"The Solarian Edge: Blade of the Astral Realm"

The crisp evening air was thick with anticipation as the group gathered near the outpost. Kaius adjusted the straps of his gear, his fingers tightening instinctively. This wasn't a mere training session anymore—this was real.

Eira stood at the front, arms crossed, her expression unreadable as always. Valen was stretching lazily, his usual smirk in place. Theo, on the other hand, seemed focused, adjusting the bindings on his gloves. Rael leaned against a tree, watching Kaius in that same measured way he had since their fight.

"This is reconnaissance, not a full-blown assault," Eira reminded them, her voice carrying easily in the still night. "Get in, gather information, and get out. No unnecessary risks."

Kaius exhaled slowly. He had been through countless training sessions, but this was different. The possibility of real danger settled deep in his bones. Yet, beneath that apprehension, there was something else—an eagerness to prove himself beyond the confines of the training ground.

Valen nudged him with his elbow. "You look tense, kid."

"I'm fine," Kaius muttered.

"You say that, but your shoulders are stiff. You gotta relax a little." Valen grinned. "Want me to tell you a joke?"

"Not now," Theo interjected, giving Valen a deadpan look. "We need him focused, not distracted."

"I think a joke would help," Valen argued. "Loosen the nerves. What do you think, Eira?"

Eira didn't respond immediately. Then, with a tilt of her head, she said, "If he loses focus because of a joke, then he's not ready for this mission."

Kaius straightened, not about to give anyone a reason to doubt him. "I'm ready."

Rael pushed off the tree and walked past him. "We'll see."

The team moved out in practiced silence, weaving through the dense foliage. The mission was simple on the surface—scout the enemy encampment ahead, assess their numbers and supplies, and return with the information. But simple didn't mean easy.

As they approached the perimeter, they crouched low behind a ridge, peering down at the small cluster of tents below. The flickering glow of campfires illuminated figures moving between them, some armed, some resting. It was quiet, too quiet.

"Something's off," Theo whispered. "Where's the usual patrol?"

Eira narrowed her eyes. "They might have repositioned. We need a closer look."

Kaius felt the tension rise. This wasn't a drill—if they were caught, there'd be no instructor stepping in to stop the fight. He followed as they carefully descended, moving like shadows between the trees. His breath was steady, his focus sharp. For the first time, he wasn't just reacting—he was making choices, measuring his steps, staying aware of every sound.

Rael signaled for them to stop. He pointed toward a supply wagon, partially obscured by a canvas sheet. It was heavily guarded. More than necessary for standard supplies. Something important was in there.

Eira's gaze flickered toward Kaius. "Think you can get close enough to see what's inside?"

It was a test. She was giving him a choice.

Kaius met her eyes, then nodded. Without a word, he moved.

Every movement felt deliberate, every breath measured. He edged closer, staying low, using the cover of stacked crates. His pulse pounded in his ears as he reached the wagon's side. Carefully, he peered under the sheet—

Weapons. A lot of them.

More than a camp like this should have.

His chest tightened. This wasn't just a scouting outpost; they were stockpiling for something bigger.

A sudden sound—boots shifting nearby. Kaius froze.

A guard was approaching.

His mind raced. If he moved too quickly, he'd be heard. If he stayed too long, he'd be seen. He had to choose—

Without hesitation, he pressed himself against the side of the wagon, slipping into the smallest shadow available. The guard walked past, barely sparing the wagon a glance before moving on. Only when the footsteps faded did Kaius allow himself a slow exhale.

He moved back, retracing his path with the same caution, until he reached the others. Valen raised an eyebrow. "Still alive?"

Kaius gave him a dry look. "Weapons stockpile. More than expected."

Eira's expression didn't change, but her eyes sharpened. "Then we're done here. We move."

As they withdrew, Kaius felt something different settle in his chest. He had chosen his own path in that moment, trusted himself to handle the pressure. This wasn't training anymore.

And for the first time, it felt real.

---

The night stretched on as they returned to base, the weight of their discovery lingering in the air. Kaius glanced at Eira, expecting some form of acknowledgment. She simply gave him a slight nod before turning away.

A small gesture, but it was enough.

Tomorrow, they would face whatever came next.

And Kaius would be ready.