Out on the fringes of the X23-1M system, Cerullion stood tall, a planet lush with greenery. Every year, the Alliance, the biggest entity of galactic systems, would call its induction ceremony there for the newbies joining the military forces. This age-old ritual symbolized the collective strength of the Alliance's military contingents, even though they lacked full unification. Essentially, it was a show of power, materialized in an annual parade at the heart of the X23 system.
"Last year's show was better" declared Nikael, the military commander, as he watched the ceremony from his digs in Cerullion's capital.
"The recent events had us worried about the event's security. That's why we pumped more into protection than pomp" the event coordinator explained over Nikael's communicator.
Unity Square, the event's stage, was guarded by rows of soldiers ready to welcome the new Military members. But these rookies were far from traditional warriors armed with rifles. They were the recruits of the…
MAGIKA MILITARY.
A division specialized in the art of magic, a rare and powerful faculty few chose to develop. Even those blessed with the gift often possessed just a glimpse of their potential. Thus, individuals capable of unleashing magic in its fullness were considered invaluable treasures, sparking disputes among the Alliance groups to recruit a Magika Military unit.
"Recent attacks in the Alliance's southern colonies have led to a 30% reduction in the initiation rite. Manuel Braumo, the event's manager, assures that this will not diminish the ceremony's solemnity," announced a voice through RailXen's loudspeakers.
Away from the city's hustle and bustle, a RailXen train arrived on the outskirts, bringing the last Magika Military hopefuls. As they got off, the youngsters hurried towards the ships in the square, some pausing to capture the moment with photos alongside the attendees.
Kurosawa Kamo, with her long hair and black uniform marked by battle scars, watched her peers rush. The corridor was wide, and the onlookers treated the candidates like circus curiosities, a rarity seldom seen. She just stood still, watching them.
Outside, behind glass doors, the Alliance's ships lined up, ready for the young ones' boarding. Among them, a tall, slender woman scanned the area for someone.
"Where have those little brats gotten to?" she whispered, her frustration clear.
Their eyes met, and the woman lunged at Kurosawa with an agile leap. Face to face, she sized her up and the bracelet that read "Unit A1"
"It's you. Hurry up, they're waiting for us at the unit!" she exclaimed, grabbing her arm and leading her towards the ship.
Inside, Kurosawa watched the other candidates ruffle the seats. Several displayed their "Voice" a magical power awakened by a few. Each advanced mage had their own unique Voice, from walking on walls to creating black holes, an unpredictable gift.
With a roar, the ship's engines came to life. The seats, once playgrounds, became havens against the growing vibration that turned into a torrent of jolts. The candidates took their seats, and the ship lifted off.
"Attention, moths! We'll soon arrive at Unity Square. I want you to behave and follow all my instructions."
The ship approached Unity Square amid a deafening roar. Through the windows, the recruits glimpsed the imposing formation of soldiers waiting for them.
The instructor stood up and faced the jittery novices. "Stop shaking like leaves! Today's the day you become real warriors. Stay in line and follow my orders to the letter."
The ship's hatches opened, and a ramp descended to the esplanade. The instructor led the group outside, where a sea of impatient faces awaited them. The gazes of thousands of spectators were pinned on them as they advanced in synchronized steps.
Nikael, the military commander, watched the spectacle with fresh eyes as the young wizards made their approach. It would take more than a dull parade to wow him, after years of witnessing the same old show.
Passing through an extended tunnel, revealing the realm's future talents, the students marched onto a grassy field where chairs were set for them to take a breather. At the center, encircled by the seats, stood the podium where a special guest would soon deliver a speech.
Kurosawa settled in with the other recruits, trying to stay poised as they awaited the ceremony's start. Then, a guy plopped down next to her, squirming in his seat.
"Hey, you're Kurosawa Kamo, right?!" he blurted out in a piercing tone that made Kurosawa wince. "Man, I've heard tons about you! Rumor has it you're one of the most kick-ass mages of our time."
The dude wouldn't stop yapping and flailing his arms around, obviously stoked.
"I'm Ren Takagi. Let's be buds, yeah? Watch out, I'm gonna be the top mage you've ever seen. My Voice is off the charts! Wanna see?"
Without waiting for an answer, Ren snapped his fingers and say "Numa:Fairy", and a tiny, luminous blue critter started orbiting his head.
"Check it out! I can call up magical creatures! Cool, huh? Can you show me yours too?" Ren chuckled, clueless to the annoyance he sparked in Kurosawa.
Kurosawa inhaled deeply, striving for patience. This Ren Takagi was loud, hyper, and downright vexing. The exact type of person she couldn't stand. She was itching for the ceremony to kick off so she could ditch him.
Soon, a blend of trumpets and drums filled the air. Amidst the crowd, the big shot arrived. Kayn the Great, a dashing fellow with sun-kissed short hair, flawless skin, and shining silver armor. He stepped in amid cheers and a few teary eyes trailing him. Before he could utter a word, the announcer's voice boomed.
"Behold Kayn, the voice that echoes across battles. Victor of countless clashes and guardian of the alliance. Xernas's pride and joy. The sole warrior to push back the Demon Lord… Presenting, the greatest!"
Kayn squirmed at the praise, flashing a bashful grin as he grabbed the mic.
"Yeah… that's me. But let's not make this about me. First off, let's hear it for the Magika Military hopefuls—this year's batch is brimming with fresh, standout faces."
Kurosawa eyed the so-called "greatest" Kayn, with scorn. The pomp and pageantry irked her. To her, the Military and their lackeys were nothing but show-offs preying on the gullible.
