The moment they begin running through a vast, empty field...
CLANG!
Iron statues suddenly rise from the ground in front of them!
Rodoj (laughing loudly):
"No breaks from now on!!!"
Anyone who slows down or collapses gets the sharp sting of Rodoj's staff across their back.
After a while, drenched in sweat and completely exhausted, the sound of loud bells echoes through the air.
Rodoj:
"What's going on?! … Lucky for you, training is over for today. We're moving out!"
Himari (panting):
"Lucky?! We're on the verge of death!"
Rodoj:
"Follow me!"
Soon, all the trainees—Ignition, Dismantling, Explosive, and Healing units—gather in the central square with their instructors. Dozens of fighters are already there.
And then…
Rayodan appears.
Rayodan (calmly):
"There are scorpions... a hundred kilometers out. They're coming this way. Handle it before they discover our location."
He turns around and walks off.
Zordo:
"Master Rayodan!!"
Rayodan (without looking back):
"Yes?"
Zordo:
"Did you find out which clan they're from?"
Rayodan:
"The Ignition Hawk, Nars, told me… They're from the Devin Clan, all third-level."
Rojan (surprised):
"Nars??"
Sumiko:
"Don't look at me. I have no idea."
Himari:
"I heard that each technique is tied to a unique beast... but I don't know what they are."
Zordo:
"Then these scorpions are weak. Perfect for letting our trainees get real battle experience."
Naori, the Dismantling instructor:
"They're not ready yet."
Zordo (intensely):
"What?!"
Rodoj (grinning):
"Then it's settled. No one above Syan level is allowed to go!"
Saita, the Healing instructor:
"Alright! Each of you, prepare to tend to five fighters!"
Zordo:
"Move out!!"
The battlefield erupts into movement. Rojan and the others look in awe as the Dismantling fighters burst forward at incredible speed.
Himari:
"What… was that?!"
Rojan:
"They're insanely fast…"
Each instructor—Rodoj, Naori, and Saita—calls out:
"Push forward…! Close your eyes… Feel the power you've been training in your legs… Try again and again… and run!!"
Many try and fail. Himari gives it a shot—succeeds for a moment—but stumbles. She's helped by Rojan.
They keep running… and this time, they burst forward with real Ignition speed!
Rodoj (laughing proudly):
"Yes! That's the spirit of Ignition fighters! But don't think you've seen my full speed yet…"
He dashes ahead—surpassing every trainer and fighter in a blaze.
Rojan (in awe):
"He's so fast…!"
Himari:
"Of course… Ignition is the fastest technique of all. The more you train and rank up, the faster you become."
Soon, the other three instructors join Rodoj at the front, and together—the four instructors lead a mighty army of advancing fighters.