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Chapter 20 - Amaterasu Festival

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The sound of footsteps echoed through the open area, far from the bustling heart of the city. It was an improvised training field near a park, its ground packed with dirt that had seen many days of simulated battles. We were away from the crowds and distractions, ready for the promised training.

Burst stood with a relaxed posture, holding a long sword with natural grace. His movements were precise, effortless. He didn't just master the blade — he controlled the flow of his energy as if it were an extension of his own body. His aura, mingled with heat, radiated visibly. The orange flame surrounding the sword seemed alive, responding to the slightest flick of his wrist.

"Pay attention, Victor. The important thing isn't just the strike, but understanding the flow of your energy," Burst said — his voice calm yet commanding. He spun the sword easily, and the flame followed, forming a perfect arc in the air.

I was trying to imitate him. His words made it sound simple — but for me, it wasn't. Every time I tried to channel my energy while keeping control of the sword, it felt like everything slipped right through my fingers.

"Like this?" I asked, visibly straining.

I tried to follow his example, raising the sword he had given me and attempting to focus my energy around it. A thin layer of ice formed along the blade, but it was unstable. Before I could complete the movement, the energy scattered, and the sword returned to being nothing more than a cold, inert weapon.

I'd decided to use ice — whether I liked it or not, it was my highest-ranked elemental skill.

"No, not like that," Burst sighed, frustrated but patient. "You're putting in too much force without control. Try to feel the flow instead of forcing it. If you just push your power into the sword, you'll break the rhythm."

I tried again, but the sword felt heavy in my hands, like a burden I didn't know how to carry. The energy flowing from me was erratic, creating a clash between strength and technique. Every attempt ended in failure. My movements were slow and clumsy compared to Burst's effortless grace.

"Damn it… this isn't as easy as it looks," I muttered, frustration welling up inside me.

"Of course it isn't," Burst replied, smiling faintly as he lowered his sword. "Learning to fight with a blade isn't just about technique. It's about understanding how your energy flows within you — and how you can channel it into your attack. Once you find that balance, everything becomes easier."

Still, something about it felt off. Burst was teaching me to channel my energy into the sword — but not exactly how to fight with one. I didn't question him about it, though.

He demonstrated again, lifting the sword. This time, the heat around the blade intensified, and with a single motion, a wave of fire burst from the sword, slicing through the air before fading into the sky.

"Whoa…" I murmured, astonished. The ease with which he merged his energy with the weapon was unbelievable.

"Don't get too discouraged," Burst said, sheathing the sword at his side. "You've got potential — you just need more practice. Controlling your energy is like sharpening a blade; the more you work at it, the sharper it gets. And the sharper it is, the easier it'll be to cut through your opponents."

I took a deep breath, trying to process his words and calm my mind. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but something inside me told me it was worth the effort, no matter how hard it felt at the start.

Merlin, who had been watching from a distance, floated from side to side in silence. Her curiosity seemed to grow, but she avoided interrupting the training. Deep down, I knew she was rooting for me.

"[You can do it, Victor. Keep trying!]" Her speech bubble appeared beside us, like a little sphere of encouragement.

"All right. Let's go again." I gripped the sword more firmly, determined not to give up.

Burst really was impressive. His control over his energy was on another level. It wasn't surprising that he was the heir — I could only imagine the rigorous training he'd endured since childhood.

That impression only confirmed what I was beginning to understand: Burst wasn't just strong — he was disciplined, meticulous. Jane always made him seem carefree and irresponsible, but that mask hid something much deeper. What intrigued me most was the connection between the two of them.

Time passed. Between conversations, explanations, and more practical training, we decided to call it a day. In the end, Burst focused more on teaching me than on training himself — and I didn't complain. He'd taught me a lot, and with practice, I knew I'd become much more skilled.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

The late afternoon sky was painted in shades of red and black, as if the heavens themselves had bowed before the grandeur of the festival.

Along the main avenue, a massive corridor of light stretched for hundreds of meters. Festive banners swayed under the warm breeze, and drones danced through the air, forming red Chinese dragons that twisted among illusory clouds. It was like stepping into a living painting.

This grand festival was called Amaterasu. Burst had explained, excitedly, that it was an annual tradition celebrating unity among races — a sacred moment of peace and renewal. "The Great Flame of the Alliance," as they called it here.

But something about the name intrigued me. Amaterasu. It was the same as the sun goddess from the legends of my previous world. Was it a coincidence... or another one of those strange parallels between worlds?

