The cool morning breeze swept through the forest, gently rustling the leaves as I leapt from tree to tree with speed, moving like a shadow between the branches. My goal was clear: the hill of the sacred temple, where my grandfather had sealed the spear I longed to recover. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but this time I had a good feeling.
When I arrived at the temple, I quietly opened the large wooden doors. The inside was dark and solemn, and the scent of old incense lingered in the air. I moved swiftly, sticking close to the walls and advancing with precise movements, like a spider silently gliding through its web. I knew exactly where to go: the room where the spear was sealed.
Upon reaching the room, I saw the box in the center. My heart raced, but I didn't hesitate for a second. I leaped straight toward the box, extending my hand as I whispered excitedly:
—Finally, I have you, amazing spear!
Suddenly, I felt something under my feet, and before I realized it, I was falling face-first to the ground. With a sharp thud, I found myself lying there, as the sound of soft laughter filled the temple. Looking up, I saw my grandfather standing, a mocking smile on his face.
—Nice try, Jiro —he said, crossing his arms—. This makes thirty times you've tried to take the spear... and the best part is, in each of those thirty tries, you've failed in a different way.
—No way! —I grunted as I stood up, rubbing my sore nose. Frustration mixed with a burning determination in my chest.
I glared at my grandfather, but instead of giving up, I clenched my fists and declared passionately:
—This won't stop my hero's journey.
I'll train harder! Failure is part of the process on the way to success.
Without waiting for a response, I dashed out of the temple at full speed, kicking up dust with every step. I could hear my grandfather's soft laughter behind me, but I didn't stop. This time would be different, I knew it.
As I moved away, my grandfather watched me with a calm expression and murmured to himself:
—That boy... has the spirit of a true warrior.
Hours later, I was at the academy, training intensely. I had tied five stone blocks to my back, each weighing a thousand tons. The weight was overwhelming, but I didn't care. I kept doing push-ups, each one bringing me a step closer to my goal.
I was sweating intensely, but my determination didn't waver. My mind was focused on one thing: becoming stronger, much stronger than I am now.
Nearby, Ryoku was training with his nunchucks, skillfully moving them while glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. I knew him well: he always had that arrogant expression that made it clear he didn't take me seriously.
Though this time, instead of making a comment, he murmured softly, just enough for him to hear:
—Wow… Does he really think training like that will make him different? He'll always be a dreaming fool who'll never get anywhere…
I stayed focused, ignoring any distractions. It didn't matter what others thought. I knew what I wanted, and I wouldn't let anyone stop me. The hero's path was long and full of obstacles, but I was determined to follow it to the end.
After completing my push-ups with the five stone blocks on my back, I moved on to the next phase of my training: breaking rocks with my fists.
The sound of the punches echoed across the academy's training field, accompanied by the crackling and dust that rose from each stone as it shattered.
My body was covered in sweat, but I didn't stop. Each strike was harder than the last, and even though my hands ached, I didn't care.
From a distance, I could feel Ryoku's gaze on me. He didn't like my training style, and it wasn't the first time I'd heard him murmur derogatory remarks. This time, I clearly heard him:
—Now, instead of boards, that savage is breaking rocks… Besides being a useless, talentless fool, he's an animal with no manners.
As he said this, he continued his own training, breaking bricks and boards with flawless precision and elegance. It was obvious he liked to belittle me, but I wasn't training to compete with him, I was training to push my own limits.
When I finished breaking the rocks, I moved on to the next phase: throwing spears with magic. This was an area where Ryoku always excelled.
I watched him prepare, concentrating his ice mana into each spear. With a precise movement, he hurled the spears toward the targets placed at great distance.
Each one hit dead center and, on impact, froze the target. Ryoku smiled with an air of superiority as he murmured to himself:
—Beat me at this, misfit.
I took a spear and concentrated. I felt the crimson mana flow through my body, intensifying in my hands until it completely enveloped the spear.
The energy was unstable, fiery, but I trusted my control. With a shout, I threw the spear with all my strength.
The spear not only hit the target but completely destroyed it, reducing the target to glowing fragments. The impact was so powerful that an energy wave shook the field.
