"Better get this preparation done quickly." Ishihaya says as he wipes his tears.
A few weeks later…
Akihira crosses the waterfall Ishihaya told him about and begins wandering the rugged terrain, eyes scanning for the two ancient stone pillars mentioned in the map.
"Oh man, where in the world am I?!" Akihira groans in frustration.
Hours pass. The sun hangs heavy in the sky when, finally, two towering stone pillars come into view.
"Finally! I was starting to wonder if I got lost." Akihira mutters with relief.
He quickly unfolds the old map and studies it.
"Alright… if I keep walking straight, the map says I'll hit the cliffside. From there, I should be able to see the statue." Akihira says.
With renewed focus, Akihira walks straight for the next 45 minutes. Eventually, he reaches the cliff and gazes out across the sprawling land. In the distance—barely visible through the mist—he spots the statue. Without hesitation, he begins scaling down the mountain.
"This would've been tough if Ishihaya hadn't made me climb all those mountains during training." he mutters with a smirk.
At the base of the statue, Akihira arrives and settles down near the roots, waiting patiently for Ichitsu.
Time drifts by.
Suddenly—Akihira's eyes narrow. A strange sensation tingles down his spine. His instincts kick in.
Without thinking, he raises a barrier just in time. A sword, infused with powerful magic, flies at him with blinding speed and slams into his barrier, causing a spark of energy to ripple through the air.
Akihira's eyes dart around. He assumes it's Ichitsu—but just as he begins to lower his guard, a wave of intense bloodlust washes over him, so sharp it makes his body freeze for a second.
"No… this isn't Ichitsu. Someone else is here." Akihira thinks.
He scans the terrain, senses flaring, and then—A figure bursts from the bushes, dashes forward, picks up the sword, and takes two calculated steps back.
"Who are you? What are you doing here? And why did you attack me?" Akihira demands.
"We're not playing a game of quiz here, kid." the stranger replies coldly.
With no further warning, the man channels more magic into his blade. The air thickens as he charges. Akihira cloaks his fist in fire and strikes back.
The stranger turns his sword sideways and skillfully deflects Akihira's punch, then leaps over him with sharp precision.
"You'll never defeat me. I've killed some of the most talented warriors across the world," the stranger sneers.
Akihira stays in a defensive stance.
"And you? You're just a kid. What do you think you can do?" the stranger says.
"Doesn't matter what I think I can do." Akihira says, standing firm.
"I just have to do it. I can't lose. I'm going to defeat the Shadow King." Akihira says with determination.
The stranger bursts out laughing.
"You? Defeat the Shadow King?!" The stranger says.
"Yeah, got a problem with that?" Akihira smirks.
"Haha! You're just like Ishihaya. I like you, kid. No wonder he chose to train you." the stranger says with a grin.
"Hey! Don't compare me to that old man—me and him aren't similar at a—" Akihira stops mid-sentence.
A calm voice echoes from above.
"Wow, you just don't change, do you?"
Akihira immediately recognizes the voice. His guard lowers.
"Ichitsu?" he says, looking around.
A moment later, Ichitsu drops gracefully from the trees and lands, arms folded, a soft smirk on his face.
"I see you've already met." Ichitsu says.
"There you are, Ichitsu!" Akihira says, smiling wide.
The two look at each other and laugh.
"So hey," Akihira grins.
"Hm?" Ichitsu looks at Akihira.
"You wanna decide who's stronger by fighting?" Akihira continues.
"I'm down. Let's go." Ichitsu replies eagerly.
"Yeah!" Akihira shouts, fists clenched with excitement.
"We should probably find an open area. Not smart to fight here," Ichitsu suggests.
"Oh yeah, good point. First one there wins!" Akihira says, already dashing ahead.
The two race off. They eventually reach a massive open plain.
"I was first!" Akihira says, panting.
"Look again, it was me." Ichitsu counters with a smug grin.
