Kaito walked into the room, a mix of relief and excitement on his face. "Mikage, it's done. Akira won."
Mikage's expression remained stoic, but a hint of curiosity sparked in his eyes. "I expected as much."
Just then, a bird covered in flames appeared out of nowhere, dropping a letter at Mikage's feet. The bird vanished as suddenly as it appeared, leaving behind a faint scent of smoke.
Mikage picked up the letter, his eyes scanning the contents. As he read, his face transformed from calm to shock. His eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open.
He stood there, frozen in silence, the letter trembling in his hand...
Akira walked into the room, expecting a warm welcome from Mikage and Kaito. Instead, he was met with somber faces. Kaito and Hakuren stood together, their expressions grave.
"Where's Mikage?" Akira asked, sensing something was amiss.
Kaito hesitated before handing Akira a letter. "Mikage received this just before you arrived."
Akira took the letter, confusion etched on his face. As he read, his eyes widened in shock.
The letter was from Mikage's family, stating that Mikage himself was tarnishing the family name with his actions. They demanded that Mikage leave the organization and distance himself from its affairs.
Akira's eyes snapped up to Kaito's, searching for answers. "What does this mean?"
Kaito's expression was grim. "Mikage's family has lost faith in him. They think he's gone too far."
Akira's face fell, feeling a mix of concern and confusion. He looked around the room, but Mikage was nowhere to be found....
Kaito's expression turned solemn as he began to explain Mikage's background. "Akira, Mikage's surname is Magata. According to legend, Magata was a man on the brink of death when Merlin and Malakar discovered him. They saved his life, and he became obsessed with learning magic from Merlin."
Kaito paused, collecting his thoughts. "However, Magata could only manifest fire magic. He dedicated himself to mastering it, surpassing even Merlin's skills. With his newfound power, he defeated countless world-ending monsters with ease."
Akira's eyes widened, fascinated by the story.
Kaito continued, "Magata spread fire magic throughout the land, but eventually, he settled down and started a family. He taught his children the secrets of 'True Fire,' and his teachings were passed down through generations, creating a legacy of powerful fire users."
Kaito's gaze turned serious. "Mikage, however, was different. Unlike his siblings and father, he couldn't wield fire magic like they could. His father, one of the Sorcerer's Supreme, was disappointed, but Mikage's determination and strategic mind earned him a place in the organization."
Akira's mind reeled, trying to process the weight of Mikage's heritage. He looked at Kaito, seeking answers. "What does this mean for Mikage now?"
Kaito's expression turned serious as he continued, "Mikage is the last born, and he has five older siblings."
Akira's eyes widened in surprise. "Five? That's a big family."
Kaito nodded. "Yes, and here's the interesting part - all of Mikage's siblings are girls, from different mothers."
Akira's brow furrowed. "Different mothers?"
Kaito explained, "Mikage's father, one of the Sorcerer's Supreme, wanted a male heir to inherit his name and legacy. However, his first five children were all girls, and each one was incredibly powerful in their own right."
Akira's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I bet they were strong."
Kaito nodded. "Yes, they were all stronger than Mikage, but their father's desire for a male heir clouded his judgment. He didn't give them the same attention and training he gave Mikage, hoping that his youngest child would finally be the son he desired."
Akira's face fell, sensing the weight of Mikage's family dynamics. "That must have been tough on Mikage, feeling like he didn't measure up."