Chapter 19:
CHAPTER 19 — The Blades of Dawn
The Human Who Challenged the Heavens
The sky above the Aetherian citadel glowed with morning gold, its light spilling across marble platforms and soaring crystalline towers.Elen walked beside Seraphina in silence, the captain’s long blonde hair reflecting the sun like woven strands of light.
Today, Elen would meet her squad.
Her new family.Her new battlefield.
The strongest women in the Upper World.
Seraphina finally broke the silence.
“Before we enter, Eleonora… you must understand what you’re joining.”
Elen looked forward, her expression calm but eyes sharp.
Seraphina lifted her hand, forming a glowing arcane diagram in the air.Six symbols appeared — each representing a military force.
“There are six squads in the upper kingdom. Together, they form the Aetherian Order.”
The symbols rotated around them like stars.
---
THE SIX SQUADS OF THE KINGDOM
1. Aetherian Dawn Squad
Seraphina’s squad — Elen’s new squad.Elite speed and power, high-danger missions.The squad feared and respected across the world.They are called “The Blades of Heaven.”
2. Obsidian Night Corps
Assassins, shadow walkers, silent killers.
3. Silverguard Bastion
Shield bearers, fortress knights, unbreakable defense.
4. Skyflame Valkyries
Aerial combat, lightning and fire users.
5. Radiant Arcanum Order
Magic dominators, long-range destruction.
6. Ironthorn Vanguard
Heavy-warriors, berserkers, unstoppable tanks.
---
Seraphina dismissed the glowing diagram.
“And among all six squads…mine is the fastest and strongest on direct combat.”
Elen’s lips twitched slightly.She didn’t respond, but Seraphina caught the spark in her eyes.
“You’ll fit right in,” she said with a small smile.
They stopped before massive golden doors decorated with wing-like engravings.
Seraphina placed her hand on the center rune.
“Welcome, Eleonora…to the Aetherian Dawn Squad.”
The doors opened.
---
THE SQUAD HALL
The hall was enormous — white marble floors, weapons displayed like works of art, banners of gold and blue hanging from towering pillars.
Seven figures stood waiting.
Six women — the captain’s elite unit.
And one empty spot meant for Elen.
Seraphina stepped forward, her voice strong:
“Ladies.This is Eleonora Riedmann.Your new sister.”
Every woman turned toward Elen.
Seven pairs of intense eyes.
Seven different reactions.
Elen stood strong under their gazes, posture straight, hands relaxed, but aura demanding respect.
Seraphina began the introductions.
---
CAPTAIN
Seraphina Dawncrest — The Radiant Commander
Everyone already knew her.
But hearing her name spoken again carried weight.
She stepped beside Elen with pride.
Her presence alone filled the hall with light and authority.
---
VICE-CAPTAIN
Aria Windthorn — The Silent Gale
A tall, slender woman with silver hair braided elegantly.Sky-blue eyes sharp enough to cut steel.Armor made of light metals and wind runes.
She bowed slightly.
“Welcome. I hope your strength matches the rumors.”
Her voice was calm, emotionless — but assessing.
Elen met her stare without blinking.
“More than enough.”
Aria’s eyebrow twitched.Interest sparked.
---
ELITE MEMBER 1
Kaela Ironfist — Crimson Crusher
Towering. Muscular. Red hair wild in a high ponytail.Arms covered in rune-etched gauntlets.
A grin stretched across her face.
“So the princess joins us, huh?Hope you’re not soft.”
Elen stared at her calmly.
“You can test it if you want.”
Kaela’s grin widened.
“Oh, I like you already.”
---
ELITE MEMBER 2
Mira Lunaris — Moonlit Sorceress
Soft white hair, violet eyes, robes embroidered with crescent moons.Her aura felt cold… and endlessly deep.
She stepped close enough that Elen could feel her magic analyzing her soul.
Mira whispered:
“…No alignment.No limit.A bottomless abyss… how fascinating.”
