—¡Let go, Grandpa! —I protested as he dragged me by my ear. The villagers watched us with a mix of curiosity and amusement. It wasn't exactly the grand welcome I had hoped for after saving them all.
—¡I told you to stay home! —Grandpa growled, his rough voice always making my hair stand on end.
—And I told you too, Jiro —my mother's voice joined the scolding as soon as we got home—. What part of "don't go out" didn't you understand?
I tried to defend myself, but they kept talking without giving me a chance to explain. Sure, they were worried about what I'd done, but something else seemed to trouble them. Their gazes inevitably landed on the spear I was carrying.
—Where did you get that? —Grandpa asked, his voice more serious than ever.
—On Kazekumo Hill —I replied, still rubbing my sore ear.
Grandpa extended his hand and took the spear, examining it closely. His face darkened, as if he had just seen a ghost.
Without saying another word, he motioned for me to follow him. We walked in silence to the old family temple, located on a nearby hill. It was a sacred place, filled with relics and ancestral objects that Grandpa guarded with great devotion.
Upon entering, he placed the spear on a stone table and began studying it. Several minutes passed in silence as he traced the symbols and letters engraved on the weapon with his fingers.
—These symbols... they don't seem to be from this world —he murmured, more to himself than to me.
I moved closer, trying to get a better look. Under the temple's dim light, the spear seemed even stranger. Its crimson color glowed faintly, as if it held a latent energy.
—A few days ago, when I was training by the waterfall, I saw a flash on Kazekumo Mountain —I said, recalling the strange event—. Something fell from the sky and fractured the space. Maybe... it was this spear.
Grandpa turned toward me with a thoughtful expression.
—It could be... If that's true, this isn't just any weapon. It might be the Spear that traveled across worlds to reach ours —an artifact capable of sealing void wounds like this one.
—But it's far too dangerous for you, Jiro.
The mere mention of a spear that traveled between worlds and caused a fracture left me frozen.
I had heard stories about the hero Reizen Tenkuma, an ancient warrior who, according to legend, had the power to travel across multiple dimensions and worlds in search of balance and peace.
If this spear could seal fractures, it meant there was a chance I could travel between worlds like Reizen Tenkuma —and maybe even find my father.
I was holding a fragment of something far greater than I had ever imagined.
—I think you should leave the spear here in the temple —Grandpa said firmly—. It's too dangerous for you to carry it.
—No! —I protested immediately—. This spear chose me, Grandpa. I'm not giving it up. Besides, with it, I can seal the fractures and prevent more creatures like that Genshurei from appearing. Maybe... maybe I could even use it to find my father.
Grandpa's face hardened. Without replying, he took the spear and, before I could do anything, locked it in a wooden box reinforced with a magical seal.
—This isn't a game, Jiro. I won't let you risk your life more than necessary —he said, gently pushing me toward the temple's exit. He closed the door behind me and stayed inside, guarding the spear.
I stood outside, furious and frustrated. Why couldn't he understand? This was my chance, my only way to do something important. I stomped on the ground, but there was nothing I could do.
From the other side of the door, Grandpa murmured:
—What am I going to do with that boy? I'm sorry, Jiro... It's for your own good.
The sun had barely risen, and I was already determined to avoid my grandfather at all costs. I knew that after what happened last night, he would try to talk to me, give me a lesson, or worse, lecture me again. I wasn't in the mood for that.
—Jiro! —he shouted from the dojo as I quickly walked past him. I acted distracted and quickened my pace, pretending I hadn't heard him.
Later, at the magic academy, while I was talking to some classmates, I felt a heavy gaze on me from behind. When I turned around, there he was, standing with his arms crossed, watching me as if waiting for the perfect moment to say something.
—Oh no… —I whispered, and before he could approach, I ran down the hallway.
It was no different in the market. While I was buying a few things for my mother, I saw him coming from a distance, pushing through the crowd with that characteristic determination of his.
