A Sky of Colors
The moment the transport ship broke through Zeyda’s atmosphere, Usa-hime’s breath caught in her throat.
The sky stretched endlessly above them, painted in hues of lavender, rose, and deep cerulean. Wisps of golden clouds drifted lazily, illuminated by a sun that shone softer than Earth’s, casting a warm, pastel glow over the land below.
She pressed her hand against the glass window, eyes wide.
Zeyda wasn’t just beautiful.
It was unreal.
Below, the landscape was a blend of untouched nature and futuristic design. Vast crystal-blue lakes reflected the sky like mirrors, and rolling fields of soft, silver grass stretched toward the horizon. Towering alien trees, their leaves a luminous shade of teal, swayed gently in the wind.
And in the center of it all—
A massive white-and-gold tower.
The Celestial Spire.
A structure so impossibly tall it seemed to pierce the clouds themselves. Its pristine, reflective surface gleamed under the pastel sun, surrounded by smaller training domes and sleek landing platforms.
It looked like something straight out of a legend.
“Wow…” Usa-hime murmured.
Beside her, Kuro whistled. “Fancy place. Makes the Academy look like a dumpster.”
Zyra, standing nearby with her arms crossed, smirked. “Don’t get too comfortable. A pretty training ground doesn’t mean they’ll go easy on us.”
The intercom crackled.
“All cadets, prepare for descent. Welcome to Planet Zeyda.”
As the ship descended, Usa-hime felt a weight settle in her chest.
This wasn’t just about training.
This was about becoming stronger.
Because if she didn’t?
She wouldn’t survive the war that was coming.
Arrival at the Celestial Spire
The landing was smooth, the transport ship touching down on one of the glowing white platforms that extended from the Spire’s base.
The moment the doors hissed open, a rush of clean, crisp air filled the cabin. It smelled different—fresher than Earth’s, tinged with something electric, like a storm waiting to break.
Usa-hime stepped out with the other cadets.
Up close, the Celestial Spire was even more intimidating.
The tower’s smooth, curved design reflected the sky perfectly, and intricate golden etchings ran up its length, pulsating faintly with energy. It felt alive.
Waiting. Watching.
“Alright, recruits, eyes forward!”
A commanding voice snapped them out of their awe.
At the center of the platform stood a tall man in a sleek white coat, his sharp, mechanical-looking visor glowing blue over his left eye. His uniform bore three silver insignias—marking him as a high-ranking instructor.
“I am Instructor Callen, weapons master and chief trainer of the Hunter’s Arsenal Division.”
He swept his gaze over the group, analyzing each cadet.
“You are here because you survived the first phase of training. That was the easy part.”
His expression turned icy.
“Now? We find out if you’re actually worth training.”
A few cadets shifted nervously.
Zyra, of course, looked completely unfazed.
Usa-hime, on the other hand, felt her hands clench into fists.
This is it.
No more hesitation.
She would prove herself here.
No Time to Rest
The cadets were led into the Spire, the halls polished and pristine, lined with elegant golden patterns that pulsed faintly.
The air was cool and silent—a stark contrast to the Academy’s war-like atmosphere.
Everything about Zeyda felt… otherworldly.
Callen led them through a set of high-tech doors into a massive, circular training chamber.
It was unlike any room Usa-hime had ever seen.
The walls were lined with rows of holographic weapons, each glowing softly. The ceiling arched high above, embedded with shimmering lights that mimicked the sky outside.
And in the center—
A row of floating metal spheres hovered above a platform.
“This,” Callen said, gesturing to the room, “is the Hunter’s Armory. Your new home for the next several weeks.”
He motioned toward the weapons lining the walls.
“The tools of a Hunter are not just weapons. They are extensions of your skill, and they will determine if you live or die in the field.”
He turned, his visor scanning them.
“And today, we start with the basics.”
A panel slid open in the floor, revealing a long rack of sleek, silver pistols.
“The Hunter’s Laser Pistol. Your primary sidearm.”
Callen picked one up and spun it effortlessly in his hand.
“Two settings. Single-shot precision mode.”
He aimed at a target across the room—fired.
A single, concentrated laser shot pierced through the center of the holographic dummy’s chest.
“Or, for those of you who lack patience—spray mode.”
He flipped a switch, and the pistol hummed.
This time, when he fired—a rapid stream of laser bolts rained down on the targets, shredding them apart.
Zyra smirked. “Now that’s my kind of weapon.”
Callen ignored her.
“Next—” He gestured to the floating metal spheres.
