"Gulp! Gulp!"
"Haaah… so refreshing."
Kael lowered the glass bottle, the name Tenalung etched across its surface.
Months had passed since his successful creation of the energy drink. So far, he had developed four flavors, each derived from different plants, herbs, and fruits that grew in soil rich with dense Might Energy.
Kael's Satu, Bilah, and Tawan Training had all improved. His physical capabilities had grown, his Tan'Mara tactics had become more precise, his swordsmanship sharpened, and beyond that, he had begun working on several new inventions, something more than just bombs and the transportation machine recorded in the book.
After completing his Bilah training, Kael sat beneath a tree, catching his breath. His friends gathered nearby, watching him.
Grak'Mar spoke, arms crossed, his deep ogre voice steady.
"Human. One week remains before the Commander's test, remember?"
Kael stretched his body after the long session.
"Yeah, Ogre… I know."
He exhaled, looking up at the sky.
"Six months isn't enough for me to even touch Commander Aeronis."
A faint grin formed on his face.
"He's on a different level."
"But you know what? I'm still excited to fight him! I'll be going up against the Commander of the Realm Protectors!"
Lirean tapped Kael's shoulder.
"Good spirit, Kael. You'll need that when facing him…" Lirean said with a small smile.
Grak'Mar let out a low breath, arms still crossed.
"Remember, human. This is only your first time facing him. Don't expect you can do much."
"Yeah, Grak'Mar… you've told me many times."
Kael looked at all of them and relaxed his shoulders.
"Still… even if I don't do much this time, at least I'll have something to show him next week."
He smiled, a quiet pride in his eyes.
"Oh? And what is it, human?" Nibsken asked, grinning.
Kael let out a laugh.
"Hahaha… just wait and see. I prepared this only for him."
He answered with confidence.
Whatever Kael's planning it better be enough to make even the Commander of the Realm Protectors take notice.
So then, the week passed.
Commander Aeronis arrived in Kalidorra, He had waited and marked this day 6 months ago precisely, as expected from a commander of the realm protector.
Commander Aeronis confidently walks on the white brick path of Kallidorra town, With his standard Emerald armor with red dragon badge on his chest, His massive blue sword on his back stripped gold on its edge, And the most important thing every Commander has is a cape. His red cape with letter E surrounded by a sun-like circle, serves as a responsibility for the Eastern Cardinal.
Accompanied by two of his former students, both now Realm Protectors. A female Day Spirit… and a massive Iron Fist Cyclops.
A crowd quickly formed along the white brick path as Aeronis walked forward. Yet none could get close. His two former students moved beside him, quietly covering his presence. This time, they did not hide their Might Influence. It spread outward, forming an invisible pressure that kept the citizens at a distance.
Commander Aeronis, however, had already turned his own Might off. By rank, any Commander or even a candidate was required to suppress it when among non Realm Protector citizens.
Even so, the two beside him were more than enough.
Though neither held the rank of Commander, their presence alone prevented any direct contact from the citizens of Kalidorra.
No one needed to be told.
Everyone already knew,
These three were Realm Protectors.
The Day Spirit walked slightly behind Aeronis, a little shorter than him. Soft golden light particles drifted around her body. She wore hardened white armor lined with royal gold color made out of condensed Might Energy, matching her almost white transparent form. Her blue eyes remained calm, her long golden hair faint and flowing. Sharp ears, elegant features she carried herself with quiet grace. A curved purple magical sword rested at her hip.
Behind them towered the Crystal Cyclops.
He wore only heavy armored pants, his massive arms hanging low at his sides. Thick Iron covered his hands, heavy and solid. His body was enormous, dark blue skin stretched over a powerful frame. A single giant eye stared forward, unshaken. Strands of thick red hair fell over his head, with a few embedded red crystals on his back.
His muscular body stood twice the height of Commander Aeronis.
Just looking at him was enough to send a chill down anyone's spine.
And yet
He carried no weapon.
Only his two massive hands coated in thick heavy metal.
Cold eyes. Steady steps. An overwhelming pressure radiated from the two behind him their Might Influence forming an invisible barrier that separated them from the crowd of citizens of various races.
These… were the Realm Protectors.
The ones who maintained the stability of this realm, standing against the unbearable evil of the Damned Mishanter…..
Commander Aeronis walked, the crowd parted on its own, whispers spreading in his wake.
He remained silent.
There was no need to speak. He knew they already understood why he was here.
Step by step, he continued along the white brick path. His pace slowed as he approached a modest two-story wooden house.
He came to a stop.
"We have arrived, my students," Aeronis said calmly.
"This is his house… Kael's house."
His gaze remained forward as he spoke again, his tone composed, yet carrying quiet authority.
"Mayana, DaguGaran. You may withdraw your Might Influence. We will not disturb the daily lives of those within."
At once, the two obeyed.
"Yes, Commander," the Day Spirit responded, lowering her presence without hesitation.
