The Setting Sun cast its last rays over Delphi, tinging the sky with shades of orange and red. The city, a harmonious blend of ancient architecture and modern elements, reflected the eternal influence of the Sanctuary of Athena. White pilasters supported majestic columns alongside contemporary structures, composing a landscape where the past and present intertwined in perfect synchrony.
A gentle breeze meandered through the columns, bringing the freshness of the grass and the delicate scent of wildflowers blooming along the slopes. The rustling of leaves accompanied the reverent silence of the environment, as if an ancestral whisper echoed among the stones. The ground, still warm from the last rays of the sun, radiated an almost palpable energy. It was as if the very earth held ancient echoes, released with each step.
Fernando Stein and Maya Suzuki were immersed in an intense martial arts exercise at the training center for aspiring knights. Fernando, with his always attentive eyes and medium stature, moved with an almost carefree confidence, as if each movement were a natural extension of his being. His strikes were fluid and elegant, and he advanced with a light smile on his face, his carefree expression hiding the calculated precision of each attack. There was something magnetic and intriguing about his presence, a natural charisma he carried like a second skin, effortlessly. He was the type of person who cracked jokes even in the most critical moments, a gentleman with unshakable humor and a gentle personality, whose lightness contrasted with the seriousness of combat.
Maya, on the other hand, was a figure of pure concentration. Her shoulders were tense, and her focused gaze showed an almost fierce determination, as if nothing could divert her from her goal. She maintained a serious and impassive expression, her lips pressed into a thin line, while her movements—firm, direct, and calculatedly precise—reflected her sharp mind. Maya was not just fighting Fernando; she seemed to be waging an internal battle, a confrontation against something invisible and immense. For her, that training was not a simple routine. Each strike carried the weight of a promise, a silent vow. She was not there just to win; she was there to prove something to herself.
The sandy floor of the arena marked each step, absorbing impacts and raising small clouds of dust with every more intense movement. Around them, the stone stands were almost empty, but the few peers watching kept their eyes fixed on the fight. The open sky above cast a setting light, reflected in the sweat streaming down Maya's face and Fernando's light smile, while the warm wind passed by, carrying the scent of earth and the distant murmur of other trainings. The contrast between the two was almost palpable, like the meeting of fire and water, tension and lightness. While Fernando saw the training as a dance—a celebration of the freedom he felt when moving—Maya viewed each strike as a battle, another step in her personal journey of self-overcoming.
"You're getting better and better, Maya! Who would have thought that shy girl is now the master of hand-to-hand combat," Fernando commented with a confident smile, deftly dodging a kick and responding with a quick strike. "Just be careful not to outpace me too quickly!" he added with a playful grin.
Maya took a deep breath, her cheeks slightly flushed from the effort, regaining her balance and watching Fernando with a sparkle in her eyes, as if weighing his words. After a moment, she returned the smile. "Thank you, Fernando," she replied, lowering her eyes for a moment before looking up again with a smile. "But it wouldn't be possible without your patience in teaching me these new techniques."
She took a step back and raised her guard again, determined to show how much she had learned.
Around them, the wind carried the echo of other trainings in the arena, but at that moment, for Maya, the world was reduced to the combat between them—and the trust Fernando had placed in her.
As the duo continued their training, Aisha Patel—a girl with blonde hair and honey-colored eyes, with a slight tan from days under the sun—watched attentively from a nearby corner in the arena stands. With a mischievous smile on her lips, she leaned forward and, without missing a beat, gave Fernando a friendly poke.
"It's true," Aisha teased, laughing. "If it were just you training Maya, she'd still be trying to hit the air with that kick."
Fernando laughed, adjusting his posture. In response, an orange aura, like small dancing flames, began to envelop his body—a sign of his cosmo, revealing that his powers were likely focused on fire techniques. "Hey, everyone has their own pace," he replied, winking at Maya. "And I love seeing you progress."
