Kurogami Estate – Night
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale silver glow over the estate. Ryuujin sat in his room, the dim light of a lantern flickering beside him. His mind replayed the duel with Akihiro over and over. He could still feel the rhythm of their blades, the way Akihiro's strikes flowed so smoothly.
Ryuujin (thinking): His technique… It's not just muscle memory. There's something deeper in the way he moves. The pattern. The precision.
Ryuujin closed his eyes, letting the image of Akihiro's moves form in his mind. He began to analyze them, looking at each strike as if it were an equation waiting to be solved.
Ryuujin (thinking): Every move can be broken down. A step forward, an angle, the speed of the blade. If I adjust my timing and stance just right, I can mimic it. Just like physics—every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I can predict it.
He moved slowly, mimicking Akihiro's motions in the quiet of his room. Each step was calculated, the tilt of his sword, the placement of his feet. It was as if he were performing a silent dance with invisible enemies. The Omni Eye allowed him to visualize every variable in the motion, turning Akihiro's strikes into something comprehensible, almost mathematical.
Suddenly, he paused, feeling a presence behind him.
Tsukiya (surprised): "Young Master, I didn't expect you to be here."
Ryuujin straightened, but he didn't turn. His senses were sharper than most. Even without magic, he could sense Tsukiya's presence.
Ryuujin (calmly): "You've been watching me for a while now, haven't you?"
Tsukiya's eyes widened in shock, clearly impressed.
Tsukiya (in awe): "You… You can sense me? Without magic? That's an extraordinary instinct. How are you doing this?"
Ryuujin, still holding the imaginary sword, shrugged slightly.
Ryuujin (smiling faintly): "It's all about observation, Tsukiya. You learn to sense the subtle signs around you."
Tsukiya nodded, though she was still a bit stunned.
Tsukiya: "What's that you're holding? It's not the usual training sword."
Ryuujin glanced down at the sword in his hand—a third-rate blade he had found in the storage.
Ryuujin: "It's for tomorrow's ceremony. I need something that can withstand a fight."
Tsukiya's expression shifted to one of amusement, though there was a hint of concern.
Tsukiya (chuckling): "Tomorrow, huh? You do realize there will be many participants—some truly gifted individuals like Akihiro, several from the branch families, and, of course, your half-brother. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
Ryuujin's expression hardened, his resolve clear.
Ryuujin: "So what? I'm not afraid."
Tsukiya studied him for a moment, then smiled. She reached into her cloak and pulled out a blade, its hilt gleaming with an aura of refinement.
Tsukiya (seriously): "Take this, Young Master. It's my personal sword. Be careful with it—it's very precious to me."
Ryuujin accepted the sword with a nod, feeling its weight in his hand. It was lighter than the third-rate blade, but the balance was perfect. He could tell just from holding it that this weapon was something special.
Ryuujin (acknowledging): "I will. Thank you, Tsukiya."
Tsukiya smiled, her eyes glinting with pride and a touch of concern.
Tsukiya: "Don't disappoint me, Young Master."
Ryuujin nodded as she turned to leave.
Kurogami Estate – The Next Morning
The sun had just begun to rise, casting a golden light over the estate as the young trainees, all under fifteen, prepared to leave for the tournament. Despite his status as an illegitimate child, Ryuujin was given a special place on the carriage, traveling in the same manner as the other young heirs of the Kurogami clan. His mere presence in the procession caught the attention of many, but few dared to speak to him directly.
As the convoy approached the grand stadium, the excitement in the air was palpable. The gates loomed large, and Ryuujin could feel the anticipation building inside him. This was no ordinary ceremony—it was a chance for him to prove himself.
As the caravan came to a stop, Ryuujin stepped off his horse, his new sword at his side, his gaze focused on the massive arena ahead. The crowd was already beginning to gather, and the voices of the spectators echoed in the distance.
Ryuujin took a deep breath, his heart steady. He knew this was only the beginning. The real test would come when he faced his half-brother—and the many other challengers that would seek to defeat him.
Just then, as Ryuujin stepped forward, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd—his half-brother, Kaito. Kaito's eyes locked onto Ryuujin's, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause.
Kaito (smirking): "So, the illegitimate son has come to play with the big boys."
Ryuujin didn't flinch. His grip on the sword tightened.
Ryuujin (calmly): "You'll see, Kaito. I'm not just playing."
And with that, the ceremony began.
End of Chapter 7