SAI SHINU
"I'll answer that later," Taro said, his voice steady but unreadable. Then he continued, "Those are the three generations… but there's more. You see, which generation you're born into is random—just like your elemental affinity. But sometimes… generations can combine."
My brows furrowed. "What do you mean by that?"
He answered calmly, almost like he was teaching children. "A person can be born with the powers of two generations. For example—if someone has both second and third generation abilities, they can generate elements and also enchant themselves, or even others."
"So if someone has the third generation and one of the others," I asked quickly, "they can enchant themselves too?"
"That's right," Taro nodded. "Let me break it down.
If you have the first and second generation, you can both generate and control. In theory, this is the strongest combination.
If you have first and third, you can control an element—and when you enchant yourself, your control sharpens even further.
If you have second and third, you'll have better elemental generation, and your enchantments will grant a small boost to control, though not perfect."
I leaned forward. "Wouldn't the third option be the best then?"
Taro shook his head. "Close. But in battle, good generation and good control beats raw generation with shaky accuracy."
"I see," I said quietly.
Jiro broke the silence. "So if two generations can merge… is it possible to have all three?"
Taro's expression darkened. He paused before speaking. "Decades have passed. Countless prodigies, geniuses, and warriors have risen and fallen. But in all of history, never once was someone capable of wielding all three generations—until a boy awakened them all. And beyond that… he mastered control over every element."
Jiro's eyes widened, his voice filled with excitement. "Who the hell is that guy?!"
Taro's answer dropped like a blade. "You already know him. His name… is Yosuke."
I shot to my feet, heart pounding. Terror rippled through me. I knew Yosuke was strong, but… this strong?
As if summoned by our thoughts, the door creaked open. Yosuke stepped inside, his golden eyes cutting through the room like sunlight. His very presence spread like a storm, filling every corner, pressing down on us with sheer weight.
My thoughts swirled: So this is the man I'm chasing. This is the level I need to reach.
I smirked despite the pressure. "What a monster."
Yosuke's gaze sharpened. "Who are you calling a monster?"
We stepped forward at the same time until only a small distance separated us. Our eyes locked.
His golden irises burned like the sun—blinding, unyielding, but strangely calm. It was terrifying, yet serene. For a moment, I felt as though I were staring at both life and death.
"I didn't mean it in a bad way," I said firmly.
"Oh?" His tone was low, curious. "Then how did you mean it?"
"You have an insane amount of power. How do you even control something like that?"
Yosuke's lips curved faintly. "I don't really have an answer. Maybe… I was just born lucky."
"Lucky?" I frowned. "What do you mean?"
Before he could reply—BOOM.
A deafening blast shook the entire building. The ground trembled like an earthquake, and dust rained from the ceiling.
Yosuke's head snapped toward the sound. His aura flared. "Stay here. I'll check outside."
But Taro's face turned pale. "No—my daughter's room is that way. That explosion… it came from there. I'm coming with you!"
Yosuke raised a hand, his tone cutting but respectful. "Listen, Taro. With all due respect… I'll take the lead."
"Are you sure?" Taro asked, voice strained.
"More than ever," Yosuke said with absolute confidence. "After all… I'm the strongest one here."
Taro grit his teeth, then nodded. "Fine. Take those two with you—make sure Yuri is safe. I'll handle the intruder."
Yosuke turned to us, his golden eyes burning with command. "Let's go."
Without hesitation, the three of us bolted from the room, heading toward Yuri. Behind us, Taro's heavy footsteps thundered in the opposite direction—toward the enemy who dared invade our peace.