A loud, musical laugh echoed through the forest.

  A woman sprinted through the trees, skidding to a stop behind a thick trunk as she hugged a marksman’s rifle to her chest. She sucked in a breath, heart pounding.

  Someone ran past her, waving frantically.

  “Keep moving!” he shouted. “Just avoid her line of—”

  Crack.

  A single shot echoed.

  A balloon popped.

  The man kicked the ground as he dove behind another tree. “Man, what a joke,” he hissed, pressing his back to the bark. He glanced toward the woman. “Go on. You can still take the shot.”

  “Are you crazy?” she screamed back. “She’s bat-shit insane!”

  Another man rolled into cover beside her, breathless. “What’s the plan? We can’t just wait here—”

  The laughter came again.

  Closer this time.

  A bullet snapped through the trees, ricocheted off one trunk, and curved impossibly—

  Pop.

  The man’s balloon burst.

  “HOW DID SHE DO THAT?” he screamed. “THIS IS RIGGED!”

  The woman’s eyes went wide.

  She bolted.

  “I don’t want to die!” she shrieked, sprinting full tilt. “She’s going to kill us! She’s insane!”

  The tree line opened ahead of her.

  Freedom.

  A grin spread across her face. “I’m actually going to make it out of this—”

  She dove.

  Crack.

  The final shot flew.

  Before she even hit the ground, her balloon popped.

  She rolled, scrambling backward, hands shaking. “SAVE ME!”

  The forest fell silent.

  She froze.

  Solara stood over her.

  Her sparkling eyes watched calmly as she sighed.

  “Why did you run?” she asked evenly. “You weren’t in any real danger.”

  The woman jumped to her feet, furious, brushing dirt from her clothes. “What is wrong with you people?” she shouted. “Why was she laughing like a crazed lunatic? You all have serious issues, I swear.”

  Braen stepped up and gave her a gentle pat on the back. “Oh, don’t say that. You can always try again next time.”

  The woman stared up at her. “And why are you so tall? People aren’t meant to be that tall. You know what—never mind. I’m out.”

  She stormed off, shouting over her shoulder, “What were you thinking? Damn idiots. I can’t believe I thought you might actually be normal.”

  Laughter rang out from above.

  Solara looked up sharply. “What’s so funny up there, Captain?”

  Caelan, perched in the branches overhead, pointed down at her. “See? It’s not just me who thinks you need help.”

  Solara’s eye twitched.

  “Oh, this again,” she said flatly. “I’ll take that under advisement, Captain.”

  She kicked the tree.

  Caelan yelped as the branch gave way. He tumbled through leaves and limbs, bouncing off every branch before landing face-first in the dirt.

  Solara leaned over him.

  “Maybe I’ll start listening when you’re tall enough to be classed as an adult,” she said sweetly. “Now, can we please continue this train wreck of a plan you’ve put together, or do you want everyone to wait around for you to stop acting like a child?”

  Caelan groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “Fair. Yeah. I’ll go have a word with her. Maybe ask her to tone it down.”

  Solara waved him off dismissively. “You’d better. Honestly, what’s the point if no one makes it past this trial? I don’t know why I keep entertaining your ideas.”

  Caelan brushed dirt from his jacket and gave Solara a crooked grin. “You know what? Let’s end this one on a win.”

  He glanced toward the clearing. “Renn! Bud!”

  Renn, crouched in a tight huddle with a few others, looked up and raised a hand.

  “Do me a favour,” Caelan called. “Take the next slot. Master Chief spoke very highly of how you handled yourself yesterday.”

  Renn blinked, then smiled. “Uh… yeah. Shouldn’t be a problem. You all cool with that?”

  Before anyone could answer, a man in Renn’s group stepped forward, hands planted proudly on his hips.

  “I know we have only just met,” he announced loudly, turning in a slow circle, “but it is truly an honour to take this challenge alongside each and every one of you.”

  The clearing went still.

  “This opportunity,” he continued, voice rising, “to be considered by those who strive to reject the model laid out by the human condition itself—to create something greater—is one of the rarest gifts this war has granted us against our will.”

  No one spoke.

  “Now,” he said solemnly, spreading his arms, “let us together show the incredible, visionary Captain of the Revolutionary Army that there are others who will strive just as relentlessly as he does, for the greatest of causes.”

  He paused, smiling broadly.

  “Thank you. Please—hold your applause.”

  The silence stretched.

  Bella leaned in, whispering, “He’s clearly never actually met the guy.”

