Ryoka and the Root TrialsPrologue – A Whisper Beneath the Rain
The rain wouldn't stop.
It poured like the sky itself was trying to erase the world — heavy, relentless, cold.
Through the forest, beneath the cracking thunder, a lone woman ran.She was barefoot. Her cloak soaked through. And in her arms — she held a tiny baby, wrapped in a thin blanket that was quickly becoming useless against the storm.
Her breath came in shallow gasps. Her eyes flicked back, just once.
They're still following me…
In the distance behind her — shadows. Figures in armor. The faint shimmer of runes glowing through the trees.
They were getting closer.
The woman clenched the baby tighter. Her heart beat louder than the thunder now.She wasn't just running. She was choosing.
"Please… just a little further…"
And then — as if by some unseen mercy — she saw it.A gate.
Half-covered in vines, old wood worn by time. It stood silently beneath the rain, as if waiting.
The woman stopped. Her legs shook.
This place… she had only heard whispers of it.A village where warriors trained in silence.A place that feared outsiders.But it didn't matter.
She looked down at the baby girl in her arms — her eyes still closed, so peaceful despite the storm.
"I'm sorry," the woman whispered. Her voice cracked. "This world… It won't let you be safe with me."
With trembling hands, she took out a piece of cloth. Wrote a name.
Ryoka.
She folded the note and tucked it gently against the baby's chest.
Then, without another word, without even looking back,she placed the child at the gate — and disappeared into the forest.
The rain fell. And fell.
Until — the gate creaked open.
From within, a warm light flickered. An old man, wrapped in simple robes, stepped into the storm holding a lantern.
His brows furrowed. "...A child?"
He bent down, careful not to get the flame wet.The baby stirred in the blanket.
There was a note.
He read the name aloud, softly."…Ryoka?"
He looked around. Nothing but trees and wind.
"…Strange."
Still, his expression didn't harden.He lifted the child into his arms, slow and gentle.
"If the wind brought you here… there must be a reason."
He turned back toward the village.
"…Come, little one. Let us see what future waits for you." Sixteen Years Later
The first sound Ryoka heard that morning was the wind pushing through the trees.
The second — was a fist flying straight toward her face.
She tilted her head just in time, letting it pass inches from her cheek. The boy in front of her grit his teeth and swung again — too wide, too angry.
Too easy.
Ryoka stepped in, swept his legs from under him, and sent him crashing to the ground.
A moment of silence.
Then — a cough. And a familiar voice from the side of the training field.
"Well done, Ryoka."It was Master Shinken, arms folded, watching like always.
"And you…" — he turned to the boy still lying on the ground — "Try guarding next time. That usually helps."
The boy muttered something under his breath as he stood.
Then, with a glare at Ryoka, he snapped,"Guess it's easier to win when you're a freak."
Ryoka blinked. "What?"
"You think you're better than us just because your chi glows funny?"He scoffed. "Blue light doesn't make you special. Just means you're not one of us."
She said nothing.
Not because she agreed —but because it wasn't the first time she'd heard it.
Shinken stepped forward, his voice firm now."That's enough, Kaen."
The boy — Kaen — looked like he wanted to say more. But the Master's tone silenced him.
He walked off without looking back.
Ryoka stood still for a moment.Then looked down at her hand.
There it was — faint, quiet.A soft blue glow, barely visible beneath the skin.
Not one of us… huh?
She closed her fist.Tighter this time.
Ryoka took a slow breath. The faint blue light still shimmered under her skin, pulsing like a second heartbeat.
She was about to turn away from the training field—when suddenly—
"RYOKAAAAA~!!"
A weight slammed into her from behind.
"Wha–!?"
Two arms wrapped around her shoulders like a trap.Soft, warm, clingy arms.
"Let go, Shori—!" Ryoka tried to wiggle free, but the grip only tightened.
"You were amazing out there!!" Shori beamed, her voice practically sparkling. "I knew you were gonna win!"
