Creators note(Shatter... Kyoka Suigetsu (Complete hypnosis)
Hello You probably thought this was a you know what novel but instead you got baited
You gotta admit its a pretty good bait though no?
Well since youre here give my novel a read okay? You owe me a read. Then again I won't force ya so if you want to support an 18 year old who is under financial crisis give it a read
Still here? Thanks! Oh forgot to say this is also made by ai i entered a script and made some stuff
Enjoy my novel)
[Prologue – Day One of the Academy]
I always knew I didn't belong among nobles.
While they were raised with silver swords in their hands, I grew up swinging a rusted kitchen knife behind a butcher's stall. Yet here I am, standing beneath the gleaming white gates of Tenryuu Imperial Academy – the most elite academy for hunters in the entire Eastern continent.
The Academy spires looked like dragons made of ivory and steel, coiling into the clouds.
They say only 0.01% of applicants are accepted, and even then, most of them are children of Guild Masters, dukes, or S-Rank hunters.
I'm just a lowly E-rank peasant from a farming district.
I clutched the old sword at my waist — the only thing my father left me before he died in a raid. The blade is chipped. The handle is wrapped in worn leather. Compared to the ceremonial katanas shining at the waist of the nobles around me, it looks like trash.
But it's all I have.
---
The Academy Plaza
As I stepped onto the Plaza of Arrival, I could feel hundreds of eyes judging me.
Men in military black uniforms, women in crimson robes. Some held spellbooks bound in phoenix feather. Others had spiritual beast familiars perched on their shoulders.
> "Look at that one – he's wearing commoner boots."
> "How did someone like that get accepted?"
I ignored them, even while my face burned.
At the center of the Plaza stood five massive pillars, each with the crest of a Guild carved in gold:
Amaterasu Guild – The top Japanese Guild, led by the legendary SSS-Rank hunter Takamura Daiki.
Yami no Ryu Guild – Known for their assassins; their vice-master is a woman named Kurobane Ayame, a dual-dagger user.
Divine Lance Guild – Famous European-based, with students here in joint exchange.
White Fang – The top Korean Guild, supposedly stronger than Amaterasu.
Eden's Shield – Mixed gender, renowned healer-dominant guild.
Even among students, they wore armbands showing their guild affiliations. I had none.
---
The First Encounter
"Oi, you're standing in the White Fang pathway," someone said in a cold voice.
I turned to see a tall young man with silver hair and sharp gray eyes staring at me. His uniform had a white wolf emblem. Next to him stood a girl with long violet hair tied in a braid, arms crossed, a claymore strapped to her back like it weighed nothing.
Name: Shinra Yuuto – rumored prodigy of Korea's White Fang Guild, rank: A+. Age: 17.
The girl beside him is apparently Hoshizaki Reina, B-rank swordswoman, rumored to have lightning affinity.
"Move," Yuuto said without emotion.
Before I could even step aside, someone else intervened — a girl with short golden hair and emerald eyes.
She stepped in front of me like a shield.
"With all due respect, Shinra-san, the Plaza is for everyone," she said.
She wore a red fox emblem — Amaterasu Guild.
"...You again," Yuuto muttered. "Always meddling."
She extended a hand to me. "Sorry about that. I'm Amano Yui, second daughter of the Amano clan. Amaterasu Guild."
Her aura was warm, like sunlight. I shook her hand—hesitantly.
I introduced myself quietly. "Akira. Just Akira."
---
The Orientation Hall
We were all summoned into a giant hall. A massive crystal orb floated above the auditorium, swirling with mana. The seats arranged like a colosseum.
Our Headmaster entered — a towering man in crimson armor, a massive blade on his back that looked more like a slab of stone than a sword.
"Welcome, new Hunters," he said, voice echoing like thunder. "I am Headmaster Kazama Goro, former S-Rank gate breaker. In this Academy, your bloodlines, wealth, and titles mean nothing. Only power."
That got everyone quiet.
He swept his gaze across the hall.
"Within three months, those who cannot clear a live Dungeon simulation will be expelled. Those who fail a Gate Break exercise? Expelled. Weakness has no place here."
Some of the nobles looked pale. Even I swallowed.
He smiled — like a wolf.
"The dungeon simulators will begin tomorrow at dawn."
---
NEW CHARACTERS INTRODUCED:
Miyazaki Haruto – A skinny, bespectacled mage student, wind affinity. Seems timid but intelligent. He sat near me and whispered that he's from a mid-tier guild in Osaka.
Tsukishima Akane – A red-haired girl with a flaming spear. From the European guild 'Divine Lance'. She's half-Japanese, half-French.
Fujiwara Riku – A muscular, loud guy shouting about becoming number one. Earth tank user. Seems obnoxious but kind-hearted.
Kurogane Mei – A quiet girl dressed in black with a spirit fox familiar on her shoulder. Possibly from Yami no Ryu. Spooky aura.
---
POV Transition (my inner monologue)
This place is insane. The amount of mana in the air feels like electricity. It's making my skin tingle. I can feel my own mana core trembling.
Everyone's stronger, faster, richer.
But…
I didn't come here to give up.
While others chatted and compared their ranks, I opened the leather notebook my father left me. Inside were notes about dungeons and gates—written in his blood during his last expedition.
> "Akira. One day, gates will devour the world unless someone closes them. Survive. Become stronger than all of them—noble or not."
I clenched my fist.
---
Later that day – Dormitories
We were given our dorm placements.
I was placed in Dormitory C, Room 31. The lowest-ranked dorm for "unaffiliated" students.
As I entered, I saw the room was old but clean. Two beds.
Someone was already there, reading a book.
He looked to be my age, with black hair, calm eyes like a monk.
He looked up and gave a small nod. "You must be my roommate. Name's Kurogawa Ren. No guild."
I introduced myself. He smiled faintly. "Another outsider? Good. Maybe we survive together."
There was a quiet strength in him.
---
Evening — The Arena Grounds
Some students were sparring in the open arena outside.
Hoshizaki Reina (lightning girl) was battling Tsukishima Akane (flame spear). Sparks and flames collided mid-air. It was like watching gods fight. People cheered.
Amano Yui noticed me watching and walked over. "You plan on challenging the arena?"
"Me? No. I'd die."
She chuckled. "Not if you train. Meet me tomorrow morning. I'll spar with you. I want to see what you're capable of."
