They say today is a good day for a vacation.

The sun shines brightly in the sky, and the wind blows with the most refreshing breeze. The sky looks soft and dewy, like a perfect canvas.

Justin wants to go surfing. He has been craving it since last year.

But he knows the current situation too well. There is no way he can go surfing now.

He twists the handle to the right, handling his Pegasus with his might and courage as he faces what's serve upon him.

“There’s no way you can make it, Pegasus X!”

“I can! Just... trust me!” he replies with his calm voice, although the situation is straining right in front of his eyes.

“It’s suicide!” the voice in his communication device yells at him with gusto. He decides to ignore the plea.

“Cover me! I know what I’m doing!”

Pegasus X dashes across the sky at the fastest speed in the universe.

“Dirt! Twelve O'clock!” the warning makes Justin work even faster. He flicks the switch and presses the red button.
Once the target appears on the radar. Without hesitation, he fires. The target hits, however, the retaliation is instant.

“Watch out, Pegasus 1!” he yells.

Guess, it’s too late for them.

All Justin can do is watch in sorrow as Pegasus 1 tumbles toward the earth. Screams echo through the communication device, adding more trauma inside.

Justin shuts his eyes and prays. He is tired, so did his comrades. No more tactical for them, no more opening. Nothing.

That's when Justin finallu decides. It's now or never!

“Go!” he shouts.

“What? Wait, what are you saying?!" the voice from his communication device bursts his ear lobes once again.

“Go! I’ll take over here! Just go!!” he yells again through the comm.

“You can’t do that, Pegasus X!”

“Go!! Just save yourself!”

He watches them with a broken heart as Pegasus 5 makes a detour toward the destination. His breath is heavy, and he prays one last time.

After losing so many comrades, Justin can’t bear watching more deaths. That’s why he chooses to be the bait. He knows himself well enough—he knows his limits. He knows he can save their lives, and maybe, his own too.

“Let’s do this!” He speeds up, flying across the sky, luring the enemy to follow him.

---

Flashback.

“In the name of The House of Black Wolf, with the highest honor, we present to you, Lt. Justin Finn, a token of bravery for your outstanding performance!”

Cheers erupt around the main hall of The House of Black Wolf, the military arm of Cosmos City. It’s a great honor to be part of the House, but receiving an award is an even greater privilege.

Justin smiles proudly as he shows the token to his comrades. They cheer loudly, celebrating with him.

“Wolf! Wolf! Wolf!” they chant in unison, jumping and shouting.

It’s the final day of the Survival Challenge, a tradition at Black Wolf that tests recruits for the title of Super Wolf. For decades, no one has claimed the title.

That is, until Justin wins the final round. His courage and determination leave even the selection team stunned.

But to the training department, it’s no surprise. Justin is no ordinary recruit. He’s gifted, both physically and mentally.

He is one of the youngest recruits in The House of Black Wolf. His father is a retired admiral, and his mother, a senior scientist at Cosmos Research Center. As their only child, he’s received all their attention and guidance.

Born with his mother’s genius and his father’s bravery, Justin finished school early and chose to follow in his father’s footsteps to join Black Wolf.

But Justin is still human. Outside his military uniform, he is a shy boy, unable to speak to girls. He becomes anxious and reserved in social situations.

That’s why he spends most of his time at the training site. His social life is limited to a small circle of friends, roommates, and some seniors. Despite this, he is well-known among recruits for his talent and good looks.

Today, Justin makes history as the youngest Super Wolf ever recorded. He couldn’t be proud of himself.

Lying on his bed, Justin opens the velvet box. Inside is a beautiful dog tag necklace with the word “COURAGE” engraved on the surface. He examines the material. It’s some kind of metal, but he isn’t sure what kind.

He flips the dog tag over. There’s another engraving, but he can’t tell if it’s a code or a pattern.

Guess it’s just a design.

He puts on the necklace, standing in front of the mirror with a smile. Suddenly, the dog tag twinkles for a moment, and Justin is mesmerized.

“Hey! Looking good!” one of his roommates says, tapping him on the shoulder.

“Yeah…”

“Did you fill out your form already?” Justin nods.

“So, which unit are you joining?”

“I’m joining Pegasus.”

“Are you sure? You’d do great in Black Knight!”

“I’m not into secret operations. I want to fly in the sky. That’s freedom.”

“I hope my stories didn’t influence your decision too much.”

“No, your stories about your late brother inspired me to be the best pilot I can be. Thanks, York.” Justin gives him a hug.

“So, I guess we’ll be roommates again?”

“Yep! You’re stuck with me!” They laugh together.

“See you up there!”

“See you soon!”

---

Justin struggles to hold back his tears as he remembers watching York’s Pegasus get shot down right in front of him. His breath catches in his throat as he dashes away from the enemy.

A critical alert flashes on his radar—his Pegasus is in bad shape. Suddenly, everything starts spinning. He’s been hit from behind.

Justin closes his eyes, gripping the dog tag tightly in his fist. All he can do is pray.

What started as a perfect day has turned into a disaster.

He wishes he had gone surfing last year.

Now, it seems like it’s too late.