The exhaustion that had settled over Akira and Raiga was written all over their faces as they traveled. The horses moved with heavy steps, and silence hung thick in the air. Akira's mind drifted back to the past against his will—
he remembered Arisawa's discipline, his sharp eyes, his merciless training…
The memory instantly killed his mood.
Raiga yawned, lifting his head and squinting toward the horizon.
— Hey, idiot, where's that blue-haired guy's palace?
Akira frowned, a mocking smile curling on his lips.
— How should I know? I thought you were the one with the "perfect sense of direction," remember?
Raiga pouted.
— Shut up! Of course I know. I was testing you, and you failed!
Akira smirked lightly.
— Oh really? Then go ahead, genius — which one's the palace?
Raiga pointed toward the sky, counting under his breath.
— Wait a sec… one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine… ha! Yeah, that ninth one!
Akira burst out laughing.
— Guess you're right for once. You actually did something useful, idiot.
Raiga clenched his teeth, eyes flashing.
— Who're you calling an idiot?! You didn't even know the way!
Akira shrugged.
— Whatever… let's tie up the horses.
Raiga grumbled.
— Ugh… that blue-haired jerk's gonna try to kill us again.
Akira sighed.
— First Morvan, now this guy…
When they tied their horses in the back garden of the palace, both noticed something had changed.
Akira's eyes landed on the flowers.
— Arisawa changed his garden.
Raiga nodded.
— The old one sucked. At least this one's got flowers.
A brief flicker of relief passed through Akira's heart. Maybe the swords were gone too? Maybe no more training…
Just then, Raiga's eyes caught movement in one corner of the garden. A young girl sat on a bench, calmly reading a book.
"Hey, idiot," Raiga said, his tone suddenly serious.
— Look over there.
— What is it?
Akira turned his head.
Who's that girl?
Raiga squinted, studying her face.
— No idea.
Akira muttered suspiciously.
— Maybe Arisawa's girlfriend or something?
Raiga's eyes widened, anger flashing across his face.
— That bastard! While we were training till we dropped, he was out here flirting with girls?!
Akira chuckled.
— Come on, let's go talk to her.
When the girl noticed them approaching, she closed her book and looked up. Akira cleared his throat, trying to sound polite.
— U-uhm… Hello there.
The girl looked at him, slightly surprised.
— Hello.
Raiga couldn't hold back his rage.
— Where's that blue-haired guy?! I'm gonna teach him a lesson!
"What are you saying, Raiga?!" Akira yelled, then turned to the girl with an apologetic smile.
— Don't mind him… you're really beautiful, by the way.
Raiga snapped at him angrily.
— I don't care! I'm still gonna find that jerk and make him pay!
Akira's tone turned sharp.
— Watch your mouth!
Raiga shouted back.
— Are you kidding me?! He told us he was on a mission, but this was his mission?!
Akira shrugged calmly.
— Maybe he just took a break.
Raiga clenched his fists.
— What kind of break is that?!
Akira replied softly.
— Maybe he's married.
Raiga gasped.
— Married? That guy? Not a chance!
Then the girl spoke, her tone cool and collected.
— What are you two even talking about?
Akira hesitated.
— Are you… Arisawa's girlfriend?
The girl looked at Akira for a while, then parted her lips.
— Arisawa… hmm… the name sounds familiar.
Akira and Raiga exchanged shocked looks.
Raiga yelled.
— You don't know the blue-haired guy?!
The girl tilted her head slightly.
— Blue-haired… ah, yes. I know him. He's from the Council.
Both froze in shock.
Akira's voice trembled.
— From the Council…? Then that means… you're—
The girl nodded calmly.
— Yes, I'm a Council member. And what exactly are you two doing here?
Akira immediately bowed, forcing Raiga to bow with him.
— Forgive us! Sorry for the misunderstanding! We'll be leaving right now!
Then he shot Raiga an angry glare.