“The Capturing Spheres. One of the most important tools in a Hunter’s arsenal.”
He grabbed one, tossing it effortlessly in the air.
“The purpose of a Hunter is not always to kill. Sometimes, we need our targets alive. That’s where these come in.”
He snapped his fingers.
A training drone materialized—a humanoid hologram representing a criminal fugitive.
Callen threw the sphere.
The moment it made contact—it expanded, releasing a burst of energy.
The holographic fugitive froze mid-motion, instantly miniaturized and cryo-frozen inside the glowing sphere.
Then, as if nothing had happened, the sphere hovered gently back into Callen’s hand.
“In one move,” he said, twirling the sphere, “your target is captured, immobilized, and secured for transport.”
A few cadets murmured in fascination.
Even Usa-hime felt impressed.
But Callen wasn’t done.
“Of course,” he said smoothly, “you’re all rookies. And rookies tend to fail.”
He tossed a sphere to Usa-hime.
“Let’s see what you’ve got, Inoue.”
Every cadet turned to her.
Her stomach twisted.
Oh, great.
Proving Herself
Usa-hime gritted her teeth and stepped forward, feeling the weight of the Capturing Sphere in her hand.
The entire training room watched.
A new target materialized—a simulated alien fugitive, its holographic eyes glowing.
Alright. Just throw the sphere. Easy.
She launched it forward.
It bounced off the target’s head and rolled away uselessly.
Silence.
Then—snickers.
Callen sighed. “Pathetic.”
Usa-hime’s face burned.
Her first real test, and she had humiliated herself.
But as she clenched her fists—
She knew one thing.
She would not fail again.
A Rocky Start
Usa-hime’s failed attempt with the Capturing Sphere hung in the air like a bad joke.
The other cadets snickered as the metal sphere rolled uselessly across the floor.
Callen pinched the bridge of his nose. “You do realize you’re supposed to actually hit the target, right?”
Usa-hime’s face burned.
She clenched her fists, resisting the urge to kick something.
Zyra chuckled from the sidelines. “Wow, Rabbit Princess. You’re deadly in a fight, but give you a ball and suddenly you forget how to use your hands?”
More laughter.
Usa-hime scowled. “Shut up, Zyra.”
“Make me,” Zyra shot back with a smirk.
“Enough,” Callen snapped. “Inoue, pick up the sphere and try again. Properly, this time.”
Usa-hime exhaled sharply and jogged over to retrieve the sphere.
This time, she focused.
The target drone stood motionless, waiting.
She gripped the sphere tightly.
I can do this.
She pulled her arm back—
And threw.
The sphere soared forward…
—and completely missed again.
It bounced off the floor and landed right at Callen’s feet.
Silence.
Callen sighed heavily. “This is going to be a long day.”
Learning the Basics
The rest of the morning was painful.
The instructors drilled the cadets relentlessly, hammering the fundamentals of Hunter weaponry into their heads.
Some, like Zyra, took to it naturally. Her precision with the laser pistol was ridiculous—hitting every single target without breaking a sweat.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Usa-hime?
Not so much.
Her raw speed and strength were incredible, but aiming required control—something she had never trained in.
Her single-shot mode? Inaccurate.
Her spray mode? A disaster.
And the Capturing Sphere? A complete mess.
Again and again, she threw, and again and again, she failed.
The sphere either bounced off harmlessly, froze the wrong target, or, at one point, somehow hit herself.
Even Kuro, who was normally relaxed, shook their head.
“You’ve got all that raw power, but no finesse,” they mused.
Usa-hime groaned, rubbing her face. “I know. I know.”
Nearby, Callen barked orders. “A Hunter’s tools are an extension of their body. If you can’t use them, you’re a liability.”
Usa-hime gritted her teeth.
She wasn’t a liability.
She just needed to figure this out.
Fast.
The Unexpected Challenge
After hours of drills, Callen finally called for a break.
Most cadets collapsed on the benches, gulping down water.
But Usa-hime?
She stayed standing, gripping the Capturing Sphere.
She stared at it. Studied it.
There had to be a trick to it.
She had felt something earlier—back in the battle with the general.
Something deep inside her.
Something powerful.
Could she tap into that again?
“Still struggling?”
Usa-hime glanced up to see Zyra watching her, arms crossed.
Usa-hime scowled. “Go away.”
Zyra smirked. “What’s the matter? All that talk about fighting, and now you’re losing to a metal ball?”
Usa-hime bristled. “You want to say that again?”
Zyra’s smirk widened. “Why don’t you prove me wrong?”