"As you wish… Commanda," the Crystal Cyclops followed, his deep voice rumbling as the pressure around them faded.
"This house has quite a large area, Commander… but I assume we won't be testing him in front of it," Mayana voiced her concern.
"Of course not, Mayana," Commander Aeronis replied with a faint smile. "Come. Follow me."
The two nodded and followed him along the side of Kael's two-story wooden house, where it opened into a vast backyard.
The distance from neighboring houses left the area wide and opened a stretch of grassy ground surrounding the house.
As they stepped into the backyard, Commander Aeronis was met by a familiar group.
"Commander!"
Lirean waved and ran toward him, the others following behind except Volgran, who simply turned to face Aeronis from where his giant body sat.
"Ah… Lirean. Grak'Mar. Volgran and others…."
Aeronis greeted them with a composed nod.
"It has been some time. You all seem well."
They returned the nods, offering small smiles as they shook his hand.
"We're all doing good, Commander!" Lirean replied.
"I expected nothing less." Aeronis gave a slight nod in return.
"Uhm… Commander, who are they?" Lirean asked, glancing at the two unfamiliar figures.
"Yeah… neva seen them before, Commanda" Grak'Mar added, eyeing the massive Cyclops who stood even taller and bigger than him.
Aeronis gave a small nod.
"My apologies… it seems I have yet to introduce them."
He stepped slightly forward, his voice calm and measured.
"These two are my former students long before I took the three of you under my guidance."
His gaze shifted briefly toward them.
"This is Aira' Mayana, a Day Spirit of exceptional grace."
"And this… is DaguGaran."
A faint pause.
"One of the strongest Cyclops within my East Cardinal Division."
Both stood silently behind him.
"There is no need for concern," Aeronis continued. "Though their presence may seem… overwhelming, they hold no ill intent toward any of you."
Mayana and DaguGaran gave a simple nod.
From a short distance, Lirean, Grak'Mar, and Volgran returned it with restrained smiles.
A quiet understanding passed between them.
This…
was what they could have become.
If not for the Mishanter Incident.
Lirean's hand slowly clenched into a fist, his gaze dropping to the ground.
Why not try again…?
The words sounded simple.
But reality was far heavier.
The burden.
The trauma.
The pain.
And the lingering fear… of losing each other again.
It never truly left…. It always consumes him. Liraen thought started to run wild again….
"Tap."
Lirean jolted slightly as he felt a sudden touch on his shoulder.
It was Commander Aeronis.
"Lirean? You alright?" Aeronis ask gently
"Ye..Yes, Commander! Im… I'm good! Liraen replies while he is still drowning in the past.
Commander Aeronis knows what Liraen is thinking about, so as his former teacher Aeronis knows how to calm him down.
"Please Liraen…. don't blame yourself," he said gently.
"I told you before, didn't I? I've never blamed you."
A faint, calm smile appeared on his face.
He let the silence sit for a moment before continuing.
"I know what you feel. But that is already in the past. There is no need to carry it with you anymore."
His gaze moved across them.
"Lirean, Grak'Mar, Volgran… you are all my students. And I am proud of that."
"No matter what path you choose… I will always be here, if you ever need something."
Lirean's voice came out heavier than usual.
"Thank you, Commander…"
Aeronis shook his head slightly.
"No. I should be the one thanking you."
A faint pause.
"Because you all have already become teachers to my new student."
He cleared his throat lightly, returning to his usual composed tone.
"Well then… I assume you all know why I am here today?"
"Yes, Commander!" Lirean and Grak'Mar replied respectfully.
"So… where is he?" Aeronis asked, his tone steady. "My student."
"He's still upstairs, Commander. But I'm sure he will—"
"Commander!"
A voice suddenly echoed from the direction of the house, coming from the stairs that led down toward the backyard.
It was Kael.
Commander Aeronis' current student.
Kael came down the stairs with his sword attached across his back. He wear a new White shirt that Elvareth made for his test, It have a few blue stripe acroos his waist and chest. This blue stripe is also a hard plates serve as impact absorber. A black cape wrapped loosely around his neck. On his feet were electrical mechanical boots, faintly humming with stored energy. Gloves covered his hands, and on his left side hung a sphere cage containing a glowing white crystal floated inside.
Each step carried quiet weight.
"Ha! Kael! You finally show up with your new gear, I assume?" Commander Aeronis waved as he walked toward him with his two former students.
Mayana's gaze scanned Kael from head to toe.
"So this is a human…? So small… and yet so much is going on with his body…"
DaguGaran tilted his head slightly.
"Human… This is the first time I've seen one. So this is Commanda new student?"
"Yes," Aeronis replied calmly. "Pretty unique, right?"
A small pause.
"Oh and let me remind you that this boy… has no Might at all."
Both Mayana and DaguGaran's eyes widened.
"No Might?" they echoed at the same time.
Mayana frowned slightly.
"Are you sure about taking him as your student, Commander?"
DaguGaran added in a deeper tone.
