Chapter 2: Recruit

Sen and Dain sit as a nurse channels a gentle blue glow over their wounds, mending the injuries in just a few minutes. By then, the Zagon’s body has completely dissolved, leaving no trace behind. A passing soldier drapes a white sheet over Ken’s corpse. The area is crowded with first responders, and those gifted with water-based Intergy work swiftly to douse the remaining flames.

Sen: This is crazy. Ken’s dead.

Dain: I know. I’m having a hard time taking in what just happened too. Is your leg better?

Sen moves his leg around, checking for functionality.

Sen: I feel fine.

Sen and Dain are approached by a soldier as the nurse leaves them.

Soldier: We’re going to need you to come with us for questioning whenever you’re ready.

Dain: Wait, why?

Sen: Right now?

Soldier: Right now, if you’re able. You’ll have some time to recollect yourself, but in this moment, we need to transport you over to the Clyden Military Investigation Unit. You’re being brought in for questioning.

Sen and Dain get up, able to move comfortably again.

Sen: Yeah, we can go.

Dain: How long will it take?

Soldier: I wouldn’t be able to answer that. It depends on what is needed of you.

Sen and Dain look at each other with concern.

Sen: Yeah, let’s go.

Soldier: Follow me to the cart. One of our other soldiers will transport you over.

Sen and Dain step out of their workplace into a scene of devastation. Bodies lie beneath white sheets, and several buildings have collapsed or sustained heavy damage. They climb into a cart and set off, only to witness more destruction as they travel through the city of Clyden. Children’s cries echo in the distance, but one sight stops them cold: a severed arm and leg, blood still dripping, clearly those of a child, lie abandoned in the road beside a torn doll. For a moment, they see the child’s body, but a passerby swiftly covers it with a white sheet. Neither Sen nor Dain can find the words to speak. Before long, they reach their destination and enter a nearby building, where they’re led to a separate room. Taking their seats, they wait in stunned silence.

Sen: We were actually attacked… I didn’t think we’d be a target.

Dain: I know. And it’s crazy how we were just talking about it this morning.

Sen: Why attack us though? We’re just… Clyden.

Dain: Do you think… we’ll get drafted?

Sen: I have no clue… but I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case.

Dain: Zagons are real. They aren’t fiction.

Sen: The terrorist attacks we were talking about really are connected with the Zagons.

Dain: Yeah…

Sen: Can’t be Krutone. And Krutone is the only place I think would ever be able to manage something like this.

Dain: There’s another place that somehow got a hold of bombing weapons and Zagons.

Sen: Which doesn’t quite make sense, because Krutone is one of the only cities that makes those bombs.

Sen: Are you suggesting there’s a secret enemy?

Dain: I don’t know.

The side door swings open, and a group of soldiers steps inside. Two figures stand out: one, an older man in his fifties dressed in a sleek, all-black suit; the other, a burly soldier whose build stands tall over the rest. The older man is Virem, and the imposing soldier is Zarnem.

Virem: Hello there young gentlemen. I am Virem, head of the Clyden Military. I know you both just got done fighting a monster, so I won’t ask how you’re doing.

Sen and Dain aren’t sure how to respond.

Virem: Don’t worry, you’re safe now. I understand you both may be in shock, so do take your time to answer questions. First, the obvious, can you share with us what exactly happened from the beginning?

A moment of silence.

Dain: Uh, yes. Um, we were attacked while at work… obviously, and were just finishing our shift for the evening. But then we heard a loud explosion, so we panicked like any normal person would. And then a black and white monster showed up… and then killed one of our own, Ken.

Virem: We weren’t able to make it in time. Can you describe the creature for me?

Dain: Well, it was a tall monster. It was black and white with large claws. Its skin was tough, but we were able to cut through it.

Virem: You’re Dain right? And that’s Sen?

Dain: Uhh, yes?

Virem: Ok, just making sure I know which is which.

A moment of silence.

Virem: We pulled your records.

Sen: You know us?

Virem: Indeed. Dain, 24 years old, single child, a talented fire user. Mostly self-taught.

Virem looks to Sen.