Maya rolled her eyes, smiling slightly. Blushing from the effort and her friends' teasing, she responded with a hint of challenge in her voice. "Then I'll keep hitting the 'air'... until I hit you, Aisha," she said, giving her friend a firm look without losing focus on the training.
Aisha laughed loudly, crossing her arms while pretending to take a step back. "Oops! Now you're speaking my language, girl!"
The warm wind of the arena carried the echoes of laughter and teasing, blending with the muffled sounds of strikes on the sandy floor. Around them, the training scene for the aspiring knights continued at its own pace, but for Maya, that moment was different. Training with Fernando was already quite a challenge, but Aisha's presence and good humor made the experience even more special—it was as if, for the first time, she wasn't just training but also being part of something bigger. Although she knew that moments like these were common for the group, Maya felt a growing connection with her friends, a sense of belonging that made each training session unique and unforgettable.
"Maya is really mastering that fighting technique," Léo commented, his green eyes fixed on the computer screen. He lightly touched his black-framed glasses with gold wire on the side, adjusting them. "Her accuracy rate has increased by 20% since the last analysis, but I still think she could save energy on some strikes."
Sitting next to Aisha in the arena stands, Léo seemed oblivious to the surrounding environment, completely immersed in data analysis. The reflection of sunlight on his bluish hair highlighted his concentrated expression as he adjusted some parameters on the computer, always seeking maximum efficiency.
Curious, Aisha leaned in to see the screen and nudged his shoulder. "Léo, do you think we're ready for something more challenging? Something that really tests our skills?"
Léo sighed, without taking his eyes off the screen, and typed a few more commands before responding. "Not yet, Aisha. You know any mistake could be costly in a real situation." He looked over his glasses at her, his expression serious but calm. "We need to ensure each of us is at our peak before facing a more serious challenge… unless we're forced to, which I think is very unlikely."
Aisha made a face, crossing her arms with a thoughtful expression. But, seeing Léo's focus, her slight mischievous smile returned, and she just shook her head, accepting the response with a hint of resignation. Around them, the wind blew gently, mixing the sounds of Maya and Fernando's strikes with the calm environment of the arena. Despite Léo's caution, Aisha couldn't help but imagine what a real challenge would be like, something that would push everyone to the limits of their abilities and show the group's true potential.
As the friends dedicated themselves to training, small inexplicable events began to occur. Léo was the first to notice a system glitch. His computer screen flickered and, for a brief moment, displayed ancient Greek symbols before returning to normal.
"Guys, did you notice that?" Léo asked, looking up with a concerned expression, adjusting his black-framed glasses with gold wire on the side.
Fernando cast a quick glance toward the stands. "What happened? System glitch? It must be some temporary interference. Nothing major."
Maya, however, looked around, feeling a strange chill. "I heard footsteps and whispers coming from the ruins… Maybe it's just the wind, but it's different."
Aisha, noticing the serious tone in her friends' voices, placed a hand on Léo's shoulder. "It doesn't seem normal. We need to stay alert."
Léo sighed and looked away from the screen, trying to calm the others. "Let's focus on training, everyone. We still have a lot to learn today."
Determined to maintain concentration, Maya decided to perform a cosmo release to increase her endurance. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and began to channel her inner energy, making her rosy cosmo energy emerge around her in a soft, pulsating glow.
Fernando and Aisha exchanged a look, noticing the change in Maya's expression as she entered a meditative state. There was something different about her—a deep concentration that seemed to signal profound unease. The surrounding silence grew even heavier, and for a moment, everyone seemed suspended, as if time was about to reveal something hidden.
Suddenly, Maya was enveloped by a radiant light and felt a familiar and powerful presence. "Athena?" Maya's mind struggled to process what was happening. The goddess was there, with a look full of urgency, and the energy of her cosmo was unmistakable, pulsating with a force that brought both comfort and unease. Maya felt, with an inexplicable certainty, that this was more than a fleeting vision. Something greater was in motion, something beyond their understanding.