"[Let's explore!!!]" Merlin exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement like a child unleashed in an amusement park.

"That's the spirit!" Burst pumped his fist into the air, matching her enthusiasm.

"Just try not to get lost," I murmured, already predicting the chaos that would follow.

Burst frowned, confused.

"You're not coming with us, Mister Victor?"

"I'll take a walk on my own… we'll meet up later. I just want to look around a bit."

"If you say so… we'll be busy winning all the prizes, right, Merlin?"

"[You bet we will!]" Merlin replied, spinning around him with contagious energy.

They dashed off toward the heart of the festival — lights, drums, and colorful stalls blurring around them. I smiled. Despite the mess Burst was sure to cause, it was good to see him having fun.

But truthfully, I had another goal.

I wanted to find Jane. I hadn't had the chance to talk to her properly yet, and I felt that this festival might be the perfect moment. In the crowd, maybe she'd be more open… or at least less guarded.

I didn't mention it to the two of them. Burst might have felt pressured or acted strangely — young people can be like that. Better to let them get distracted while I took care of this.

I wandered along the edges of the festival, away from the main crowds. As I suspected, security was focused on the outer areas — guards patrolling in groups, alert for any disturbance. That's when I noticed a suspended walkway between two buildings, perfect for getting a good view.

Climbing up, I looked down at the festival below — it was even more breathtaking from above. The lights, the sounds, the mingling crowds of all races… it felt like a celestial carnival. I managed to spot Merlin and Burst playing a ring toss game at one of the booths. But Jane was still nowhere in sight.

At the far end of the main avenue stood a large ceremonial temple — gold, red, and black, with columns carved to look like aged wood and a massive golden bell at the top. It was beautiful… and somehow familiar.

That temple…

"It's the temple of the goddess Amaterasu. Beautiful, isn't it?" a soft voice said behind me.

I jumped back, startled. My reflexes betrayed me — my ability hadn't detected anyone nearby.

I turned quickly. It was a girl about my height, maybe a little shorter. Her black hair flowed straight down to her waist, smooth and silent as a waterfall. Her red eyes shone with a warm, gentle glow.

She wore a white-and-red mantle resembling a ceremonial kimono, and on her head rested something like a military cap adorned with a crest — a great emblem shaped like both a dragon and a sun.

She smiled sweetly and waved, as if she already knew me.

"Ah, I… sorry, miss, you startled me," I said, trying to maintain composure.

"My bad," she said, stepping closer with soft, almost soundless footsteps. "You were watching the temple so intently… I got curious."

"Yeah… it's really beautiful. Almost looks unreal."

"It's not the real one, actually," she said playfully. "The true temple is much larger — with floating gardens, marble stairways, and bells that ring on their own when someone pure enters."

"That sounds… incredible," I murmured, moving to stand beside her.

Where did this girl come from?

"I came from down there," she replied suddenly, pointing to the street below. "I saw you up here and wanted to see what you were doing."

"Did you just read my mind?"

She shook her head, amused.

"Uh-huh. You're looking for someone, aren't you?"

"I… yeah, I was," I admitted, still a bit thrown off. "Did you see her?"

"I did," she answered simply, as if it were obvious. "She's in the children's section to the east, helping some kids organize a lantern parade. A very beautiful woman — she truly warms my heart."

"That helps a lot, thank you. Miss…?"

"My name is A—"

"Lady Amaterasu!" two voices called from behind her.

In the blink of an eye, two guards materialized — a man and a woman, both wearing ornate armor decorated with gold and red details. They gently but firmly took the girl by the arms.

"How many times have we told you not to wander off alone?" the woman scolded, exasperated.

"You must follow the security protocols, my lady," the man added with a resigned sigh.

The girl puffed her cheeks like a pouting child.

"I just wanted to take a little walk! You're embarrassing me in front of my new friend!"

The guards turned their narrowed eyes toward me, clearly assessing whether I was a threat.

Imitating Amaterasu's earlier gesture, I smiled and waved.

"Apologies, sir," the woman said curtly. "Enjoy the festival."

"We'll meet agai—"

With a nod and a snap of her fingers, the three vanished into thin air, cutting the girl's sentence short.

I stood there for a moment, the wind playing with my hair.

That was… Amaterasu? The goddess of the festival?