Virem: And you’re Sen. 25 years old, lives alone, controls light, a very very rare skill to come across. You’re also mostly self-taught.

Sen: How do you know about us?

Virem: Well, Clyden is a small place. Also, we have documentation of every citizen here as many systems do. We can investigate certain individuals if we want to. After a little bit of digging, Zarnem here was able to find out who you both are. We’ve had a quick discussion, and he’s made his decision on you two.

Silence.

Dain: You’re drafting us?

Virem: Something like that. I know it seems sudden, but this is just how war goes.

A quick moment of silence.

Virem: You two are obviously capable of fighting and have the nerves to handle combat already. Not to mention, you both killed… a Zagon. Zarnem has confirmed he wants you.

Virem looks to Zarnem.

Virem (to Zarnem): Care to fill in?

Zarnem: I’m Zarnem. I’m the training officer of the Clyden Military. Yes, Zagons are a real thing, and they’re a threat that we need to come face to face with. We seem to be one of the few places that survived in Clyden, and it’s because of several skilled fighters such as yourselves.

Sen: How many others were destroyed?

Zarnem: We don’t know yet. We only know that we were able to win our fight. Some of our soldiers have gone to fight in the other lands. It was reported that there may be at least a few hundred Zagons that caused damage.

Dain: Hundreds!?

Zarnem: Yes. We have also learned that they disintegrate upon dying. So, it’s not as if we can study them. They come in various forms. The Zagon you fought has been named the Scythe Zagon hence its large, bladed claws it uses. Other forms such as the Saber, Viper, and Aeris Zagons. Many more.

Sen: Where do these Zagons even come from?

Zarnem: That, we don’t know yet. What we do know is we can fight back at least, and I need you two. I’m here because I will be the one training you both.

Dain: And what if we refuse to join you?

Zarnem: It’s called drafting for a reason.

Sen and Dain don’t say a word.

Virem: Look, you two obviously have abilities and skills that could be useful. Don’t you two have anyone you love?

Dain immediately thinks about his family.

Virem: Wouldn’t you want to protect them?

Zarnem: It’s scary, I’m aware. But be assured that I’ll bring you both to a level that you didn’t know you were capable of. I’m one of the best there is.

Virem: One of the best across the world.

Zarnem: I’ve been tasked to recruit five individuals to bring up… and I hand-picked who I wanted.

Sen: There’s more?

Zarnem: Three more aside from you two. Tomorrow, I will bring you all together. They’ve already agreed to this, not that they’ve had a choice anyways. I just finished speaking to them before coming here. I’ve allowed them to recollect themselves and get rested for the night, assuming they’re able to.

Virem: Dain, tonight, you’re going to want to speak to your family about this.

Dain puts on a disappointed look.

Virem: And Sen, if you happen to have anyone, do let them know.

Sen keeps stoic.

Zarnem: Do take some time to process all of this, or at least as much as you’re able to tonight.

Virem: Anything else you want to bring up to them Zarnem?

Zarnem: Nothing more.

Virem: You two are dismissed. Sleep well.

Moments pass. Sen and Dain are walking home together.

Sen: You ok?

Dain: What do you think?

A moment of silence.

Sen: You mind if I spend the night?

Dain doesn’t answer.

Sen: I’d like to say a few things to your parents, if that’s ok with you.

Dain doesn’t answer.

Sen: But if not, that’s ok—

Dain: Yeah, yeah. You can come over. Do you need to grab anything from your place?

Sen: Not really. Not like I have anything important.

Dain: Ok, we can head straight to my place then.

Sen: Cool. Thanks.

Sen and Dain continue walking home.

Miles away are Aetrem and Lilan standing on top of a tall building, looking over the destruction.

Aetrem: Task completed… almost.

Lilan: I really don’t understand how we’re supposed to get this done.

Aetrem: We really did cause a lot of damage here.

Lilan: More like the Zagons did. All we did was release them.

A man in his late 20’s in the same clothing as Aetrem and Lilan appears behind them. He has a hood on but removes it to reveal himself. He has short dark brown hair with a young look to him. It is Zan.

Zan: Anything yet?

