Elara Silverstein

"Elara, Looking good?" Anitrix asked the tall, blonde-haired woman at the reception booth, who was busy concentrating on her work. Her fingers danced over a holographic keyboard, data streams reflecting off her glasses in a mesmerizing pattern.

They were currently inside a fighting arena in Sky-Haven City. A floating city of modern engineering marvels. After crossing countless miles, they had finally reached this place.

Sky-haven city, a miracle of luxury, stretched out as far as the eye could see. Suspended in the air, it felt like a marvel. Mark found it hard to believe technology had advanced this far.

He felt like a country bumpkin marveling at everything around him.

Skyhaven's structure was a marvel of modern engineering, with lustrous, translucent walkways and glowing neon accents. Airships buzzed around like mechanical bees, enhancing the futuristic ambience.

The arena itself was a hive of activity, with spectators moving towards their seats and vendors selling a variety of futuristic snacks and souvenirs. The air was filled with the hum of advanced machinery and the excited chatter of the crowd, all set against the backdrop of a stunning, ever-changing sky.

As Mark looked around, he noticed the intricate details of the arena: holographic advertisements flickering on giant screens, robotic attendants guiding guests to their seats, and the subtle yet constant vibration of the platform underfoot, reminding him of the sheer technological prowess required to keep this floating marvel aloft.

The blend of advanced technology and sheer scale left him in awe, wondering what other wonders this world held.

As they entered the reception hall, Mark couldn't help but be in awe. Anitrix approached the reception booth, where Elara was engrossed in her tasks. She looked barely over 30 years old with her astounding facial features, high nose, blue eyes, and long eyebrows.

"Huh! Anitrix?" She looked surprised for a moment, then became spiteful. "Oh, look who it is. Isn't it the mighty star destroyer, Anitrix? What is such an illustrious figure doing in my humble abode?" Elara replied sarcastically, raising her head. Her eyes, a piercing blue, bore into Anitrix with an intensity that spoke of a shared history.

"Haha, why such a sour tone, Elara? Aren't we good friends? Is it because I haven't visited you once in the last three years? Or are you on your period?" Anitrix said jokingly, his tone light but with an undercurrent of teasing familiarity.

Elara's face immediately flushed with anger. "Good friends, my ass!" she snapped, her voice laced with vulgarities. She slammed her hands on the desk, causing a few nearby patrons to glance over.

"If we were good friends, you wouldn't have destroyed my cousin Allessio's space fleet last time," she seethed, her anger rising as she recalled the event.

"Huh! You're angry?"

"Come on, Elara. You know I didn't have any other choice on the matter. And how long has it been since? Two years? Three?" Anitrix chuckled, feeling amused inside. "And you still remember that? Moreover, Allessio wasn't a good person either. I find it unbelievable that he is your cousin. I heard you didn't even have that much of a good relationship with him either."

"Tell me honestly. What's the main reason? Is it because I left the crew without bidding farewell to you guys?" Anitrix asked, looking directly into her eyes.

"No, that's not true," she replied softly, avoiding his gaze. Her fingers fidgeted with a stray strand of hair. "I've already left that organization behind. Now I'm just a good old receptionist now." A hint of sadness tinged her voice, though relief flickered in her eyes as well.

"Anyway, how did you find me?"

Anitrix's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I have my own sources, dear," he said, his tone carrying a hint of mystery and amusement.

"Yeah, yeah, that's why you were hiding like a rat all this while. How long are you going to flee like this?" Elara retorted sharply with a hint of concern.

Anitrix didn't mind and continued, "Elara, I'm not here to reminisce about our past." He turned to Mark. "Let me introduce you. This is Mark. I'm here to send him on stage. Please make the necessary arrangements, will you?"

Mark had been listening to their conversation in silence. From what he gathered, Anitrix and Elara were once part of some organization and had fallen out for some reason. They also mentioned space wars. Incredible!

Elara looked surprised and asked, "Oh? When did you start taking apprentices? That's new. But why are you trying to send him to that hellhole? Are you trying to kill him or something?" Her words were sharp.

"H-Hellhole!" Mark gulped nervously inside.

Anitrix quickly shook his head in denial. "No, that's not it, Elara. I'm not his teacher. We're more like comrades, you could say."

"He's quite unique you know," Anitrix continued, his tone earnest. "I'm here to prepare him for real combat. Will you assist us?"

Elara appeared intrigued by his explanation, pausing to consider before responding. "Unique? What makes him so special? And why train him for life-and-death battles? I need the full story before I decide to help."

Anitrix glanced at Mark, seeking his approval. Mark nodded without hesitation; after all, Elara was Anitrix's friend, and she seemed trustworthy.

"It's like this..." Anitrix began, recounting their entire journey from their fateful meeting to their escape up until today. He shared Mark's ambitions and thirst for vengeance, detailing his relentless pursuit of strength.

As Elara absorbed the tale, her expression evolved from surprise to anger, then shock, and finally, sympathy.

"What's your name again?" Elara asked Mark once Anitrix had finished.

"H-Hello! Ma'am. I'm Mark Wayles," he stuttered nervously as he introduced himself.

"Hehe, you don't need to call me 'ma'am,' but that's cute," she chuckled softly.

"I'm Elara Silverstein. Just call me Elara." She extended her hand for a handshake.

"Yes, Ma'am," Mark blurted out reflexively, shaking her hand cautiously. His insecurity around her was palpable; encountering someone so strikingly beautiful after so long, apart from his sister, left him flustered. Their interaction was awkward, to say the least.

Elara seemed mature enough not to let this bother her.

"Haha, forget it. So, you're a genius pyrokinetic? Can you show me your ability?" Elara asked, her curiosity tinged with a hint of skepticism.

"Sure," Mark replied confidently. Concentrating, he felt the familiar rush of warmth as he conjured a ball of fire in his palm. This time, the flames were more intense, flickering with a ferocity he hadn't achieved before.

Elara's eyes widened as she watched the fire dance in his hand. "Okay, now put it out," she instructed, her voice steady but her expression betraying her astonishment.

With a simple thought, Mark extinguished the flames. Elara stared at him, clearly impressed. She had no choice but to believe the incredible tale Anitrix had told. The fact that Mark had awakened such powerful pyrokinesis overnight marked him as an extraordinary psychic.

"Now tell me honestly, do you really want to enter the arena?" Elara asked him again for confirmation.

"Yes, I am sure," Mark replied, his voice expressing his resolution.

"Alright then. Let's get you ready for your first fight, shall we?" Elara finally agreed, seeming to understand his determination and goal.

"Thanks, Ma'am," Mark replied, looking grateful.

Elara chuckled. "Don't thank me yet, Mark. You might find yourself in a pretty bad situation out there. There are a lot of people with special powers who come to join the fight. They all have various goals in mind: some come for money, some for fame, and some for the thrill of battle. My advice is not to overestimate yourself out there. Understand?"

Elara reminded him once again of the dangers ahead. But Mark wasn't going to stop. Not now.

"I understand. Thanks," he said sincerely.

Despite everything, he genuinely felt grateful towards her. She had shown him a kindness that was rare in his life, the kind an older sister might show her younger brother. If he had a big sister, he imagined she would be just like Elara.