Ryoka sighed, half-annoyed, half-smiling."Yeah, yeah… Jeez. Do you always have to be this happy?"
Shori pulled back slightly, just enough to look her in the eye."If I'm not like this…" she said, almost seriously,"then you won't smile."
She kissed Ryoka lightly on the cheek — a quick smooch! — before skipping ahead down the corridor with her usual bounce.
Ryoka blinked.
"…You're impossible," she muttered, but followed anyway.
They walked through the quiet stone halls of the dojo — footsteps soft, echoes long.
Shori glanced over. "You're thinking about it again, huh?"
Ryoka didn't answer.
"You are," Shori said, bumping her shoulder gently against hers. "The blue chi thing, right?"
"…It doesn't bother you?" Ryoka asked.
Shori's eyes widened. "Seriously!? Ryoka, it's the coolest thing about you!!"
"Coolest?" Ryoka raised an eyebrow. "It's what makes me a target."
"No." Shori crossed her arms dramatically. "It's what makes you unique. If anyone calls it weird again, I'll kick them in the face with my dancing foot."
"…You don't have a dancing foot."
"I do now!"
They both laughed.
And then the bell rang.
Time for the next lesson.
The classroom was round — built from old stone, with high wooden beams and rune-lamps glowing faintly along the walls.Each student sat on a smooth cushion arranged in a circle, facing the central floor.
Ryoka sat next to Shori, legs crossed, arms folded.
The air was quiet. Almost too quiet.
Then—click… click… click…
Heeled sandals tapped against the stone as the door opened.
Mayoko stepped in.
Her long black hair was tied up tight. Her robes — flawless. Her gaze — sharp as ever.
"Good morning, students," she said with no trace of warmth. "Let's begin."
Without waiting, she moved to the center.
"Today, we study the history of Karina Village," she began. "More specifically — the birth of the rune path, and the origin of chi colors."
She lifted her hand, and glowing images appeared in the air — a golden tree, a warrior kneeling, ancient runes spiraling from the earth.
"The golden chi we cultivate here," she continued, "comes from generations of focus, discipline, and harmony with the land. Our ancestors believed that only through this balance could true power emerge."
Ryoka lowered her eyes.
She had heard all this before.
But then—
"So I guess that means Ryoka's just… a mistake?"
The voice came from the back.Kaen.
Half-smirking, arms behind his head, leaning back like he owned the room.
A few of the other kids chuckled under their breath.
Ryoka didn't move.Shori did.
She spun around, glaring."You're such a jerk, Kaen."
"At least my rune is gold," he shot back with a shrug. "That's what real warriors use."
Shori looked like she was about to jump at him — but Mayoko raised her hand.
"Silence."
The room froze.
Her eyes turned to Ryoka.Then to the class.
"You mock what you don't understand," she said, slowly. "But let me be clear — Ryoka's chi is not… ordinary."
She walked a step closer.
"Blue chi is ancient. Rare. And unstable."
A few students shifted uncomfortably.
"It is power without limits," Mayoko said. "Unshaped. Untamed.If not properly controlled…"
She turned to Ryoka again.
"…it becomes a threat. Even to those closest to it."
The silence that followed was long.No one laughed now.
Except maybe Kaen, who smirked like he enjoyed hearing that.
Shori looked at Ryoka with a worried glance.
But Ryoka… just sat still.
Her hand curled slightly into a fist.
Then—
BANG!
The door burst open.
Everyone jumped.
In walked an older man with wild white hair and a huge smile on his face.
"Good morning, young ones!!"
It was the village leader — robe half open, sandals backwards, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Mayoko's eyes narrowed. "You're interrupting—"
"I know, I know," he said, waving it off. "But I have a very important announcement."
He paused dramatically. Then raised both arms in the air.
"SURPRISE DAY OFF!"
For a second — total silence.
Then—
"WOOOO!!""YES!!""NO LESSONS?!""LET'S GO!"
