Haruto couldn't help but marvel at the competitive spirit that had driven him throughout the night, spurred on by Kaito's unwavering determination. Despite the pain, there was a sense of pride in knowing that he had pushed himself to his limits, refusing to back down in the face of adversity.
"Yeah, well, you smell like...like...victory and...sweat," Haruto retorted, a weak attempt at humor amid their shared agony. Despite the pain, his voice had a hint of laughter, a testament to the bond they shared as friends and rivals.
Kaito chuckled weakly, his own body protesting with every movement. "I'll take that as a compliment," he replied, a wry grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "But I think we both deserve a break after this."
With a shared nod of agreement, they allowed themselves to sink back onto the cushions, their bodies aching but their spirits buoyed by the knowledge that they had come one step closer to mastering Chi.
*******
That morning, Minny and Kito's mother weren't in the house which was weird considering it was extremely early.
'Does this happen regularly with Kaito, he doesn't seem worried at all' Haruto thought.
As the morning sun reflected upon his newly acquired black hair, he and his friend made their way up the mountain, jumping puddles of filth and avoiding smoke from the surrounding stores.
"Look at that," Kaito said, drawing Haruto's attention to a machine on the side of the mountain, this thing looked entirely manmade, and yet blended with the mountain perfectly.
The golden light from the sun caught Haruto's eye as he stared at the machine, something to help those of nobler blood and higher status get to the mountain easily.
The rest were left to use the ran downstairs, but at least they got to enjoy the view the trees cast, visible perfection twice a day, was all Haruto needed to get through his day.
The two walked slower than those around them, their muscles threatening to break them. The effects of yesterday's study session still clinging to their bodies.
Fatigue threatened to kill them before the pain would.
"Why are we going up the mountain today, I thought they said no training," Kaito asked his leg visibly shaking.
"I..important... announcement, must be there"
Was all he got from his friend as they both shared a sigh of anguish walking up the stairs.
Somewhere in the academy.
In the heart of the mountain, nestled within the training grounds, a solemn gathering took place. Most of the elders, along with Lord Bloodfire, had congregated around a large, ominous sigil etched into the earth. They stood in a chamber that bore signs of hurried cleaning, a testament to the urgency of their purpose.
At the center of the chamber loomed a massive obsidian stone pillar, imposing in its presence. The elders and Lord Bloodfire stood before it, clad in ceremonial robes. Lord Bloodfire, draped in full black robes that billowed around him, exuded an aura of authority and power. The others wore white robes with veils, their faces hidden as if afraid to meet the gaze of the majestic stone.
Incense filled the chamber, as three copper bowls placed neatly around the stone burn elegance in the form of incense,
The lord fell to his knees his head to the ground as his chest struggled with the presence of the knees adding discomfort. the other followed behind, the ceremony lasted for half an hour.
By the end of it, the elders of the clan quietly picked themselves up, the only time they were allowed to do something outside the leader's instructions, they pushed the great doors behind them open and left the ceremonial hall.
Chatter gently picked up, as the elders talked about politics.
"I can't believe it's been a full year since we gathered like this"
"Yeah but, we always do this in the academy, the hike up the mountain is exhausting, I wish we found somewhere else to do this"
"Don't be stupid, the ceremony has to be conducted in the academy, or are you forgetting what today is"
"I just hope we see something worthwhile, it's been a while since someone has impressed us"
"Yeah but lord Ido is a true genius, to be able to unlock the Jigoku eyes without a need for a ceremony, and to achieve mastery to the point of unlocking the second stage!"
"Truly remarkable, with proper training he might surpass the emperor clan's brat"
"Careful, you can't call the emperor a brat"
"We are in the territory of the Jigoku, unless you are a spy I don't see the problem with Calling him a brat"
"Lord Takeshi, the current emperor of the floating palace kingdom, a true genius at the tender age of 22"
The chatter died down as the doors to the main ceremonial hall slammed shut, Lord Bloodfire had finished completing the ceremony and was now leaving, his tall demeanor made him appear slimmer.
