The forest stretched endlessly before Kazuto Ren and Aisaka Yume, a sea of towering trees with leaves that shimmered faintly purple in the dappled sunlight. The air was thick with that strange, electric hum Kazuto had noticed since waking up, like the world itself was alive, pulsing with energy he couldn't quite name. His school shoes crunched against the soft earth, the navy blazer slung over his shoulder as he walked beside Yume. She was practically bouncing, her silver hair catching the light as she pointed at every odd plant or glowing insect they passed.
"Look at that, Kazuto! That flower's glowing blue! Do you think it's magical or something?" Yume's voice was bright, her violet eyes wide with wonder as she crouched near a cluster of sapphire-colored blossoms. They pulsed faintly, like tiny heartbeats, and Kazuto couldn't help but smirk at her enthusiasm.
"Probably just radioactive," he said dryly, leaning against a tree with his hands in his pockets. "Don't touch it unless you want to grow an extra arm."
Yume stuck out her tongue, standing up and brushing dirt off her skirt. "You're such a buzzkill sometimes, you know that? We're in a fantasy world, and you're acting like it's just another Monday at school!" She looped her arm through his, pulling him along the faint path they'd found winding through the forest. "Come on, let's keep going. Azure Star City's gotta be close, and I'm dying to see what a cultivation city looks like. Bet it's got floating buildings or something crazy."
Kazuto let her drag him forward, his expression cool but his heart warming at her excitement. Yume was the only person who could make him feel like this, like the world, no matter how strange or dangerous, was worth exploring just to see her smile. He could deny this whole forest, erase it from existence with a thought, but her joy was the one thing he'd never touch. "Floating buildings, huh? You've been watching too many anime," he teased, his voice low and playful. "If we get there and it's just a bunch of mud huts, don't blame me."
Yume giggled, nudging his side. "If it's mud huts, I'm making you build me a floating castle. You owe me for staying with you instead of joining that fancy sect!" Her tone was light, but there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes, loyalty, maybe, or something softer. Kazuto noticed it, and his hand tightened slightly around hers.
"You didn't have to stay, you know," he said quietly, his usual cold edge softening. "Could've been learning to fly or whatever those Crimson Flame guys do."
Yume stopped walking, turning to face him. Her expression was serious now, her hands resting on his chest. "Kazuto, listen to me. I don't care about flying or sects or any of that if it means leaving you behind. You're stuck with me, okay? Whether it's Japan or this crazy world, I'm not going anywhere without you." Her voice was firm, her violet eyes locked on his, and for a moment, the forest seemed to fade away.
Kazuto's heart thudded, and he leaned down, kissing her softly. Her lips were warm, tasting faintly of the strawberry lip balm she always used. She pressed closer, her fingers curling into his shirt, and the kiss deepened, slow and tender. When they pulled apart, Yume's cheeks were flushed, her smile shy but radiant. "You're gonna make me forget we're lost in a magic forest," she murmured, resting her forehead against his.
"Good," Kazuto said, his voice a low rumble. "Maybe then you'll stop dragging me toward glowing flowers." He brushed his thumb across her cheek, lingering for a moment before stepping back. "Come on, let's find that city before it gets dark."
Yume grinned, linking her arm with his again. "Fine, but I'm holding you to that castle idea, mister. I want a balcony with a view of the stars."
As they walked, the forest grew denser, the trees taller and the air heavier with that strange energy. Kazuto's senses were sharp, picking up faint traces of movement, small creatures skittering through the underbrush, maybe, or something bigger. He didn't say anything, not wanting to worry Yume, but his hand stayed close to hers, ready to act if needed. *Absolute Denial* hummed in the back of his mind, a quiet assurance that nothing in this world could touch them unless he allowed it.
They'd been walking for maybe an hour when Yume stopped, pointing at a clearing ahead. "Kazuto, look! Is that a road?" A narrow dirt path, barely wide enough for a cart, cut through the trees, its surface packed hard and marked with wheel ruts. It stretched in both directions, disappearing into the forest's shadows.
Kazuto squinted, his eyes scanning the path. "Looks like it. If there's a road, there's gotta be people nearby. Maybe your floating city's not far off." His tone was dry, but he was curious. A road meant civilization, and civilization meant answers, about this world, its cultivators, and what had brought them here.
Yume clapped her hands, practically vibrating with excitement. "Yes! Let's follow it. I bet it leads straight to Azure Star City. Oh, I hope they have food stalls. I'm starving, and those chips back at the plane weren't exactly a gourmet meal." She tugged him toward the path, her steps light and eager.
Kazuto followed, his long strides keeping pace easily. "You're gonna eat this world out of business if they have sushi," he said, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Just don't expect me to carry you when you're too full to walk."
Yume laughed, tossing her hair. "Oh, please. You'd carry me anyway, and you know it. You're all tough and cool, but you're a total softie for me." She winked, and Kazuto couldn't argue. She wasn't wrong.
The path wound through the forest, the trees thinning slightly as they walked. The air grew warmer, the strange hum stronger, and Kazuto noticed faint carvings on some of the trees, symbols that looked like they'd been etched with a blade, glowing faintly in the dim light. He didn't mention them to Yume, but his mind filed them away. This world was full of secrets, and he wasn't about to let his guard down.
