The group stood on a circular platform suspended in the Sanuya of Kirina, the spiritual domain where Ni currents flowed through the air like invisible streams. Around them, Ni modules activated, forming luminous combat rings that pulsed in harmony with their hearts. Naomi and Dante Veyron observed from a vibrational walkway, silent and attentive. Alongside them, Taishō and Jōtan from Sanwi, Kuzael, Osura, Dunkles, and Iznak watched closely, ready to note every movement.
Naomi spoke, her voice calm but authoritative: "This trial does not measure your power. It measures your ability to read, anticipate, and cooperate. You will be paired in duos and face Senshi from other countries. This is not a war. It is a territorial test."
Dante Veyron added, in a graver tone: "For some of you, this will be your first real contact with your Shiki. The Sanuya amplifies resonance, and under pressure, Ni responds—even if you have not yet mastered it."
Floch, arm raised with a mocking smile, asked: "Just one question: are the foreign Senshi programmed to fall under my charm, or do I have to beat them with words before the fight?"
Dante Veyron shook his head, relentless. "They do not speak. They have no consciousness. You and your Ni are one. You are too distracted, and they are not here to listen."
The duos were then formed: Kaen with Floch, Akiriho with Ishikawa, Astou with Takumi. Each would face a pair of Senshi from another country, whose styles ranged from Kuzael's brutal, direct approach, to Osura's fluid and defensive style, to the strategic and psychic rhythms of Dunkles and Iznak. Sanwi relied on illusion and perception manipulation.
Simulation 1: Kaen & Floch vs. Sasha Vertagon and Noëlle Holfing (Kuzael)
The duo was projected into a narrow alley, where the Ni flows were unstable and unpredictable. Sasha and Noëlle appeared, wielding percussion modules. Every move was direct, brutal, and unyielding.
Floch activated his module and spoke aloud, almost to reassure himself: "Okay, I'll open the way. You cover my angles. And if I fall… scream really loud."
Kaen replied, curtly: "I don't scream. I strike."
Sasha, a new recruit, barely controlled her Ni, manipulating spiritual flower petals that whirled around her in a deadly dance. Floch felt his energy ring vibrate, unstable but real, forming a barrier that neutralized the petals.
Kaen, already in a haphazard awakening, instinctively activated his Shiki: a spiritual pistol appeared, shooting fire projectiles with surprising accuracy. Noëlle channeled her Ni through a watery scepter, capable of precise streams.
Floch thought, slightly awed: This is… Shiki? Like my instinct speaks before me.
The duo moved fluidly. Floch dodged with agility, taunting their opponents verbally, while Kaen analyzed every movement, countering with precision. Their styles opposed yet complemented each other. Eventually, Noëlle was too slow to protect Sasha, and Kaen neutralized her with his projectiles. Sasha fell to the ground, ending the simulation.
The duo completed the trial with a high score. Naomi observed silently while the Jōtan took notes. Floch, panting but smiling, said: "Well… you didn't mess up too badly. You almost made me forget you faint every couple of chapters."
Kaen replied with a slight smile: "And you, you almost made me believe you were useful. But I haven't decided yet."
Akiriho & Ishikawa vs. Toshiro Mosuke and Yusuke Wanatabe (Osura)
The next fight was subtler, more mental. Akiriho manifested his Ni as a spiritual bow, shooting pure energy arrows to pierce enemy defenses. Ishikawa absorbed the flows precisely, his body resonating with each attack.
Toshiro intervened, his Ni forming a sharp, elegant ice blade that neutralized Akiriho's arrows. "I'll leave this to you, Yusuke. Go." Yusuke charged, his Ni manifesting as an electric gauntlet, projecting targeted discharges.
Ishikawa was caught in a counterattack, but his katana vibrated and shimmered, revealing his Shiki. Unstable but real, he repelled Yusuke and knocked him down.
He raised his head, a discreet smile on his lips, and thought: I didn't call it. But it came. Then, in a calm yet firm voice: "I am Hoshigura, Ishikawa Hoshigura. Let me show you what I'm made of."
His Ni took the form of an ethereal katana, light and fast, ideal for subtle, spontaneous strikes. Together, Akiriho and Ishikawa won the match.
Astou & Takumi vs. Pia Hasselvander and Harald Henzler (Dunkles)
The last fight mixed illusion and perception. Harald, with his Ni, coated his arms with mineral layers, enhancing his strength and heavy strikes. Pia created shifting mist veils, disorienting opponents at close range.
Takumi lost his bearings, but Astou stabilized the battlefield. Her staff glowed, projecting a healing wave. Takumi focused his energy, his gauntlet solidifying to deliver heavy, precise strikes.
This is not a technique. It's a response, he thought, as the confrontation revealed more the rhythms and flows than brute strength.
The confrontation had revealed not just enemies. It had revealed rhythms, invisible connections between Ni and instinct. Kaen gradually understood that his power did not seek to dominate. It sought harmony. Around him, the others also heard their own resonance.
Shiki is not learned. It triggers. And sometim
es… it chooses before even being chosen.
To be continued…