Nobles and commoners who were to participate in the Gallus tryouts lined up at the Aetherial Sanctum. Before them stretched a vast land, where swords of different shapes, sizes, lengths, and spirits were planted. A Gallus director, Mr. Andrew, walked forward and stationed himself in front of them. He had coiled dark hair and a tall, firm stature. With a loud but unshaken voice, he declared,
"I'm Mr. Andrew, a Gallus instructor. We all know why we're here, so I'm not going to give any pep talk. All who wish to participate in the Gallus tryouts should step forward." He ordered.
The young students marched forward, standing in a straight column. Mr. Andrew instructed them once again:
"One of the swords you are able to draw will be yours. If you're unable to draw a sword, move to another and try, It might either mean the spirit refuses you or your aura capacity is not enough to wield its power."
He paused for a moment before declaring,
"Step forward and make destiny!" He roared in a promising tune.
Every noble and commoner rushed into the field, eager to push their luck. Kiato stood tall, scanning the area for Kakuriyukimaru. He spotted a sword at a distance and dashed toward it. As he approached, he confirmed that it was indeed the sword he sought.
Unlike the others, Kiato simply push his arm against the cutting side of the sword, he entered Kakuriyukimaru's domain, where he found a massive dragon sitting on the sun, using the moon as its footstool. The dragon's presence was unopposed, and it sat with the attitude of a god.
"So, you are Kiato," the dragon said, its voice echoing through the domain.
Kiato replied without hesitation, "Yes, that's me."
The dragon's response was measured: "I would only pair with you if you're able to gather enough aura and draw me out."
The dragon raised a finger, unleashing a massive wind current that washed Kiato out of its domain. Kiato stood up, holding the sword and determined to try his luck again. Despite his best efforts, the sword wouldn't budge, he tried again and again with aura sparkling from his body but no progress was made.
Mr. Andrew, who had been watching from behind, approached Kiato.
"Don't push your luck too much, son," he warned.
"Even I couldn't move that sword in my time."
But Kiato refused to give up. He continued to try, pouring all his aura into the sword. Merlin, who had been watching from beside him, grew worried. "What connection does he have with that sword"
She mumbled to her self as she rehashed the name,
"kakuriyukimaru",
dropping a smile, She flew to his shoulder and gave him a gentle peck on the face.
Without looking, Kiato reacted, "This is not the time, Merlin." But Merlin's actions were not without purpose. She touched his shoulder, and her life force began to flow into him. Kiato felt a surge of energy, and his eyes widened as he realized what Merlin had done.
"Why did you?" Kiato asked, tears streaming down his face. Merlin's response was barely audible: "Make Vera proud." And with that, she vanished into nothingness.
Kiato wept bitterly, overcomed with grief and determination. "Why does everyone I love keep sacrificing their lives for me?" he exclaimed. But he refused to let his emotions consume him. Instead, he picked up determination, vowing to become stronger and make those who had sacrificed for him proud.
With renewed resolve, Kiato grasped the sword and poured all his aura into it. The sword began to glow, as he called out loudly,
" unleach the dragon fury, Kakuriyukimaru!",
Then the sword burst forth with light, and Kakuriyukimaru materialized before him, his eyes carrying the sun and the moon each on one eye.
The dragon flew in a circular path and returned to Kiato.
"It seems like you were able to pull the string,"
he said, its voice filled with admiration.
"How about rather than pairing, we merge?"
Kiato nodded sharply giving a sign of confirmation, the dragon flew toward him, merging into his body.
As the merging took place, Kiato's eyes shone with bright light, one eye carrying the sun and the other carrying the moon. As the glow faded, and Kiato became light-headed from the massive aura increase. Just before he fell, his father appeared and caught him.
As the light faded, Kiato gained not just a new partner but a new personality, one that would change the course of his life forever.