  “This has to be a plant,” Veyra muttered.

  Hector chuckled. “Now, now. Be nice. The Captain tries his very best.”

  Beside the tree line, Solara stared, mouth slightly open. “No. No, no—this can’t be real. He seems so proper. So… well kept.” She shook her head. “That was so dumb.”

  Caelan began drifting toward the man, eyes shining. “Where has he been all my life?” he muttered. “Do you think he’d join now, Lieutenant?”

  Solara grabbed the back of Caelan’s jacket, holding him in place. “I have never cared who passes or fails this idiotic recruitment drive,” she said flatly. “But him? I sincerely hope he washes out. I am not having another member of your blasted fan club.”

  Caelan deflated. “Recruitment’s down,” he said sadly. “It’s just me, little one, and Sis that actually attend the meetings.”

  Solara blinked. “You weren’t joking about that? You have far too much time on your hands for someone so catastrophically behind on paperwork.”

  The man approached with Renn and the rest of the group, beaming. He seized Caelan’s hand and shook it enthusiastically.

  “Artimage Falkal,” he declared. “It is a genuine pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve been a massive fan since I saw you in the plaza. Truly—wow. I have so many questions.”

  Solara sagged. “Please don’t encourage him,” she said weakly. “We try very hard not to let him think this is normal.”

  Caelan turned, stars practically in his eyes. “Oh no, no, Solara—come on. Just a few more minutes.”

  “At least that height will always keep his ego in check,” Solara muttered, smirking.

  Caelan visibly wilted.

  Artimage turned to Solara, his tone sharpening. “In my previous command, such insubordination would never have been accepted,” he said coolly. “This man has time and again been the beacon this war requires. Second-in-command or not, you would do well to show greater care with the words spoken about him in public. Respect goes a long way, ma’am.”

  Braen barked a laugh as she stepped up behind Artimage and gave him a solid clap on the back.

  “Well,” she said loudly, grinning, “honestly, just wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone tell our sparkly little lieutenant off like that before.”

  Solara stood perfectly still.

  Staring.

  Somewhere far away.

  Caelan took one look at her expression and panicked.

  “Nope—no, please don’t eliminate him,” he blurted, hands up. “Pretty please, Lieutenant. Right—uh—I’ll run ahead and ask the Master Sergeant to calm things down. VEYRA!”

  He spun toward the clearing. “THIS WOMAN NEEDS TEA. NOW.”

  “ON IT!” Veyra shouted back instantly.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  Solara’s eye twitched.

  Then she smiled.

  Slow. Wide. Dangerous.

  “Oh no, Captain,” she said pleasantly, turning toward him. “You just take a little seat over there. It’s fine.”

  She raised her voice.

  “MASTER SERGEANT. EMERALD BULLETS THIS ROUND. THAT’S AN ORDER.”

  A sharp whistle cut through the forest.

  Caelan went pale.

  He grabbed Artimage and Renn, hauling them both into a desperate hug. “I’m sorry, guys. I tried. It was really nice meeting you both.”

  Lyra’s calm voice floated from behind Artimage.

  “Ma’am, permission to gut this ill-informed worm.”

  Caelan released them and shouted, “RUN! She might actually kill you!”

  He jumped between Lyra and Artimage just as Artimage snapped a sharp salute at Caelan. Renn immediately seized Artimage by the shirt.

  “Come on!” Renn hissed. “Let’s get this over with before you get us kicked out!”

  They bolted.

  Caelan watched them sprint past the start line, hand raised in solemn farewell.

  “Godspeed,” he whispered. “You beautiful bastard.”

  Solara shook her head. “Gods, just get a room.”

  Caelan laughed weakly. “I might. Why—are you jealous?”

  That was when Lyra struck.

  She launched herself at Caelan, her chain snapping out as it wrapped around his shoulders and neck. She yanked hard, dragging him backward.

  “Are you not going to do anything about him talking about us like that?” she snapped. “You need to know your place, Caelan!”

  “BEAT THAT RESPECT INTO HIM, LYRA!” Bella cheered.

  Caelan grabbed the chain with one hand, coughing. “Lyra—you’re—choking me—”

  “That’s the point, idiot!”

  “Lyra,” Solara said without looking away from the forest, eyes fixed on the trial zone, “leave him alone. You can play when you get home.”

  Lyra huffed but released him.

  Caelan staggered upright, rubbing his neck. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he wheezed. “Perfect little psycho sidekick, aren’t you?”

  Lyra just stuck her tongue out.