A top guild noble volunteering to train a peasant like me? Why? I nodded slowly.
---
Night — My Resolve
As I lay in bed, I could hear distant roars from the academy's dungeon towers. Real monsters caged inside for training tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the first test.
I'm scared. But more than that… I feel something I haven't felt in years.
Excitement.
I may be a nobody today. But in this academy, I will rise.
Even if I have to slice through nobles, monsters, and gods to get there.
[Chapter 1 – The First Dungeon Simulation]
(First-Person POV: Akira)
---
Dawn.
The academy bells rang like iron demons, echoing across the stone floors of Dormitory C. I woke before sunrise, barely slept. The roar of distant beasts came from the training towers — today was the first dungeon simulation.
I tied my hair back, grabbed my ragged sword, and stepped out. Ren, my roommate, still sitting on his bed meditating quietly.
"You ready?" he asked.
I nodded. "Barely."
We walked out together. No extra words.
---
Dungeon Tower – Level 1 Simulation
The freshmen were gathered in front of a massive metal gate embedded into a tower wall. Runes glowed across the stone floor.
"Rank Test Simulation – Dungeon Type: Beast Class, Level 1," a crystal screen projected overhead.
A crowd gathered. Some nobles looked bored.
Headmaster Kazama stood near the gate, arms crossed.
"You will enter in five-man squads. Survive for ten minutes. Kill as many goblin beasts as possible. This is not a game. You can die here. If you do not last ten minutes, you fail."
---
Squad Assignments
The crystal screens flashed random team allocations. My heart sank as I saw my name.
> Squad #7:
Akira (No Guild)
Amano Yui (Amaterasu Guild)
Miyazaki Haruto (Wind Mage)
Kurogawa Ren (No Guild)
Fujiwara Riku (Earth Tank, Divine Lance Reserve)
Yui smiled at me from across the field. Riku waved excitedly, armor rattling.
"Let's crush them, team!"
Haruto whispered nervously, clutching his staff. Ren stood calm, as always.
---
Inside the Dungeon – 00:00:01
The gate slammed shut behind us.
A dark forest. Fog hanging low. Goblin shrieks echoing.
Riku stepped forward, earth mana surging. "Come at me!!"
Five goblin beasts leapt forward. Yui sliced one in half with a flaming arc of mana. Haruto cast a slicing wind blade that severed another goblin's arm.
I stayed back.
Another goblin broke through and lunged at me with a crude spear.
East Stance.
My right hand shifted slightly on the hilt. I stepped sideways, sword angled low.
Its spear thrust — I parried, letting its own force carry it past, then flicked the blade, redirecting its movement straight into a tree trunk. It slammed into it and fell unconscious.
"Nice one!" Riku shouted.
Yui glanced at me, intrigued.
---
03:15 – More Goblins Pouring In
Ren moved like a ghost, barehanded martial arts, disabling enemies.
Haruto got scratched, bleeding. Yui protected him with blazing sword arcs.
Another goblin lunged with a heavy club toward me.
West Stance.
Grip shifted. My blade became heavier in posture — I met the club with a firm parry, its force reverberating back at the goblin. Its wrist snapped and it fell back howling.
No wasted movement.
---
07:00 – Goblin Shaman appears
A larger goblin with a staff summoned a fireball, launching it straight at us.
"Magic user!" Haruto shouted.
Yui prepared to intercept, but I stepped forward.
North Stance.
A subtle turn of my wrist — I swung my blade upward, slicing through the fireball like it was silk. Mana split and dispersed.
Everyone stared.
Even Yui's eyes widened a bit. Haruto stepped back in awe.
The shaman screamed and charged another spell — but Ren finished it with a swift palm strike to the head.
"Nice cut," he said quietly to me.
---
09:45 – Final Wave
Ten goblins surged forward in a frenzy. One leapt toward my blind spot aiming for my neck.
For a split second, I almost shifted into South Stance. My instincts screamed — the goblin was aiming to kill me.
My left hand twitched on the hilt. A slight downward grip shift.
But… I stopped.
Instead, I used East Stance again, pivoting, letting its blade slide by my shoulder, redirecting its own momentum into the ground where Ren finished it off.
I exhaled.
---
10:00 – Time's Up
A loud horn blasted. The goblins vanished into light. Simulation over.
We stood catching our breath.
Riku cheered, lifting Haruto in the air. Yui sheathed her sword, looking over at me.
"You… your stance technique… it's not normal."
I stayed silent.
Ren crossed his arms. "He didn't even draw blood for most of the kills. Just pure parries."
Yui stepped closer. "Akira, where did you learn to parry like that?"
I simply replied, "My father."
She stared for a long moment, then smiled. "I want to spar you… properly. Tonight."
---
Outside – After the Test
Crystal boards listed survival rankings.
Squad #7:
Ranking: #3 overall in time + efficiency.
Gasps.
"How did Squad 7 beat even White Fang's group?!"
Yuuto (the silver-haired prodigy) stared at our numbers silently. Hoshizaki Reina scowled, annoyed.
Yui glanced at the rankings, proud. Haruto looked like he might cry with relief. Riku flexed his muscles obnoxiously.
Ren patted my shoulder once. "We did good."
---
Night – Training Grounds
Late evening. Yui and I walked to the private sparring area. Moonlight gleamed off the stone tiles.
She unsheathed her sword, flames flickering along the blade. "Show me your stance forms."
I nodded. I raised my blade in a neutral grip.
She attacked first — a blazing horizontal slash.
East Stance.
I deflected, sliding the flame arc away from us. She followed with a stabbing thrust — I shifted to West Stance, grounding her force and pushing her back with her own momentum.
She breathed hard. "Your sword feels like water at one moment… and like a wall the next."
Another slash, faster. This time I parried using North Stance, splitting a fire spell apart.
She stepped back, astonished.
"Do you… have a fourth stance?"
I said nothing… and she noticed my silence.
She slowly lowered her sword. "That one must be your kill stance."
I sheathed my blade.
"You don't use it often, do you?" she asked.
I shook my head. "Only once… and I regretted it."
She looked seriously at me. "Then I won't force you to show it. But someday… if you trust me… let me see it."
I nodded once.
---
End Scene – My Thoughts
That night, I sat outside on the dorm balcony staring at the stars.
I held my sword upright, grip relaxed. North. East. West. I shifted silently between the positions.
