The sound of rapid footsteps echoed through the mountain as the five warriors sprinted upward. Despite their injuries, exhaustion, and lingering pain, they refused to slow down. Their resolve burned stronger than their aching muscles.
At the very peak of the mountain, Renjiro Kurogane stood, unmoving. His white cloak swayed gently in the wind, his back turned to them as he gazed out into the distance.
Without even looking, his voice cut through the cold air.
Renjiro:
"You're much slower than I expected."
The five finally reached the peak, barely able to stand. Their chests heaved as sweat dripped down their faces.
Seth forced himself to straighten and took a step forward.
Seth:
"I apologize."
Renjiro turned slightly, his sharp gaze landing on Seth. After a moment, he walked up to him.
Renjiro:
"Good. Now, let's get started. Follow me."
Without another word, he turned and began walking down the mountain.
The five exchanged confused glances.
Dante:
"Wait... are we going the wrong way?"
Before anyone could question further, Renjiro spoke again.
Renjiro:
"Pick up the pace."
They hesitated for only a second before quickening their steps.
Again, Renjiro's voice rang out.
Renjiro:
"Pick up the pace."
This time, his own speed increased, forcing them to move even faster.
Again.
And again.
Each time he picked up the pace, they had to push themselves harder.
Before long, they were sprinting down the mountain at breakneck speed. Their lungs burned, their legs screamed, but Renjiro remained ahead of them-moving effortlessly, not even breaking a sweat.
He wasn't just running.
He was gliding.
His movements were so smooth, so refined, that he looked as though he was floating rather than sprinting.
The five struggled to keep up, their bodies pushed to their limits.
Then, suddenly-Renjiro stopped.
Their legs gave out, and they collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily, sweat pouring down their bodies.
They could barely move.
Renjiro turned to look at them, his gaze unreadable.
Renjiro:
"This is where your training begins."
The five could barely lift their heads, their exhaustion too great.
Renjiro:
"You have five minutes to recover."
It felt like an instant.
No sooner had they caught their breath than Renjiro called out.
Renjiro:
"Seth."
Seth, still exhausted, lifted his head to meet Renjiro's gaze.
Renjiro:
"Come here."
Slowly, Seth forced himself up, his legs trembling slightly. He left the others behind and approached Renjiro.
Renjiro studied him for a moment before speaking.
Renjiro:
"You are strong. Stronger than them."
Seth's eyes widened slightly. He already knew he was strong-but hearing it from Renjiro Kurogane himself carried a different weight.
Then, Renjiro's gaze hardened.
Renjiro:
"But what you lack is control."
Seth stiffened.
Renjiro:
"You lose control when you're angry. That is your greatest weakness."
Seth's fists clenched at the words, but he didn't deny them.
Renjiro's eyes sharpened as he continued.
Renjiro:
"When I sensed that demon with the hard body, I could tell... you were stronger than him."
Seth's breath caught in his throat.
Renjiro:
"But without control... what is the purpose of such strength?"
Seth lowered his head, his mind racing.
He remembered his battles-how he let his anger take over, how he fought recklessly, how he almost lost himself.
He had power, but he never truly mastered it.
Renjiro took a step closer.
Renjiro:
"I will teach you control."
Seth looked up at him, his expression shifting into something more determined.
Seth:
"Please... teach me."
Renjiro didn't say anything at first. Instead, he turned, walking a few steps away before motioning for Seth to follow.
Once they reached a quiet spot, Renjiro sat down on the ground, crossing his legs.
Renjiro:
"Sit."
Seth hesitated but obeyed, sitting in front of him.
Renjiro held out his hand.
Renjiro:
"Meditate."
Seth blinked.
Seth:
"Wait... what?"
Renjiro's gaze didn't waver.
Renjiro:
"You will meditate until you can see this."
He lifted his hand slightly, and for a split second, Seth saw something strange.
A faint energy-barely visible, almost like a shimmer of air-surrounded Renjiro's hand.
Seth squinted.
Seth:
"What... is that?"
Renjiro closed his hand and answered.
Renjiro:
"Ki."
Seth's confusion deepened.
Seth:
"Ki?"
Renjiro nodded.