  Caelan moved to stand beside Solara, still rubbing his throat.

  She spoke quietly, just for him.

  “Have you figured it out yet?”

  Caelan nodded, eyes following the forest line. “According to the Master Chief, he’s holding back. Good call on the bullet switch. Let’s see how far he’s actually willing to go.”

  They shared a brief, knowing smile.

  Then, in a perfectly normal tone, Caelan added, “Oh—I forgot. Mynxi wants to try a new board game tonight. You in?”

  Solara snorted. “Obviously. Unlike some people, I don’t just let her win every time.”

  Caelan grinned. “Then why does she always beat you, too?”

  Solara gently kicked his leg. “Shut up, Captain. Let’s see what’s under the curtain.”

  Renn led them into the trees and raised a hand.

  “Right,” he said quietly. “All of you, find cover and sit tight. I’ll handle this for us.”

  Artimage turned, palms up. “Whoa there, big guy. Let’s ease off that. We’re all here to show what we’ve got—no need to hoard the glory.”

  Renn arched a brow. “Fine. Knock yourselves out.” He turned away, hands sliding into his pockets. “I’ll be back here until you’re done messing around.”

  He drifted off between the trunks.

  Artimage watched him go, then clapped once, refocusing. “Right. Everyone, listen up. We can still do this with the four of us. Nice and easy. Everyone before us panicked. No one’s actually tried doing this properly.”

  “So what’s the plan?” one of them asked.

  Bang.

  The sound tore through the forest.

  The speaker’s balloon burst.

  They all froze.

  Artimage swore under his breath and yanked the remaining two behind a tree. “Not very sporting,” he muttered. “Still, we can make this work. You two, as fast as you can—trees ahead. We can’t huddle. She’ll eat us alive.”

  Both nodded, pale.

  “When I move,” Artimage whispered, pointing, “you go right. Now.”

  He sprinted to the next trunk. The man reached his cover in a heartbeat.

  The woman dove.

  A thunderous crack ripped past her balloon—never touching it—

  —and the pressure alone burst it.

  Artimage stared. “That wasn’t contact,” he breathed. “Emerald-tier upgrades… the shockwave did it.”

  The man beside him leaned close. “So what’s the plan now?”

  “Well,” Artimage began, “there was this mission back when I was just getting out of flight school—”

  “What?” the man shouted. “I can’t hear you!”

  “I said—flight school!”

  “What?”

  “Get back, you idiot!”

  The man stepped closer.

  Pop.

  He flinched, rubbing his ear as his balloon vanished. “Stupid hearing. I was half-deaf already.” He turned and trudged back toward the start. “Yeah. This one’s not for me.”

  Artimage watched the others retreat, then called after them, voice flat. “Great work, everyone. We’ll workshop that next time.”

  He glanced around. “Huh. Wonder where that Renn fellow wandered off to…”

  Artimage exhaled, squaring his shoulders.

  “Well,” he said softly, fingers closing around the hilt at his side, “no point hiding it now.”

  A slim rapier slid free, steel whispering.

  He smiled at the blade.

  “Oh, Captain,” he murmured. “You have no idea how long I’ve been practicing what I saw that day.”

  Artimage leaned back against the tree and raised his voice, calm and steady as it carried through the forest.

  “Master Sergeant,” he called, “name’s Artimage. Honestly, it’s a great pleasure to finally meet you—and to test myself against one of the greats.”

  From deep within the forest came Keira’s reply, sharp and unimpressed.

  “What the hell are you on about?” she shouted. “Stop being a little pussy and move already.”

  Artimage laughed, pushing off the tree. “Oh, don’t you worry—I will. But before that, I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to test myself against one of the Revolutionary Army’s elites. Truly. Thank you for giving me your time.”

  There was a pause.

  Then Keira snapped back, confused and irritated. “Uh—are you, like, a stalker or something? You look way too old. Ew. Disgusting.”

  “No, no,” Artimage replied easily. “Nothing so depraved, I promise.” He drew a slow breath. “Here’s what I’m going to do. When I say go, I’m coming straight to you. Either you eliminate me from this event… or I pass. No middle ground.”

  He rolled his shoulders, grip tightening on the rapier.

  “So do me a favour,” he called, smile audible in his voice. “Give me everything you’ve got.”

  Keira’s response came instantly.

  “Will you stop talking and get on with it?” she barked. “You couldn’t even handle half of this on a good day, bitch!”

  Artimage lowered his voice, just for himself.

