The forest shifted again — not with danger, but with change.
A new sound rolled through the trees.
The horn cut the forest like a blade — a single, sonorous note that climbed and hung over the valley. It was not loud in the way a shout is loud. It was the kind of sound that settles into your bones and calls every part of you awake. The trial had ended.
For a heartbeat, no one moved.
Then realization struck.
Kaede was the first to stand. "That's it," he said, breathless. "The third day… it's dawn."
Raiden blinked, looking around as if to confirm it. "Wait—so… we made it? We actually—?"
Haruto exhaled a long, steady breath. For the first time, his shoulders seemed to loosen. "We survived."
Airi's eyes widened, tears glimmering at the corners. "All of us…"
The ten minor candidates looked at one another — a moment of disbelief turning into joy. Some began laughing, others wept quietly, the sound soft and raw. The tension that had held them for days finally broke.
The horn sounded again — a final call.
"Come," Haruto said, pushing himself to his feet. "It's time."
They rose together. The minor candidates moved first, hands still raw, and helped each other to their feet. The main five gathered their scattered belongings slowly, as if committing each battered strap and scuffed blade to memory.
The path out of the forest felt different from the way it had been going in. There were no longer panicked steps or the dust of uncertainty; instead, the dirt was firm beneath their feet, and they moved with a steady, shared rhythm. The trees parted like an avenue made for them alone, and pale sunlight streaked through the branches, catching dust motes and making the air look like it had been sprinkled with gold.
At the clearing where the mansion's instructors waited, people had gathered: a small assembly of the Order's staff, the silver-haired instructor whose voice had guided them through trials, and a handful of masked elders whose faces seldom shifted from stoic lines. They watched the survivors climb the last slope.
The instructors' faces were unreadable.
The head instructor — silver-haired, with eyes sharp as drawn steel — stepped forward. His expression shifted slowly from disbelief to something deeper. Pride, perhaps.
"All of you…" he began, voice carrying across the clearing, "you've returned alive?"
Raiden scratched the back of his head, grinning weakly. "Mostly in one piece, yeah."
Then, very nearly, a smile tugged at the corner of silver hair instructor's mouth. That small motion said everything: astonishment, the quiet relief of one who had spent a lifetime watching blades fall and hearts not stop, and an unspoken respect for those who returned.
"You survived," he said simply. His voice did not need praise; it carried acknowledgment like a stamp. "All fifteen of you."
A ripple of astonished whispers passed among the minor candidates.
The man's gaze swept across them — from Haruto's scorched haori to Yuki's frost-bitten arm, to Kaede's bandaged chest and Airi's cut cheek. Every one of them bore scars of the trial. But they were upright, eyes burning bright.
The instructor nodded once. "Raise your heads, young hunters. You have passed the Third Trial."
Gasps and cheers erupted among the younger ones.
Airi's hands clasped together in disbelief; Kaede closed his eyes, exhaling relief.
Raiden threw his arm around Haruto's shoulders, laughing through exhaustion. "We did it, Flame boy! We actually did it!"
Haruto's smile was small but genuine. "We did."
Yuki stood a few paces away, quiet as ever. Yet even she couldn't hide the faint lift at the corner of her lips.
Her breath misted once in the morning chill. "Not bad," she murmured.
One by one, the instructors moved down the line of survivors. Each carried a folded black uniform — the symbol of the Demon Hunter Order.
Each set bore the crest of the Rising Sun over the Blade, the mark of those who fought in the light.
The instructor studied them for a moment longer, then gave a single approving nod. "Your teamwork and resolve are commendable. But remember this—"
He looked around at all fifteen of them, his voice carrying like a blade's edge.
"This uniform does not make you heroes. It marks you as those who choose to stand where others fall.
Every demon you face will test your reason, your fear, and your humanity.
You are hunters now — but you remain human.
Never forget what you fight for."
His words settled like sacred fire in their chests.
No one dared to move or speak.
Then the silver-haired man stepped back. "Now—receive your ranks."
One by one, they were called forward.
Each candidate knelt before the table where three senior demon hunters stood.
A black metal badge — shaped like an open flame — was pressed into their palms, marked with a single engraved ring.
"First Ring Demon Hunter."
The lowest rank — but the beginning of everything.
When Haruto's name was called, he stepped forward slowly, head lowered.
As the badge touched his hand, warmth spread through his chest — not from pride, but from memory. He saw his father's face in the flicker of the brazier's fire, heard his voice again:
"A blade without purpose is just steel. But a blade that remembers why it burns—becomes eternal."
He bowed deeply. "I will not forget," he said quietly.
Raiden was next. He took the badge with a grin that could've lit the morning sky. "Thunder never stops rumbling," he said.
The instructor arched a brow. "Is that supposed to be your vow?"
Raiden shrugged. "Close enough."
Laughter rippled softly through the other candidates.
Yuki's turn followed. She accepted her badge in silence, fingers brushing its cold surface. Her eyes, however, were unreadable — like frost covering a lake.
"Thank you," she said simply.
Airi, stepping up next, bowed gracefully. "I'll make this emblem bloom with pride," she said with quiet confidence.
