Chapter 2
Struggle
On the desk of the shop, Kanami let out a silent scream. The feelings and memories flowed through his mind, confirming that what had just happened was real. He panicked, his body trembling with fear. He rushed to the bathroom, throwing up from the memory of his headless body.
He was simply terrified. "It was just a nightmare. I was only imagining things. It's just my mind playing tricks on me. That can't be real," he told himself, though he knew it was a lie.
He heard a soft voice speaking. "You did well, little one. How was your experience?" The voice was far different from that of the man who had killed him.
He looked around. There were no mirrors. There was nothing else.
"Here, down here. What's your name?"
He couldn't believe his eyes. The cat he had found earlier—it was speaking.
"Ah, don't worry. You'll get used to it. My name is Mai, an elderly mage from the forgotten land. And you?"
Kanami didn't know what to say or do, but he knew what he felt: rage, betrayal, and hatred. "Then it's all because of you, Mai. Why did you drag me into this? My life wasn't missing anything like that."
Mai sat on the washing machine. "Poor thing. But there's more you need to face. The Wild Hunters will come for you again, and the same fate will repeat if you don't act wisely."
Kanami asked with fear, "Wild Hunters?"
Mai gave him a confident look and said, "The Wild Hunters are an association created by those in power—let's call them kings—to eliminate anyone who threatens their rule. And now, they're looking for us."
She paused, then continued, "They're looking for you. I chose you as my ally because the moment I saw you, I sensed you could be my key to victory."
Kanami stared at her, speechless. His expression said everything. "What do you mean? Do you really think I'll just help you? That I'll be your tool? You pulled me into this nightmare, and now you're explaining it like it's nothing. Why? Why did you let me die?"
Mai met his gaze with a calm, empty expression. "I needed to prepare you for what's ahead, and I didn't expect that to happen." She extended her paw. "Take my hand. I'll make you strong enough to defeat them."
Kanami knew he had no choice. Survival was his only option. "I'm Kanami. I'll work with you… but only to stay alive."
Mai's eyes brightened with satisfaction. "Excellent choice, Kanami. You will rise to become the strongest—my partner, my winning card."
"Would you like to know why I chose you?"
Kanami nodded, curiosity edging out his fear. "Why?"
Mai smiled faintly. "Because within you, Kanami, your soul carries what we call in the forgotten land the Pure Ashes—one of the five fundamental power elements. Under my guidance, you'll be ready to take down the Wild Hunters… and perhaps even surpass me."
Kanami washed his face, trying to steady himself. "What do you mean by that?"
Mai explained, "The five power elements are: Ashes, the element of determination; Glass, the element of greed; Void, the element of fear; Light, the element of freedom; and the Unknown, the element of knowledge. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, its unique powers and limits."
Kanami stared blankly. "And why is mine so special that you dragged me into all this?"
Mai's tone grew slightly impatient. "Determination is a rare and powerful gift. You'll understand in time. For now, let's begin your training. Soon, you'll see what I mean."
Kanami's voice trembled. "We don't have time. You're a great mage—why not fight them yourself?"
Mai leaned forward. "You may not see it yet, but think carefully. I *could* fight, and my true power far exceeds theirs. But if I revealed myself now, they'd trace me instantly. That would be foolish. You must take the front line if you want your freedom, Kanami. I'll guide you to every victory. And no matter how many times you fall, we'll rise again—together. My will, your will… don't you feel it?"
Kanami felt a chill run through him. He steeled himself for what lay ahead.
He had to fight—to the very end.