Morning arrived, golden rays piercing through the lingering clouds as the training grounds came to life with the shuffle of boots, clatter of weapons, and the murmur of recruits. The scent of dew still clung to the grass, but the air buzzed with tension and expectation. Shunjiro Tenzai stood near the edge of the gathering crowd, the crisp morning breeze tugging at his cloak. His heart thudded, not from fear, but from the electric anticipation of what lay ahead. As he reached the designated meeting spot, his eyes immediately landed on Sora Ayanami, leaning casually against a stone pillar, arms crossed and wearing that ever-present cocky grin. “About time you showed up,” Sora said, not even bothering to look directly at him. Shunjiro rolled his eyes, smirking. “Not everyone is a morning person.” Sora gave a light chuckle. “Don’t hate Shrimpy.” Standing a few paces away was Jayiden, the beastkin Shunjiro had noticed during the earlier exams. His shaggy black hair fell around his wolf-like ears, and tufts of fur lined his arms and shoulders. A furred tail flicked lazily behind him, and his golden eyes were half-lidded with clear morning irritation. One clawed hand rested on the hilt of his jagged katana, the other rubbing at his neck as he yawned. Shunjiro gave him a curious glance. Jayiden caught it and nodded once, cool, calm, and wordless. Shunjiro returned the nod with a grin. Nearby was another recruit Shunjiro hadn’t spoken to before. A tall, muscular boy with messy brown hair and matching brown eyes stood nearby, wearing simple, loose-fitting clothes. Despite his intimidating build, there was an easygoing, almost clueless expression on his face as he stretched his arms with a loud yawn. He didn’t seem particularly alert, more like someone who wandered into the group without fully realizing what was happening. Before Shunjiro could introduce himself, Kaito Ishiro appeared. The noise died immediately. He descended the short stairs with confident strides, dressed in a sleek, midnight blue cloak that fluttered faintly with each step. A katana hung at his side, its elegant sheath worn with years of use. His neatly kept black hair framed a finely trimmed mustache. “Good morning,” Kaito said, his voice clear and firm, cutting through the silence like a blade. “Welcome to your first day under my guidance.” All eyes locked on him. “You’re here because I see something in each of you. Potential. Fire. Drive. Over the next four days, we’ll push your limits. We’ll sharpen your instincts. You’ll come face-to-face with what it really means to be an adventurer.” Shunjiro’s chest swelled with both excitement and nerves. He clenched his fists by his sides, already picturing himself mid-battle, sweat and grit pouring down his brow. “And on the fifth day,” Kaito continued, “you’ll fight me.” The group collectively stiffened. Sora let out a low whistle. Shunjiro blinked. Wait, what? Even Jayiden’s ears twitched slightly, his calm expression tightening. From the back of the group, the broad-shouldered boy with messy brown hair shifted uncomfortably. His voice broke the silence. “Four days of training… then we fight you?” Tetsuo Shinseki asked, raising an eyebrow. “That seems… intense.” Kaito smiled, just a little. “It is,” he said. “But that’s the point. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. Real strength comes from pressure.” Tetsuo grunted, cracking his knuckles. “Fine. Long as I get a shot.” Shunjiro’s eyes widened. So that’s him, Tetsuo Shinseki. The guy people were talking about during the strength trials. Sora squinted at the group, scanning each face before frowning. “Wait… where’s Yoshinori?” Shunjiro crossed his arms casually, “He’s not here because Hiroto picked him. Before the meetings even started.” That earned a few surprised looks. Kaito nodded, confirming it. “That’s right. Hiroto saw enough during the exams to make his decision early. Chose Yoshinori before he even stepped into the room.” A hush fell over the group. Sora scoffed, folding his arms with a hint of irritation. “Figures. Guess I’ll have to wait to get a rematch.” Shunjiro’s chest tightened, not with jealousy, but motivation. If Hiroto hand-picked Yoshinori that fast, then Kaito must have seen something in him, too. Kaito began pacing in front of them, his cloak trailing behind him. “We’ll train hard, eat harder, and sleep when we’re half-dead. If you’re not limping by lunch, you’re not doing it right.” That earned a few chuckles. Even Sora cracked a grin. “Oh and one more thing,” Kaito said, pausing. “There’s no such thing as ‘weak’ in my squad. Only lazy. And I don’t train cowards.” Jayiden’s tail twitched. Tetsuo grinned, already loosening up his shoulders. Sora smirked in challenge. And Shunjiro? He was already fired up. The morning sun had barely finished rising before Kaito gathered them all at the base of the training grounds. A faint breeze rustled the treetops as the recruits stood shoulder to shoulder, still adjusting to the crisp air and wiping away the last traces of sleep from their eyes. Kaito stood before them, his arms folded neatly across his chest, his midnight-blue cloak catching the wind behind him. His face was unreadable, calm, focused, and just a little too cheerful. “We’re starting with a run,” Kaito said plainly. Shunjiro glanced sideways at Sora. Jayiden yawned loudly, rubbing one eye. Tetsuo scratched the back of his head. “A warm-up run?” Tetsuo asked, hopeful. Kaito’s mustache twitched with amusement. “You’ll be running until lunch.” Shunjiro blinked. “Wait. That’s… five hours from now.” Kaito gave a wide, almost terrifying grin. “That’s right.” Before anyone could protest, Kaito vanished in a blur of wind and kicked-up dirt, gone before they could even register the movement. “…He’s gone,” Jayiden muttered. “Fastest man alive,” Sora sighed. “No exaggeration.” They took off after him, quickly realizing this was no ordinary run. Kaito didn’t pick a path; he carved one, leading them through uneven forest trails, up winding hills, and across rocky streams. They jumped over roots, ducked low-hanging branches, and sometimes stumbled down slopes with no grace whatsoever. “This isn’t a trail,” Shunjiro huffed, leaping over a fallen log. “This is a death march!” “I’m gonna hurl,” Tetsuo wheezed beside him, red in the face. Jayiden snarled behind them, dropping onto all fours and bounding forward like a beast. “Screw this. I’m going feral.” Sora, who had sprinted ahead briefly, doubled back just to laugh. “Nice form, dog boy!” “Say that again,” Jayiden snapped between gasps, “and I’ll rip your throat out!” Hours passed. Muscles ached. Feet burned. Shunjiro’s legs felt like they had turned into jelly, and sweat poured from every inch of his body. Tetsuo’s shirt was practically drenched, and even Sora, who usually maintained a smug, untouchable presence, looked like he was considering collapsing in the grass. When they stumbled back to the training grounds near noon, they looked like they’d crawled out of a battlefield. Kaito was already waiting for them, fresh as ever, arms crossed, barely a hair out of place. “Not bad,” he said with a nod. “Now eat up. Lunch is ready.” They didn’t need to be told twice. They devoured their meal like starved animals, hearty meats, seasoned rice, and fresh fruits laid out under the open pavilion. Even Jayiden abandoned his quiet brooding to chew loudly through three full plates. Tetsuo practically fell asleep on his second bowl. “Maybe he’s done torturing us,” Shunjiro mumbled, chewing through a thick piece of bread. “Ha,” Sora barked. “You know he’s just letting us drop our guard.” They were right to be suspicious. As soon as the plates were cleared, Kaito clapped his hands and announced, “You’ll run until sundown.” The silence was deafening. “I just ate an entire cow,” Tetsuo whispered in horror. “Yeah, well I ate a horse,” Jayiden muttered, already regretting his life decisions. The second run was even worse. The midday heat bore down on them as they stumbled, sprinted, and dragged their aching limbs across hills that now felt twice as steep. Their complaints turned into groans, their groans into silence, and by the end of the day, they didn’t have the energy to even glare at Kaito anymore. But they didn’t quit. No one dropped out, no one stormed off or gave up. And somewhere between the panting, the near-throwing up, and the ridiculous terrain, they started encouraging each other. “Left foot, Tetsuo!” Shunjiro shouted as the big guy nearly tripped again. “Shut up! I’m trying!” Jayiden actually offered Sora a hand when he slipped on a muddy slope, and only insulted him once. Even Sora, always cocky and quick to jab, muttered a “Nice pace,” to Shunjiro during a short downhill stretch. By the time the sun dipped below the trees, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold, they finally collapsed in the grass outside the castle. Kaito