The South stance… I didn't dare.
> "Parry a killing blow… and you are forced to kill back…"
That's what Father told me when he entrusted me with this sword.
I could still feel the blood from that day.
But this academy… and these monsters… if I want to survive… I might have to draw that stance again one day.
Even if it destroys me.
[Chapter 2 – The Long Spear Queen and the Shadow with the Scythe]
(First-Person POV: Akira)
---
The day after the dungeon simulation, the entire academy felt like it was vibrating with anticipation.
The Duel Tournament sign-ups covered the courtyard in crowds, voices overlapping. Nobles bragged while comparing family emblems. Mage students showed off spell circles in the air.
I stood at the edge of it all, watching quietly with my worn-out sword in hand.
Ren stood beside me sipping tea from a bamboo flask. "You're signing up?"
I nodded.
He didn't say more. He knew why — experience, measuring enemies, learning weapons.
---
The Sign-Up Wall
I scrawled my name near the bottom. As soon as I did, a few students murmured.
> "That's that parry guy from Squad 7." "He beat Takeda yesterday, but in a duel he's got no offense."
I don't need offense. I just need openings.
A shadow loomed behind me. I turned slightly.
A woman in a black cloak, her eyes crimson, watched me. A Yami no Ryu assassin student maybe. She didn't speak — just stared as if analyzing my breathing. Then vanished. Interesting.
Beside the wall, another name in golden characters drew everyone's awe:
> Suzuhara Kaede – Princess of the Crimson Spear, Royal of Western Territories, Heiress of the Suzuhara Clan
Her presence alone was like a blade to the throat.
She walked past me with straight posture, spear strapped to her back, gaze forward. She didn't even glance — but I felt her mana. It wasn't yelling. It was dominating quietly.
Another figure leaned on the sign-up desk— tall, broad shoulders, with a jagged black scythe resting casually against his shoulder. Lazy smile.
"Akira… huh," he muttered and licked his lips. "Can't wait to carve open that stance of yours."
I said nothing. My eyes reacted first. I hate scythes. The hook, the blind spot, the reverse momentum.
He grinned because he saw I didn't like that weapon.
Name: Ichinose Kaito, Kurokumo Guild.
---
That Night – Preparing
In the moonlit training yard I practiced alone.
Switch. Switch. Switch.
East stance, redirect. West stance, blunt reflect. North stance, mana split.
Jumps. Rolls. Flip over a wooden pole. Kick imaginary head, land light.
My body isn't strong. But it's flexible. Like rope. Like water.
I can't overpower them. I have to dismantle them — piece by piece.
I could barely hear Yui watching me from a distance but I didn't stop.
South stance stayed sealed. That grip hurts to even think about. It's not for sparring. It's for survival. And for killing. And once I enter it…I know I can't stop.
---
Duel Tournament – Day 1
The arena roared. Hundreds watched as mages floated crystals to record everything.
My first fight: a spear user named Takeda Shou.
He rushed in with full confidence. Nice footing but shallow instincts.
His spear thrust — I bent backward like a bow, his strike clipping air above my face.
I rolled, swept his ankle. He staggered. Parry his follow-up. Flip on my hands, spring up behind him.
One open neck. I rested a blade there. He froze.
"Winner: Akira."
The crowd murmured.
Second opponent: a dual-sword noble. Fast but predictable. I parried, disarmed, kicked his elbow. He fell. I didn't even need a stance — just movement.
Then the screen flashed for my semi-final bracket.
> Akira vs Suzuhara Kaede
My pulse finally jumped.
---
Suzuhara Kaede – The Crimson Spear Princess
She stepped into the arena. People bowed slightly just seeing her.
Royal red uniform. Long dark hair tied. Spear glowing faintly.
I entered quietly opposite her.
She finally looked at me. "Low-class uniform. Parry-based sword. Weak aura. Yet you beat two fighters without taking a hit."
I said nothing.
She narrowed her eyes— almost like testing an animal.
"Speak."
I didn't.
She exhaled slowly, raised her spear, and shifted one foot behind — classic imperial spear combat stance. Formidable.
"If you lose consciousness, I'll stop. If your bones break… unlucky."
The bell rang.
---
The Duel – Long and Brutal
She disappeared.
No — she dashed faster than most people can see. A thrust straight for my ribs. I twisted sideways, barely avoiding. Used East to redirect the spear past me. She countered instantly with the spear's butt aiming for my jaw. I ducked. She didn't even stop to reset — her spear came back like lightning.
Her footwork… perfect angles. Every parry I attempted, she would adapt mid-motion.
I was forced to flip backward — my feet barely touching ground before she thrust again.
I parried with West — deflecting her blunt strike, but it rattled my bones. She was physically stronger. A lot.
"Good. At least you can survive the first minute."
She began rotating her spear in spiral movements — thrust, pull, thrust — each blow carrying deadly force.
I bent my body backward till my head almost touched the ground, avoiding the spear tip. Then I sprung forward, kicked toward her abdomen — she twisted her spear to block. She slid back a step — first time she moved back.
She grinned "Interesting."
And then everything became harder.
She started using aura-infused spear swings, each one carrying pressure.
I tried North Stance to slice an aura wave — it split, but the recoil scraped my shoulder slightly.
"You can cut aura. Rare."
She pivoted in and unleashed five rapid thrusts. I parried three, dodged two. She elbowed me in the chin as she rotated the spear — my jaw rang.
I spat blood and dropped down using my hands, spinning a leg sweep. She jumped — dodge. I flipped back to my feet.
Out of breath. Sweat dripping.
She was stronger than me. Way stronger.
I couldn't match her physically. Couldn't overpower. Couldn't block.
But… patterns.
She favors her right wrist on each backward twirl. Slightly stiff left ankle from old injury? She rotates clockwise every third strike.
Got it.
Next time her spear shot forward — I parried East to redirect, stepped on my own parry path and jumped high — bringing my knee toward her jaw.
She blocked but stumbled.
I immediately used her stumble to kick her spear shaft upward — disarming her arc just briefly. My blade slid toward her throat, but she twisted her wrist mid-grip, guiding the spear in a circular motion to block.
We were inches apart.
She smiled. She was enjoying this.
"Name?" she asked even while pressing forward.
"…Akira."
Her eyes glimmered. "Good. I won't forget."