Kids were on their feet in seconds, laughing, cheering, grabbing their bags.
Even Kaen looked too shocked to speak.
Miyoko pinched the bridge of her nose. "You can't just—"
"I already did~," the leader grinned. "They're kids. Let them be kids."
He winked at Ryoka on the way out.She blinked.
Shori leaned over, whispering,"Okay, he's my new favorite person."
Ryoka smiled. Just a little.
The village streets were still damp from the early rain.Patches of sun peeked through the clouds, drying the cobblestone paths where children were already playing with sticks and wooden runes, taking full advantage of their unexpected day off.
Ryoka walked in silence, hands in her sleeves, eyes stuck on the road.
Beside her, Shori hummed a light melody — the kind that had no real tune, just something happy floating on instinct.
After a few more steps, Shori glanced sideways."Still thinking about it, huh?"
Ryoka didn't respond.
Shori stopped walking.
And suddenly — grabbed Ryoka's hands.
"Wha— Shori!?"
With a spin and a giggle, she pulled Ryoka into a swirl.
"C'mon, Ryoka! Let it gooo~ Dance with meee~"
"Hey—! No! Shori, seriously— I told you, I hate dancing!"Ryoka's voice went sharp and flustered as she tripped a half-step.
Shori spun her again.
"Who hates dancing!? That's like… hating breathing!"
Ryoka dug in her heels."I'm not breathing with rhythm, thank you very much."
Shori stopped.
Then grabbed her hands again.Even tighter this time.
"Okay but how—how can anyone hate dancing!?"
She swayed side to side, dragging Ryoka's arms with her like floppy noodles.
Ryoka burst out laughing.
"Alright! Alright! Stop! You're so weird!"
Shori let go and bowed dramatically. "You're welcome. I accept tips in the form of compliments."
They laughed, the tension melting like fog in the morning sun.
Shori's house wasn't far — a small wooden home with flower pots on the window sills and wind-chimes that sang with the breeze.
As they stepped through the gate, a small fluffy blur launched itself from the porch.
"Miyun!" Shori beamed.
The little fox-cat hybrid squeaked and leapt into her arms, then immediately tried to reach up and lick Ryoka's nose.
"Hey—! Again with the face!" Ryoka protested, but she was already laughing as she scratched behind the creature's ears.
From inside the house, a voice called out:"Girls? I made stew!"
Shori's mother appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron.She was short, soft-faced, and always smelled like herbs and honey.
Shori waved. "Thanks Mom! You're the best! We're going up to my room!"
Without waiting, she grabbed Ryoka's hand and bolted toward the stairs.
"You're not even hungry?" Ryoka asked between steps.
Shori grinned. "Food later. Gossip first."
As they disappeared upstairs, the doorframe echoed with her voice:
"Thanks Mom!! There's no one like you!! We're in my room!!"
The woman chuckled softly from the kitchen. "I know, dear…"
Miyun tilted her head, then scampered after them, tail wagging like a feather in the wind.
Shori's room was as lively as her — colorful curtains, scattered cushions, and little trinkets hanging from the walls.Miyun jumped straight onto the bed, curling up like she owned the place.
Shori flopped beside her, pulling Ryoka down with her."Okay, serious topic time," she whispered dramatically."There's this guy in our class, right? Have you seen him lately? So tall, broad shoulders, that smile—"
Ryoka rolled her eyes."Ugh. I really don't get what you see in them. Boys are… dumb."
Shori gasped, hand to her chest like she'd been stabbed."Dumb and handsome!" she corrected, grinning."That's the best combination!"
Ryoka smirked despite herself."You're hopeless."
After the laughter faded, Shori turned on her side, propping her head with one hand."So… are you staying here tonight?"
Ryoka shook her head. "Not this time. Tokugi asked to speak with me later. I should head home."
Shori's brow arched. "Oooh? About what?"
Ryoka stared up at the ceiling for a moment."…We'll have to wait and see."
