As they entered the meditation chamber, Rei instructed, "Take the lotus position."
Takashi nodded, settling himself into position, and closed his eyes as Rei directed.
"Now," Rei continued, "try to visualize the pathways your flames travel through. What I'm about to teach you is something I learned during one of my trips to China. Just focus on your pathways… focus."
Takashi let Rei's voice fade into the background, directing all his attention inward. But as he concentrated, he felt an unfamiliar pull, as if he were being transported somewhere else entirely.
When he opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in a dark and foreboding realm. The air was thick with the scent of ash, and black flames danced across every surface, casting a dim, ominous glow over the desolate landscape. The ground was scorched, fractured by cracks that seemed to lead into endless darkness, the sky was red and the clouds were dark. The scene felt disturbingly familiar, reminding him of the nightmare he'd had before.
Suddenly, a deep, mocking voice echoed through the silence, sending a chill through him. "I didn't think you'd be able to come here on your own."
Takashi's heart raced as the voice continued, tinged with amusement. "Who knew humans still had techniques like this?"
Looking up, Takashi saw a figure perched atop a mountain of charred corpses, surrounded by the relentless blaze of black flames. The being was shirtless, and wore only a dark cargo trouser.
The being is a striking figure, a living embodiment of fire and shadow, an awe-inspiring fusion of primal beauty and terrifying strength. His deep crimson skin gleams with a molten-like sheen, smooth yet radiating an inner heat that seems to pulse with every movement. It is as though his very body is a reflection of the flame burning inside him, the deep red hue shifting with his emotions, casting a flickering glow in the darkness. Every part of him radiates energy, an aura so intense it distorts the air around him, making the space seem too small for his presence.
His eyes are an unsettling sight—golden irises gleaming like molten gold, the sclera darkened to emphasize their predatory glow. His gaze is intense, like that of a hunter tracking its prey, sharp and calculating. His physique is an exquisite blend of strength and agility, lean yet muscular, sculpted with the elegance of a predator. His broad chest and taut limbs are the result of both power and grace, his posture exuding dominance.
His fingers tipped with claws that shimmer like obsidian, their sharpness only enhancing his threatening presence. These claws, dark and deadly, extend beyond his fingertips, perfectly crafted for swift, lethal strikes. They are thick and curved, like the talons of a massive beast, honed for slashing and rending flesh. The skin around his claws seems to harden, giving them an armored appearance, enhancing their dangerous, predatory nature.
Inside his mouth lies, jagged, shark-like teeth glisten, sharp enough to tear through anything in his path, framed by a pronounced jawline that only enhances his terrifying form. His hair, stark white and sharp as if sculpted by battle itself, falls in jagged spikes, some strands catching a mysterious, otherworldly glow. The tips of his hair seem to flicker with an ethereal light, adding to the chaotic elegance of his appearance. A single twisted horn protrudes from the side of his head, curving upward and outward—a demonic symbol of his raw power. This singular horn signifies his uniqueness, a constant reminder of the darkness within.
The most compelling aspect of the being's form is the faint aura of heat that clings to his body. When he stands still, the space around him warps and shifts as if the very air cannot handle the intensity of his presence. His skin flickers with embers, tiny flames dancing along his body like a warning to those who dare approach.
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of the being was his tail—a long, flexible extension of his body, stretching from the base of his back, hidden beneath his cargo-style trousers. The tail, crimson at its base and fading to a lighter red near its sharp, pointed tip, is sleek and sharp, almost resembling a weapon itself. It moves with predatory grace, capable of striking with precision or defending with deadly force. The tail hints at his animalistic and demonic nature, a silent threat that complements his already overwhelming combat prowess. It could strike with the force of a whip, its spiny structure designed to impale or slash, an extension of his brutal instincts.
He was not merely a being of fire—he is fire incarnate. Every aspect of him, from the heat that radiates from his form to the sharpness of his claws and horn, reflects the unstoppable, seething power within him. He is a living force of nature, a perfect blend of beauty, terror, and destruction, ready to unleash hell on anyone who dares challenge him.
