Saving the Nexus

The Phoinexs Arrival

The morning air at Varda Academy carried an edge of excitement that Sonia couldn't quite place. Something—or someone—had stirred the usual routines, and it was all anyone could talk about. Whispers filled the halls, spreading faster than wildfire.

"Did you hear? She's from Aeternal Flame Academy!"

"They say she's as powerful as a Nexan Prime."

"No way. No one's that strong."

"She's already got Neptune's attention."

The mention of Neptune made Sonia's stomach twist. Though Neptune had retreated into the shadows since their confrontation, her presence lingered like a shadow over Sonia's every move. The last thing she needed was another unknown factor tied to her nemesis.

By the time Sonia arrived in her midday Combat Arts class, she was already on edge. The usual buzz of the training room quieted as the instructor, Professor Kael, clapped his hands to draw their attention.

"We have a new student joining us," he announced, his gravelly voice cutting through the chatter. "Straight from Aeternal Flame Academy. Let's give a warm welcome to Phionex Flameguard."

The name alone carried weight, and when Phionex stepped into the room, the silence became palpable.

She was striking in every way. Her hair was a cascade of brilliant red, shot through with streaks of gold that seemed to flicker like flames with every movement. Her eyes were molten amber, sharp and knowing, as if she could see through every mask in the room. She walked with the confidence of someone who had nothing to prove and everything to gain, her black and crimson uniform tailored to perfection.

"Thank you, Professor," Phionex said, her voice smooth but warm, with an undertone of something sharper. She glanced around the room, her gaze sweeping over the students until it landed on Sonia. Her lips curved into a smile—not friendly, not hostile, but something in between.

Sonia felt a prickle of unease.

"Let's get right to it," Professor Kael said, motioning toward the sparring circle in the center of the room. "Phionex, why don't you demonstrate your skills? I'd like to see what you can do."

Phionex tilted her head slightly, as if amused by the request. "Of course. Any volunteers?"

The students exchanged hesitant glances, none eager to face someone with her reputation. The silence stretched until, to Sonia's dismay, Phionex pointed directly at her.

"How about you?"

Sonia blinked, taken aback. "Me?"

"Why not?" Phionex said with a shrug. "You're the strongest one here, aren't you?"

The room tensed, all eyes shifting to Sonia. Her reputation after the Neptune incident had clearly preceded her.

Sonia hesitated, glancing at Professor Kael, who gave her a subtle nod.

"Fine," Sonia said, stepping into the circle. She wasn't sure whether she wanted to prove something to herself or to the room, but backing down wasn't an option.

Phionex smirked as she stepped in, her movements fluid and deliberate. "Don't hold back, Sonia. I certainly won't."

The match began with a blast of heat. Phionex's fire erupted around her, spiraling into the air like a living entity. Sonia countered instinctively, pulling water from the training room's reservoirs and shaping it into a protective barrier. The room crackled with energy as fire met water, steam hissing between them.

Phionex was fast—faster than anyone Sonia had faced before. Her attacks were precise, each flame controlled and deliberate, testing Sonia's defenses. Sonia held her ground, but every move felt like it was being calculated, as if Phionex wasn't just fighting her but studying her.

"You're good," Phionex said, her tone almost teasing as she launched another wave of fire. "But I expected more."

Sonia gritted her teeth, forcing the water to surge forward and extinguish the flames. She could feel the heat radiating from Phionex, a pressure that made it harder to focus.

"Careful," Phionex said, her voice dropping to a near whisper as she dodged another attack. "You wouldn't want to lose control again, would you?"

Sonia froze for a fraction of a second—long enough for Phionex to sweep her legs and send her crashing to the ground.

The room went silent.

Phionex extended a hand to help her up, her smile disarming but her eyes sharp. "Don't take it personally. You're strong, Sonia. But strength without control? That's dangerous."

Sonia took the hand reluctantly, her chest tight with frustration.

Later that night, Phionex walked through the darkened corridors of the academy, her polished demeanor gone. She slipped into a hidden alcove, where Neptune was waiting, her arms crossed and her expression cold.

"You're making a lot of noise," Neptune said flatly.

"Exactly the point," Phionex replied, her tone light but with an edge of steel. "The more attention on me, the less they'll see what's coming."

"Are you sure about her?" Neptune asked, her gaze narrowing. "Sonia's unpredictable. She's dangerous."

Phionex smirked. "Exactly why we need her. She's raw potential, Neptune. Untapped, unfocused. Once we break her, she'll be unstoppable—and she won't even realize she's doing it for us."

Neptune considered this, her expression unreadable. "And if she resists?"

Phionex's eyes flared with heat, tiny embers flickering in the air. "Then I'll burn her out myself. Either way, she's the key to taking the Nexus."

Neptune's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Then let's get to work."

As the two disappeared into the shadows, the faint scent of smoke lingered in the air—a promise of the destruction to come.