"Whatever—let's just get on with this!"
Akihira clenches his fist. Ichitsu grips the hilt of his sword.
"Don't hold back now!" Akihira says.
"Wouldn't dream of it!" Ichitsu replies.
They both leap at each other with fierce determination. Akihira's fist ignites in a blazing orange aura just as Ichitsu draws his sword, shrouded in a deep purple glow. Suddenly, Rikiyuki appears between them, moving faster than the eye can follow. In one swift motion, he grabs Akihira's blazing fist and Ichitsu's glowing sword, hurling them aside into the trees.
"Leaving me out? How hurtful." Rikiyuki says as he smirks, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Akihira and Ichitsu land, stunned by Rikiyuki's speed, skidding to either side of a towering tree.
"Let's see how strong you two have really gotten." Rikiyuki says.
"If it's a fight you want..." Akihira says as he narrows his eyes, the orange flames licking higher around his body.
"...then a fight you shall have." Ichitsu says as purple aura flares fiercely as he tightens his grip on his sword.
From opposite sides, Akihira and Ichitsu launch themselves at Rikiyuki simultaneously.
"Heh." Rikiyuki chuckles, a deep brown aura swirling around him like a storm.
"Flame Magic: Volcanic Fist!" Akihira shouts.
'Akihira's fist erupts with energy, delivering a devastating punch that burns and knocks back enemies with the force of a volcanic eruption.'
"Shadow Configuration: Shadow Scythe!" Ichitsu yells.
'A manifestation of condensed shadows shaped into a long, wicked scythe. The blade hums with void energy, slicing through both physical matter and magical barriers with eerie silence. When swung, it leaves behind a fading trail of shadow, and can extend or bend unnaturally mid-attack. Perfect for sweeping strikes, disarming opponents, or reaping foes from a distance in a single, ghostlike arc.'
"Sword Magic: Exalted Blade Storm." Rikiyiku says calmly.
'A flurry of spectral swords whirl around Rikiyuki, creating a spinning dome of razor-sharp blades that slice anything nearby.'
Akihira and Ichitsu slam into the dome with unrelenting force.
"Incredible power..." Ichitsu says as he grins through the strain.
"This is exactly what I needed!" Akihira says as his eyes gleam, heart pounding.
"We won't falter!" Akihira & Ichitsu scream in unison.
Akihira channels his magic deep within, his entire body blazing like a furnace. Flames erupt from his fists, radiating immense heat and power.
Ichitsu's sword pulses violently as shadow magic floods his limbs, cloaking him in dark energy.
Cracks begin to spiderweb across Rikiyuki's blade dome.
Suddenly, a deafening explosion shatters the battlefield, blowing dust and debris into the air. Akihira and Ichitsu are sent skidding back in opposite directions.
"Hah! That all you got?" Akihira says as he shields his face from the debris.
"This fight is just beginning." Rikiyuki says.
The forest clearing trembles as Rikiyuki launches forward, his sword gleaming with lethal intent.
"You fight reckless, but I like that. Let's see how you handle this." Rikiyuki says.
Rikiyuki takes a step back, shifting his grip so the hilt rests like a spear in his hand, the blade angled forward and aimed directly at Akihira.
"Sword Magic: Piercing Gale." Rikiyuki says.
'Rikiyuki throws his sword, surrounded by a swarm of phantom blades that form a sharp, compact spear piercing through enemies with brutal precision.'
Akihira raises his hand, and fire sparks to life at his fingertips. The flames curl and twist, taking shape in midair. With a smooth motion, he extends one hand forward and pulls back with the other—forming a curved bow of flame, the string glowing like a thread of molten light.
"Flame Magic: Palefire Arrow!" Akihira shouts.
The flaming arrow blazes toward Rikiyuki. It collides with the tip of Rikiyuki's sword, sparks flying as sword meets fire. A moment later, a small explosion and a shockwave are released, stopping Rikiyuki's sword in it's tracks.