A wave of fear surged through Takashi, but he managed to ask, trembling, "Are you… Amon?"
The demon's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with malevolent amusement. "That's right."
Amon's gaze seemed to pierce through him as he continued, "Looks like you were up to something interesting. But enough of that. I'll send you back now, though you won't remember anything about this place."
As Amon raised a hand, Takashi's vision began to blur, the strange realm slipping away. Just before everything faded, he heard a final, chilling murmur from Amon: "Get stronger… so I can use your body."
Takashi's eyes snapped open, and he was back in the meditation chamber, feeling a faint, calming black aura enveloping him.
"What… what is this?" he asked, looking at Rei, who was staring at him, stunned.
Rei shook his head in amazement. "Hmmm. To think you could manifest flow in just two hours. It took me two weeks to get this far."
"Flow?" Takashi repeated, confused.
Rei nodded. "Yeah, I forgot to tell you—that's the name of the technique you're doing right now."
He continued, "If you keep progressing like this, you might actually master it in two days."
Takashi's curiosity deepened. "How long did it take you to master flow?"
Rei's expression grew serious as he answered, "Two months. And that was considered fast. I was called talented for managing it in two months; some people take years to get this far."
Rei paused thoughtfully, then added, "Honestly, I thought it'd be impossible for you to master flow before your test. If you could even imitate it, I figured it'd help. But I didn't think you'd actually manifest it."
He looked at Takashi with new respect. "Well, maybe it is possible for you to master flow in two days after all."
"Well, this is just the beginning," Rei said, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "For the next two days, I'm going to put you through hell."
Takashi, already worn out from the past few hours of intense training, thought to himself, How bad can it be?
But over the next two days, Takashi learned exactly how bad it could get. Screams filled the training room as Rei pushed him further and further, testing his endurance, control, and the depths of his resolve. There were no breaks, no mercy. Every time Takashi thought he couldn't go on, Rei found a way to make him push harder, to fight against the fatigue and the burning pain. By the end of it, Takashi was exhausted, every muscle in his body sore, but something had changed. His black flames, once so chaotic and uncontrollable, had started to feel different—more focused, more powerful.
And then, finally, it was time. The day of the Radiant Order test had arrived.
Takashi picked up his bag, feeling a strange mix of pride and nervousness. He had done everything he could to prepare, and now it was time to see if all the pain and effort had been worth it. He made his way downstairs, where Rei was waiting, sitting casually with his legs crossed, reading a newspaper.
Rei looked up briefly as Takashi entered the room. "Aren't you going to eat this morning?"
Takashi shook his head. "I'll eat after the test."
Rei raised an eyebrow, his gaze skeptical. "Hmm, well, suit yourself." He opened the newspaper to block the smile he was giving takashi.
Takashi who answered his question asked him One in return. "Aren't you going to wish me good luck?"
Rei chuckled softly, his voice light but confident. "You don't need it."
Takashi's lips twitched into a smile, though he didn't quite feel the confidence Rei was showing. He grabbed his things, gave Rei a final nod, and headed out the door. As he stepped outside, he found Edgar waiting by the car, looking as polished as always.
"Good morning, Master Takashi," Edgar said with a respectful bow.
"Good morning, Mr. Edgar," Takashi replied, getting into the car. The engine roared to life, and the two of them drove off toward the academy.
As the car sped through the streets, Takashi tried to calm his nerves, but there was an unsettling feeling in his chest. He had trained for this moment, but there was still a part of him that wondered if he was truly ready. Would he be able to stand up to the Radiant Order's expectations? Would he pass the test?
Meanwhile, back at the house, Rei sat sipping his drink, his eyes still locked on the newspaper. His thoughts were far away, though his expression remained calm. I just hope you don't get nervous, Takashi.
As they reached the academy gates and parked beside it, Edgar turned to Takashi and said. "I wish you luck on your test."
Takashi nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Edgar."
Takashi stepped out of the car, his heart racing as he faced the looming gates of the academy. This was the moment. It was time to prove everything.
