After Emma forcefully shut her door, Shun remained outside in the hallway, irritation evident on his face. *"What is her problem?"* he thought, clenching his fists in frustration. However, shaking off the annoyance, he redirected his attention to the locked collection room at the hall's end. A sly grin crept across his face as he reached into his pocket, retrieving the master key he had skillfully crafted. He found it impossible to resist the allure of the unique weapons displayed on the walls; each piece served as a testament to both craftsmanship and history. *"She might not appreciate this, but I'll certainly enjoy myself. Let her sulk,"* Shun muttered while approaching the door. The lock clicked open and he stepped inside. The room was not particularly large; however, it exuded an air of grandeur. Weapons of various kinds—swords, spears, daggers, bows—lined the walls. Dim light filled the space, while heavy curtains concealed the balcony at the far end. Shun couldn't help but admire the intricate designs etched into the blades and handles. As he moved from one weapon to another, he lightly ran his fingers over them. *"These are incredible,"* he murmured, picking up a sword to assess its weight.
However, his admiration proved to be fleeting. A chilling sensation coursed down his spine as he sensed an unsettling presence. The atmosphere became thicker, imbued with a murderous intent that sent a shiver racing up his back. Shun froze, his eyes darting toward the balcony. Behind the curtains, a shadow shifted ever so slightly. *"What the hell is that?"* he whispered, his voice barely audible as he cautiously stepped back. The shadow moved once more and Shun instinctively retreated further. Yet, before he could escape to safety, the door behind him slammed shut with a deafening *thud*. He spun around, his heart pounding, only to discover that the door was completely locked. *"No, no, no,"* Shun muttered, his voice trembling. He glanced back toward the balcony, but the shadow had vanished. His breathing became rapid as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He couldn't quite articulate it, but he understood—he was no longer alone in the room. Gripping the hilt of the sword he had picked up, Shun attempted to steady his shaking hands. Although the sense of danger intensified, this time, it loomed right behind him.
He spun around, instinctively raising the sword; however, he was too late. A black blade descended from above, aimed directly at the center of his head. In a desperate maneuver, Shun parried the strike, only to feel the crushing force shatter his sword into two pieces. His knees buckled and he collapsed onto the ground. *"Shit, shit, goddamn it! What the hell is going on?"* he screamed, his voice echoing in the room. Hearing his cries, Emma rushed to the locked door, pounding on it furiously. "Shun! What's happening? Why did you scream? Open the door!" But Shun was too stunned to respond. The assailant's blade was now at his neck, cold steel pressing against his skin. His instincts screamed at him to run; yet, he couldn't move. Then, something clicked in his mind. The black sword, the precise movements—it all felt eerily familiar because his eyes widened as realization struck. *"Big brother Roy...is it you?"* Shun stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Outside, Emma's voice grew more frantic. "Shun! Who are you talking to? Open the damn door!" Shun ignored her, his focus fixed on the dark figure in front of him. "Big brother Roy, is it really you?" he shouted, louder this time.
The figure finally articulated, its voice resonating with depth and tinged with amusement. "Bingo, kid: you've got solid instincts. I'm pleased to see your progress." Emma, hearing Roy's voice from outside, gasped in disbelief. "Big brother Roy? Is it truly you?" she called out. Roy stepped back, lowering his sword. His face emerged from the shadows, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Relax, both of you; it's me." Shun exhaled sharply, his body finally easing. "Big brother Roy... why would you frighten me like that?" Roy chuckled, sheathing his sword. "Because you were sneaking into places you shouldn't be. Consider this your lesson: if I'd been someone else, you'd be dead right now." Shun gulped, his fear slowly giving way to embarrassment. Roy gestured toward the door, saying, "Unlock it and let Emma in before she breaks it down." Shun quickly complied, fumbling with the key to open the door. Emma burst in, her eyes darting around the room before locking onto Roy. "You're alive!" she exclaimed, her face illuminating with relief. However, her expression swiftly darkened as she turned on Shun. "And you! What were you thinking, sneaking in here? Do you have any idea how perilous that was?"
Shun averted his gaze, looking down. "I merely wished to see the weapons..." Roy interjected, his tone both firm and gentle. "Curiosity isn't a crime, however, it does carry inherent risks. Shun, if your desire is to admire these weapons, you must learn to wield them appropriately. Starting tomorrow, I will train you." Shun's head jerked up, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Really? You mean it, big brother Roy?" Roy affirmed with a nod. "But be forewarned—it will not be easy. If you aren't prepared to confront fear, pain and exhaustion, you might as well abandon the idea now." Emma crossed her arms, glaring at Roy. "And what if he gets hurt during your so-called training? He's just a kid!" Roy held her gaze, his expression softening somewhat. "The world is not kind, Emma. If Shun chooses to embark on this path, he must be ready." Emma sighed, aware that she could not contest Roy's reasoning. She turned toward Shun, placing a hand on his shoulder. "If you truly intend to pursue this, promise me you'll exercise caution." Shun nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "I promise." Roy glanced between them, a subtle smile forming on his lips. "Good. Now, there is something else you should be aware of."
Emma and Shun looked at him curiously.
Roy persisted, his tone steady (yet resolute). "We will be receiving some guests shortly. They are coming to meet all of us. I will elucidate everything when the moment arrives; however, for now, ready yourselves." "Guests?" Emma inquired, her brows knitting together in perplexity. "Who would come here to see us?" Roy smirked enigmatically. "You will discover soon enough. Just trust me on this."
Maybe someone you know.
With that, he turned and exited the room, leaving Emma and Shun exchanging curious (yet uneasy) glances. Who were these guests and why were they arriving? Only Roy seemed to possess the answer; however, he remained silent. This left Emma and Shun in a state of uncertainty, because they could not shake the feeling that something was amiss. Although they were eager to know, the mystery only deepened.