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Chapter 9 - The Trials Begin

The day of the Soul Weaver Trials had finally arrived. Kiro stood in the grand assembly hall of the agency, surrounded by fellow candidates. The air was thick with anticipation and nervous energy. He spotted Mako and Jason in the crowd, offering encouraging smiles.Captain Yuki stepped forward, her presence commanding immediate silence. "Welcome, candidates, to the Soul Weaver Trials. Today marks the beginning of your journey to become full-fledged Soul Weavers. Remember, these trials are not just about individual prowess, but also about teamwork and adaptability."Gohan joined her, holding a list. "We will now announce the teams for the first phase: Physical Combat. When you hear your name, please join your assigned group."Kiro listened intently as names were called out. Finally, he heard his own."Team 7: Kiro, Rin, and Akira."Kiro made his way to his assigned area, where he met his teammates. Rin was a petite girl with fierce determination in her eyes, while Akira was a tall, muscular boy who exuded confidence."Hey," Kiro greeted them, trying to mask his nervousness. "Looks like we're a team."Rin nodded curtly. "Let's do our best."Akira grinned, cracking his knuckles. "We've got this. I've been training non-stop for weeks!"As the teams assembled, Captain Ryu from Team Mystic stepped forward to explain the first trial."Your objective is to navigate through a simulated urban environment infested with Hito constructs. You must work together to defeat the Hitos and reach the extraction point within the time limit. Remember, this is not just about combat prowess, but also about strategy and teamwork."The teams were led to different entry points of a massive indoor arena. Kiro marveled at the realistic cityscape before them, complete with buildings, alleyways, and even a small park."Ready?" Rin asked, her hand on the hilt of her sword.Kiro and Akira nodded, and together they stepped into the simulated city.At first, the streets seemed eerily quiet. Then, without warning, a Shade Hito lunged from the shadows. Kiro reacted instinctively, parrying its attack with his sword."Nice reflexes!" Akira shouted, jumping in to deliver a powerful blow that sent the Hito reeling.Rin finished it off with a precise strike, her blade glowing with channeled energy. "We need to keep moving," she urged. "There will be more coming."As they progressed through the city, they encountered increasingly difficult challenges. Shadow Hitos appeared in groups, requiring coordinated efforts to defeat. Kiro found himself relying on his teammates more than he expected, and in turn, supporting them when they needed it."Watch out!" Kiro yelled, pushing Rin out of the way as an Umbra Hito materialized behind her. He channeled his will into his sword, the blade erupting in blue flames as he struck the powerful enemy.Akira joined the fray, his raw strength complementing Kiro's technique. Together, they managed to defeat the Umbra, but not without effort."Thanks," Rin panted, regaining her composure. "We're getting close to the extraction point, but I bet they've saved the toughest for last."She was right. As they rounded the final corner, they faced their greatest challenge yet: a Void Hito, the most powerful type they had encountered. Its dark form seemed to absorb the light around it, and its red eyes gleamed with malevolence."Remember our training," Kiro said, trying to keep his voice steady. "We need to work together on this one."Akira nodded grimly. "I'll draw its attention. Rin, you flank it from the left. Kiro, wait for an opening and strike with everything you've got."The plan worked better than they could have hoped. As Akira engaged the Void Hito head-on, Rin darted in with lightning-fast strikes, keeping it off balance. Kiro watched intently, channeling his will into his sword, waiting for the perfect moment."Now, Kiro!" Rin shouted as she and Akira created an opening.Kiro lunged forward, his sword blazing with energy. With a powerful strike, he cleaved through the Void Hito. For a moment, everything seemed to freeze. Then, with a deafening shriek, the Hito dissolved into nothingness.Exhausted but elated, the team made their way to the extraction point. As they crossed the finish line, they were met with applause from the observing captains and fellow candidates who had completed the trial."Well done, Team 7," Captain Yuki said, a hint of a smile on her usually stern face. "You've passed the first phase of the trials."Kiro exchanged proud looks with Rin and Akira. They had faced their first real test as Soul Weavers and emerged victorious. But as the adrenaline wore off, Kiro knew this was just the beginning. Two more phases awaited them, each promising to be more challenging than the last.As they left the arena, Kiro caught sight of Mako and Jason in the crowd. Their encouraging smiles filled him with renewed determination. Whatever the next phases would bring, he was ready to face them head-on.