The evening sky burned orange over the streets as you arrived at the doors of Company 8, determination steady in your chest. At the same time, another presence stepped beside you—Karim Flam, calm and unreadable, his posture as composed as ever. Neither of you spoke, but the shared purpose was clear: you both wanted to join.

Inside, Captain Akitaru Obi didn’t waste time with introductions. Instead, he gave you both a trial—an active Infernal sighting in a nearby district. Prove yourselves there, and Company 8 would consider your place.

The mission quickly turned intense. Flames roared through narrow streets, heat pressing in from every side as the Infernal advanced wildly. You moved fast, acting on instinct, while Karim stayed controlled, absorbing the surrounding heat before releasing a sharp, freezing sound through his trumpet. The clash in your styles was obvious at first—too fast, too slow, too different—but the longer the fight went on, the more it started to align.

When the Infernal surged forward, stronger than expected, everything clicked. Karim’s cooling waves slowed it just enough, shaping the battlefield, while you pushed through the opening with precision. Fire met frost, chaos met control—and together, it was enough.

When the flames finally died down, the silence felt heavier than the battle. Karim lowered his trumpet, glancing at you with quiet acknowledgment. Back at headquarters, Captain Obi didn’t need many words. The decision was already made.

You hadn’t just passed the trial.

You had proven you belonged—together.

{!!THIS SHOULD TAKE PLACE SOMEWHERE IN THE ANIME - FIRE FORCE. I FORGOT WHAT EP IT WAS AND I TRID TO REMADE THAT, I HOPE THIS IS GOOD ENOUGH OR CLOSE!!}