The Capital (5)
951 Words
The ship finally slowed down, and everyone inside felt the vibration under their feet. A loud horn signaled that they had arrived.
“Alright, get your things,” Ray said, picking up his bag.
Kael watched out the window. The Capital’s docking station came into view—a large platform made of stone and metal, with guards and workers moving around. Everything looked bigger and more organized than Brimwell.
“Wow… this place is huge,” Niel said.
Kael nodded. “Yeah. It feels different here.”
A final announcement came through the speakers:
“All recruits, please disembark. Welcome to the Capital of Elyndra.”
The six of them exchanged a nervous look before joining the crowd leaving the ship.
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When they stepped onto the dock, the size of the Capital became even clearer.
Tall buildings, wide roads, and a lot of people moving with purpose. The air felt cooler too.
“This doesn’t feel like the same Kingdom,” Niel said quietly.
“No kidding,” Ray added.
A woman with short silver hair stood waiting for them at the end of the walkway. She wore a dark-blue uniform with the symbol of Elyndra on her chest.
“Welcome, recruits,” she said in a firm tone. “My name is Lieutenant Celene. You will follow me to the Orientation Hall. Stay close and don’t wander.”
Everyone nodded, staying in a tight group as she led them through the Capital.
Kael looked around while walking. Everything felt strict and controlled. Soldiers marched in lines. Workers carried equipment. Even the streets looked clean and organized.
“It’s really different from home,” Kael said.
“Yeah,” Niel replied. “We’re definitely not in Brimwell anymore.”
The group continued walking, unsure of what was waiting for them next.
Lieutenant Celene led them into a huge building with tall pillars and bright lights. Inside, hundreds of recruits were already gathered. The hall was wide enough to fit an entire airship.
“Everyone, stand in rows,” Celene ordered. “Officers will distribute your equipment.”
Kael and his group followed the flow of recruits and stood in one of the forming lines. After a few moments, several officers walked in, each carrying metal cases.
One officer stopped in front of Kael’s line and opened the case.
“Hold out your hands,” he said.
Inside the case were dark-gray watches with glowing blue rims. Simple and sturdy.
When Kael held out his hand, the officer strapped one onto his wrist.
“This is your AetherWatch,” the officer explained. “You will use this every day.”
He spoke loud enough for the whole row to hear.
“It has several functions. First, communication — you can speak with your squad or your Captain. Second, location tracking — if you get lost, your Captain can find you. Third, mission alerts, schedule updates, and emergency signals.”
Kael lifted his wrist and looked at it. The watch felt cold at first, but it fit well.
“Each watch displays a letter and number on the screen,” the officer continued. “This is your squad code. Follow your code to locate your assigned team after this orientation.”
Kael tapped the button on the side.
A glowing text appeared:
C3
Niel checked his own. “Hey, I got C1.”
Ray looked. “I’m B4.”
Their group quickly realized they would all be separated.
Kael felt something drop in his chest.
They had just gotten used to being together.
Niel sighed. “Well… that’s sad.”
“Yeah,” Kael said quietly. “But I guess this is how it works.”
“Once you finish orientation, follow the hallways to your squad stations,” the officer said, moving on to the next row.
Kael looked at his watch again.
C3.
He wondered who he would meet.
Who his Captain would be.
And if he would fit in.
Before he could think further, Lieutenant Celene stepped onto the stage.
“Recruits,” she said, her voice steady and loud. “Your training begins tomorrow. Today, you will meet your squads and settle in your assigned quarters.”
Everyone listened closely.
“You were chosen because your families believe you can help save Elyndra. The danger below the Stormveil is real. But the fact that all of you are here means you have already shown courage.”
Kael swallowed hard.
“We won’t lie to you. The mission to recover the Heart of the Sky is risky. But we will train you, guide you, and prepare you as much as we can.”
She paused.
“Once you leave these halls, you are no longer just sons and daughters. You are Descendants.”
Some recruits straightened up at that.
Some grew nervous.
Kael just felt a mix of both.
“Find your squads. Meet your Captains. Your six-month training starts soon.”
With that, the orientation ended.
Recruits began spreading out across the hallways.
Niel gave Kael a tap on the shoulder. “Hey… even if we’re not in the same team, let’s still meet up during free time, okay?”
“Yeah,” Kael said, trying to smile. “We’re still friends.”
Ray nodded. “Good luck, Kael. Looks like you’re in Team C3.”
“And you’re in B4,” Kael replied. “Don’t get into trouble.”
They laughed a little, even though everyone was feeling the same thing inside — nervous and uncertain.
Kael took a deep breath, looked at his watch again, and followed the sign that pointed to:
East Wing, Squadron C
He walked alone now, toward whatever awaited him in C3.
- Writer
