The Fourth Member

Today was the day I would meet my squad—Squad 13, an elite team, according to Zephira.

My pulse quickened at the thought. Elite students were often whispered about in awe, their names carried on the winds of the Academy like legends.

I pulled up the ARA map from the Astrology system, my heart racing as I located Ras-Al, the designated area for Elite students. Located at the northern part of the Academy, it was known for its advanced facilities and intense training regimes.

I didn't know what to expect, but I sure as hell wasn't going to be overwhelmed. Not now. Not after everything I've already endured.

I recalled my conversation with Zephira from yesterday. My curiosity had been piqued the moment I saw the massive gates of ARA Academy.

We had just entered the massive gates of ARA Academy. As we quietly strolled through the grounds, I couldn't help but wonder about the facilities this academy could offer me.

I turned to Zephira, who had been keeping pace beside me, and raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to leave me hanging, are you? Tell me about the divisions here. I'm guessing you don't get into ARA without a good reason?"

Zephira's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"You're a curious one, Avant. Alright, I'll bite." Her tone was light, teasing even, as she swept her hand toward the vast expanse ahead of us.

"ARA Academy is divided into four main divisions, each catering to students at different stages of their training. It's not just about combat skills. It's about progression, mastery, and, most importantly, survival."

Her voice dropped a little, enough to make me lean in closer, listening intently.

"Let's start with the basics. The Junior Division—Marfik—located in the Western Corner. It's the first step for any newcomer. You'll find a lot of fresh faces there, eager, determined, but still struggling to master their abilities.

You're not just learning how to use your powers— you're learning what it means to have them. The first steps are always the hardest."

I nodded, glancing toward the distant west. I could feel the weight of her words. I had been through my own share of struggles, but Marfik sounded like a place where even the most promising of students could falter.

Zephira continued, her gaze steady and thoughtful. "The Senior Division, Zetanir, sits in the Eastern Corner. It's a step up from Marfik, where students refine their techniques and learn complex combat strategies.

This is where the real awakeners start to show themselves. You'll face combat simulations that push you to the limit, and you'll be expected to think tactically. It's not just about raw power—it's about how you wield it."

I grinned. "Sounds like the real challenge begins there."

She shot me a quick look. "It's just the warm-up. Zetanir is intense, but it doesn't compare to what comes next."

I raised an eyebrow. "And what's next?"

Her smile grew wider, almost mischievous. "Sabik El. The Advanced Division. Located in the Southern Area. This place is only for the best of the best. Only those who've shown exceptional talent and commitment make it here.

The training isn't just advanced—it's specialized. You're expected to master niche techniques and perfect your combat style.

The equipment is state-of-the-art, the arenas are designed to simulate real battle conditions, and you'll face opponents who are more than capable of making you question everything you thought you knew."

I clenched my fists, feeling the thrill of challenge bubbling up. "So, Sabik El is where the elite are forged?"

Zephira's eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and caution. "In a way. But, Avant… there's one division that stands above the rest. The pinnacle. The one every student dreams of reaching, but only a select few ever do. And that's Ras-Al."

She paused for a moment, letting the words sink in, before continuing. "Ras-Al is the Elite Division. It's located in the Northern Part of the academy, and it's where the brightest, strongest, and most promising awakeners are sent to reach their full potential.

It's not just about power, though. It's about everything—combat, strategy, leadership. The training here is grueling, and the competition is fierce. Every student in Ras-Al is hungry for greatness. And to make it there, you need more than skill—you need something else. You need to be a force of nature."

Her voice lowered, a quiet intensity settling over her words. "And don't be fooled by the beauty of the academy, Avant. Every division has its own battlegrounds, its own challenges. But Ras-Al? It's not a place for the weak-hearted."

I smirked, feeling the fire within me ignite. "Sounds like exactly where I'm meant to be."

Zephira chuckled, but there was a glint of something else in her eyes, a challenge I wasn't sure I was ready for.

"Maybe. But remember, the journey isn't as simple as just being the strongest. It's about evolution. You'll face opponents, situations, and challenges that will test you in ways you never thought possible. And Ras-Al... it will either break you or make you stronger."

I felt the weight of her words, and for the first time since stepping foot into ARA Academy, a part of me wondered just what kind of transformation awaited me.

But I quickly shook off the doubt.

This was why I was here. I had no intention of being broken.

"Alright," I said, my voice steady, "I'll earn my place in Ras-Al, no matter what it takes."

Zephira's smile softened, and she gave me a nod. "I like your determination. But be careful, Avant. In the Elite Division, it's not just about training. It's about who you're up against. The competition will be brutal. But... if you manage to make it, you'll have power, influence, and respect like no other."

I took a deep breath, my resolve solidifying. The path ahead of me wouldn't be easy. But I wasn't afraid. I had already walked through hell. I could handle whatever this academy threw my way.

The sound of distant bells rang, signaling the beginning of a new day at the academy, and the pulse of excitement surged through my veins.

I stood in front of the Cosmic Node, staring at the pulsating energy swirling within it. The lights above flickered momentarily before a soft hum vibrated through the air. The moment had arrived.

The platform shimmered with a burst of celestial energy as I activated the ARA system.

"Destination, Ras-Al," I said aloud.

The cosmic energy responded, enveloping me in a gentle cocoon. My heart thrummed in anticipation as the familiar sensation of teleportation took over.