Using this opportunity, Ichitsu circles swiftly, shadows trailing behind his blade.
"Shadow Configuration: Crescent Veil!" Ichitsu says.
'A wide, arcing slash that releases a crescent-shaped wave of dark energy, cutting through multiple foes.'
His sword sliced a wide arc, releasing a crescent-shaped wave of shadow energy. The dark wave cut through the air like a scythe, aimed directly at Rikiyuki's legs. He leaps back, narrowly avoiding the strike.
"Not bad. But I'm just getting started." Rikiyuki says.
He lifts his sword skyward.
"Sword Magic: Iron Rain." RIkiyuki says.
Rikiyuki summons dozens of swords high above, then rains them down on his enemies like a deadly hailstorm.
Akihira and Ichitsu exchange looks, their breaths steady despite the rising tension.
The blades start raining down on Akihira and Ichitsu. Without missing a beat, Akihira counters.
"Flame Magic: Flashfire Whip!" Akihira says.
Using his whips, Akihira starts to deflect the swords whilst moving around.
"Shadow Configuration: Umbra Aegis!" Ichitsu says.
'Ichitsu slams his blade into the ground, summoning a dome of interwoven swirling shadows that rise and spin around him in a tight, rapid vortex. The rotating wall of darkness deflects both physical and magical attacks.'
Both Akihira and Ichitsu are holding off the raining swords.
"Impressive, how about this then?" Rikiyuki says.
Rikiyuki's sword glows in a brown aura as it shines brighter. The onslaught of the raining swords gets worse. Akihira continues to deflect and dodge but starts to struggle, then one of the raining swords grazes his cheek.
"That was close!" Akihira thinks.
At the same time, Ichitsu's Umbra Aegis starts to crack from the relentless onslaught of the swords.
"Can't hold this for much longer, gotta think." Ichitsu thinks.
"Alright, enough of this!" Akihira says.
Rikiyuki looks at him. Akihira's flame whips disappear as he stops moving for a moment.
"Flame Magic: Blaze Fracture!" Akihira shouts.
'The user slams both fists into the ground, causing a cascading rupture of flame to erupt in jagged paths toward his target—splitting the battlefield and forcing repositioning. Can be chained into other moves for pressure.'
Rikiyuki looks at the ground as flames erupt from the ground, coming toward him.
"—!"
The erupting flames force Rikiyuki to move; he jumps away. Once again, Ichitsu uses this opportunity to attack. He runs toward Rikiyuki, who is mid-air. He stops and shadows start swirling around Ichitsu's blade. He points his blade toward Rikiyuki.
"Shadow Configuration: Hollow Lance!" Ichitsu says.
'A focused spear of condensed shadow energy is hurled at high velocity. Dealing damage as it explodes. It can either explode upon impact or when the user desires it.'
The attack hurls toward Rikiyuki at extreme speeds. Rikiyuki spins mid-air, facing Ichitsu's attack. He parries away the attack with ease.
"I know you can do better than that Ichitsu." Rikiyuki says.
Ichitsu then breaks into a light smirk.
"You're right, I can." Ichitsu says.
Rikiyuki looks toward the attack he just deflected. To his surprise, it starts to expand and immediately explodes.
"You got him! Sweet!" Akihira says cheerfully.
Then, from the smoke, Rikiyuki comes crashing down, but he lands with no issues.
"Point blank and still did nothing?" Ichitsu says.
"I must say, I am impressed. If it were anybody else, they'd probably be defeated." Rikiyuki says as he dusts himself off.
"But how?" Ichitsu asks.
"Simple, really." Rikiyuki replies.
Just before Ichitsu's attack had exploded, Rikiyuki used 'Sword Magic: Sentinel's Guard'. A defensive technique where Rikiyuki conjures a shimmering magical blade barrier that can block incoming attacks momentarily.'
"You gotta be kidding me!" Akihira says.
