The clear morning sky stretched endlessly above the Royal Capital—vibrant, open, and unmarred by a single cloud. Golden sunlight gleamed against the high marble walls of the Royal Stadium, where thousands of citizens packed into towering stands, their cheers rumbling like thunder.
Fireworks boomed above the spires, scattering colored embers across the sky.
A line still wrapped around the outer gates of the stadium, anxious citizens waiting to be let in—even if only to stand. No one wanted to miss this year's Royal Draft.
The stage was set.
At the highest tier of the stadium, beneath the royal balcony draped in crimson and gold, the four Arch Captains sat in regal seats, overlooking the arena floor.
Each captain waved as the crowd called out their names:
"Captain Syrus!"
"Arinelle! Over here!"
"Axel, you're the best!"
"Arion Drael— Way to go on your mission!"
Above them, at the very top, the King of Arch Kingdom and his royal family observed from their crystal-covered booth. Their presence didn't need fanfare—just their gaze was enough to silence part of the crowd in reverence.
A horn blared.
All contestant teams began entering the stadium, one squad at a time, through the wide steel gates. Each team bore their colored banner high—Sapphire, Silver, Gold, Emerald, and Crimson—matching the arch placement groups from the day before.
The crowd's cheers shifted as the participants began to flood the field.
"Go get 'em!"
"Show us your magic!"
"Protect the kingdom!"
Team Crimson stepped through next—Helion leading slightly ahead, flanked by Zezzy, Yuri, and Liena. The warm sunlight spilled over their armor and robes, illuminating their youth and resolve.
Helion blinked at the noise.
He'd never stood in front of a crowd like this—never walked into cheers instead of silence. He gave a small, awkward wave. A child in the front row screamed his name—though Helion wasn't sure how they even knew it.
Zezzy walked beside him with a calm, confident pace.
"They're all excited because this means the kingdom is gaining new protectors," she said. "The draft isn't just about glory—it's about hope."
Liena, eyes ahead and chin high, grinned.
"Then let's give them a show worth cheering for."
Yuri, tightening the strap on his gloves, added with a smirk,
"We've gotta impress the captains. No better way to do that than by making it through the first challenge with style."
As they entered the center of the coliseum floor, surrounded by the other squads, Yuri glanced sideways.
"Hope you guys got some rest."
Helion cracked his neck, a glint in his eye.
"Let's just say I'm more than ready."
Just as Team Crimson reached their formation at the center of the arena, another horn cut through the air—louder, sharper, almost ceremonial in tone.
A second team stepped through the opposite gate.
The crowd's reaction was instant—and even louder than before.
"Team Gold!!"
"Draven! Renza!"
"They're going all the way!"
Massive cheers echoed across the stadium. Entire sections rose to their feet, waving gold-and-white banners high into the sky.
Helion squinted toward the new arrivals.
Four figures advanced with practiced precision. At the front walked a tall, poised boy with silver-blond hair swept neatly to the side, his armor polished to a mirrored shine. His white shoulder cape moved like silk behind him with every step.
"That's Draven Valden," Zezzy said, her voice quiet but steady.
Helion raised an eyebrow. "Name sounds familiar."
"It should," Yuri said, keeping his eyes on the approaching team. "He's the head son of House Valden—one of the five high noble families. His older brother commands the West Wall. Their house practically funded half the Royal Academy's elite division."
"But don't mistake him for a spoiled heir," Zezzy added. "Draven earned his placement. His elemental spirit is steel-class—pure physical reinforcement, edge manipulation, and armor channeling. They say he can cleave a charging cavalry beast in half."
Then another figure stepped forward at Draven's right.
Shorter, but with a leaner frame—his stance loose, unbothered, with stormy gray eyes that seemed to analyze everything at once. He spun a coin through his fingers lazily as they walked, his weapons sheathed and untouched.
"That's Renza Kael," Zezzy muttered.
Helion tilted his head. "What's his deal?"
"He trained under Captain Axel," Yuri said, almost sounding impressed. "Like—directly. He was Axel's shadow for nearly two years. Tactician, duelist, soulform expert. That guy might be the most dangerous person on the field—and he knows it."
"Which is why he's smiling like that," Liena added, scowling faintly.
