(dub) 4 : Aspiration: Distant Dream -

The sky over the Iron District was never truly blue; it was a bruised shade of charcoal, stained by the perpetual rhythm of the heavy-industry vents. For Kael, however, the smog was merely a veil covering the only thing that mattered: the , shimmering like a needle of pure light on the horizon. "Still staring at that ghost?"

"The dream is distant, Kael," Jax said, his voice softening. "Sometimes, keeping your eyes on the horizon just makes you trip over what's right in front of you." (Dub) 4 : Aspiration: Distant Dream

The dream was distant, but for the first time, it was no longer quiet. The sky over the Iron District was never

"I’d rather fall reaching for the sky than die standing in the dirt," Kael replied. "Sometimes, keeping your eyes on the horizon just

Jax let out a raspy laugh that turned into a cough. "Kid, we’re Ground-Born. Our 'aspiration' is supposed to be making it to forty without losing a limb to a hydraulic press. That Spire? That’s for the Cloud-Born. People with names that sound like silk, not grease."

He reached out, his fingers brushing the light. It felt cold, like the wind at high altitudes. The Spire was miles away, protected by gates, guards, and birthrights. But as the blue light reflected in his eyes, the distance didn't feel like a barrier anymore. It felt like a challenge.

Kael didn’t turn. He knew the voice of his mentor, Jax—a man whose lungs were more soot than tissue. "It’s not a ghost, Jax. It’s the Academy. They’re taking applications for the Pilot Program this week."