When the light disappeared and Maya opened her eyes, she took a deep breath, trying to absorb what she had just experienced. Her rosy cosmo slowly faded, but the sense of alert remained. "Something is wrong... I felt it," she murmured, still shaken.
Aisha, noticing the change in Maya's expression, left the stands and approached her cautiously. "What happened, Maya?" she asked, her tone serious and concerned.
Maya hesitated for a moment, as if trying to disguise her unease. "It was just a strange feeling. Nothing major," she replied, forcing a smile, but her voice betrayed a slight tremble.
Fernando, watching her closely, frowned. "Are you okay? You seem disturbed."
Maya nodded, trying to regain her composure. "Yes, I'm just focusing more on the training. Let's continue."
As the friends resumed training, Aisha stayed close, not returning to the stands. She watched Maya attentively, and her intuition screamed that something was deeply wrong. Even though the others were focused on their techniques, Aisha—always attentive and sensitive to the signs around her—felt that an invisible shadow hung over them, a threat she still couldn't understand. As the group's guide, Aisha knew she needed to stay alert, as that persistent premonition could be a warning of something much greater about to unfold.
Suddenly, an imposing figure appeared on the training field. Kaily of Aries, a Gold Amazon, was enveloped in a golden aura that gleamed intensely in the setting sunlight, her dark hair and blue eyes shining with an overwhelming presence. The metallic sound of her armor echoed across the field, and the four friends felt a wave of admiration and respect that left them stunned.
"Master Kaily?" Léo stood up abruptly, almost dropping his computer on the arena stand's floor. He caught it just in time, closed it, and joined his friends to approach her.
Kaily looked at them with a firm expression and declared, in a serious tone, "Athena has sent me to guide you through a definitive test. You must face a life-or-death trial to become worthy of Athena's Armors." She assumed a combat stance, her eyes fixed on each of the aspiring knights. "Prepare yourselves, Knights in training. This is your moment to prove your worth."
The four exchanged glances, realizing that this would be a real battle. Determined, Fernando, Maya, Aisha, and Léo took combat positions and advanced together, trying to coordinate their physical attacks.
Fernando was the first to attack, delivering a quick sequence of punches and kicks. His body moved with agility and precision, but Kaily dodged each strike with graceful movements, as if anticipating each of his attacks. He attempted a high kick to surprise her, but Kaily easily blocked it, holding his leg for a moment before pushing him back.
Maya took advantage of the gap and advanced immediately after, her fists firm and in a defensive stance. She spun and delivered a side kick, followed by a straight palm strike, but Kaily intercepted both with impressive speed, dodging and evading effortlessly. "Very good, Maya," Kaily said calmly, dodging another strike. "But you're still predictable."
Aisha approached from the side, trying to catch Kaily by surprise. With a quick feint, she attempted a direct punch to the Amazon's flank, but Kaily blocked the attack with a slight arm movement and took a step to the side, rendering the strike ineffective. Without wasting time, Léo also engaged in combat, attempting a left hook followed by a low kick, but the Amazon dodged both gracefully, her body moving as if it were a dance.
The four retreated for a moment, panting and frustrated. Even with coordinated and rapid attacks, Kaily had neutralized them with alarming ease, without even losing her breath. The difference in skill was evident.
Fernando, wiping the sweat from his forehead, exchanged a look with his friends and murmured, "We have no choice. We're going to need to use our cosmo." The others nodded, raising their determination.
Fernando advanced first, channeling his cosmo and using his Predatory Assault technique. He launched himself at high speed, leaving a trail of fire that drew the shape of a chasing fox. But even with the additional power, Kaily dodged with a simple spin, causing Fernando to pass straight by and miss his target.
Maya closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating on her Nebulous Current technique. Upon opening her eyes, a powerful gust of wind emanated from her hand, cutting through the space toward Kaily. However, the Gold Amazon raised a hand and easily dissipated the wind current, showing no sign of effort.