Inside, the academy buzzed with nervous energy. Students lined the halls, their expressions a mix of excitement and fear. Takashi felt the weight of their gaze on him, but he shook it off. He wasn't here to make friends or impress anyone. He was here to prove that he was more than just a late bloomer with a strange power.
He knew the test would push him in ways he hadn't been tested before. To join the Radiant Order, he would need to prove himself not only in combat but also in his understanding of flame theory and tactical knowledge.
The first stage, the theory exam, took place in a spacious, echoing hall where rows of desks were set up for the hopeful candidates. As he took his seat, Takashi looked down at the exam paper in front of him. The questions covered every aspect of what it meant to be part of the Radiant Order, testing knowledge that only dedicated recruits would have mastered.
The questions covered a range of topics, starting with knowledge of flames. Takashi had to identify different types of flames by their properties, colors, and unique abilities. He was asked to distinguish the uses and limitations of flames like Kazuki's white flame. Takashi recalled Rei's lessons on flame manipulation and wrote his answers carefully, making sure he didn't overlook any details.
The next section focused on weapons and equipment specific to the Radiant Order. Takashi had studied this aspect intensely; he knew that Radiant Order members used specialized flame-resistant suits, and their weaponry was designed to channel and enhance their flames in battle. Takashi answered questions about the Order's flame-projecting gauntlets, reinforced shields, and the intricacies of wielding flame-imbued weapons, making sure to include how each weapon required different levels of flame control and mastery.
Finally, he reached the section on rescue tactics and analysis skills. This portion required him to analyze various scenarios and identify the best course of action. He read through hypothetical situations where civilians were trapped or allies were overpowered, noting how each demanded different strategies. Takashi wrote about using flames to create protective barriers, guiding civilians to safety, and managing flames in confined spaces to avoid collateral damage. He remembered his father figure's stories of courage, which inspired him to think beyond just fighting to how he could save lives, too.
In the quiet intensity of the theory exam, one question stood out to Takashi as he reached the final page. The question read:
If you are the possessor of a rare, unique flame, would you reveal it to the Radiant Order and face the consequences, or would you hide in secret and try to survive?
Takashi felt a shiver as he read it. It wasn't just an academic question—it felt personal. Memories of his recent struggles with his own black flames flickered in his mind, along with the challenges and risks of revealing this power to the world. He'd kept his flame a secret thus far, only sharing it with Rei and a select few. Part of him knew that openly displaying such a power might bring unwanted attention, or even lead others to fear or misunderstand him.
He wrestled with the question in silence. To join the Radiant Order was his dream, but he knew there were risks if they saw him as a threat instead of an ally. His mind wandered back to Kurogane Akira's red flame and the awe and caution it inspired in others. If he were to reveal his own flames, how would he be treated? Would they understand him—or fear him?
Takashi picked up his pen and wrote his response slowly, choosing his words with care. He wrote about the strength it would take to trust the Order, but also the importance of protecting oneself in a world that might not understand. He admitted that he would likely feel torn, but he believed that if the Order were truly dedicated to justice, they would ultimately accept him for who he was, not what his flame could do.
As he finished, he felt a strange sense of relief. The answer wasn't a simple one, but he knew that facing this question head-on would stay with him long after the test ended.
With that, he put down his pen and closed the exam booklet. The theory stage was over, but that last question left him thinking.
After hours of rigorous questions, the theory exam was over. Takashi felt a sense of relief, but he knew the hardest part was still to come.
As Takashi exited the hall, he heard murmurs ripple through the other students gathered outside. A group nearby was engaged in an animated discussion, their voices low but laced with curiosity and uncertainty.
"Did you see that weird question at the end?" one student muttered, adjusting his glasses with a frown.
Another student chimed in, "Are you talking about the one that asks what we'd do if we possessed a rare flame?"
A third student, her expression curious, leaned in closer. "Do you think the Radiant Order has discovered some new type of flame?"