The instructor actually smiled. "See that you do."
Finally, Kaede came forward. His movements were calm, reverent. "For those who can't fight anymore," he said, voice steady. "We'll carry their strength forward."
As the five regrouped, Raiden couldn't help himself. He held up his badge with a smirk. "We're official now."
Haruto nodded. "Demon Hunters."
Kaede's lips curved slightly. "From this day on."
Airi smiled warmly, brushing dirt from her uniform. "It suits us, doesn't it?"
Yuki crossed her arms. "Don't get sentimental."
Raiden grinned at her. "Too late for that, Ice Queen."
For once, Yuki didn't argue. She just exhaled — a ghost of a smile flickering across her lips. "You're insufferable."
The ceremony ended as the sun climbed higher, bathing the clearing in gold.
One by one, the fifteen new Demon Hunters were dismissed — assigned to their places.
A small procession of armored riders standing beside covered wagons bearing the insignia of the Demon Hunter Escort Team.
Their uniforms were darker than the instructors'—deep indigo trimmed in silver, the mark of those who ferried both recruits and fallen home. Each wore twin short blades crossed on their back, their presence calm but heavy with quiet authority.
A senior officer stepped forward. His haori fluttered with the wind as he unrolled a parchment scroll.
"By decree of the Order," he announced
The officer scanned the list. His voice, calm and commanding, read names and destinations.
"—South Branch: Group One, seven members."
"—Western Branch: Group Two, three members."
Then his eyes paused on the parchment's lower half.
"—Eastern Branch: Group Three, five members—Haruto, Raiden, Yuki, Airi and Kaede."
The five exchanged glances — that word, together, hung unspoken between them.
Raiden's lips twitched into a grin. "Guess we're not getting rid of each other yet."
Airi rolled her eyes softly, but her voice betrayed relief. "Good. Would've been boring otherwise."
Yuki simply nodded, her usual composure betraying the faintest flicker of warmth. "The Eastern Branch…" she murmured. "That's one of the active ones."
Kaede gave a faint smile. "Then we'll have plenty to do."
Haruto looked at the others — tired, scarred, but alive. He nodded once, firm. "Let's go see where we start."
The officer gestured toward one of the carriages. "You five, aboard. We ride east."
Before leaving, the silver-haired instructor spoke once more.
"The Third Trial is complete. The Demon Hunter Order welcomes you. From here, you serve under our ranks — and under the rising sun."
He turned, raising his hand toward the horizon where the sun blazed fully now.
"Remember this dawn. For the world you protect will not always give you light. When darkness returns, be the flame that does not waver."
The forest echoed with cheers and applause.
It wasn't grand, but it was real.
It was the sound of rebirth — of fifteen souls who had stepped into hell and returned, not unscathed, but unbroken.
The wagons rolled out at noon.
The forest they left behind stretched into hills of gold and rust, trees whispering as if exhaling the last breaths of their trial. The path wound through narrow ridges, stone bridges spanning small rivers, the smell of water cutting through the damp scent of ash that clung to their clothes.
Inside the wagon, the five sat close, the rhythmic clatter of wheels a soft drumbeat beneath their thoughts. Sunlight filtered through the canvas flap, painting thin lines of light across their faces.
For the first time in three endless days, they could breathe without the stench of blood or the shadow of death pressing against their backs. The forest that had been their trial — their crucible — now looked strangely calm. Birds flitted between branches, and the distant rush of water returned to the air, a rhythm of renewal.
No one spoke for a while.
It was Kaede who finally broke the silence. "Strange, isn't it?" he said, voice gentle. "Two days ago we were bleeding in the dirt, and now they call us Demon Hunters."
Raiden stretched his arms with a lazy grin. "Yeah. Still feels like a dream someone forgot to wake me from."
Airi smiled faintly. "If it's a dream, it's a tiring one."
Yuki gave a quiet huff. "Then sleep. You've earned it."
Haruto leaned his head against the wooden frame, eyes half-shut. "No… we've only earned the start."
The others looked at him, but he wasn't being grim. His tone was steady, thoughtful — as if he was already thinking three steps ahead, of the days that would follow, the hunts to come.
The wagon bumped along, the forest fading into open plains. A flock of crows flew overhead, their cries cutting through the sky like scattered blades. Far ahead, the faint silhouette of tiled roofs came into view — black against the bright horizon.
"That's it," one of the escort riders called from outside. "The Eastern Branch Mansion!"
The mansion stood at the edge of a valley carved by two rivers, surrounded by mist that rolled in from the cliffs. Its roofs were layered in dark cedar, its gates carved with the emblem of the Order — two crossed blades beneath a rising sun. Stone lanterns lined the path, unlit but gleaming faintly in the light.
As the wagons stopped, the doors slid open to reveal a broad courtyard. Hunters in dark uniforms moved quietly, some carrying supplies, others sweeping the tiled floor or tending to flower beds by the walkway. The air here smelled of pine, steel, and discipline.
The senior escort dismounted and gestured for them to step down. "Welcome to the Eastern Branch Mansion, rookies. You'll live here, train here, and depart from here when missions are assigned. Treat this as your home — and your responsibility."