With a resigned sigh, I jumped back down to street level, the noise of the crowd rushing back into my ears like a wave.

Whoever — or whatever — she was, she'd helped me.

Now it was time to find Jane.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

The children's sector was decorated with paper lanterns, colorful pennants, and small sculptures of magical creatures made from flowers. Kids ran laughing between the booths, while adults watched over them with tired smiles.

Among them, standing near a group of young soldiers in light uniforms, was Jane.

She stood beside one of the game stalls — one of those where you have to hit targets to win prizes. But she didn't seem to be paying attention to the children or the game. Her arms were crossed, her posture straight, her expression neutral… and her eyes were fixed on a stuffed toy hanging from one of the hooks.

A small brown bear with red wings and glowing eyes — as odd as it was charming.

Jane wasn't smiling. But she also couldn't look away.

I approached slowly.

"Good evening, Commander," I said, as casually as I could.

Jane blinked once, as if waking from a trance, then turned her head toward me. Her posture shifted subtly — her chin lifting half a centimeter, her shoulders straightening.

"Victor. Good evening," she replied with a brief nod.

Before we could exchange more words, three soldiers appeared behind her, as if summoned by the faintest trace of discomfort.

"Well, look at that! Someone actually had the guts to approach our commander," said one of them — a guy with messy blue hair tied in a loose bun. "You came for the festival too? Just so you know, she's not big on company."

"Looks like he wants to enjoy the games, huh, Jane?" teased another — a girl with a crooked smile, nudging the commander's arm lightly.

Jane stayed silent. Still staring at the toy, as if she hadn't heard them at all.

"I'd say this kind of thing isn't really for you, huh?" the third one added, his tone deeper — maybe more genuine.

They all laughed. Softly, the kind of laugh that hides hostility behind forced camaraderie.

"I just came… to watch over the children," Jane finally said, her voice almost a whisper. "What are you three doing here? If you don't get back to work, you'll answer me."

"We will, but don't hurt us, okay? We're just surprised the Iron Commander came to watch the kids win teddy bears," the first one joked. "Hard to believe you're the same person who sliced a minotaur in half with one swing."

She turned her head slightly, her face flushed — but not with embarrassment. It was that frustrated kind of blush, like she was holding something in that couldn't come out here.

I looked at the three soldiers with a neutral expression and said,

"You know… a bear with wings might just be a prize. But it could also be… symbolic."

They all stared at me, puzzled.

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing much. Just funny how someone judges others' tastes while wearing a hopping bunny pin on his uniform," I said, glancing briefly at the guy with the bun.

He looked down at his chest — there really was a small, colorful bunny pin there.

"It's… a gift from my little sister."

"Of course it is," I said with a half-smile.

An awkward silence fell for a few seconds. The girl coughed and changed the subject.

"Well, we'll leave you two to it. Jane, if you need us, we'll be nearby…" she said in a falsely helpful tone.

"Vacation disguised as duty… real subtle," I muttered.

They left quickly. Jane said nothing.

The silence between us stretched a little longer.

"I don't need you to defend me," she murmured at last.

"I know. Sorry. But I thought I should."

She glanced sideways at me, not turning her head completely. The stuffed toy still swayed in the wind. It was obvious she wanted that little bear. And just as obvious that she wouldn't allow herself to have it — not in front of others.

"So, what did you think of those three?" She asked.

"They're pretty annoying."

Jane smiled faintly.

"Yeah, I think so too."

"You really wanted that toy, didn't you?" I asked.

"That's none of your business. But… what are you doing here?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to you more. Thought maybe you'd be relaxing here at the festival."

Jane let out a short laugh — not mocking, but tired.

"Relaxing isn't something I'm good at, Victor. Neither am I, nor Burst. I'm sure you've noticed that in him already." Her eyes fixed on me, sharp and assessing.

"Yeah, I noticed. But he seemed pretty excited about the festival," I said, taking the opening. "He's incredibly dedicated to training. Makes me wonder why he doesn't want the throne, being that strong."

Jane looked away, her gaze lifting toward the sky, as if rearranging her thoughts.

"Burst has always been strong. Since we were children, his control over his own energy was unbelievable. Our parents always said he was born for it." She paused, folding her arms. "But the problem is… he never wanted it. Not really. Maybe that's why he seems irresponsible. But in truth, he just doesn't want the burden of ruling."

"And you?" I asked, curious. "You seem even stronger. If strength defines leadership… why not you?"