—Don't even think about it —I muttered under my breath as I slipped between the stalls, losing him out of sight.
When I got home, my mother watched us both from the window. My grandfather was clearly upset by my behavior, and I was trying to enter without him intercepting me.
—What's going on with those two? —she murmured, not understanding what was happening.
Finally, tired of hiding, I went to train at the waterfall. I punched the trunk of a tree over and over again, letting all my frustration out.
—He never lets me do anything! —I yelled as I threw a powerful punch that shattered a nearby rock—. Every time I find something I can help with, he always stops me from finishing it… I don't like that.
The sound of the waterfall wasn't enough to calm my anger. I felt like everything I did was in vain. I trained, I pushed myself, but there was always something stopping me from moving forward.
Hours later, back at the academy, I was training martial arts. I hit the wooden dummies with force, trying to forget the bad day I'd had. Just when I was starting to focus, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
—Is that all you've got? —It was my grandfather, with a challenging smile on his face.
—Do you want me to show you? —I replied, clenching my fists.
Without saying another word, we faced off in the center of the training courtyard. My grandfather assumed his usual fighting stance, and I did the same. The students who were training stopped to watch us.
We exchanged punches quickly, each of us testing the other's strength. Although my grandfather had more experience, I was trained and wasn't going to back down.
—You're always in my way… —I said, dodging one of his strikes and returning it with a punch that he easily blocked—. You never let me do anything.
—I do it for your own good, kid —he replied, throwing a kick that I barely managed to dodge—. Instead of complaining, you should work hard and prepare for when you grow up.
—That hero's path stuff is all fantasy! —he added, blocking my next attack and pushing me back—. Life isn't like the stories, Jiro.
I was fed up with hearing him say the same thing over and over. That attitude of denying everything I dreamed of made my blood boil.
—You don't decide what I should do with my life! —I yelled, charging at him with all my strength. Our hands clashed, and for a moment it seemed like we were evenly matched—. I'm not going to sit here watching everything happen and waste my life like you did.
My grandfather frowned when he heard my words. His eyes reflected a mix of surprise and anger. He didn't respond immediately, but instead launched another blow that I barely managed to block.
—If that's what you think… then show me you can be more than just a dreamer —he said, stepping back and adopting a more aggressive stance.
The students around us murmured, surprised by the intensity of the fight. It wasn't just training anymore, it had turned into a true confrontation between two generations.
I knew it wouldn't be easy to convince my grandfather, but I wasn't going to give up. If I wanted to show him that I was capable of following my own path, I'd have to do it my way. And this battle was just the beginning.
The ground still trembled slightly after the last exchange of blows. I rolled to my feet, panting, while the crowd continued to gather around the training courtyard. It had been an intense fight, but I wasn't about to give up. Not until I got my spear back.
At that moment, Ryoku, the academy's best student, walked in calmly. His presence always drew attention; he was respected by everyone due to his great talent and skill. Seeing the commotion, he set his things aside and approached a nearby student.
—What's going on here? —he asked, raising an eyebrow.
—Jiro and the master are fighting —the student replied, excited—. And the fight is pretty intense!
—Jiro? —Ryoku repeated, puzzled—. But why?
Without waiting for an answer, he nimbly leapt off the walls to a higher position where he could observe better. His eyes fixed on me just as I charged at my grandfather, my fists wrapped in crimson magic.
—You asked for it —I said, letting the magic flow through my hands, creating a reddish, glowing aura.
My grandfather paused for a moment, surprised.
—Crimson magic? —he murmured—. Jiro... since when do you know how to use this? I don't remember teaching you crimson magic.
—Of course you don't know —I replied angrily—. Because you've always underestimated me for not having talent like you.
I didn't give him a chance to respond. I charged again, covering my fists with crimson energy as we exchanged blows at high speed. My grandfather blocked each of my attacks with surprising ease, but I wasn't about to stop.