Elen raised a brow.
“Is that a compliment?”
Mira smiled faintly.
“Terrifying ones are the best compliments.”
---
ELITE MEMBER 3
Selene Vyr — Shadow of Dawn
Black hair, golden eyes, half-mask over her face.Silent. Deadly. Moved like a shadow touching light.
She nodded once.
“…Don’t slow us down.”
Aria smirked slightly.Kaela snorted.Mira giggled softly.
Elen replied:
“Only if you can keep up.”
Selene’s eyes widened a fraction — her version of shock.
---
ELITE MEMBER 4
Lyra Aethertide — Song of the Storm
Long ocean-blue hair, bright emerald eyes, light armor with wave motifs.She moved with grace and a permanent mischievous smile.
Lyra waved dramatically.
“Hiiii! I’m Lyra!If you need anything, I’m the fun one.”
Elen blinked once.
“…Okay?”
Lyra laughed.
“I like her! She’s cute.”
Elen frowned slightly.
She wasn’t used to “cute.”
---
ELITE MEMBER 5
Rhea Solvayne — The Sunbreaker
Short fiery-orange hair, freckles, and an aura of heat around her.Her hammer glowed with solar power.
Rhea’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“You’re so pretty and scary!We’re gonna be best friends!”
Elen stared.
Lyra whispered:
“She means well.”
---
Seraphina stepped forward again.
“This is your squad.Your unit.Your sisters.”
Elen looked around the circle.
Different strengths.Different personalities.All dangerous.
A perfect battlefield mix.
Seraphina’s expression sharpened.
“And now… the evaluation test.”
---
THE COMBAT TESTING GROUNDS
They moved into a colossal circular arena glowing with runes.
Stone tiles lit up.Walls vibrated with energy.
Magic surged as dozens of armored golems rose from the ground — training constructs used only for elite warriors.
Seraphina lifted her sword.
“Begin.”
---
Aria moved first.
She vanished.Wind exploded outward.Invisible blades tore through ten golems that collapsed in perfect clean slices.
“Wind pressure severed them,” Rhea whispered.
---
Kaela charged.
One punch hit the ground.A shockwave cracked the entire floor, destroying everything in a ten-meter radius.
“Oops,” Kaela grinned.
---
Mira raised her staff.
Gravity intensified.The dolls crushed into flat metal sheets with a soft thump.
---
Selene disappeared.
Light. Shadow.Ten copies of her appeared for a split second—
Then all golems dropped in clean, silent cuts.
---
Lyra spun her spear.
Water formed blades.She danced gracefully, slicing through targets while sound vibrations shattered their cores.
---
Rhea laughed, swinging her hammer.
A solar explosion blinded everyone briefly—
Dozens of golems melted.
“Oops! Sorry!”
---
The captain smiled.
“Now… Eleonora.”
Elen walked forward.
The squad watched her with sharp interest.
She lifted her hand quietly.No words.No stance.
Just a breath.
Her eyes glowed—
VIOLET.DEEP.DANGEROUS.
A wave of dark energy burst outward—
and the entire battlefield exploded.
Dozens of golems shattered instantly.
The arena floor cracked like a spiderweb.
Wind roared violently despite no spell being cast.
Elite warriors staggered back.
Even Seraphina shielded her eyes.
When the aura faded…
The entire training field was destroyed.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Kaela’s jaw dropped.
“…OH HELL.”
Aria whispered:
“That wasn’t magic…That was pure dominion.”
Mira trembled with excitement.
“I love her.”
Selene’s voice cracked:
“…She already surpasses most captains…”
Lyra fanned herself dramatically.
“I think I fell in love twice.”
Rhea stared with sparkling eyes.
“She’s AMAZING!!”
Seraphina stepped forward, smiling with pride she rarely showed.
“Elen…Welcome to the Aetherian Dawn Squad.”
