March 6 3999
In a barren training ground, where the only colors are the haunting stains of fresh and decomposed blood amidst scattered wooden debris, a young boy named Light finds himself immersed in a bleak expanse of white. The air is filled with the resolute focus of children aged 4 to 10, as they tirelessly train in this harsh environment. Among them stands Light, slightly older now, his grip on a wooden sword so tight that his knuckles turn white. His gaze is fixed on an unknown adult, a seasoned warrior marked by the scars of countless battles. Clad in tattered gray attire, this battle-worn figure exudes an aura of experience and indomitable spirit.
"Come at me, boy," commands the unknown adult, his voice bearing both authority and weariness.
Driven by an unyielding determination, Light propels himself forward, launching a flurry of strikes at the adult with his wooden sword. However, each blow is effortlessly parried by the adult's bare hands, rendering Light's efforts in vain.
As Light persistently attacks, the adult's breath grows heavy, and he briefly shuts his eyes, seizing a moment to gather himself. Sensing a fleeting opportunity, Light pushes forward, his determination unwavering, launching himself at his opponent.
Suddenly, the adult's eyes snap open, revealing a small smirk dancing on his lips. With an air of finality, he declares, "Let's bring this to an end." Swift as lightning, he expertly slashes Light, propelling him through the air until he crashes forcefully into a nearby wall.
The impact against the unyielding surface reverberates through Light's body, aching with pain. Despite his injuries, he summons the strength to rise to his feet, his face contorted with anger and defiance. He wipes the blood trickling from his mouth with the back of his hand, revealing the familiar visage of Light, albeit slightly older.
"Remember, victory lies not in simply overpowering your opponent," the unknown adult imparts, his voice carrying a subtle undertone of wisdom. With these words of guidance, he turns and departs, leaving Light behind. As Light's world fades into darkness, he collapses, engulfed by the abyss.
In this scene, Light's struggle as a young boy against a formidable foe is accentuated. The focus shifts to the importance of strategic thinking and deliberate execution in combat, surpassing mere physical prowess. Light's tenacity and resilience shine through as he relentlessly challenges himself and gains valuable insights from his defeats.
In the present day, Light gazes up at the sky, lost in his own world, the sound of music playing through his headphones. His face remains stoic, as usual, but a faint, blurry sense of nostalgia tugs at his heart. As he continues with his day, unaware of the observer watching him from a distance, he walks on.
December 17 4005 11:21 AM.
In a deep and vibrant forest, where the trees shine with lush green foliage and woodland creatures like squirrels scamper about, Light roams the surroundings. With a swift motion, he draws his trusty Metalink Sword from its scabbard, the sound of a sharp "clank" piercing the air.
He takes a moment to breathe, preparing himself, before unleashing a flurry of slashes with his sword, his movements precise and practiced. In this enchanting forest, he hones his stellar arts, executing a mesmerizing eight-hit technique known as "Nova Strike."
Once he finishes refining his swordsmanship, Light pauses to catch his breath. However, his tranquility is abruptly disrupted.
A soft but distinct "swoosh" catches his attention. Light's mind races, trying to discern the source of the mysterious sound. Then, with growing intensity, the sound repeats itself, echoing through the forest—another "swoosh, swoosh."
With a gulp, Light follows the sound of slashing swords until he comes across a blue-haired girl named Liene. She skillfully wields a Kyoketsu-Shoge, effortlessly cleaving logs into two pieces. Hidden behind a tree, Light's eyes widen as he observes the girl's pointed ears, instantly recognizing the telltale sign of an elf.
"An elf...?" Light's thoughts echo in his mind, triggering memories of a past duel at the academy involving Marcus, Derek, and another individual.
A sudden realization dawns upon Light. "I think I know her..." he muses silently.
As he continues to watch Liene's impressive display, she abruptly senses his presence, her gaze piercing through the trees. Locking eyes with Light, she wears a menacing expression, causing him to stumble and fall from his hiding spot, landing clumsily in a nearby bush.
Startled, Liene calls out, "Who's there?" with a hint of apprehension in her voice.
Light's mind goes blank for a moment, disoriented from the fall. All he can manage to utter is, "No one's here," in a sarcastic tone. His own words perplex him, wondering why he responded in such a manner.
Liene's menacing expression morphs into an amused smile as she sits down on one of the logs she had previously cut. Meanwhile, Light struggles to regain his composure, finally managing to sit upright. Liene poses a question, seeking clarity from his odd response.
