Rajiv stood in the training grounds, exhausted but determined. Across from him, Kazuki watched with sharp eyes.
"You have power, kid," Kazuki said. "But power without control is nothing. First lesson—control your energy."
Rajiv took a deep breath. He focused, trying to summon his energy. A golden aura flickered around his hands, but it was unstable.
"Good. Now hold it."
One hour passed.
Rajiv gritted his teeth, his body trembling. The energy flickered, then faded.
Two hours later.
Rajiv collapsed to his knees, panting. His energy was completely drained.
Kazuki sighed. "You're losing too much too fast. You need to feel your energy, not just force it out."
Rajiv clenched his fists. Feel it?
He closed his eyes, reaching deep inside himself. Then—
Something changed.
A strange warmth spread through his chest. His energy pulsed, rising uncontrollably. Suddenly, golden rays burst out from his body, flashing wildly like waves. Emotions flooded his mind—anger, determination, pain—all at once. The air around him shimmered, almost like wings of light flickered behind him for a second before vanishing.
Kazuki stepped back, shielding his face from the blast. "Tch… You really are something else."
Rajiv gasped, struggling to control himself. "What… is happening?"
Kazuki smirked. "Looks like you're at the edge of unlocking something big. But you're too unstable."
Rajiv clenched his fists. He had power—but no control.
Kazuki turned away. "If you want to master it, you need to find the right place to train. There's a competition in A1 City. If you prove yourself there, you might meet someone who can truly help you."
Rajiv's eyes narrowed. "A competition?"
Kazuki nodded. "But before that, there's somewhere else you need to go first. A place where you can start learning to control your energy."
Rajiv frowned. "Where?"
Kazuki smirked. "You'll find out soon. For now, get ready to leave."
Rajiv & Yokudo's Conversation
Rajiv and Yokudo walked together, discussing their plans.
"Rajiv, I need to pack my things," Yokudo said. "But honestly… I feel trapped."
Rajiv raised an eyebrow. "Trapped? What do you mean?"
Yokudo sighed. "My father never allowed me to do things like this—fighting, leaving home… If I tell him, he won't let me go. I think I'll have to run away."
Rajiv frowned. "You're really going to run from home?"
Yokudo hesitated. "I don't know… Maybe this is my only chance to prove myself."
Rajiv sighed. "Let's go to my house first. Then we'll figure things out."
Rajiv Tells Sogo
Rajiv and Yokudo ran to Rajiv's home.
Sogo, Rajiv's brother, was sitting outside, sharpening a blade.
"Ooo, Rajiv," Sogo said without looking up. "You look like you've got something to say."
Rajiv took a deep breath. "Brother, I have to go."
Sogo stopped sharpening. "Go? Where?"
Rajiv explained everything—his training, Kazuki's advice, the competition in A1 City.
Sogo listened quietly. Then, after a moment, he nodded. "If this is what you need to do, then do it."
Rajiv blinked. "You're not going to stop me?"
Sogo smirked. "You're my brother, Rajiv. If you want to become stronger, I won't stand in your way."
Rajiv felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, brother."
Sogo stood up. "But if you're going, then you better not waste this chance."
Rajiv nodded.
He and Yokudo packed their things and left.
Journey to A1 City
As they rode toward A1 City, Rajiv stared out at the horizon.
A new chapter of his life was beginning.
He clenched his fists.
This time… I won't fail