Renjiro:
"Ki is the life energy within all living things. It flows through us, strengthens us, and fuels our abilities. Without mastering it, you will always be limited."
Seth frowned but nodded.
Seth:
"And I can learn to control it?"
Renjiro smirked slightly.
Renjiro:
"Not just control it. Master it. But it will take time."
Seth's determination flared.
Seth:
"Alright... I'll do it."
Renjiro nodded in approval.
Renjiro:
"Then let's begin."
And so, Seth closed his eyes, taking his first step toward true mastery.
---
Renjiro turned to Yor, his sharp gaze cutting through the silence. Without a word, he motioned for her to approach.
Renjiro: "Yor."
She got up quickly, walking toward him, her sword still sheathed at her side. Her boots crunched against the dirt, the soft sound mingling with the distant echoes of the waterfall.
Renjiro: "What you need to learn is precision."
Yor blinked in confusion, tilting her head slightly.
Renjiro: "I've noticed that while you can wield your sword well, you don't always use it correctly. Your strikes lack the focus needed to maximize your power."
Yor's brow furrowed slightly, but she said nothing, waiting for his next words.
Renjiro: "Come with me."
He turned and started walking, with Yor following closely behind. After a few moments, they reached a clearing near a massive waterfall. The water crashed down with thunderous force, mist spraying in the air. Renjiro nodded toward the waterfall.
Renjiro: "Show me one of your strongest sword techniques."
Without hesitation, Yor raised her sword, focusing her energy into the strike. She swung it with all her might, releasing a powerful arc of air with her blade. The water of the waterfall paused for a split second, the force of the blow halting its flow before it came crashing back down with a mighty roar.
Yor looked back at Renjiro, expecting some sign of approval, but his expression remained neutral-unimpressed.
Renjiro: "Not bad. But watch closely."
He picked up a stick from the ground, its simple appearance making it seem like an ordinary object. Renjiro held it like a sword, stepping forward with focused intent. Then, in a single swift movement, he swung the stick in the exact same motion she had, but the results were far more dramatic. The water of the waterfall didn't just halt-it split into two perfectly clean halves. The same happened with the lake beneath, the water dividing with a sharp, precise cut.
Yor's eyes widened in shock. She had spent months working on that technique, and Renjiro had executed it effortlessly with a simple stick.
Renjiro: "You need to learn to strike the right area. It's not about how hard you swing or the size of your move. It's about precision."
He paused, giving her a firm look.
Renjiro: "Until you can see the right target with your eyes and strike exactly where it needs to be, keep going."
Yor's gaze followed him as he began to walk away, his words lingering in her mind. His movements had been flawless, and what he had achieved so effortlessly seemed like an impossible task for her. Months of hard work couldn't compare to the ease with which Renjiro had split the water.
As she stood there, lost in thought, the admiration for his skill grew within her. He was a master-a true swordsman who made even the most difficult feats seem simple. His precision was unmatched, and she could feel her own resolve growing stronger.
Yor unsheathed her sword, her fingers tightening around the hilt. She wouldn't let this moment pass without giving it everything she had. With each swing, she focused more and more on finding the exact point where her sword needed to land. She wasn't sure yet how to find it, but she would not stop until she did.
Renjiro had shown her a new way to think about her training. Now, it was her turn to master it.
Renjiro turned his gaze to Lira, his eyes cold yet full of purpose.
Renjiro: "Lira."
She snapped out of her thoughts, meeting his gaze. Instead of speaking, she simply nodded and walked toward him.
Renjiro: "You're strong. I can tell that much. But, strength alone isn't enough."
Lira looked at him, her brow furrowing.
Renjiro: "You have the most firepower out of the four of you. But what's the point if that fire only consumes you?"
She looked down, the words weighing heavily on her heart. The flame within her burned hotter than the others, but that same fire had always been difficult to control. She clenched her fists at her sides, her internal struggle reflected in her expression.
Renjiro turned and began to walk, leading her forward.
Renjiro: "Follow me."
She trailed behind, determined but nervous about what lay ahead. The path was narrow, the air thick with the scent of earth and smoke. After a short walk, they reached a darkened cave, its entrance wide and inviting. The echoes of distant sounds bounced off the stone walls, adding to the eerie atmosphere. She stepped inside, her senses heightened.