Shori hummed, unconvinced but curious. "Mysterious as always…"
For a few minutes, they just lingered.Ryoka lay on the bed, arms folded behind her head, listening to the quiet tick of the wind-chimes outside.Shori sat cross-legged, flipping through a little booklet filled with sketches and scribbles of handsome classmates, humming with dreamy delight.
The contrast between them couldn't have been clearer.One lived in the moment.The other carried the weight of questions too heavy for sixteen years.
Evening
The small home of Tokugi glowed warmly against the darkening sky.Lanterns swung outside, their light soft against the wood.
Inside, Tokugi and Ryoka sat across from each other at a low wooden table.Steam rose from bowls of rice and vegetable stew.The smell of herbs filled the air.
Tokugi slurped loudly, unbothered by manners, before grinning."Well, Ryoka, eat up! Thinking's easier on a full stomach."
Ryoka picked up her chopsticks, eyes narrowing just a little."…You called me here for more than dinner, didn't you?"
The elder's smile didn't fade.He poured tea into her cup."Of course. But one thing at a time."
The air between them grew heavier, though the food was simple and warm.
Something important was about to be said.
The stew was warm, the fire crackled gently in the corner.For a while, Tokugi and Ryoka ate in silence — the kind of silence that wasn't uncomfortable, but heavy with thoughts.
Finally, Tokugi put his chopsticks down."So, Ryoka… how was school today?"
She sighed, pushing her rice around. "It was fine… except for the usual. I'm still the 'weird one' in class."
Tokugi's brows furrowed. "Hmm."
"They don't say it outright," Ryoka went on, "but I see it. The stares. The whispers. I'm different, and everyone knows it."
Tokugi leaned back, stroking his beard. His voice softened."Yes… it's hard being different. But remember — different doesn't mean wrong. You're not strange, Ryoka. You're just… unique."
Ryoka looked at her hands. The faintest shimmer of blue chi flickered against her skin.Her throat tightened. "…Then why? Why is my rune blue when everyone else's is gold? I was born here in the village, wasn't I?"
Tokugi's eyes lingered on her, but only for a moment. Then he forced a chuckle."Of course. Yes. You were born here."
She frowned. "…Then my parents — they were golden too, right?"
Tokugi paused. His smile faltered."Well… your father was a little… different. But yes. They both had golden runes."
Ryoka leaned closer. Her voice quiet, fragile."Then why can't I see them? Why no graves? Why no pictures? Why does no one talk about them?"
For the first time that evening, Tokugi looked away."…Because that was their wish," he said slowly. "They asked me to take responsibility. To raise you without the burden of the past. To let you live freely."
Ryoka blinked. Confused. Frustrated."…I don't understand."
Tokugi gave a pained smile. "One day, you will. For now… trust me."
That night, Ryoka finally lay down in the guest futon. Sleep came, though her mind refused to quiet.
The blue glow of her chi haunted her dreams.
In the main room, Tokugi sat alone by the fireplace.The flames painted his face in flickering gold.On the table before him lay an ancient book, its pages worn, its cover marked by symbols long forgotten.
He opened it, staring at words only he could understand.
The door slid open.A shadow stepped inside.
Shinken.
"She's asleep," the Master said quietly.
Tokugi closed the book halfway. His eyes were tired."Yes. And every time I lie to her… it hurts more."
He pressed a hand against the old pages. His voice dropped, almost a whisper."Shinken… believe me. If she knew the truth now… it would break her."
Shinken's gaze was unreadable. The fire popped, filling the silence.
The night carried on, heavy with secrets.
Ryoka tossed lightly in her sleep.The blue glow beneath her skin flickered… and then—
The Dream
Rain. Heavy, endless.The forest bent under the weight of the storm.
Ryoka stood barefoot in the mud, hair plastered to her face. She wasn't sure how she had gotten there — only that the air tasted wrong. Thick. Cold.
From between the trees, shadows moved.
