The seven soldiers had successfully penetrated the Devil Ward. The air itself seemed alive, pressing against their skin with a strange, tangible weight.
Tochirō: "Their air… it feels alive. Powerful. Devilish."
Akira: "So this is where the Devils who slaughtered my parents live… I'll carve my vengeance into this place and burn it all."
Renji: "Hah… this presence… it's intoxicating. I can feel their power under my feet."
Arata: "So… this is Devil-land."
Shiro: "Devil-land… as they said."
Kaito: "Stay focused. One wrong move, and it's over."
Sakura: "I hope I can adjust to it… this presence is strong."
Tochirō raised a hand. "We split into two groups."
Group A: Tochirō, Akira, Renji
Group B: Arata, Sakura, Shiro, Kaito
"Tochirō, this is where we separate," he said. "Group A heads east to the village. The rest—toward the Bone Pyramid. Stick to the plan. Every second counts."
Tochirō, Renji, and Akira advanced toward the village. "We meet at the local bar every Saturday morning," Tochirō reminded them before splitting further.
The market gate loomed ahead. Tochirō paused, observing the humanoid residents moving with uncanny grace.
A soft, melodic voice cut through the tension.
Mizuna: "Hey, handsome. Are you new here?"
Tochirō: "Uh… yeah. Can you tell?"
Mizuna: "Your outfit… it screams outsider."
Tochirō: "I suppose that's true. How could I forget?"
Mizuna: "Come, let me show you around."
As they moved through the streets, Mizuna guided him, pointing out training grounds and living quarters. Tochirō noticed subtle signs of danger, but kept his focus.
Later, in her room, Tochirō asked the question burning in his mind.
Tochirō: "Can you tell me more about the Demons?"
Mizuna: "Funny… you haven't heard? They're the strongest beings here, very few, and they decide who lives and dies."
Tochirō: "Then… why do Devils attack humans?"
Mizuna's eyes darkened. "The ruler wants Devils to dominate all races. Humans… you stand no chance. Kneel, beg, and maybe you'll live."
Tochirō: His fists clenched. "Enough!"
Mizuna: "Why do you resist?"
Tochirō: "I'm done for today. Thank you for your help. I need rest."
He turned away. Every step carried the weight of centuries-old hatred. Devil-land wasn't just alive—it remembered every trespass.
---
The next morning, Tochirō woke early, wondering where Mizuna was.
Mizuna: "Come, have breakfast."
Tochirō seemed distracted, lost in thought.
Mizuna: "Still upset about yesterday?"
Tochirō: "No… it's not that. You've been so kind since I arrived. I'm just wondering if I can ever repay you."
Mizuna: laughing softly "Just eat breakfast. That's what friends are for. But… unfortunately for you, I'm your captain in Devil Soldier training. You're going to work your ass off."
Tochirō: "You're so young… how can you be a captain?"
Mizuna: "I've been training since birth under my father. That's how."
They arrived at the training ground. Fifty students were already gathered, the air buzzing with anticipation. Tochirō stepped into the field and immediately felt the weight of the Magatama thrumming against his chest.
Training began. Tochirō pushed himself—honing his Magatama abilities, learning Blood Art Demon techniques, increasing speed, stamina, and endurance. Every strike, every dodge, every motion was a test of survival.
Later, Mizuna called Tochirō and Ray over.
Mizuna: "You've got potential for the war coming up with the Devils. I want you two to spar."
A large square arena was drawn.
Ray use his Devil Soul to increase your durability. Tochirō, use the power of your Magatama to channel fire."
The fight began.
Ray lunged with a burst of speed, throwing punches left and right. SWISH! CRACK! Each blow cut through the air like a whip.
Tochirō ducked, rolled, and kept moving, eyes scanning for an opening. THUD! SMASH! Ray's punch grazed his shoulder, sending sparks of energy from the Magatama.
Tochirō countered with a low, spinning slide kick. WHOOSH! BAM! Ray leapt over it, using a dangerous Devil Act to avoid the strike, leaving trails of shadow energy behind him.
Tochirō: "Focus… find the rhythm…"
They clashed again, fists colliding with KLANG! CRASH!, energy rippling across the training ground. Each strike tested endurance, each dodge sharpened instincts. Dust swirled around them, making every movement feel epic, almost cinematic.
Finally, Mizuna stepped forward. "Enough for today!"
Tochirō: breathing heavily "Nice fight, Ray."
Ray: "You've got potential… and it's only your first day. You still have a lot to learn about combat."
Tochirō: "Thanks, man. I'd love to spar again."
Ray: grinning "Next time, I won't hold back, boy."
They slapped hands, the energy between them crackling with promise and rivalry.
To be continued…