stood above them, arms behind his back, smiling faintly. “Not bad for day one.” None of them had the energy to reply. They had just spent an entire day running. By the time the four of them returned to the castle, the sky had deepened into twilight, casting long shadows across the stone courtyard. Their bodies ached in places they didn’t know could ache. Muscles screamed, feet dragged, and yet there was something lighter in the air between them. They had survived day one of Kaito’s brutal training, and that alone was reason enough to celebrate. The smell of roasted meats and warm bread hit them before they even reached the dining hall. Tetsuo practically kicked the door open with the last of his strength. “Food,” he groaned, eyes gleaming. “I’m gonna cry.” Inside, the long tables were already set, steaming plates lining the wooden surfaces. They each piled on more food than was reasonable and dropped into the seats with heavy sighs. Shunjiro sat beside Tetsuo, who was busy stuffing his face with reckless abandon. The two had clicked fast, both carried a goofy energy, though Shunjiro often played the straight man to Tetsuo’s walking disaster. Their laughter was easy, their banter effortless. “So, when’s the statue going up?” Tetsuo asked through a mouthful of rice. “What statue?” “The one of me. For surviving the run without crying.” “You cried twice,” Shunjiro deadpanned. Tetsuo waved him off. “Not important.” Across from them, Sora leaned back in his chair, a smirk curling on his lips. “This is honestly pathetic,” he said, shaking his head. “You two are like a comedy act. Shrimpy and Boulder Brain.” Shunjiro rolled his eyes. “I’m not that short.” “Then stop standing next to Tetsuo,” Sora said, grinning. “Also, you should probably stop talking before you say something stupid. It’s starting to rub off on me. Tetsuo pointed his fork at Sora. “At least I don’t wear my ego like a cape.” “Yeah?” Sora raised a brow. “At least I know how to use a fork without turning it into a deadly weapon for no reason..” Jayiden, seated slightly apart, snorted. “You’re all idiots.” They all turned to look at him, and for a moment, it seemed like he might keep to himself, but then he added with a smirk, “Seriously though, that was the worst run I’ve ever been on. I’m still seeing ghosts.” “You sure those aren’t just hallucinations?” Shunjiro joked. Jayiden chuckled under his breath but didn’t say more. There was a quietness to him that hadn’t gone unnoticed. He laughed, teased, and kept pace with the group, but never fully opened up. He always seemed to be observing, like he was present but not quite with them. Still, tonight felt different. Even Jayiden’s smile, faint as it was, lingered a little longer. As the four of them sat there, bruised, battered, and half-asleep with their stomachs full, something unspoken settled between them, something stronger than rivalry or circumstance. They weren’t just trainees anymore. They were slowly, awkwardly, becoming a team. Day 2 arrived with aching legs and quiet groans. The moment the sun broke over the horizon, the group assembled once again at the edge of the training field. The ground still bore the markings of yesterday’s merciless run, footprints etched into the dirt, crushed grass, and a faint trail of sweat-soaked exhaustion. Tetsuo stretched his arms overhead with a yawn. “So… we’re not seriously doing that again, right?” Jayiden, ears twitching and half-awake, muttered, “If he makes us run again, I’m dragging him through the hills next.” Shunjiro didn’t say anything at first. He simply stared at Kaito, who stood at the head of the group, arms crossed, that same unreadable expression carved into his face. But then, he smirked. “I know that look,” Shunjiro muttered under his breath. Kaito took a single step forward. “You survived yesterday,” he began, tone calm. “You even bonded. I’m proud of that.” A hopeful glint sparked in Tetsuo’s eyes. Then Kaito’s smirk returned. “Now run. Until lunch.” Tetsuo dropped his arms with a groan so loud it echoed. Sora narrowed his eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding.” “I never joke about cardio,” Kaito replied, already turning on his heel. “You want to be fast? You train for it. You want to be great? You suffer for it.” With heavy sighs and reluctant chuckles, the four recruits took off once again, their feet pounding the earth in a now-familiar rhythm. The terrain was no easier than yesterday, more hills, uneven paths, roots reaching out to trip the unwary, but they kept going. Maybe it was pride. Maybe it was stubbornness. Maybe it was the unspoken challenge to outlast one another. By the time lunch arrived, the four collapsed at the outdoor tables, drenched in sweat but smarter than yesterday. “Smaller portions,” Jayiden said, stabbing at a single piece of meat. “I’m not falling for it again.” The others nodded, all eyes cautiously flicking toward Kaito, who, naturally, hadn’t said a word about what the afternoon held. After lunch, the group trudged back toward the training grounds, limbs sore, stomachs lighter, and spirits cautiously hopeful. Kaito stood waiting, his arms folded across his chest, the ever-present glint of mischief behind his otherwise stern eyes. “Good news,” he said as they approached, his voice calm and measured. “We’re not running.” The group visibly relaxed. Tetsuo even dropped to his knees dramatically, throwing his arms to the sky. “Bless!” Shunjiro cracked a small grin. Even Sora sighed in relief. “But…” Kaito added, drawing out the word like a blade from its sheath, “we will be draining your spiritual energy instead.” The group froze. Tetsuo blinked. “Wait, what does that mean?” Kaito turned, beckoning them to follow. “You’ll see.” They left the kingdom’s walls, trekking out past open fields and dirt trails until they arrived at a secluded clearing nestled in the forest. A tall waterfall cascaded down a jagged cliff, its roar blending with birdsong and rustling leaves. Beneath it sat five smooth, round stones, arranged evenly under the crashing water. Kaito walked straight into the fall, seating himself cross-legged atop one of the stones, completely composed despite the torrent pounding his shoulders. His voice remained clear even over the rush of water. “The task is simple: sit beneath the waterfall and direct your spiritual energy to circulate throughout your body. Keep it flowing, don’t let it rest. You’ll know you’re doing it right when it starts to burn.” He opened his palm, and a soft glow of white light shimmered over his skin, slowly coursing up his arm. “It’s not just about power, it’s about control.” Sora went first, grumbling as he took position on one of the stones. The cold water nearly knocked the breath out of him. At first, his spiritual energy flared wildly, uneven and unstable, but after a few minutes of gritted teeth and focused breathing, he found his rhythm. A faint shimmer followed the curve of his arm. Tetsuo followed next. Despite his usual goofiness, he surprised everyone. Almost immediately, his energy began to flow smoothly through his body, golden lines tracing over his skin like veins of molten rock. “Seriously?” Jayiden muttered from the shore, ears flattened in irritation. Shunjiro watched nervously, his heart pounding. Jayiden was the next to try. He sat stiffly under the waterfall, his fur bristling as the icy water slammed into him. He closed his eyes, trying to focus, but each time his energy began to stir, frustration boiled to the surface and disrupted it. Over and over he failed, slamming a fist into the rock beside him. “Calm yourself,” Kaito called out. “You’re too angry.” Jayiden bared his teeth. “I am calm.” “No,” Kaito replied firmly. “You’re annoyed because someone else got it first.” Jayiden stood, growling low in his throat, and stormed back to shore without a word. Shunjiro was the last to try. He climbed onto the stone and sat beneath the fall, already shivering. He tried focusing, remembering how Kaito demonstrated it, imagining energy moving through him like water but nothing happened. Not even a flicker. His skin stayed dull. His body unresponsive. “Close your eyes,” Kaito said, kneeling beside the stone. “Breathe. Feel, don’t think.” But Shunjiro’s mind was clouded with doubt, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t sense anything at all. After a while, Kaito stood and exhaled. “Alright. Change of plans.” He stepped to the side and casually bent down, picking up four uneven twigs from the ground. “No need for anything fancy,” Kaito said, tossing them one by one. “Sparring time. Two shortest sticks are a team. Same for the longer ones.” They each caught their twig, glancing down to compare lengths. Shunjiro held his up next to Jayiden’s. “Looks like we’re partners,” Jayiden muttered, his ears twitching slightly in annoyance. Sora groaned loudly. “Seriously? Me and Dumb Rock versus Wolfboy