Chapter 3 – Sparks in the Shadows
The next week at Shinkage High had barely begun, but Akihiro's life was already a whirlwind of Kagekisen training. Every morning, he arrived early, determined to improve, while his reputation as the popular, shy guy who only cared about Mina and Sayaka grew quietly among the other students.
Today, he faced his first real opponent in the club: a senior named Takumi Sato, a lean, confident boy whose Kagekisen glowed with silver-white energy. Takumi smirked as Akihiro approached.
"Ready to get crushed, newbie?" Takumi teased, spinning a pawn on the board.
Akihiro's face heated, but he forced himself to focus. "I… I'll do my best."
The match began. Akihiro tried to summon his Kagekisen, and—finally!—a tiny humanoid figure flickered above the board, unstable but visible. It looked like a wisp of smoke struggling to take shape.
Takumi's aura surged, towering over him, its silver light sharp and precise. Every move Akihiro made was countered effortlessly. He faltered, panicked, and one by one, his pawns fell.
Mina watched silently from the side, her sharp gaze assessing every move. Sayaka leaned against a column, calm but attentive. Both were watching him—Akihiro's heart raced. Every glance from them felt heavier than all the teasing and stares from other students.
"Focus, Akihiro," Sayaka whispered softly. "Predict his moves. Don't just react."
Akihiro nodded, trying to steady his breathing. He remembered the tiny sparks of control from his training. If I concentrate… I can hold on longer.
He adjusted his stance, moving a pawn with more intent. His Kagekisen flickered again—this time, slightly stronger, enough to deflect one of Takumi's attacks.
"Hmm… not bad for a beginner," Takumi remarked, raising an eyebrow. "You might last a few moves longer."
Encouraged, Akihiro pressed on, trying to combine strategy with aura control. His hands shook, but he felt the faint pulse of power guiding him. For the first time, he wasn't just reacting—he was thinking ahead.
Minutes passed. Akihiro lost several pieces, but he managed to protect his king for longer than anyone expected. The flickering aura grew stronger with each move, though still far from impressive.
Mina finally spoke. "Interesting. He's still weak… but that spark. It's unusual."
Sayaka nodded subtly. "He's starting to understand flow and strategy. It's small, but it's there."
The match ended with Takumi's victory. Akihiro slumped, exhausted but exhilarated. He had lost, yes, but for the first time, he felt capable of improvement.
As he left the board, a few girls crowded around, teasing him again. Akihiro blushed and mumbled excuses, ignoring them entirely. His focus remained on Mina and Sayaka, who gave him a brief nod and a faint smile—approval that made his heart soar.
That evening, Akihiro sat alone in his room, replaying the match in his mind. Every mistake, every failed move, every tiny moment of success—he analyzed them all. His Kagekisen flickered faintly in response, like it was trying to communicate.
I'm trash now… he thought. But I'll get stronger. I'll make them notice me. And one day… I'll rise from these sparks into something greater.
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