Chapter 4: A Warrior Worthy of Thyra

Tap!

Tap!

Tap!

The sound of running footsteps echoed through the luxurious hallway, bouncing off each gold- and silver-trimmed lamp above.

"Once again, the fool’s almost late," Les said with folded arms, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Andro skidded to a stop in front of the instructor, bending over with his hands on his knees, gasping for breath.

"Huff... huff... five minutes late and everyone's dramatic..." he muttered, his face flushed.

Horito, with a hand on his chin, observed the ridiculous scene.
"Looks like someone needs a gallon of water to calm down..."

Lavender giggled softly. "Hey, he's just catching his breath, no need to roast him. Haha."

The instructor stood between the four teens and clapped his hands slowly.

"Day two of training begins now. Take your positions."

The four teens moved to their spots.

"This time, you won’t be facing a hologram," the instructor revealed. "You’ll be fighting a True Warrior. One who matches the level of the enemies we face."

"A True Warrior? Who?" Andro muttered.

Les narrowed her eyes. "Stop talking. You’ll find out soon."

WOOSH!

A dramatic entrance.

Dust filled the air, blinding their view. A flash of violet light pulsed through the mist.

"It has to be her..."

"Huh?" Andro turned to Horito in confusion.

Suddenly—without warning—a girl burst into the center, unleashing a storm of flying knives.

"WATCH OUT!"

All four instinctively rolled back, staying alert.

"Hehehe... nice reflexes, friends~"

A voice echoed from within the fog, the figure still hidden.

But that voice... it sounded familiar.

"Wait... could it be—"

Before he could finish, the girl appeared behind Andro, attacking. Instinct took over as Andro summoned his magic in defense.

DASH!

The clash of their powers echoed through the battlefield like clashing steel.

Andro pushed against the force, lifting his head—staring into the face of a familiar, beautiful girl.

"It’s... the Warrior of Prosperity."

Yes. Akura Zea.

"Hi there, handsome dream boy," she smirked, her playful grin slicing through Andro’s composure. "Our first fight, huh? An ant versus an elephant."

She slashed the air violently—sending a shockwave toward Andro.

BOOM!

He was flung backward.

"She’s... drunk or something? That strength is unreal..."

"Focus, idiot! You’re her target!" Les shouted.

Andro heard her. He rose carefully, a scratch on his lip making him wince. With determination, he summoned his violet samurai blade.

"Yeah... this is our first battle."

In a flash, Andro and Akura charged at each other—blades meeting with explosive force.

Their strikes rang out loudly.

"Their power... it’s incredible," Lavender whispered, mesmerized by the clash.

Horito watched with sharp eyes, analyzing their attacks and defenses. "They’re perfectly synchronized. No wonder their titles match."

"Warrior of Peace, and Prosperity," Les added. "But their skill ranks should be different."

From behind, the instructor stood calmly with his hands behind his back.

"At this rate, Andro may earn his rank as a True Warrior. I’ve never seen someone become this skilled in just two training sessions."

Each blow between them lit the air with flashes of violet light.

"Now this is what I call a real fight!" Akura yelled, launching her strongest attack.

"And I won’t back down!" Andro countered with his full strength.

Their combined attack shook the ground—rattling even the palace walls.

"Insane!" Les yelled, shielding herself from the smoke and booming echo.

"That’s beyond crazy!" Lavender cried, shielding her eyes.

Meanwhile, Horito stared at Andro, recognizing the remarkable potential buried deep within him.

Andro and Akura—standing within the fading smoke—remained in combat stances.

But then—

"Enough!"

The instructor shouted, ending the session.

"Five minutes of training... felt like five days on the battlefield. Amazing!"

Richard approached Andro, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I’m proud of you. With the wisdom of Gerlince behind me, I hereby grant you the title of True Warrior of Thyra."

"Huh?" Andro blinked, stunned. "That’s it? No final test?"

Richard chuckled, his elegant laugh breaking the silence. "Yes—but your training will now be replaced by a far harder mission. You’ll be working with them—the True Warriors."

Andro nodded.

"Our mission is to protect the Gem of Gerlince. It’s what keeps Thyra peaceful for its people. But our enemies seek to take it—to create a realm of their own."

The instructor spoke calmly, yet his voice held firm conviction.

"Your task is simple: protect Gerlince. Work together."

"This... is where your journey begins."