The following weeks were a whirlwind for Kiro. Between his regular school life and his newfound responsibilities as a Soul Weaver in training, he barely had time to catch his breath. Mako had set up a rigorous training schedule, meeting him after school in secluded areas of the city park."Focus, Kiro!" Mako shouted as Kiro struggled to channel his will into a practice sword. "Remember, it's not just about physical strength. It's about your determination, your resolve."Sweat dripped down Kiro's face as he concentrated harder. The sword began to glow faintly, then brighter. Suddenly, it burst into brilliant blue flames."I did it!" Kiro exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.Mako nodded approvingly. "Good. Now let's see how you handle a real threat."As if on cue, a shadowy figure emerged from behind a nearby tree. It was a Shade Hito, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent."Remember your training," Mako said calmly, stepping back.Kiro's heart raced as he faced the Hito. It lunged at him, claws extended. Kiro dodged, barely avoiding the attack. He swung his glowing sword, connecting with the Hito's arm. The creature howled in pain, dissipating into smoke where the blade touched it.Emboldened, Kiro pressed his advantage. With a final, powerful strike, he cleaved through the Hito, causing it to dissolve completely."Well done," Mako said, a hint of pride in her voice. "But don't get cocky. There are far worse threats out there."Over the next few days, Kiro faced more Hitos, each encounter building his confidence and skill. Jason, noticing the change in his friend, grew increasingly curious."Man, you're looking different lately," Jason remarked one day after school. "What's your secret? New workout routine?"Kiro hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Something like that. Just trying to stay in shape."Before Jason could press further, a scream pierced the air. Without thinking, Kiro sprinted toward the sound, Jason close behind.They rounded a corner to find a terrifying sight. A massive, shadowy figure loomed over a group of terrified bystanders. Its form seemed to shift and writhe, absorbing the light around it."What the hell is that?" Jason gasped.Kiro's blood ran cold as he recognized the creature. "It's an Umbra," he whispered, recalling Mako's lessons. This was far beyond anything he'd faced before.The Umbra turned its attention to Kiro, sensing his awakened power. With lightning speed, it charged at him."Jason, get everyone out of here!" Kiro yelled, dodging the Umbra's attack.Jason hesitated for a moment, torn between helping his friend and following his instructions. Finally, he nodded and began ushering the bystanders to safety.Kiro focused his will, summoning his power into the practice sword he always carried. The blade ignited with blue flames, but they seemed dim compared to the Umbra's darkness.The battle was intense. Kiro's strikes seemed to barely affect the powerful Hito. Each time he thought he'd gained an advantage, the Umbra would reform, stronger than before.Just as Kiro felt his strength waning, a familiar voice called out. "Kiro, catch!"Mako appeared, throwing her own sword to him. As Kiro caught it, he felt a surge of power unlike anything he'd experienced before. The sword blazed with white-hot energy.With renewed determination, Kiro faced the Umbra. He channeled every ounce of his will into Mako's sword, thinking of all he wanted to protect—his friends, his family, the innocent people around him.The Umbra lunged one final time. Kiro met its charge head-on, swinging the radiant sword with all his might. There was a blinding flash of light, and then... silence.As the light faded, Kiro saw the Umbra dissolving into nothingness. He'd done it. He'd defeated an Umbra.Exhausted, Kiro collapsed to his knees. Mako rushed to his side, helping him up."That was incredible," she said softly. "But it's also clear we have a lot more work to do."As they turned to leave, Kiro spotted Jason watching from a distance, his expression a mix of awe and confusion. Kiro realized that his normal life and his life as a Soul Weaver were about to collide in ways he couldn't have imagined."Mako," Kiro said, his voice tired but resolute, "I think it's time I told Jason everything."Mako nodded solemnly. "You're right. He's seen too much to keep in the dark now. But remember, Kiro, the more people who know about our world, the more danger they're in."As they walked towards Jason, Kiro felt the weight of his new responsibilities more than ever. The battle with the Umbra had shown him just how high the stakes truly were. His journey as a Soul Weaver was only beginning, and the challenges ahead would only get tougher.