"Well then, I guess it's my turn." Rikiyuki says with a smirk.
Wind rustled the trees above as Ichitsu and Rikiyuki stood only paces apart, swords drawn, eyes locked.
Then—
Their blades collide in a blur of movement. Rikiyuki's strikes are fast and precise, each swing like a hammer of practiced fury.
Shadows curl around Ichitsu's feet as he meets each blow, deflecting with sharp, clean counters.
"You're keeping up. Good." Rikiyuki says.
"'Cause you're holding back." Ichitsu says.
Their blades collide once more, sparks flying. In one swift move, Rikyuki deflects Ichitsu's blade and kicks him in the stomach, sending him skidding backwards.
"Guess I should get a little serious then." Rikiyuki says.
The forest holds its breath as they lunge.
Steel flashes—quick, clean, lethal. Rikiyuki drives forward, each strike fluid and precise, his blade a constant force of pressure. Ichitsu meets him head-on, shadows trailing his sword, deflecting each blow with agile footwork and pinpoint parries.
They weave through the clearing, movements sharp and calculated. Rikiyuki twists low, sweeping upward, but Ichitsu spins around it, stepping in close with a swift counter. Shadows pulse beneath him as he pushes forward, blade cutting through the air.
Rikiyuki slips past, his sword sweeping toward Ichitsu's back—only for Ichitsu to pivot, parrying with one arm while thrusting forward. The clash forces them apart, but they waste no time.
They re-engage instantly—strike, parry, strike—five rapid exchanges in the span of a breath. Each motion is faster than the last, blades dancing in perfect rhythm. Neither yields.
Dust kicks up. Leaves spiral. The air hums with tension.
When they halt, blades still drawn, neither has landed a single hit—yet both know this is only the beginning.
"Very good!" Rikiyuki says.
Then, a dense, metallic bronze glow starts enveloping Rikiyuki and his sword.
"Your final test. Let's see if you have what it takes to stop it." Rikiyuki says.
Rikiyuki grips his sword with both hands and raises it high into the air. The aura surrounding him surges upward, pouring into the blade until it becomes a dense, crackling mass of concentrated power.
"So much magic..." Akihira says lightly as he watches.
Ichitsu exhales slowly, mirroring Rikiyuki's movements. His body becomes wrapped in a swirling, mist-like violet-black aura. As he lifts his sword, the dark energy gathers and rises, flowing into the blade like a steady current of shadow.
There's a moment of silence as Ichitsu and Rikiyuki's swords glow brightly.
"Sword Magic: Echoing Slash!" Rikiyuki shouts.
'Rikiyuki unleashes a powerful slash that sends multiple phantom swords trailing behind it, striking enemies in a wave of rippling energy.'
"Shadow Configuration: Phantom Slash!" Ichitsu shouts.
'Ichitsu delivers a swift slash that sends trailing shadow blades slicing through enemy defenses. These ghostly slashes strike from unseen angles with fluid, relentless precision, overwhelming foes in a dance of darkness.'
The two strike simultaneously, their blades meeting mid-air with a resonating clash that sends a shockwave rippling outward. Towering auras—bronze and violet—explode from each sword, colliding in a dazzling display of power. At first, the forces seem evenly matched, but gradually the bronze aura begins to waver and fade. With a surge, the violet aura shatters the resistance, erupting into a massive explosion that unleashes a new, violent shockwave, but not before a small part of Phantom Slash grazes Rikiyuki's cheek.
After the dust clears, both Rikiyuki and Ichitsu are standing. After a moment, Ichitsu falls on one knee, using his sword as support.
"I did it." Ichitsu says.
"That you did, great job Ichitsu." Rikiyuki says, proud.
"That. Was. Amazing!" Akihira says, excitedly, with sparkles in his eyes.
"I mean, that was the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Akihira continues.
"Oh, was that now?" Rikiyuki asks.
"Yeah! Hey, it's my turn now!" Akihira says.
