'll lead you to the stadium."
He motioned toward the distant horizon, where the shining spires of the Royal Castle pierced the sky. "Just follow the castle's view and head toward the crowds. You won't miss it. The placement test and draft only happen once every three years—it draws a massive festival."
Then, with a grin tugging at his lips, Zeyr added, "Speaking of which… it actually starts in two hours."
Helion froze. "What?!"
Zeyr shrugged, clearly amused. "What? You said you wanted to rest, didn't you? Aha!"
"Not funny!" Helion shouted, bolting toward the house.
Loken barked and charged after him, tail wagging in chaotic excitement.
Inside, Helion scrambled to grab his sword and gear, half-laughing, half-panicking. "Two hours?! Why does he always do this to me?!"
Zeyr leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head, laughing as Linx landed gracefully on his shoulder.
"Still got it," he said with a smirk. "Let's see how the boy flies now."
As noon approached, the sunlight grew stronger, casting golden rays through the trees. Linx, now slightly larger from the recent mana infusion, soared gracefully in slow circles above Zeyr's home, his feathers gleaming like polished embers in the light.
Helion stepped outside, his gear strapped on, sword at his side. He adjusted the strap across his chest and took a deep breath. "Alright… I'm on my way, Zeyr."
He looked down at Loken, who was sitting patiently at his feet. "Sorry, buddy," Helion said, kneeling to scratch behind his ears. "You'll have to stay here. Pretty sure the Royal Castle won't let a wolf just stroll through the gates." He chuckled.
Zeyr, already leaning against the fence, tossed a stick across the yard. "He'll be fine. Look at him."
Loken's ears perked up, and without hesitation, he darted after the stick, tail wagging wildly.
"He's comfortable now," Zeyr said with a small grin. "Linx and Loken are going to have the time of their lives playing out here. You focus on your part."
Helion smiled, watching the two creatures already chasing each other in loops. He turned back toward the distant castle peaks, now clearly visible over the treetops.
"You go get 'em," Zeyr added, a final note of encouragement in his voice. "And don't be late. Might be a long line just to register."
Helion took one last look back, then nodded. "I won't."
With that, he took off at a steady run toward the path that led to the Royal Capital, the wind in his hair and the weight of destiny at his side.
As Helion entered the main streets of the capital, a wave of noise and color rushed over him.
A parade marched down the avenue—banners waving high, drums thundering rhythmically, and confetti dancing in the air like falling petals. Children weaved between the crowds, laughter echoing through the cobbled roads.
"The placement! Let's go see all the warriors!" one kid shouted, darting past Helion with wide, sparkling eyes.
"I wanna see the captains!" another yelled, barely keeping up.
A frazzled mother chased after them. "Slow down! You're going to get lost!"
Helion smiled to himself. Looks like I'm not the only one excited, he thought with a soft laugh.
As he pushed forward, the scenery began to shift. The once simple cobblestone streets gradually gave way to sleek, gleaming pathways that shimmered faintly—almost as if they were paved with gold. The buildings grew taller, the architecture more intricate, and the flags of the Royal House fluttered proudly from every rooftop.
And then—it came into view.
The Royal Castle.
Towering over the city, its spires pierced the sky like blades of light, and its marble walls gleamed white and silver beneath the sun. It cast a long, regal shadow over the capital, commanding awe from anyone who laid eyes on it.
Helion slowed his steps, breath catching in his chest. "This is incredible… I've never seen the castle this close before," he whispered.
A massive crowd wound its way from the castle gates—warriors, mages, spirit-bonded fighters of every kind. They were all lined up, waiting to register for the placement. The atmosphere buzzed with tension, nerves, and anticipation.
Helion squared his shoulders and stepped forward into the crowd.
As Helion stepped deeper into the crowd, he felt it immediately—waves of mana flowing in every direction, clashing, mingling, and surging through the air like an invisible storm.
Fire, water, earth… even wind and shadow, he thought, steadying his breath. Everyone's spirit energy is different… and some of its way stronger than mine.
It was like standing in the middle of a thousand storms, each person around him radiating their own force. His senses tingled as a flare of fire pulsed nearby, followed by the cool, calming wave of water mana from someone else. The very air buzzed with tension and anticipation.
Scanning the crowd, Helion's eyes caught a group of boys around his age standing a short distance ahead. They were dressed in pristine white uniforms, embroidered with golden crests and lined with silk. Their postures were confident—refined, but sharp—like they knew exactly where they belonged.
"They look strong…" Helion muttered to himself, unable to look away.
The boy directly in front of him turned slightly. He was tall, with a calm, studious face behind large round glasses. His deep brown hair fell just above his shoulders. "Yeah," the boy said, glancing at the noble group. "They're part of one of the higher noble houses. House Valden, I think."
"House Valden?" Helion asked, raising a brow.
The boy nodded. "They're well-known in the capital. That white uniform's the giveaway—they're one of the few families allowed to wear it to public events. Their kids are always at the top of placements… and they're not shy about it either."
