The next morning, Haru walked slowly toward school, his bag slung over one shoulder, his mind far from the real world.
> "What kind of training is he planning? Will it be painful? Dangerous? Why me?"
Last night's encounter with the Mask still echoed through his thoughts like a haunting melody. As he turned a corner, he suddenly heard a familiar voice.
Lee Jun: "Yo! Haru!"
Haru looked up to see Lee Jun, his childhood friend, jogging toward him with a bright smile. Always cheerful and full of energy, Lee Jun had been Haru's closest friend since junior high.
Lee Jun: "What's up, buddy? You vanished for four days! And you missed our party too!"
Haru (forcing a smile): "I've just been… busy."
Lee Jun raised an eyebrow. Before he could press further, Haru quickly changed the subject.
Haru: "Lee Jun… do you believe devil powers exist?"
Lee Jun looked confused.
Lee Jun: "Huh? Devil powers?"
But before Haru could explain, Lee Jun waved enthusiastically at someone.
Lee Jun: "Hey, Alya!"
Alya, the top student and dance team leader, walked toward them. She had a graceful air about her—cool, confident, and focused.
Alya: "Hi, Lee Jun. Haru."
Haru: "Hey."
Lee Jun (grinning): "What were you saying again, Haru?"
Haru (quietly): "Nothing important."
Alya and Lee Jun shared a look. Something about Haru had changed. He seemed distant, distracted… almost afraid.
---
Lunch Break.
While the cafeteria buzzed with laughter and chatter, Haru quietly slipped away, heading for the rooftop.
Lee Jun: "Haru! Come eat with us!"
Haru (without turning): "No thanks… maybe later."
Lee Jun frowned, concern growing in his eyes.
> "He's not himself lately…"
---
As Haru stepped onto the rooftop, a gust of wind swept past him. The city stretched endlessly below—but he wasn't alone.
Mask stood waiting, his presence cold and steady.
Haru (tiredly): "You again…"
Mask: "Just here to remind you. Your training begins tonight at 1 AM. Don't be late."
Haru: "I know. But… why train at night? Why not during the day?"
Mask (with a mysterious smile): "You'll understand soon enough. For now, prepare your heart."
In a blink, he vanished, as if he'd never been there.
---
That evening, Haru barely touched his dinner. His mind was racing, heart pounding with nervous energy. He stared at the clock for hours, waiting.
---
1:00 AM – Haru's Terrace
The night was silent, the stars shining faintly above. Haru stepped onto the rooftop. There, as expected, stood Mask—calm and ready.
Haru: "Where do we begin?"
Mask: "Don't worry… just watch."
Suddenly, Mask stomped his foot onto the ground.
BOOM!
The rooftop vanished.
The city disappeared.
Haru gasped as the world around him transformed into something unreal.
They now stood in the middle of a vast forest, lit by a blood-red sky. Floating stones hovered mid-air, and glowing symbols pulsed around them like ancient magic.
Haru (staggering back): "W-What is this?!"
Mask: "This… is illusion magic."
Haru (in awe): "It feels so real…"
Mask: "That's the power of illusion. You can recreate entire worlds—realistic environments, even events. But remember… this is not reality. Just a shadow."
Haru: "So why use it?"
Mask: "Because what you do here doesn't affect the real world. You can train freely, destroy anything, and no one gets hurt. It's perfect for learning without limits."
Haru (curious): "Is there a weakness?"
Mask (serious): "Yes. If your enemy is stronger, they can manipulate your illusion—twist it, control it, or even trap you inside your own creation."
Haru (wide-eyed): "That's… terrifying."
Mask: "Which is why you need to become stronger. You've been chosen, Haru. And now your training begins."
The eerie forest around them pulsed with power.
Mask (smirking): "Let's begin."