Outside, the Great Village was alive with daytime activity. The sun cast long, golden rays over cobblestone streets bustling with vendors reopening their stalls and townsfolk going about their daily routines. Children's laughter echoed from nearby playgrounds, and the faint sound of horses' hooves clattered down the main road. Lanterns hung from wooden posts, swaying gently in the midday breeze, while horse-drawn carriages moved through and out of the village.
Two days had passed since the Spiritual King had revealed the unsettling truth about Uzuki—the boy who had nearly taken them all down. For Ryju, those days had been restless. His mind replayed the fight, Uzuki's cold eyes, and the razor-thin line between life and death.
Now, at last, his friends were being discharged.
Ryju's chest tightened with relief as he saw them step out of the hospital, blinking against the sunlight, their wounds still fresh but their spirits unbroken.
"Hey! You're finally out of the hospital!" Ryju called, his voice bright with hope.
Rei stretched, lifting her arms to the sky and taking a deep breath of fresh air. "It feels so good to be outside… like I can finally breathe again."
Kuroyami looked around, taking in the busy village streets. "So… what's next? What do we do now?"
Ryju shrugged, watching people going about their day with curious glances toward them. "I don't know yet."
Goro rubbed his bruised shoulder beneath his cloak. "One thing's for sure—we need to get stronger. We can't be this weak if we want to survive."
Kenshiro yawned, shading his eyes against the bright sun. "Can I just go home now?"
"NO!" the group shouted together, laughter bubbling up beneath their exhaustion.
Kenshiro blinked in surprise. "Wow… so you can all yell now, huh?"
Their laughter filled the sunny street, blending with the distant neighing of horses and the low mooing of cattle grazing in nearby pastures.
From the edge of the bustling street, a familiar figure approached—the girl with long blue hair, her head bowed low in shame.
"Hi," she said softly, voice trembling. "I'm sorry… it's all my fault."
Ryju stepped closer, gently placing a hand on her head. "It's not your fault. What happened only showed us how much more we need to grow."
She looked up, hope shining in her eyes. "So… you're not mad?"
"Not at all."
"My name's Misa," she said quietly.
"Nice to meet you," they all said together, smiles warming their faces under the bright sun.
Ryju smiled. "Hey, want to go grab something to eat? We could all use a break."
"Yeah!" they all cheered.
Later — Ramen Shop Bathed in Sunlight
The ramen shop was small and cozy, nestled on a sunlit side street. Warm light filtered through open windows, carrying the scent of rich broth and fresh noodles. Steam rose from bowls piled with colorful toppings, while the chatter of other diners blended with the clinking of chopsticks.
"OMG! This ramen is amazing!" Rei said eagerly, slurping her noodles.
Ryju nodded, savoring the savory flavors and the cool sweetness of his lemonade. "This chicken's incredible too… and this lemonade? Perfect."
Goro's mouth was full, but his satisfied grin spoke volumes.
"Told you," Kuroyami said proudly.
"You weren't lying about this place," Kenshiro added, rubbing his sore jaw.
Ryju's expression turned serious as he leaned forward. "Now that we're all together… it's time we get serious about training."
Rei nodded, determination lighting her tired eyes. "I know."
"But how?" Goro asked, rubbing his shoulder again.
"I was thinking we should ask the Spiritual King himself."
Kenshiro groaned. "Even if I'm lazy, I know we need training."
"Yeah," Kuroyami agreed. "Let's go ask. I'll pay the bill."
Ryju's gaze darkened slightly. "There's something else. I met Uzuki again."
Rei gasped softly. "What?!"
"What did he say?" Goro demanded, leaning in.
Kuroyami's voice dropped. "This guy is really getting under your skin."
Ryju nodded. "He appeared out of nowhere while I was walking. Said he wanted to check if you were okay."
"Is he mocking us?" Rei asked sharply.
"I don't know. But I went to the Spiritual King to learn more."
Ryju's eyes locked with each friend's. "He's the strongest contender in this year's challenge—the Prodigy of the Sword. Mastered the One Sword Style by age five."
"FIVE?!" they all echoed in shock.
Ryju's voice lowered, weighted with warning. "And it gets worse. He's mastered the Blinded Sword Style—a technique where he fights without sight, relying on sound and instinct alone. If he hears you… you're already dead."
A heavy silence settled over the table.
"That's why we have to ask the strongest person in the village to train us."
Shun stood, voice steady. "Then let's go. Right now."
Outside the Spiritual King's Office
The village streets hummed with daytime life—the distant clatter of horse hooves on stone, the gentle lowing of cattle in nearby fields, and the murmur of villagers chatting as they worked. The sky was bright blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily.
The group moved together toward the Spiritual King's office, resolve tightening their steps.
Ryju knocked firmly.
"Come in," came the calm voice.
They entered together.
"Spiritual King," Ryju began, voice steady but respectful, "we've come with a request. Please train us. We need to be stronger."
The Spiritual King raised a single eyebrow. "Why should I help you? Wouldn't that be unfair?"
"PLEASE!" they said in unison, bowing deeply.
His expression softened just a fraction. "The rules do not forbid my aid. You are the future of this village."
He glanced thoughtfully at their hands.
"Ryju, Rei, Goro, and Shun—you don't need weapons. Kuroyami, Kenshiro—you may find swords suit you best."
He stepped back, decisive.
"Training begins tomorrow. 7 AM sharp."
Groans rippled through them.
"But… thank you, Spiritual King."
Gratitude lit their faces. Their next chapter had begun. They understood who they were, the enemies they faced, and for the first time—how to fight back.
Tomorrow, their training would begin.