Ryoku stood there, staring, stunned. For a moment, he said nothing, but his eyes reflected disbelief.
—Whattt? —he thought, gritting his teeth. He couldn't accept what he had just seen—. How is that possible?
Frustrated, he clenched his fists and murmured with restrained anger:
—Haaa, I won't let that misfit surpass me… This is war. You'll see…
Meanwhile, I simply prepared for the next throw, ignoring the tension in the air. I didn't care what Ryoku thought. There was only one thing on my mind: keep training and get stronger, no matter what.
The sun was hitting me directly, but the heat didn't bother me. I was used to sweat and fatigue.
After so many training sessions, my body saw it as something normal. I could feel my muscles tightening and becoming more defined with every movement.
I stopped for a moment, wiping the sweat from my forehead. I had worked hard, but I knew I still had a long way to go. Strength wasn't enough… not yet.
On the other side of the training field, Ryoku was training too. I watched him as he elegantly took off his shirt, as if he believed he was better than everyone.
His body was perfectly defined, and several students were admiring him. He always did everything with that arrogant attitude, as if he wanted to prove he was the best at everything.
—Is that all you've got, talentless misfit?— Ryoku said with that annoying tone he always used to provoke me.
I clenched my fists, but I didn't lose my calm. I wasn't going to let his words affect me… at least, not too much.
—We'll see about that. I don't need talent to show my worth, you skinny show-off.—
That's when Ryoku decided to kick a brick straight at me. I didn't even move; I waited for it and, with a single punch, reduced it to dust.
Ryoku's expression darkened for a moment, but I wasn't going to stop there. I grabbed a nearby bamboo stick and threw it at him with all my strength.
Without flinching, Ryoku caught it mid-air. With a superior smile, he used the bamboo as leverage, propelling himself toward me with great speed.
—You'll see, I'll teach you your place!—
I jumped back just in time to dodge his kick, but I wasn't going to let him corner me that easily. The crowd watching us began murmuring excitedly.
I could hear some shouting to cheer on Ryoku, as always. He was the best student in the academy, the perfect guy, the "talented" one. I, on the other hand, was the guy everyone underestimated.
Without thinking much, we jumped to the academy rooftop, where the fight intensified. Ryoku launched a water ball with his magic, and I responded with a crimson fireball.
The two magics collided in mid-air, raising a light mist of steam. I didn't give myself time to think; I advanced toward him, but Ryoku, always quick, blocked my strike and counterattacked with an ice-covered punch.
—Ice, huh…— I muttered between clenched teeth, concentrating my crimson mana into my arm to absorb his attack.
The impact made us both take a few steps back. My heart was racing, but I wasn't going to stop.
I couldn't let Ryoku have the last word. The crowd below us kept cheering him on, which only increased my desire to prove them wrong about me.
I closed my eyes for a second and began to gather all the crimson energy I had, concentrating it in my right fist.
I could see how Ryoku did the same, wrapping his fist in an ice sphere. We both knew what was coming. We launched at each other, ready to give everything in that final blow…
But then, something stopped us. I felt an electric shock running through my body before I could react. I was sent flying through the air and fell directly into the fish pond.
—No… not again…— I muttered as the cold water drenched me completely.
From the other side, Ryoku got up, visibly stunned, having landed on a pile of sacks of dust.
—Master!— he exclaimed, with a mix of respect and surprise in his voice.
I turned to see who had stopped us, and it didn't surprise me at all.
—A... Grandpa...— I said, resigned.
There he was, standing with his arms crossed and that stern look he only used when he was really upset.
—It's forbidden for you two to fight unless it's part of a training approved by your superior or a tournament,— he said in his imposing voice.
He looked around, fixing his gaze on the crowd of students still watching us.
—And what are you all looking at? Get back to your training!— he commanded with a shout that made everyone scatter immediately, terrified.
Then, he turned back to look at Ryoku and me. His expression didn't show anger, but rather something akin to exhaustion.
—You two, come with me.—
I stood up, still drenched, and walked behind him, exchanging a quick glance with Ryoku.
Neither of us said anything, but it was clear this wasn't over. Even if they punished us, even if they made us do a thousand exercises, our rivalry was just beginning.
—He started it first! —I complained, pointing at Ryoku with frustration.