But the woman stopped them.
— Wait. Why don't you sit down?
"S-sit down?" Akira repeated, startled.
— Yes. I'd like to talk with the Council's trainees.
Raiga was about to say something, but Akira quickly cut him off.
— Of course! Let's sit!
The girl smiled gently.
— My name's Makise.
"I'm Akira… and this is Raiga," Akira said.
— Akira… Akira Valen, right?
Akira blinked in surprise.
— Yeah… do you know me?
Makise chuckled softly.
— There's no one in the Council who doesn't. I'm sure you know why.
Akira's mood dropped instantly, his expression darkening.
— I'm sorry… about what happened in the exam.
"It's fine," Makise said.
— We were the ones who decided it should happen.
Raiga sat silently, watching them, his face full of confusion. Makise's gaze lingered on Akira for a long time.
Akira asked uneasily.
— Is something wrong?
Makise smiled softly.
— No. I was just looking at the spirit inside you.
Akira's eyes widened.
— The spirit inside me? You… how did you know there's one?
Makise smiled faintly.
— It's obvious from your right eye.
Akira murmured thoughtfully.
— I see… so it looks different.
Makise narrowed her eyes.
— But what about your left eye?
Akira flinched in surprise.
— My left eye? There's nothing there!
Makise shook her head slowly.
— No… I can sense another spirit. Faint, but it's there.
Akira whispered in panic.
— T-that's impossible…
Makise slowly reached out and touched Akira's right eye.
At that instant, Akira lost consciousness and found himself standing in darkness. It was silent and cold. Each step echoed into the void.
Then, before him, a cage appeared. Inside it was a woman bound in chains.
She gripped the bars tightly, reaching her hands outward, her eyes full of fear.
— H-help me! Please…
Akira froze. But in the next moment, the cage vanished.
And someone familiar appeared in its place—Valtherion.
— Valtherion?!
Valtherion's face was grave, his voice trembling.
— Akira! What have you done?!
"N-nothing!" Akira shouted, panicking.
— What do you mean?!
— We're in danger! Great danger!
— Why?!
— Someone's trying… to awaken your left eye!
Akira froze.
— The left eye…?
Valtherion gritted his teeth.
— I'll explain later. Whoever's doing it— make them stop!
Akira shouted:
— Stop!!
And suddenly, his eyes snapped open— he jolted awake.
Makise and Raiga looked completely stunned.
Raiga stood up, yelling:
— You bastard! What did you do?!
Makise only smiled.
— So that's how it is…
"S-So that's what you meant?!" Akira gasped.
Makise's voice turned cold.
— Nothing. See you later.
And in a flash, the scenery changed.
The girl vanished. Akira and Raiga found themselves standing in Arisawa's palace garden.
Akira blinked.
— W-When did we… get here?
Raiga clenched his fists.
— That crazy woman did something to us!
But Akira's mind was still swirling. "Left eye… what did she mean by that?"
In the garden, Arisawa and Yui were training.
Yui noticed them and waved excitedly.
— Hey! Akira!
Both of them ran toward her.
Yui smiled brightly.
— Welcome back! I was just about to come get you.
Akira, still confused, managed to smile.
— Thanks…
Arisawa crossed his arms and eyed them carefully.
— How was your training?
Raiga exploded.
— That old geezer nearly killed us!
Arisawa chuckled.
— Then I'm sure you've grown stronger.
Akira shook his head.
— We trained for such a short time… I doubt anything really changed.
Yui smiled teasingly.
— Don't say that! I'm sure the old man worked you hard.
Raiga slammed the table with his hand.
— Worked us? We almost died!!
Akira sighed, then turned serious.
— Arisawa, before coming here, we ran into a woman. She said she was a Council member.
Raiga nodded.
— A complete lunatic!
Arisawa's expression darkened instantly.
— Did she tell you her name?
Akira hesitated.
— Yeah… Makise, I think.
