Chapter 2: The Master's Journey
Four months had passed since the battle that destroyed the Royal Hotel.
The city had recovered, but Arashio's heart had not.
Every night, he dreamed of the mysterious blue power... and the boy named James. Who was he? Why did he live inside his subconscious? And why did everyone fear that strange blue aura?
Unable to find the answers, Arashio decided to become stronger.
That decision led him to the greatest academy in the kingdom—
Satyass Academy.
Standing before the enormous gates, Arashio looked up at the towering buildings with sparkling eyes.
"So... this is my new beginning."
He took a deep breath before smiling.
"I just hope nobody bullies me."
As he stepped inside, countless students were training with their Monster Souls. Fire, wind, lightning, and beasts filled the campus, making the academy look like another world.
"Wow..."
Before he could admire the scene any longer, a cheerful girl with long black hair walked toward him.
"Hey!"
"You must be the new student."
She smiled warmly.
"My name is Alice."
"I'm Arashio."
Alice pulled a small scanner from her pocket.
"Let's see your rank."
Beep!
The screen flashed.
Rank: E
Alice blinked in surprise before smiling again.
"Don't worry. Ranks can change."
She stretched out her hand.
"I summon you!"
A beautiful three-tailed fox appeared in a burst of golden light. Its silver fur shimmered under the sunlight as it gently rubbed against Alice.
"So cute..."
Arashio smiled.
"What about your Monster Soul?" Alice asked.
Arashio's smile slowly disappeared.
"I... don't have one."
For a moment, Alice remained silent.
Instead of laughing...
She smiled.
"That's okay."
"Everyone starts somewhere."
Those simple words made Arashio feel strangely warm.
As they walked toward the classroom, three boys suddenly blocked the hallway.
The leader, a red-haired student, smirked.
"I'm Ken."
"Let's see if the new kid deserves to be here."
A magic circle appeared beneath his feet.
"I summon you!"
A green frog jumped out.
Arashio laughed.
"A frog?"
Ken's smile widened.
"Don't underestimate my partner."
"Frog Tackle!"
BOOM!!
The frog shot forward like a cannonball and slammed into Arashio.
He crashed into the wall with a painful groan.
Before Ken could attack again—
"That's enough."
Alice stepped in front of Arashio.
Her fox growled as golden energy surrounded her.
"If you want a fight..."
"Fight me."
Ken's face instantly turned pale.
"Tch..."
He quickly ran away with his friends.
Alice turned around and offered her hand.
"Can you stand?"
Arashio grabbed it.
"...Thank you."
"No problem."
"Friends help each other."
For the first time since losing his memories...
Arashio smiled from the bottom of his heart.
To Be Continued...