"Then who responded, then?" she inquires.
Light retorts with a hint of sarcasm, "Probably your mind." He chuckles inwardly at his own cleverness.
However, Liene quickly realizes that her pointed ears have been exposed. Hastily, she ties up her hair, concealing her elven features in a neat bun. Light takes note of this, but he conceals his knowledge of her true nature, choosing to approach her from the bushes where he had fallen.
Light musters a sarcastic tone and says, "Oh, my deepest apologies for interrupting your sacred log-slicing ritual. How dare I venture into your precious forest?"
Liene, not one to back down, responds sarcastically, "Oh, do you own the entire forest then?"
Light, maintaining his sarcastic demeanor, retorts, "Oh, absolutely! I've just been waiting for the day when I could finally claim this forest as my personal property. How lucky of me to stumble upon someone as knowledgeable as you!"
Liene's tiny laughter escapes through her covered hand, her amusement evident. Light can't help but crack a small smirk in response to her reaction, momentarily breaking his emotionless façade. The tension between them starts to dissipate as they find common ground in their sarcastic banter.
Liene's brows furrowed as she looked at Light, trying to recall his identity. "You're Light, right?" she asked uncertainly. "You're the guy who showed impressive stellar arts in the Weapon Training Class, alongside that girl with yellow hair... Claire, was it?"
Light feigned confusion, even though he knew exactly who Liene was and that they were classmates.
Liene's eyes widened, disbelief evident in her voice as she exclaimed, "I'm Liene, your classmate! I've been watching you for some time now."
Light responded with a sarcastic tone, "Ah, Liene, the self-proclaimed watcher. I see you've elevated yourself from mere observer to a whole new level of stalking."
Indignant, Liene quickly retorted, "No, no! It's not like that. I just happened to come across you on a few occasions, so I ended up observing you."
"Ah, accidental stalking," Light remarked dryly, his face devoid of emotion. "Congratulations, Liene. You've truly taken it to a new level."
Liene couldn't help but sigh, a small laugh escaping her lips. Light averted his gaze, preparing to continue his journey through the forest, his usual poker face intact.
Amidst her laughter, Liene regained her composure and spoke, "Well, if you insist on labeling it as 'accidental stalking,' so be it. But rest assured, I have no intention of purposefully following you around."
Light glanced back at Liene, his poker face unyielding, and uttered with a tinge of sarcasm, "Glad we cleared that up. See you around, accidental stalker." With that, he bid her farewell and
Light's leisurely walk through the forest came to an abrupt halt when piercing screams of terror and desperation shattered the tranquility. Instantly, his poker face transformed into one of sincere concern, and he swiftly bolted towards the source of the cries.
Liene, calling out after him, yelled, "Hey!!!" in an attempt to catch his attention but was left behind in Light's determined sprint.
As he neared the origin of the screams, the cacophony grew louder, sending shivers down Light's spine. Reacting swiftly, he ascended a nearby tree, using its branches to gain a better view. From his elevated position, a distressing sight unfolded before him—a group of people, their faces filled with terror and lacking any means of defense, were being mercilessly cornered by a pack of frenzied wolves.
"Blood Wolves," Light muttered, recognizing the perilous creatures. These were among the most formidable wolves, known for their viciousness, and facing an entire pack of them was a near-impossible task. Their blazing red eyes and menacing black teeth marked them as A-class monsters, capable of instilling fear even in the bravest warriors.
Despite being aware of the extreme danger they posed, Light didn't hesitate. Descending from the tree with unwavering resolve, he brandished his sword, ready to confront the onslaught of killer wolves. With a swift and precise motion, he thrust his weapon into one of the attacking beasts as he landed, risking his own life to protect the defenseless group.
"Run! Go! What are you people still doing? Move!" Light screamed urgently at the terrified group of people. His sincere eyes conveyed the gravity of the situation as he swiftly withdrew his sword from the slain wolf.
"Yes, sir..." one of the individuals responded, their fear now mixed with a glimmer of hope. Encouraged by Light's determination, they wasted no time and fled from the perilous scene.
Meanwhile, the pack of bloodthirsty wolves surged forward, a relentless tide of fur and fangs, their eyes gleaming with unrestrained fury and an insatiable hunger for blood. Without flinching, Light braced himself, ready to face the savage onslaught. With a swift and calculated movement, he unleashed his stellar art -Whirlwind-, a whirlwind of power that swept through the air, colliding with the charging beasts. The force of the impact sent the wolves tumbling backward, momentarily disoriented.
