Kaden stood behind the divine Knights and holy Knights. Aya and other master Knights stood next to him as the recruitment ceremony was underway.

This year the council of four nations decided for the bravery and potential shown, some of this year's advanced course for Lyzria university would become Knights far ahead of schedule. Normally the advanced course students wouldn't graduate until their thirteenth month of the year.

Vyrmm had decorated the school's entrance for the ceremony. Long podiums lined with exotic flowers were set up in front of the school. In between them is where the temporary king stood. With the previous king having been slain, a member of the Supreme Council acted as a fill-in until someone worthy was found.

The Knights who examined the students lined behind him along with their students and squad. In front were the nominees. Behind the nominees were cheering civilians and Knights.

His gaze land on Kariah-Belle. She was staring at him and he stared back wondering if he'd have another vision. He didn't.

He wonder if she was upset with him because he had played a part in destroying her school. Kaden could never remember transforming or what happened after but Iris always filled him in. He had seen the bounty hunter, Memphis and must have been near death. After a sequence of events, Aya was able to revert Kaden back to normal but not before Rygilya had killed a young man who was a friend of Kariah-Belle.

Did she blame him? He pondered but knew she couldn't. It wasn't his fault she choked mid-battle. She was the one who'd gotten cold feet and her friend paid the price because of it. The young man wasn't sure why she'd even be a nominee.

The fill-in king was known as Raphiel Stoneheart. He finished his speech and gestured for the leader of each squad to begin the drafting process.

Before long holy Knight Van Lycanna stepped up but not before he nodded to Iris who nodded back. Kaden wondered what that was about.

"This was a tough decision." Van began speaking into the microphone. "Still, it's one I know I won't regret. Akio Stoneheart. Monty Silvers. Starting from today the three of you are master Knights. Welcome to squad NightWolf."

The crowd behind the nominees cheered. However, the newly appointed Knights seemed indifferent to the matter. Kaden didn't blame their lack of interest. The two lost comrades only a few days ago.

They made their way to Van who gave them their cloaks that bared the master Knight insignia. Then together with Holy Knight: Limbo Wolf, the two fell behind the other Knights who've yet to pick from the nominees.

As the drafting continued, Kaden noticed the way Kariah-Belle beamed at a purple-haired young woman he knew was Mae Lu from the reports. A divine Knight by the name of Amoria had drafted her. The purple-haired girl had lucked out and got a divine Knight that would one day become a powerful holy Knight in the years to come. Ianna and Lax-Rim were also called.

Before long, Iris stepped up to make her pick and Kaden couldn't believe her choice...

"For your bravery and self-sacrifice during the encounter during the initial evaluation as well as your great potential with a sword Kariah-Belle Nadire, you are a master Knight belonging to squad Blazing Star as of today."

Kaden glared daggers at the back of his master's head. Was she serious? Bravery? She had to be kidding?

What was his master thinking? If the newbie got cold feet on the battlefield that could spell disaster for the entire team.

The brown-haired young woman walked up to receive her cloak. She and Iris fell in behind Kaden and Aya.

Not only did she chose the choke. Kaden thought angrily. She ONLY chooses the choke.

Ralphial Stoneheart closed the ceremony with a short speech and congratulations. The large crowd cheered their congratulations to the recruits. The ceremony was over soon after and Iris went over to talk to King Ralphial and the other squad leaders.

Kariah-Belle went to say goodbye to her friends. The new recruits would be shipped off with their team almost immediately.

Kaden watched Kariah-Belle and her friends laugh and hug each other before saying their final goodbyes. They most likely wouldn't see each other until some time next year.

Kaden noticed Aya watching him.

"What?" he asked her, raising a brow in question.

"Nothing," she said, turning her attention to Kariah-Belle. "Just... Be nice."

Kaden didn't know what she meant by that. He was usually always nice unless provoked.

Kariah-Belle made her way over to the two. She beamed at Aya who smiled back.

"Nice to have you as a part of the team," said the white-haired young woman. "We look forward to working with you."

Kaden snorted. "Speak for yourself," he mumbled.

Kariah-Belle raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Kaden didn't repeat himself. Instead, he stepped to her and looked her in the eyes trying to see if he'd have another vision. Nothing happened. Her eyes narrow, not backing down.

"Uuhh may I help you?" the caramel-skinned young woman said, folding her arms.

"Yeah, you can actually." he said shaking his head. "You can tell me why Iris let a choke like you on this team."

"Kaden!" Aya snapped.

"Well, she's a choke!" He exclaimed, staring at Kariah-Belle. "You know it. I know. Iris knows it. Yet and still she chooses her out of all the potential."

"Kaden you weren't there with us," Aya said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "She would have given her life for her friend if I hadn't been there. Iris knows what she's doing. If she chose her then there must be a good reason."

"That may be but when she was needed most she froze like a block of ice. What'll happen when we're depending on her on the battlefield? We could be killed!"