—That's a lie, you were the one who provoked first! —he responded, as always, arrogantly and with that attitude that drove me crazy.
Grandfather, arms crossed, looked at us with an expression that mixed patience and weariness. —You will stay here until nightfall reciting the rules of magic. And starting tomorrow, you will clean the dojos for three days. No exceptions.
He sighed deeply before walking away. He didn't say anything else, it wasn't necessary. We were stuck in a boring punishment, and the worst part was that I had to spend hours next to Ryoku.
Time passed slowly. The night had fallen, and with the four moons shining in the sky, we continued reciting the damned rules of magic, one after another, without stopping.
The exhaustion was starting to take its toll, and the boredom was unbearable. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I finished reciting one of the last rules and couldn't help but sigh, tired.
—This is all your fault —I muttered, glancing sideways at Ryoku—. If you weren't so arrogant and lost in your own world, none of this would've happened.
Ryoku looked at me with disdain, as if he was above all of this. —I have nothing to do with this. You're the one who always damages the dojo's reputation with your nonsense and those ridiculous delusions of being a hero.
His comment irritated me, but I tried to stay calm. —That has nothing to do with you —I replied—. If you're so proud of your abilities, why would you even pay attention to someone like me? It doesn't make sense.
Ryoku gritted his teeth, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the right words. Finally, he spoke, though his tone remained harsh. —It's just that you…
I looked at him, waiting. Finally, after a moment of silence, I said: —I don't know why you hate me so much. We used to be really good friends. Everything changed when you met my father, but when I turned eleven, you started pulling away from me.
Ryoku went silent for a second. His eyes darkened, and finally, he spoke, this time with a mixture of shame and annoyance.
—That happened because you started embarrassing me with your stupid ideals. Back then, you were the laughingstock of the village, and I was included… that's why I had to distance myself from you. —He closed his eyes tightly, as if he hated himself for admitting it, and shouted—: And I'm not ashamed of it!
Despite his words, I didn't feel resentment. On the contrary, I felt relieved. —Thank goodness... I thought you hated me for something worse. —I finished reciting the last of the rules and relaxed a little.
Ryoku also finished, and although he was still upset, he let out a small sigh of exhaustion. —You're really strange…
---
It was already late when we finished and left the dojo. The four moons illuminated the entire village with a silver glow.
As we walked toward our homes, the murmurs of some villagers still awake could be heard.
The silence lasted for a while, until Ryoku finally spoke: —Hey, Jiro, look… next time I…
But he couldn't finish. Something interrupted us suddenly: the sky cracked open into hundreds of bright fissures, as if the very air itself were breaking into pieces. My body tensed instantly. I knew exactly what that meant.
—Not again… —I murmured, feeling a chill run down my spine.
The village bells began to ring loudly, and a ritual Oni guard shouted urgently: —Danger alert! Danger alert! Another void wound phenomenon has occurred! These are Daiketsu-class fissures. Go to your homes immediately!
The villagers began to run in all directions, seeking refuge. The fissures hadn't just opened here; I could feel it in the air... this was happening all over the world. From the neighboring kingdoms to the farthest lands, Daiketsu-class fissures were appearing everywhere.
I didn't stay to listen anymore. I turned on my heels and ran toward my house. —Jiro, wait! —Ryoku shouted, but I didn't stop. I couldn't stop.
As I ran, something in the sky caught my attention. From one of the largest fissures emerged an impressive figure: an Oni, beautiful and majestic, with shining armor and elegant horns that looked like crystal. Her presence was imposing, and her gaze conveyed a mix of serenity and danger.
—Well… —she said with a soft but firm voice—. Time to fulfill the mission.
I felt my heart pounding fiercely in my chest. I knew what was about to come wouldn't be easy.
I ran as fast as my legs would allow, zigzagging through the streets of the village, now immersed in chaos.
The void fissures opened everywhere, and the guards fought with all their might to close them while keeping the villagers safe. Everything was a disaster. Suddenly, I noticed someone running beside me.
—Why are you following me? —I asked Ryoku, who kept pace with me.
—I'm not following you —he replied with disdain, as if he didn't care about any of this—. I'm just going to see if I can help with anything.