Seizing the moment, Light advanced with unyielding determination. His every move was a symphony of lethal precision as he danced through the chaos. Drawing upon his unwavering resolve, he channeled his art -Rage Ascension-, a torrent of raw power coursing through his veins. The air crackled with energy as his blade became an extension of his very being. With lightning speed, Light lashed out, a flurry of slashes and thrusts that sliced through the air with lethal accuracy.
In an instant, Light found himself consumed by another haunting flashback, his mind thrust into a stark and foreboding scene. The room before him, devoid of color save for the haunting contrast of blood, stood as a place of both training and torment. Children, barely eight to ten years old, engaged in rigorous duels, their youthful spirits juxtaposed against the backdrop of a cold and sterile environment.
Amongst the group, a young boy with determination etched upon his face clashed with a girl boasting gray locks, their cries of exertion filling the air. They fought with fervor, each strike echoing their unwavering resolve. But their duel was abruptly interrupted by the creak of a door swinging open, instantly commanding the attention of all the children.
Fear gripped their hearts as they lined up obediently, anticipation mingling with terror. The adult figure strode through the room, their presence permeating the very air. As their gaze scanned the room, a sense of trepidation settled upon the children, their frail bodies trembling under the weight of their emotions.
"Great job... All of you are getting stronger..." the adult remarked, their tone laced with an unsettling mixture of satisfaction and menace.
Struggling to stand, the children exerted themselves, their frail forms quivering with the effort. But one among them, weakened by exhaustion, collapsed, clutching their chest in agony. A collective gasp escaped their comrades as they watched in horror. The adult's eyes, now filled with malevolence, fixated on the fallen child, their anger palpable.
"Stand up..." the adult commanded, their words laden with fury.
Each kick delivered by the adult sent waves of pain crashing through the child's body, their cries mingling with the sound of relentless blows. "STAND UP!!!" the adult bellowed, their rage escalating with each passing moment.
With trembling limbs and a voice wrought with fear, the boy rose to his feet, joining the line once more. Light, his gray eyes betraying an unexpected flicker of concern amidst his usual stoicism, observed the child's struggle. Though his countenance remained emotionless, a seed of empathy stirred within him. He stood unwavering as the child, now shivering, fought to maintain their composure.
The adult's cold gaze lingered upon the children for a lingering moment before departing, closing the door behind them. In the wake of their departure, the remaining children crumbled to their knees, their bodies unable to withstand the weight of their pain and exhaustion. Yet amidst their collective collapse, Light remained motionless, a silent sentinel in the face of adversity.
Suddenly, his mind turns back to where the chaos of the battle unfolded, as another bloodthirsty wolf lunged towards Light, its fangs bared and its eyes gleaming with a savage hunger. Reacting with lightning reflexes, Light evaded the creature's assault, his body moving with a grace that defied the wolf's predatory instincts. Seizing the opportunity, he swiftly unleashed his devastating art -Critical Solidus-, directing a precise strike that pierced the heart of the oncoming wolf, snuffing out its life in an instant.
As the defeated wolf collapsed to the ground, Light took a moment to catch his breath, his chest heaving with exertion. He scanned the area, assessing the remaining threats. Unbeknownst to him, another wolf had silently closed in from behind, poised to sink its teeth into his vulnerable form. But before the creature could strike, a blur of motion intercepted its path.
Liene, sprang into action. Swinging her kyoketsu-shoge with practiced precision, she met the attacking wolf head-on, the metallic weapon connecting with bone and sinew. The force of the impact sent the wolf hurtling backward, its snarls of fury reverberating through the forest, stoking the flames of its rage.
"The hell are you doing here?" Light questioned, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and concern.
Liene met Light's gaze head-on, her eyes mirroring his sincerity. "Don't worry about me... I know how to protect myself," she responded confidently, her words carrying an air of self-assurance.
Light hesitated, his instincts urging him to protect her, but before he could voice his concerns, a wolf lunged towards him, teeth bared in a vicious snarl. In a swift and precise motion, Liene unleashed her two blades, the Kyoketsu-Shoge, with expert precision. The blades flew through the air, twirling and spinning as they found their mark, striking the wolf with an impressive display of skill. The combined technique, aptly named -Piercing Lunge-, sent the wolf crashing to the ground, its advance halted.