Aetrem: You showed up out of nowhere.

Zan: Surprise, surprise.

Aetrem: Still couldn’t find him. How about your end?

Zan: Well, I was out busy slaughtering animals. You know me.

Lilan shows expressions of fear with disgust. Zan notices, but doesn’t say anything, as if he’s always known Lilan hates him.

Aetrem: I imagine the stone guy is going to pick up the light user.

Zan: Zarnem.

Aetrem: Yes. It’s only a matter of time before he decides to choose him as a soldier.

Zan: Try not to get in Zarnem’s way. He’ll kill you.

Aetrem: He’s really that strong?

Zan: You’re more than welcome to find out.

No response.

Zan: Just keep in mind the goal is to find the light user.

The air started to feel heavy, almost as if gravity was pressing down harder. Another man in the same outfit in his mid-20’s showed up. Dark hair and a defined jawline. It’s Sicrus.

Zan: Look who decided to show up. Anything?

Sicrus: Nothing.

Zan: Same here. We tore up this place though. Fun stuff.

Sicrus: Penim wiped out an entire location on his own.

Zan: Cute. I did two. Lemme guess, you spared lives?

Sicrus doesn’t answer.

Zan: Aww, how sweet. He comes into a war and spares lives.

Sicrus: I’m only necessary measures to carry out my job.

Zan: Ohhh, but making a statement is necessary. I still want to see what you’re really capable of.

Sicrus: Making statements is what you do. Getting the job done is what I do. We’re different.

Zan: Oh, Sicrus. I love that personality of yours.

Sicrus: Can we just talk duties here?

Zan: Yeah, yeah. Always so serious, you.

Sicrus: Mayzen was able to find out that the one we’re looking for really is here in Clyden. Who was tasked with Clyden?

Zan: These two here. Aetrem and Lilan.

Sicrus turns to Aetrem and Lilan.

Lilan: Nothing.

Sicrus: Any Zagons left?

Aetrem: All killed off. Most likely from Zarnem and his team.

Zan: Funny how a garbage city like Clyden has some of the best soldiers. You’d expect this scum place to be the first to go down. Would’ve been a different story if I was doing the job here.

Sicrus: Zan, we have other matters to take care of. Mayzen mentioned that you might know how to get through Krutone’s security?

Zan: Ahhh yes. I managed to melt the information out of this guy begging for mercy. Beautiful sight. But no, not the exact details on how to get through. Just about another guy who would know. In Luria actually.

Sicrus: Is the guy you interrogated still alive?

Zan: Hahaha, of course not! I saved his shit smelly corpse though. Head still attached. Mayzen could probably pull out more information than what I was able to get.

Sicrus: Can you leave Aetrem and Lilan to carry out what wasn’t finished here?

Zan: You mean, I can’t just carry out the work myself? I was really hoping to go head-to-head with Zarnem. Would’ve been a thrill to see what’s so great about him.

Sicrus: Well, we do need you to bring the body. Wherever you put it.

Zan: Boring duties.

Sicrus: So, can those two get the job done?

Zan looks to Aetrem and Lilan, asking them without saying a word.

Aetrem: Give us at least a few more days, and we’ll find him.

Lilan: It would be helpful if we at least knew his name. Looking for someone who can use light as powers is vague.

Aetrem: And it does get confusing when lightning, healing, fire, and whatnot all emit light. It could be anyone.

Sicrus: His name is Sen. Find him…

Sen and Dain are at Dain’s home. They walk through the doors to find Dain’s mother, Arna, and father, Maren, worried.

Arna: Oh, you’re alive!

Arna and Maren go to hug Dain, nearly crying.

Arna: When I heard your workplace was attacked, I was worried you wouldn’t make it back home. I was worried sick.

Arna and Maren turn to Sen. Maren reaches out to Sen and pulls him into the group hug.

Maren: I’m so glad you’re both safe. Are you ok? Let us know what happened.

The group hug breaks. Arna checks Dain for any cuts or bruises.

Arna: Did anything happen to you two? Are you hurt?

Dain: Mom, we’re fine. We fought, but we’re ok.