She launched an aura burst — I sliced it with North and bent backward as her spear grazed my cheek.
She turned her spear and swept low — I leaped and kicked down on the spear, using the bounce to backflip behind her.
Now she was slightly disoriented. I slashed at her shoulder — she tilted her torso just aside, my blade grazing fabric.
She elbowed me, I coughed, she thrusted backward — I performed a spinning aerial sideways dodge.
The duel looked like dance and death.
---
It kept going. We clashed endlessly.
She didn't underestimate me; she was raising her tempo.
My stamina started dropping. I breathed heavily. She wasn't even panting.
She pointed her spear at me. "Yield."
I switched to West stance and deflected, but my left wrist pulsed with pain.
Piece by piece I was getting slower.
She lunged again, fastest yet.
I rolled forward to her blind spot and used East to redirect her own thrust up into the air, forcing her spear to point skyward—and for a split second, her arms were open.
I locked her spear shaft using my sword, twisted my body and kicked her in the ribs with all my leg strength.
She stumbled back, coughing. First real hit.
Silence from the crowd.
She wiped her lip and looked at the blood on her finger. Royal blood.
Her eyes sharpened — not angry, but now truly engaged.
"Excellent."
She performed a stance I hadn't seen — her body shifted lower, spear pointed directly at my heart.
One strike kill form.
She dashed — too fast.
Even with parry I might miss. My mind flickered south stance. No.
I dodged by twisting my spine, narrowly missing a fatal heart stab. Her spear scratched my chest. Pain.
I spun sideways, slashed at her shoulder. She parried with spear butt, counter thrusted — I jumped, clashing mid-air. My blade rang against her spear midair.
Both of us landed apart, breathing. Finally, she was panting too.
Ten minutes of this. Every muscle screaming. Only agility kept me alive.
She lowered her spear… and smiled.
"I concede."
The crowd erupted in utter shock.
She nodded once with respect. "You are not noble-born… yet your blade has emperor's spirit." She stepped close. "Never bow to anyone."
She left.
---
I almost collapsed from exhaustion. My hands were shaking. Not fear, just exhaustion.
Yui ran up to me. "That's the closest I've seen anyone fight her. You're insane."
I just wiped sweat and walked away.
---
Later – Fight with Ichinose Kaito (Scythe)
I was drained but the match was still scheduled.
Kaito twirled his scythe, grinning. "You look half dead already. Perfect."
Scythe arcs are unpredictable. Reverse weight. I can't parry with East or West easily.
Bell rang.
He spun instantly — arcing slash toward my upper body. I ducked under, rolled, his blade cut air.
He used the back hook to try to catch my leg — I leapt, twisting midair like a cat. Landed on the edge of the ring boundary.
He used mana to cast a black crescent slash — I cut it with North.
He kept laughing. "You're cornered already."
My breath was shallow. But I still analyzed. His center of gravity is off when he lifts scythe overhead. Right knee slightly slow to bend.
He launched a sideways slice — I avoided and kicked him in the knee with a drop-kick. He snarled and stumbled.
I dashed around him, slid under his next swing, and used East to redirect his scythe outward just long enough.
His balance almost broke.
I used a backhand strike to knock his scythe grip. He recoiled but swung again — I ducked, leaped, and kicked him in the ribcage — he wheezed.
The fight was brutal but short. I couldn't overpower, so I hit his weak joints repeatedly. Knees, ribs, wrists.
Finally, his knee buckled.
I leapt, rotated midair, and stomped his scythe flat onto the arena floor. My sword pointed at his face.
"Winner: Akira."
I stepped back and left immediately. I felt no pride. Just fatigue.
Kaito glared up at me, humiliated but alive.
---
End of Day
In the quiet of my dorm, I sat by the window.
South stance was throbbing silently inside my mind. I had almost considered it once today — during Kaede's kill thrust. If I'd been one inch slower, I would have used it. And killed her.
But I didn't. Good.
I flexed my hands, remembering her spear, her aura.
That was the strongest opponent I'd ever faced — and I survived.
---
Somewhere outside, I heard a rumor being shouted.
> "That peasant Akira made it to the finals!"
But I didn't care about that.
All I thought about was improving my parries for tomorrow. Because one day, I might face someone where even my flexible dodges won't be enough… and I'll have to draw the South.
I hope that day never comes.
[Chapter 3 – Court of Spears and the King's Interest]
Opening – Royal Palace of the Western Dominion
The throne room of the Suzuhara Empire was crafted from red marble and dragon bone. Pillars shaped like spears pointed upward, holding a ceiling painted with the ancestors of the royal lineage.
Emperor Suzuhara Seijuro sat upon the throne — known as the Spear King, a man who had once ended a calamity-class gate by himself. His presence was crushing for most… except his daughter.
Kaede kneeled before him, sweat dried on her brow from travel straight from the academy arena. She kept her head bowed, even though her eyes still burned with battle-high excitement.
Seijuro's voice boomed across the hall. "You… conceded a duel."
Kaede did not flinch. "Correct."
He narrowed his gaze. "The Suzuhara do not concede to those beneath the royal blood."
She finally raised her head and spoke with clarity:
"Father, he used three directional stances — East, West, North. But never showed the fourth. For every East there is a West, and for every North there must be a South… but I never saw South. I waited for it. Which means… he has a trump card. A hidden stance that he refuses to reveal unless it's life or death."
The Emperor's fingers tapped the throne.
"So? You have two hidden trump cards in your own arsenal."
She smiled a rare, genuine smile. "It was fun. Besides… why show everything in the beginning of the year? I wanted to see how far I could go without my full power."
The Emperor leaned back, a grunt of approval. "Interesting. Find out his lineage."
Kaede's eyes gleamed. "I already intend to, Father."
---
Transition – Back to Akira's POV (Arena Barracks)
My body ached like I had been run over by a stampede of armored boars.
Riku slapped my back like I wasn't dying inside. "Brother you made Kaede bleed! You're basically royalty now!"
Haruto just stared at me like I became a ghost. Ren handed me a small herbal salve and I nodded once in thanks.
But after resting… I heard murmurs from the stands. The final match was today. And I was in it.
The opponent: Shinra Yuuto, the prodigy of White Fang.
He didn't use flashy weapons. Just a simple katana with frost aura. I had seen him train once – precise, surgical, fast. A pure swordsman.
