The morning mist of Serium Realm clung to Shinjiru's skin as he tightened the straps of his training garb. Today was different. No longer would he practice under the watchful eye of Masaru in controlled drills. Today, he faced the real world outside the Academy walls, and the consequences of failure were no longer illusions.
Shinu had warned him before leaving, the faint electric-blue aura flickering beneath the hood. "Remember, Arakami… what you see is only half the truth. Humans, Krawlers, even Himen—they all have unseen layers. Do not let your judgment falter."
Shinjiru nodded, though the unease in his stomach would not dissipate. He felt the weight of his father's legacy pressing against his chest, a ghostly reminder that rules in this world carried far heavier consequences than any classroom lecture.
The mission briefing had been concise: investigate a series of Essence disturbances in the Shadowed Alleyways, suspected Stage 1 Krawler activity. Report findings, neutralize threats, and ensure no human lives are lost. Shinjiru's squad included Kaito, two other trainees, and a supervising Elite liaison—Ryuzen Kurohane.
"Remember," Ryuzen said, voice smooth and even, "your aura can be detected by the corrupted. Subtlety and control are your weapons as much as the chains you wield."
As the squad entered the alleyways, the cityscape warped into shadowed corridors and narrow streets. Essence pulses flickered faintly, almost invisible unless one focused intently. The air smelled of decay, both material and ethereal.
Shinjiru's senses sharpened. His violet aura flared softly, a spotlight against the creeping darkness. Every shadow, every whisper of movement, set his nerves on edge.
Suddenly, a distorted screech tore through the alley. A Stage 1 Krawler lurked ahead, its form semi-transparent to the human eye, red-black veins pulsating along its serpentine body.
"Engage," Ryuzen's low command cut through the tension.
Shinjiru's chains shot forward, wrapping around the creature with controlled precision. Kaito moved in tandem, his emerald aura flickering as he lured the Krawler into Shinjiru's trap. The creature howled, a sound that seemed to claw at the edges of sanity itself, but Shinjiru's focus never wavered.
The Krawler struck back, thrashing violently. One of the other trainees miscalculated, sending a sickle snapping past a nearby human observer. Shinjiru's heart skipped; he could not afford collateral damage.
He leapt, chains whirling, and struck a decisive blow that immobilized the Krawler. It convulsed, pulses of corrupted essence dissipating into the air, until it finally dissolved into faint red motes.
The squad exhaled collectively, but the mission was far from over.
Deeper in the alleys, a small human boy appeared, trembling, unaware of the danger. His essence flickered faintly, visible to Shinjiru only. A second Krawler slithered behind the boy, a hidden predator waiting for the perfect strike.
Shinjiru froze, heart hammering. The rules were clear: Himen must not interfere with human affairs unnecessarily. Rule 6. But he could not let the boy die.
Kaito shouted, "Move! It's too late!"
Instinct overrode hesitation. Shinjiru unleashed a controlled flurry of chain strikes, diverting the Krawler's path and shielding the boy. The chains clashed, sparks of violet energy illuminating the alley. The Krawler shrieked and retreated, but not without leaving deep scars along the cobblestone streets.
Shinjiru knelt beside the boy, aura still flickering, sweat dripping down his face. "You… you need to run," he said softly. The boy nodded, tears in his eyes, and disappeared into the shadows.
Ryuzen's gaze was cold when he approached. "You broke Rule 6," he said quietly, not angry but heavy with implication. "Do you understand what that means, Arakami?"
Shinjiru's throat tightened. "I… I saved a life. I couldn't just stand by."
Ryuzen studied him, eyes narrowing. "Compassion is admirable. But the rules exist for balance. Every choice has a cost. Today, you learned that lesson. Make sure the next time, you calculate the risk before committing."
The aftermath of the mission lingered long after the Krawlers had vanished. Shinjiru walked the empty streets alone for a while, thinking of his father and the rules he had broken. Somewhere in the depth of his memory—fragments only he could not yet understand—he felt the echoes of Haruto Arakami's forbidden actions.
The human boy was safe. The mission was technically a success. But Shinjiru's heart weighed heavy with the knowledge that, in saving one life, he had stepped closer to the danger that had claimed his father.
He clenched his fists. This world demanded strength, precision, and judgment. He had the skill—but could he reconcile that with the heart his father had left behind?
As the violet glow of his aura settled, he made a silent vow: He would become strong enough to honor the rules and protect the innocent, no matter the cost.
Because in this world, mercy was a dangerous weapon—and he intended to wield it without faltering.