Helion watched as one of the nobles tilted his head back, laughing confidently with his group. Mana rippled around him—an overwhelming pressure of wind-based energy that caused nearby participants to take a step back.
"They'll probably get placed in the elite bracket," the boy in glasses added. "But hey, who knows? The spirit appraisal can surprise people."
Helion smiled faintly. "That's good. I'd rather be surrounded by the best. Gives me more to prove."
The boy chuckled. "Name's Yuri, by the way. You?"
"Helion."
"Well, Helion," Yuri said, adjusting his glasses, "good luck in there. Hope we're not on opposite teams."
Helion grinned. "Likewise."
As the line began to move forward, the towering gates of the royal stadium slowly opened, the crowd shifting toward the entrance.
It was Helion's turn next.
He approached the gate slowly, heart pounding with anticipation. One of the Royal Guards stationed near the entrance held out his hand.
Helion handed over the small booklet.
The official, clad in silver armor with dark blue trim, opened it and scanned its contents. His eyes paused on the seal. His expression shifted subtly—a slight raise of the brow, maybe even recognition.
He looked Helion over, silently assessing him from head to toe.
"…You're clear," he said, stamping the page with an insignia before waving him forward.
Helion stepped through the archway and into the royal courtyard.
The first thing he noticed was the sheer size of it all.
Five massive stone arches stood proudly across the courtyard, aligned in a wide semi-circle before the front of the castle. Each one was etched with intricate designs, representing the legacy of a Royal Captain's squadron. At the top of each arch sat a castle-like spire—regal, elevated, and unmistakably symbolic. This was where the captains' banners hung and where each team's hall was located.
In front of the arches stood a grand balcony, raised above the crowd and projecting over the courtyard. There, overlooking the hundreds of entrants below, stood four of the Royal Captains.
Helion's breath caught.
It's him! he thought. That's Syrus!
Syrus, the very same captain who saved Helios from Zelpho, stood at the far left, his arms folded, expression unreadable. His dazzling blue armor, the blue trim matching the markings on his blade. Even from this distance, Helion could feel the weight of Syrus' presence.
Standing beside him was a tall man in light green armor, a crimson cape draped over his back. His hair was a deep emerald green, flowing slightly in the breeze. His stance was calm, almost carefree, yet there was a quiet authority to him that was unmistakable.
Next to him was a striking woman with long blonde hair, clad in glimmering pink armor that shimmered under the sun. A pure white cape flowed behind her, and she offered a kind, genuine smile as she waved to the participants.
Helion had no doubt—she was the famed Captain Arinelle, known for her strength and grace in battle.
And finally, standing at the far end, was a man unlike the rest.
He had silver-white hair, wore no weapon. His crimson armor was layered beneath a golden cape, and his stance was… unusual. He waved casually to the crowd, especially toward the screaming girls near the front.
He had a playful grin on his face—almost mischievous.
"That's gotta be Axel Nova," Helion muttered to himself. "The arcane captain…"
He remembered what Zeyr told him: Axel was the only captain in centuries who didn't wield a soulform or spirit. Instead, he mastered pure arcane magic—chaotic, unstable, and deadly in the right hands.
All around him, a chorus of excited voices rang out:
"Axel!! Look this way!!"
"He waved at me!!"
"He's soooo cool!"
Syrus, clearly annoyed, turned toward him with a scowl.
"Axel! Would you focus already?" he barked.
Axel turned lazily toward Syrus, shrugged, and waved him off with a smirk. "Relax, old man! Let them enjoy the view. We've got time."
Helion shook his head, half-laughing. "This is going to be something else."
After several minutes of chatter and murmuring echoing throughout the courtyard, a sudden pulse of magic swept through the air.
A glowing portal shimmered open at the base of the balcony steps. Mana particles spiraled outward, forming a translucent ring of light. The crowd immediately hushed.
A robed man stepped forward, positioning himself beside Syrus. He held a staff embedded with a crystal that pulsed with gentle light, and as he raised it, his voice projected clearly across the entire courtyard—no shouting needed.
"Thank you all for gathering here for the official Placement Exam," he began, his voice calm, yet commanding. "Today, our royal mage will assess each of your mana signatures and soulform bonds. Based on the results, you will be placed into a team of four candidates—your allies for the first two challenges of the draft."
He paused for effect, scanning the sea of hopeful participants.
"These initial trials will test your coordination, resolve, and ability to adapt. And for those who make it beyond that… a different test awaits."
A hum rippled through the crowd.
"Good luck to you all."
With that, the portal glowed brighter. The crowd began to move, forming a line that slowly wound its way through the arch labeled with Syrus's banner. One by one, candidates disappeared through the glowing threshold, stepping into the unknown.
Hours passed.
The sun began to dip, casting long shadows over the stone.
Then—"Next."
It was Helion's turn.