Arisawa's eyes narrowed.
— What did she do to you?
Akira swallowed hard.
— Not much… She just touched my right eye. But the moment she did, the spirit inside me— he panicked. He yelled at me to stop and back away. So I did.
A long silence. Then Arisawa muttered:
— I see… I'll speak with her.
Raiga shouted, baffled.
— She's really a Council member?!
Arisawa nodded.
— The second youngest. Twenty-six, if I recall.
Akira frowned.
— And you're how old?
— Twenty-eight.
Yui's jaw dropped.
— No way! You look younger than that!
Arisawa smirked.
— Anyway… You two should rest for a few hours. Feel free to explore the palace. After that, we'll begin group training.
Akira blinked.
— Group training?
"Yes," Arisawa said.
— You'll be training with the other students under the Council members. While I meet with the Council itself.
Yui's eyes sparkled.
— Sounds exciting!
"Rest up, Yui," Arisawa added.
— I'll call you all in a few hours.
— Got it!
As they walked down the grand wooden corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoed.
Raiga's stomach growled audibly. He grinned.
— Finally… food.
Akira couldn't help but smile too.
— Food… yeah, food!
Yui raised a brow.
— Don't tell me the old man didn't feed you.
Akira groaned.
— Nope. Rice. Every. Single. Day.
Raiga growled.
— His kitchen was full of ingredients, but— we don't know how to cook!
Akira smirked at him.
— Hahaha! The last time you cooked, we almost died from food poisoning, idiot.
Raiga clenched his fists.
— Like you can cook any better, huh?!
Akira shot back:
— At least I don't pretend I can!
Their argument escalated quickly, echoing through the corridor.
Yui laughed out loud.
— Hah… Watching you two argue never gets old.
Akira shot her a glare.
— Yuuiii!
When they reached the dining hall, their eyes widened.
Around the large table were familiar faces— Renzo, Gareth, and the shy Seraphina.
Renzo waved.
— Oh! Welcome back!
Gareth raised an eyebrow.
— You two look like you've been run over.
Seraphina blushed deeply, staying quiet.
Akira sighed and took a seat.
— Yeah… that geezer really went all out on us.
Gareth chuckled.
— So that's why he kept you two for so long— to beat the strength into you.
Raiga slammed the table again.
— Forget that! When's the food coming?!
Yui sighed.
— Be patient, Raiga.
Renzo laughed.
— It'll be here soon. You guys must be exhausted.
Akira nodded weakly.
— Yeah… totally.
His eyes drifted to Seraphina, who fidgeted nervously.
— You're Seraphina, right?
Her cheeks turned crimson. She brushed her hair nervously.
— Y-yes… but you can call me S-Sera.
Akira smiled.
— Alright, Sera. Sorry about that misunderstanding back in the forest.
Renzo tilted his head.
— Misunderstanding?
Seraphina's face turned beet red.
— I-it's fine!
Gareth leaned in curiously.
— What happened?
Akira started:
— In the forest, I grabbed Sera's ha—
— I-it's nothing important!! — she suddenly yelled, cutting him off.
Everyone stared, startled. Renzo and Gareth exchanged mischievous grins, silently snickering.
Sera, desperate to change the subject, blurted out:
— A-Akira! I have a gift for you! I hope you'll like it.
Akira blinked.
— A gift? Where?
"In my room," Sera stammered.
— I'll go get it!
Akira smiled kindly.
— Want me to come with you?
Her face turned scarlet.
"H-no!!" she yelped, running off.
Renzo grinned slyly.
— Hurry back, Sera! We'll keep Akira entertained till then.
As she ran out, Akira and Raiga exchanged puzzled looks.
Akira muttered:
— Wonder what kind of gift that is…
Renzo grinned.
— You know, we owe you.
Gareth nodded.
— Yeah. We've got something for you too.
Akira raised his hands.
— No way, come on. I was just doing my job.
