『Neizan: I'm exhausted, so I'm going to sleep. I need to rest well to keep training tomorrow. I can't afford to relax until the last fight next week. 』
Neizan had been preparing relentlessly on his days without fights. He listened carefully to Miguel's analyses of the other gladiators, absorbed Lina's advice on magic, and refined his sword technique. He never forgot the intense feeling that arose within him when facing an opponent, sword in hand. During his training, Neizan often imagined he was fighting against his own reflection, a shadow that mirrored his every move. This practice helped him identify his weaknesses and strengths, seeing where he could improve. Over time, his determination to become stronger became almost obsessive, turning him colder and more calculating, a transformation that affected his mind as well.
『Neizan: Don't be like that, we have a week to rest. Tomorrow we could go somewhere to relax, alright? 』
『Lina: …No. I'd rather you fully recover first. 』
『Neizan: Alright. 』
Settling into bed and covering himself with the blankets, Neizan turned to face the wall, showing his back to Lina.
『Lina: …Goodnight. 』
Interestingly, both Lina and Neizan had spent every night together whenever possible, sharing the same bed without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. However, Neizan would always turn away, showing his back to her. Sometimes, Lina would watch him, seeing his breathing slow as his eyes closed, and he drifted into the darkness of sleep.
When one closes their eyes, the world seems full of shadows and flashes. In that darkness, small lights occasionally appear, like a screen without a signal. If one pays close attention, they might even notice colorful spots emerging and disappearing. And finally, when consciousness fades, all those scattered thoughts and sensations are drawn into the void.
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『Neizan, wake up! Let's play! 』
Said a familiar voice enthusiastically.
Neizan slowly opened his eyes, still half-asleep, and recognized the figure of Joel, his best friend. Although Joel wasn't usually the most outgoing or excitable guy, when he was with Neizan, he showed his more playful and carefree side. They were like brothers; Joel helped Neizan with his classes, and in return, Neizan always defended him from bullies. But their relationship wasn't just out of convenience—their friendship was genuine, filled with trust and mutual affection.
『Elena! Do you want to play too? 』
Joel asked, noticing Elena, who was yawning as she woke up.
『Play? What game? 』
She asked, still half-asleep.
『Good morning! 』
Neizan sat up, still a bit groggy, and looked at his friends.
『Are you guys already awake? 』
『Yeah, we've been waiting for a while. 』
Joel replied.
『Shall we play that game from yesterday? 』
『Again? 』
Neizan smiled but shook his head.
『I don't feel like it right now. Maybe later. 』
『Alright, that's fine. 』
Joel accepted, not pressing him further.
At that moment, Jessica, Neizan's mother, poked her head through the bedroom door and smiled at them.
『Guys! Come to the kitchen; I've made breakfast. 』
『Thanks, Mom! We're coming. 』
Neizan replied, stretching as he got out of bed.
The three friends headed to the kitchen, where the smell of toast and hot chocolate filled the air. Jessica had prepared a special breakfast, happy that her son had invited his friends over to stay. It was the first time Neizan had brought someone to sleep over, and that made her feel excited.
『So, Neizan, what do you want to do today? 』
Joel asked as he devoured a piece of toast.
『I feel like going outside for a bit. 』
Neizan said thoughtfully, looking out the window.
『Today's a perfect day to go to the park! 』
Suggested Elena with an enthusiastic smile.
『Yeah, we could go to the park. 』
Neizan agreed, nodding.
Jessica, who was pouring a bit more juice into their glasses, looked at them fondly.
『How did you sleep, honey? How was the night with your friends? 』
『Good… 』
Neizan shrugged, trying not to show too much emotion, though deep down he was happy to be surrounded by his friends.
『I'm glad to hear that. 』
Jessica smiled.
『Really, guys, it makes me very happy that you're here with him. It's the first time Neizan has brought someone over to sleep, so it's special for me too. 』
『You're welcome, Mrs. Jessica! And thank you for breakfast! 』
Joel said, taking another bite of his toast.
『Yes, thank you. 』
added Elena.
『Everything's really delicious. 』
『I'm glad you like it. 』
Jessica responded.
『So, what are you all going to do after breakfast? 』
『We're going outside for a bit, Mom. 』
Neizan said, wiping his hands.
『Perfect. If anything comes up, call me, okay? 』
『Yes, Mom… 』
Neizan said, rolling his eyes with a smile.
Jessica watched them leave with a mix of nostalgia and happiness. She knew her son was growing up and that, although his friendship with Joel and Elena was wonderful for him, soon those moments of play and adventure would just be memories.
When the kids left the house, they began strolling together through the streets. During their walk, they stopped at a store where they bought some sandwiches, sodas, and chips. Upon arriving at the park, they headed to an area with playground equipment and exercise bars, where they spent time sitting on a bench as the day went on. Since it was summer break, they could spend all the time they wanted without any worries. However, there was something that made them uneasy: other groups of kids frequently visited that area as well.
Neizan was thirteen, soon to be fourteen, and was beginning to experience the growth spurts typical of adolescence. Nonetheless, he was still on the shorter side, barely reaching over 160 cm in height. His calm and confident nature made him stand out, and he was well-known and respected in his class.
『Well, well, look who we have here. 』
A group of boys approached them, most around Neizan's age, and some even older.
『Hey, get out of here. This is our spot. 』
While the group laughed and joked among themselves, the boy who had spoken caught Neizan's attention. Neizan looked at him silently for a few seconds, with a serious expression, before responding.