He stepped toward the arch, the carved stone humming faintly beneath his boots. The portal accepted him, and within seconds, the noise of the crowd faded behind him.
He emerged into a regal hall—its floors polished like mirrors, walls trimmed with gold, and royal banners fluttering above. Ahead was a smaller doorway where another portal shimmered silently.
Without hesitation, Helion walked through.
The next room was vastly different.
Silent. Empty. Intimate.
It was circular, with soft blue light pulsing from the ceiling. In the center stood a single mage—his robes deep violet, embroidered with glowing runes. His face was calm, unreadable, and his eyes immediately locked onto Helion's.
There was no one else. No noise. No distractions.
"Helion, correct?" the mage asked, his voice measured and gentle.
Helion nodded. "Yes."
"Stand in the center," the mage instructed, gesturing toward a glowing sigil on the floor. "We'll begin the assessment now."
Helion stepped into the circle, inhaling deeply. The air around him felt thick with energy.
The mage raised his arms.
The glowing sigil beneath Helion's feet suddenly ignited—blazing with a deep, golden light that pulsed like a heartbeat. The walls of the chamber shimmered in response, casting radiant reflections across the mage's robes.
His expression shifted from calm to intrigued.
"Light energy…" he muttered under his breath, taking a step forward. "Hmm… this is interesting."
Helion watched nervously, feeling the light swirl around him like a warm current. His body tingled with its presence—familiar, yet overwhelming in the moment.
The mage's eyes remained locked on the aura building around Helion. "Your mana reserves… impressive. You possess a vast internal well. And your core is strong—very strong."
Helion's face tensed slightly. He waited for the but.
The mage noticed the flicker of doubt.
"However… your soulform is still young. Unrefined. It hasn't fully matured yet."
Helion's heart sank, just a little
But before he could speak, the room shuddered with another burst of light—this time, not from him, but from something within him.
A surge of radiant energy exploded from his body, flaring up around the sigil like a halo of divine fire. The walls trembled. Golden embers filled the air.
The mage's expression shifted again—this time to awe.
"…But even with that limitation," he continued, his voice now lower, more reverent, "your spirit's mana… it's uncanny. Truly extraordinary."
He slowly lowered his hands, letting the golden energy settle around the room. The sigil faded, and the air calmed once more.
"You're all set," the mage said, his voice returning to its even tone. "The results and team placements will be announced once all candidates have been assessed. You may exit now."
He pointed toward a glowing doorway on the other side of the chamber.
Helion gave a small nod, his heart still racing, and began walking toward the exit.
But just before he crossed the threshold, the mage narrowed his eyes, quietly watching him go.
As time passed, the sun began its descent, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. The warmth of the day softened, and the courtyard was once again filled with hundreds of participants, murmuring with anticipation.
Then, Axel Nova stepped forward onto the balcony.
His golden cape fluttered behind him as he casually leaned on the railing, addressing the crowd below with a spark in his eye.
"All assessments are now complete," he announced, his voice magically projected across the entire courtyard. "The results have been calculated and your teams assigned."
A wave of quiet swept through the crowd.
"The list of teams will now be posted," Axel continued. "You'll find them on the wall beneath each of the five great arches. Search for your name, then take note of the color listed next to your team."
He gestured outward as banners began to unfurl from each arch—each one a different color: Crimson, Sapphire, Gold, Emerald, Silver, Topaz, Amethyst and Pearl.
"Once you find your team," Axel said with a grin, "report to the podium under your corresponding banner. That's your assigned squad. Those people? They're your allies for the first two rounds of the Royal Draft. You'll either rise together—or fall together."
"If your name isn't listed. You didn't make the selection. Try again in the next three years".
A surge of movement began immediately as participants broke into motion, rushing toward the arches to find their names.
Helion took a breath, tightened the straps of his gloves, and walked forward toward the golden arch.
Time to find out who I'm standing with.
Helion moved swiftly through the crowd, weaving between groups of excited and anxious candidates. His eyes darted from banner to banner, scanning each arch as he passed. Sapphire… Silver… Gold…
He reached the Crimson arch.
A crowd had already formed, all gathered around a massive enchanted scroll mounted on the stone wall. Glowing letters shimmered faintly as they shifted into place, listing names under team numbers.
Helion stepped closer, breath caught in his throat. His eyes raced down the names, scanning each line.
And then—he found it.
Team Crimson – Squad 3:
Helion.
His heart skipped. I made it…
He leaned in further, reading the rest of the team:
• Zezzy
• Yuri
• Liena
• Helion
Four names. Four soon-to-be allies. All strangers… for now.
Helion stared for a moment longer, committing the names to memory. Then he turned, eyes scanning the courtyard for the crimson podium, which now glowed faintly across the courtyard with banners fluttering overhead.
Alright… Team Crimson. Let's see who I'm going to battle alongside.
He tightened the strap across his shoulder and made his way toward the gathering point.