Akihira begins to shimmer with strands of vibrant red-orange light, gently coiling around him like living embers.
"Alright, bring it on, kid." Rikiyuki says.
Rikiyuki also starts to envelop in a metallic bronze glow.
Ichitsu watches.
"That aura, it's so...refined." Ichitsu thinks.
Akihira's fist begins to glow intensely as the strands of aura wrapping his body surge inward, concentrating into his clenched hand.
Rikiyuki shifts his stance—right foot sliding back, left foot stepping forward. He draws his sword arm behind him while fully extending his left arm. As he settles into position, his metallic bronze aura begins to ripple, gradually flowing from his body into the blade, casting a gleaming sheen across its edge.
A moment of silence between them.
"Flame Magic: Volcanic Fist!" Akihira shouts.
'Akihira's fist erupts with energy, delivering a devastating punch that burns and knocks back enemies with the force of a volcanic eruption.'
"Sword Magic: Voidpiercer Thrust!" Rikiyuki shouts.
'A precise, devastating thrust that concentrates immense magical pressure into the blade's tip. Upon release, the condensed force rips through the air in a straight line, capable of piercing enchanted armor, barriers, and even rupturing the terrain in its path. The sheer focus of the strike leaves behind a lingering void-like distortion where it passed.'
In a blink, they dash toward each other, the ground lightly cracking beneath them.
The moment their attacks meet, the collision detonates with a deafening roar, sending a searing shockwave outward in all directions. Fiery embers swirl chaotically as molten energy clashes violently against the void's oppressive force. The volcanic heat threatens to consume everything, but Rikiyuki's blade cuts through the blaze like a scalpel, carving a jagged, shimmering rift where the fiery and void energies battle for supremacy.
The ground cracks beneath them, fissures spiderwebbing outwards as the residual energy tears at the terrain. Trees near the edge of the clearing bend and splinter under the force, their leaves singed and scattered like ash in a storm.
For a heartbeat, the battle hangs in balance, flames and void locked in an endless tug-of-war — then, with a violent shudder, the volcanic fury swells and roars, pushing back against the encroaching bronze. Sparks scatter, and the shockwave rolls onward, carrying the aftermath of their titanic clash across the forest clearing.
Both warriors stagger back, eyes locked, their auras flickering but unyielding — the fight far from over, their powers tested and tempered in the crucible of their collision.
Akihira and Rikiyuki surge forward, closing the distance in a blur. Akihira's fists blaze brightly, fiery red-orange strands streaming behind him like comet tails, trailing his fierce momentum. Rikiyuki's sword pulses with a dense bronze glow, humming with latent power as he grips it tightly. Their forces collide in the center, a crackling explosion of heat and light igniting the air between them.
Rikiyuki's blade slashes forward—but Akihira ducks low, fist driving up like a cannon. Rikiyuki parries with his forearm, recoils, then twists into a rapid sideways slash. Akihira sways past it, closes the distance, and hammers a blazing strike into Rikiyuki's ribs.
The bronze aura flares as Rikiyuki flips back, boots skimming the ground. He lunges again—blade thrusting in clean, precise arcs. Akihira weaves between them, his body fluid, aura trailing like wildfire. He lands a flurry of blows—chest, shoulder, gut—each one cracking the air like thunder.
Rikiyuki skids back, boots grinding against stone, then counters with a sweeping slash. Akihira raises both arms, blocking it head-on. The impact sends out a shockwave—but he pushes through, slamming his elbow into Rikiyuki's jaw, then follows with a spinning kick engulfed in flame.
They crash apart, land, and dash right back in—heat and metal colliding again and again, neither backing down, both wrapped in their blazing auras. The ground shatters beneath them as their fight ignites the air.
Both warriors pause for a split second. Akihira breaths hard, eyes locked—fire against steel, relentless and unyielding—before they charge once more into the storm of battle.
