Chapter 12: Unity in Training

The air buzzed with anticipation as dawn broke over Shinzai. The skies, usually calm, shimmered faintly with energy—an omen of the training to come.

Renzo, Jinsei, and Maiya were finishing their morning sparring drills when a transmission from Nova Tower interrupted their session.

"Renzo," Kael's voice came through the comms, calm but firm, "report to the southern plateau. You're training with me today."

Renzo's eyes widened. "Yes, sir!"

Later that day, on the windswept plateau where the city met the wildlands, four figures stood under the watchful eye of two of the strongest beings alive—Azephon and Liora.

Kael greeted Renzo with a nod, while Kaito—leaned casually against a tree—gave his little brother a smug grin. "Let's see if that new generation spark can keep up."

Renzo bowed. "I'll try not to embarrass you, Master Kaito."

Kael chuckled. "Watch it, kid. He's got more experience than you've had meals."

Liora stepped forward, her golden eyes glowing faintly. "Today's training is not just about power. It's about synchronization. The threat coming isn't one that can be defeated by strength alone."

Azephon joined her, folding his arms. "We're going to teach you a technique developed by my people. A style forged not just through combat—but harmony."

The wind stilled for a moment, as though the world itself was listening.

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you're finally teaching that?"

Azephon nodded. "You and your brother will lead the flow. Renzo will anchor it. We'll see if he's ready."

Renzo's heart pounded. Anchor it? That sounded important.

Liora gestured to the trio. "The Ilyrian Nexus Technique is about forming a chain of will—your Wills must resonate together. Only then will your combined force exceed your individual power."

Kaito stepped into formation with Kael and Renzo. "This is going to be fun," he said, his eyes glowing faintly.

For the next few hours, the trio endured merciless drills. Kael's Voidstep merged with Kaito's Flame Spiral, and Renzo adapted, blending his Rising Veil technique in support. When their timing was perfect, a burst of energy pulsed from the ground, sending shockwaves across the plateau.

Azephon grinned. "They did it."

Renzo, panting, looked up. Kael gave him a nod of approval.

"You're not just a student anymore, Renzo," Kael said. "You're part of the core now."

The boy's heart swelled with pride—but he also saw something deeper in Kael's eyes. Urgency. A storm was coming.

And this... was only the beginning.