Sen: We actually killed one of those monsters. A Zagon.

Maren: Zagon. So, they’re not lying then. Actual Zagons?

Arna: You were attacked by one of those monsters?

Dain: Yeah, we’re fine though.

Sen: Dain gave the killing blow too.

Maren: Oh shit, really?

Arna: Oh Dain, you can’t keep putting yourself in danger like that.

Dain: Mom, stop. Please. I’m fine.

Arna: Come you two. Let’s go sit.

All four go to a nearby room where they all sit on couches.

Dain: Mom, Dad. I have to tell you something.

Maren: What is it?

Dain: Sen and I… we were pulled by the military?

No response.

Sen: We’re both getting asked to join in the war. A person there named Zarnmen wants us.

Arna: No, no. That can’t be. You can object, right?

Dain: It’s a little too late.

Arna: No, no, no! They can’t just take you away.

Dain: We already agreed.

Arna: No, no. You can’t just make those kinds of decisions on your own.

Dain: We didn’t really have a choice.

Silence.

Sen: If I could say something?

A pause. Everyone waits to listen.

Sen: So, everyone knows I lost my family when I was younger. This war has been unfair to all of us… and it’s going to keep being unfair. Dain and I have been training day after day for when the day comes, we have to fight… and that time is here… I want to say thank you both, Arna, Maren, for always welcoming me into your home. You two did all you could to make it feel like I never lost a family, and I’m forever grateful.

Arna: Sen, you know we love you.

Sen: I know, and I want you both to know that it didn’t go unnoticed. I know it must be really hard to see that Dain is having to fight. He’s going to do great in battle, and I saw how he handled that Zagon.

Maren: Yes, but being skilled doesn’t mean that you’ll both come back. This war could last years for all we know. We can’t be sure you’ll return in all that time.

Dain: Yes, and we know that.

Sen: Dain and I have always worked so well together. We’ll always have each other’s back, you can bet on that. Just like how we worked together to take down that Zagon. We can manage.

Maren: But that doesn’t mean you’ll be safe.

Dain: We did really well together.

Sen: And we’re going to be trained by—

No one speaks for a full minute. Arna is in Maren’s arms wiping her tears.

Sen: I know this sounds like a stretch but…

Pause.

Sen: …I promise to bring him back.

They sit in quiet reflection until Arna rises and embraces both Dain and Sen. The night passes uneventfully.

By morning, the two find themselves standing in a long line at the Clyden Military Center, surrounded by large crowds of people filling out enlistment paperwork. Handing in their forms at the front desk, they each receive a card marked with the number eight, officially committing themselves to training and war.

Woman: Go to room eight. You’ll find your unit there.

Sen and Dain head to room eight. Inside, they find a man and two women, all in their early twenties, already seated. The man, slim and brown-haired, scarcely acknowledges them. One of the women is blonde, but it’s the other who immediately catches Sen and Dain’s attention—Yerah, the same woman Dain has often teased Sen about. Trying to play it cool, they take their seats. After a few moments, Zarnem enters the room.

Zarnem: Come with me.

All five rise and follow Zarnem through a single, heavy door that opens onto a broad arena. Towering stone walls encircle the field, their surfaces marked by the wear of countless battles. The ground beneath their feet is packed dirt mixed with patches of short grass, and the air carries a faint echo, as though it has trapped the roars of past combat. No one else is in sight. Looking around, they notice only one exit—the door they just came through—now shut behind them, emphasizing the arena’s isolation.

Zarnem: Before we get started, let’s all get to know each other. Step forward when called, let everyone know your name, abilities, and which one you specialize in. Let’s start with you, Makota.

The young man with brown hair steps forward.

Makota: I’m Makota. I’m a water and wind user. I can also heal. Primarily, I focus on water techniques.

Zarnem: Thank you. Yerah?

Yerah steps forward.

Yerah: I’m Yerah. I’m also a water user, but I focus on ice. I train both equally.

Zarnem: Thank you. Dain?

Dain steps forward.

Dain: I’m Dain. I’m a fire user and only a fire user.

Zarnem: Thank you. Shera?

The blonde woman steps forward.