Seizing the opportunity, Light leaped into action, his sword finding its mark as it pierced through the wolf's heart, ending its life swiftly. A glimmer of satisfaction flickered in his eyes as he withdrew his blade, the weight of the victory settling upon his shoulders.
"Nice job," Liene complimented, her voice tinged with exhaustion but genuine admiration.
Together, they continued to fend off the relentless onslaught of the wolf pack, their movements fluid and coordinated. They fought side by side, their determination unwavering, until the sun reached its zenith, casting its warm glow upon the battlefield. Finally, the pack of wolves, sensing their waning strength, turned tail and fled, disappearing into the depths of the forest.
Both Light and Liene collapsed to the ground, their chests heaving as they gasped for breath. The adrenaline that had fueled their battle now gave way to exhaustion. Liene let out a weary chuckle as she muttered, "Yeah, you better run," her voice tinged with a mix of fatigue and triumph.
Light stood upright, his blade held loosely in his hand, its steel glinting in the dappled sunlight. His gaze lingered on the retreating wolves, a quiet sense of satisfaction washing over him. He had emerged victorious, his skill and resolve prevailing against the bloodthirsty predators that had sought to claim their lives.
As they caught their breath, a faint growl reached their ears, drawing their attention. Light and Liene exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. Their gazes landed on a small, injured figure—a baby wolf, left behind by its pack, bruised and trembling. Light couldn't help but feel a strange connection, as if he glimpsed a reflection of his own past in the vulnerable creature.
"Hey there little guy... Are you okay?" Liene said, her voice gentle and soothing.
Liene tried to pick up the baby wolf, slowly reaching out for it, but it retaliated, growling and barking, trying to bite her finger.
"Ah!" Liene exclaimed, taken aback by the wolf's reaction.
Despite its injuries and bleeding wounds, the wolf remained on guard, enduring its pain and refusing to trust the strangers.
"What's it doing here?" Light asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
"I'm not sure, but I've heard that wolves tend to abandon their kind when they feel they don't deserve to be in their pack, whether it was due to conflict or how they were viewed," Liene explained.
"How is it viewed?" Light asked, his face unreadable.
"They view him as too weak for their pack," Liene said with a touch of sincerity.
Light glanced at Liene without any emotion in his eyes before turning his attention back to the wounded wolf with sincere look on his face. With slow and cautious movements, he reached out to tend to its wounds. The wolf continued to bark and protest, but Light remained patient and determined.
"Be careful of it..." Liene warned, concern evident in her voice.
Despite the wolf's resistance, Light tended to its wounds, using a torn piece of his sleeve to stop the bleeding. When he finished, the wolf tried to stand, but its injury prevented it from doing so.
Silently and without a word, Light picked up the wolf, cradling it in his arms. Surprisingly, the wolf's barks of protest turned into joyful barks as it seemed to sense Light's intention to help.
Liene smiled and suggested, "You should name it."
Light raised an eyebrow, contemplating her words. "What am I supposed to name it?" he asked, a hint of curiosity lacing his voice.
Liene pondered for a moment before offering, "What about Ken?"
A small bark emanated from the baby wolf, as if approving the name, and it playfully scratched Light's arm, leaving a minor mark.
"Ow... You sure I can't kill it?" Light quipped, a trace of sarcasm tainting his words.
Liene's eyes widened, and she swiftly responded, her voice filled with urgency, "NO!"
Light sighed, his sarcastic demeanor momentarily softened. "Fine," he conceded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
As Light's gaze fixates on the darkening sky, he noticed a subtle change unfolding before his eyes. Small flickers of yellow lights emerged, gradually multiplying until a multitude of stars adorned the heavens, illuminating the darkness with their radiant glow.
"Whoaaa!!! They're beautiful..." Liene exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and wonder.
Observing Light, she noticed his usual stoic expression as he held the wolf in his arms, yet she sensed something more beneath the surface. A hidden depth that hinted at a caring and kind nature, shielded behind his emotionless facade. The thought brought a gentle smile to Liene's lips.
Her gaze shifted to Light, who continued to caress Ken in his arms while still entranced by the sparkling sky. The wolf barked playfully, as if sensing the profound connection between them all.
"I do wonder what is up with him..." Liene pondered silently, her thoughts musing on the enigma that was Light.
