The sun was dipping low, casting a warm orange over the village. After the awakening ceremony, the air was still buzzing with whispers about the rare spirits that had appeared — Tang San's innate full spirit power, and Ayan's strange Doppelganger Soul.
Ayan and Tang San walked together along the narrow dirt path, away from prying eyes. Eventually, they stopped near the quiet stream behind the village, the water catching the evening light.
Tang San glanced around carefully, his expression unusually serious.
"Ayan… there's something I didn't tell the others at the ceremony."
Ayan raised a brow. "Oh? Don't tell me you've been hiding another pretty face under all that calmness."
Tang San ignored the jab and extended his hand. Spirit power flowed, and a small black hammer appeared in his grip. The air seemed to grow heavier around them.
Ayan's usual playful smirk faded for once. His eyes locked on the hammer.
"That… isn't Blue Silver Grass."
"It's my second martial spirit," Tang San said quietly. "My father says it's called the Clear Sky Hammer."
Ayan circled him slowly, hands behind his back, studying the weapon. "So the rumors were true… some people really can have twin martial spirits." Then his grin returned, sharp and knowing. "Tang San, you're far more dangerous than you look."
Tang San looked at him steadily. "I'm trusting you with this, Ayan. No one else can know."
Ayan's Doppelganger stepped out of his shadow, leaning lazily against a tree with its arms crossed — a perfect mirror of Ayan himself.
"Brother," the real Ayan said with mock solemnity, "your secret is safe with me. After all… I have a few of my own."
Tang San smiled faintly. In that quiet moment by the stream, without a handshake or blood oath, they both understood — their bond was sealed.