Shera: I’m Shera. I’m a wind user. I can also heal. My focus is on wind abilities.

Zarnem: Ok, thank you. Lastly, Sen?

Sen steps forward.

Sen: I’m Sen. I’m a light user.

Everyone’s interest is piqued. Makota, Shera, and Yerah look over to Sen.

Makota: That’s neat. I’ve only ever heard stories and read books about light users.

Shera: Yeah, that’s cool. So, do you just make things brighter?

Sen: Well, yes, but more too.

Yerah doesn’t ask anything. She just smiles at Sen, and he notices.

Makota: What exactly do you do with light?

Sen doesn’t know how to respond.

Zarnem: Today, you’re all going to find out. The training today is simple, really. I want to see what you’re each capable of.

Zarnem walks away from them.

Zarnem: All five of you are going to come at me at once. Show me everything you’ve got and strike with the intent to kill.

Makota: To kill!?

Zarnem: Don’t stress about it. Even if there were more of you, you wouldn’t be able to kill me even if you tried.

Dain: Yeah, but we might accidentally harm each other.

Zarnem: That’s up to you to be able to control. Also, do expect me to fight back. Don’t worry though. I won’t do any irreversible damage. You’d just be hurt.

Shera: So, today we get to see—

Before Shera could finish her sentence, a wall of thick sand erupted from the ground and slammed into Makota, hurling him backward.

Sen: We’re starting already!?

Zarnem shrugged off his jacket, revealing a tight, dark-blue shirt stretched over his powerful frame. The ground rumbled beneath his feet as he raised an arm toward Dain. In an instant, a massive chunk of earth tore free from the arena floor and hurtled straight at Dain. Reacting on pure instinct, Dain unleashed a roaring jet of fire from his hands, shattering the incoming boulder in a blast of debris and dust.

Before anyone could recover from the blinding cloud, Zarnem came out from the haze and drove a crushing fist into Sen’s midsection, launching him backward. Sen soared through the air, certain to crash into the far wall—until Shera whipped up a buffer of wind, cushioning his impact. But her efforts were short-lived; another torrent of sand slammed into her from the side, knocking her off balance.

Seizing the moment, Yerah conjured a giant sphere of water between her palms and hurled it at Zarnem with a furious cry. Unfazed, he yanked up a wall of stone from the ground, easily shielding himself from the deluge. Dain capitalized on the distraction, darting around the barrier with a flaming fist poised to strike, only to realize Zarnem had vanished into thin air.

Dain: What? Where?

Zarnem erupted from within the stone wall, his fist encased in jagged rock. With a thunderous punch, he launched Dain straight at Sen, who managed to catch him just before he hit the ground.

Dain: Damn it, he’s literally taking all five of us at once.

Blades of water sliced through the air, barreling toward Zarnem. With a single breath, he hardened his skin into living stone, shrugging off cuts that would have otherwise ripped him apart. He spotted Makota as the source of the attack—only to sense another threat behind him. Yerah charged in with her fist encased in ice, driving forward for a knockout strike. Zarnem stepped into her blow, caught her by the wrist, and flung her across the field, where she collided with Shera just as she was regaining her footing.

Turning back to Makota, Zarnem summoned a swirling vortex of sand and stone. Makota quickly erected a wall of water, but the raging onslaught broke straight through, slamming him to the ground. That was Sen’s cue. He unleashed a concentrated beam of light from his palms, the force finally pushing Zarnem a few steps backward. Landing firmly on both feet, Zarnem caused the earth beneath him to tremble. Raising his hands high, he intensified the quake, stirring dirt and debris into a fierce sandstorm that engulfed the entire arena.

Sen: He’s actually handling us like we’re nothing to him.

Dain: He did say to fight with the intent to kill him. Should we?

Shera and Yerah charged through the swirling sand, Intergy flaring in both hands, ready to strike. But before they could close in, a massive boulder ripped through the sandstorm— hurled by Zarnem— and slammed into them, sending them sprawling.

Sen: Yeah, I think we should.