and Barf Boy?” Tetsuo lit up. “Aw man, this is gonna be fun!” Kaito gave them a flat look, arms crossed. “Teamwork isn’t about who you like,” Kaito said, his voice steady. “It’s about learning to trust, adapt, and cover each other’s blind spots. Out there, survival depends on it.” Shunjiro exhaled and took his place beside Jayiden. He could feel the awkward tension between them, but there was no time to dwell on it. The roar of the waterfall filled the air behind them, but now it was just white noise compared to the clash that was about to begin. Jayiden crouched slightly, already lowering into a ready stance. Let’s see if we can make this work, Shunjiro thought. Kaito crouched near the edge of the tree line, rummaging casually through the fallen branches until he found a few sturdy-looking twigs. “Weapons,” he said, tossing one to each of them. “Or at least, close enough.” Sora raised an eyebrow. “Are you serious?” Jayiden scowled. “You’ve got to be kidding me…” Kaito’s smirk never left his face. “This isn’t about the weapon. It’s about the energy you put into it.” He then plucked two straighter branches from the pile and walked over to Jayiden. “Since you use katanas, you get the next best thing. Wooden blades. No slicing off limbs, please.” Jayiden’s golden eyes narrowed, ears flicking with irritation. “Tch. These’ll snap the moment I actually try.” “You’ll figure it out,” Kaito replied, then turned to the others. “Rules are simple. No killing. But you’re allowed to hurt each other. Actually… I encourage it. Last duo standing wins.” Jayiden grunted and turned without another word. Shunjiro followed, but their steps were out of sync from the start. “Yo, maybe we should come up with a plan or-” “Just don’t get in my way,” Jayiden snapped, gripping his makeshift swords with annoyance. Shunjiro blinked, biting his tongue. So much for teamwork. Meanwhile, Sora and Tetsuo stood confidently across the clearing, already loose and ready. “Perfect,” Sora said, grinning. “I like this already,” Tetsuo chuckled, cracking his knuckles. As Jayiden darted into the dense woods, Shunjiro tried to keep pace, only to lose sight of him almost immediately. “This is gonna suck…” Not long after, Jayiden stumbled upon Sora and Tetsuo walking together along the ridge of a hill. The air snapped with tension the moment the beastkin stepped into view. “Well, look who it is,” Sora said, drawing up to his full height. “Let me guess. You ditched your partner already?” “I didn’t ditch him,” Jayiden growled. “He’s just slow. Like your brain.” Sora’s smirk widened. “Careful. If you break your toy swords, you’ll have to fight with your tail.” Jayiden snarled. “I don’t need blades to beat you.” In an instant, Jayiden focused spiritual energy into his legs. A subtle burst of wind kicked up around him and then he was gone, a blur across the grass. Even Sora’s smirk faltered as Jayiden closed the distance with shocking speed. He was holding back on those runs?! Jayiden’s wooden katana came up, flashing in the sunlight and slammed straight into Sora’s jaw. The blow sent a spray of blood into the air and rocked the cocky boy back a step. But instead of falling, Sora chuckled, cracking his neck. “Nice hit,” he said. “But you didn’t put enough energy into that one. Now it’s useless.” Jayiden blinked. “What the hell are you talking about?” “I adapt, remember?” Sora tapped his temple. “That hit won’t work again.” Jayiden’s brows furrowed, but he smirked. “Alright then.” Behind him, Tetsuo launched forward, his fist coated in stone. “Tag!” Jayiden turned too late. Tetsuo’s punch crashed into his ribs, launching him sideways into the dirt. “Damn bastard Kaito,” Jayiden spat, coughing. “These sticks are useless!” He gritted his teeth and funneled energy into the wooden blade. The weapon trembled in his grip, glowing faintly, and with a roar, he slashed it through the air. A crescent of spiritual energy shot out like a whip, splitting the earth beneath it. The wooden blade cracked in half from the force. The energy slash ripped through the space between them and caught Sora across the chest. Blood sprayed from the impact as Sora stumbled back, a grimace twisting his features. Tetsuo’s eyes widened. “You good?!” Sora wiped the blood from his chin and nodded. “He hits hard. But the more he does it, the less I’ll feel it. He’s just giving me an upgrade.” Jayiden’s golden eyes burned. “You smug little bastard…” He grabbed his second wooden blade, channeling more energy, too much. The sword shattered in his hands before he could swing. But the energy remained. Still seething, Jayiden slashed down with nothing but force and focus, sending another wave of raw power screaming toward Sora. Tetsuo’s instincts kicked in. “Sora! Dodge! That’ll cut you in half!” Sora held his ground, bracing with his arms as they glowed with defensive energy. But Tetsuo didn’t trust it. He stomped the ground, creating a thick stone wall in front of them both. The spiritual wave sliced through the wall like paper and collided with Sora’s arms, carving shallow but painful gashes. He hissed and staggered, breathing heavy. “You tryin’ to kill me?!” Sora shouted. Jayiden exhaled slowly, his fury dimming. “No. I figured you could handle it.” “Clearly,” Sora said, flexing his cut arm, “we’ve got different definitions of handling it.” It was then that Shunjiro burst into view, panting and covered in twigs. “You couldn’t wait five minutes?!” Jayiden rolled his eyes. “You were late.” Tetsuo raised his hand in mock salute. “Glad you could join us, shrimp.” Shunjiro ignored the jab and stepped forward, “Let’s try this again, with teamwork this time.” Sora chuckled and cracked his neck. “Finally. Now this is getting fun.” Tetsuo cracked his knuckles and shot a glance at Sora. “You handle Shunjiro. I’ll deal with the mutt.” Sora scoffed, rolling his shoulders. “Nah. We take them on together. Team battle for a reason.” Without another word, they moved. Jayiden lunged first, wild and fast, dashing low with a sweeping kick at Tetsuo’s legs. Tetsuo jumped over it and slammed his stone-coated elbow downward. Jayiden barely twisted away, claws scraping against Tetsuo’s forearm with a snarl. Shunjiro dashed straight at Sora, fists clenched. He faked a left hook, then swung a sharp elbow toward Sora’s jaw. Sora weaved back, deflecting the strike with his forearm. “Not bad,” Sora said coolly, eyes narrowed. “But way too easy to read.” Shunjiro gritted his teeth and came again, faster this time. He ducked low, pivoted, and shot forward with a shoulder check. It caught Sora by surprise and knocked him back a step. Nearby, Jayiden let out a sharp growl and channeled his spiritual energy into his legs. In a flash, Jayiden pounced, claws swiping low, but Tetsuo dropped his stance and launched a powerful uppercut, his fist coated in stone. The blow cracked into Jayiden’s abdomen, making him stagger with a grunt. “Not so fun when someone punches back, huh?” Tetsuo teased, shaking out his knuckles. Jayiden snarled and launched a spinning kick, but Tetsuo caught it with a stone-plated shoulder and slammed another blow into his ribs. Jayiden crumpled to one knee, breath ragged. Meanwhile, Shunjiro pressed forward. He landed a solid strike to Sora’s shoulder, followed by a low jab to his ribs. Sora’s eyes gleamed. “Thanks for that.” Suddenly, Shunjiro’s next punch met resistance, an invisible barrier pulsed around Sora’s torso. His knuckles bounced back as if he’d hit glass. “What the-?” Sora stepped in with perfect timing and drove a palm strike into Shunjiro’s chest. The impact sent him flying back, landing hard on his back. “You get one clean hit,” Sora said, brushing off his shoulder. “After that, I adapt.” Shunjiro groaned, clutching his ribs. Tetsuo walked over, shaking his head. “Jayiden’s down for the count.” Sora glanced toward Shunjiro. “And so is shrimp.” From the hill, Kaito’s voice rang out, calm and decisive: “Match over. Sora and Tetsuo win.” Sora walked up to Shunjiro and extended a hand. “You’re not bad. But don’t lead with your best move, you’ve got to leave room to surprise someone like me.” Shunjiro took the hand, letting Sora pull him up. “Lesson learned.” Tetsuo hoisted Jayiden’s limp arm over his shoulder. “Sheesh. Dude’s built like a boulder.” And just like that, the first spar ended, not just in bruises, but in growth. The sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the castle walls as the group trudged back from the forest, battered, bruised, and tired. After a quick rinse in the shower halls, the four of them made their way to the dining chamber where hot food was already waiting for them. Tetsuo sat down first, stretching his long arms with a groan. “Man, my arms feel like I tried to hug a mountain. From running to that waterfall training, then the spar? Kaito’s insane…” Shunjiro dropped into his seat next to him, still rolling his sore