Renza had indeed spotted them. He offered a subtle nod—almost respectful—then casually turned his coin into flame with a flick of his fingers before tucking it back into his sleeve.
Team Gold arrived at their spot on the field. Draven didn't wave. He simply stood tall, staring straight ahead. But the audience roared anyway.
Helion stared across the distance at Renza, who seemed completely relaxed—even bored. Then Draven shifted slightly, his eyes flicking toward Team Crimson with quiet judgment.
Helion set his jaw.
Zezzy stepped forward. "Let them have the cheers."
She looked over her shoulder, eyes blazing with focus.
"We'll take the victory."
A deep, echoing horn blasted across the stadium, shaking the very walls of the arena. The teams halted at the center of the grand coliseum floor, lined up beneath the bright banners fluttering overhead.
Then—
"Give it up for this year's participants!"
A booming voice rang out, magically amplified by audio-enhancing spells. It came from a mage commentator stationed on a floating platform above the field, hovering just beneath the royal family's balcony.
The crowd roared in response, an explosion of cheers, stomping feet, and rattling noise. Fireworks shot into the sky, scattering sparks of violet and gold.
At the podium beneath the King's booth, Arinelle Virell stood from her seat, lifting one hand to wave to the people.
Dressed in her radiant pink-and-gold armor, with her long blonde hair trailing elegantly behind her, she smiled warmly. The moment she raised her hand to speak, the crowd slowly, almost reverently, began to quiet.
A calm settled.
"I am Arinelle Virell," she announced, her voice magically projected across the entire stadium, clear and vibrant. "The Third Arch Captain of the Royal Guard."
She paused to allow a respectful cheer to ripple through the stands.
"On behalf of the captains, the Royal House, and the Kingdom of Arch—thank you all for being here today. And let's give a special round of applause to this year's participants!"
The crowd erupted again, thunderous and proud.
Airnelle gestured with grace and composure as the cheering gradually softened once more.
"As you all know, the Royal Draft is held once every three years. Over time, it has proven to be more than just a competition. It is a crucible—meant to forge the next generation of guardians who will protect this great capital."
Her eyes swept over the contestants below.
"Some of the greatest warriors in Arch Kingdom began here, standing exactly where you are now."
She turned toward her fellow captains and extended a hand toward the far end of the podium.
"One of those warriors sits among us today."
All eyes shifted to the silver-haired man lounging casually with one leg draped over the side of his seat—Captain Axel Nova. He gave a half-salute and a playful wink to the crowd, earning a massive burst of applause and adoration from his fanbase.
"Captain Axel Nova rose from the draft to the captain's seat in just three years," Airnelle continued, her voice steady with pride. "A reminder to you all—strength, discipline, and heart can elevate anyone to greatness."
She looked back to the teams, her tone now growing sharper, more resolute.
"This is a day of hope—for the people watching, for the kingdom… and for you, the contenders."
A pulse of magic rippled through the field as glowing glyphs ignited beneath the arena floor.
Airnelle raised her hand high.
"Now…" she declared, her voice ringing like a bell through the hushed stadium.
The stadium shimmered with light as the glyphs beneath the floor activated fully, and the arena floor began to shift—stone platforms rising, terrain forming, and natural landscapes materializing within the magically enhanced field.
From the center platform, Airnelle's voice rang out once more, clear and authoritative.
"This year's first challenge will be known as… The Golden Egg Trial."
The crowd hushed in anticipation.
"Thirty-two participants. Eight teams of four. All of you will compete in a survival-based elimination match that will last eight hours."
As she spoke, floating projections formed in the air above the field—showing images of the challenge setup. The crowd gasped as they watched the arena split into four massive biomes, each one drastically different in appearance.
"Each team will be placed in one of the following terrains:
A jagged Rocky Mountain scape, full of ledges and unstable cliffs.
A Forest Lake, surrounded by thick trees and centered around a flowing waterfall.
An Open Field, wide and flat with sparse cover.
And a Beach Coast, where land meets sea—shifting tides and sandbanks included."
She let that settle in before continuing.
"Each team will be given one object: a single, enchanted Golden Egg. Inside that egg is a key—your team's only way forward into the next round."
Eight glowing golden orbs appeared in the air behind her, gently floating in place before vanishing.