---
Pre-Finals – Meeting with a Headmaster
Before I could breathe, a staff member approached me.
"Akira. The Headmaster wishes to speak with you."
I was led into a quiet stone hallway. Headmaster Kazama Goro stood with arms crossed, his giant blade behind him.
He stared at me for a long time. "You do not fight like a child of nobility. Yet your movements are… deadly."
I said nothing.
He continued, "I want a list of your stances and sword style."
I shook my head once. "No."
His eyebrow rose slightly, not out of anger — perhaps amusement. "Clever." He nodded. "Keep it secret, then. But if you fight Shinra Yuuto in that condition," he gestured toward my bandaged body, "prepare to break."
He walked away, leaving those words behind.
---
The Final Match – Akira vs Shinra Yuuto
The arena was full to bursting. Even teachers and guild scouts arrived — robed mages, armored knights, high-ranking officers from White Fang, Yami no Ryu, Amaterasu, Eden's Shield, Divine Lance.
Yuuto entered, calm, frost aura around him. Some called him "Ice Wolf."
I stepped into the ring.
We both drew swords.
He bowed politely. I nodded. Then battle.
---
Duel – Silent Sword vs Silent Sword
Yuuto moved like a ghost. Swift, quickdraw slashes. I pivoted East, redirect. He parried my parry with fluid katana control — impressive.
We traded quick, shallow blows. I dodged more than parried. My body still fatigued from Kaede.
His frost aura sliced the air. I used North to split a cold mana wave.
Unlike Kaede, he analyzed rather than overwhelmed. His eyes narrowed at every footstep I took. Reading my angles like a machine.
He feinted left, slashed right — I barely ducked. He kicked upward into my ribs — I lost breath.
He didn't talk. Neither did I. I stepped in using West to catch his vertical slash, but his sword flowed like water and avoided my block entirely.
He slashed across my chest — superficial but bleeding.
I jumped back. Blood dripped. He said calmly:
"Your stances … you're already fatigued. You should surrender."
I shook my head.
We clashed again. My legs were shaky, but I used feints — pretend to step right, flip left — slash upward — he blocked. He went for a throat cut — I leaned back, eyes on his wrist.
I kicked his wrist — he dropped guard — I slashed at his side, shallow wound.
He hissed slightly but didn't fall.
Crowd was silent — intense.
---
Dangerous Moment – Almost South
He raised frost aura and unleashed a frost wave like shards of ice. I used North to split — but he was already behind me. Blade to back.
I slipped to the side with all my flexibility, bending my torso so far it looked inhuman. His sword grazed my back instead of impaling.
He looked actually impressed for the first time.
But I was at my limit. I could feel my instincts trying to flick into South. That murdering stance that forces a kill.
My fingers trembled near the hilt.
Not yet.
I used all my strength to instead drop to the ground, sweep his feet. He fell to one knee — I placed my blade near his neck.
We both froze for a second. Both winded, bleeding, gasping silently.
He raised his hands slowly. "I yield."
The arena exploded. Some were outraged, some were stunned.
---
Aftermath
Nobles stared in horror or fascination. Guild scouts whispered.
Riku ran into the ring and lifted me up like a ragdoll. "CHAMPION!!!"
I really just wanted water.
Kaede watched from the high seats, arms crossed, smiling slightly as if seeing something entertaining.
---
Post-Match – Guild Invitations Rumor
After the finals, I retreated to rest, but Ren told me:
"Tomorrow, major guilds will hold a recruitment interest meeting. They might summon you."
I nodded, already exhausted.
But then, as I opened my dorm door, I found a letter slide under it.
Black envelope. Yami no Ryu crest.
— "We are watching your fourth stance. Don't hold it forever."
I ignored it, tore it up, dropped it in the trash.
---
Final Scene that Night – Akira's Thought
I lay in bed, body buzzing with fatigue. I could still feel every spear thrust from Kaede, every frost cut from Yuuto.
I stared at my sword hilt.
I switched grips silently. East. West. North.
Stopped. Not South.
Someday I may have to draw that stance again. But if I do… that opponent will die.
I closed my eyes, breathing steady. Tomorrow would be guild day.
…and maybe, I'd see her again.
[Chapter 4 – The Royal Assembly and the Boy Who Refused Kings]
(First-Person POV: Akira)
---
Morning — After the Tournament
I thought the academy would return to normal training. I was wrong.
When I walked down the hall with Ren and Haruto, I saw the crest flags of every major nation hanging in the central courtyard.
The black dragon of the Drakken Empire (northern continent, warrior race).
The winged staff of the Valoria Kingdom (European magic empire).
The silver wolf of White Fang (our allied Korea).
The blazing sun of Amaterasu Guild (Japan's eastern authority).
And the crimson spear of the Suzuhara Empire (Kaede's household).
Nobles arrived in carriages, escorted by knights. Princes and princesses, young masters, all dressed in lavish attire.
Today was the Annual Royal Gathering Day, where each faction sends elite heirs to meet and scout talent before the semester's contracts begin.
---
Banquet Hall – Invitations Only
Somehow, my name was on the invitation list.
A mage handed me a card. "Akira. You're expected in the royal banquet hall at noon. Formal attire optional… but advised."
Riku screamed in jealousy. "HOW DID YOU—?!"
Ren said quietly, "You defeated the spear princess and the ice wolf. Of course they want you in the hall."
Haruto trembled just at the thought. "Th-that's where Crown Princes go to choose potential retinue…"
I didn't care about politics. But I decided to go — if only to see who my enemies truly are.
---
Banquet — Noon
The hall was massive, golden chandeliers and imperial banners. Long dining tables laden with roasted wyvern, mana fruit, shining goblets.
Everyone was dressed in formal robes or suits of guild script cloth.
I wore my academy uniform. Torn, plain, with some dried blood stains.
People stared like I was a servant who got lost.
Among them, I saw Kaede, dressed in an elegant black and red battle kimono, hair polished, a golden crest pin. She sat at the highest noble seat aside from the Emperor himself — her father was present.
Other royals:
Prince Leonhart of Valoria – blond, arrogant, staff of lightning.
Princess Elara of Valoria – silver-haired mage prodigy, smiled softly but eyes cold.
Crown Prince Ragnoval of Drakken Empire – massive, armored, dragon-slayer axe, muscular presence.
Second Prince Shinra – Yuuto's older brother, ice aura greater than Yuuto, rumored S-Rank.