  “I bet I couldn’t,” he said quietly. “Alright then… no coasting this time.”

  Keira’s voice cut through the trees, sharp and amused.

  “Any time, princess.”

  Artimage smiled.

  Then he moved.

  He exploded from cover, boots tearing into the dirt as he broke straight toward the centre of the ring—directly toward her.

  “GO!” he roared, laughter ripping out of him as he ran.

  “Well,” she muttered, swinging the rifle up smoothly, “shame. He actually looks like he might’ve been fun to have around.”

  The sight settled cleanly.

  Balloon-centred.

  “Better luck next time, bud.”

  Her finger squeezed.

  “And… pop—”

  Crack.

  The shot rang out.

  And then—

  BOOM.

  The second sound hit like a punch to the chest.

  At the edge of the forest, Caelan and Solara both stiffened.

  Their heads snapped up.

  “That—” Solara started.

  Caelan’s grin split his face wide, eyes lighting up.

  “A sonic,” he breathed, awe and delight bleeding into his voice. “A sonic fucking boom.”

  Solara turned slowly.

  Saw the smile.

  And drove her fist straight into his arm.

  Hard.

  “Do I even need to tell you what that was for?” she snapped.

  Caelan winced but didn’t look away from the trees, rubbing the impact absently.

  “Maybe I just wanted it.”

  Solara leaned in closer, voice dropping. “All you had to do was ask.”

  From behind them, Bella gasped dramatically.

  “Ooooooh. I’m telling Elyria.”

  “SHUT UP,” Caelan and Solara snapped in perfect unison.

  Back in the forest—

  Keira’s bullet was already in flight, screaming straight toward Artimage’s balloon.

  Artimage jumped, twisting his body to bring the shot into eye level.

  Keira’s eyes narrowed.

  “Crap,” she muttered.

  That overconfident smile—too familiar, too practised—flickered across his face.

  Keira barely saw the movement.

  In a heartbeat, the tip of his rapier snapped out and flicked the oncoming round sideways.

  The bullet shattered into shards.

  He hit the ground—

  —and the shockwave rolled back through the trees, slamming into Keira a split-second later.

  She paused, just long enough for genuine surprise to creep in.

  “He can do it too…”

  A grin spread, sharp as teeth.

  “Well. Happy fucking birthday to me!”

  Artimage dropped low and instantly kicked up a gear, sprinting harder—closing on Keira’s position.

  Keira pushed up from the ground and shouldered her sniper again, thoughts snapping into place as fast as her aim.

  He’s quick. Not us quick, but nonetheless. It’s the sword—he might not be at those speeds yet, but he’s got clear skill to make up for that, and those reaction times aren’t something to laugh at.

  Alright then.

  Let’s see how you like this.

  Keira fired three shots back-to-back.

  Artimage grinned as he ran.

  Before the first bullet even cleared the chamber, he was already airborne, rapier pulled behind him.

  The first round went under him.

  He swung the rapier down onto the second—clanging it off course with a brutal tap—and used the force to spin himself in the air.

  The third shot skimmed past his face.

  And before Keira could even register it, he landed and was still in full sprint, closing.

  “Wow, Master Sergeant,” he shouted, breathless with delight, “you truly are incredible!”

  “Oh, screw you, asshole!” Keira barked.

  Artimage lunged toward one of Keira’s balloons.

  Keira fired—

  —not at him.

  She put one round into a tree to Artimage’s right.

  It rocked him just enough to throw his line.

  He blinked, mid-stride.

  She missed?

  Never mind—this one is pure Artimage—woo—

  He went for the balloon.

  Then the thought hit.

  Wait.

  Why isn’t she aiming at me?

  The gun cracked again.

  Pop.

  Artimage hit the ground hard, staring up in disbelief.

  Keira walked over, laughing her head off.

  “You know what?” she said, wiping at her eye. “That actually wasn’t bad.”

  Artimage gaped. “Wait—how did you—”

  Keira’s grin turned feral. “First bullet went in the tree. Then ricocheted my second shot off it. Not rocket science.”

  She paused.

  “…but shame that you are—wait.”

  Pop.

  A balloon burst behind her.

  Keira spun—only to have Renn step in, one hand casually stopping her rifle from swinging.

  “Whoa there,” he said quietly. “Don’t shoot. Come on—we won fair and square.”

  Behind them, Artimage let out a victorious roar.

  Keira and Renn both flinched at the volume.

