The day was bright and bustling as Unit Zero gathered their final belongings and prepared to board the ship bound for Baron Island. The Blue Star Festival was not just any celebration it was a week-long showcase of Elaris's most talented rangers, a mix of festivities, challenges, and competition. This year was particularly special because Unit Zero, for the first time in its history, would officially participate in the ranger events.
As some of the unit member gathered at the dock, Kyle addressed them with his usual calm demeanor. But before they boarded, he took a moment to summon a tall, sharp-eyed ranger dressed in a lieutenant's uniform.
"This is Lieutenant Kai," Kyle said, gesturing to the stoic man. "He'll be in charge of Unit Zero's headquarters while we're gone. You're all to report to him if anything happens."
Kai gave a curt nod, his expression serious as he scanned the team.
"I'll ensure everything runs smoothly in your absence, Commander," he said, his voice measured and professional.
"Good," Kyle replied with a smile. "Don't burn the place down while we're gone. And don't worry, Unit Zero is in good hands right, team?" Josuke and the others nodded, though Silver stood silently, his helmet reflecting the sunlight as if detached from the moment. Maya gave Kai a brief handshake before the team finally boarded the ship, leaving the inner workings of their headquarters in capable hands. The ship's horn blew as it departed the docks, carrying Unit Zero toward Baron Island, the chosen venue for the ranger events. Baron Island was famous for its dense mana field, which made it ideal for hosting high-level battles and competitions without risking the safety of Elaris's citizens. For Josuke, the trip was a bittersweet experience. As he leaned on the ship's railing, he stared at the shrinking coastline of Elaris's Central City. Somewhere in the heart of that bustling metropolis, his family from the orphanage was arriving to celebrate the festival. It was supposed to be a time for reunions, yet here he was, heading in the opposite direction. Still, he couldn't deny his excitement about the upcoming competition and the chance to meet other ranger units.
"Why the long face, Josuke?" Maya asked, stepping beside him.
He sighed.
"My family's in the city for the festival. I haven't seen them in so long, and now I'm missing my chance. But I know this is important too, so I'll just have to catch up with them after."
Maya offered him a sympathetic smile.
"I'm sure they'll understand. You're doing something meaningful here. And who knows? Maybe they'll get to hear about how you shine during the festival."
Her words lightened his mood slightly, and he nodded, turning back to the open sea.
The ship was luxurious, with spacious quarters and an expansive deck. Kyle, of course, had chosen the vessel not for its speed or practicality but for the "experience" of the journey.
"So why aren't we teleporting like usual?" Arthur asked, leaning against a crate.
Kyle, lounging in a deck chair with a drink in hand, smirked.
"Because I paid for this ship, and I'm not wasting my money by skipping the trip. Besides, a 30-hour journey builds character. It's good for all of you."
Arthur's eye twitched in irritation.
"We're taking a ship for 30 hours because you don't want to feel like you wasted money when It wouldn't take you less than 4 sec to teleport there?"
"Exactly." Kyle's grin widened.
The group settled in as the ship cut through the waves. Josuke, curious about the festival's location, approached Maya on the deck later that afternoon.
"Mrs. Maya, why do they hold the ranger events on Baron Island instead of in the city? Wouldn't it be easier for everyone if it were closer?"
Maya leaned on the railing, gazing at the horizon.
"Well, Josuke, it's mostly for safety. Rangers have significantly higher mana counts than the average person. Hosting competitions with so many high-powered individuals in a populated area would risk massive destruction."
"Destruction?" Josuke repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Maya nodded.
"Yes. A single stray attack or misfire could level buildings or harm civilians. And then there's the issue of him." She gestured subtly toward Kyle, who was now stretched out, sunglasses on, enjoying the ocean breeze.
"Commander Kyle?" Josuke asked, tilting his head.
Maya sighed.
"Yes, your lazy commander over there. His mana density alone is enough to crush the average ranger if he doesn't actively suppress it. Add his gravity manipulation abilities into the mix, and you'd have Elaris sinking into the ocean if he ever got too reckless." Josuke stared at Kyle, wide-eyed.
"Wait Commander Kyle is that strong?"
Maya hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"I hate to admit it, but yes. He's the strongest ranger in Elaris. The elders may pretend they run the show, but even they know better than to push Kyle too far. He's a force of nature, even if he spends most of his time acting like he's on vacation." Josuke couldn't help but laugh a little at the image of Kyle being both incredibly powerful and perpetually lazy. Still, the revelation gave him a new perspective on his commander.
As night fell, the team gathered around the deck's fire pit, the soft glow of mana-infused flames illuminating their faces. They discussed the festival events, their strategies, and their goals. Josuke found himself growing more excited by the minute.
Baron Island awaited, and with it, the opportunity to prove himself not just to his team, but to the world of rangers.