Aisha, trying to create a strategic advantage, activated her Wisdom Beacon technique. A bright light shone from her hand, revealing Kaily's location when she tried to dodge or disappear from sight. The Amazon cast a look of approval at Aisha but quickly vanished from the young woman's line of sight, leaving her momentarily disoriented.
Finally, Léo used his Rock Strike technique. He raised his hands, and pieces of rock and earth began to rise from the ground, hurling themselves at high speed toward Kaily. But once again, the Amazon dodged effortlessly, moving between the stones with almost supernatural agility.
Kaily smiled slightly, impressed by the aspirants' effort, but her expression turned serious. "You have determination, but you still need to learn the true power of cosmo." She prepared to launch her final technique. "If you persist, you will face my Stellar Extinction. That will be the end."
The four friends, despite being exhausted, did not retreat. Aisha, using her Wisdom Beacon one last time, identified a vulnerable point in Kaily and shouted to the others, "Hit there! It's our only chance!"
"It's our only chance! Let's use Nature's Predatory Assault!" Fernando shouted firmly, pushing his cosmo to the limit.
With the little energy left, Fernando, Maya, and Léo combined their techniques, merging Fernando's Predatory Assault, Maya's Nebulous Current, and Léo's Rock Strike into a joint attack, while Aisha guided them. As Fernando advanced with his powers enhanced by his companions' techniques, Kaily unleashed her Stellar Extinction, a devastating attack that enveloped them in a blinding light.
When the light dissipated, the four aspirants were on the ground, exhausted and injured. Kaily, seeing their courage and effort, approached and, with a touch of her cosmo, began to heal each of their wounds.
They stood up, battered and desolate, until Kaily declared, "You deserve what is to come."
Kaily raised her arms to the heavens and snapped her fingers. In an instant, four Bronze Armor urns appeared before each of the aspirants.
"Fernando, Maya, Léo, Aisha... You have shown strength, courage, and a unity that few possess. Athena entrusted me to bring you the mission that requires your gifts," Kaily declared with a firm and authoritative voice.
The four friends looked in awe at the urns, which suddenly opened. Each reacted to the aspirants' cosmo, and a wave of intense energy connected to each of them. The statuettes inside the urns floated and began to break apart, shaping into pieces of armor that perfectly fitted their bodies: feet, shin guards, waistbands, chest pieces, bracers, shoulder guards, and helmets.
When the transformation was complete, the cosmo of the four exploded in a vibrant aura. Fernando's orange cosmo, Maya's rosy, Aisha's white, and Léo's green shone intensely, creating a vision of pure energy and power.
The newest Bronze Knights of Athena had just been born: Fernando of the Fox, Maya of Andromeda, Aisha of the Compass, and Léo of the Sculptor. They gazed at their armor, incredulous and amazed by what had just happened.
Aisha was the first to speak, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "This is incredible!"
"What a powerful feeling! So this is what it means to be a Knight!" Fernando exclaimed, kicking the air.
"It's like I can do anything!" Maya said, looking at her fists in admiration.
Léo just smiled, his gaze filled with gratitude toward Kaily. "Thank you, Master."
Kaily watched them with a mix of pride and seriousness. "These armors represent your efforts and the dedication you have maintained through these long and hard years. But don't relax. Your journey as Knights of Athena is just beginning. Fight bravely, never give up, defend Athena with all your heart... and who knows, one day you may become Gold Knights."
The four nodded with serious and determined faces, ready to face the destiny awaiting them as Athena's new protectors.
Kaily continued, "Attention new Knights! Athena senses a disturbance in the balance of the world. To protect the goddess and maintain harmony, you have been chosen to become the new Knights."
Maya, with slight nervousness, responded confidently, "We are ready to accept this mission."
As night began to fall over Delphi, a threatening shadow watched the Guardians from afar, moving silently at the edges of the training field. The invisible presence left a premonition of imminent danger, setting the stage for the challenges that awaited them.