—That doesn't matter now... —I said through gritted teeth—. Fight me, and give me back my spear!
A passionate smile appeared on my grandfather's face.
—Now I understand, Jiro... —he said, activating his lightning magic. His body began to glow with electrical sparks, and the air around us filled with tension—. Alright, I'll show you what it means to be a true warrior.
We both charged once more. The whole courtyard vibrated with the impact of our blows. I attacked with all my strength, letting my anger guide me, but my grandfather remained much faster and more experienced.
—I'm impressed, Jiro... —he said, dodging one of my punches—. But, as I said, you have much more to learn.
In one last attempt, I gathered all my crimson magic into a single fist and hurled it directly at him. It was my best move, my last resort. But just as it was about to reach him, my grandfather vanished in a flash of electricity, reappearing in front of me in the blink of an eye.
—Time to swim, kid.
Before I could react, he hit me with an electric shove that sent me flying through the air. I felt the cold impact of the water as I crashed into the pond at the courtyard's edge.
From above, Ryoku watched the whole thing with a look of disdain.
—Still a talentless fool... —he muttered under his breath, disappointed—. I don't know why I got excited about him.
The murmurs from the crowd came quickly.
—Ha! He couldn't take it at all. —What a disappointment, I thought he was finally going to achieve something.
I heard every word as the water chilled around me. My gaze darkened, the weight of wounded pride heavier than any blow I had received. I felt humiliated.
My grandfather, standing at the edge of the pond, looked at me with a serious expression.
—You should go back home to your mother —he said firmly—. She might need help.
I didn't answer. Slowly, I rose from the water, drenched, my gaze still lowered, and walked away in silence. I had lost, but more than that, I had felt the indifference of everyone, even my own grandfather.
I came home earlier than usual. The journey felt endless, and with every step I took, I felt the weight of defeat and humiliation crushing me more and more. My soaked clothes clung to my body, but I didn't care at all. I entered the house without saying much, hoping Mom wouldn't notice anything strange.
—Jiro, you're back early from the academy… Are you okay? —Her voice sounded worried, just like when she noticed something was off with me.
I tried to sound calm.
—Yeah… don't worry. —I paused and added—: I'm going to my room. If you need me, call me, Mom.
—Why are you all wet? —she asked when I was already heading up the stairs.
I didn't answer her. I didn't want to talk about what had happened. I just wanted to lock myself in my room and be alone for a while. When I got there, I closed the door behind me and let out a long sigh. I quickly changed clothes and went to the window. The night sky was clear, and the four moons shone high above.
"The four moons have always been there… always together, like you used to say, Dad," I thought as I gazed at the night scenery.
When I was little, Dad used to explain the meaning of the moons to me. He said each one represented an aspect of the spirit and will of people. Those words were engraved in my memory, and even though years have passed since he disappeared, I haven't stopped thinking about him.
—Dad, no matter what happens, I'll find you —I murmured, clenching my fists tightly—. No matter what, I'm willing to cross any rift. I'll protect people, just like you always taught me.
I raised my fist to the sky, silently swearing.
—I promise, Dad. I'll work hard until I make it.
—Jiro, dinner's ready! —Mom's voice brought me back to reality.
I took a deep breath, feeling a little more at peace.
—Yes, Boss, I'm coming! —I replied, trying to sound more cheerful.
I went downstairs to the kitchen and sat next to them. The food was hot, and the smell made me realize how hungry I was. Mom talked about her day and asked questions that I answered with a smile. I didn't want to worry her any more. Somehow, being with her always made me feel better, even if just for a little while.
Grandpa didn't say much during dinner, but I noticed he kept glancing at me from time to time. I don't know what he was thinking, but I didn't care. I kept eating, talking to Mom, and joking as if nothing had happened.
Still, by the way he looked at me, I knew something was on his mind. Maybe he was thinking about what happened at the academy, or maybe something else.