She picked up a Capturing Sphere of her own and twirled it effortlessly in her palm.
“Let’s have a little competition,” Zyra suggested. “You and me. First to capture three targets wins.”
Kuro, who had been lounging nearby, perked up. “Oh, this I gotta see.”
Other cadets overheard and gathered around.
A challenge.
A chance to shut Zyra up.
Usa-hime grinned. “You’re on.”
The Showdown
Callen, overhearing the challenge, raised an eyebrow.
“A live test already? Fine. Let’s see if either of you are worth my time.”
He gestured to the combat arena, where three holographic targets materialized.
“Three fugitives, simulating real movement and evasion tactics,” Callen explained. “You must capture them before they escape. No direct combat. Just skill.”
He folded his arms.
“Let’s see if either of you are Hunters… or just brats swinging their fists.”
The room fell silent.
A countdown flashed on the screen.
3…
2…
1…
“GO!”
Usa-hime vs. Zyra
Zyra moved instantly.
With deadly precision, she locked onto a target, calculated its movement, and hurled her Capturing Sphere.
The sphere glowed on impact—the fugitive froze mid-step, shrinking and locking into the metal sphere.
One down.
Usa-hime gritted her teeth.
No way I’m losing this.
She turned, tracking a fast-moving target that was darting through the arena.
She threw her sphere.
It missed.
Badly.
The sphere bounced off a pillar and rolled away uselessly.
Laughter erupted from the cadets.
Zyra smirked. “You trying to hit the floor instead?”
Usa-hime ignored her.
She closed her eyes, focusing.
She had felt something before—that strange pull in her body.
That instinct.
That Celestial blood.
She took a breath—and moved.
Her senses sharpened.
The target zigzagged, trying to avoid capture.
But now?
She could see it.
She predicted its next step.
And before it could escape—
She jumped.
High.
Too high.
Gasps rang out as Usa-hime flipped mid-air, twisting her body into a perfect throwing position.
Her arm snapped forward.
The sphere soared.
It struck the target dead center.
FLASH!
The fugitive froze instantly, locked inside the sphere.
The cadets went silent.
Then—
“WHAT?!” Zyra yelled.
Kuro burst out laughing. “Now that was insane.”
Usa-hime landed, smirking. “Looks like I finally got the hang of it.”
Zyra gritted her teeth.
The competition was far from over.
They had two targets left.
And neither of them planned on losing.
A Rivalry Ignited
Zyra glared at Usa-hime across the training arena, her golden eyes flickering with frustration.
The watching cadets were buzzing with excitement.
No one had expected Usa-hime—who had been struggling just minutes ago—to pull off a mid-air capture like that.
Kuro whistled. “Didn’t know you could move like that, Rabbit Princess.”
Usa-hime rolled her shoulders, a cocky smirk playing on her lips. “Guess I’m full of surprises.”
Zyra scoffed. “Don’t get too confident. We’re still tied, and there’s two fugitives left.”
Callen’s voice echoed across the room. “Less talking, more hunting. Resume the test!”
A loud alarm blared—the remaining fugitives activated.
And just like that—they were off.
The Chase Begins
The two holographic fugitives took off in opposite directions.
Zyra and Usa-hime split up without a word.
Usa-hime locked onto her target—a fast, agile humanoid weaving through the arena’s urban simulation, leaping between holographic buildings and skidding around corners.
It was smart.
Predictable moves wouldn’t work.
She needed to be faster.
Usa-hime took off, her enhanced agility kicking in.
She vaulted over obstacles, scaled a wall in two quick steps, and jumped across rooftops with unnatural ease.
The fugitive glanced back and stumbled.
It knew.
She wasn’t normal.
She was gaining.
Precision vs. Instinct
Zyra, on the other side of the arena, was all precision.
She didn’t need enhanced speed—she relied on calculated angles and expert aim.
Her fugitive darted through a tight alleyway, trying to lose her.
Zyra anticipated the move.
She took a deep breath.
Calculated the exact trajectory.
And threw.
The Capturing Sphere whizzed through the air—bounced off a wall—ricocheted downward—
FLASH!
The fugitive froze mid-stride, trapped.
Zyra grinned. “Too easy.”
She turned—only to see Usa-hime still chasing hers.
“Tch. Still too slow, Rabbit Princess.”
Pushing Beyond Limits
Usa-hime’s target knew it couldn’t outrun her.
So it changed tactics.
It jumped off a ledge, diving toward the lower level of the arena, where a simulated moving train ran along a track.
If it landed—it would escape.