It didn't help he had hollowed checks and pale skin, a walking corpse.
As he walked by some of the elders, the smell of incense on his clothing overwhelmed them a bit.
"We are about to begin, gather yourselves" He spoke, his deep voice bouncing on the walls of the hall.
At the same time, up the mountain in a different section of the training grounds, Haruto and Kaito were changing clothes, wearing their usual sparring robes. But this time they were given an option to equip real weaponry.
This had come as a shock to many, but eventually, most of them took up arms and met by the hillside at the edge of the mountain as instructed.
There they were met with masters of the academy dressed in robes blacker than the night, two stepped by the edge of the cliff, placing their hands together.
*CLAP!*
The sound scared some as the claps were infused with energy, and the woods below were engulfed in a thick fog.
"Okay, today, there won't be any training, as today marks the end of the year and the start of another for the Jigoku clan, as well as an important day for all the promising youth."
"Down this hill, marks the beginning of your test, and at the end of the wall, the edge of the Jigoku clan's territory marks the end of the exam," The man said, his belly dancing as he swayed and shifted.
"Hey, is Big Nose okay, he seems a little tense today" Kaito whispered in Haruto's ear, the warms of his breath hard to ignore.
"At the end, you will be met with clan elders"
"...."
"What!
"Are they serious, clan elders here?"
"The test will require you to slay two beasts found between here and the edge of the wall, in the mist danger awaits you, but teachers will be there to protect you if the need arises."
"But, we will not save you, and if a student is saved by a teacher they automatically fail"
"You do not have to participate, if you deem yourself unprepared leave now"
Silence filled the dusty mountain, as the wind blew up debris and made the leaves dance. The instructor's face was made clear as the wind blew his delicate hair away his nose rivaling that of a hippo making his eyes look sunken.
And yet, not one of the youth had turned and left, with clenched teeth and butts, they stood their ground waiting for the next instructions.
"I'm serious here, leave now, your life is at risk here this is an all-for-nothing bet, with an overwhelming prize"
As the instructor's words hung heavy in the air, Haruto glanced around, noting the mixture of determination and apprehension etched on his classmates' faces. Kaito stood beside him, his expression resolute despite the underlying tension. Haruto couldn't help but feel a surge of pride in his friend's unwavering resolve.
Big Nose, the instructor with the imposing physique and a nose that seemed to defy the laws of gravity, cleared his throat, his voice tinged with an unexpected hint of compassion. "Remember," he said, his tone softer than before, "no one is coming to rescue you. This is a test of your strength, your skill, and your survival instincts."
Haruto couldn't help but notice the genuine concern in Big Nose's eyes, a stark contrast to his intimidating appearance. It was as if beneath the gruff exterior lay a genuine desire to see his students succeed, despite the risks involved.
But as some of the other teachers exchanged wary glances, Haruto caught snippets of whispered warnings. "Don't get too attached," one of them cautioned Big Nose, casting a cautious glance at the students gathered before them. "You know the rules."
Big Nose's jaw clenched slightly, but he nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze returning to the assembled group. "Listen up," he called out, his voice carrying over the rustle of the wind. "Death is a possibility in this test. You must be prepared to face it head-on."
With a solemn nod, Haruto and the others absorbed the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just another training exercise; this was a trial by fire, where failure could mean the ultimate price.
"Teachers will serve as watchers only," Big Nose continued, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "We will not intervene unless absolutely necessary. You are on your own out there."
As the students exchanged nervous glances, Big Nose's next words sent a shiver down their spines. "Killing each other is allowed," he stated bluntly, his gaze unwavering. "Remember, your objective is to survive and make it to the end. You must kill two beasts to prove your worth."
With a heavy silence settling over the group, Big Nose gestured towards the edge of the cliff. "The first part of the test begins with the fall," he announced, his voice echoing against the rocky walls. "You must jump to initiate the trial. Good luck,"