"Your task is simple…" she said, though her tone suggested otherwise.
"Protect your egg. At all costs."
A second wave of magical glyphs pulsed around the field.
"If your egg is destroyed, stolen, or if your entire team is eliminated before the time is up—you lose. The teams that still possess their egg by the end of the eight hours will advance to the next challenge."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd—and the participants.
"Combat is allowed. Magic is allowed. But remember the restrictions: no enchanted items, no magical familiars, and no summoning creatures. You fight with what you have—your weapon, your soulform, and your spirit."
A pause.
"This challenge will test more than just power… it will test your discipline, your planning, and your unity as a team."
She turned back toward the contestants.
"Protect your egg. Outsmart your enemies. And survive until the end."
The stadium focusing now on the teams standing at the center of the field.
"Now," Arinelle declared, raising her arm high.
"Let the first challenge of the Royal Draft… begin!"
Beams of blue light burst from the sky, descending over each team. The arena shimmered with powerful magic as the transport phase began.
Helion barely had time to react.
"Whoa—!"
The light enveloped him, his body instantly lifted off the ground. A rushing sensation surged through him, like wind and weightlessness all at once. The world blurred around him—light warping, space bending—and then, just as suddenly, he was set down again.
His boots touched solid ground. Sand crunched beneath him.
Helion stumbled slightly, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword for balance.
"That… made my stomach flip," he muttered, eyes wide. "I've never felt anything like that."
Yuri, standing a few feet away and stretching casually, laughed.
"Hah! You've never been through a hyper-beam transfer? It's the fastest way to travel. Gets you there before your breakfast even knows it's gone."
Zezzy smirked as she brushed some stray hair from her face.
"Cut him some slack, Yuri. Remember, Helion's still pretty new to all this."
Liena stepped beside Helion, her golden hair catching the ocean breeze. She leaned in with a light giggle.
"Don't worry. You'll get used to it."
Helion managed a grin, but his hand lingered on his stomach.
The four of them turned to scan their surroundings.
A wide, open beach stretched along the coast, the sand shimmering under the high sun. Ocean waves rolled in rhythmically, crashing against large boulders that dotted the shoreline. To one side, tall stone outcrops provided natural cover. Palm trees swayed gently in the wind, casting jagged shadows on the warm terrain.
A vast ocean gleamed to the east, and to the west, a rocky path led toward a series of low dunes and cliffs.
Yuri planted his staff into the sand and gave a dramatic sigh.
"Well, looks like we landed in vacation mode."
Helion chuckled under his breath.
Zezzy rolled her eyes. "Keep dreaming, Yuri. This is war disguised as paradise."
Liena stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the horizon.
"We need to find a defensible position for the egg—and fast. If other teams are nearby, they'll come looking early, before we're even ready."
Just then, a soft chiming sound echoed, and in a flash of light, a glowing Golden Egg appeared in the center of their group—hovering slightly above the sand before gently resting in place.
All four of them stared at it.
"There's our mission," Zezzy said, voice steady. "Now we protect it."
Zezzy glanced at the rest of Team Crimson, her expression shifting from light to focused.
"Alright," she said, arms crossed, "we're going to need a leader. Someone to make the calls if things go sideways."
She let the question hang for a moment.
Helion instinctively shook his head, raising a hand slightly.
"Uhh… not it. I know the least about all this. Definitely not leadership material—yet."
Liena stepped forward, her voice calm and confident.
"I'm well-rounded, but I think it should be you, Zezzy. You've got the highest rank from one of the most elite academies. Honestly, you'd lead better than any of us."
Yuri nodded in agreement.
"I second that. I mean, the Arch Academy probably had an entire unit on this exact challenge."
Zezzy smiled, a flicker of pride in her eyes.
"Try three," she replied with a light laugh.
Then, her expression turned sharp.
"Alright. If I'm leading, then first thing's first—let's talk elemental spirits. We need to know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Full transparency."
She stepped forward.
"I'll go first. My elemental spirit is water-based. It originated from a deepwater lake near Arch Academy. I can manipulate water pressure, form temporary constructs, and use ranged attacks. I'm strongest near natural water—but I can create some, too."
Zezzy turned to Yuri.
"Your turn."
Yuri pushed up his glasses and gave a small shrug.
