Kael felt a strange calm as he drifted through the tempest, the figure's words echoing in his mind. "The storm is not your enemy… it is your strength. But strength without control is destruction." Reaching out, he longed to touch the figure, to understand its meaning. But the storm surged violently, tearing him from his dream. Awake with a gasp, Kael found himself sweating, the remnants of the vision fading.
"This isn’t training. It’s suicide," Kael grumbled, fighting to keep up. Daisuke Raion chuckled, his voice a comforting rumble amidst the storm. "Welcome to life as a Tempest Knight, rookie. You’ll either get stronger or get blown away!" Commander Sylas, ever focused, led them forward. "So, where are we even going? You said something about the Eye of the Storm?" "It’s the calm at the center of the Tempest Veil. The storm’s origin. And if you want to control the power you’ve been given, you’ll need to face it head-on." The winds shifted, and a Tempest Wraith emerged, its form a chaotic blend of wind and fury.
"Form up! Protect the rookie!" Sylas commanded, his spear raised defiantly. But Kael stepped forward, determination etched into his features. "No. If I’m going to control this power, I need to start now." The Knights hesitated but obeyed, forming a defensive line as Kael faced the Wraith. His Tempest Arm, a spear of condensed wind energy, glowed brighter as he focused his will on the creature.
"Damn it! How am I supposed to hit something made of wind?!" Sylas's voice cut through the chaos. "Stop relying on brute force! The storm responds to your will. Focus, Kael!" Breathing deeply, Kael steadied himself, letting the storm's rhythm guide him. As the Wraith charged once more, he listened, felt its presence, and struck with precision. The Wraith shrieked, dissipating into the wind, leaving Kael exhausted but victorious. Daisuke grinned. "Not bad, rookie! You might survive this after all!" Sylas nodded. "You’re starting to understand. But this was just a fragment. The real test lies ahead."
"This… this is where it all started?" Kael's voice wavered with awe. Sylas stood beside him, his gaze fixed on the Eye. "Yes. This is the heart of the Tempest Veil. And if you want to master your stormbinding, you’ll need to enter the Eye." Hesitation gripped Kael. "What’s in there?" "Your past… your fears… and the truth about the storm. You’ll face the storm’s will. And it won’t go easy on you." A roar shattered the stillness as an Aether Reaper emerged, its form a monstrous blend of lightning and fury.
"I should be helping… but what if I mess up? What if I lose control again?" As the Reaper unleashed a shockwave, Sylas shouted. "Kael! Now’s your chance! Trust the storm!" Heart racing, Kael charged, the winds swirling around him. With the Reaper lunging, Kael leapt, his spear glowing with storm energy. "This is my power, and I’ll control it!" His spear struck true, the Reaper's core shattering. As lightning fragments scattered, Kael stood victorious, surrounded by the cheering Knights. Daisuke laughed. "You’re a natural, rookie! That was amazing!" Sylas smiled faintly. "He’s not a natural. He’s just learning fast." Kael looked up, resolve burning in his eyes. "What’s next?" Sylas gestured toward the Eye. "You survived the Reaper. Now, it’s time to face the storm itself." As Kael stepped forward, the screen faded to black.