"Gotta say, I'm surprised you're so proficient in hand-to-hand combat." Rikiyuki says.
"I wasn't a pushover even before getting magic." Akihira says, still panting.
"Makes sense. What say we end this?" Rikiyuki says.
"I was just about to say the same thing." Akihira says as he smirks.
Akihira plants his feet firmly, lowering his center of gravity with fists clenched tightly in front of his chest, elbows flared like coiled springs ready to explode. His body tenses as vibrant red-orange strands of flame weave thicker and thicker around him, pulsing with growing intensity.
Rikiyuki grounds himself with deliberate grace, feet staggered in a poised battle-ready posture, his sword held horizontally at waist level. A denser metallic bronze aura swirls fiercely around him, his summoned swords humming in anticipation.
"Flame Magic: Wildfire Barrage!" Akihira shouts.
'The user unleashes a rapid-fire series of fire-infused punches or kicks, each hit leaving small bursts of flame that linger on the target briefly before detonating in sync.'
"Sword Magic: Blade Dance!" Rikiyuki shouts.
'Rikiyuki unleashes a seamless flurry of elegant slashes, thrusts, and spinning strikes. Each movement flows into the next like a deadly dance, his summoned swords orbiting and joining the assault in perfect rhythm, overwhelming his opponent with relentless precision.'
Akihira pivots and weaves, his flame-wreathed fists shifting angles, trying to crack Rikiyuki's near-impenetrable defense. But Rikiyuki counters with a spinning slash, sending a blade of pure energy slicing through the very air, forcing Akihira to leap back just in time. The ground beneath them cracks, splintered by the impact of their power.
Undeterred, Akihira dashes forward again, launching a soaring uppercut ignited in fire, aiming to break Rikiyuki's guard. Rikiyuki parries with a downward slash, then retaliates with a sudden thrust that cuts the air just inches from Akihira's ribs. Flames and metal collide, sparking with each meeting of their opposing forces.
With a sudden burst of speed, Rikiyuki closes the distance and drives his sword forward, the cold steel inches away from Akihira's throat. Every muscle in Akihira's body tightens, his breath shallow, the weight of defeat looming.
But Akihira's fist is there too — blazing, pulsing with raw power — suspended mere inches from Rikiyuki's face. Neither fighter moves, locked in a razor-thin moment of tension. The fire in Akihira's fist burns bright, but he holds it back, unwilling to strike.
Their eyes lock — fierce respect and unspoken understanding passing between them.
"Heh, guess we can call that a draw." Rikiyuki says with a smirk.
Slowly, Akihira lowers his fist, and Rikiyuki pulls his sword away, the charged silence hanging heavy before they both step back, breathing hard yet unbroken.
Rikiyuki wipes sweat from his brow, a few fresh cuts marking his skin.
"Well, you two have really gotten stronger. And I wasn't even holding back that much. Well done." Rikiyuki says.
Both Akihira and Ichitsu breathe heavily, clearly worn out but proud.
"Yeah!!" Akihira says as he jumps excitedly.
"Hmph. We're definitely closing the gap." Ichitsu says as he smirks, sheathing his sword.
Ichitsu glances around.
"So… where's Ishihaya?" Ichitsu asks.
Akihira shrugs.
"Dunno. He had some urgent work, said he'd be back soon. Told us to wait at the statue until then, but…" Akihira says.
"...Right. We kinda left the meeting spot without telling anyone." Ichitsu says.
"Yeah...guess I got carried away too." Rikiyuki says.
"Hey so, who exactly are you? And why are you with Ichitsu? And why are so freakin' strong?!" Akihira says.
"So, wanna introduce me to your friend, Ichitsu?" Rikiyuki says.
Ichitsu smirks.
"Akihira, this is Rikiyuki Ineko. He's a close friend of Ishihaya's and since Ishihaya's not very skilled with swords, he asked Rikiyuki to train me. As you just saw, Rikiyuki is a master of sword magic—he can weave powerful spells through his blade and execute devastating attacks." Ichitsu says.