After another half-hour, the forest opened into a wider clearing, and the path joined a larger road paved with smooth, gray stones. In the distance, Kazuto could make out the faint outline of a city, tall spires, glowing lanterns, and a massive wall that shimmered like it was made of crystal. Yume gasped, grabbing his arm. "Kazuto, that's gotta be it! Azure Star City! Look at those walls, they're so pretty! Do you think they're made of magic or something?"
Kazuto's eyes narrowed, taking in the city's distant glow. "Maybe. Or they're just really good at building walls." His voice was calm, but he felt that same pressure again, stronger now, like the city itself was watching them. He didn't like it, but he kept his expression neutral. No need to worry Yume when she was this excited.
As they approached, the road grew busier. A few travelers passed them, men and women in flowing robes, some carrying swords, others with baskets of strange, glowing fruits. One old man, his beard long and white, rode past on a cart pulled by what looked like a giant lizard with scales that shimmered green. Yume stared, her mouth open. "Okay, that's officially the coolest thing I've ever seen. A lizard cart! Kazuto, we need one of those."
Kazuto snorted, shaking his head. "What, so you can make me feed it? Pass." But he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. Her excitement was contagious, even if he'd never admit it.
They were nearing the city gates when a group of figures stepped onto the road, blocking their path. Five men, their robes patched but adorned with crude metal armor, stood with weapons drawn, swords and a single spear, all glowing faintly with that same strange energy Kazuto had sensed in the forest. The leader, a wiry man with a shaved head and a scar across his nose, grinned, his eyes glinting with greed. "Well, look at this. Two kids in strange clothes, wandering alone. Hand over your valuables, and maybe we won't sell you to the beast tamers."
Yume tensed, stepping closer to Kazuto. "Kazuto, these guys are like those bandits from before. I can feel their aura, it's not as strong, but it's still bad news. What do we do?" Her voice was low, but there was no fear in it, just caution. She trusted him, and that trust made Kazuto's blood run colder, sharper.
He stepped forward, his posture relaxed but his eyes hard as steel. "You're making a mistake," he said, his voice low and dangerous, carrying a weight that made the air feel heavy. "Walk away, and I'll let you keep breathing."
The leader laughed, twirling his sword. "Big words for a kid with no cultivation! You're barely a mortal in this world, boy. We're at the Qi Condensation stage, seventh layer. You think you can scare us with that attitude?" His men chuckled, spreading out to surround them.
Yume grabbed Kazuto's arm, her voice urgent. "Kazuto, there's five of them. Maybe we should just run. I don't want you getting hurt." Her worry was genuine, but there was a spark of defiance in her eyes, like she was ready to fight if he needed her.
Kazuto glanced at her, his expression softening for a split second. "Yume, stay back. This won't take long." He turned to the leader, his voice colder than the forest night. "Last chance. Leave, or you're gone."
The leader sneered, raising his sword. "You're dead, kid! Qi Blade Strike!" A wave of blue energy shot toward Kazuto, sharp enough to slice through stone.
Kazuto didn't flinch. He stared at the attack and said, "I deny it." The blue energy vanished, dissolving into nothing. The leader's grin faltered, his eyes widening. "What, ?"
"I deny your existence," Kazuto said, his voice flat, almost bored. One by one, the bandits blinked out of reality, leaving no trace, no screams, no bodies, just empty air. The road was silent again, the glowing lanterns of Azure Star City flickering in the distance.
Yume's jaw dropped, her hands flying to her cheeks. "Kazuto, you did it again! You just… poof, they're gone! How are you doing that? You've gotta tell me what's going on!" Her voice was a mix of shock and excitement, her eyes sparkling as she grabbed his arm.
Kazuto shrugged, his expression neutral. "Just a trick, Yume. Don't worry about it." He didn't want to dive into *Absolute Denial* yet. The power was too vast, too absolute, and he wasn't sure how to explain it without changing things between them. He wanted her to see him as her partner, not some untouchable force.
Yume pouted, crossing her arms. "A trick? That's, like, the lamest excuse ever, Kazuto Ren! You're gonna have to spill eventually, you know. I'm your girlfriend, I deserve to know when you're secretly a superhero!" She poked his chest, but her smile was back, bright and teasing. "But seriously, that was so cool. You're like a ninja or something."
Kazuto smirked, pulling her close. "Ninja, huh? Guess I'll take it." He kissed her forehead, lingering for a moment. "Let's get to the city before more idiots show up. I'm not in the mood for another fight."
Yume giggled, looping her arm through his as they resumed walking. "Fine, but I'm keeping an eye on you, Mr. Mysterious. And I'm totally getting you to teach me that trick someday." She leaned her head against his shoulder, her voice softening. "Thanks for keeping me safe, Kazuto. I know you're all cool and tough, but… I'm really glad you're here with me."
Kazuto's heart warmed, and he squeezed her hand. "Always, Yume." He glanced at the city ahead, its crystal walls gleaming under the setting sun. Azure Star City was their first step into this world, and he could feel it, secrets, dangers, and power waiting beyond those gates. He didn't care about any of it, not really. But for Yume, he'd walk this path, see where it led. And if anything threatened her, he'd deny it without a second thought.
As they approached the gates, a faint shadow moved in the trees, watching them. Kazuto sensed it but said nothing, his eyes narrowing slightly. This world was already testing him, and he was ready, more than ready.