Their conversation paused as another student, a tall boy with an air of authority, butted in with a skeptical smirk. "No way. Since the beginning of flame powers, there have always been eight types of flames, and nothing more. If there were a new type, it would have been classified by now. That question was probably just hypothetical, something to test our moral judgment."
The others nodded, some reassured by his confidence, but others still seemed troubled.
Takashi listened in silence, his own thoughts racing. The eight flames had always been a fixed part of their world, studied and understood. But his black flame didn't fall within any of those categories. He hadn't dared share it openly, fearing how it might change others' perceptions—or worse, put him under the Radiant Order's scrutiny. And yet, here was a question that seemed to press right on that hidden part of him, almost as if the Order knew or suspected that something beyond their understanding had emerged.
He glanced around at the other students, wondering how many had chosen to answer with honesty—and how many had decided it was safest to write what the Radiant Order would want to hear.
The second stage, the practical stage of the test was a combat trial—a chance for students to put their skills and flame abilities to the test against one another. The vast training arena had been used as a battleground, with sections marked out for individual duels, and a small crowd gathered to watch as the first matches began.
Takashi watched as students took their places in the rings, their expressions a mixture of determination and nerves. Each combatant was paired against a rival, and the goal was straightforward: demonstrate mastery of their abilities while staying in control. In the Radiant Order, combat was not just about defeating an opponent—it was about proving that you could wield power responsibly, especially in high-stakes situations.
As the rounds progressed, he saw students utilizing a range of flame types: blue flames that froze the battlefield, orange flames that were terraforming the battleground, yellow flames that deceived the opponent, and even the transparent flame. The air was charged with heat and energy, each match a display of strength, creativity, and control.
Finally, Takashi's name was called, and he made his way to the center of the arena, facing his opponent—a broad-shouldered boy with orange flames flickering around his fists. The boy flashed him a confident grin, his flames sparking brighter in anticipation.
But Takashi had a new edge: the pyroclast ring. It allowed him to summon a unique transparent flame, one that would go undetected in the heat of battle.
Takashi squared off against his opponent, he took a deep breath, feeling the faint but potent aura of flow settling over him like a second skin. The two days of brutal training with Rei had instilled in him not just control but an almost instinctual awareness of the energy pathways within his body. He could feel the transparent flame resonating with his pulse, flowing through him in perfect rhythm.
He took a deep breath and activated flow, feeling the familiar sensation of energy coursing through his body, amplifying his agility and awareness. But it was the transparent flame's subtle power that truly set him apart; it allowed him to see fleeting glimpses of his opponent's movements just moments before they happened.
The instructor called, "Begin!" and his opponent lunged forward, his hands wreathed in blazing orange flame. But to Takashi, it felt almost as if time had slowed down. He saw a flicker of his opponent's next move—a right jab directed at his head—before it even happened.
Dodging fluidly, Takashi sidestepped the punch just as his opponent threw it, then followed up with a swift kick to the side. The crowd murmured in awe at his precision, but for Takashi, it was almost like following an invisible script. Each of his opponent's attacks played out a split second in advance, allowing him to dodge, block, and counter with an uncanny ease.
As his opponent grew more desperate, he launched a barrage of attacks, flames dancing wildly with each strike. But Takashi, guided by both flow and his transparent flame, continued to evade with effortless grace. Every punch and kick seemed to come at him in slow motion, and he moved like water, flowing around each attack before delivering a precise counter.
His opponent's frustration became evident as he struggled to land a single hit. Takashi saw a final flash—a vision of his opponent attempting a powerful overhead punch. Seizing the moment, he used flow to gather energy into his own counterattack. As his opponent's punch came down, Takashi ducked under it and stepped forward, landing a controlled but solid strike to his opponent's chest, sending him stumbling back.
The instructor raised his hand, signaling the end of the match. "Winner: Takashi!"
Takashi released flow and let the transparent flame fade, breathing heavily but feeling a rush of exhilaration. The ability to see even just a glimpse into the future had made him nearly untouchable in combat, and he knew he'd only just scratched the surface of his potential.