“The First Trial”

He wanted to master the resonance and help the White Wolves. He had to convince Rioji. He had to prove that he was worth being accepted into his unit, at least for now.

The First Encounter

The training area of the Fourth Division felt like a combat ring. The atmosphere was charged with power and expectation. Kyro stood nervously but determined in the middle of the small hall. In front of him was Rioji – a man whose presence seemed to dominate the room. Behind Rioji, a small group of Fourth Division members had gathered, including Echo and Shade, who observed Kyro with scrutinizing looks.

Rioji regarded the young man with a mixture of contempt and boredom.

Rioji (mockingly): "So, this is the recruit everyone's talking about? I thought we were looking for strength, not stick figures."

The members behind him laughed softly, while Kyro gritted his teeth to avoid being provoked.

Kyro (firm, but calm): "I might not look strong, but I can get stronger. Stronger than you, even. If you train me, I'll prove it to you."

The hall fell silent. Rioji raised an eyebrow, a flash of surprise briefly gleaming in his eyes before he let out a cold laugh.

Rioji (mocking): "Stronger than me? You're brave, I'll give you that. But bravery isn't enough. You'll fail, boy, just like all the others who thought they could outdo me."

Shade (quietly to Echo): "The kid's got fire. I'll give him that."

Echo (with a slight grin): "Let's see how long it lasts."

The members of the Fourth Division whispered among themselves, some shaking their heads, others watching Kyro with growing interest. No one, except Echo, Shade, and the other commanders, dared to speak directly to Rioji, but the tension was palpable.