A woman in a violet haori appeared at the entrance, her presence graceful but firm. She was in her thirties perhaps, hair tied in a loose braid, eyes sharp and kind. "I'm Lady Hoshimi, the caretaker here. You'll answer to me when you're not on duty."
She led them inside. The main hall was lined with wooden beams polished to dark sheen. Scrolls hung on the walls — sayings about duty, courage, and humility. The faint scent of incense mixed with pine oil drifted through the air. Footsteps echoed gently across the floor.
"There are many rooms here," Hoshimi said as they walked. "Each for assigned Demon Hunters and patrol teams. You'll share quarters until you're ranked high enough to lead squads of your own."
She paused before two sliding doors on the left. "This one—Room 6—is yours, Yuki Tsunemori, Airi Hanabira
Yuki nodded. "Understood."
Airi peeked inside first — tatami mats, two futons neatly folded, a small window facing the river, a low table, and a flower vase set in the corner. The sound of running water filtered in, gentle and rhythmic.
"It's… beautiful," Airi whispered. "Almost too calm."
Yuki smiled faintly. "Then let's try not to ruin it."
Across the hall, Hoshimi stopped at another door. "And this one—Room 7—for Haruto Kagutsuchi, Raiden Tatsuo, Kaede Mizuno."
Raiden immediately gave a low whistle. "Three to a room? Hope you two don't snore."
Kaede chuckled softly. "That depends on how fast you sleep."
Haruto just shook his head, a small smile breaking through his quiet. "We'll manage."
They stepped inside. The room was larger, lined with three futons, a weapon rack, and a window that opened toward the distant mountains. The smell of fresh wood still lingered — this was a place meant for beginnings.
Raiden threw himself backward onto his futon and exhaled like a man who'd just defeated another demon. "Ahh. This—this feels like paradise."
Kaede set his broken blade carefully on the rack, straightening the hilt so it faced inward. "Paradise doesn't usually come with sword drills at dawn."
"Then it's a disciplined paradise," Raiden replied, smirking.
Haruto sat by the window, eyes tracing the far ridges where clouds clung like white smoke. "It's quiet here," he said softly. "Feels like the world forgot how loud it used to be."
Kaede joined him, following his gaze. "Quiet doesn't mean peace. It means we've been given a chance to prepare for the next storm."
Raiden grinned, folding his arms behind his head. "Then we'll train hard enough to make sure we're the ones making the noise next time."
Haruto chuckled quietly. "Just don't burn the place down."
"You handle fire, not me," Raiden shot back, grinning. "I'll just make sure your flames get a little thunder to go with them."
Kaede's laugh was low and calm. "Fire and lightning — not a bad mix."
Haruto looked at both of them, his expression calm, thoughtful, and proud. "Then let's make this room a place where we get stronger… together."
"Agreed," Kaede said.
Raiden gave a thumbs-up. "Deal."
In Room No.6, Yuki and Airi unpacked in their own quiet rhythm. Airi folded her cloak neatly, arranging her comb and ribbon beside her futon. Yuki rolled her sleeves, inspecting the small frost-damage on her katana's edge. Their silence wasn't cold — it was comfortable, steady, filled with quiet understanding.
Airi glanced at her. "Feels strange, doesn't it?"
"What does?" Yuki asked without looking up.
"Not being afraid."
Yuki paused, then gave a rare, almost invisible smile. "It won't last. But that's alright. We'll just be ready when fear comes back."
Airi laughed softly. "You make that sound easy."
"It isn't," Yuki said, sliding her sword into its sheath. "That's why we practice."
Airi nodded. "Then we'll practice."
The two girls shared a brief look — one of respect, and maybe, beneath that, the quiet birth of friendship.
Some Hours passed. By sunset, the mansion glowed with orange light.
The five gathered briefly in the courtyard, leaning against the wooden railing overlooking the valley. The air smelled of pine and warm stone.
Raiden squinted against the glare, adjusting the black uniform's collar. "Damn," he muttered, smirking, "I actually look good in this."
Airi giggled softly. "Don't let it go to your head."
Kaede gave a faint sigh, rolling his shoulders. "You'll ruin it before sunset if you keep showing off."
"Please," Raiden said, tossing his hair with mock arrogance. "This much lightning doesn't stain."
Yuki, who was standing quietly at the edge of the group, crossed her arms. "Then you'll attract every demon within fifty miles."
He shot her a grin. "Good. Saves me the trouble of hunting them down."
She didn't respond — but the faintest twitch at the corner of her mouth betrayed a hidden smirk.
Haruto watched them, quiet amusement flickering in his gaze. For once, he didn't feel the weight of silence between breaths. The air was light — almost human again.
Kaede exhaled. "The first step of a very long road."
Airi tilted her head. "Think it'll ever get easier?"
Haruto looked at the horizon — where the sun dipped behind the peaks, setting the sky ablaze in gold and crimson. "Maybe not. But… we'll face it together."
Yuki gave a short nod. "Then that's enough."
The wind swept through, rustling their uniforms, carrying with it the scent of the coming night.
Their badges glinted faintly under the fading sun — five small sparks ready to burn against the darkness.
To Be Continued...