Arjun expected a building.
What he saw instead felt impossible.
A city floated in the sky.
Massive platforms of white stone and shining metal hovered above a mountain range, connected by bridges made of light. Towers stretched upward like spears toward the fractured sky, their surfaces covered in moving symbols.
Energy flowed everywhere — visible currents drifting through the air like glowing rivers.
Kael pressed his face near the window.
Okay… I take back everything. This is insane.
Mira stared silently, eyes wide.
It's beautiful…
Seraphine allowed herself a small smile.
Welcome to Astral City. Headquarters of the Astral Accord.
The vehicle descended smoothly toward a landing platform. As they approached, Arjun noticed people everywhere — dozens of Awakened training, flying, creating energy constructs, or sparring openly.
No one looked surprised by impossible things.
This was normal here.
The vehicle landed.
The doors opened with a soft sound.
The air felt different the moment Arjun stepped outside.
Denser.
Alive.
Origin Flow concentration, Lyra said quietly. Much stronger than the outside world.
Seraphine nodded.
This place sits on a stabilized convergence point. Easier to train. Harder for entities to invade.
Several Accord members approached, wearing uniforms marked with glowing insignias.
But Arjun noticed something else.
They were staring at him.
Whispers spread quickly.
That's him.
The Guardian bearer.
Unwritten One…
Kael leaned closer.
Yeah, you're famous famous now.
A tall boy with silver hair stood nearby watching them. Blue energy crackled faintly around his shoulders, controlled and precise.
His eyes locked onto Arjun.
So this is the anomaly everyone's talking about.
Seraphine sighed quietly.
Ignore him.
Too late.
The boy walked over confidently.
Name's Leon Veyr. Rank A Awakened.
He looked Arjun up and down.
You don't look special.
Mira frowned.
You don't look polite either.
Leon smirked slightly.
I'm just honest.
He turned back to Arjun.
People here trained for years to earn recognition. You show up and suddenly you're the center of everything.
Blue energy sparked around his hand.
Let's see if you're worth the attention.
Seraphine stepped forward instantly.
Leon. Stand down.
But Leon's eyes stayed fixed on Arjun.
Just a friendly test.
Around them, other Awakened slowed their training, sensing tension.
Arjun felt the pressure in the air.
A challenge.
His symbol pulsed softly.
Kael whispered.
Please don't destroy the city on day one.
Arjun stepped forward calmly.
I'm not here to fight.
Leon tilted his head.
Then you'll lose everywhere else.
Blue energy surged suddenly as Leon vanished and reappeared in front of Arjun, fist already moving.
Instinct activated.
First Step.
The world slowed.
Threads appeared.
Arjun shifted slightly before the punch landed.
Leon's attack passed harmlessly beside him.
Leon's eyes widened.
He attacked again — faster.
Arjun moved again, minimal motion, perfectly timed.
The watching crowd murmured.
He's predicting movements…
Leon stopped and jumped back, now serious.
Interesting.
Golden light flickered around Arjun's wrist.
He didn't attack back.
Only stood calmly.
Leon laughed softly.
You're not weak.
Seraphine crossed her arms.
Satisfied?
Leon nodded once.
For now.
He turned away.
But next time, don't hold back.
The crowd slowly dispersed, excitement spreading through whispers.
Mira exhaled.
You handled that well.
Kael grinned.
Congratulations. You passed the anime rival introduction test.
Seraphine motioned toward the central tower.
Come on. The Accord leaders want to meet you.
Arjun looked toward the tallest structure in the city.
At its peak, a massive symbol rotated slowly — the same shape as the one on his hand.
His power reacted immediately.
Something inside that tower was calling him.
And deep beneath Astral City…
something ancient stirred awake for the first time in centuries.