Akihira's eyes widen with admiration.
"Man, that's so cool! So he's the one who taught you how to use your powers. Sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier—I'm Akihira Ryushiki. Nice to meet you." Akihira says.
"Nice to meet you too. You two should feel free to explore the island while you wait. I'll let you know when Ishihaya arrives." Ishihaya says.
"Thanks, Rikiyuki." Akihira says.
Ichitsu and Akihira spend the day wandering the island, exploring its hidden paths and quiet corners. As dusk begins to settle, casting a warm glow over the landscape, they head back toward the meeting spot. They see Rikiyuki walking toward them. Without a word, they stop and wait for him to catch up.
"So, is Ishihaya here yet?" Akihira asks.
"Yeah, he just arrived. He's waiting for you both at the statue." Rikiyuki replies.
The three of them make their way to the statue. Within minutes, they arrive to find Ishihaya standing there, arms crossed, shooting Akihira a stern glare.
"Didn't I tell you to wait here by the statue? But no—you both took off wandering the island. Care to explain, Akihira?" Ishihaya asks.
Akihira scratches the back of his head awkwardly.
"Uh, sorry… Rikiyuki said it was okay to roam around a bit." Akihira says.
Ishihaya turns sharply to Rikiyuki, raising an eyebrow.
"Is that true?" Ishihaya asks.
Rikiyuki chuckles and shakes his head.
"Come on, Ishihaya, cut them some slack. They just reunited after a long time." Rikiyuki says.
Ishihaya sighs but relents.
"Fine. But enough of that. Let's get you out of those ragged clothes. If you're going to fight, you need proper gear." Ishihaya says.
He pulls out two neatly folded outfits and hands them over.
"An old friend stitched these for you. Try them on." Ishihaya says.
A few minutes later, Ichitsu and Akihira step forward, wearing their new clothes.
Akihira's outfit is striking: a full-sleeved, tattered dark blue cloak with light blue trim, the fabric flowing dramatically around him. A matching dark blue cloth wrapped around his waist reached down to his knees, secured by a black leather belt with an oval silver buckle. His white trousers contrasted sharply with thick silver wristbands on his left wrist and sturdy black boots. Around his neck, he wrapped the scarf his mother had given him—a cherished symbol of his father, embroidered with a distinct flame pattern that flickered with meaning.
Ichitsu's attire is sleek and commanding: a fitted black V-neck shirt beneath a long black coat trimmed with deep purple along the sleeves and down the front. Black pants complemented his ensemble, held by a belt with a large purple buckle. A purple emblem adorned the left side of his coat, symbolizing his mastery. His sword rested confidently on his left hip, peeking out beneath the coat's edge.
"You both look great. Ready for what's next." Ishihaya says with a smile.
"So now we're finally ready to head out and defeat the Shadow King!" Akihira declared, slamming his right fist into his left palm as flames burst to life around it.
"Not quite yet," Ishihaya says, raising a hand.
"Before we leave... there's a banquet." Ishihaya says.
"A banquet?" Akihira and Ichitsu echo in confusion.
"There's a city nearby that's holding a celebration today," Ishihaya explains.
"Celebrating what, exactly?" Ichitsu asks, furrowing his brow.
"Today marks the anniversary of when this statue first appeared—thousands of years ago. Legend says this land was once ruled by a ruthless tyrant, and the people suffered greatly. Then, one day, the statue appeared. From that day on, no being with evil in their heart could step into this place. The city honors that miracle annually, and tonight, we'll pay our respects by joining their celebration." Ishihaya explains.
Ichitsu gives a nod of understanding.
"I see… It's a sacred day." Ichitsu says.
"I don't know about sacred, but I'm definitely down for some good food! I'm starving!" Akihira grins.
The group makes their way toward the edge of town where the festival has already began. Bonfires light the evening sky, laughter and music fill the air, and people gather in lively circles to cook, share stories, and feast.