Then, Lira's eyes widened in shock. There, in the center of the cave, was a massive hole in the ground. The gaping abyss was filled with molten lava, glowing a fierce orange that reflected the cave's dim light. The heat was intense, even from a distance. She instinctively took a step back.
Renjiro's voice cut through her thoughts.
Renjiro: "This is where you'll learn to master your flames. You will become as one with the fire."
Lira's heart raced as she took a few steps closer to the hole. The lava seemed to mock her. Her flames were fierce, but they'd never been as powerful as this. Could she really learn to control them? Could she become stronger than the molten fury below?
Renjiro: "I want you to be hotter than that lava."
Lira's gaze flickered between him and the bubbling lava. She swallowed hard, determination rising within her. She nodded, her fire flickering to life within her chest.
Renjiro: "Try it."
Without another word, Renjiro turned and walked away, leaving Lira standing at the edge of the hole. The silence pressed in on her as she stared into the lava. Her mind raced, the words echoing in her head. Hotter than the lava... But how?
A rush of heat surged through her, her own flames igniting as the pressure built inside her. She knew her fire could be wild, uncontrollable at times, but this-this was a test.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she clutched her hands into fists.
Lira (whispering to herself): I have to be stronger. I have to control it.
With a scream of effort, she charged forward, leaping into the air. Her body became a blur of fire, her heart burning with fierce intensity. As she fell toward the lava, she pushed herself, willing her flames to surpass the heat below her.
And then, she plunged into the molten lava. The eruption of heat swallowed her whole as her body was consumed by the burning abyss.
The cave fell silent.
Renjiro turned his gaze to Dante, his calm demeanor contrasting with the overwhelming pressure that seemed to emanate from him. It was the kind of presence that could make anyone feel small, yet Renjiro remained composed as ever.
Renjiro: "Dante."
Dante stood up, his eyes immediately meeting Renjiro's, but there was something about Renjiro's calmness that made him feel unsettled. He tried to shake it off, but the quiet intensity from Renjiro lingered in the air.
Renjiro: "I can tell you're strong."
Dante straightened up, a small smirk forming on his face, but Renjiro's next words wiped it away almost immediately.
Renjiro: "But what you need to learn is humbleness."
Dante's brow furrowed as he stared at Renjiro in confusion.
Renjiro: "You're too cocky. Too greedy. Always reaching for more without understanding when to stop."
The words stung, but Dante didn't speak back. He was proud of his abilities, his strength, but now Renjiro had cast doubt on the very thing that made him feel secure.
Renjiro: "Come with me."
Without waiting for a response, Renjiro turned and began walking. Dante hesitated for a moment, unsure what to expect, but then followed suit, keeping his pace steady to match Renjiro
They walked for some time, the scenery changing as they passed through thick trees and dense brush. After a while, they arrived at a clearing that seemed oddly serene. There were animals scattered across the landscape-deer grazing, rabbits hopping, birds perched in trees.
Dante raised an eyebrow, confused. This wasn't what he expected. Where was the intense training? Where was the challenge?
Renjiro: "You will befriend these animals."
Dante blinked, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.
Dante: "Huh?"
Renjiro didn't answer, walking a few steps forward. He crouched down and gently extended his hand toward a wild deer grazing nearby. To Dante's surprise, the deer didn't run off. Instead, it calmly allowed Renjiro's hand to touch it, even nudging him slightly, as if trusting him completely.
Dante watched, feeling a mixture of frustration and disbelief. He couldn't help but feel like this was beneath him. What was the point of this? It was absurd.
Renjiro: "You need to learn patience, Dante. You need to know when to act. Strength isn't about overwhelming your opponent with power-it's about knowing when to hold back, when to show restraint."
Dante clenched his fists, his pride taking a hit with each word Renjiro spoke. As Renjiro stood up and began walking away, he added one last comment.
Renjiro: "Until your soul is as peaceful as the sky, you will not grow stronger."
The weight of those words settled on Dante like a heavy stone, but he refused to let it show. He couldn't let Renjiro see his frustration. Not here, not now.