Several minor nobles from Europe, Korea, Southeast guilds.
Conversations stopped when I walked in.
Even the Emperor Suzuhara, sitting beside his daughter, glanced at me and whispered something to Kaede.
She watched me walk — her gaze calm, confident, interested.
---
Formal Introductions of Royal Heirs
A herald announced names.
"Prince Leonhart of Valoria! Crown Prince Ragnoval! Princess Elara! Princess Suzuhara Kaede!"
Then they called: "Akira… unaffiliated, commoner, undefeated in this academy's dueling arena."
Murmurs everywhere.
Leonhart scoffed aloud. "A peasant? At this table?"
Ragnoval, the Drakken prince, smirked. "Common-born but makes nobles bleed. I like that."
Kaede watched them, but did not speak — yet.
---
Guild Representatives Offering Contracts
At a side table, guild representatives approached me one by one.
White Fang Guild Agent: "Join us. You will be given high rank, training, stipend."
I shook my head silently.
Divine Lance Guild: "We'll pay any sum. You can serve under European royalty."
I shook my head again.
Valoria Magic Court: "We can grant you noble title."
No.
Yami no Ryu: some masked woman slid a scroll quietly across the table: "You can hide in darkness with us. No rules."
I shook my head without hesitation.
They looked offended or confused. And I kept refusing. Word spread like wildfire.
---
Kaede Intervenes
Kaede finally stood, her voice soft but absolute.
"You're all wasting time. He's not someone who will bend for money or titles."
She walked toward me, everyone staring.
She stopped right beside me… and openly said:
"Akira. Become my royal knight. Serve only me."
The hall gasped.
She didn't smile — she commanded.
I looked at her. Her eyes were serious. Wanted. Commanding.
I bowed my head slightly — the smallest of respectful declines — and stepped back.
The meaning was obvious: no.
Her eyes widened very slightly — surprised, maybe even intrigued further.
Leonhart chuckled. "Rejected by a commoner — the future Empress? How humiliating, Princess."
She slowly turned her head and stared at him. Just a stare. Leonhart flinched and looked away.
Ragnoval, the Drakken prince, laughed loudly. "I like his spine. Nice legs too, perfect dodging. If you change your mind, you can be my sparring partner instead of a servant," he said.
I ignored him too.
---
Tension – New Rival Introduced
Prince Leonhart stepped forward, pride bruised.
"You mock royalty by refusing. Do you even understand the honor offered?"
I didn't respond.
He raised his voice. "Answer when a Prince addresses you."
Kaede's gaze sharpened — but she didn't move.
Leonhart stepped close, mana crackling. I felt static. He was about to provoke physically.
I simply looked at his feet and posture — his right knee was weak due to sitting patterns, I could shatter it in one kick.
But before anything happened, the Emperor Suzuhara spoke in a thunderous voice.
"Enough. This is a gathering, not a battlefield. If the boy refuses, he refuses. In fact—"
He leaned slightly forward, voice echoing through the hall:
"—I like him."
Dead silence.
He gazed directly at me. "Rare do I see a swordsman who does not drool for status. Keep your spine."
Kaede smiled slightly beside him.
Leonhart stepped back, teeth clenched.
---
As the Banquet Ends
As the royals talked further, Kaede walked near me once more as if in private.
"And yet again… you refuse me," she said, eyes sharp.
Finally, I spoke one line, barely audible:
"I kneel to no one."
She blinked.
Then she let out a small laugh — the first time I saw her actually laugh.
"Very well, Akira. That's what makes you interesting."
She turned, kimono swishing, returning to her seat with composure.
Other nobles whispered about me: "arrogant commoner," "monster prodigy," "madman rejecting the Princess."
I just wanted to leave.
---
Later That Night – Dorm Balcony Scene
Ren and Riku sat with me on the balcony.
Ren: "You won't join any guild?"
I shook my head.
Riku: "Bro, that's insane. All the guilds… even Princess Suzuhara… you got them like hungry wolves!"
Haruto walked in with teacups. "Akira is… someone who chooses his own road."
I didn't answer. Instead, I practiced silent grip changes in my head. East. West. North. South (no).
---
Next Morning – Training Fields
While warming up in the empty training yard, someone approached.
Kaede. In casual red training clothes. No guards.
She stood a few meters away and spoke calmly.
"I won't force you. But I will make you kneel one day. Not with status, but with strength."
She pulled out her practice spear. "Tomorrow. At dawn. Spar with me again. No aura. Just pure technique."
I nodded once. That was it.
She seemed pleased. "Good."
Before leaving, she glanced around and said softly:
"And don't ever show that fourth grip. They don't deserve to see it."
My eyes widened very slightly. She saw… at least my intention change during our fight.
I said nothing. She walked away.
[Chapter 5 – The Phoenix Spear and the Swordmaster of Valoria]
(First-Person POV: Akira)
---
Pre-dawn – The Training Yard
The sky was still gray when I stepped onto the stone practice ground. Cold air stung my skin, but my body was already awake.
Kaede was already there. Alone. Waiting.
She wore a crimson training robe that flowed like molten silk, spear in hand. No guards. Just her and her weapon.
Her presence alone generated heat, as if the air around her belonged to a different season.
"You came," she said. Not a question. A fact.
I nodded once.
She walked closer — standing only one meter from me. Her eyes didn't look at my face — they looked at my hands, my grip.
"You've recovered. Good. I want to break you while you're at your best."
She stepped back and lowered into a stance. I drew my sword.
"No aura. No magic. No phoenix flame," she added. "Just technique."
I settled into East Stance, eyes fixed. Calm.
---
Spar Round 1 – Pure Technique
She struck first — fast but not as fast as in the duel. This was pure form, nothing supernatural. I let my legs move like wind, parrying, sidestepping. She switched angles purposely to see if I could keep up.
I redirected each spear thrust — we moved in rhythm, clashing steel on steel. I used my agility, ducking under horizontal sweeps, flipping over low sweeps. My legs coiled and whipped like rope.
She parried my blade with spear butt, tried to knee my stomach — I twisted sideways and counter-kicked her thigh.
She smirked. "You're faster than yesterday."
The spar continued. Nine minutes of nothing but raw technique. I matched her. She didn't win, but neither did I.
"Enough." She stepped back, taking a breath. "Move to second stage."
