The Beast Stirs
A storm raged inside Ryuji. His breath was uneven, his fingers twitching at his sides. The blood-red aura flickering around him felt heavier now—like chains tightening around his soul.
Kenshiro crossed his arms, watching him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "You're starting to understand, aren't you?"
Ryuji gritted his teeth. "Understand what?"
Kenshiro smirked. "That this power isn't a gift. It's a beast. And unless you tame it, it will devour you."
The words sent a chill down Ryuji's spine, but he refused to show weakness. He clenched his fists, forcing the energy inside him to still.
Kenshiro sighed. "Still resisting?" He took a step closer. "You're fighting a battle you can't win, Ryuji. Not against me. Not against yourself."
Ryuji shot him a glare. "I won't lose to you."
Kenshiro's silver eyes gleamed. "Then prove it."
In the blink of an eye, he vanished.
A second later—BOOM!
A shockwave sent Ryuji flying, slamming him into a crumbling pillar. Dust filled the air as he struggled to push himself up.
Kenshiro stood above him, expression unreadable. "Stand up. Or stay down and accept your place beneath me."
Ryuji spat blood, eyes burning with defiance. "Like hell I will."
The air around him cracked. His power flared—unstable, but undeniable.
And for the first time—Kenshiro smiled.
Akari's Pursuit
The forest was silent, save for the sound of Akari's hurried footsteps. Her wounds still bled, but she didn't care.
Ryuji was slipping away.
And she wasn't going to let him go.
"You're pushing yourself too hard," a voice called from behind.
Akari turned sharply, her katana already drawn. Standing before her was an old man, cloaked in shadow. His eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
The man chuckled. "A friend. Or an enemy, depending on your choices."
Akari gritted her teeth. "I don't have time for riddles."
The man took a slow step forward. "Then I'll be direct. Ryuji is on the edge of losing himself. If you don't reach him in time…" His voice darkened. "He will become something far worse than you can imagine."
Akari tightened her grip on her sword. "Then tell me where he is."
The man tilted his head. "And what will you do once you find him?"
"Bring him back."
The man's gaze sharpened. "And if he refuses?"
Akari didn't hesitate. "Then I'll fight until he remembers who he is."
The man smiled, almost sadly. "Then you are ready."
With a flick of his wrist, the shadows rippled, revealing a hidden path through the forest.
"Go," he said. "Before it's too late."
Akari didn't waste another second.
She ran.
The Chains of Fate Tighten
Back at the ruins, Ryuji's body moved on instinct. His blade clashed against Kenshiro's in a violent dance of steel and power.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Each strike was heavier, stronger. His movements faster. He wasn't fighting like himself anymore.
Kenshiro pushed him back effortlessly. "You're still holding back."
Ryuji panted, sweat dripping down his face. "No… I'm not."
Kenshiro shook his head. "Then let me remind you—"
Before Ryuji could react, Kenshiro's hand shot forward—straight into his chest.
The world blurred. A burning pain ripped through Ryuji's body as he was sent crashing to the ground. His vision flickered.
"You're weak, Ryuji," Kenshiro said, standing over him. "And weakness has no place in this world."
Ryuji coughed, his body screaming in agony.
Was this it?
No.
He wasn't done.
His fingers curled into the dirt. His breathing steadied.
The beast inside him growled.
His vision turned red.
The moment Kenshiro turned away—Ryuji moved.
Faster than before. Stronger.
And when he swung his blade—
Kenshiro's smirk vanished.
End of Chapter 14