Not like animals.Not like people.Something in between.
They surged and twisted, chasing one another, splitting and merging, their outlines jagged and unstable.
Ryoka froze.What… are those?
The storm grew louder.The shadows clashed, silent and violent, like predators made of smoke.
And then — one of them turned.Its eyeless face locked on her.
"—!"
It rushed forward, stretching, claws reaching straight toward her chest.
Ryoka gasped and jolted awake.
Her breath was sharp. Her forehead damp with sweat.She clutched the blanket, staring into the dark room.
"…Just a dream," she whispered. But her heart didn't believe it.
Morning – The Council
The council chamber smelled of old incense and cedar wood. Tall pillars carved with runes stood against the walls, casting long shadows as the morning light streamed in.
Tokugi sat at the head of the low table, his expression tired but steady. Around him, three elders of the village leaned close, their robes whispering against the floor.
At the far side — Mayoko.
Her sharp gaze scanned them all, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
Tokugi exhaled. "Once again, Mayoko… you ask me the same thing."
Her voice was calm, but carried a cutting edge. "And once again, I will not stop asking. Our village has strength unlike any other. With discipline, with leadership — we could expand. We could control the lands beyond these mountains. Yet you insist on wasting it all on… peace."
Tokugi's fist struck the table, startling the other elders."We are not a village of conquerors! Karina's strength is meant to protect, not destroy. That is the oath of our ancestors."
Mayoko's eyes narrowed."Ancestors who feared greatness."
"Ancestors who understood balance!" Tokugi shot back, his voice rising. "You call peace weakness — but I call it wisdom."
Silence stretched.Finally, Tokugi's voice softened. "This discussion is over."
Mayoko's jaw tightened. Her composure cracked for just a moment. She stood abruptly, her robes swirling as she turned on her heel.
"You'll regret wasting this power," she hissed under her breath, before storming out.
The elders exchanged uneasy looks.
Tokugi remained still, his eyes heavy.
Training Grounds
The sun was high now, warming the dojo courtyard. Rows of students stood ready, their uniforms straight, eyes fixed forward.
At the center stood Shinken.
His voice was calm, but carried authority. "Today's lesson is focus. To control your chi, you must learn not only to draw it out — but to shape it around you."
He closed his eyes. Slowly, his hands rose, palms open.
The air grew dense. A faint shimmer formed around him — gold, bright and pure.
It thickened. Expanded.
A storm of golden energy swirled around Shinken, lifting dust from the ground, bending the grass, tugging at the robes of the watching students.
And then, just as suddenly, it stopped. The courtyard fell silent again.
Shinken opened his eyes. "That… is what true control looks like."
He turned to the class. "Now, pair up. Work together. And remember — your chi is not a weapon until your spirit commands it."
The students broke into groups, buzzing with excitement. Ryoka stood with Shori, her pulse quickening.
Her blue chi flickered faintly, restless.
Pairs spread out across the courtyard. The air buzzed with excitement as students tried to mimic Shinken's display. Shori clasped her hands together, shut her eyes tight, and exhaled with a dramatic "Haaaa~!"
A faint shimmer of gold flickered around her, fragile but real.She opened one eye, grinning. "Did you see that? I'm basically a genius."
Ryoka sat across from her, fists pressed to her knees, brows furrowed. She forced her breath, her mind, her chi— push, push, focus—!
But nothing. Just the faintest spark before it vanished.
Her chest tightened.
And then, of course—
"Well, well," Kaen's voice cut across the field. "Looks like our blue flame princess can't even light a candle."
A few snickers spread among the students.
Ryoka's jaw tightened. She turned her head, ready to snap back—
When a scream tore through the courtyard.
Everyone froze.
From the balcony of the council pavilion, a figure leapt down — robes whipping, eyes blazing.Mayoko.
Gasps erupted. One of the elders shouted, voice breaking: "The scroll! The sacred scroll is in her hands!"
All eyes locked on her. But she wasn't the Mayoko they knew.