Jane sighed. Her reply came quickly, but it carried weight.

"I am stronger than Burst. Always have been. But that never mattered. The throne needed a male heir, not the eldest daughter. My role was decided before I even understood what choice meant." Her voice was neutral, but the bitterness lingered beneath — like embers beneath snow.

I stayed silent for a moment.

"That sounds… unfair."

Jane laughed — but the sound was hollow.

"Unfair? What's fair when it comes to power and politics? Burst worked hard, yes. But being strong isn't enough to rule. You have to want it… and accept what you'll lose in the process."

There was a pause.

Her gaze softened slightly.

"You'll realize, Victor, that being strong is just one piece of the puzzle. Understanding Burst… might require understanding more than just his power." Her eyes met mine — steady and sincere.

"Maybe to understand Burst… I need to understand you too," I said, before I could stop myself.

Jane raised an eyebrow. But this time, her faint, reserved smile reached her eyes.

"Maybe…" she murmured, scratching the back of her neck.

I paid for a round at the booth — a dart game where you had to pop balloons. I hit everyone easily. Jane watched, her expression as neutral as ever.

I claimed the prize and handed it to her.

"What are you doing?"

"Giving it to you."

"… I… don't want it. You can keep it."

"Come on. Think of it as a gift… for agreeing to talk to me."

She hesitated. Looked at the bear, then at me, then down. Finally, she took the plush toy with almost trembling hands and held it close to her chest.

"T-thank you…"

Right after that, Jane turned and walked away — without looking back.

But even from behind, I could see it: that little winged bear said more about her than any words could. The conversation had been productive — and I was happy.

Afterward, I met up with Burst and Merlin. We played around for a while, then headed back home. We still had a few more days of festival ahead, so we'd make the most of it later.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Back at my house, the atmosphere felt lighter than usual. Burst and Merlin were chatting cheerfully while checking the new equipment they'd bought. It was interesting to see how, in such a short time, the two had managed to build a genuine friendship. Burst, who once seemed distant and reserved, now interacted with Merlin more naturally, as if the weight he carried on his shoulders had eased—at least a little.

"Hey, what do you think of this one?" Burst asked, holding up a black tank top with an orange talisman hanging from its neckline. "The vendor said it provides magical protection. I think I'll need it for missions."

He put it on in one fluid, natural motion, like he was already used to that kind of clothing. The shirt fit him perfectly, highlighting the physique clearly built through years of hard training. The loose pants matched, and another talisman hanging from his belt was said to enhance agility for whoever wore it.

"Looks like you're ready for anything now," I commented, examining the details of the talismans. "Should be a solid combination for missions outside the kingdom."

"By the way, here's yours." Burst tossed me a white tank top along with a pair of black pants, almost identical to his. The same orange talisman hung from the neckline, and the belt charm had the same properties. "I thought it'd suit you better."

"Thanks." I caught the clothes and examined them, impressed by the care Burst had taken to pick something for me too. The gear looked sturdy—and useful—but it was the gesture that struck me most. He was opening up more, and that honestly made me relieved.

As I changed and adjusted the gear in my room, Burst and Merlin kept chatting. The energy between them was almost sibling-like, and I was surprised by how much it contrasted with the way Burst talked about his sister.

"By the way, I talked to Jane today at the festival," I said as I finished adjusting the outfit and returned to the living room. Both of them looked at me with interest—especially Burst, whose eyes narrowed slightly.

"And what did you think of her?" he asked, trying to sound casual, but there was a noticeable tension in his voice.

"To be honest, she didn't seem like a bad person to me," I replied, recalling the conversation I'd had at the festival. "Actually, she seems very dedicated... she takes her responsibilities seriously and, in a way, understands what you're going through."

Burst stayed silent for a moment, staring at the floor as if weighing my words. Then he sighed—a mix of acceptance and frustration.

"Well, that's your opinion." He shrugged, but without his usual sarcasm or disdain. It was more like quiet acceptance. "I'm not gonna stop you from liking her, if that's what you want."

Merlin observed everything intently, though she preferred to remain silent. She knew when to let things unfold without stepping in.

"But…" Burst continued, his expression hardening. "What bothers me about her is that damned loyalty to the rules." He looked straight at me, his frustration clear. "She clings to that code even though it's clearly suffocating her. I hate that."

I could feel the weight behind his words—the conflict of watching someone he cared about be trapped by something he despised. To Burst, rules were chains, not guidance. And his sister, whom he respected in her own way, had become a prisoner to them.