The next day
The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the training grounds, where the air crackled with anticipation. Ryju stood at the edge of the clearing, his heart pounding like a war drum. The memory of Uzuki's cold, mocking smile haunted him, igniting a fierce resolve within. He would not be weak again. Not after what had happened. Training was going to begin.
Now I've waited to get stronger—this is my time.
Across from him, the others gathered in a wide circle as the Spiritual King stepped forward, his gaze firm yet calm.
"Today, you'll learn to harness your full-body Spiritual Force—and how to channel it into your weapons." His voice resonated with authority. "This will strengthen your body, extend your stamina, and enhance your combat abilities."
The group nodded.
"Now… concentrate. Focus on your spiritual energy. Let it out."
A moment of silence fell.
Rei closed her eyes. "I can try…"
Ryju steadied his breathing. Focus…
"This shouldn't be too hard… I hope," Shun muttered.
"Go deep down and find it. Let it all out," Goro encouraged.
"I can do this," Kuroyami whispered to himself.
And then—
Kenshiro stood lazily behind them. "This is easy. I did it."
Everyone froze.
"HUH?!" the group shouted in unison.
They turned, stunned. Kenshiro's body glowed faintly with a black aura shimmering with tiny, star-like specks.
"Whoa… you have black Spiritual Force… with stars!" Rei gasped.
"How did you do it?!" Ryju demanded.
"Impossible," Goro muttered.
"How…?" Shun asked.
"Well, at least I know it's possible," Kuroyami said, still focusing.
"How did this lazy bastard do it first?!" Rei snapped.
The Spiritual King chuckled, clearly surprised. "Impressive. You can rest, Kenshiro. The rest of you, keep focusing."
He watched in quiet amusement.
Moments passed. Then—
"Done," Shun said calmly, his body now glowing with a rich green aura.
"What?!" the Spiritual King blinked.
"Done," Kuroyami followed, his Spiritual Force dark and sleek—pure black.
Ryju gritted his teeth. Why is everyone finishing before me?!
"Done! Yes!" Rei exclaimed, silver light radiating from her frame.
Now only Ryju remained.
This is really pissing me off… Come on, think!
He shut his eyes tightly.
Uzuki…
That smug grin. That overwhelming strength.
He's my rival… I have to surpass him. No matter what. I can't lose. I'll give up everything—even emotion—if I have to.
His breath caught in his throat. Something ignited within.
"AHHHH!!"
A surge of crimson erupted from Ryju's body. His aura flared into the sky, blazing red like a raging storm.
"You did it!" the others exclaimed, eyes wide.
"Yours is red!" Rei added, amazed.
The Spiritual King took a step back, shielding his eyes. "Whoa… that's a lot of energy. I keep forgetting who you all are…"
Ryju grinned. "I did it…"
The Spiritual King smiled. "That concludes part one. Now for part two: physical training. Run the entire field, then sit-ups, push-ups, and lifting. Let's go!"
"Okay!" the group replied, already breaking into a jog.
They ran for what felt like hours. By the time they collapsed onto the grass, their bodies screamed for mercy.
"I'm… so tired… ah, ah…" Ryju panted.
"So many exercises…" Rei groaned.
"Why didn't I just stay home?" Kenshiro complained, flopping over.
"It feels like I'm gonna die," Kuroyami added.
"I love training… but this was a lot," Goro admitted.
Ryju sat up. Still, full-body Spiritual Force made it all easier… I just need more time.
"Right?" Rei nodded. "But it's still exhausting…"
"That was fun though," Shun said with a smile.
The Spiritual King clapped his hands once more. "Great work today. You're all dismissed… except Kuroyami and Kenshiro."
"Why me?!" Kenshiro cried.
"It's sword training," Kuroyami explained, stepping forward. "We're learning to channel Spiritual Force through weapons."
As the rest of the group walked off, Ryju glanced back.
"I wonder what kind of training they're doing?"
"Sword training," Shun replied plainly.
"Kenshiro's gonna be crying," Goro added with a chuckle.
Training Grounds – Later
The Spiritual King stood before the two remaining students, a sword in each hand.
"Now, let me show you something. When you channel Spiritual Force into your sword, its power multiplies."
He lifted his blade and casually slashed. The strike carved a trench in the ground like butter.
"You won't be able to do that," he added, smiling. "I'm not a sword user. That was just one percent of my power."
"One percent?!" Kuroyami's eyes widened. "If he used ten percent… he could probably destroy the earth!"
"So strong…" Kenshiro whispered.
The Spiritual King handed them each a blade.
"First, try it without any Spiritual Force."
Kuroyami swung.
Nothing.
"That was… depressing," he muttered.
Kenshiro followed. His blade barely sliced the air.
"See? Without Spiritual Force, a blade is just metal. Now… try with it."
Kuroyami closed his eyes. Focus. Feel the energy. Push it into the blade…
He slashed.
BOOM—!
Several trees fell at once, cut clean through.
"I can do more," Kuroyami said quietly. "I know I can."
"Now you, Kenshiro."
"Quick and easy. That's it."
He swung—and the arc of energy extended farther than Kuroyami's.
"I did great," Kenshiro said with a yawn. "But I'm tired… and sleepy."
The Spiritual King laughed. "Just keep practicing. Soon you'll know how to wield a sword at full power. That's it for today. Tomorrow… sparring. You'll fight each other for combat experience."
With a burst of light, he vanished.
"I'm going home. Shower. Sleep," Kenshiro said, waving lazily. "See you later, Kuroyami."
"Later… but tomorrow," Kuroyami murmured, gripping his blade tightly. "I'll show my strength. I'll find out if I'm truly worthless… or not."
To Be Continued