Next to her, Ren Takagi was utterly spellbound, hanging on every word from Kayn. Kurosawa found him unbearable, with his over-the-top antics and relentless quest for the spotlight. She couldn't wait to get away from this pest.
"Magic's a gift and a hefty one at that. You gotta wield it with humility and guts," Kayn intoned gravely. "No room for big heads or cold feet in battle. Only the sharp and the brave make it out alive."
He paused, surveying the recruits before going on.
"You're embarking on a tough but rewarding journey today. Remember, real power's not in the magic—it's in the heart's valor. Stay true, honorable, and never stray from your values."
Kayn wrapped up with a thunderous "Let the training commence!" that resonated with everyone. The recruits rose, their spirits lifted, as applause thundered around them.
Then, the ground trembled. A dark, smoky cloud descended over the square, shrieks piercing the air. Fireballs plummeted from the sky, blasting the nearby structures.
Panic ensued as the first blasts hit. Chaos reigned as the crowd scattered, trampling each other in a frantic escape.
Amidst the turmoil, a sinister cackle echoed. A hooded figure hovered above, its face shrouded in shadow.
"Pitiful mortals! Did you think your petty celebration would go unnoticed?" the figure sneered with a chilling depth.
Kayn stepped up, fury etched on his face. He joined his palms, aligning his index fingers, and chanted, "Aka: Air" dispersing the smoke as a fierce wind burst forth from his hands.
"Can't you wait even a day to start trouble… could've at least respected today" Kayn declared, rising in defiance.
"Your feeble rituals are meaningless to us" the figure gestured, summoning more hellish beings from the darkness. "We've waited far too long to claim our due. This galaxy is ours for the taking!"
The demonic horde unleashed havoc. Their talons and fangs ravaged everything, as relentless fireballs rained from the blackened heavens.
Kayn scattered across the field, taking long strides as he began to strategize how to protect as many civilians as possible. Some students from the Magika Military also joined the melee that was slowly growing larger. Instructors tried to rally their groups while other recruits tried to show off. Most of them were crushed by the demons who, despite being low-level, knew when to strike and whom to target.
Kurosawa, along with Ren, bolted from the scene. Kurosawa understood that the situation wasn't ideal for an open fight. Not just because of the sheer number of civilians, but also because many demons were targeting the mages causing the most trouble. So, he decided to hide while plotting an escape plan.
"We can't stay here… we need to help" said Ren. Despite trembling, he was eager to jump into the fray.
Kurosawa shrugged, uninterested in what Ren would do. But as soon as he began to summon a creature, she realized this guy was an idiot. "Don't do anything stupid, if you cast a spell here they'll come for us. Let Kayn handle it, then we'll go play heroes" she snapped, irritated by Ren's attitude, who, despite knowing she was right, hated the idea of doing nothing.
Meanwhile, Kayn finally decided on a plan of attack. He formed the symbol "Yue: Control" with his hands, making the spectator stands form a barricade that separated them from the demons. As he cast the spell, he leaped into the air using his voice. "Nara: Deity" he took the demons one by one, stopping them in their tracks, then with sword in hand, he ran across the field, delivering a critical blow to each of them. Soon after, most fell dead, but the high-level ones still stood.
The instructor of unit A1 thought, "Damn, damn, damn, why did I come, oh mom, they're going to kill me" as she tried to guide the recruits to the exit. Then, she noticed Kurosawa and Ren hiding in the plaza.
As Kayn fiercely fought against the higher-level demons, the instructor of unit A1 ran towards where Kurosawa and Ren were hiding.
"You two, get out of there!" she shouted with authority. "This is no time to hide like cowards. We need to help evacuate the civilians!"
Kurosawa frowned, reluctant to take risks. But Ren, with his characteristic enthusiasm, jumped right in.
"Yes, instructor! I'm ready for action!" he exclaimed, invoking his little blue creature once more.
"Wait, you idiot!" Kurosawa stopped him, fearing his reckless magic would attract more demons.
But it was too late. A group of creatures saw the light of Ren's spell and pounced on them with fury. The instructor reacted quickly, conjuring a magical shield to protect them.
"That's not how you do it, rookie!" she scolded Ren as she fended off the demons. "We need to be cautious and work as a team!"
At that moment, a powerful explosion rocked the surroundings. Kayn had managed to take down one of the biggest demons, but at the cost of causing more destruction. Civilians ran desperately, caught in the crossfire. Kayn saw how the fight was getting rough; he didn't want people to suffer collateral damage, so in his desperation, he had no choice but to use "Niza: Levitate" to make the demons rise into the air. Now the battle was among the rubble of the plaza.
Many of them leaped from rock to rock looking for Kayn to attack, but he surfed skillfully among them, looking for spaces to cast control and damage spells. "The problem isn't that they're powerful, it's that there are too many. The people are in the way, I can't finish them with people here" he thought, leaping into the sky and looking for openings to attack.
Kurosawa on the ground watched as Kayn defended himself. The way he moved was so agile that she could barely keep up with her eyes, and she understood that this guy was not just a name or a nickname. Then the field seemed a bit cleared, enough for them to escape.
But then, the sky split in two after a thunderous display of power that resonated around the place. Kayn recognized the sound instantly and again, understood that the fight had been over from the moment he had arrived at Cerullion. Because, dealing with some demons was easy enough. Maybe the human cost was enough to sleep peacefully that night. But after seeing how literally, the devil came out of that portal, he understood that the battle had ended.