The sun rose high above Nova Tower, casting golden rays over the training courtyard. The air crackled with pressure as Kael and Kaito stood across from one another, both steady, breathing calmly, while Liora and Azephon observed from the stone terrace above. This wasn't just any spar—it was the beginning of something greater.
Liora crossed her arms, eyes fixed on both brothers. "We'll train you how the stars teach warriors. If what's coming truly originates from the edge of space, then you'll need more than raw Will. You'll need precision, clarity, and control beyond anything Earth ever demanded."
Azephon nodded, his ancient aura nearly warping the air around him. "The Ilyria technique is not brute force—it's harmony with time and matter. You will learn to bend motion, not break it. Flow with the storm, not fight it."
Kael cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like a dance."
Kaito smirked. "Good. I've always had better rhythm than you."
Without another word, Liora snapped her fingers. A pulse of energy rippled through the courtyard—and gravity suddenly intensified. Kael's knees bent slightly, muscles adapting immediately. Kaito didn't flinch. A test.
"This is Phase One: Starborne Pressure," Azephon said calmly. "You'll move, strike, block, and redirect under the simulated weight of ten atmospheres. Your Wills will evolve—fast."
Kaito launched forward first, a blur despite the crushing force. Kael met him head-on, their fists clashing in a concussive echo. Sparks flew. The stone beneath their feet cracked from the sheer friction. Every movement became a battle of breath and intent, not just strength.
Liora's voice cut through the clash. "Control your Will, Kael. Don't let it flare—shape it!"
Kael gritted his teeth, focusing inward. The Last Will surged in his chest, hungry to break free. But instead of releasing it, he channeled it. Focused it like a blade. His body shimmered for a moment—he slowed his perception of time, Voidstepping mid-punch and reappearing behind Kaito.
But Kaito had already moved.
"You're not the only one who's evolved, little brother."
The older Kurai spun with a Will-infused roundhouse, narrowly missing Kael's jaw. Their spar turned more serious. Not out of rivalry—but mutual respect.
Up on the terrace, Azephon turned to Liora. "They're syncing faster than I expected."
"They'll need to," Liora replied, her voice serious. "Because the thing we sensed... it's moving. We said three years, but the signal has started shifting direction."
Azephon's brow furrowed. "Toward Earth?"
Liora nodded. "Straight for it."
Back on the field, Kael landed hard after a Will-pulse from Kaito. He coughed but smiled. "Okay… maybe you do have better rhythm."
Kaito helped him up. "Told you."
Azephon clapped once, and the gravity dropped instantly. The two brothers staggered, sweat glistening on their foreheads.
"That was just the warm-up," Azephon said, stepping forward. "Next is Phase Two—Temporal Sync. You'll learn how to fight across fragmented time."
Kael looked up, eyes blazing. "Then let's get to it. Whatever's coming from that darkness… I want to be ready."
Kaito stood beside him, nodding in unison.
Together, the brothers of Kurai prepared to become not just defenders of Shinzai—but warriors worthy of the stars.