We didn't set off for Kanju immediately. Instead, Junai led us deep into the Warrior grounds where Master Saver, a veteran trainer of legends, awaited us. He was a lean man with piercing eyes that seemed to see through my soul.
"Your team needs to be ready," Saver said, arms crossed. "A mid-level demon is not something to be taken lightly. You will train for one month."
My stomach tightened. One month… with warriors far stronger than me.
---
The training was brutal from day one. Saver's voice rang in my ears, "Focus, Akairo! You're swinging your blade without purpose!"
I gritted my teeth, sweat stinging my eyes. But no matter how hard I tried, illusions kept invading my mind—memories of Father's death, whispers of my Null Core being worthless.
While I struggled, my teammates thrived. Katshuu's Titan Core granted him monstrous strength. Bunai could form indestructible barriers in seconds. Shinata… her lightning danced with elegance and raw power.
I felt like a burden. Every day, my weaknesses were painfully clear, and the thought of dragging everyone down gnawed at me.
But quitting wasn't an option. Saver's piercing gaze wouldn't allow