Usa-hime’s instincts screamed—Move!
She ran for the edge.
Zyra’s voice rang out behind her. “You can’t make that jump, idiot!”
She jumped anyway.
Gasps echoed through the arena.
Usa-hime soared through the air, twisting mid-flight.
The fugitive was just below her now—seconds from landing on the train.
She whipped her arm forward.
The Capturing Sphere spun from her fingertips, streaking downward.
A perfect throw.
FLASH!
The fugitive froze mid-air.
The sphere hovered gently, sealed.
And Usa-hime?
She landed hard on the train roof, rolling before springing back to her feet.
The watching cadets erupted.
Even Callen looked mildly impressed.
Kuro grinned. “Alright, that was sick.”
Usa-hime picked up the sphere, smirking.
She turned to Zyra, holding it up. “Tied again.”
Zyra gritted her teeth. “Damn it.”
The Final Target
Callen’s voice rang out. “Final fugitive has entered evasion mode. This will test your real-world tracking skills. First to capture it wins.”
The last fugitive activated.
But this one was different.
It didn’t just run.
It vanished.
Usa-hime blinked. “Wait—where did it—?”
Zyra’s eyes narrowed. “A cloaking fugitive? Seriously?”
Callen smirked. “A good Hunter must be ready for anything.”
The game had changed.
This wasn’t about speed.
This was about strategy.
Hunting the Hunter
The arena fell silent.
Both Usa-hime and Zyra scanned the environment, listening.
Then—movement.
A faint ripple in the air, just beyond the simulation’s alleyways.
Usa-hime’s eyes sharpened.
She dashed forward, moving quietly.
Across the arena, Zyra did the same.
Both of them were hunting now.
The Final Strike
Usa-hime caught the slightest flicker of movement near a reflective window.
A mistake.
The fugitive was there.
It saw her.
It bolted.
Usa-hime lunged—
Zyra, at the same time, fired a single laser shot.
The fugitive staggered from the shot—
And Usa-hime took the opening.
She threw the Capturing Sphere.
Direct hit.
FLASH!
The fugitive froze instantly.
The crowd held its breath.
Then—
“Capture confirmed. Test complete.”
The Aftermath
Usa-hime stood over the glowing sphere, breathing heavily.
The realization hit her.
She had won.
Zyra stormed up, scowling.
“You stole my capture,” she muttered.
Usa-hime grinned. “You slowed it down. I finished it.”
Zyra scoffed. But after a moment, she smirked. “Guess you’re not completely useless.”
Callen stepped forward.
His visor flickered as he analyzed the results.
“…Impressive,” he admitted.
Usa-hime perked up. “Wait—are you actually complimenting me?”
Callen’s expression hardened.
“Don’t get cocky. You barely passed.”
Her shoulders sagged. “Figures.”
“But,” he added, “there’s potential.”
Zyra folded her arms. “So what now?”
Callen’s smirk returned. “Now? We test you in the real world.”
The cadets stiffened.
Kuro raised an eyebrow. “Real world?”
Callen gestured toward the Spire’s main entrance, where a sleek hunter dropship had just landed.
“Next lesson,” he said.
“A real bounty mission.”
A Real Mission
The atmosphere in the training hall shifted.
Up until now, everything had been controlled. Simulated. A test to see if they could handle real weapons.
But now?
Callen’s words hit like a lightning strike.
“Next lesson: a real bounty mission.”
Usa-hime felt her pulse quickening.
“Wait,” Kuro said, ears twitching. “You mean we’re going out there? For real?”
Callen smirked. “What, scared?”
Kuro scoffed. “Excited, actually.”
Zyra cracked her knuckles. “Finally. A chance to do something that actually matters.”
Usa-hime swallowed.
She wasn’t afraid.
But the thought of stepping outside the Spire, into an actual mission—with real enemies—
It made her fingers twitch.
No more controlled arenas.
No more second chances.
This time, if they failed, they died.
Briefing Room: A Dangerous Target
The cadets were led into a dimly lit war room, where a large holographic projection flickered in the center.
The image?
A wanted poster.
A tall, reptilian figure with gleaming red cybernetic eyes and a jagged scar across his snout. His armor was mismatched—clearly stolen from different battles.
Target: Kren Zathor
Bounty: 750,000 credits
Status: Highly dangerous
Last Seen: Zeyda’s Outer Wastelands
The room fell silent.
Usa-hime stared at the glowing image.
This wasn’t a training drone.
This was a real criminal.
Someone who had killed Hunters before.
