The morning was colder than usual.
A quiet fog rolled over the sacred training grounds, clinging to the earth like secrets not yet spoken. Three figures stood still in the mist: Shintarō, Sumiyoshi, and Akito.
And floating before them was the Guardian Spirit—calm, ethereal, glowing like a lantern against the morning chill.
Guardian Spirit:
"From this point on, you leave behind the world you knew. You step into the path only walked by those fated to bear divine weapons."
Seven glowing lights appeared mid-air, like stars burning in different colors.
"Seven steps. Each a trial to break you, to reveal you... or to accept you."
🌀 The Seven Trials
Speed and Agility
Endurance and Strength
Mental Trial (Illusion)
Weapon Synergy
Spirit Awareness
Combat Tactics
Final Acceptance
"Even after seven stages... your weapon may still reject you. That is the truth."
🌘 Trial One: Speed and Agility
The field shifted.
Suddenly, the mist cleared, revealing a battlefield filled with rotating logs, blades slicing out of nowhere, shifting ground, and platforms vanishing in and out of existence.
Guardian Spirit (softly):
"Let's begin."
Shintarō stepped forward without hesitation.
Sumiyoshi (half-whisper, gulping):
"Is he insane or just overconfident?"
Akito (quietly watching):
"No. He's focused."
Shintarō ran.
His feet barely touched the ground.
He dodged left, vaulted over a collapsing pole, and ducked under flying blades.
He moved like he knew what was coming. Every movement was practiced. Perfect.
He dived forward, slid under rotating spears, and leapt across flickering platforms without breaking a sweat.
And then — silence.
He had reached the end.
Guardian Spirit (smiling faintly):
"Impressive."
Sumiyoshi (muttering):
"Okay, great. Now how do I fake a fever?"
🌗 Sumiyoshi's Turn
The Guardian Spirit looked toward him.
"Your turn."
Sumiyoshi took one step forward — and slipped on his own shoelace.
"Oww! Damn it!"
Shintarō (flatly):
"It hasn't even started yet."
Sumiyoshi (getting up, brushing off dust):
"I was testing gravity. It works."
Then the field began.
He ran toward the first log—only to get smacked in the face and tossed backward.
He groaned and tried again. This time, he made it two steps before falling into a muddy pit.
Sumiyoshi (from the mud):
"I'd rather marry the spirit. This is worse."
But he didn't quit.
He crawled through blades.
Tripped over the blinking platform.
Got knocked down.
Got up again.
And again.
Seven minutes later, cut, bruised, covered in dirt and leaves — he collapsed at the finish line.
Guardian Spirit (softly):
"You have heart."
Shintarō (offering him water):
"You didn't die. That's a win."
🌒 Akito's Trial – Illusion
While others struggled outside, Akito sat in a circle drawn on the earth.
The Illusion Test — Trial 3 — had already begun for him.
His eyes were wide open, but his body didn't move.
In his mind, he was somewhere else entirely.
He stood in an empty house. Rain pouring outside.
A voice whispered:
"Why weren't you strong enough?"
A hand on his shoulder. He turned. His brother.
Blood running down his face.
"You left me."
Akito trembled.
His knuckles turned white from clenching his sai. His breath shaky.
He whispered under his breath,
Akito:
"No. I didn't leave you. You died protecting me..."
The vision twisted. The walls cracked. But Akito didn't look away.
"You'll have to try harder than that," he said softly.
🌑 That Night – At the Cabin
The fire crackled inside their small wooden shelter.
Sumiyoshi lay wrapped in two blankets, groaning with every breath.
Sumiyoshi:
"I've discovered parts of my body I didn't know could hurt..."
Shintarō sat nearby, polishing his blade.
Shintarō:
"You'll get better."
Sumiyoshi:
"Wow. So much compassion. I'm crying."
Akito (entering quietly):
"You were brave, though."
They looked up.
Akito's eyes were tired. But there was something else in them — clarity.
Sumiyoshi:
"You okay?"
Akito:
"No. But I will be."
A moment passed. The fire popped.
Shintarō (after a pause):
"It was just Day One."
Sumiyoshi (laughs weakly):
"Just? Just?! If Day Two includes lava, I swear I'll marry the spirit instead."
All three chuckled quietly.
And for a brief moment, in the middle of a battle none of them fully understood yet —
They felt a little less alone.