shoulder. “Yeah… and we’re only on day two.” Sora plopped down across from them, already digging into his food like nothing happened. “Speak for yourselves. I feel great.” He glanced toward Jayiden’s empty chair. “Well, almost.” Jayiden arrived last. His footsteps were slow, his presence heavy. He didn’t glance at the others, didn’t say a word. Instead of joining the table where Shunjiro, Sora, and Tetsuo were gathered, he veered off and sat at a far corner of the dining hall alone. He ate in silence, his posture tense, his eyes fixed on the food like it was the only thing in the room. The distance wasn’t just physical, it was emotional. He wanted nothing to do with any of them. Tetsuo frowned, pausing mid-bite. “Think he feels bad about trying to kill you, Sora?” Sora burst out laughing, nearly choking on his rice. “You dope, that’s not it.” Tetsuo blinked. “Huh? It’s not?” Sora shook his head, a smirk playing at his lips as he leaned back in his chair. “Jayiden doesn’t feel bad. Not even a little. I could feel it, his spiritual energy wasn’t confused or conflicted. It was focused. Deadly. That guy was trying to kill me. Only reason he didn’t is because Kaito was watching.” They all glanced over at him across the hall. Jayiden didn’t react. Didn’t look up. Just kept eating, slow and mechanical, like he was chewing through anger. Shunjiro frowned. “But why? Why would he hate you that much?” Sora didn’t miss a beat. “Same reason you do.” Shunjiro choked. “What?! I don’t hate you!” Sora pointed a chopstick at him like a blade. “You’re both jealous. Jayiden hates that I’m stronger. And you, you hate that I’m stronger and better looking, and smarter, and faster. I get it. I’m a lot to deal with.” Shunjiro groaned, shaking his head. “You’re delusional.” Tetsuo laughed. “Nah, he’s got a point. You’re kind of a handful.” Sora grinned. “You love it.” Even from across the room, they could feel Jayiden’s presence like a cold wind, aloof, detached, full of unspoken fury. He didn’t need to be near them to make it clear: he wasn’t part of their circle. Not yet. Maybe not ever. The laughter died down, replaced by quiet exhaustion. Eventually, the four of them retired to their shared sleeping quarters. Day 3 arrived faster than any of them would’ve liked. The morning haze was thin, but the ache in their muscles was thick. Kaito didn’t even need to speak this time, he simply pointed at the trail. Without a word, the four recruits began running. Up hills. Across uneven terrain. Through shallow streams that soaked their boots. Their breaths came in sharp bursts, sweat sticking their shirts to their backs. By the time the midday sun pierced the clouds, signaling lunch, they collapsed in the shade near the training grounds, panting and soaked. After lunch, Kaito appeared with that infuriating calm smirk on his face. “Let’s try again,” he said. “Meditation. Spiritual control. If you want power, you’ll have to find the flow first.” They returned to the waterfall. The rhythmic crashing of water had become almost familiar now. Each of them took their stone. Sora sat down like a pro, legs folded, spine straight, eyes already closed. Tetsuo cracked his neck, grinned, and took his spot. “Alright, let’s see if I can do it longer than yesterday.” In moments, both of them were completely still, energy beginning to ripple faintly around their bodies. Shunjiro watched them in disbelief. “How do they do it so easily?” he whispered. Jayiden was focused too, tense, but visibly calmer than the day before. Shunjiro frowned, then scooted over to Sora, still seated in meditation. “Hey,” he whispered, “how are you pulling it off so well?” Sora didn’t open his eyes, but a sly smirk crossed his lips. “Shut up and breathe, shrimpy.” Shunjiro sighed and tried Tetsuo instead. “Any tips?” he asked, hopeful. Tetsuo peeked one eye open. “Mmm… imagine your energy like water. Flowin’ through your body, ya know? Not too fast, not too slow. Just… movin’. Like a lazy river.” Shunjiro raised a brow. “A lazy river?” “Yup,” Tetsuo grinned. “Think chill thoughts.” “…Right.” Shunjiro returned to his stone and sat down, doing his best to follow their advice. He closed his eyes, slowed his breathing, and focused. He pictured the energy as gentle water winding through his veins. For a brief, miraculous moment, he felt it. A soft pulse, like warmth moving through his fingertips, rising through his arms. But it flickered. His breath hitched. The flow snapped like a twig. His eyes opened. Gone. “Dammit.” He tried again. And again. But it never lasted longer than a heartbeat. Every time he felt it beginning, it slipped through his mental grip like water through a cracked jar. By the time training ended, Sora and Tetsuo had achieved steady control. Even Jayiden managed short bursts of consistent flow. Shunjiro, though? Nothing but frustration. As they stood to leave, Shunjiro looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers. They felt warm, but not in the way he wanted. Just tired. “Still can’t get it,” he muttered. Sora clapped him on the back. “Try thinking less. You’re going to fry your puny brain.” Tetsuo gave a supportive grin. “You’ll get it, bro. Just takes time.” Jayiden walked past without a word, silent as ever. Shunjiro sighed, shoulders heavy. But deep down, the spark of determination remained. The sun had barely begun to dip when Kaito gathered them once more, “Time for another match,” Kaito announced, arms folded behind his back. “This time… Shunjiro and Tetsuo versus Jayiden and Sora.” Shunjiro blinked. “Wait, me and-?” “Yup!” Tetsuo beamed, clapping him on the back. “Let’s crush ‘em.” Jayiden stepped forward, not even looking at his partner. His voice was calm but firm. “Can I use my katanas this time?” Kaito raised a brow. “You want to use real blades?” “They’re a part of me,” Jayiden said, his golden eyes flicking toward the twin swords sheathed on his back. “Would you leave your own katana behind?” Kaito let out a low chuckle. “Heh… You’ve got a point.” He nodded. “Fine. Go ahead.” “What?!” Sora’s voice cracked through the tension. “Are you serious? This crazy bastard nearly killed me yesterday with sticks! Now you’re handing him actual blades?” Kaito shrugged with that trademark smirk. “Jayiden won’t do anything reckless.” Jayiden remained silent, his expression unreadable. He turned, heading toward the sparring grounds without waiting for Sora. “Hey!” Sora called, jogging after him. “No going solo this time, alright? We’re teammates whether you like it or not.” Jayiden didn’t stop walking and didn’t answer. He just kept going. In his mind, a memory flickered like static behind his eyes. That day… before the exams. Jayiden stood in the shadow of a ruined archway, wind howling through broken stone and dead leaves. The structure had long since been swallowed by time, forgotten by the world. Across from him, wearing a black and purple cloak, stood a man whose face never caught the light. His head was tilted, as if amused, though his voice lacked warmth. “Remember, boy,” the man spoke, tone smooth. “Stay low. Blend in. If you attract too much attention… our deal is off.” Jayiden scoffed, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. “I’m a beastkin,” he growled. “I stick out just by breathing.” The man laughed, a twisted, almost delighted sound that echoed through the wind. “Then you’d better figure out how to breathe quieter.” Jayiden said nothing, but the fire in his eyes spoke for him. The man took a step closer, the tips of his boots crunching on brittle stone. “You want strength? Power? Revenge?” He leaned in, voice low. “Then obey. Play your part. Get inside.” Jayiden’s jaw tensed. His fingers curled tighter around the sword’s grip. “If you break character,” the man whispered, “they’ll sniff you out. And when they do… well-” He gestured vaguely, then chuckled again. “Let’s just say your little story ends very, very early.” The wind picked up. The shadows deepened. And then the man was gone. Jayiden stood alone. And his blade was trembling. But not from fear. Back on the other side of the clearing, Shunjiro looked at Tetsuo. “So, uh… do you have a strategy?” Tetsuo cracked his knuckles with a confident grin. “Yup.” Shunjiro waited a beat. “…Well?” Tetsuo’s grin widened. “To win.” Shunjiro stared at him blankly. “Fantastic. Brilliant plan, big guy.” The 2v2 match had begun. Shunjiro and Tetsuo sprinted through the trees, leaves crunching beneath their feet, branches brushing past their shoulders as they weaved through the undergrowth. They hadn’t encountered their opponents yet, but it was only a matter of time. Shunjiro’s thoughts raced faster than his feet. He had to find a way to beat Sora. Straight punches and wild flurries wouldn’t cut it. Sora had already adapted to his fighting style, and if he hadn’t figured something out, he’d be humiliated again. But the problem wasn’t his fists. It was his