"The Solarian Edge: Blade of the Astral Realm"

Kaius stood at the edge of the training field, the morning mist still clinging to the air, carrying the scent of damp earth and steel. His muscles ached from the previous day's relentless drills, but there was no room for exhaustion now. Eira's words echoed in his mind—You're ready.

Ready for what exactly?

The weight of expectation settled on his shoulders, heavier than any blade he had wielded. The quiet murmurs around the field weren't lost on him. Some soldiers still doubted, others watched with quiet curiosity. And Rael? He stood at a distance, arms crossed, his expression unreadable, but there was no mistaking the shift in his stance. It wasn't mockery anymore—it was something close to recognition.

Valen stretched lazily beside him, rolling his shoulders with an exaggerated groan. "So, what's the big test today? Please tell me it involves food. I fight better when I'm bribed."

Theo scoffed, still bitter from the bun incident days ago. "You fight best when you don't talk."

Kaius smirked but said nothing. Their banter was familiar now, grounding in a way he hadn't expected.

Eira approached, her presence commanding as always. A few soldiers straightened instinctively, but she barely acknowledged them. Her gaze locked onto Kaius, assessing, measuring. Then, without preamble, she tossed him a small cloth-bound package.

"Take this beyond the northern ridge," she said simply. "Deliver it without being seen."

That was it? No duel, no sparring, no test of strength? Just a delivery?

But the weight of the package in his hands said otherwise. This wasn't just a task—it was a lesson.

Valen whistled low. "Oh-ho, so now you're running errands? Should we start calling you messenger boy?"

Kaius ignored him, turning the package over in his hands. "What's inside?"

Eira's lips curled ever so slightly. "Not your concern."

He exhaled sharply but nodded. There was no arguing with her. This wasn't about curiosity—it was about execution.

Rael finally spoke, his voice carrying just enough edge to be a challenge. "You won't make it past the second watch if you move like you did yesterday."

Kaius met his gaze. "Then I guess I'll have to move better."

A flicker of something passed through Rael's eyes before he nodded, almost imperceptibly.

Theo clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Try not to get caught. Or killed."

"Or both," Valen added helpfully.

Kaius rolled his eyes and took a steadying breath before setting off. The northern ridge loomed ahead, shadowed in the early morning light. The weight of the package in his hands wasn't just a mission—it was a test, one that would mark the next step in whatever path Eira was leading him down.

And for the first time, he wasn't just reacting. He was choosing to walk forward.