The shadow swallowed everything.
Rudransh, Shon, Jatin, Ayush, and Rizu were trapped inside that suffocating darkness, their bodies wrapped completely. Their lungs strained for air. Their fingers twitched helplessly. Panic flashed in their eyes as they struggled to breathe.
Then a voice cut through the chaos like a whip.
"STOP IT, LEON!!"
Riri's voice.
She was with me and Misaki—we had just arrived at the academy.
Instantly, the shadows evaporated like smoke.
The brothers collapsed to their knees, gasping and coughing.
Jatin clutched his chest. "That… that was close."
Ayush wheezed. "Damn it… we were seriously about to die!"
Riri glared at the white-haired boy—Leon—her anger sharp enough to cut stone.
"You'll never change, will you? You're still as childish as ever."
Leon smirked. "And you're cute when you nag."
A collective "Huh?" spread across our group.
Rudransh bristled at Leon's flirtatious remark, fists tightening.
Misaki stepped forward calmly. "You've grown a lot, Leon. Last time I saw you… you were just a little kid."
Leon gave her a soft smile. "Well, I'm demon race, big sis. We age differently."
Misaki sighed. "Even so, act your age."
"Sure, big sis."
But then Leon's silver eyes locked onto me—standing close to Misaki.
His smirk vanished, replaced by a sharp glare.
He pointed straight at me.
"Stay away from big sis. You look like a bad guy."
I blinked. "…Wait, me?"
A blade-shaped shadow materialized in the air.
The brothers tensed immediately.
"Leon, stop!" Misaki called out. "He's our friend, not an enemy!"
Don't you dare!" Riri snapped. "Try anything stupid, and I swear I'll slap you!"
Leon ignored both.
He clenched his fist.
The shadow knife shot toward me like a bullet.
Fear stabbed through my chest. I flinched, raising my arms—
—and something strange happened.
My body began to vibrate.
The shadow blade passed through me like mist without leaving a single scratch.
Everyone froze.
Before Leon could prepare a second attack, Riri conjured a blazing fireball and hurled it at him. It hit him square in the chest.
BOOM.
Leon flew backward, slamming into the stone floor.
Riri crossed her arms. "Looks like master forgot to teach you how to treat guests."
She rushed to me with Misaki.
Riri grabbed my shoulder. "Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine," I said softly.
"But… how did you survive that?" she asked.
I sighed. "It's… a new ability. I learned I can vibrate my molecules fast enough to phase through solid objects."
Misaki and Riri stared blankly.
I rephrased, "I can… let things pass through me. When I want."
Jatin's eyes sparkled. "Bro, that's awesome!"
Before I could say anything more, the heavy wooden doors behind Leo creaked open.
A deep voice asked, "Where is this noise coming from?"
Leon immediately straightened and bowed. "Master, forgive me. I thought these outsiders came to waste your time."
A man stepped out.
He was bald, with a long white beard and small frame, dressed in a keikogi—like a Japanese martial arts master dropped into the wrong universe. Despite his size, his presence was powerful.
Ayush whispered, "Why is he wearing a karate uniform…? Nothing in this world makes sense…"
Rudransh spat, "You attacked us without even listening!"
Riri and Misaki stepped forward and bowed deeply.
Riri smiled warmly. "Long time no see, Master Demetrius."
Demetrius's stern expression softened.
"I heard from the students—you performed well in the audition. You've grown strong, Riri. I am proud of you."
"It's thanks to your teachings," she said.
He turned to Misaki. "And you… you seem better than before."
Misaki smiled. "I'm doing fine. But you look younger, Master."
He laughed. "My students take good care of me... just like my old ones did. Leo, Riri, and Ra…"
He stopped mid-sentence.
Misaki's smile wavered.
Meanwhile, Rizu attempted to read Demetrius's thoughts—and recoiled.
Nothing.
No thoughts.
No emotion.
Only endless, empty silence.
W-What? That's weird… Why can't I read his mind?
Demetrius faced us now.
"So… you're the ones participating with her? Rumors say you're not from this world—and yet you wield magic without training from any academy."
Riri stepped forward. "That's why we're here. They have power, but no technique. Please take them as your disciples."
Demetrius stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Hm. My schedule is packed with tournament preparations… but I can spare time. I'll train them one by one—or two at most—before each round."
Riri exhaled in relief. "That's more than enough. Thank you, Master."
Behind him, Leon glared daggers at us.
Rudransh asked, "Wait… did you say you're arranging the tournament? So that means—"
Demetrius chuckled. "Yes. I am affiliated with the organizers."
Rizu's eyes widened. "Then you must know who's fighting next!"
Demetrius smirked mischievously and raised a finger—pointing straight at Rizu.
"Me?!" Rizu shrieked.
"You've GOT to be kidding!"
The old master shook his head. "It's confidential. But since you're with Riri, I'll bend the rule slightly. And besides—"He eyed Rizu critically. "You are a step behind the others. You know nothing of this world, and you barely know how to fight."
Rizu sputtered. "Say that to HIM!"
He pointed at Ayush.
Demetrius looked at Ayush. "Your fight was impressive. Especially your final move. But everything else? You survived by luck, not skill."
"What?!" Ayush protested. "I gave it my best!"
Jatin and Rudransh snickered.
Ayush pouted. "I tried…"
Demetrius laughed. "For a beginner, you did exceptionally well. You just need proper training."
Rizu groaned. "But I don't even have real powers. I can only… read minds."
Riri touched his shoulder. "Don't worry. Master is one of the best in Boreas. He'll prepare you."
"…Fine. I trust you," Rizu muttered.
I asked, "How many days until the next match?"
"Four days," Riri replied.
"FOUR DAYS?!" Rizu clutched his hair. "I'M DEAD!"
Jatin shrugged. "Relax. Killing isn't allowed."
Demetrius raised his hand and pointed at two people:
Ayush.
And Rizu.
Both froze.
"You two will stay with me for the next four days. I'll train you personally. But be warned—my training is harsh. Prepare yourselves."
Ayush stared in despair. "Why me? I already fought!"
Rizu whispered back, "Bro… we're doomed."