Dark energy seeped from her skin, writhing like smoke. Strange markings burned beneath her eyes, twisting her face with fury.
"I'm finished watching this village rot away in silence!" she cried, her voice thunderous. "From this day on—Karina will rise in flames! I will burn it to the ground and rebuild it in strength. Anyone who dares follow me—stand by my side!"
Her chi flared — not gold, but a twisted storm of black and violet.
From the other side, Tokugi stormed into the courtyard, his usually playful face carved with fury. "MAYOKO! ENOUGH! You're blind with greed! You're playing with power greater than you understand! And you dare spit on the values that keep us alive!?"
Her eyes snapped to him, filled with hate."Damn your values, Tokugi!"
With a sharp thrust of her palm, a bolt of violet lightning ripped through the air.
It struck Tokugi square in the chest.
"!!"
The old man cried out, his body flung back, collapsing onto the stones.
The courtyard fell into chaos. Students screamed. Elders rose to their feet.
Ryoka's breath froze.Tokugi…!
She ran, Shori beside her, hearts hammering as they dropped to their knees by his side.
Blood stained his robes. His breaths came heavy, but his hand gripped Ryoka's wrist with surprising strength.
"…Ryoka… listen to me," he rasped. "I can't… keep lying anymore…"
Her eyes widened. "What—? Tokugi, no, don't—!"
His voice trembled."I found you… at the gates. Sixteen years ago. You weren't born here. You came… from outside."
Ryoka's whole body froze. Shori's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No… That's not… Tokugi, what are you saying?"
"I raised you as my own… but you were different from the start. Your chi… your bloodline… I—"
A scream of pain tore the air.
Ryoka's head snapped up.
Shinken staggered back, blood trailing from his side as Mayoko stood before him, her twisted aura growing stronger by the second.
"Mayoko!" he roared. "What are you doing!? This isn't strength—it's madness!"
Her lips twisted into a grin, her markings glowing brighter."What should have been done long ago! Your peace has chained us for too long!"
Shinken steadied himself, chi glowing gold around his fists.The two clashed, power colliding like thunder.
Ryoka clutched Tokugi's hand tighter, her heart racing.Her world was breaking.
She rose to her feet, eyes fixed on Mayoko's monstrous form.
"Stop this… Mayoko!"
Her voice rang out across the courtyard, trembling but loud.The first cry of defiance from a girl who didn't yet know what she truly was.
The courtyard was chaos. Students scattered to the edges, elders shouting, Shinken locked in a brutal clash with Mayoko's twisted chi.
Ryoka stood frozen, Tokugi's words still pounding in her chest.I'm not from here…?
But then — Mayoko's eyes turned on her.Those sharp, glowing eyes, filled with fury and hunger.
She extended her hand.
"Didn't you hear what the old fool told you!?" Mayoko's voice shook the ground. "You don't belong here! This village isn't your home. These weaklings aren't your kin. But you…"
Her aura flared, dark lightning snapping in every direction."There's something inside you — stronger than all of them combined. Come with me, Ryoka! Together, we'll take the world and break these chains of cowardice. We don't need these losers!"
The courtyard gasped. All eyes turned to Ryoka.
Her chest tightened. Her thoughts spiraled.Tokugi, lying injured.Shori, eyes wide with fear but never letting go of her hand.Shinken, standing bloodied but unyielding.
She clenched her fists.
"…No."
Mayoko's expression flickered. "What—?"
Ryoka stepped forward, voice clear, trembling with anger but steady in its resolve.
"It doesn't matter where I came from. I know who raised me. I know who my friends are. And I know I can't let you hurt them."
Her chi flared — a spark of blue light igniting around her body.
"I'll stop you… even if it costs me everything!"
And with that — she leapt forward.
Her feet slammed against the stone as the ground cracked beneath her.The blue aura burst outward, not controlled, not refined — but raw and alive.
Straight toward Mayoko.
part 1/2