The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city's towering skyscrapers. The academy grounds were quieter than usual, as students prepared for the upcoming trials. The air was thick with tension, each person aware that their futures rested on what would come in the next few days.
Aiden stood at the edge of the training grounds, staring out at the city. His fingers twitched, the sensation of the black holes still fresh in his mind. It was hard to believe how much he'd improved in such a short time. The ability to create multiple black holes, to activate and deactivate them in rapid succession, had become second nature. But there was always that nagging feeling in the back of his mind — what if it wasn't enough?
"Hey, you're lost in thought again," Riko's voice broke through his thoughts, and Aiden turned to find his friend standing beside him. "You do that a lot, you know."
Aiden smirked. "I guess it's the pressure. This next phase is no joke."
"Yeah, the real world test," Riko muttered, his gaze serious. "The one where they send us into a dangerous area of the city and we have to survive while dealing with demons, creatures, and everything else they throw at us. Sounds like a blast."
Riko's powers had evolved in ways Aiden never expected. Phase Locking had become instinctive for him, and his control over gravity had reached new heights. He could make the ground beneath their feet shift, amplifying gravity to make their enemies heavier or lighter, depending on the situation. His Absolute Reflection was still something he was honing, but it was already a deadly defensive tool.
"I think we're ready, though," Riko said after a beat. "We've got the basics down. We've been pushed, tested. And I think we've proven we can handle what's coming."
Aiden nodded, even though doubts still lingered. "I'm just worried. We've only faced smaller creatures so far. What if this test is different? What if the demons are too strong for us?"
Riko looked at him, a faint smile on his lips. "That's why we're training, right? So we're ready for anything." He then raised his hand, letting the air ripple with his gravitational power. "Besides, I've got your back. And you've got mine."
Aiden met Riko's gaze. The trust between them was something unspoken but strong. They had always been there for each other, even when they didn't have powers, and now that bond was even more vital.
"Alright," Aiden said, straightening up. "Let's see if we can get a bit more practice in before the test. I'm not going to sit around wondering if I'm ready."
The two of them walked to one of the more secluded training areas on campus. The space was large and empty, perfect for testing their abilities without interference.
"Want to try some coordination training?" Aiden suggested as he activated his teleportation, appearing on the other side of the field in an instant. "We could work on using our powers together, getting the timing right."
Riko raised an eyebrow, his hands glowing as he prepared to manipulate gravity. "Are you trying to make me work harder?"
"Just trying to make sure we're as ready as we can be," Aiden replied with a grin.
Riko nodded, summoning gravity around him. "Alright, let's do it."
They started with simple movements. Aiden would teleport to one spot, then create a black hole to pull something toward him while Riko used gravity to control the trajectory of whatever Aiden manipulated. It was complicated, but it felt like they were starting to sync better with each passing moment. The combination of their abilities allowed them to control the space around them, redirecting threats with precision.
As the sun set, their training intensified. Aiden focused on creating multiple black holes at once, while Riko experimented with his gravitational pulls, both amplifying and reducing the force with perfect timing. They were getting better — faster and more efficient with their powers.
But as the night deepened, Aiden's thoughts shifted back to the upcoming test. It wasn't just about surviving. It was about proving that they could protect the city, protect the people. If they failed… it would mean more than just personal failure.
He shook his head. Now wasn't the time to dwell on what-ifs.
"How about one more round?" Aiden asked, his voice more focused than before.
Riko gave him a look of mock exhaustion but nodded. "Yeah, alright. One more."
They spent the rest of the evening pushing their limits, testing their skills, and growing stronger together. Despite the weight of the upcoming trial, there was a sense of determination in the air — they weren't just students anymore. They were fighters.
The real test was coming, and Aiden and Riko would face it head-on, together.