The morning sun was just beginning to rise, coloring the skies of Surajgarh with warm shades of orange and gold. A soft breeze passed over the Flame Crest Citadel, carrying with it the smell of fresh earth and distant smoke. The world outside seemed calm — but Aryan knew better.
He stood alone on the stone balcony of the Citadel, dressed in the simple black and red uniform of a Beastbinder cadet. His body still ached from yesterday's trial, and bruises lined his arms and legs like badges of honor. Yet, inside him, there was a fire — a burning excitement he could not hide.
He had passed.
He was now one step closer to becoming a true defender of the Suryan Empire.
Aryan rested his hands on the cool stone railing and looked down at the training grounds. Below, dozens of cadets were already awake, sparring with wooden staffs, practicing mantras, or tending to their beasts. Some of the beasts roared, some chirped, some simply lounged lazily under the morning sun.
A quiet chuckle escaped his lips. Just a day ago, he had been among them — unsure, nervous, and struggling. Now, a new path awaited him.
The heavy doors behind him creaked open.
Aryan turned to see Captain Ishvari stride onto the balcony. She wore polished armor, and her sharp brown eyes seemed to pierce straight through him. She carried herself with the easy strength of someone who had survived more battles than she could count.
Without a word, she tossed a folded scroll toward him.
Aryan caught it awkwardly and unrolled it. His eyes quickly scanned the message written in neat, bold letters.
Mission: Border Patrol AssignmentLocation: Western Front, near the Shattered ValeObjective: Investigate beast attacks. Search for signs of Unbinder activity. Defend local villages.
Aryan's hands tightened around the scroll.
The Shattered Vale was no simple forest or village border. It was a dangerous wasteland — filled with wild beasts, bandits, and, worse, enemies who hated everything the Empire stood for. Rumors said the Unbinders had started gathering there, whispering promises of a world without beastbinding, without rules.
"So soon?" Aryan asked, forcing his voice to stay steady.
Captain Ishvari gave him a small, grim smile.
"We don't have time to waste," she said. "The Empire needs soldiers now. Warriors who can face real threats, not just practice in safe halls."
She moved beside him, her gaze distant as she looked out toward the misty mountains at the horizon.
"The Unbinders are not the only danger," she said softly. "Some beasts... they are changing. Growing wilder, more violent. Some say the Unbinders have found dark ways to break the natural bond between man and beast."
Aryan swallowed.It was worse than he thought.
"You leave tonight," Captain Ishvari continued. "You'll join a strike team heading to the Western Front. Prepare yourself."
She turned to leave but paused at the doorway.
"Aryan," she said, her voice quieter now. "Remember... bravery wins battles. But wisdom wins wars. Keep your beast close. Keep your spirit strong."
And then she was gone.
Later that day...
In the low light of the Citadel's armory, Aryan adjusted the leather straps of his armor and checked his travel bag. A simple sword hung at his hip — not enchanted, not shining, but sharp and ready. His heart beat faster with every passing moment. Excitement, fear, pride — they all mixed inside him like a storm.
At the far end of the armory, his Vanara beast crouched, watching him with bright, intelligent eyes. Its golden fur shimmered like fire in the torchlight. Muscles rippled under its lean frame, and its tail swished slowly, showing both boredom and readiness.
Aryan walked over and knelt beside the creature. He rested his hand gently against its thick fur.
"We're going into the unknown," he whispered. "Danger, battle, maybe even death. Are you ready?"
The Vanara grunted softly and nudged Aryan's hand with its forehead.
A small smile touched Aryan's lips. The bond between them was still rough, still full of wild energy, but it was there — alive, growing.
They would not face the darkness alone.
Outside, the sun dipped lower, and the sky darkened into the deep purples of evening. Soon, the horns would sound, and the strike team would ride out. Beyond the walls of the Citadel, the real world waited — harsh, cruel, and full of enemies.
Aryan stood, feeling the weight of his sword and the warmth of the Vanara at his side.
Whatever lay ahead — beasts, Unbinders, war —He would meet it head-on.
He was a Flame Crest soldier now.
And this... was just the beginning.