Sensing Liene's gaze upon him, Light quickly averted his eyes, a faint flush creeping onto his cheeks. This reaction only served to deepen Liene's smile.
"Let's go back... It's getting kinda dark..." Light finally broke the silence, his voice filled with an emotionless tone
"Yeah, sure..." Liene replied, her smile unwavering, as they turned to make their way back, accompanied by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant twinkling of stars overhead.
As they continued their walk, Liene couldn't help but keep her gaze fixed on Light's gray, seemingly emotionless eyes. Playfully, she decided to tease him.
"So... Is she your girlfriend?" Liene asked with a mischievous smile.
Light, caught off guard, quickly denied any romantic involvement. He stumbled over his words, clarifying that they were merely acquaintances.
"That's a good way to be in denial..." Liene retorted sarcastically, enjoying the playful banter.
"Well, when was the last time you had boyfriend?" responds Light in sarcastic manner
"What... No... Umm..." Liene stammered, her face turning a shade of red.
As they reached their destination, Liene suddenly panicked and ran off, her face flushed with embarrassment. Light watched in slight shock as she disappeared from his sight, leaving him standing there, perplexed.
"Weird..." Light muttered to himself, scratching his head in confusion. Ken, his loyal companion, barked happily, seemingly unfazed by Liene's sudden departure.
Meanwhile, Liene ran through the city streets, her heart racing and tears welling up in her eyes. She questioned her own actions, wondering why she had run away from Light. Was it because of his eyes? The thought lingered in her mind.
As she continued running, she passed by Claire without even noticing. But in that moment, Liene abruptly came to a halt. Standing still, all she could think about was Light's gray eyes and the hidden emotions she sensed behind them.
"His emotions... It's as if he's silently asking for help," Liene mused to herself, a smile tugging at her lips. She recalled how Light had fearlessly protected others, risking his own life in the face of danger. The realization brought warmth to her heart, and she blushed at the thought.
"He helps people... Now it's my turn to help him," Liene whispered to herself, determination shining in her eyes. With a renewed sense of purpose, she continued walking, a smile gracing her face.
Meanwhile, Light remained still in his position for a few moments before putting on his headphones and resuming his walk back to the academy. It was late at night, and the dark alleyway served as a shortcut on his way. Ken, still in his arms, remained alert.
Suddenly, Light stopped and scanned his surroundings, a sense of unease washing over him. He could sense someone lurking nearby.
"Whoever's hiding out there, you should come out now," Light called out sincerely, his voice carrying a firm tone.
"Heh heh, I guess you saw through our hiding spot," a voice responded, as a figure emerged from behind a building. "You really think you can walk away from us, kid? We're the notorious Black Scar bandits."
Light emotionlessly glances at the bandits, despite conveying no emotion, he is unimpressed by their presence. "You call that a hiding spot? I thought you Black Scar bandits were better than that," he retorted sarcastically.
"Oh, you know us? Well, if that's the case, we can't let you leave alive," the bandit leader growled with a menacing tone.
Light's grip tightened on Ken as he placed him on the ground. He swiftly drew his sword from its scabbard, ready for a confrontation.
"Heh, come out, boys," the bandit leader called out to his comrades.
Like shadows emerging from the darkness, a group of bandits revealed themselves, surrounding Light from all sides. They believed they had the upper hand.
"Amazing hiding spot, if only I wasn't a baby crying if my sister covered her face with her hands," Light quipped sarcastically.
"Bastard!" one of the bandits seethed in frustration.
The bandits charged at Light, but with his agility and swift movements, he evaded their attacks, causing them to stumble and fall.
"Oops... I tripped," Light taunted sarcastically.
"Damn it!" another bandit cursed.
With no emotion on his face, Light continued to taunt and mock the bandits as they launched simultaneous attacks. But in a display of his skills, Light utilized his technique -Whirlwind-. In a single swift spin of his body, his sword struck with precision, knocking out most of the bandits, leaving only the leader standing.
"Ah, crap!" the leader screamed in terror.
He contemplated making a run for it, but before he could act, Light picked up a rock, conveying no emotion as he picked it up.
"Where did your ego go?" Light taunted, throwing the rock directly at the running bandit's head, rendering him unconscious.
As Light left the alleyway, it was now filled with the sight of defeated and unconscious bandits. With Ken in his arms, he continued his walk, his confidence unshaken.
"Don't mess with me," Light stated sincerely, his voice carrying a sense of authority and determination...