Raiga butted in.
— Hey, I'm the one who saved your lives!
Renzo laughed.
— Really? I remember you trembling in a corner.
Gareth smirked.
— Yeah, pretty sure you were screaming for help.
Raiga fumed.
— Says the guys who couldn't even move!
"Raiga!" Akira yelled.
— Don't start again!
Renzo's smile faded slightly.
— He's right, though. We've got a long way to go.
Yui interjected.
— We'll all be training together today. Arisawa said so.
Renzo nodded.
— Yeah, Sorane told us.
Gareth's eyes gleamed.
— I can't wait.
Just then, Seraphina came running back, holding a beautifully crafted sword.
Her breath was heavy, but her eyes sparkled.
Akira's eyes widened.
— N-no way…!
Renzo grinned.
— Yep, it's what you think.
Seraphina spoke softly, shyly.
— Y-your sword was broken… so I brought this as a gift.
Akira's eyes glistened as he took it.
— Thank you, Sera… this is… amazing.
Sera smiled nervously.
— It's not just any sword. It's a family heirloom.
Akira froze.
— Then… giving it to me—
"It's fine," she said with a shy smile.
— I can't even use a sword anyway.
Akira drew it from its sheath— the silver blade gleamed like moonlight.
— Th-this sword… it's beautiful…
Raiga folded his arms.
— Hah! Looks average to me. Mine's better.
Then, a familiar voice echoed behind them.
— The sword doesn't matter. The wielder does.
Akira turned around, annoyed.
— You're… that guy from the cage… what was your name again…?
Sato snapped.
— How do you keep forgetting my name?!
Yui frowned.
— And you are?
Sato puffed out his chest.
— I'm a student of Natsuhara.
Raiga frowned.
— What are you doing here?
Sato smirked.
— We're training together today. Thought I'd check out my competition.
Renzo narrowed his eyes.
— Natsuhara's students, huh…
Gareth added curiously.
— What about the other group? There was one more, right?
Sato's eyes widened.
— Whaaat?! There's another group?!
Akira sighed.
— Looks like it's gonna be crowded.
Raiga cracked his knuckles.
— Then I'll crush them all!
Yui warned seriously.
— Don't underestimate them.
Sato laughed arrogantly.
— Our team's strong. You won't even last a minute! Hahaha!
Raiga jumped up.
— You little—!
He was about to lunge when Akira and Yui grabbed him.
Yui shouted.
— Stop, Raiga!
Akira added.
— Wait for training, idiot!
Raiga struggled.
— Let me go! I'll smash him now!
But Sato laughed and walked out smugly, leaving tension behind.
Everyone sighed.
After eating, Akira, Raiga, and Yui returned to their rooms to prepare for the upcoming group training.
A strange excitement filled the air.
When they finally arrived in the garden, all eyes turned toward them.
The Council members and students were already assembled.
Arisawa glared.
— Finally decided to show up.
Yui smiled faintly.
— Guess we're a bit late.
Beside Arisawa stood Daigo, Natsuhara, and Sorane— three of the Council members.
Nine students stood silently behind them.
Daigo stepped forward, his deep voice booming.
— What's this? We've been waiting forever!
Raiga growled.
— Hey blue guy, we came just like you said! You got a problem?!
Akira and Yui quickly held him back, but Daigo just laughed.
— Haha! I like this one. He's got guts!
Arisawa sighed.
— My fault. I told them late.
Behind Daigo, a timid girl muttered.
— I-it's fine…
Natsuhara grunted.
— Let's just start already. I've got no time to waste. And where's the ice freak?
Daigo shrugged.
— On a mission. Won't be coming.
Arisawa turned to his students.
— Train however you like. Don't interfere with us.
Daigo nodded.
— Yeah. Do whatever.
The boy behind him, Ren, shouted.
— Yes, sir!
Renzo and Gareth followed suit.
— Yes, sir!