energy. He could feel it inside of him, buzzing, flickering like a faulty flame. Sometimes it gave him bursts of speed, strength. Other times, it faltered, sputtering when he needed it most. He lacked control. “Tetsuo,” Shunjiro said between breaths as they ran, “how do you channel your spiritual energy? Like… do you guide it with your thoughts? Emotions?” Tetsuo glanced at him, puzzled. “Uh… I don’t. I just kinda… do it.” Shunjiro blinked. “That’s… helpful.” “Yup.” A sigh escaped Shunjiro. Of course Tetsuo didn’t think about it. He just existed and the power obeyed. Meanwhile, Shunjiro was stuck wrestling with the very thing that made adventurers who they were. I have the energy. I just can’t use it right… He gritted his teeth. It wasn’t just about raw strength. It was about control, keeping the energy steady, flowing, not surging one moment and vanishing the next. The forest suddenly burst into movement ahead of them, branches cracking, footsteps pounding. Jayiden and Sora emerged from the brush, moving in sync despite their earlier friction. Sora spotted them first, and his eyes locked on Shunjiro. “I’ve been waiting for a rematch,” he said with a grin, dashing forward without hesitation. Shunjiro raised his arms just in time, catching the punch with his forearm. The force of it stung, but he stood his ground and retaliated with a swift roundhouse kick to Sora’s side. But once again, his attack bounced off harmlessly, an invisible barrier shimmered, absorbing the blow. Sora laughed, eyes gleaming with that familiar, infuriating confidence. “Sorry, shrimp. You already hit me once last match. I’ve adapted.” And then Sora’s fist slammed into Shunjiro’s chest, knocking the wind clean out of him. Shunjiro doubled over, coughing violently, his lungs screaming. Before Sora could press the advantage, Tetsuo appeared like a freight train. “Back off,” he muttered, and smashed a stone-covered fist into Sora’s face. The blow cracked loudly across the clearing. Sora stumbled, blood trailing from the edge of his lip. He licked it, amused. “Ow. That actually hurt.” Tetsuo cracked his knuckles again, grinning. “Good. I was aiming to knock that smirk off.” Sora laughed, but it was cut short as Tetsuo turned to Shunjiro. “Handle Jayiden,” he said, already stepping forward to engage Sora again. “I’ve got this one.” Shunjiro steadied his breath, rising to his feet, eyes narrowing as he turned toward the approaching beastkin. Jayiden stood just beyond the trees, silent, his katanas gleaming, his expression unreadable. It was time to test whether Shunjiro could finally make his energy obey. His stance was low and coiled, a predator ready to strike. Across from him, Shunjiro faced him with clenched fists, breath shaky but eyes locked in. No more time for doubt. No more chances to fail. If he didn’t figure out how to channel his energy now, those blades would tear through him like paper. Jayiden moved first. A blur of silver, his twin blades hissed through the air with lethal precision. Shunjiro gritted his teeth and tried to force spiritual energy into his arms, visualizing it flowing like Kaito had taught them under the waterfall. But it was too slow, too unstable. The energy flickered uselessly at his fingertips. At the last possible second, instinct kicked in. He ducked low beneath the arcs of steel, the wind from the swings cutting across his hair. Jayiden spun to follow through, but Shunjiro swept his leg out and caught him off balance. Jayiden grunted, stumbling, and Shunjiro pounced. Two solid punches cracked against Jayiden’s face as Shunjiro straddled him, raw, desperate strikes that had all his frustration behind them. But Jayiden wasn’t down for long. With a guttural growl, he kicked upward, foot slamming into Shunjiro’s ribs, launching him off. Shunjiro tumbled back, coughing, as Jayiden scrambled up and snatched one of his dropped katanas. His golden eyes flashed, and without hesitation, he charged. Shunjiro barely had time to rise before the blade was on him. He dodged left, then backpedaled, legs moving on sheer instinct. Each swing came closer than the last, whistling past his face, his ribs, his throat. Jayiden’s strikes weren’t wild, they were focused, refined, and relentless. Shunjiro stumbled slightly and that was enough. A sharp, white-hot pain tore across his wrist. Blood followed. Shunjiro gasped, clutching his arm. His vision blurred, but he didn’t stop moving. He couldn’t. One mistake now meant losing a limb, or worse. Jayiden advanced slowly, eyes calm, the tip of his blade dripping. “You’re slowing down,” Jayiden muttered, his voice cold and low. Shunjiro’s heart pounded. He could barely breathe. Focus. Flow the energy. You don’t have a choice. He closed his eyes for the briefest moment, Feel it. Don’t force it. Just let it move. He didn’t try to command it this time. He simply invited it. And something shifted. A warmth spread up his spine, down his shoulders, humming faintly beneath his skin. His fingers stopped trembling. Jayiden dashed in for the finishing blow. But this time, Shunjiro caught the blade with his bare hand. Sparks flared as the spiritual energy surged into his palm like armor, stopping the katana dead. Jayiden’s eyes widened in surprise. Shunjiro’s voice came low and steady. “You’re not the only one who’s serious.” The tide was turning. And Shunjiro wasn’t done yet. Tetsuo hurled another massive haymaker at Sora, his stone-coated fist cutting through the air like a boulder on fire. Sora leaned back just enough for the punch to sail past his nose, his smirk never leaving. “Come on, big guy,” Sora taunted, dancing backward with ease. “You’re too slow.” “Keep talking,” Tetsuo growled, throwing another punch. Sora side-stepped, but this time Tetsuo was ready, he was applying pressure now, cutting off angles, forcing Sora to retreat. Then Tetsuo clapped his hands together. The ground rumbled. With a grunt of focus, he thrust his hands forward and conjured two stone spears mid-air. They fired like missiles, curving in from both sides to trap Sora in a pincer strike. The spears slammed into Sora’s ribs on either side, dust and shards flying. When it cleared, Sora was still standing. Barely scratched. He dusted his shoulder off and let out a dry chuckle. “Cute. Already adapted to that kind of impact. You’ll need to dig deeper, Rocky.” Then Sora’s fist slammed into Tetsuo’s jaw, sending him reeling. “Put a little more heart into it!” Tetsuo staggered but didn’t fall. Instead, he slammed both palms into the ground, growling through grit teeth. The earth beneath them trembled violently. Huge slabs of stone erupted around them, forming a solid, jagged-walled arena, a box of stone enclosing both fighters. Sora raised a brow. “What’s this? A cage match?” Tetsuo rose slowly, eyes narrowed. “Nah. This is my house now.” The walls pulsed faintly with his spiritual energy. Even the air felt denser. Sora rolled his neck, stretching with a grin. “Alright then. Let’s dance.” Both charged. Tetsuo dipped low, sliding under Sora’s incoming punch, and behind Sora, more stone spears erupted from the walls, targeting his blind spot. One pierced his thigh, nicking deep and drawing blood. “Tch,” Sora winced. Tetsuo capitalized instantly, two thunderous punches to Sora’s chin, snapping his head back. He hadn’t adapted yet to those hits. Sora staggered, wiping blood from his lip. His back was against a wall now, literally. All around him, the stone arena shifted, sharp edges rising like fangs from the earth. He chuckled, breath quick. “You know… for a guy with zero brain cells, you’ve got some killer instincts.” Tetsuo grinned. “Thanks.” But Sora wasn’t finished. With a sharp exhale, he clenched his fists and his energy burst outward in a shockwave of white light, forcing Tetsuo back two steps. The smirk returned to his face, and spiritual energy danced around his body like mist. “I’ve seen enough now,” Sora said calmly. “Time to go all out.” Tetsuo roared and charged again, another heavy punch toward Sora’s ribs. The impact met something invisible. A ripple shimmered in the air. Tetsuo blinked. His punch had bounced off. Sora’s eyes gleamed. “Bad news, big guy. I’ve adapted to your punches.” Tetsuo’s knuckles throbbed, and his smirk faded. The balance of power had just shifted. Jayiden froze, eyes widening as Shunjiro charged in, his movements sharper, more focused than before. What the hell? Jayiden thought, barely dodging a jab to the ribs. There was something different now. The hesitation in Shunjiro’s punches was gone. The boy’s energy… it was finally flowing. A flicker of memory sparked in Jayiden’s mind, the cloaked man’s voice, smooth and venomous, whispering from the shadows: “Blend in. If you attract too much attention… our deal is off.” Jayiden clicked his tongue internally. Tch… damn it. He glanced at Shunjiro’s fists, glowing faintly now with a pulsing aura. So