I ignored him, focusing on getting home as quickly as possible. Around us, monsters and evil spirits emerged from smaller fissures, categorized as Shuketsu.
Some were a deep red, while others were as dark as night, with twisted horns and long claws that gleamed under the moons' light. The guards were struggling to contain these creatures, protecting the terrified villagers.
Suddenly, we ran into the grandfather. He was in the midst of the chaos, giving orders to the guards while preparing a ritual to close the fissures. When he saw us, he frowned.
—What are you kids doing out here at this hour? Who sent you to go out?
Ryoku, always impulsive, shouted at him:
—You're the reason we're still out here! You made us stay reciting the rules!
—That doesn't matter now —I intervened, trying to calm things down—. We need to hurry and close the fissures. There are two categories: Shuketsu, the smaller ones, and Daiketsu, which are much more advanced and dangerous.
The grandfather looked at us seriously.
—You'd better go home. I'll take care of this.
Without saying anything more, he continued his way toward the center of the village, where the situation seemed even worse. However, Ryoku turned toward me.
—Well, I'm going to find my father, who is among the guards. I'll see what I can do.
I watched him leave as I headed toward the guards' headquarters. It was still complete chaos. The screams of the villagers and the sounds of clashes filled the air. When I arrived at the headquarters, I noticed something strange.
—This is odd… —I muttered—. Why hasn't Ryoku arrived yet?
A bad feeling settled in. I stood still for a moment, listening to the surroundings, until I heard a blood-curdling scream in the distance. It was Ryoku's voice. My body tensed, and without thinking twice, I ran toward the sound.
When I reached the place, I saw him. Ryoku was on the ground, beaten and covered in scratches. In front of him, floating over a cart pulled by two monsters and supported by red clouds, was an Oni. She was imposing, wearing shiny armor, and had two elegant horns that looked like they were made of crystal.
—Ryoku! —I shouted, running toward him.
The Oni turned toward me, her eyes gleaming with a mix of interest and amusement.
—Well, well… —she said, examining me from head to toe—. Let's see, short, messy hair, foolish face… Oni horns, but round ears like a human's.
Wait, you're the mestizo Jin described to me… So, you're that kid with the spear. —She let out a mocking laugh—. I can't believe it. Jin was defeated by a random kid?
I looked at her, confused.
—Hey… do we know each other?
—Of course we do —she replied with a sarcastic smile—. My name is Milena, captain of the spiritual army. And I'm sorry to say, but I'm going to have to kill you. I can't allow you to ruin my mission.
With that, she drew two katanas that began to emit an intense spiritual energy. I took a defensive stance, trying to stay calm, though my mind was full of questions.
—What mission? —I asked, trying to buy some time.
—They say you guys use magic in this world… I want to see what you're capable of —Milena replied, slowly advancing toward me.
Before I could react, I heard Ryoku growl behind me.
—Jiro, damn it! Why do you always have to get involved in everything? Get out of here, I don't need you! I can handle this on my own.
I glanced at him. He was injured but still trying to stay on his feet, with that proud attitude of his. I gritted my teeth, ignoring his words. I stood between him and Milena, taking a combat stance.
—Sorry, Ryoku… —I said, without taking my eyes off the Oni—. But I can't leave you alone in this.
Milena smiled, her katanas shining under the moons' light.
—Let's see if the mestizo kid has what it takes to survive.
Milena advanced quickly toward me, with a fierce look that would freeze anyone in their tracks. She dismounted from her carriage with two katanas in hand and pointed them at me while narrowing her eyes.
—I'm going to slice you —she said in a cold, determined voice. There was no time to hesitate.
—Damn it! —I muttered as I prepared to dodge her.
Ryoku, injured a few meters away, stared at me. I could see the usual disdain and frustration on his face. "He always wants to play the hero... he's going to end up dead," I thought. I knew he disagreed with what I was doing, but I wasn't going to leave him behind.
I jumped toward Milena and launched a kick with all my strength, but she easily blocked it. With a fluid movement of her katanas, she unleashed a wave that cut through the air in front of me, and for a moment, the space tore open, creating a rift. I don't know how, but I managed to dodge the attack and retreated toward Ryoku.