"No Might at all?… How can he even enter da Academy? How will he compete with da other races?"
Aeronis exhaled softly, still composed.
"I appreciate your concern."
"But this is my decision."
His gaze shifted briefly toward Kael.
"I know it won't be easy for him… but he still wants to try. So what harm is there in giving him that chance?"
A faint pause.
"This is also the first time I am teaching someone without Might. We do not yet know what kind of path… or tactics he will create. This is also our opportunity to evolve our strategy against the Mishanter rather than just using the same Might based attack..."
Mayana and DaguGaran exchanged a look, then nodded slowly.
Meanwhile, Kael stood before them.
"So! How are you feeling today? I see you've prepared yourself quite well for this."
The Commander greeted him calmly.
"Yes, Commander!"
Kael replied.
Alright… that's the spirit, my student."
Commander Aeronis stood calmly before Kael.
"So tell me are you ready for your first test?"
His gaze remained steady.
"Since we only have two years, I've divided it into four attempts… one every six months."
A brief pause.
"So this is your first attempt out of four."
He crossed his arms slightly, his tone still calm but firm.
"I don't expect much… but at the very least, convince me that you are worthy of becoming my student just like these two."
Kael nodded and turned his gaze toward Mayana and DaguGaran.
"These two are your seniors, Kael. They were my former students."
Kael looked at them, then smiled slightly.
"So this is his student, huh…? They look strong! As expected from Commander Aeronis." Kael thought.
Aeronis gave a faint nod.
"Now, Kael…"
His voice lowered slightly, gaining a quiet noble weight.
"Before we begin your test which I will personally conduct… but before we begin…"
He looked directly at Kael.
"First, let your mother, your elf guardian know about this, and receive her consent. With that I can confidently test you."
"Don't worry about that, Commander."
A female elf's voice echoed from the house.
The back door opened.
"I already gave Kael my consent. Proceed with his test."
Aeronis gave a calm nod.
"So… that settles it."
His gaze shifted briefly toward Kael.
Kael smiled as he looked at her.
Thanks, Mom… thanks for always being my number one supporter.
He thought quietly.
"Alright! Now… shall we begin the test?" Aeronis' voice echoed across the grassy wide backyard, informing everyone who was near him that the test was about to begin.
"Yes, Commander!"
All of Kael's friends responded in unison.
"Then…Make space for us," Commander Aeronis ordered calmly.
Immediately, they all stepped back, creating a wide distance between the two.
"Thank you."
Aeronis turned back toward Kael.
"So… are you ready?"
"Yes, Commander!" Kael replied with high spirit.
Aeronis nodded once.
"Oh, before I forget."
Commander Aeronis raised a hand slightly.
"Every test should begin with identification."
His gaze remained steady.
"Let me introduce myself first, as your tester, and of course… your teacher."
He straightened his posture.
"As you all may already know…"
His voice carried a calm, undeniable authority.
"I am the Commander of the Eastern Cardinal Division. Commander of the Realm Protectors. Ranked 3rd and 4th among the 16 Cardinal Commanders."
A brief pause.
"From the Etherian race… High Elf."
His eyes sharpened slightly, yet remained composed.
"Commander Aeronis Ivan Ashvale."
Another pause, this time softer.
"Your teacher… and your tester today."
Silence followed.
Not a single person spoke.
Yet in that silence alone, it was clear.
Years of command.
Countless battles against the Mishanter.
And a burden to protect this realm on his back.
All of it could be felt just through his presence and voice.
Aeronis exhaled lightly.
"So…"
His gaze shifted forward.
"Who am I testing today?"
Kael smiled, his blue eyes burning with determination.
"My name is Mikael… Mikael Insa Emiretus. Human, and Commander Aeronis' current student."
"I'm the one who will be tested today."
Aeronis raised a faint eyebrow, then gave a small, approving nod.
"Hmm… Bold, But that suits you, Human…." Aeronis thought
He took a step forward.
"Alright, Mikael. Listen carefully because I will not repeat this twice."
His tone became steady and clear.
"For all four attempts, the test will remain the same."
Kael nodded.
"For your test…" Aeronis continued.
He raised a hand and pointed at a red dragon-head badge pinned to his chest.
"I want you to take this from me."
A short silence followed.
"Sounds simple and easy, isn't it?" Aeronis Convinced Kael.
Kael blinked.
"But I have four attempts in these two years, right, Commander?"
Aeronis nodded calmly.
"Hmm, Yes. That is correct."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What if I get it earlier than the fourth attempt?"
For the first time, Aeronis smiled light, almost amused.
"Ha… you really know how to tell a joke, Kael."
He let the silence settle again, then his expression turned calm and serious.
"Let me tell you something…"
"This badge has never been taken from me. Not once."
"Not in over one hundred years."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"No Mishanter… no Realm Protector… has ever taken it from me."
A pause.
"So tell me…"
His voice lowered, steady and noble.
"Will you be the first in a hundred years to take it from me, Mikael?"