Kazuki stood at the threshold—not of soul awakening, but of advancement.
Unlike most students at Notting Academy, he had begun his journey with full innate soul power. No slow build-up, no struggle to reach the first rank. From the very moment of his martial soul awakening, he had stood at the gate of transformation.
All he needed now… was a soul ring.
And yet, official channels demanded patience.
That morning, after reviewing his progress through the System—his body refined, soul power stabilized, law comprehension slightly increased—Kazuki made his way toward the administrative building. He intended to speak directly with the dean of Notting Academy.
Dean Su was a stout, middle-aged man, robed in ceremonial red and gold, deeply immersed in a mountain of reports when Kazuki arrived.
"You want to acquire your first soul ring?" Su asked, glancing up from his scrolls. "I see. You've reached Rank 10 already?"
"I began at Rank 10," Kazuki replied evenly.
Dean Su's brow lifted slightly. "So you're one of the rare innate full soul power children Spirit Hall mentioned. Hm."
Kazuki gave a slight nod. "I've studied my options and prepared accordingly. I only need a qualified escort to enter the Star Dou Great Forest."
Su sighed, setting aside his work. "It's not that I'm unwilling to help, but with current academy schedules, we only send teachers with students once every three months for ring acquisition. The next trip isn't for another few weeks. I simply can't spare the staff to go early."
Kazuki inclined his head, hiding his irritation behind a calm expression.
Timing was crucial. The longer he waited, the more chances Tang San would have to entrench himself in strength, knowledge, and reputation.
Just as Dean Su began to wave him off, another voice echoed through the doorway.
"No need, Dean Su. I'll be taking two students myself."
Both men turned to see Yu Xiaogang entering—The Master, as he styled himself. Robes plain, posture rigid, eyes proud behind a veil of modesty.
Kazuki stood motionless, eyes narrowing slightly.
Su looked surprised. "You're taking Tang San already?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded. "His martial soul has matured. It's time to help him obtain his first soul ring."
He glanced toward Kazuki. "And this one… yes, I'll take him as well."
Dean Su offered a relieved chuckle. "Then it's settled."
Kazuki's expression didn't change. But inwardly, the moment solidified his next move.
The next morning, they departed.
The journey was quiet. Tang San stuck close to Yu Xiaogang, absorbing his every word. The Master spoke in didactic tones, explaining spirit beast classifications, habitats, and theory behind martial soul compatibility.
Kazuki remained silent, walking at the rear, analyzing the forested horizon ahead—not for guidance, but for escape routes.
Eventually, Yu Xiaogang turned to Kazuki.
"I've studied your file. You've kept your martial soul hidden, but Spirit Hall noted its unique nature. Tell me about it."
Kazuki replied politely. "I call it the Eye of the Laws. It allows me to perceive and interact with underlying structures—space, time, energy flows."
Yu Xiaogang's brow furrowed. "A sensory-type soul… limited in direct combat application. For your first soul ring, you should target a Wind Feather Swallow. Its speed will augment your mobility and compensate for the lack of attack."
"No," Kazuki replied evenly. "That doesn't suit the structure of my martial soul."
Yu Xiaogang paused, his tone sharpening. "You question my recommendation?"
"I simply understand my own power better than theory does," Kazuki said, voice still polite.
Yu Xiaogang's face twitched, lips thinning.
Tang San interjected, ever the loyal disciple. "Kazuki, the Master's knowledge is unmatched. If he says the Wind Feather Swallow is suitable, you should listen."
Yu Xiaogang gave Tang San a nod of approval, smiling for the first time. "You see? This is why he's worth teaching."
Kazuki met Tang San's gaze calmly. "He may be right—for someone else. But I follow a different path."
The Master's eyes narrowed, clearly displeased by the rebuttal, but he said no more.
That night, as they camped near the forest's edge, Kazuki sat away from the fire, watching the stars.
[System Prompt: Soul Ring Acquisition – Active Target: Mistvine Serpent]
The System pulsed with silent guidance, preparing him for separation. He had no intention of allowing the Master to interfere in his growth. If the opportunity came—whether danger, distraction, or confusion—he would seize it and slip away.
He didn't need a guide who only saw limits in the unknown.
He would claim his soul ring on his own terms.
And when the time came, his martial soul would awaken further—not with borrowed wisdom, but earned through will.
The game would soon begin in the heart of the Star Dou Great Forest.
And Kazuki would make his first true move.