Arrival at the Heights
The wind roared endlessly.
Clouds drifted beneath floating pathways.
Standing at the edge of the sky—
Elior looked up.
"…So this is the place."
Above him—
Suspended among the clouds—
A battlefield where only those who understood the sky could survive.
Entering the Arena
Elior stepped forward.
The moment he entered—
A strong gust nearly pushed him back.
"…This isn't normal wind."
Floating platforms shifted constantly.
Nothing stayed still.
Behind him stood his team:
Infernyx
Thundrion
Riolu
Lunashade
Skyrend
Elior looked at Skyrend.
"This is your stage."
"First time here?"
Elior turned.
A calm, confident trainer stood nearby.
Aero.
He looked at the sky—not at Elior.
"You'll need more than power here."
Elior smirked slightly.
"…I figured."
Aero finally looked at him.
"We'll meet eventually."
Then—
He walked away.
A loud announcement echoed:
"All challengers—register now!"
A massive digital board appeared.
Names filled rapidly.
Elior stepped forward.
Registered.
Moments later—
His name appeared among dozens of challengers.
Training the Sky
Later—
Elior stood on a floating platform.
The wind was stronger now.
"Skyrend—fly!"
Skyrend launched upward.
Fast—
But unstable in sharp currents.
"…Too rigid," Elior said.
Understanding the Wind
He closed his eyes briefly.
"…Don't fight the wind."
A pause.
"…Flow with it."
Skyrend adjusted—
Its wings moved differently.
More flexible.
More responsive.
It began gliding smoothly.
Elior smiled.
"…Good."
The bond was improving.
But still incomplete.
The Hidden Threat
High above—
A shadow stood on a distant platform.
A silent observer from Team Umber.
"…He's adapting quickly."
The figure vanished into the clouds.
The sky darkened slightly.
The tournament board lit up again.
Matchups were revealed.
Elior looked up.
His name appeared.
Opponent:
Zephor
A beginner.
But in this arena—
Even beginners were dangerous.
A distant platform—
Aero watched silently.
Arms crossed.
Eyes sharp.
"…Let's see how far you go."
The wind howled louder.
And the journey continues...