"Swamp spirit. Technically a hybrid between water and earth. Got it from both my parents—lucky genetic roll."
He smirked.
"I can form quicksand-like traps, create marshy terrain to slow enemies down, and use mud projectiles. I can also harden the ground if needed for defense."
"That's actually really useful," Liena said with admiration. "Control over terrain is a big deal."
She took a step forward, brushing wind-blown strands of hair from her face.
"Mine is a wind spirit. Precision, speed, and wide-area mobility. I can deflect small projectiles, enhance team movement, and disorient opponents with gusts. I'm best when I can keep moving—stationary fights aren't my strength."
All three turned their eyes toward Helion.
He paused, unsure for a moment, then stepped forward.
"Mine… is a light spirit. At least, that's what I've been told after every encounter I've had."
The air shifted.
Zezzy, Yuri, and Liena all blinked—visibly surprised.
"A light spirit?" Zezzy echoed. "Seriously?"
"Those are extremely rare," Yuri said, eyes wide. "Like—rarer than hybrid elements. I've only read about them in archives."
Liena tilted her head, placing a thoughtful hand under her chin.
"Hmm… light spirits are said to be versatile, even dangerous, depending on how developed the bond is. Are you able to use any light-based magic yet?"
Helion hesitated.
"A little. Mostly blasts, pulses, and defensive flashes. I haven't fully figured it out… but my spirit's name is Luminox."
The group fell silent for a moment.
Then Zezzy nodded slowly.
"Okay. Light, wind, water, and swamp. That gives us good coverage—ranged and melee, speed and terrain control, offense and support. We can work with this."
She crouched and began drawing a rough layout in the sand with her finger.
"Let's come up with a strategy next."
Zezzy knelt down, using her finger to trace a quick outline in the sand. A glowing image flickered briefly from her spirit energy to help visualize it.
"Alright. Here's how we're going to play this."
She pointed to the center of her drawing, where she marked a circle: the golden egg.
"Yuri—you're on defense. I want you to encase the egg in rock or hardened mud. Keep it anchored close to you at all times. You're the shield."
Yuri nodded, adjusting his glasses with a small grin.
"My specialty."
"Liena," Zezzy continued, pointing outward, "you'll handle movement control. Use your wind to push enemies back, boost our speed if we have to rotate positions, and keep our formation mobile."
Liena gave a sharp nod.
"Easy. I'll keep the wind in our favor."
"I'll be second-line," Zezzy said, tapping beside the egg in the layout. "Support and offense where needed. I'll flood the area if we need cover or pressure, and back you all up if one of us gets flanked."
Finally, she turned to Helion.
"And you…"
She stood up, eyes sharp now.
"You'll be our blade. Based on your affinity, you're likely the fastest of us. I need you to scout, disable threats fast, and if we spot another team's egg—destroy it. Think strike-and-vanish. Hit hard, hit fast."
Helion gave a slight smirk.
"Got it. Leave the speed to me."
But then Yuri raised a finger hesitantly.
"Uhh—wait. According to the rules, this is a survival challenge, right? Couldn't we just… hide? Like, find a quiet cave or something and wait the eight hours out? Technically we wouldn't lose the egg."
Liena rolled her eyes and flicked her golden hair off her shoulder.
"Wrong."
Her voice had a little edge now.
"Yes, it's survival. But it's also a showcase. The Captains are watching. The entire capital is watching. If you think they're going to promote a bunch of moles who burrowed and hid for eight hours, you're delusional."
She leaned closer to Yuri, grinning.
"This isn't just about winning. It's about proving you're worth remembering."
Yuri held up both hands, chuckling nervously.
"Alright, alright. No hiding. Got it."
Helion looked out at the horizon, where the ocean waves gently lapped at the beach.
"Then we fight," he said quietly.
"And we win."
Zezzy stood and brushed the sand off her hands.
"Team Crimson—let's make this challenge ours."
The four of them bumped fists in the center of their formation, the golden egg placed carefully at Yuri's feet—shining faintly under the morning sun.
Far above them, magical scrying crystals hovered silently in the air, broadcasting every move.
A faint vibration tickled the sand beneath their feet.
Yuri's eyes narrowed. "We're not alone."
And just beyond the ridge—a shadow moved.