She backed away, left hand forming a seal over her spear.
---
Trump Card – Crimson Phoenix Form (Reduced)
The air shifted. Heat began to leak from her body. Flames flickered along the spear's edge, glowing crimson-gold. This was still a sealed version — but enough to dwarf me.
She whispered: "Phoenix Spear – Karyū Enbu (Fire Dragon Dance)."
She dashed — the ground ignited under her feet like molten coal. Her strikes carried blazing afterimages. I tried East — redirect failed, her spear turned like a flame and circled back.
West — her strike blasted my guard aside like volcanic wind. I nearly lost grip.
She wasn't trying to kill, but the heat alone scorched my clothes.
She thrust forward — I rolled under — but the ground exploded from the flame wave and threw me back.
She appeared behind me mid-air, spear tip six inches from my back. Unavoidable. I twisted desperately, landing on my shoulder, tumbling — breath knocked out.
She didn't stop. Another thrust — I parried with North, splitting flame, but the heat seared my skin.
My entire body shook. I could almost hear the South stance screaming to be unleashed — but I forced myself not to touch that stance.
At the end—I was on one knee, sword trembling. She stood above me, spear burning, calm.
"Yield," she said quietly but firmly.
…I lowered my blade.
She ended the fire. Heat vanished. She looked down at me—not mocking—proud.
"You lasted longer than most A-rankers." She offered a hand.
I didn't take it. I stood on my own.
She nodded approvingly. "Good."
---
Post-Spar
She was sweating slightly — even that technique drains her.
"That was just the first of two trump cards," she said softly. "Remember that." She stepped close. Too close.
"That is why you belong… beside me."
Her voice was calm but carried a certain dangerous ownership.
I didn't answer. My breathing was still heavy.
She moved her hand toward my face—maybe to wipe blood—but I stepped back. She paused, then smiled almost like a predator. "I will make you acknowledge me eventually."
She walked away without looking back.
---
Later – Afternoon Courtyard Gathering
I was resting under a tree when Ren approached. "They sent more offers after the banquet. I threw them away."
I nodded in gratitude.
But the peace didn't last. A new group arrived—clad in silver and blue robes. Valorian heraldry.
At their front: a tall young man with shoulder-length blonde hair, a sheathed white longsword with runes, regal posture.
Albrecht Valorian – 2nd Royal Swordmaster of Valoria, known as the "Silver Lion Blade."
Princess Elara trailed behind him.
He stopped in front of me with zero expression. "You are Akira?"
I said nothing.
"I watched your duel with Yuuto and your spar with Suzuhara Kaede from a distance," he said calmly. "Under the order of Valorian Court, I challenge you to a formal sword bout – one week from now."
He dipped his chin with formal courtesy. Then turned and walked away without waiting for my answer. Elara smiled faintly and followed.
Ren: "They want to test you. If you lose… they judge you unworthy. If you win… they'll try to chain you."
I didn't say anything. I'm tired of nobles.
---
Drakken Princess Appears
As soon as the Valorians left, a shadow blocked the sun.
I looked up — a muscular girl with long red hair tied back, wearing Drakken imperial armor and fur. Axe slung over her back.
Brynhildr of the Drakken Empire – Younger sister of Crown Prince Ragnoval. Known as "Dragon's Daughter."
She crouched down to my level, staring hard at me like examining prey. "I saw you fight White Fang. You're small. Flexible. Like a rabbit…"
She grinned. "I hunt dragons, but I like rabbits too."
Haruto hiding behind the tree whispered: "She's dangerous…"
Brynhildr stood up straight. "You will spar me too. One day. But first I'll watch your fight with Valorian swordmaster."
She slapped my shoulder so hard I almost fell. Then stomped away laughing.
Riku walked by and whispered, "Why do all the strongest women like you?"
I genuinely didn't know.
---
Evening – Kaede's Subtle Claim
I walked into the cafeteria for water. Kaede sat at a high table reserved for royalty. She stood the moment I stepped in.
Every noble looked.
"Akira," she called plainly.
I looked up.
She didn't ask — she instructed. "Sit."
I walked over. She sat across, eyes still intense.
She leaned forward slightly, voice low. "That Valorian swordmaster… is not kind. If he tries to humiliate you publicly— I'll intervene."
I stared.
Her expression hardened. "You are still mine to break… not his."
I remained silent. But part of me… understood her tone. It wasn't love. It was ownership through power.
She slid a small red bottle across the table.
"For your burn wounds," she said quietly. "Phoenix ash salve."
I took it. Nodded once. She watched me apply it to my arm.
She then sat back, satisfied. "Good."
No one else dared speak in her presence.
---
That Night – Reflection
I sat on the balcony again. Ren was meditating. I was thinking.
Lost. That spar was the first time I could not parry or dodge. My body was inferior, like a twig in fire.
…Not strong enough.
I stood up and began practicing.
East. West. North.
South — No.
I cut through the air until my shoulders ached.
I thought of Kaede's Phoenix trump. Albrecht's sword mastery. Brynhildr's brute power. The world was bigger than this academy.
And I was still weak.
But I will grow. Without losing myself.
Three Days Later – Morning Before the Duel
Word spread across the academy: Akira vs Albrecht, a formal royal duel sanctioned by both Valoria and the Academy leadership.
It would be held in the Grand White Arena, typically only used for 3rd-years or dungeon bosses.
Students whispered as I walked through the hall. They moved out of the way this time—not out of respect, but fear.
Some bowed heads. Some sneered. I ignored them.
But when one noble muttered under his breath, "Peasant will get humbled today," I actually stopped.
I turned, eyes cold. He flinched as I stared directly at him.
"Repeat that," I said quietly.
He backed away without a word, face pale.
I walked on. Riku and Haruto both stared at me—surprised. Ren smiled faintly behind his cup of tea.
I wasn't the same as the boy who entered this academy a week ago. Something was changing.
---
Outside – At the edge of the courtyard
Kaede was waiting for me.
She stood beneath a cherry tree, arms crossed, spear at her side, wearing a black and crimson cloak. The wind lifted her hair like a portrait of battle and royalty.
"You shouldn't fight Valoria's swordmaster alone. He will try to break you in front of everyone."
I stopped. Looked her in the eyes. For the first time, I spoke with cold tone:
> "I don't need your help."
