In the vast expanse of darkness, where the world seemed devoid of light and life, a solitary figure stood. This was not a world of vibrant colors or bustling activity; instead, it was a desolate realm cloaked in shadows.
The figure, shrouded in a veil of darkness, stood tall and solitary. Long black hair cascaded like a river, concealing his face from view. His form was both muscular and lean, a paradox of strength and fragility.
As he gazed out into the emptiness, a sense of profound loneliness enveloped him. Was this truly what he desired? A world of solitude, devoid of companionship or connection?
In the midst of his contemplation, a soft touch interrupted his solitude. A hand, its skin as dark as the night itself, reached out to him with gentle reassurance.
"You don't deserve this... Nobody does," a voice echoed in the darkness, offering solace to the lonely creature.
With those words, a flicker of hope ignited within the heart of the solitary figure. Perhaps, amidst the darkness, there was still a glimmer of light to guide him from the depths of his isolation.
...
...
Maxwell slowly opened his eyes, feeling a dull ache in his head as he sat up and glanced around the room. His surroundings seemed familiar, yet there was a lingering sense of disorientation that clouded his thoughts.
Rubbing his temples, Maxwell tried to piece together the events of the previous day. Images flashed through his mind: Sensei Akuro's training, his transformation into Wulmar, the unsettling confrontation between Akuro and the primal force within him.
But beyond that, the details remained hazy, as if obscured by a thick fog. Maxwell struggled to recall the finer points of what had transpired, his memories fragmented and disjointed.
With a frustrated sigh, he pushed himself to his feet, determined to shake off the lingering effects of his restless slumber. As he stretched his limbs and took in his surroundings, Maxwell couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important he was missing—something lurking just beyond the edge of his consciousness, waiting to be uncovered.
But for now, all he could do was focus on the present moment and trust that the answers would reveal themselves in due time.
Maxwell jumped at the sound of the voice calling him from behind, his heart racing as he turned to see Sensei Akuro sitting on the edge of the bed, a warm smile on his face.
"Good morning!" Akuro greeted cheerfully, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Maxwell couldn't help but let out a startled grunt. "C-can you be careful...!" he exclaimed, still not quite used to Akuro's sudden appearances.
Akuro chuckled softly, his smile widening. "You'll have to get used to it, my boy. You aren't human anymore... well, you weren't in the first place, but nevermind," he remarked casually as he rose from the bed.
Maxwell watched as Akuro walked past him, his curiosity piqued. "W-where are you going?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Akuro glanced back at him over his shoulder, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You better eat something already, because today I'm going to show you someone," he replied cryptically, before disappearing out of the room.
Maxwell blinked in surprise, his mind racing with questions. Who could Akuro be referring to? And what did he have planned for the day ahead?
--
Maxwell continued walking down the street, the weight of his backpack pressing against his shoulders as he navigated through the bustling city. Sensei Akuro perched on his shoulder, his presence a constant reminder of the otherworldly forces that now surrounded him.
"Er... do you seriously have to stay on my shoulder?" Maxwell grumbled, feeling the strain of Akuro's weight.
"Of course! Can't you see I'm tired?" Akuro retorted, his tone playful despite his apparent exhaustion.
Maxwell rolled his eyes, shaking his head at the cat's antics. Despite their differences, he couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with his eccentric companion.
Suddenly, Maxwell's attention was drawn to the surroundings as he noticed a shift in the appearance of the ghosts that roamed the streets. They now appeared in a deep black color, their ethereal forms standing out against the backdrop of the city.
"Uh... is this normal?" Maxwell asked, gesturing towards the darkened ghosts.
Akuro glanced at the ghosts and nodded in response. "Yes, as soon as you awakened your bracelet, you gained the ability to see the auras of those ghosts," he explained. "The dark color indicates that they are good spirits, harmless and at peace."
Maxwell absorbed this information, his gaze lingering on the spectral figures as they drifted through the streets. "And... what about the other color?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"The red aura signifies Graveghouls," Akuro replied gravely, his voice tinged with warning. "They are malevolent spirits, driven by a thirst for chaos and destruction. You'll want to steer clear of them at all costs."
Maxwell nodded solemnly, the weight of this newfound knowledge settling upon him.
Maxwell's curiosity peaked as he questioned Sensei Akuro about the events of the previous day, eager to piece together the fragmented memories that lingered in his mind.
"Say... what exactly happened yesterday?" Maxwell inquired, his voice laced with curiosity.
Sensei Akuro remained silent for a moment, his gaze distant as if lost in thought. "You just passed out," he finally replied, his tone matter-of-fact.
Maxwell blinked in surprise, his mind struggling to reconcile this simple explanation with the mysterious occurrences that had unfolded during his transformation.
"Oh... that's it...?" he murmured, a sense of unease gnawing at the edges of his consciousness.
"Yes... you passed out due to overusing the bracelet," Akuro explained, his voice tinged with concern.
Maxwell felt a nagging sensation at the back of his mind, a sense that something important had been left unsaid. Before he could voice his suspicions, however, he was abruptly cut off by Akuro's urgent command.
"Go to the left. Now," Akuro instructed, his tone commanding.
Maxwell obeyed without hesitation, veering off to the left as instructed. As he did so, his eyes widened in astonishment as he caught sight of a strange red aura passing away.
"W-wow... what was that...?!" Maxwell exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder and apprehension.
Sensei Akuro's expression grew solemn as he observed the ominous presence. "That, my boy, is something you'll want to avoid at all costs," he warned, his voice grave with foreboding.
"For now..." Sensei Akuro trailed off, his words hanging in the air with a weight of uncertainty.
Maxwell nodded in acknowledgment, his mind racing with questions and concerns. But he knew that dwelling on the unknown would only hinder their progress. With a determined expression, he turned his focus back to the task at hand.
"Let's continue," Maxwell agreed, his voice steady despite the lingering unease. "We need to find this person."
With renewed determination, Maxwell and Sensei Akuro resumed their journey through the city streets, their senses alert for any signs of the mysterious individual they sought.
--
As the door creaked open, Maxwell's eyes widened in astonishment, his breath catching in his throat as he beheld the fantastical sight before him.
"Uh... Akuro..." Maxwell began, his voice barely a whisper, his mind struggling to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before him.
Standing before them was a massive furry cat, unlike anything Maxwell had ever seen. The creature's fur was a dark shade of grey, its piercing blue eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intelligence. It wore a shirt that strained against its massive pecs and defined abs, paired with sleek black pants that accentuated its powerful form. A pocky stick protruded from its mouth, adding a touch of whimsy to its imposing presence.
Maxwell could only stare in stunned silence, his mind reeling at the impossibility of the creature before him.
"...What the fuck..."