Akihira, Ichitsu, and the others join in. Plates are passed, drinks poured, and laughter echoes deep into the trees. But amidst the warmth of the celebration, Ichitsu's expression suddenly shifts. He grabs Akihira by the wrist.
"Come with me. Now," he whispers urgently.
Without waiting, Ichitsu dashes into the trees, moving with lightning speed. Akihira doesn't hesitate—he follows immediately.
Back at the banquet, Ishihaya stands up, alarm in his eyes as he sees the two vanish into the woods. He's about to pursue when Rikiyuki places a hand on his shoulder.
"Let them go. They're probably just messing around." Rikiyuki says.
Ishihaya didn't buy it.
"Don't play dumb. I know you sensed it too." Ishihaya says.
Rikiyuki gives a calm nod.
"I did. But it's probably just some creature local to this area. We've seen a few strange things here already, haven't we? And besides, those two can handle themselves. Trust them." Rikiyuki says.
Through the dense forest, Ichitsu sprints with unwavering focus, his eyes are fixed ahead. Akihira chases closely behind.
"It went this way! Hurry!" Ichitsu calls out.
"What is it?!" Akihira asks between breaths.
"I saw that creature again. The one from the Forest of Serenity. It's been following me—I felt it. There's something familiar about it... but also something wrong. I need to know what it is." Ichitsu explains.
"You saw it before too?!" Akihira asks.
"Yeah. On my way to the statue, and back during my training. I thought it was a trick of the light, but now I know it's real. I won't let it get away again!" Ichitsu says, determined.
Fueled by sheer determination, Ichitsu pushes himself faster. The black figure darts through the forest like a shadow, but Ichitsu is gaining. After minutes of high-speed pursuit, he leaps—arms outstretched—and grabs the creature, tackling it into a moonlit clearing.
The moment they land, Akihira catches up, skidding to a halt beside them.
"What the hell is that thing…?" Akihira says.
The creature writhed in Ichitsu's grip. Its entire body was pitch black, not like skin, but like a void—an endless, starless abyss. It didn't reflect light. It absorbed it.
Then, suddenly, a cold, echoing voice emanated from the creature's body:
"The moon and stars have aligned. The gate between realms opens."
A deep hum fills the air. The ground beneath them pulses—then splits. A swirling vortex of darkness opens beneath their feet, bottomless and tinged with an eerie purple glow.
Akihira stumbles back, eyes wide.
"What the—?!" Akihira says.
"RUN—!" Ichitsu shouts—
But it's too late.
A colossal beam of darkness erupts from the vortex, engulfing them completely.
Back at the banquet, Rikiyuki and Ishihaya whip their heads toward the horizon as they feel the surge of dark energy. A pillar of black light tears through the sky.
"Wait—is that…?" Rikiyuki mutters.
"…The same direction Akihira and Ichitsu went in," Ishihaya finishes grimly.
Just as they prepare to dash toward it, the beam shifts. Its trajectory changes—no longer shooting up, but plummeting downward at staggering speed.
"It's collapsing!" Ishihaya shouted.
Activating his Light Magic, Ishihaya and Rikiyuki reach the area in no time. But even at that speed, they arrive a second too late. The vortex snaps shut.
Akihira, Ichitsu, and the strange creature are gone.
"What the hell just happened?!" Rikiyuki says, stunned.
Ishihaya drops to one knee, fists clenched.
"Akihira! Ichitsu!!" Ishihaya calls out.
Elsewhere…
The two boys groan, slowly opening their eyes.
There was no sky. No ground. Just a vast emptiness stretching in all directions—black as ink, yet oddly shimmering.
Akihira staggers to his feet.
"Where in the hell are we?!" Akihira says, shocked.
Ichitsu looks around, breathing heavily, sweat running down his face.
"What… did we just get ourselves into…?" Ichitsu says.
End of Chapter 11