Kaison sat motionless, thoughts swirling like storm clouds in his mind.
Benson's voice cut through the haze.
> "That's all I know. And I'll warn you—stay away from it."
*Stay away?* Kaison's jaw tightened.
\[It's already too late for me to stay away. If I do nothing… he'll kill me. I have to be strong enough to protect myself. I can't say no to him.]
Kaison forced a polite nod.
> "Yes… I'll follow your advice, sir."
He left the room, stepping into the corridor where the others had gathered—his sister among them.
Rias stood at the center, her gaze sweeping over the group.
> "Alright. Now that everyone's here, I'll give you some general instructions.
> First—you'll each be assigned a teacher. They'll help you understand your seal, and for now, you'll take missions under their guidance. Eventually, you'll be paired with a partner.
> Second—you'll be assigned a dormitory. For today, rest."
Maids appeared like shadows from the side doors, guiding them down branching hallways.
---
That night, Kaison sat in the dark of his assigned room.
Only the faint circle of his seal glowed on his skin, pulsing like a quiet heartbeat.
He clenched his teeth, lying back on the bed. Sleep claimed him quickly.
---
**The next morning…**
They were lined up in the courtyard.
> "Now—meet the teachers assigned to you."
Kaison's teacher was a tall man with hair flowing down to his back. His presence felt heavy, grounded.
Kaison bowed slightly.
> "Good morning, Master."
> "Stop standing there. Come with me," the man said, his tone sharp but not unkind. "I'll make you useful in a month."
The man's workshop smelled faintly of metal and old paper. From a shelf, he pulled out a folded page.
> "My name is Daemon. Like you, I'm a user of the Requiem Seal. I'll be your guide.
> I've heard you have the Seal of Chains?"
> "Yes, Master."
> "Good. First, you need to know what your seal can do. Here—ten minutes. Memorize it."
Kaison's eyes darted across the page.
*So… I can create chains, alter their size and shape, and control them at will. I can even create new types of chains—but only within the number of 'slots' my seal allows. The first phase gives me just one slot… more unlock when I break new subseals.*
> "Master, I've understood the text."
> "Alright. Now—use its power."
Kaison stiffened. *What, already?*
> "Yes, Master."
He stretched his arm forward.
> "CHAINS—COME OUT!"
Nothing.
He tried again, louder.
Still nothing.
> "Why isn't it working? Master, what do I do?"
Daemon's eyes narrowed.
> "As I expected—it's fine. You don't need to yell. Just… imagine the chains emerging from your hand. Widen your vision. Strengthen your will. Manifest them."
Kaison closed his eyes, tried again… failed. Again and again.
By nightfall, he was slumped in frustration.
---
Days passed. Still, no progress.
One evening, Kaison faced Daemon, exhaustion in his voice.
> "I've done everything you said… nothing's happened."
Daemon studied him.
> "Requiem Seals aren't easy. But… no. This isn't about imagination. You have plenty of that."
His gaze sharpened.
> "Tell me—are you afraid of something?"
The question hit Kaison like a knife.
> "…Yes. I fear something. And I… I can't overcome it. Not now."
> "You don't need to overcome it. Everyone fears something. What matters… is that you steel your heart so that fear doesn't break you."
Kaison's eyes widened. *Yes… I don't have to erase my fear. I just need the strength to face it.*
He closed his eyes and pictured it—
Chains, unyielding and unbreakable.
Chains that could protect him… protect those around him.
A pulse of golden light erupted from his arm.
Chains unfurled into the air, gleaming, floating like living things.
> "Finally… I did it."
His voice trembled with excitement, chest heaving.
> "Finally… finally!"
Daemon smiled faintly.
> "Congratulations, Kaison. Now, we can begin your real training."
> "Yes, Master!"
> "Tomorrow, then. We start at dawn."