The night was calm in the small village. The dusty streets were deserted, and the soft snores of street dogs mixed with the occasional meow of a cat. Silence enveloped every corner, interrupted only by the rustling of leaves dragged by the nocturnal wind.
The four moons illuminated the world with their mystical beauty: the blue, the yellow, the red, and the white, creating a spectacle that seemed straight out of a dream.
In the room, I snored deeply, unaware of what was happening in a plane far beyond the physical. A higher plane, an infinite and floating place, where countless fragments, like worlds, fissures in reality, stretched into the inaccessible, while also separating worlds.
There, in that plane that transcended space and time, stood a spiritual and majestic kingdom, wrapped in a dense and solemn atmosphere. Spirits floated, and strange-shaped creatures wandered through its vast corridors.
At the center of that kingdom, the Genshurei named Jin, whom I had faced with the spear, knelt, trembling in the presence of a being whose silhouette could barely be distinguished. Only its feet were visible, wrapped in a dark, powerful, and imposing aura.
—Tell me, Jin... —the being's voice resonated like a muffled thunder—, what happened? Why have you returned so soon with bad news?
—M-Master... —Jin stammered, trembling with fear—, I'm sorry... there was a little inconvenience. When we opened the Daiketsu in one of the worlds we found, a boy appeared... a hybrid, half Oni, half human.
The dark figure leaned slightly forward, showing interest. —A hybrid? And who was that boy? How did he defeat you?
Jin swallowed hard, sweating profusely. —Y-Yes, Master, but... he had a spear... a strange spear, with immense power. It could absorb the fissures in reality and repair space and time. I don't know what happened, but... he was able to hurt me...
The being released an imposing aura, making the air vibrate around it, including the entire infinite Kingdom.
—How did a simple child do that, if you're supposed to be a spirit?
—How pathetic, a simple inferior hybrid child defeats you —the being mocked Jin.
—A-And I... don't know, my lord... but what I do know is that this spear... it looks like his...
Before Jin could finish his sentence, the being raised its voice, creating a resonance that expanded throughout the plane and the kingdom.
—Silence! —The command was so imposing that Jin's body shuddered.
—Y-Yes, my lord... I'm sorry...
The being remained calm for a few seconds, then spoke in a more relaxed tone.
—I remember saying that he should not be mentioned. But putting that aside... this world you found is... interesting.
I would like to meet that boy, but before that... I want you to go back there and open another Daiketsu. This time, let it cover the entire world, not just one region.
Jin, still trembling, responded in a faint voice: —Y-Yes... of course, my lord...
However, before leaving, Jin dared to make one last request. —E-Excuse me, my great lord, but... since you've given me another mission... does that mean you'll... relieve me of the punishment?
The dark figure let out a cold, mocking laugh. —Are you giving me orders, Jin?
—N-No, no, Master! Please forgive my insolence!
The being stopped laughing and, with a firm voice, added:
—Besides, who said I would relieve you of the punishment? Before continuing, you must pay for your failure...
It extended a hand wrapped in dark energy, and suddenly, an Oni woman appeared. She was beautiful, with an imposing figure and reddish horns that glowed under the light of the plane.
—Milena, at your command, my lord —she said, bowing slightly.
Jin tried to protest, horrified. —W-Wait, Master! You said that I...
The being interrupted him coldly. —No, Jin. You won't carry out this mission. Milena will complete it. You, on the other hand, must pay...
With a simple order, shadows appeared out of nowhere and surrounded Jin. —Take him to the Tree of Pain —the being commanded.
—Nooo! —Jin screamed as the shadows dragged him away.
Milena watched everything without flinching, waiting for the next command from her master. Meanwhile, in the physical plane, far from that dark realm, something strange happened at the Kamimizu family's Sacred Temple.
The sealed spear, the one I had used against Jin, began to emit a soft hum, resonating in the silence of the night...