"I get what you mean," I said calmly, trying to balance things. "But I think, for her, the rules are what keep her standing. Maybe that's what gives her a sense of purpose... even if it's not what she really wants."

Burst looked at me, surprised for a moment, then looked away. Maybe he hadn't considered it from that angle before.

"Maybe..." he muttered. "But that doesn't change the fact that if it were me, I would've broken those rules a long time ago."

Merlin finally spoke up, her soft tone cutting through the tension in the air.

"[Not everyone can carry that weight the same way, Burst. Maybe what works for you doesn't work for her. What matters is that, in her own way, she's doing what she thinks is right—just like you do.]"

Burst chuckled quietly, but it was a light, genuine laugh—no bitterness in it.

"Yeah, Merlin, you're right. I guess we still have a lot to understand about ourselves before trying to understand others."

The mood relaxed again, and soon the conversation turned light, with Burst and Merlin talking about upcoming missions and how the new gear would help. I sat back and watched them for a while, thinking about how much had changed since we first met. There were still plenty of walls to break down, but the fact that we were here together—as friends—was already progress. We still had a few more days ahead, and I could only hope everything would go well.

When I finished adjusting my clothes, I turned to the two of them, arms out in a T-shape, waiting for their verdict.

"So? What do you think?!" I asked with an overly dramatic tone, half joking.

Burst tilted his head slightly, clearly choosing his words carefully. He looked me up and down, eyebrows furrowing.

"Hmm… You've got a solid build, that's for sure. I can definitely see that. But…"

Before he could finish, Merlin floated around me, inspecting every detail with wide-eyed fascination.

"[Victor! Your hair grew a little! How pretty!]" she said, sounding more delighted than I expected.

"What do you mean?" I walked to the mirror, skeptical, and when I saw my reflection, my jaw dropped. "Oh…"

My muscles were well-defined, just as Burst had pointed out, emphasized by the new clothes that showed off my figure more than I was used to. The fitted shirt clung to my body, but what caught my attention most was something else—my hair. It was longer now, falling slightly below my neck. And not just that—my facial features had softened a bit. My face looked... more delicate than before.

"What's happening…?" I muttered in disbelief.

"Looks like it's not just your height," Burst said, approaching with a mix of confusion and amusement. "You're really in a growth phase, huh?"

"[I think it looks great!]" Merlin chimed in, clearly trying to cheer me up. "[You're giving off more of a… um… how do you say it?]"

Burst scratched the back of his head, searching for words.

"Yeah… like an aura… you know?" he said, fumbling for the right term and failing miserably.

"No, I definitely don't know what you mean!" I exclaimed, exasperated. "What are you two trying to say?!"

Burst and Merlin exchanged glances, both awkwardly trying not to laugh. Despite all the growth—physical and otherwise—my metamorph body was clearly still adapting. Probably because of my progenitor's appearance.

"Well, what we mean is…" Burst started, avoiding my gaze. "You've got a… unique look now. That's a good thing, right?"

"[Exactly! Very unique!]" Merlin added, her glow brightening slightly—I was sure she was laughing inside.

I sighed, looking back at the mirror, trying to accept that this new appearance was just another step in my growth as a metamorph. Still, it was hard not to feel a little embarrassed.

"Incredible…" I muttered, somewhere between frustration and disbelief.

Burst patted my shoulder, a small smile on his face.

"Relax, man. We'll figure it out. Who knows, maybe your hair will grow even more, and you'll end up with a 'stylish warrior' look?"

"Yeah… sure… stylish warrior…" I mumbled, still staring at my reflection in disbelief.

While the two tried to cheer me up, all I could think was how I looked more like a female version of myself than any warrior I'd ever seen.

And so, with that image burned into my mind—and Merlin and Burst's poorly stifled laughter—I realized that my path as a growing metamorph was likely to be full of surprises… and plenty of frustration.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

» Note: Metamorphs below Class S cannot fully transform, remaining bound to an appearance resembling that of their progenitor—a Metamorph Original, born from mana or magic itself. If a lower-class metamorph manages to evolve their spirit, their body develops at an accelerated rate. Under normal circumstances, however, it would take at least forty years to reach Class S—a milestone rarely achieved, since their naturally passive nature toward combat often leads to early deaths.*

» Reliable information provided by [The Enlightened] «

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