Elen dismissed her aura gently.
“…Was that satisfactory?”
Every woman nodded instantly.
She wasn’t just strong.
She was phenomenal.
And she would reshape the squad forever.
Today, Elen would meet her squad.
Her new family.Her new battlefield.
The strongest women in the Upper World.
Seraphina finally broke the silence.
“Before we enter, Eleonora… you must understand what you’re joining.”
Elen looked forward, her expression calm but eyes sharp.
Seraphina lifted her hand, forming a glowing arcane diagram in the air.Six symbols appeared — each representing a military force.
“There are six squads in the upper kingdom. Together, they form the Aetherian Order.”
The symbols rotated around them like stars.
---
THE SIX SQUADS OF THE KINGDOM
1. Aetherian Dawn Squad
Seraphina’s squad — Elen’s new squad.Elite speed and power, high-danger missions.The squad feared and respected across the world.They are called “The Blades of Heaven.”
2. Obsidian Night Corps
Assassins, shadow walkers, silent killers.
3. Silverguard Bastion
Shield bearers, fortress knights, unbreakable defense.
4. Skyflame Valkyries
Aerial combat, lightning and fire users.
5. Radiant Arcanum Order
Magic dominators, long-range destruction.
6. Ironthorn Vanguard
Heavy-warriors, berserkers, unstoppable tanks.
---
Seraphina dismissed the glowing diagram.
“And among all six squads…mine is the fastest and strongest on direct combat.”
Elen’s lips twitched slightly.She didn’t respond, but Seraphina caught the spark in her eyes.
“You’ll fit right in,” she said with a small smile.
They stopped before massive golden doors decorated with wing-like engravings.
Seraphina placed her hand on the center rune.
“Welcome, Eleonora…to the Aetherian Dawn Squad.”
The doors opened.
---
THE SQUAD HALL
The hall was enormous — white marble floors, weapons displayed like works of art, banners of gold and blue hanging from towering pillars.
Seven figures stood waiting.
Six women — the captain’s elite unit.
And one empty spot meant for Elen.
Seraphina stepped forward, her voice strong:
“Ladies.This is Eleonora Riedmann.Your new sister.”
Every woman turned toward Elen.
Seven pairs of intense eyes.
Seven different reactions.
Elen stood strong under their gazes, posture straight, hands relaxed, but aura demanding respect.
Seraphina began the introductions.
---
CAPTAIN
Seraphina Dawncrest — The Radiant Commander
Everyone already knew her.
But hearing her name spoken again carried weight.
She stepped beside Elen with pride.
Her presence alone filled the hall with light and authority.
---
VICE-CAPTAIN
Aria Windthorn — The Silent Gale
A tall, slender woman with silver hair braided elegantly.Sky-blue eyes sharp enough to cut steel.Armor made of light metals and wind runes.
She bowed slightly.
“Welcome. I hope your strength matches the rumors.”
Her voice was calm, emotionless — but assessing.
Elen met her stare without blinking.
“More than enough.”
Aria’s eyebrow twitched.Interest sparked.
---
ELITE MEMBER 1
Kaela Ironfist — Crimson Crusher
Towering. Muscular. Red hair wild in a high ponytail.Arms covered in rune-etched gauntlets.
A grin stretched across her face.
“So the princess joins us, huh?Hope you’re not soft.”
Elen stared at her calmly.
“You can test it if you want.”
Kaela’s grin widened.
“Oh, I like you already.”
---
ELITE MEMBER 2
Mira Lunaris — Moonlit Sorceress
Soft white hair, violet eyes, robes embroidered with crescent moons.Her aura felt cold… and endlessly deep.
She stepped close enough that Elen could feel her magic analyzing her soul.
Mira whispered:
“…No alignment.No limit.A bottomless abyss… how fascinating.”
Elen raised a brow.
“Is that a compliment?”
Mira smiled faintly.
“Terrifying ones are the best compliments.”
