Chapter 1 – TENSHO IMARU
The sun barely rose above the cobbled rooftops of Libra, casting golden light over the quiet village. Birds chirped softly, and the gentle hum of morning life rose from the streets. Inside a modest house near the town's center, a small alarm bell rang, but it was useless. TENSHO IMARU, black-haired and tangled in blankets, stirred sluggishly.
"Tensho! Wake up!"
"Five more minutes…" he mumbled, burying his face under the pillow.
"Five more minutes? You're going to be late again! Arcis Academy waits for no one!"
Sighing, Tensho flung off the covers and scrambled to get dressed. His uniform was crooked, his hair a mess, but determination burned in his dark eyes.
---
He rushed through the streets of Libra. The village was alive with students practicing early drills, streaks of golden speed, coils of shadow, and sparks of elemental energy flashing around. Tensho wove carefully between them, greeting neighbors and assisting anyone in need.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hina!" he called, helping a woman lift a crate of supplies.
"Tensho, always helpful," she smiled.
Nearby, a young boy tripped over a cobblestone, and Tensho darted to catch him.
"Careful!" he said, steadying the boy.
"Thanks, Tensho!" the boy grinned.
Though powerless, Tensho's presence was felt. His kindness and attention earned quiet respect among villagers and students alike.
---
Approaching Arcis Academy, Tensho saw Class C students already gathered near the training yard. Class B sparred nearby, their powers crackling in brilliant displays.
"Finally!" a voice rang out cheerfully.
RENJIRO LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Golden-haired boy
Power: Weapon mastery – can create any weapon from Arcis
Renjiro jogged up to Tensho with a grin. "Late again, Tensho? Some things never change."
"I… I'm here," Tensho panted.
"Good. Just watch carefully today. Observation will be your real strength," Renjiro said, nudging him toward the sidelines.
Master RENKO appeared, his robes rippling with subtle Arcis energy.
"Students, gather!" he commanded. "Today you will learn about the world you protect. Many of you know only your clan's teachings, but the full truth is far larger than you realize."
Class B whispered excitedly. Class C leaned forward, eager to learn. Tensho's pen hovered above his notebook. Every detail mattered.
---
"Long ago," Renko began, "three Gods created the world. The Light God, granting speed, weapon mastery, Arcis manipulation, telekinesis, and healing. The Dark God, granting shadow manipulation, elemental manipulation, teleportation, telekinesis, and speed. The Neutral God created mortals—ordinary humans without powers."
A hush fell over the students.
"During creation, the Gods fought frequently. Their clashes accidentally created a force called Evil, a dangerous entity who cannot fight directly but seeks to dominate all. To achieve his goals, Evil sends minions called Rexes, small creatures that cause chaos, influence mortals, and test hunters—those who protect the world."
Class B shivered at the description. Class C scribbled frantically.
"Beyond Rexes," Renko continued, "are Conflictions. Extremely powerful, they serve Evil. Conflictions are divided into Destroyers and Guardians. Destroyers are the strongest:
LOID – speed
ERIS – strength
LICHT – teleportation
Guardians are less strong but still formidable. One day, you may face them in battle."
Tensho's pen moved rapidly.
"Hybrids, born of mixed Light and Dark parents, will play a pivotal role. Understanding your powers, your heritage, and strategy is essential if Evil is ever fully unleashed. Some of you may become hunters once you graduate. That is your future responsibility."
---
Class C Sparring Matches Begin
Tensho's first round was with KAI UMBRAXIS.
KAI UMBRAXIS
Class C
Clan: Umbraxis
Black-haired boy
Power: Telekinesis
Tensho's awareness allowed him to anticipate Kai's first strike, dodging nimbly. But each push and pull from Kai's telekinetic powers forced Tensho backward. Awareness kept him from falling immediately, but eventually, he tumbled onto the mat.
Winner: Kai
---
HARU LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Yellow-haired boy
Power: Speed
MIKA LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Brown-haired girl
Power: Arcis manipulation
Haru zipped forward in streaks of golden light. Mika extended flexible Arcis whips, clashing with him midair. The yard echoed with sparks as the two traded blows. Mika trapped Haru's foot and yanked him down.
Winner: Mika
---
AKIKO UMBRAXIS
Class C
Clan: Umbraxis
Black-haired girl
Power: Shadow manipulation
SORA UMBRAXIS
Class C
Clan: Umbraxis
Short black-haired boy
Power: Elemental manipulation (water)
Sora hurled water streams; Akiko twisted shadows around him. Mist and darkness collided. Akiko trapped him in a shadow dome and struck.
Winner: Akiko
---
Tensho Imaru vs TARO LUMINARA
TARO LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Blue-haired boy
Power: Telekinesis
Tensho tried to dodge using awareness. Every second strike revealed patterns in Taro's attacks. Still, without offensive power, he could only block and evade until exhaustion forced him down.
Loss #1 – Tensho
Renjiro whispered: "You're learning. Every loss is data, Tensho."
---
Afternoon Matches – Multi-Round Duels
MIKA LUMINARA vs HARU LUMINARA: Mika used Arcis whips to counter Haru's speed. Winner: Mika
AKIKO UMBRAXIS vs SORA UMBRAXIS: Akiko twisted shadows to trap water streams. Winner: Akiko
RIKU LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Brown-haired boy
Power: Healing
KAZU UMBRAXIS
Class C
Clan: Umbraxis
Tall black-haired boy
Power: Teleportation
Riku dodged and countered, healing on the go, until Kazu was trapped. Winner: Riku
Tensho faced Taro again, applying more observation. Awareness let him dodge efficiently, but Taro's telekinetic combo finally overpowered him.
Loss #2 – Tensho
---
Observations and Notes
Class C whispered among themselves:
"He's smart… but powerless," one said.
Renjiro leaned closer. "He notices patterns no one else does. That awareness… it's dangerous when combined with power."
Tensho scribbled every detail of every fight, memorizing strategies and weaknesses. He might be powerless, but he would never be unprepared.
---
Evening – Walk Home
Tensho returned home, exhausted and bruised. His mother waited at the door.
"You lost again?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
"Yes… but I learned everything I could," Tensho said, recalling every match and every pattern he had observed.
Renjiro's words echoed in his mind: One day, everyone will underestimate you. That day will be your strength.
Tensho stared at the sunset, resolve hardening. That day will come. And when it does… they won't know what hit them.