  Keira huffed a laugh. “Alright, alright. Guess you did. Well done—takes a lot of skill to sneak up on me like that.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about it,” Renn said, nodding toward Artimage. “That’s why I picked loudmouth here. Knew you’d keep your focus on him.”

  Keira snorted. “True.” She slung the rifle. “Right then—you're ready to head back?”

  Renn smiled. “Well, actually…”

  He pulled out a massive hunting knife—snapped clean down the middle.

  “Know anywhere I can get this fixed? I’m a bit screwed without it.”

  Keira stared. “How hard did you stab that balloon?”

  Renn laughed. “It’s all about the right motivations, I guess.”

  Artimage was already sprinting back toward the start line, shouting at the top of his lungs.

  “CAPTAIN! CAPTAIN! I PASSED! DID YOU SEE THAT?!”

  Back at the edge of the forest, Braen stared after him, arms folded.

  “Oi,” she muttered, baffled. “How can he do that? I’ve still not managed it yet.”

  Veyra snorted. “Maybe it’s because you’re the size of a tree.”

  Hector chuckled. “Don’t beat yourself up, Braen. It’s not like many of us can do half of what they can.”

  Bella smirked. “Take it as a compliment. Seems like only the ones with half a brain manage it.”

  Caelan burst out laughing.

  Solara glanced sideways at him. “You know she means you, right?”

  “Oh, I embrace that shit,” Caelan said cheerfully. “You, on the other hand—”

  Solara turned away, pretending to wipe a tear from her eye. “Bella, what happened to you? I always knew there was a chance, but I never expected you to take after Keira.”

  Bella deflated. “That’s just uncalled for.”

  “Well,” Solara said lightly, “it’s the truth.”

  Caelan straightened suddenly. “They’re coming. Uh—maybe—”

  “No,” Solara said, already smiling. “Leave this one to me, Captain. Honestly, we should do this more often.”

  Keira, Artimage, and Renn emerged from the forest.

  “NO, LIEUTENANT, PLEASE—” Caelan yelped.

  Solara grabbed his leg and swung him into a tree like she was chopping firewood.

  “One more swear out of you today, mister,” she snapped, “and no Whaa’s for a month. I mean it this time, Captain.”

  Caelan rolled onto his side, wheezing. “Why does everyone keep throwing me into trees? I swear—fuck—where’s sparkly hands when you need her?”

  Solara kicked his boots aside and turned, all business. “Oh. Hey, you two. Honestly—really impressed with that out there.”

  Artimage immediately dove to cover Caelan with his body. “What is wrong with you? You’re meant to support your commanding officer’s needs, not—”

  Solara death-glared him into silence. “Maybe when he stops acting like an idiot.”

  Renn laughed loudly. “Well, that’s just how they operate. You can tell they’re still getting into the swing of it.”

  Keira grinned. “Nah. They’ve been like this since Caelan kidnapped Solara in the forest at night.”

  “PLEASE stop telling people that,” Caelan groaned.

  Renn smiled. “I’m not surprised.”

  He held up his broken knife. “The trial was eye-opening. Glad we made it through. One small issue, though.”

  Keira raised an eyebrow. “He did that, stabbing a balloon before sneaking up on me.”

  Solara blinked. “You snuck up on her?” She looked at Renn, impressed despite herself. “Well. Guess the Captain wasn’t wrong about something for a change. Well done.”

  Renn shrugged. “Had to make sure I could keep up. That said, mind if I jump off and get this sorted? Promised some friends drinks tonight. I’ll meet you at the final event tomorrow. I won’t be late.”

  Solara rubbed her chin. “I don’t know…”

  From the ground, Caelan wheezed, “South gate. Two zones forward. Third left. Oh gods—my ribs—again.”

  Renn laughed. “Appreciated. Good luck, everyone.”

  He headed back toward Virelith.

  Solara turned to Keira. “Why are you back up here, Master Sergeant?”

  Keira scratched her cheek. “Didn’t expect him to tank that many shots. Emeralds, yeah? I think I’ve got six left.”

  Solara sighed. “I knew this would be a problem. Fine. Add them to your count. Use the emeralds if you want—when you want.”

  Keira’s grin was immediate. “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

  Solara narrowed her eyes. “What are you after?”

  Keira turned slowly toward the remaining recruits. “I want that,” she said sweetly.

  Solara followed her gaze—and smiled.

  “What a wonderful idea, Master Sergeant.”

  The two of them laughed together.

  Nearby, Lyra went pale.

  And the forest suddenly felt very, very quiet.