---
ELITE MEMBER 3
Selene Vyr — Shadow of Dawn
Black hair, golden eyes, half-mask over her face.Silent. Deadly. Moved like a shadow touching light.
She nodded once.
“…Don’t slow us down.”
Aria smirked slightly.Kaela snorted.Mira giggled softly.
Elen replied:
“Only if you can keep up.”
Selene’s eyes widened a fraction — her version of shock.
---
ELITE MEMBER 4
Lyra Aethertide — Song of the Storm
Long ocean-blue hair, bright emerald eyes, light armor with wave motifs.She moved with grace and a permanent mischievous smile.
Lyra waved dramatically.
“Hiiii! I’m Lyra!If you need anything, I’m the fun one.”
Elen blinked once.
“…Okay?”
Lyra laughed.
“I like her! She’s cute.”
Elen frowned slightly.
She wasn’t used to “cute.”
---
ELITE MEMBER 5
Rhea Solvayne — The Sunbreaker
Short fiery-orange hair, freckles, and an aura of heat around her.Her hammer glowed with solar power.
Rhea’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“You’re so pretty and scary!We’re gonna be best friends!”
Elen stared.
Lyra whispered:
“She means well.”
---
Seraphina stepped forward again.
“This is your squad.Your unit.Your sisters.”
Elen looked around the circle.
Different strengths.Different personalities.All dangerous.
A perfect battlefield mix.
Seraphina’s expression sharpened.
“And now… the evaluation test.”
---
THE COMBAT TESTING GROUNDS
They moved into a colossal circular arena glowing with runes.
Stone tiles lit up.Walls vibrated with energy.
Magic surged as dozens of armored golems rose from the ground — training constructs used only for elite warriors.
Seraphina lifted her sword.
“Begin.”
---
Aria moved first.
She vanished.Wind exploded outward.Invisible blades tore through ten golems that collapsed in perfect clean slices.
“Wind pressure severed them,” Rhea whispered.
---
Kaela charged.
One punch hit the ground.A shockwave cracked the entire floor, destroying everything in a ten-meter radius.
“Oops,” Kaela grinned.
---
Mira raised her staff.
Gravity intensified.The dolls crushed into flat metal sheets with a soft thump.
---
Selene disappeared.
Light. Shadow.Ten copies of her appeared for a split second—
Then all golems dropped in clean, silent cuts.
---
Lyra spun her spear.
Water formed blades.She danced gracefully, slicing through targets while sound vibrations shattered their cores.
---
Rhea laughed, swinging her hammer.
A solar explosion blinded everyone briefly—
Dozens of golems melted.
“Oops! Sorry!”
---
The captain smiled.
“Now… Eleonora.”
Elen walked forward.
The squad watched her with sharp interest.
She lifted her hand quietly.No words.No stance.
Just a breath.
Her eyes glowed—
VIOLET.DEEP.DANGEROUS.
A wave of dark energy burst outward—
and the entire battlefield exploded.
Dozens of golems shattered instantly.
The arena floor cracked like a spiderweb.
Wind roared violently despite no spell being cast.
Elite warriors staggered back.
Even Seraphina shielded her eyes.
When the aura faded…
The entire training field was destroyed.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Kaela’s jaw dropped.
“…OH HELL.”
Aria whispered:
“That wasn’t magic…That was pure dominion.”
Mira trembled with excitement.
“I love her.”
Selene’s voice cracked:
“…She already surpasses most captains…”
Lyra fanned herself dramatically.
“I think I fell in love twice.”
Rhea stared with sparkling eyes.
“She’s AMAZING!!”
Seraphina stepped forward, smiling with pride she rarely showed.
“Elen…Welcome to the Aetherian Dawn Squad.”
Elen dismissed her aura gently.
“…Was that satisfactory?”
Every woman nodded instantly.
She wasn’t just strong.
She was phenomenal.
And she would reshape the squad forever.
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