Callen crossed his arms. “Kren Zathor—ex-military, now turned bounty-runner and smuggler of illegal tech. He’s been hiding out in Zeyda’s wastelands, avoiding our scanners. Recently, he’s been linked to Dominion supply routes.”
That got Usa-hime’s attention.
“Dominion…?”
Zyra scowled. “So he’s working with the people who attacked the Academy?”
“Possibly,” Callen said. “That’s why we’re sending a team to capture him alive.”
The mission details flashed on-screen.
Mission Parameters:
?Locate and subdue Kren Zathor.
?Use Capturing Spheres—kill only if necessary.
?Confirm any links to the Dominion.
Callen turned, his glowing visor flickering as he scanned them.
“You five are going in.”
Usa-hime stiffened.
“…Five?”
A door hissed open behind them.
And someone stepped inside.
The New Recruits
A tall figure entered the room, their cloak shifting as they walked.
They were slim but strong, their presence exuding confidence.
Their face was hidden under a metallic half-mask, leaving only their piercing emerald eyes visible.
The air felt different around them.
Controlled. Dangerous.
Callen gestured. “Meet your fourth team member—Raze.”
Usa-hime’s instincts flared.
Something about them felt… off.
Zyra raised an eyebrow. “Never seen you around before.”
Raze tilted their head. “You wouldn’t have.”
Their voice was calm, steady. Hard to read.
Kuro leaned against the table. “So what’s your deal? Another recruit?”
Callen shook his head. “Raze isn’t a cadet. They’re a hunter-in-training, directly under Lysara.”
That got everyone’s attention.
Lysara—the Union Commander.
Zyra scowled. “So why are they on our mission?”
Raze turned their gaze to Usa-hime.
“I volunteered.”
The room tensed.
Usa-hime’s jaw clenched.
Something about this person…
Felt like a test.
Before she could process it, another voice cut in.
“Ugh, can we hurry this up? I’ve got leaderboards to climb.”
A young figure sat slouched on a supply crate, barely paying attention. Their holo-visor glasses flickered, cycling through multiple game streams, chat windows, and bounty alerts.
They didn’t even look up.
Callen sighed. “And your final team member—Cipher. Your tech specialist.”
Usa-hime raised an eyebrow. “Are they even listening?”
Cipher waved dismissively. “You shoot things. I shut things down. It’s fine.”
Zyra crossed her arms. “This is our hacker?”
“More like the hacker,” Kuro mused. “They broke into the Union’s secure network last year just to cheat at a game.”
Cipher grinned. “And I’d do it again.”
Usa-hime sighed.
This was going to be a disaster.
The Uniforms of a Hunter
Before heading to the dropship, the team was led to the armory.
Inside, rows of sleek, high-tech uniforms lined the walls. Each was form-fitting with minor armor plating placed strategically over vital areas.
Callen gestured to them. “Hunter Combat Suits. These aren’t just for show.”
He tapped a control panel, and a holographic display appeared, showcasing the suit’s enhancements.
Features:
?Adaptive Combat Response – Stimulates muscle reaction time, making it easier to dodge and counter.
?Armor-Plated Sections – Protects key points while keeping the wearer mobile.
?Environmental Adaptation– Adjusts temperature based on surroundings.
“Basically,” Callen continued, “this suit learns how you fight and adjusts itself. The better you get, the better it gets.”
Usa-hime ran a hand over the fabric.
It was smooth yet firm. Like wearing liquid armor.
Kuro whistled. “Looks sleek.”
Cipher groaned. “Ugh, do I really have to wear this? It’s so restrictive.”
Zyra smirked. “You just don’t want to put down your screen long enough to put it on.”
Cipher grumbled. “You’re not wrong.”
As Usa-hime slid into the uniform, she felt a shift.
The material adjusted instantly, conforming to her form. She felt lighter. Faster.
The moment she took a step, the suit reacted, amplifying her movements.
Her fists clenched.
She felt ready.
Callen observed them for a moment before nodding. “Alright. You’ve got your gear. Now let’s see if you can actually use it.”
Next Stop: The Wastelands
Outside the Celestial Spire, the Hunter dropship rumbled to life.
Engines flared, dust swirling beneath it.
Inside, the cadets secured their weapons—laser pistols, capturing spheres, and tracking gear.
Usa-hime took a deep breath.
This was real.
Their first mission.
Zyra glanced over. “You ready, Rabbit Princess?”
Usa-hime met her gaze.
“For this? Always.”
The doors slammed shut.
The ship lifted off.
And their journey into the unknown had begun.
