The air in the training grounds grew heavy as Elder Morvyn stood opposite Shin, his dark robes swaying in the faint breeze. The trio of Shin, Miko, and Kuro had displayed exceptional progress, but Morvyn wasn't one to accept potential without testing it.
"Let's see how much you've truly learned," Morvyn said, his dark eyes narrowing. "Shin Asakura, step forward. A sparring match will reveal your true capability."
Shin grinned confidently, stepping into the circle. "Alright. I'm ready when you are."
Morvyn nodded and raised his hand, signaling the start. Without hesitation, he dashed toward Shin with incredible speed, his fist raised to strike.
---
The Reaper Emerges
As Morvyn closed the distance, something strange happened. A dark, ominous aura surrounded Shin. It was thick and suffocating, laced with a terrifying energy. Out of the swirling shadows, a figure emerged—a towering Grim Reaper cloaked in black and gold.
The Reaper's form was otherworldly, its skeletal frame draped in an ornate, regal outfit. Its scythe gleamed with a demonic red eye, the blade pulsating with malevolent energy. Chains and locks dangled from the weapon, rattling with a chilling sound.
The Grim Reaper's gaze bore into Morvyn, its dark, red eyes radiating dread.
Morvyn froze mid-attack, his body trembling. His confident smirk faltered, replaced by wide-eyed fear. He stumbled back instinctively, his breath hitching as he felt the weight of the Reaper's aura.
"What… what is that?" Morvyn muttered, his voice barely a whisper. It looked at me, and I felt as if the end had come… as if it would devour me whole.
Shin, unfazed, opened his eyes slowly and smirked. "What's wrong, Elder? Did I frighten you?"
Morvyn forced a laugh, trying to mask his terror. "Frightened? Don't be absurd. It's… an excellent display of aura control, I'll give you that."
Shin chuckled, his tone playful. "Let me take care of that." He flicked his hand casually, and the Grim Reaper dissipated into the shadows as if it were never there. The air lightened, but Morvyn's unease lingered.
"Ready or not," Shin said with a grin, "let's get started."
---
The Clash Begins
Shin dashed forward, his speed blinding. His fist shot toward Morvyn, who barely had time to raise his arms in defense. The impact reverberated through the air, sending Morvyn skidding back.
Recovering quickly, Morvyn retaliated with a swift roundhouse kick, his movements fluid and precise. Shin ducked under the kick, pivoting to sweep Morvyn's legs out from under him. Morvyn leaped into the air, twisting mid-flight to avoid the sweep, and landed gracefully.
"You're faster than I expected," Morvyn admitted, summoning shadow tendrils that lashed out at Shin like whips.
Shin grinned, sidestepping the tendrils with ease. "Not bad, but let's see how you handle this!"
He leapt forward, his movements almost a blur. His fists and feet became a flurry of strikes, each one precise and powerful. Morvyn blocked and dodged as best as he could, but Shin's attacks were relentless.
---
Darkness Unleashed
Frustrated, Morvyn raised his hands, summoning a dome of darkness around the battlefield. Inside the dome, visibility was reduced to nothing, and the oppressive weight of shadow magic pressed down on Shin.
"Let's see how you fare in complete darkness!" Morvyn's voice echoed from all directions.
Shin closed his eyes and smirked. "Darkness is your domain, huh? Let's make it mine too."
He activated his own dark aura, his presence cutting through the oppressive dome like a blade. His silhouette glowed faintly as his Grim Reaper aura returned, this time subtler but no less menacing.
From the darkness, Shin struck. His movements were swift and unpredictable, each attack landing with precision. Morvyn, despite his expertise, struggled to keep up.
"You're full of surprises, Shin Asakura," Morvyn admitted, his breath heavy. "But don't think you've won yet!"
---
The Final Exchange
Morvyn gathered all his energy, forming a massive spear of shadow magic. The weapon radiated power, and he hurled it at Shin with all his might.
Shin stood his ground, his expression calm. As the spear neared him, he raised his hand and summoned his scythe. The weapon materialized in a burst of black and red energy, its demonic eye glowing brightly.
With a single swing, Shin deflected the spear, the resulting explosion tearing through the dome of darkness.
Morvyn stared in disbelief as the remnants of his attack dissipated. Shin stepped forward, his scythe resting on his shoulder, and smirked.
"Looks like I win," Shin said, his tone light yet confident.
---
Morvyn's Thoughts
Though he tried to maintain his composure, Morvyn couldn't shake the feeling of dread. That boy… he's not just strong. He's something else entirely. That scythe… that aura… it's unlike anything I've ever seen.
Outwardly, Morvyn smiled and nodded. "Impressive. You've exceeded my expectations, Shin Asakura."
Shin dismissed his scythe with a flick of his hand, the weapon vanishing into his dimensional storage. "Thanks. I'm just getting started."
Morvyn chuckled nervously. "I believe it."