WINGS OF DAWN,DREAMS OF FIRE

Chapter 6: Wings of Dawn, Dreams of Fire

Dagda floated.

High above the world, he drifted like a leaf caught in the breeze. His eyes shimmered with awe as he soared through the skies of Murias. Below, the sprawling city of Lato spread out like a painting—green fields stretching to the horizon, rooftops glittering under the sun, and market streets brimming with life.

"I'm… flying," he whispered, arms stretched wide. "Muscle! I'm actually flying!"

Muscle, standing below with arms crossed and an amused smirk, called up, "You're acting like a kid seeing snow for the first time."

Dagda spun backward mid-air, then forward, swaying side to side. Laughter burst from his lips. "This is amazing! I feel like a bird!"

He ascended higher, reaching the top of the training tower, where he could see even the neighboring cities. Birds soared beside him. His heart felt weightless, unchained.

And then—

WHAM.

A foot collided with his side. Dagda screamed as he tumbled through the air, crashing onto the soft grass below.

"AAGHH—WHY?!" he groaned.

Muscle landed next to him like a stone pillar. "You've got one day left before the exam. This isn't time to be sightseeing."

"You kicked me mid-flight!"

"You were floating like a balloon."

Despite the pain, Dagda sat up, grinning. "Fine. Again. Again and again until I master it."

He rose and flew once more. Fell. Flew again. Trained. Trained harder.

By evening, his shirt was drenched, his body exhausted—but his heart pulsed with fire.

---

As the sun set, the three of them—Dagda, Muscle, and Nico—sat by a riverside tea stall, warm cups in hand. The sky above turned to twilight, casting golden light on calm waters.

"You ready for tomorrow?" Nico asked, eyes on Dagda.

Dagda nodded with a fierce grin. "I've never been more ready. I'm gonna join the Predator Corps and dive straight into adventures. Big ones. The kind they write songs about."

Nico smiled but his voice softened. "Take it seriously. The world beyond the city... it's not all excitement and glory."

He turned to Muscle. "Watch over him."

Muscle sipped his tea casually. "Yeah, yeah. He's annoying, but I've got it."

That night, as the city dimmed, Dagda dreamed of glory. Of swords drawn under starlight, ancient beasts rising from shadows, and treasures hidden in forgotten worlds. The dream of becoming a Predator burned brighter than ever.

---

Morning – City of Murias

The sky exploded with fireworks. Giant air balloons floated like guardians above the city, carrying banners that read:

PREDATOR ENTRANCE EXAM - DAY ONE

Crowds surged toward the massive Predator Headquarters. Bells rang, confetti flew, and hopeful candidates gathered—each dreaming of becoming legends.

Meanwhile…

Dagda snored.

"DAMMIT—WAKE UP!!" Muscle yelled, throwing the blanket off and hoisting Dagda over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Whuh… huh?" Dagda mumbled, still half-asleep.

"We're late!"

Muscle dashed through the crowded streets, leaping over crates and carts, bouncing Dagda on his back like a bag of rice.

"Put me down! I'm gonna puke!"

"No time! Hold it in!"

They reached the stage just as Edward Augustus, a towering man with a silver cloak and thunderous voice, stepped forward.

"Welcome, future Predators," he declared. "Surpass your limits. Break your fears. Give your all, and etch your name into history."

Cheers erupted. Flags waved. The crowd roared: "LET'S GO!"

Muscle and Dagda stumbled into the sea of candidates. Dagda bumped into people left and right, still dazed.

"Sorry—sorry! I just woke up! I didn't mean to—ACK!"

Muscle smacked him on the head. "Shut up and stand still. You're embarrassing us."

Dagda looked beside him and froze.

A girl stood there—silent, unreadable. Long black hair flowed behind her like silk. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd like daggers. She said nothing. Dagda took a slow step back.

"I… uh… hi?"

She didn't reply.

Then—a horn echoed.

A massive train screeched into the station, steam hissing from its iron frame. It loomed like a steel beast, doors sliding open to reveal rows of red seats and gear storage.

Candidates rushed inside. Dagda and Muscle followed.

Inside the train, as it rumbled to life, Dagda sat by the window, watching the city fade behind him.

"So this is it…" he whispered.

Muscle leaned back in his seat. "Get ready. This exam isn't a game."

Dagda's heart pounded like a drum.

The path of the Predator had begun.