this brat finally figured it out? He let out a faint sigh in his head. Fine. I’ll let you have this one… but only once. Shunjiro’s fist connected hard with Jayiden’s jaw, clean, fluid, and full of energy. Jayiden’s eyes rolled back as he collapsed to the ground, completely unconscious. The clearing fell still. Shunjiro stood there, panting, heart thundering in his chest. He looked down at his trembling hands, still faintly glowing with traces of spiritual energy. The white aura curled around his knuckles… then slowly faded like smoke in the wind. But it had been there. Even if only for a moment… he’d done it. A smirk tugged at his lips. I’m starting to get it. He didn’t say a word, but his eyes were lit with a fire that hadn’t been there before. Tetsuo gritted his teeth and slammed both fists together, surging spiritual energy rippling across his arms. The ground beneath his feet cracked as he squared up. Sora’s aura flared white-hot, lightning-like streaks of power coiling around his limbs. “You’re not the only one who can hit hard, Stonehead,” he said with a smirk. He vanished in a blur, then reappeared with a devastating punch, crashing into Tetsuo’s shoulder. Tetsuo barely flinched. “My turn.” Tetsuo’s fist rocketed forward and caught Sora clean in the chest, sending him skidding backward several feet across the dirt. Sora coughed, chuckled, and wiped a smear of blood from the corner of his mouth. “Damn, you’re a monster. And here I thought I adapted.” Tetsuo cracked his neck and shrugged. “You been holding back this whole time?” Sora asked, stretching his shoulder. Tetsuo shook his head. “Nope.” Sora grinned wide. “Well, your punch says otherwise.” Before either of them could take another step, Kaito’s voice cut through the air like thunder. “Enough!” Both fighters froze mid-movement, still radiating energy. Kaito stepped into view, arms folded, his expression calm but firm. “The match is over. Shunjiro has defeated Jayiden.” Tetsuo blinked. “Wait… what?” Sora looked over in surprise. “No way. Shrimpy actually pulled it off?” Their auras faded, the heat of battle dissolving into the cool breeze that swept through the training grounds. And just like that, day three ended not in domination, but in growth. The sun had dipped low by the time the group returned to the Kingdom of Radiance. The castle’s dining hall was warm and glowing with soft amber light. Plates of steaming food lined the long table, roasted meats, seasoned rice, fresh vegetables, and pitchers of chilled fruit water. Kaito, for once, wasn’t barking orders. Instead, he leaned back in his seat, arms folded across his chest, watching his battered trainees pile into their chairs like they’d just survived a war. Because in many ways… they had. He smiled slightly, eyes scanning each of them. “Today was your most impressive day yet.” Tetsuo had already shoved half a chicken into his mouth and gave a muffled cheer. “I knew we were killing it out there!” Kaito chuckled. “You’ve all come a long way. Tomorrow will be your final training day before Day Five. You already know the routine, running until lunch, meditating, and a two-on-two spar.” Shunjiro looked up from his bowl, already thinking ahead. “Let me guess,” he said. “Sora’s gonna be my partner?” Sora shot him a cocky grin across the table. “Damn right. Don’t let me down, shrimp.” Shunjiro gave a small smirk. “I won’t.” Sora leaned in slightly. “And don’t get cocky just ‘cause you knocked out Furball today.” Jayiden, sitting farther down the table, narrowed his eyes but said nothing. He stared at his plate, jaw tight. Tetsuo, completely unaware of the tension, let out a huge burp and reached for another helping. “Man, this food hits so different when you’ve been punched in the face all day.” Shunjiro looked over at Jayiden. “Hey… no hard feelings, right?” Jayiden slowly met his gaze, eyes cool. “Your punch was still lacking energy.” Shunjiro blinked. “…Really?” Jayiden stood up, pushing his chair back with a low scrape. “Next time, put more of yourself into it.” Sora raised a brow. “Yeah? Then how come shrimp here still managed to knock you out?” Jayiden took a slow, deliberate breath through his nose, not even looking at him. “Because it caught me off guard.” “Uh-huh,” Sora said with a smirk. “Sure it did.” Jayiden turned to Kaito. “I’ll head to bed.” Kaito nodded, that unreadable smirk tugging at his lips. “Rest well. Tomorrow will be… interesting.” Jayiden walked off without another word, the room falling into a short silence behind him. Sora leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his head. “You know, I think he really doesn’t like me.” Shunjiro chuckled. “Can’t imagine why.” Tetsuo nodded while chewing. “Probably ‘cause you talk too much.” Kaito stood, his voice cutting through the laughter. “You all have one more day to show me what you’re made of. Eat. Rest. Day 5, the real test begins.” As they dug back into their plates, the air between them felt different, less like rivals, more like something resembling camaraderie. Even with Jayiden’s tension lingering like a shadow at the edge of the firelight, the bond forming between them was undeniable.  Day 4 began just like the three before it, with aching legs, ragged breaths, and endless terrain. The sun hadn’t even fully risen when Kaito barked the order, and the four trainees took off across the landscape, their footsteps echoing through the quiet hills of Radiance. Shunjiro’s lungs burned, his shirt soaked in sweat, but unlike the first few days… there was no complaining. No one stopped. No one slowed. The pain was there, yes, but so was the pride. They weren’t just surviving anymore. They were improving. Even Kaito had taken notice, standing with arms crossed at the top of a slope as the group reached the final checkpoint of the morning. “You finished fifteen minutes faster than yesterday,” he called. “Don’t act like I’m impressed… but you should be.” Tetsuo whooped and collapsed into the grass. “Let me die here. Just bury me with that big tree.” Jayiden didn’t speak, only rolled his shoulders and walked ahead, shaking off the exhaustion. By the time lunch arrived, they devoured their food like animals, but with more restraint than the first time. No one wanted to vomit again. The meditation session beneath the waterfall returned like clockwork. Sora and Tetsuo sat with practiced ease, their energy flowing effortlessly. Jayiden, quiet as ever, seemed focused but strained. His tail flicked with irritation as droplets splashed against his head. Shunjiro sat cross-legged, eyes closed, jaw tense. He tried to do everything right, control his breathing, clear his mind, visualize the flow, but again, the energy refused to respond. Kaito stood behind him and finally let out a sigh. “You’re frying your brain, kid.” Shunjiro cracked one eye open, frustrated. “I’m trying to do it exactly like you said…” “That’s the problem,” Kaito muttered, crouching next to him. “Some people learn by doing. Some by instinct. You? You’re thinking too much. You’re gripping the idea so tightly, it can’t breathe.” Shunjiro blinked, then looked away. Kaito stood and crossed his arms. “Let it come naturally. Or it won’t come at all.” Before Shunjiro could respond, Kaito clapped his hands once. “That’s enough zen for now. Time for violence.” The four groaned in unison. “Pairings for today’s 2v2,” Kaito continued. “Sora and Shunjiro… versus Tetsuo and Jayiden.” Shunjiro’s head turned immediately toward Sora, who was already cracking his knuckles. “Well, look at that,” Sora said with a smirk. “Guess I’m getting my rematch.” Shunjiro raised an eyebrow. “With Tetsuo?” Sora shook his head. “Nah. That’ll come later. Gotta admit… I respect the tall idiot a little. Big guy’s got heart.” “But Jayiden?” Sora’s grin sharpened. “He’s still walking around like someone owes him the world. And since Shrimp here knocked some of that arrogance out of him yesterday…” Shunjiro scratched the back of his head. “Wasn’t exactly graceful.” “Still knocked him out,” Sora said with a shrug. “Now it’s my turn to finish the job.” Shunjiro smirked. “Let’s just try not to lose.” They quickly ran into their opponents. Shunjiro squared off against Tetsuo beneath the slanted light of the afternoon sun. Tetsuo rolled his broad shoulders and grinned wide. “You ready?” Shunjiro raised his fists, planting his feet. “Yeah… let’s go.” Tetsuo charged first, tossing what looked like a wild haymaker, but at the last second, it curved. Shunjiro dodged and shot out a jab, but Tetsuo blocked it with a stone-coated arm, barely flinching. “Too twitchy,” Tetsuo said, chuckling between steps. “Don’t think ‘bout beatin’ me. Just… listen.” “Listen?” Shunjiro grunted, ducking under another wide swing. “Yeah. Like… to your meat,” Tetsuo replied. “Your arms ‘n legs. Your… guts. It’s talking. You’re just too busy yelling in your head to hear it.” Shunjiro growled and swung