In an instant, the world around me melted away, replaced by a kaleidoscope of colors, before coming to a sudden stop.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing at the edge of Ras-Al. The city was breathtaking.

Instead of the lush green grounds I'd expected, Ras-Al greeted me with a sprawling urban landscape.

Towering skyscrapers shimmered like jewels, casting long shadows across the streets. Dome-shaped structures spread out in every direction, creating a scene that reminded me of something from a futuristic world.

This wasn't just a training center— it felt like an entire world of its own.

"This looks more like a city," I muttered, taking in the sight before me.

My mind raced as I looked around, trying to understand the scope of it all.

Marketplaces buzzed with activity, their energy palpable, while specialized training facilities loomed like massive structures of power.

A network of interconnected buildings, each dedicated to something new, stretched out in every direction.

I caught sight of the Combat Technique class building—my destination.

But before I could make my way toward it, a group of Elite students caught my eye. They lingered nearby, dressed in distinctive combat suits and armor, each one exuding an air of superiority.

One of them—a tall, broad-shouldered student—caught my gaze and sneered. "Are you lost, kid?"

I felt a chill run down my spine. It was the kind of sneer I had seen before— the type that came from someone who thought they were untouchable.

"No," I said flatly, attempting to sidestep them. But they weren't having it.

"Can I help you?" one of them asked with false sweetness, blocking my path as I tried to walk by.

I stopped, feeling irritation begin to flare. "I'm fine. Just trying to get to my class."

The leader of the group—a stocky, muscular guy clad in a red-and-black combat suit—grinned, his gaze never leaving mine. He crossed his arms. "I think you're seriously lost, kid. This isn't a place for newcomers like you. Turn around before you make a fool of yourself."

A ripple of laughter passed through the others, and I felt the eyes of the nearby students turn toward us. Some whispered among themselves, others just watched the spectacle unfold.

"I'm not lost," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm on my way to Combat Technique class. My squad's waiting for me."

The leader snorted. "That's funny. You a Cosmic Rank have a Squad here? What a joke."

The rest of his group burst into laughter. "Maybe you should take your place back in Marfik. You're out of your league here."

My irritation flared. Was this how they treated everyone who wasn't a part of their 'elite' group?

Before I could respond, the leader raised his hand and summoned his power. The air around him cracked, wind whipping into a frenzy. "I'll teach you a lesson. Maybe that'll help you find your way."

I exhaled slowly, shaking my head in disbelief. "This is pathetic."

Without waiting for him to attack, I summoned my own power. A surge of celestial energy flared around me, and the ground beneath my feet trembled slightly.

I activated my Ophiuchus Guardian domain skill. In an instant, radiant serpents of celestial energy swirled around me, their forms glowing with an otherworldly light, coiling protectively at my sides.

"Try me," I muttered under my breath.

The leader's grin faltered for a split second before he charged. "Gale Force Strike!" he bellowed, unleashing a barrage of wind that surged toward me with the force of a storm.

I didn't flinch. The wind struck my barrier—Ophiuchus Guardian—and the impact rattled the air, shaking the ground beneath us. The swirling celestial serpents held firm, absorbing the blow effortlessly.

The Elite students froze, their laughter dying in an instant. The leader's face twisted in shock. "What—how?"

I stood unscathed. "I told you," I said, my voice calm, "I'm not lost."

Before he could react, a booming voice interrupted the scene. "What the hell is going on here? Who allowed you to fight?"

All eyes turned to the source of the voice— a young man floating above us, his presence undeniably commanding. His armor gleamed like polished silver, and his gaze carried the weight of authority.

The leader of the group stammered, his bravado crumbling under the weight of the newcomer's presence. "We were just—"

"Just what? Picking on a junior?" the man interrupted sharply, his tone laced with authority that sliced through the tension like a blade. His gaze, cold and unyielding, swept over the students, silencing any attempt at rebuttal. "This isn't a playground."

I observed the scene closely, narrowing my eyes as a mix of curiosity and caution churned within me. Who was this man? His mere presence seemed to command respect—and fear. What kind of person could wield such influence with only a glance? And more importantly, what did he want here?

The man hovering above us glanced at me, his expression now contemplative. "You must be Avant," he said, a knowing smile curling at his lips. "I was wondering where our fourth member was."

It turns out that this elite senior is the captain of my squad. I nodded and smiled at him to confirm my identity.

When the cocky leader heard this, his eyes widened, and his knees buckled beneath him. He turned to look at me, his voice cracking. "W-wait, so you're… in Squad 13?"

I took a step forward. "Yes," I said coolly, meeting the stunned gaze of the leader. "And as for you, I don't have time for this."

The tension in the air thickened. My stomach tightened with the realization that my life here—my journey—was about to change. But before I could say anything, the leader stammered again, his voice shaking with disbelief.

"Y-you—you're really with Squad 13?!" His eyes darted around as if searching for an escape, his cocky attitude completely disintegrating in front of me."No… no, that's impossible. You're just a cosmic rank!"

"Are you implying that I, Kairos Drayen-Sur, Captain of Squad 13, couldn't recognize my own squad member?" Kairos asked, his expression cold as he emanated a powerful aura.

The cocky leader cowered, shaking his head in fear.

And from that moment I realized that with just the name of my squad, I had broken the facade of these Elite students.