Dain squared his shoulders, conjuring a surge of heat and flame in his outstretched hand. The roiling fire coalesced into a focused stream that streaked toward Zarnem. In a swift, fluid motion, Zarnem launched himself skyward, using the solid earth below him as a springboard to evade Dain’s attack. Moments later, he kicked off the swirling sand in midair, propelling himself straight at Dain.

Sen dashed forward, hurling another beam of dazzling light from his palms. Zarnem’s arm morphed to solid stone, and he barreled through the radiant assault with a hardened elbow. Sen’s fist ignited with luminous energy, and he charged, colliding with Zarnem in a crackling flash. The impact sent Sen hurtling backward, where he crashed hard into Dain.

Dain: Did you catch that?

Sen: What?

Dain: He dodged my attack.

Sen: You’re right. All of the attacks, he goes head on with.

Dain: Right, but mine, he dodges. He knows how much force he can take head on and what he should dodge. We need to not pull back. That means you too, Sen.

Makota, Shera, and Yerah launched a three-pronged assault on Zarnem, converging from every angle. With a single, sweeping motion, he summoned massive waves of thick mud that crashed into them, burying each under its crushing weight. The sticky mire pinned them to the ground, making it nearly impossible to regain their footing. Meanwhile, the sandstorm raged on, whipping debris through the arena in a relentless gale.

Sen: We’ve never done it, but would now be the time?

Dain: Let’s do it.

Dain drew a scorching surge of heat into his palms, this time corralling the chaotic flames between both hands until they coalesced into a dense ball of fire. Zarnem merely watched, intrigued rather than alarmed, as if testing what Sen and Dain were truly capable of. Behind Dain, Sen channeled his Intergy until his hands glowed with blinding radiance.

In unison, Dain hurled his fireball forward just as Sen unleashed a colossal beam of light, striking the orb and propelling it toward Zarnem at blinding speed. But once more, Zarnem deftly sidestepped the blazing sphere, letting it smash into the stone wall behind him. The explosion ripped a hole in the barrier, the combined heat from Sen’s light and Dain’s flames instantly baking the mud Zarnem had scattered earlier. The shockwave rumbled through the floor, forcing Zarnem to harden his flesh with stone to avoid being scorched.

Relentlessly, Sen and Dain prepared for another assault. Dain began shaping a second sphere of searing flame— only for Zarnem to dart across the arena with incredible speed, positioning himself behind Dain before he could react. Tendrils of mud erupted from the ground, ensnaring Dain’s hands and extinguishing his attempted fireball.

Sen lunged in, forging a gleaming sword of pure light and slashing at Zarnem. Though momentarily surprised, Zarnem swiftly transformed his arm with stone, catching the radiant blade in his rocky grip. A fresh surge of mud churned up around Sen’s feet, shackling him in place. All at once, the swirling sandstorm ebbed, sinking back into the arena floor, and the tremors subsided. A hush fell over the battleground as everyone turned to Zarnem, bracing for what would come next.

Zarnem: Not bad you all. Still a lot of work to be done. Still a lot of learning to go. But not bad at all.

With a casual gesture, Zarnem dispels the mud and earth imprisoning his sparring partners. Each of the five soldiers pats away the dirt caked onto their clothes.

Shera: So, this is why you’re so respected.

Makota: Taking all five of us like that.

Sen and Dain remain silent. From a short distance away, Sen glances at Yerah to see if she’s hurt. He notices her methodically dusting off the dried mud from her skin and clothes, relieved to see no visible injuries.

Zarnem: Get some lunch. Get to know each other more. Now that I’m aware of your combat skills and ability usage, we’ll spend some time talking and maybe each of you will learn how to heal. It’s a necessary ability to learn, especially going out to fight.

Zarnem grabs his jacket from the ground and leaves the room. The five soldiers watch Zarnem leave the arena casually.

Dain: He really held us down. Just like that.

Sen: I guess he meant with the intent to kill.

Dain: He really dodged our combos.

Sen: And to think we haven’t even seen what he’s fully capable of.

Sen, Dain, Yerah, Shera, and Makota walk out in unison, leaving the half-destroyed arena behind— its battered walls and scattered debris a testament to their intense sparring session.