Dante stood at the edge of the academy's training grounds, his eyes fixed on the sparring students before him. It had been a few weeks since his entrance into the academy, and while he had gained some recognition for his abilities, his interactions with other students were minimal. The instructors, however, had taken notice of his potential.
Today's lesson was a practical exercise: learning to fight as a team.
"In real battles, lone wolves die first," barked Instructor Kai, a grizzled veteran with scars running across his arms. "You will be paired with someone, and together, you must defeat an opponent."
The instructor's gaze swept over the group. "Grayson! Valen! You're a team."
Dante turned to see Ethan Grayson, a fiery-haired boy with an arrogant smirk, stepping toward him. "Looks like I'm stuck with you," Ethan said, sizing him up.
"And you with me," Dante replied, his tone cool.Their opponent was a large mechanical automaton—a fusion of ancient craftsmanship and modern technology. Its bronze plating gleamed under the sunlight, and its eyes glowed with an eerie red light.
"Begin!" Instructor Kaine shouted.
The automaton lunged forward, its massive arm swinging a spiked mace. Dante dodged nimbly, while Ethan unleashed a fiery blast from his palms, which barely singed the construct's surface.
"We need a plan," Dante said, sidestepping another attack.
"I don't do plans. I burn things," Ethan retorted, throwing another fireball.
Dante frowned but quickly analyzed the automaton's movements. Its attacks were slow but powerful, leaving its joints exposed after each swing.
"Keep it distracted," Dante ordered, darting toward the automaton's legs.
Ethan hesitated but complied, hurling a continuous stream of fire at the automaton's head. Meanwhile, Dante slid under its swinging arm and drove his blade into the joint of its knee. Sparks flew as the automaton staggered.
"Now!" Dante shouted.
Ethan unleashed a massive fireball at the automaton's exposed core. The construct exploded in a shower of sparks, its pieces clattering to the ground. As the dust settled, Ethan turned to Dante, his smirk replaced with a look of grudging respect. "Not bad, for someone who looks so serious all the time."
"You're reckless," Dante replied. "But effective."
Instructor Kaine approached, clapping his hands. "Good work, you two. You complement each other—Grayson's firepower and Valen strategy."
The two boys exchanged a glance. While they weren't friends yet, there was a spark of understanding between themOver the next few weeks, Dante and Ethan's partnership became the foundation of a larger group. They were joined by Ista Valen,A sharp-tongued but brilliant tactician, she shared Dante's last name, revealing a distant familial connection. Her skill in manipulating barriers and formations made her invaluable to the team.Kael Draven, A silent but skilled infiltrator who specialized in shadow techniques.The four of them trained together, their strengths balancing each other's weaknesses. Their bond grew stronger, forged through shared struggles and victories.
Their team began to stand out in the academy. Dante's strategic mind, Ethan's destructive power, Ista's tactical brilliance, and Kael's precision created a perfect balance.
Dante realized that while power was essential, having allies he could trust was just as important. Together, they began to rise through the academy's ranks, their sights set on the top.