That morning, the courtyard of Akagami Zero's house looked quiet… yet a tension lingered in the air, almost tangible.
Beneath a clear blue sky, Rio and Laira stood facing each other. The wind blew softly, but their gazes were sharp and serious. Their Assassin training had entered a crucial phase—moving beyond the basics, stepping into a higher level.
With a flash of determination in his eyes, Rio dashed forward, attacking at a speed nearly invisible to the naked eye. But—
WUSSHH!
In an instant, Laira vanished from sight.
"Damn… where did she go?!" Rio hissed, cold sweat running down his temples. His teeth clenched, his eyes sharpening.
Without hesitation, he activated his trusted skill.
"Eyes of Light [LV.2]!"
Rio's eyes shone gold, cutting through layers of light itself. The world around him slowed. He could see it now—the faint trail of Laira's aura, moving swiftly in the distance.
"Found you…" he murmured.
Rio burst forward, his foot slamming into the ground with full force. In a fraction of a second, he was right in front of Laira, launching a precise strike toward her abdomen.
CLAAANG!!
Laira gasped as their bodies collided, a shockwave rippling through the air.
"Good, Rio!" Laira exclaimed, her voice calm, but this time clearly impressed. "You're starting to read my movements."
Rio steadied his breathing, his chest rising and falling. A small smile appeared on his face.
"I won't lose… even if you're my teacher."
Their training continued—leaps, slashes, and swift exchanges flowing endlessly. Like shadows, the two young Assassins seemed to dance across an unseen battlefield.
But suddenly… Laira stepped back.
She stood straight, arms crossed over her chest, her sharp gaze locking onto Rio.
"That's enough," she said softly, yet the pressure in her voice made Rio instantly tense.
Rio tightened his fists. "Why stop, Laira?"
"Because now…" Laira slowly lowered her arms and drew a thin dagger from her waist. Her expression didn't change, but her aura surged dramatically. "You're entering high-level Assassin training."
For a moment, time itself seemed to freeze. Rio's eyes widened slightly.
"Now…?" he whispered.
Laira nodded firmly. "From this moment on, we're done playing around. I won't hold back anymore, and you'll have to fight with technique, instinct… and courage."
The wind blew gently, brushing against Laira's long hair as it danced in the air. Her killing intent sharpened, like a blade still resting in its sheath.
"When I say start," Laira said coldly, "attack me immediately. Without hesitation."
Rio ground his teeth. His eyes burned with resolve.
"Alright. I'll be serious… completely serious this time."
"Start!" Laira shouted suddenly.
SWOOSH!
Rio moved like lightning. But Laira, as if she had already read his move, raised her arm and deflected the attack with flawless precision.
CRAAAKK!!
A violent impact echoed as Rio was thrown backward. He landed lightly, but his eyes sharpened, filled with both frustration and fighting spirit.
"She's still… faster than me…" he muttered.
Without wasting time, Rio activated Eyes of Light [LV.2] again—and this time, he combined it with his new technique.
Both of his hands began to glow with a silver-white aura. Mana surged through his body, fully focused into his right fist.
"Laira… this time, I'll break through your defense!!"
Rio charged again, not just faster—but more refined. His movement was sharp, like an arrow aiming for a hidden opening.
Laira quickly formed a thin purple seal in front of her body—a defensive technique unique to her.
But—
BRAAAK!!!
Rio's fist smashed into the barrier and shattered it instantly. A small explosion tore through the air, sending Laira flying backward as she fell to the ground.
Laira's eyes widened. Her breath caught.
"…You broke through it…?" she murmured, disbelief clear in her voice.
Rio stepped closer, his fist still raised.
"H-huh? W-wait—hold on…!" Laira cried out nervously.
But before the punch could land, Rio let out a soft laugh and lowered his hand.
"Relax… I was just kidding," he said with a mischievous smile.
Laira snorted, lowered her head for a moment, then laughed quietly as well.
"Seriously… you almost gave me a heart attack," she said, brushing dust off her knees.
Rio reached out his hand, and Laira took it.
"You pass, Rio… It's only been three weeks since intermediate training, yet you've already broken through my defensive technique. That's insane," Laira said, this time with a genuinely warm smile.
Heavy footsteps echoed.
Akagami Zero emerged from behind the trees. With the calm aura and authority of a veteran, he walked closer.
"Rio…" His voice was deep and steady. "Tomorrow… I'll test your strength myself. Directly."
Rio's eyes widened. Excitement surged through his chest.
"Seriously?! Finally! I've never beaten you even once before!"
Zero smiled faintly and placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"I'm curious too… just how far my son has grown."