As Luz made a new friend—Den—more challenges loomed ahead before any of them could officially become certified Light Warriors. The second phase of military training was about to begin. This time, they were to be deployed into real battle situations, though guided by experienced soldiers from the Light Army.
Luz and Ino were assigned to a unit sent to Taliyas City, known as the worst place to live in Aetheris. Situated dangerously close to Dark-controlled territory, Taliyas was constantly under threat of invasion. Even the air felt heavier there, thick with tension.
Stationed near the border, Luz and Ino stood watch. The sun was setting behind the broken buildings and cracked roads of the ghostly city. Luz glanced at Ino, whose sharp eyes scanned the treeline.
Suddenly—crack!
A soft rustle from the trees.
"I heard something," Ino whispered, fists already clenched. "Get ready, Luz. Something's coming."
Before Luz could respond, two Dark soldiers leapt from the foliage, blades raised. A blur of silver flashed—sching!
A Light soldier sliced both attackers mid-air.
"We're under attack!" the soldier shouted. "Hold the ground! Get the cadets out—NOW!"
More shadows emerged—five, ten, then dozens. Dark soldiers poured from the forest like a tide of blades and death. The squad split up. Luz, Ino, and their escort sprinted into the alleyways of Taliyas, but were soon cut off. Surrounded.
The escort soldier blocked a sword aiming for Ino—stab!—but took a blade to the chest and dropped instantly.
"No!" Luz cried, but Ino grabbed his wrist.
"Come on!" he shouted. "This way!"
They dashed down a narrow path and hid behind large barrels. Luz held his breath, heart pounding. Ino peeked out—eyes narrowed. But it was too late.
A Dark soldier spotted them and charged.
With lightning speed, Ino countered—ducking under a slash, sweeping the attacker's legs, and delivering a brutal roundhouse to the head. Crack! The soldier dropped.
"Go! We have to call for reinforcements!" she yelled.
They ran—but more enemies blocked their path. Surrounded again.
"We're dead, Luz…" Ino muttered. "There's too many…"
Luz's legs froze. His eyes darted, searching for a way out—but nothing. Just a sea of cold, dark eyes.
Then—BOOM!
A powerful blast of energy lit up the alley. Several Dark soldiers were knocked back, their bodies crashing into walls. Smoke rose.
From the haze, a figure leapt with lightning speed—slash slash slash!—three enemies dropped before they even realized it.
Jed landed between Luz and the enemies, katana in hand.
"You guys alright?" he asked, breathing heavy. "Sorry we're late."
Behind him stood another boy with glasses, loading some sort of high-tech slingshot with glowing energy orbs. He fired—BOOM!—one blast launched three Dark soldiers into the air.
"Who's that?" Luz asked, stunned.
"I'm Matthew. Matthew Lastimo," the boy replied, adjusting his glasses. "Den's cousin."
Luz blinked. "That weapon… what is that?"
Matthew grinned. "My invention. I repurposed their magic wands, removed the dark essence, and converted them into high-density light orbs. Pretty cool, right?"
Luz just nodded, speechless.
Eventually, they returned safely to Biringan.
The commander of the training facility stood in front of the cadets. "Congratulations," he said. "You've survived the most dangerous city in the region. Now, for your final test…"
Everyone lined up as instructors asked them to display their talents—be it healing, fighting, weaponry, or powers.
Ino showed his combat skills and was placed in the Elite Combat Squad. Jed's speed and swordsmanship earned him a spot in the Special Forces. Matthew's genius placed him in the Weapon Research and Tactical Strategy Unit.
Then it was Luz's turn.
"What do you bring to the table?" the examiner asked.
Luz stepped forward. He had no powers. No weapons. He raised his fists... tried to mimic a stance… but it was weak. Untrained. He tried a light blast... nothing. Swing a blade? Couldn't even hold it steady.
"I'm sorry, kid," the examiner said with a sigh. "You have no traits that help in battle. No power. No training. You're not cut out for this."
The words hit Luz harder than a punch.
"You will just get yourself killed out there. Better luck next time."
Luz walked home, broken. His mother was waiting. "You disobeyed us," she said with a stern voice—but behind it was worry. "I told you... the army isn't for you…"
"I didn't make it, Mom…" Luz whispered.
She paused, her anger vanishing. "Maybe... it's for the best. Just help me prepare dinner. Your father will be home soon."
That night, Luz sat on his bed, staring at an old book about Bin—the legendary Light Descendant. He traced the faded cover with his fingers.
"I wish I was you, Bin… Strong... useful."
---
The Next Morning
Biringan's streets were alive with morning bustle. Luz walked quietly, hands in pockets. He passed a busy alley and noticed a man snatch an old woman's coin purse.
"Hey!" Luz shouted. "Give that back!"
The thief turned, smirking, and drew a dagger. "Or what, brat?"
He lunged.
Luz didn't move. Too slow! Too scared! he thought.
But the blade froze mid-air—trembling.
What...?
A kunai spun through the air, knocking the thief's blade to the ground. Another boy appeared, his aura intense. He stepped between Luz and the thief.
"You think you're strong for threatening old ladies?" the boy growled. A second kunai floated into his hand.
"W-who are you?" the thief stammered, backing away.
"You want a fight? Fight me."
The boy moved like lightning, pressing a kunai to the thief's throat. Then—with a flick—he sent the coin purse flying through the air, landing gently in the old woman's hands.
"Next time I see you," he snarled, "I'll cut more than your pride."
The thief turned to run—but thunk! Two more kunai pinned his hands to the wall. He screamed as a patrol unit arrived and dragged him away.
The boy looked at Luz. "Don't defend someone if you can't even defend yourself. You're a liability."
Then he walked off without another word.
Luz just stood there… ashamed again.
Still… powerless.
Still… useless.
Still… just a shadow of what he wanted to be.
But in the back of his mind… something clicked. Something stirred.
And this wasn't the end.