"Kaden!" Aya snapped again. "She is apart of this team now and you will treat her as such or would you like master Iris to get invol—"

"Thanks, Aya." Kariah-Belle interrupted. Her voice was calm and even though Kaden could see her eyes starting to water as if she was about to cry.

Oh boy. Kaden thought to himself. Maybe I overd-

Pain exploded through his right eye when Kariah-Belle slammed her fist into it. The hit was so hard he'd swore she used mana.

He stumbled backward holding his eye with surprise written all over his face.

"Fucking asshole." The young woman said as she stormed off.

Aya burst out laughing. "Serves you right for being a jerk."

Kaden was speechless. All he could do was stare through one eye at the young woman walking away.

********

It was the next day when Kaden and his squad made it back to the capital of Laviria. He and Kariah-Belle hadn't spoken since she'd socked him.

The young man had been thinking maybe he had jumped the gun at the ceremony. The way she clocked him without hesitation spoke volumes to him. She at least had the balls to stand up for herself. Still, that was different from being on the battlefield. Soon he'd be able to see if she really had guts.

Kaden was currently waiting for the rest of his team. He sat in the outside of one of his favorite inns of the capital.

Kartrina, the capital of Laviria was built into a mountain range. The buildings here were made of chrome-eight and titanium-4. They reached the into the sky.

From where he sat, Kaden could see the seaport down the mountain. The place was beautiful. The young man loved his home.

He looked over to a statue of Queen Ahmeal. His queen Ahmeal. She was not only beautiful but considered a genius. The woman was only a few years older than he, yet she was a mid-tier holy Knight. She was feared and respected yet kind and gentle.

A rose with thorns. He thought.

Kaden smiled to himself. He remembered the promise they'd made years ago. He was a teenager then but the pact they made shaped him into the young man he is today. He couldn't wait till the next time he saw her.

"Kaaaaaaaadeeeeeen!" Iris shouted, interrupting his thoughts.

She made her way over to him. Aya and Kariah-Belle chatting behind her. Kaden watched the honey brown-haired young woman. She and Aya had spent a lot of time together since leaving Vyrmm. Normally Aya wasn't one to give her trust so quickly. Kaden could only figure it was because Kariah-Belle was now her teammate and having a bond was important on the battlefield.

Kaden knew that one day his life could depend on Kariah-Belle. She was a member of squad Blazing Star now and he knew that having close relations with a teammate could be the difference in a life or death scenario. Nonetheless, he was skeptical.

He wasn't one to give his trust so easily either.

Today would be the day he sees if she's worth being a part of this squad.

"I see you're still recovering from that black eye." Iris teased.

Kaden glared at his master.

Iris chuckled. "Hey don't look at me like that, Kay. You provoked her. You deserved it."

Kaden noticed Aya nudged Kariah-Belle who stepped forward. "Sorry for decking you." she said, arms folded and staring him in the eyes.

An apology was something he hadn't expected. He noted her character.

Looking away, he spoke. "I apologize as well. I shouldn't have gotten in your face." He narrowed his eyes as he continued. "That doesn't mean my opinion about you not belonging on this team has changed. I still think it's a bad idea to have a choke on this squad."

"What is your deal?!" Kariah-Belle blurted out.

"My DEAL is this isn't the university. Our missions are different. Being under a holy Knight could paint a big fat target on your back and I'm just not sure you can hack it."

The risk of being under Star Titannia was high. Her enemies were their enemies. The missions that were assigned to them were more dangerous and harsher than anything she had ever experienced. In the end, Kaden was concerned for not only the safety of Aya and Iris, but for Kariah-Belle's as well. He didn't want to witness her life cut short because of a bad decision.

Kariah-Belle said nothing. Her face said it all. She didn't know what being a Knight would entail.

He hoped to scare her off.

"You're right." She took a step towards him. "Maybe I can't hack it but my friend gave his life so I could live. I won't let his sacrifice be in vain. I won't let you or anyone else impede my goals."

Kaden understood wanting to honor a friend's death. He could see a fire in her eyes. Whatever this girl was chasing after, she wanted badly. Regardless, all the determination in the world wouldn't help if you couldn't hold your own.

The two stared each other in the eyes until Iris put a hand on Kaden's shoulder.

"Kaden, I chose her for a reason. Today you'll see that reason for yourself. Come. Let's head to the barracks. Everyone is waiting."

Nearly half an hour passed by the time the group made it to the Eastern barracks. Kariah-Belle had been marveling at the grand scenery that was Kartrina the whole walk while Iris and Aya showed her around. She obviously hadn't seen a city like his capital before. He didn't blame her for being wide-eyed. From time to time he still would admire his homeland.

They entered the tall building that was the barracks. Inside were weapons upon weapons mounted on the wall. Swords, rifles, axes, pistols, etc, all able to channel mana. Each class of weapon had its own section. High stairs led upwards to sleeping quarters. Another set of stairs would lead to the entrance that would allow one to walk the long walls stretched from North to East. Other barracks were stationed along the wall.

Sitting in the middle was a large metallic table. Surrounding it were Knights.