again. Tetsuo blocked easily. They kept going, strikes traded faster now, more rhythm than raw force. Then, something shifted. For just a second, Shunjiro felt it. That warm spot in his chest. A buzz in his hands. Not just tiredness, but something deeper, like a soft vibration under his skin. Tetsuo came at him again, and this time Shunjiro grabbed his arm, shifted his weight, and flipped Tetsuo off balance. The big guy spun halfway around before catching himself. Tetsuo laughed. “Ayyy! Now you’re hearing it!” Shunjiro blinked, staring down at his hands. His breath slowed. There was a hum, soft but real, like a song playing far away. “What… is this?” he murmured. “Your juice,” Tetsuo said, walking in a lazy circle, fists still up. “Your spirit juice. Finally doing its thing.” “It’s not as strong as before…” Shunjiro said, narrowing his eyes. “Back when I fought Jayiden… it felt way stronger than this. This feels… small.” Tetsuo shrugged. “Eh. Small ain’t bad. Baby fires still burn stuff. You just gotta feed it. Boom. Big fire.” Shunjiro let out a small breath of disbelief, but he nodded. Then they met again, movements tighter now. Shunjiro’s punches had more rhythm. They weren’t heavy, but they flowed. His feet adjusted without thinking. His body didn’t fight itself anymore. Tetsuo started using his own energy more obviously, letting it pulse through his arms like glowing armor. “See this?” he grunted, blocking a jab. “I think about it like… sendin’ the juice to my arms. Like, I yell at it. ‘Go here!’” He thumped his elbow. “Match the rhythm!” he added as he ducked low. “Like… like dancing!” Blow by blow, the spar turned into something more. It wasn’t about winning anymore. It was like learning how to breathe for the first time. Tetsuo still led the dance, but Shunjiro wasn’t stumbling now. He was moving with him, learning with every step. And for the first time… Shunjiro didn’t feel like he was catching up. Across from them, Sora and Jayiden faced off once more. Their last fight had nearly ended in bloodshed, Jayiden wild, merciless, borderline feral. Now, that same beast stood quiet. Still. Sword drawn, but spirit… dulled. Sora narrowed his eyes. “This time,” he said, letting his spiritual energy surge around him in a bright white blaze, “I’m not holding back. I’m ending this quick.” He shot forward, fast and direct, foot whipping through the air. Jayiden caught the kick with his katana, the metal vibrating from the impact, and shoved Sora back with a growl. But Sora wasn’t done. He dashed again, and threw two quick punches in the air. Twin bursts of spiritual energy exploded from his fists, slamming into Jayiden’s chest and staggering him back. Dust kicked up beneath his feet. Jayiden’s eyes widened slightly. He didn’t know Sora could do that. “Come on!” Sora yelled, closing the gap. Their weapons clashed, Jayiden’s dual katanas parrying Sora’s rapid fists, their movements becoming a blur of steel and spirit. Back and forth they went, energy crackling with each exchange. Sora gritted his teeth, fury building. “Where’s that monster from the other day, huh? Where’s all that rage you threw at me with those sticks?” Jayiden said nothing, his face unreadable, his attacks less vicious, less committed. “You’re holding back!” Sora shouted, landing a spinning kick into Jayiden’s side. Jayiden staggered but didn’t respond. “Why?!” Sora kept pressing, his energy burning brighter, faster, harder. “You said you hated me! You tried to kill me! So what is this!?” Jayiden was pushed back step by step, defending but not countering. “If you don’t try,” Sora growled, “I’ll end this right now!” Then, Jayiden stopped. Lowered his blades. His eyes stayed locked on Sora, but his arms hung limp at his sides. Sora skidded to a halt, energy still humming around him. “What the hell are you doing?” Jayiden didn’t respond. So Sora punched him. Right in the jaw. Jayiden stumbled, wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand… but still said nothing. Sora’s fists trembled. “What’s wrong with you?” he snapped. “Why the hell are you acting like a bitch?” Jayiden blinked slowly. “I apologize… for the other day.” Sora stared at him like he’d just been slapped. “I lost control,” Jayiden continued. “But I’ve realized… I don’t belong here. Once I become an adventurer, I’ll be done. With you. With them. You won’t have to deal with me anymore.” Sora’s brow furrowed, his fists clenching tighter. “What the hell are you talking about?” Jayiden didn’t flinch. “I’ll finish Day 5. Then I’m gone.” “No,” Sora snapped, voice cracking. “You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to quit just because you’re scared.” Jayiden’s eyes flickered, the faintest sign of emotion behind them. “You think you’re sparing us?” Sora roared. “You think this is mercy? Screw that. You’re running. Like a coward.” And then he punched Jayiden again. Jayiden stumbled but didn’t fall. Sora stepped in close, voice low now, breath ragged. “I’m not letting you disappear. Not like this.” He raised his fists again. “Pick up your damn swords.” Jayiden looked at him, really looked at him. And something inside him cracked. “You keep punching,” Jayiden said, voice tight, “and I just might.” “Good,” Sora growled. “Because I’m not stopping until you do.” He raised his fist once more. Jayiden caught it. The forest went still. Their eyes locked, anger and pride clashing in silence. Jayiden slowly lowered Sora’s hand, then turned to the side. He knelt, picked up his second katana, and stood. The air around him changed. No longer passive. No longer distant. Something darker, heavier, more real returned to his stance. “You want me to fight?” Jayiden said, voice like thunder beneath calm skies. “Fine. But don’t cry when you get cut.” Sora’s grin returned like a switch being flipped. “There he is.” Shunjiro and Tetsuo stood toe to toe, fists clenched, sweat dripping from their brows. Dust swirled with each step, and the echo of fists colliding with flesh rang out like war drums. They exchanged blow after blow. Shunjiro ducking, weaving, and retaliating. But this time… he wasn’t being overwhelmed. He was keeping up. Tetsuo blinked, momentarily stunned as Shunjiro’s fist slammed into his chest. The hit didn’t drop him, but it pushed him back, a clean, solid strike that would’ve knocked the air out of him just days ago. “Damn,” Tetsuo muttered, rubbing his sternum with a grin. “You’re actually hittin’ now.” Shunjiro huffed, stepping forward with renewed confidence. “I’ve always been hittin’. You’re just a boulder.” Tetsuo chuckled. “A boulder that’s about to flatten you.” They clashed again, fists flying like hammers, but now there was rhythm in their movements. Shunjiro could read the flow, feel the current in his limbs. His punches weren’t wild anymore, they had purpose. “You’re still holding back,” Tetsuo said mid-fight, swatting a jab away with a stone-coated forearm. “Why?” Shunjiro gritted his teeth, landing a hook to Tetsuo’s ribs. “I’m not!” “Yeah, you are,” Tetsuo said, barely flinching. He stepped in, delivering a body shot that made Shunjiro grunt. “You got more in you. I saw it.” Shunjiro’s guard raised instinctively. “When?” Tetsuo’s eyes narrowed, his tone shifting from playful to serious. “Back during the exams. That moment you stepped up to that training dummy…” He paused and took another blow to the chin, Shunjiro’s punch left a red mark. “…You scared the hell outta me.” Shunjiro blinked, caught off guard. “Wait… what?” “That energy you used,” Tetsuo said, rubbing his jaw, “wasn’t normal. I’ve never seen anyone pour that much raw power into a single hit. That dummy exploded like paper. I thought, ‘Damn… if I had to fight this guy, I’d die.’” Shunjiro hesitated, his fists lowering slightly. Tetsuo leaned in, eyes bright. “So do it. Show me that power. Knock me out!” Shunjiro blinked. “You… want me to knock you out?” Tetsuo pounded his chest once. “Try your best, bro! Let’s see if the shrimp can crack the mountain.” Shunjiro stared at him for a second… then smirked. “Alright then. Don’t cry when I do.” Tetsuo grinned wide. “That’s the spirit!” They flew at each other again. The ground shook beneath their footwork as they collided, Shunjiro now fully unleashing what he could muster. His punches came faster, sharper. He channeled his energy instinctively, each strike a little brighter, a little heavier. Tetsuo winced after a clean uppercut to the jaw. “Okay, yeah… that one tickled.” Shunjiro followed up, hitting him in the side with a right hook that forced the giant to take a step back. “I’m still standing!” Tetsuo roared, and came swinging with a haymaker. Shunjiro blocked it, and didn’t buckle. “It hurts,” Shunjiro said through gritted teeth, “but it’s not like before.” He shot forward, landing a jab to Tetsuo’s gut, then a swift cross to the chin. The rhythm was there. The power was rising. The old Shunjiro, the