—I can't get close to her like this… —I thought, panting. She was too fast, too skilled, and clearly more experienced than me. "She surpasses me in everything... but before thinking about that, I have to get Ryoku out of here. If I keep fighting, he'll be in danger."
I lifted him, supporting him on my shoulder, but he reacted with anger.
—Let me go, I don't need your help, misfit!
—Now's not the time for that, Ryoku! —I responded, irritated.
Before I could say anything more, Milena interrupted with a mocking smile.
—Hey, you two... don't ignore me.
Before I could react, she launched another attack. The wave hit us, and we were both sent flying into the forest. The impact left us both injured. I got up as best I could; the pain in my body was unbearable. Ryoku was worse, but when I tried to help him, he shoved me away roughly.
—What's wrong with you, Ryoku?! If you keep this up, we'll both die! —I shouted, furious.
—I'd rather die than accept your help! —he responded, his voice filled with rage and something else... something I didn't fully understand.
Milena was running toward us, but before she could reach us, a familiar figure appeared suddenly: my grandfather, surrounded by an electric magic aura.
—Are you alright? —he asked firmly.
—Yes... —we both responded almost in unison.
Milena looked at him with disdain.
—Who are you, old man?
Without waiting for a reply, she lunged at him with both katanas, and the battle began. My grandfather fought with all his power, but Milena was too strong. Blow after blow, I watched as he started to be overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, Ryoku and I kept arguing.
—Didn't you learn anything at the academy? —I said, trying to stay calm.
—You always have to draw attention with your stupidity, —he snapped. His words hurt more than any injury.
—Why are you talking about that now? Don't you see the situation we're in? —I responded, frustrated.
—Let me speak! —he shouted, his eyes filled with rage. "I never understood it... why you? Even though you're not talented or skilled, you always manage to stand out. People appreciate you, but me... I never felt that way. I don't know, I started seeing you as someone I had to surpass, someone I had to teach a lesson. But despite everything, you always kept going even when it seemed like you had no chance... why?"
I looked at him, surprised. I never imagined he felt this way.
—Ryoku… I don't know what to say. I always knew you were better than me, in everything. But still, I never gave up, because... —I paused, recalling all the effort I had put in over the years— because I know that at the end of this thorny path, there will be a spring of glory. No matter how much it hurts, no matter how much blood... I have to keep going.
Ryoku looked at me in silence, and for the first time, I saw something different in his eyes. Admiration?
My grandfather's shout snapped me out of my thoughts. He was on the ground, injured. Milena looked down at him, panting.
—Well, old man, I'm done with you.
Then she looked up to the sky, where the cracks, the Daiketsu, spread like open wounds.
Without thinking, I raised my hands and shouted with all my strength:
—I will protect this world, no matter what! And I'll find my father!
Suddenly, a crimson flash crossed the sky, heading straight for me. I felt a strange heat when the spear landed in my hands. Instantly, my wounds began to heal, and marks like cat's lines appeared on my cheeks. My eyes turned bright red, and I felt a power I had never experienced before. Even my horns were glowing.
—This is... incredible! —I said, noticing that I could now fly.
Milena, frustrated, launched cuts that tore through the space, but I easily dodged them, responding with crimson blasts. The battle was fierce, but this time, I had the advantage. With a precise strike, I destroyed her two katanas, and her power disappeared instantly.
—It's over —I told her, pointing the spear at her.
Milena looked at me with fear, panting.
—Forget the mission... I'm not dying here.
With a whistle, she called her carriage and tried to escape. I couldn't let her go.
—Wait, Milena! —I shouted as I followed her, but she refused to speak. Only when I cornered her did she admit her mission:
—We opened the Daiketsu to absorb the life energy of the world. In less than a year, your world will be on the brink of destruction.
—What? —I asked, incredulous.
Without saying more, she tried to escape through a crack, but I didn't let her. Filled with determination, I threw my spear, causing the crack to explode. Though the carriage managed to enter, Milena was sent flying.
When I landed with my grandfather and Ryoku, the spear absorbed and closed all the cracks. I felt an enormous weight on my shoulders.
—I can't stay here… —I said softly.
They both looked at me in silence.
—I have to go.