"Star Titania!" shouted a big burly man with an accent.

He sported bulky armor. His beard was bushy and black with specks of grey, like the hair that fell just past his shoulders. "Kaden, Aya! Come! join us!"

The group made their way over. Kariah-Belle fell behind.

"Sir Jericho," Iris said with a bright smile. "Thanks for meeting me here today." She looked at the Knights surrounding the table. "It's good to see you all again. You've come a long way in these few short months."

"Thank you Lady Iris." Six of the Knights answered.

Kaden felt an arm wrap around his neck then something soft against his face.

"Kaden, Aya!" said a raven haired woman. She had both him and Aya in a hold that was in between a headlock and a hug. Their faces pressed against her cheeks. "My goodness, it's been too long! Iris has been working you both very hard, I see."

"That's would be an understatement, lady Ratilla." said Aya.

The woman chuckled as she released them. Then took a step back to observe them. "My, my." she said nodding. "Iris you have to give me the training regimen you use for these two. I can tell just by looking at them they've grown a lot."

Iris laughed. "As if you need it. Your students have grown exponentially as well. I'm impressed."

"Thank you lady Iris." Three master Knights responded. All of them students of Ratilla.

"So Iris," said the white-haired man. "You're the newest recruit, eh? She resembles Kaden."

Everyone turned their attention to Kariah-Belle who seemed uncomfortable with having so many eyes on her.

"Ah yes." Iris answered. "Kariah-Belle, step forward and introduce yourself."

The brown-haired young woman stepped forward and cleared her throat.

"I am Kariah-Belle Nadire. Newly appointed master Knight. Very nice to meet you all. You have a lovely home." She bowed slightly.

Sir Jericho laughed loudly. "No need to be so formal young lady," he said. "You're among comrades. I'm Jericho Ste—"

"Jericho Steelhorn," Kariah-Belle interrupted admiration in her eyes. "I know who you are. You're the divine Knight who single-handedly defended an entire city from a large pack of wild Cerberi."

She then looked to Lady Ratilla. "Ratilla Runes. The woman who lead an attack on a Vympiri stronghold and freed hundreds of captives."

Kaden caught the adoration in her voice.

Ratilla giggled. "She's adorable!" the woman said, pinching her cheeks. "Someone has done her research."

"I'm just a huge fan of your work," Kariah-Belle said. "I hope to catch up to you all one day."

Kaden could see that fire from before light in her eyes again as she spoke that last part. He wondered if living up to all the Knights before her was her goal.

The burly man laughed once again. "I like that fire in your eyes, young lady. Stick with Star and I'm sure you'll be a Knight even greater than her!"

"We expect great things from the survivor of the Nadire family." Added Lady Ratilla. "Don't let us down."

Kariah-Belle's eyes lit up with delight at the older Knights words. She bowed. "Yes, ma'am!"

"Well with introductions out of the way," began Sir Jericho. "How about we get down to business."

"Ah yes," Star Titannia grinned at Kariah-Belle. "The gauntlet awaits."

Kariah-Belle gave her a confused look. "The gauntlet?" she asked.

"You'll see." she said as she and the other Knights headed to the opposite side of the barracks. "Follow."

Everyone soon found themselves in a military-grade land rover. The students rode in the back of the vehicle while their masters rode upfront.

"So," said Venton, giving Kaden a curious look. "How did Kaden of all people end up with a black eye?"

"Our rookie over there." Aya chuckled as she gestured to Kariah-Belle. "She seems to have a mean straight jab, and an accurate one at that."

Everyone looked at Kariah-Belle. She blushed a bit and opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by laughter. Most of the master Knights double over. Kaden knew they wanted to annoy him.

It was working.

"Oh man, Kaden." said a dark-skinned drakon with green-red scales covering his neck and cheeks. "She really did a number on you."

Kaden gave him the finger. "Shut up, Vade." he said irritated. Kaden didn't mind being the butt of a joke. He could take it and dish it. All he could do was roll with the punches this time. "The new girl got a free pass is all."

"Aw let me guess." said the pink-haired young woman known as Hemoria. She moved to plop down next to Kariah-Belle. "Kaden was being a jerk, right? Don't worry, you'll get used to his trash talk."

"Damn Kay," Tori moved closer to observe his bruise. "That's a meeaaaan bruise. Did you cry?"

She tried to touch it. Just to annoy him as she enjoyed doing whenever she was around. Kaden slapped her hand away.

"Oh shut up." Kaden said folding his arms. "It's more than what you can accomplish."

Not only did Kariah-Belle give him a black eye but she also got him the hazing that would probably last the whole trip.

Which it did. The group congratulated Kariah-Belle on socking Kaden just to get under his skin. They teased and teased. Kaden decided he'd make his friends pay for this first chance he got.

Finally, everyone exited the rover. Kaden began stretching to prepare for the challenge ahead.

"What is this place?" Kariah-Belle said in awe of the massive cave in front of her.

"Welcome to the gauntlet, rookie." Kaden told her as he stretched. "Try and keep up."