As Renjiro moved further away, Dante stood still for a moment, grinding his teeth in anger. He finally let out a sharp breath and stomped his foot in annoyance.
Dante (muttering to himself): "The only thing I have to do is befriend these stupid animals? Fine..."
Determined to prove something, Dante walked toward the same deer Renjiro had befriended. He crouched down, trying to be gentle, but his impatience was evident. His voice sounded more forced than calm.
Dante: "Come here, deary, deary..."
But before he could get any closer, the deer snorted and, with a swift movement, kicked Dante square in the face. The force of the impact sent him stumbling backward, landing hard on the ground with a grunt of frustration.
Dante: "What the hell?!"
He yelled in anger as the deer calmly trotted off into the forest. Dante quickly sprang to his feet, his pride wounded more than his body. Without thinking, he began running after the deer.
Dante (yelling as he ran): "Come back here, you stupid animal! Get back here!"
His voice echoed across the clearing, but the deer was already too far gone, leaving Dante alone, yelling into the wind.
Renjiro turned to Mira, the small gray-haired girl who had been standing quietly among the others. Her eyes were downcast, a hint of hesitation in her stance. He called her name, his voice calm but direct.
Renjiro: "Mira."
She looked up, but there was a subtle shift in her gaze, the vulnerability clear. She walked toward him, her steps unsure, and stopped in front of him, waiting for what he would say next.
Renjiro: "You are the weakest out of all of them."
Mira flinched at his words, her shoulders slumping. She avoided his eyes, the weight of his statement sinking deep within her. She knew it was true, but hearing it out loud hurt all the same.
Renjiro: "You can't fight. You're always afraid, always relying on your friends to protect you."
She nodded slightly, looking down at the ground. It was painful to hear, but she couldn't deny it. She'd always been afraid, always hesitated in the face of danger.
Renjiro: "What you need is to learn how to be brave."
Without another word, Renjiro reached out, gently grabbing Mira by the wrist and pulling her a short distance away. He released her once they were far enough, then moved off again. His pace was steady, almost effortless, and he continued walking without a second glance back, leading her farther from the others.
Renjiro: "Follow me."
He led her a distance of about 3 kilometers, the journey feeling longer with each step Mira took, her thoughts racing. When they finally stopped, Renjiro turned to face her, a few meters away, and motioned for her to come closer.
Renjiro: "Come to me. Tap my shoulder."
Mira was confused, unsure why he wanted her to do this, but she obeyed, stepping forward tentatively. As she approached, her heart began to race, and she felt a strange presence-a cold, unnerving feeling creeping up her spine. Something was wrong.
Just as her hand reached toward his shoulder, Renjiro suddenly released a stone-cold killing intent directed right at her.
Mira froze, her body trembling in fear. She couldn't move, her limbs stiff as the weight of the overwhelming presence pressed down on her like a crushing weight. Her breath caught in her throat, and she instinctively jumped back, but the fear kept her rooted in place. The suffocating feeling made her heart race, her thoughts spinning. The darkness of Renjiro's aura made her feel small, insignificant.
Then, as suddenly as it had come, the killing intent vanished.
Renjiro spoke, his voice now cold and unyielding, sending a shiver down her spine.
Renjiro: "Do you really want to get stronger?"
Mira's eyes met his, her body still trembling but her gaze determined. She nodded, her voice barely a whisper.
Mira: "I do... I really do."
Renjiro stood there, watching her for a long moment. His expression softened slightly, and he took a few steps forward. He reached out, his voice now calmer, yet firm.
Renjiro: "Bravery doesn't come from being without fear, Mira. It comes from facing that fear head-on and pushing forward, even when every part of you tells you to run. You can be stronger, but it will require courage. You are capable of more than you realize."
Mira stood up straighter, still shaking but now with a fire beginning to burn within her. The words sank in, slowly filling the emptiness she'd felt inside for so long. She was still afraid, but now she understood: her strength wouldn't come from avoiding fear, it would come from embracing it and standing her ground.
Renjiro smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly.
Renjiro: "Come, Mira."
With newfound resolve, Mira took a step forward, her trembling hands now steadying as she walked toward him, ready to face the challenge and become the warrior she had always longed to be.