The icy wind whipped against Kaizen Mori's face as he crossed the training courtyard, his long black coat billowing in the gusts. With steady, assured steps, he made his way to the observation platform, where a group of students were whispering among themselves.
Kaizen didn't look particularly intimidating—except for his gaze. His messy black hair framed a pale face, defined by sharp features and an almost perpetually neutral expression. His deep green eyes seemed to constantly evaluate, analyze, as if studying every detail around him. He wasn't tall or especially muscular, but an aura of unshakable calm surrounded him, almost distant.
In one hand, he carried a well-worn notebook, filled with notes and sketches. His other hand slid into his coat pocket as he scanned the field, where robotic simulators stood ready to be used as targets.
"Still as mysterious as ever, huh?" a girl whispered.
"Mysterious? More like creepy," a boy responded.
Kaizen ignored the comments. He was used to this. It wasn't him they were watching, anyway.
A massive shadow fell behind him, and a heavy silence descended on the courtyard. Tundrath entered the students' line of sight, its imposing silhouette nearly swallowing the gray sky.
The creature looked like a living nightmare. Its thick, black fur absorbed the surrounding light, and its ivory tusks, curved like those of a mammoth, gleamed with a frosty sheen. But it was its eyes that truly drew attention—red and glowing, like two infernal orbs, staring with a malevolent intensity.
Kaizen turned toward his companion. "Ready, Tundrath?"
The mammoth-wendigo grunted in response, its breath forming a cloud of frost in the air.
Kaizen raised a hand, calm and unbothered. "Then show me what you can do."
At the drop of his hand, Tundrath lunged forward with surprising agility for its size. Its claws tore into the first simulator, cutting through metal as if it were paper. A blast of cold air erupted from its tusks, freezing a second robot in place.
The students watched, entranced.
"What is that thing?" someone whispered.
"A creature… of his creation," came a hesitant reply.
One of the simulators fired a burst of energy in Tundrath's direction, but with a swift movement, the creature dodged the attack before crushing the robot under its massive paws. A low growl echoed through the courtyard.
Kaizen remained still, calmly scribbling in his notebook, paying no attention to the fascinated and terrified stares around him.
A large man, wearing a worn hero uniform, approached. His gray hair was cut short, and his face was weathered by years of combat. His impressive build bore testament to his Alter: metallic skin and muscles like steel.
Professor Shiba crossed his arms. "That's enough, Mori. We've seen what it can do."
Kaizen closed his notebook without looking up. "I hope that's enough for the exam."
Shiba raised an eyebrow. "Enough? Your beast is impressive, but you won't stand a chance at UA unless you prove yourself on your own. You planning to hide behind it for the rest of your life?"
Kaizen looked up, his expression unchanged. "It's not a beast."
Shiba sighed. "It doesn't matter what you call it. What I see is a student who doesn't rely enough on his own strength."
Kaizen didn't reply. Shiba had a point. Even with Tundrath by his side, he couldn't deny his own limitations.
As Kaizen walked away from the field, murmurs followed him.
"He's scary, but… he's fascinating."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't want to be in his group for the exam."
Kaizen walked past without a word, his mind already elsewhere.
"Impressive, as always."
The voice called out behind him, familiar, with a hint of irony.
Kaizen glanced over his shoulder to see Jin Katsuro leaning against a wall. His messy black hair and worn leather coat made him look disheveled, but his sharp eyes stood in contrast to his relaxed demeanor.
"Jin," Kaizen said flatly. "I thought I told you to stay away from the school."
Jin flashed a grin and pulled a glass vial from his pocket. "And miss your show? No chance. Here. A gift. DNA from a rare Neoform. An electric snake, if you're curious."
Kaizen took the vial without a word, but his gaze remained cautious.
"And you, what do you want?"
"Me? Nothing. Not yet. Consider this an advance," Jin replied with a wink.
Tundrath growled softly, its red eyes locked onto Jin like a predator eyeing its prey.
Jin raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Relax, big guy. I'm not here to cause trouble. Just here to encourage my… young protégé."
Kaizen tucked the vial into his bag and turned away. "You never change, Jin."
"And you're still terrible at saying thank you," Jin retorted with a teasing smile.
He disappeared into the shadows, leaving Kaizen alone with his thoughts.
Tundrath approached and placed one of its clawed paws gently on the ground beside him.
Kaizen patted its flank. "You don't like him, do you?"
The creature grunted in response, a low, hoarse sound.
Kaizen offered a small smile. "Neither do I. But he's useful."