She blinked—her golden eyes widening slightly the way a predator reacts to a bigger predator. I saw something flicker behind her calm expression: shock, intrigue… and obsession.
Her fingers tightened around her spear. But she smiled.
"So you've grown fangs. Good. But don't die before I conquer you."
I stepped past her toward the arena. For a moment, she watched me like she was staring at a weapon she wanted to own more than anything else in the world.
---
Grand White Arena – Noon
The stands were packed. Nobles, guild representatives, teachers, even some visiting royal elders. They all came to see Valoria's Silver Lion crush the rebellious commoner.
Albrecht stood calmly in the arena center. His long white sword rested on his shoulder, rune-crystals shining faintly. He wore a pristine battle coat with Valorian crest.
He didn't look arrogant — just absolute.
Princess Elara stood in the VIP section with Kaede on one side and Brynhildr on the other. Yuuto and Reina near the front. Everyone watching.
When I stepped into the arena, I heard whispers:
> "He's walking tall." "Look at his eyes… he looks like a killer."
My eyes felt colder. My old fear was gone. All I felt was a desire to test my blade against the world.
Albrecht lowered his sword in salute. "Akira. Ready?"
I pulled my sword free and didn't answer.
He smiled. "Then let the truth of strength decide."
---
The Duel Begins
Albrecht took a calm stance — the classic Valorian Void Stance.
I stepped forward— not waiting this time. I dashed forward first.
My blade flashed. Aggressive. He didn't expect me to attack first.
I slashed left with deceptive speed — he parried, surprised at the force. I twisted midair, flipped off his blade, and went for a downward strike at his exposed shoulder.
He tilted just enough. He parried with his sword's flat surface and pushed back with minimal movement.
I kept attacking. A flurry of slashes, using parry angles for offense — East parry into cut, West parry into elbow strike. I was mixing my defense into offense seamlessly.
He began to smile. "So you can evolve mid-combat… impressive."
He responded: His sword flicked out — faster than any noble I fought. He slashed at my shoulder — I blocked with West, but the force cracked the ground beneath me. I slid backwards but regained footing.
He stepped, turned, and used a lightning-fast thrust.
I dodged — shoulder grazed, blood. Lunged forward using his momentum against him — East Stance, redirect, then slash at his ribs— he blocked with the sword's hilt guard. Immense precision.
---
The Duel Escalates
We clashed for several minutes. My breath heavy. He hadn't even breathed hard yet.
I leapt in the air, trying a downward sweep— he pivoted, grabbed my sword wrist mid-air, and diverted me, slamming me into the ground.
I coughed, forced to roll and rebound using my flexibility. I slashed back. He blocked with a single hand.
"Your technique is still mostly reaction-based," he said calmly. "But it's changing into intent. That's dangerous."
He stepped forward, sword raised, runes glowing faintly. "Let me teach you despair."
I shifted back into aggression— West parry, step, slice— East feint into kick— I got a hit on his knee. He accepted it, not even flinching.
Then he moved like a storm.
His sword blurred— a lethal pattern known as Valorian Lion Fang.
I tried North to cut the mana wave — it shattered but he was already inside my guard.
His blade tapped my throat. I barely avoided death by bending my neck back unnaturally. He slashed again — I spun and rolled, slicing his sleeve. He slashed across my back — a full cut that burned.
I landed on a knee, sword shaking. Blood on the white arena tiles.
He pressed his sword down toward me— aura building— but I forced myself to stand.
Defiant.
Spectators whispered in shock at the blood trailing from my shoulder and back.
My instincts flickered — South. The stance screamed at me: use me. But I killed the thought. Instead, I shifted back into an offensive-ready posture — my own hybrid stance: part East, part West, forward weight.
I launched forward again.
This time I didn't wait for his slash. I slashed first — savage, fast — aiming at his torso, neck, arms. I didn't care that he was stronger. I made him go on the defensive for the first time.
He parried all of them perfectly, but his eyes… thrilled.
We clashed so hard the ground dented.
My movements were like a rabid serpent — unpredictable, flexible, testing his openings.
He remarked mid-combat: "Your sword now has killing intent."
I didn't speak. I satisfied the hate I felt.
But his sword suddenly glowed with light. He unleashed a technique — Valorian Divine Crescent.
His strike split the air. My blade met it in North parry — but the force destroyed my stance. My legs buckled. He kicked me in the chest — I crashed back, sword flying from my hand, embedded in the ground behind me.
I tried to stand again. He stepped forward and hammered the flat of his blade into my gut — not killing, but enough to end it.
I hit the ground hard, coughing blood.
He pointed the sword at my neck again — not touching, but declared:
"Defeat."
The arena stadium went silent. Then a wave of applause — for him, but also whispers for me.
---
After the Duel
He stepped back and sheathed his sword.
"You have the will of a king," he said quietly, "but your body and mastery need time. Train more… and perhaps one day, you can stand equal to me."
I said nothing, but I bowed my head just once. Not kneeling, just acknowledging martial respect.
He actually smiled faintly and walked away.
Valorian Princess Elara nodded in approval. Brynhildr roared in laughter, slamming her fists on the railing. Kaede… she watched with eyes blazing.
---
Kaede's Possession – After-Battle Confrontation
As I walked out of the arena, dripping blood, Kaede walked directly in front of me and grabbed my collar — pulling me face to face.
"You let him make you bleed," she hissed. Not anger, but frustration, jealousy, possessive rage.
Her grip on my collar tightened. "Next time, you look only at me, fight only me."
Her voice lowered to a threatening whisper:
"I won't allow another to break you before I do."
My eyes stared into hers — cold. I spoke quietly:
"If you want to break me, get stronger."
Her breathing quickened… that response clearly hit her deeper than anything. She released my collar slowly, visibly trembling — but from intensity, not fear.
She stepped back with an unseen smile on her lips.
"Understood," she whispered. Then walked away.
---
End Scene – Training Under the Moon
That night, exhausted and covered in bandages, I still stepped outside to train.
I replayed Albrecht's footwork in my head. His posture. His sword angles. I tried to replicate them in slow motion, adapting them into my own style.
Ren watched me from the stair rail. "You lost. And yet… you look more alive than before."
I didn't answer.
I kept practicing, even through the pain, even as blood seeped through my bandages. East. West. North. Hybrid. Offense.
I whispered only to myself —
> "I will not be beneath anyone."
The sword sliced through the darkness.