Yuto's heart pounded with excitement as Masura announced his first mission. "Sousuke will go with you," Masura said, his eyes stern. Yuto grinned, clutching his katana tight. Yuki smiled and wished him luck, then, next morning, presented Yuto with a special haori. Flames blazed across the lower edge, and a sun symbol shone on the chest. His belt held bandages, space for his katana, and a pair of sturdy metal-plated gloves.Together with Sousuke, Yuto set off for a city plagued by devils. "Stay alert," warned Sousuke as they approached, the city now reduced to ruins. Suddenly, a devil lunged from the rubble. Yuto leapt, shouting, "Fire Power, First Technique: Blazing Slash!" His blade sliced through the devil, severing its heart. Its body crumpled to ashes.The two pressed deeper into the city, only to hear desperate screams. Rushing towards the sound, they saw a group of terrified civilians surrounded by ten snarling devils. Without hesitation, Yuto charged. "Fire Power, Second Technique: Scorching Ember Dance!" Flames spiraled from his blade as he cut through the first devil.One of the devils snarled, "Devil Art, Final Form: Blood Nerve!" Bloody tendrils whipped toward Yuto, but he slashed back, using his First Technique again. He severed some of the nerves, but not all. The tendrils shot forward—Sousuke vaulted between Yuto and the attack, deflecting it.Yuto refused to give in. "Fire Power, Fifth Technique: Phoenix Rise!" He surged upward, his sword trailing fire, and pierced the devil's chest.Another devil rushed Yuto, claws outstretched. Sousuke stepped in, lightning crackling around his blade. "Thunder Power, Third Technique: Thunder Strike!" He struck the devil with electrifying force, sending it sprawling. Sousuke removed its heart, while Yuto finished off another.Yet as they caught their breath, another devil charged at them—and something completely unexpected began to unfold…