hesitant, unsteady one, was fading. And the real one? He was waking up. Tetsuo wiped a trickle of blood from his lip and grinned like a madman. “Now we’re fighting!” Jayiden didn’t hesitate. He lunged forward, eyes narrowed like a predator, and swung his katana straight for Sora’s throat. The blade hissed through the air with killing intent. Sora ducked at the last second, body low and compact like a coiled spring, and swept Jayiden’s legs with a swift kick. The beastkin stumbled, just as Sora launched upward with a crushing uppercut to the jaw that snapped Jayiden’s head back. Jayiden backpedaled, growling low in his throat. Blood trickled down his lip, but there was no pain in his eyes. Only hunger. He slid one katana into its sheath. Then dropped low. His remaining blade gleamed in the light, and with a guttural snarl, Jayiden took off into the trees. He zigzagged between trunks like a shadow, faster than before, blurring in and out of view. Sora’s eyes narrowed, trying to track him. Too fast. Suddenly, a deep slash tore across Sora’s shoulder. He barely grunted before Jayiden was gone again, bounding off a tree trunk, then slicing again from a different angle. Another cut. Another pass. He was relentless. Like a rabid wolf unleashed. But Sora wasn’t just fast, he was clever. As Jayiden vanished into motion again, Sora shot forward like lightning. They collided mid-sprint, fists and blades meeting with explosive force. The clang of steel and fists rang out like a drumline. Jayiden blocked a jab. Sora ducked a slash. They twisted and turned, dancing through the clearing in a blur of muscle and instinct. On a nearby hilltop, Kaito stood with his arms crossed, a wild grin curling his mouth. “This is what I was waiting for. The talent I saw in these four.” Sora drove his knee into Jayiden’s stomach, then slammed a palm into his chest, sending him skidding back through the dirt. Jayiden coughed, his feet carving tracks into the earth. “Still holding back,” Sora called, shaking his sore hand. “That’s not the power you tried to kill me with. Come on, freak. I want the real fight.” Jayiden’s eyes sharpened. For once, he didn’t argue. He simply nodded. From behind his back, he unsheathed his second katana. Both blades hummed as he poured his spiritual energy into them, this time, the flow was cleaner, tighter, more dangerous than anything he’d shown before. Twin arcs of energy began to form at the tips. Jayiden slashed both swords in a wide “X,” releasing two blinding slashes of spiritual energy toward Sora. The attack ripped through the air like twin comets. Sora braced himself, aura exploding around him in a white blaze. “Let’s see if fists can beat blades,” he muttered, and began punching the air in rapid succession. Each punch created a shockwave, concentrated blasts of spirit energy fired like cannonballs. The shockwaves met the twin slashes head-on. The two forces collided in a thunderous explosion, the blast shaking the forest and rattling the trees. When the dust cleared, Sora was still standing, smirking. “That’s more like it,” he said, flexing his fingers. “You’ve been hiding this strength all week.” He stepped closer, eyes gleaming. “You’re easily A-rank. Hell, maybe higher. So tell me, why’d you score B on the exam dummy? Why’d you let the shrimp knock you out? Why are you pretending you’re weaker than you are?” Jayiden didn’t answer. He simply stepped back, and powered up again. This time, he spoke: “This slash… will kill you if you don’t figure it out.” Sora’s smirk faded slightly. He knew what that meant. This was the one. The same attack from Day 2. He could either block it and pray… or get hit and adapt. But if he wasn’t ready, it was death. “Yeah… no thanks,” Sora muttered. Jayiden let the slash fly, one single wave of focused death. Sora didn’t block. He jumped. The slash tore through the forest beneath him, carving a trench in the earth and passing dangerously close to the other fight. Shunjiro and Tetsuo both flinched as the spiritual slash cut a tree clean in half next to them. “Keep your damn battle over there!” Shunjiro shouted. Sora landed in a crouch and charged forward. Jayiden swung to intercept, Sora’s fist met the blade in midair, metal clashing against reinforced skin. Sparks flew. Jayiden raised his second sword, another clash. They locked blades and fists in a furious stalemate, muscles trembling, neither giving ground. Jayiden growled, then lunged forward, trying to headbutt Sora. The blow struck Sora’s adaptation barrier, flaring briefly then fizzled. The attack had no power behind it. Jayiden stumbled back from the recoil, his balance thrown. Sora didn’t hesitate. His fist glowed, energy pulsing through his knuckles. With a shout, he slammed a right hook into Jayiden’s jaw, so hard it launched him backward into the dirt. Jayiden hit the ground hard, skidding to a stop. He coughed. Blood dripped from his chin. But he sat up. Both of them were breathing heavily, drenched in sweat and panting like wild dogs. Then- “That’s enough,” Kaito called, stepping into the clearing with his arms still folded. “Match over.” Both boys stayed seated, glaring at each other between gulps of air. Sora wiped the blood from his lip and exhaled. “Took you long enough to show up.” Jayiden didn’t respond. Tetsuo and Shunjiro emerged from the treeline, dust clinging to their arms and sweat matting their hair. Both were bruised and winded, but still in one piece. “You guys trying to kill each other or what?” Tetsuo called out, his voice laced with disbelief. Sora wiped a smear of blood from his jaw and laughed, breathless. “Nah. I’m just trying to get this furry to stop lying to himself.” Jayiden, still seated in the dirt, said nothing. His eyes stared off into the forest, unreadable. That’s when Kaito strolled in, his hands behind his back, gaze sweeping over the four of them. “I’m proud of all of you,” he said calmly, voice steady and low. “You’ve come a long way in just a few days. You’ve bled, fought, learned. It shows.” Kaito clapped once. “Dinner. Then rest. Tomorrow is Day Five… and I have a surprise for all of you.” With that, he turned and began walking back toward the castle. The others followed. Dinner was quieter than usual. Shunjiro and Tetsuo sat at the long table, trays full of steaming rice, grilled meat, and greens in front of them. Sora sat across from them, arms resting lazily on the table, still bruised from his brawl with Jayiden. But Jayiden’s seat was empty. He hadn’t even entered the dining hall. After a few minutes of silence, Sora finally broke it. “He told me he’s leaving,” he said, voice surprisingly flat. Tetsuo blinked. “Huh?” “Jayiden,” Sora clarified, picking at his rice. “Said once he becomes an official adventurer, we won’t see him again. Said he won’t be a bother to any of us.” Shunjiro frowned, lowering his chopsticks. “Why would he say that?” Sora leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. “I don’t know. Maybe he hates us. Maybe he’s just afraid of what it means to care about anyone.” “Or maybe,” Tetsuo said between bites, “he thinks we don’t want him around.” Sora let out a dry laugh. “Great. That’s even dumber than the first two.” Shunjiro looked down at his food. “I mean… he’s not easy to get along with. But he’s not a bad guy. And he’s strong. Way stronger than me.” “Stronger than all of us,” Sora muttered. “You saw it too, didn’t you?” They both nodded. “That wasn’t the power of a rookie. That was someone with real training. Experience. Control.” Sora shook his head, then clicked his tongue. “He’s been hiding it. Holding it all back.” Tetsuo tilted his head. “So why the hell is he here, then?” Shunjiro’s brows furrowed. “I don’t know… but he wants something. Maybe being an adventurer’s just a step.” Sora narrowed his eyes, staring in the direction of Jayiden’s empty seat. “He’s running from something,” he said. “Or toward something. And whatever it is, it’s big.” The room fell quiet again. Finally, Sora broke the tension with a shrug. “Anyway, forget the wolf for now. Let’s talk about tomorrow.” “Oh right, Day Five,” Tetsuo said, mouth still half-full. “You think we’ll be fighting Kaito?” Sora snorted. “I hope not. I’d rather fight a volcano.” Shunjiro chuckled. “He said it’s a surprise. Which makes it worse.” “Maybe he’s gonna rank us,” Tetsuo guessed. “Like, say who improved the most.” “Or maybe,” Sora added, eyes gleaming with mischief, “he’s gonna make us run until our legs give out and then meditate while getting slapped by spiritual energy.” Shunjiro groaned. “Please no.” “Whatever it is…” Tetsuo said, finishing the last bite on his plate, “we better not come in soft.” Sora nodded, serious for a moment. “No matter what it is, I say we give it everything.” They all exchanged glances. The four of them came into this training as strangers, or rivals. But now, bruises and all, they were starting to become friends.