Sato joined in too.
— Yes, sir!
Akira blinked.
— Uh… are we supposed to shout too?
Raiga muttered.
— I ain't yelling "sir" to that blue freak.
Yui giggled.
— No need to.
The Council members stepped aside, forming two groups.
Arisawa spoke first.
— We'll start with two-on-two battles.
Natsuhara folded his arms.
— Who's teaming up with who?
Sorane timidly raised her hand.
— I-I want to be with A-Arisawa…
Daigo laughed.
— Then it'd be unfair!
Natsuhara nodded seriously.
— Best if Arisawa teams with you, and I team with Sorane. That evens things out.
Daigo agreed.
— Yeah, one strong and one weak per team.
Arisawa closed his eyes briefly, then said:
— No. The three of you— team up. I'll fight alone.
The three fell silent— then burst into laughter.
Sorane gasped.
— B-but Arisawa… that's impossible!
Arisawa's eyes opened— calm and serious.
— Don't worry. I'm strong enough.
Daigo squared his shoulders.
— You think you can beat all three of us?
Arisawa nodded.
— Yes.
The garden fell silent. The wind rustled the leaves.
Then Daigo roared:
— A guy who wears a suit to battle can't beat us!
Natsuhara snarled.
— You're underestimating us, Arisawa. This'll be your end.
Arisawa stepped forward.
— Then prove it. If you're so sure, stop me.
Daigo grinned fiercely.
— You asked for it!
The three took their positions.
The students watched in awe.
Sato whispered:
— Three against one… impossible.
Ren clenched his fists.
— Don't you dare insult my father!
Raiga crossed his arms.
— He's got no chance. The blue guy's too cocky.
But Yui's eyes were calm— almost knowing.
Daigo and Natsuhara lunged first.
Arisawa deflected both in one swift motion.
Sorane sent a wave of water— Arisawa sidestepped effortlessly.
Daigo's rapid punches were blocked one by one.
Natsuhara vanished behind him, but Arisawa's telekinesis flung him away.
Daigo laughed.
— You're good at close range!
Natsuhara growled.
— But you've got limits!
After a pause, they retreated.
Daigo's body erupted in flames; his eyes glowed fiercely.
— Time to get serious!
Lightning surged around Natsuhara's legs, cracking the ground beneath him.
Arisawa smiled faintly.
— Finally.
Natsuhara shot forward like lightning, while Daigo's flames filled the sky.
Sorane stayed back, launching ranged attacks to pin him down.
The garden trembled.
Daigo's blazing punch and Natsuhara's deadly kick struck at once— a deafening explosion followed.
Students gasped, shielding their eyes.
Daigo exhaled.
— It's over?
Natsuhara wiped his brow.
— Yeah… he's—
Before he could finish, Arisawa emerged from the smoke— untouched.
He flung them both back effortlessly.
— Still too slow.
Sorane froze.
— I-it can't be…
Arisawa turned toward her.
Before he could strike, Daigo and Natsuhara returned.
Daigo's flames became a dragon, roaring toward the heavens.
Natsuhara's body sparked like thunder.
Daigo roared:
— Fire Dragon— charge!!
Natsuhara dashed in. Sorane hesitated, knowing she couldn't keep up.
Arisawa stood still.
He raised his hands— his entire body glowing with positive energy.
One hand caught the fire dragon. The other— stopped Natsuhara's lightning kick.
Natsuhara's eyes widened.
— Impossible… you're matching my speed…?!
Flames engulfed the garden.
Trees burned, stone cracked— chaos everywhere.
But Arisawa stood firm.
When the fire vanished, he kicked Natsuhara away and rose into the air.
His voice echoed through the garden:
— Now it's my turn.
He spread his arms— light burst from his body.
Telekinesis pulled all three together.
A crushing pressure filled the air.
Then— an enormous wave of energy descended, shaking the palace itself.
When the dust settled, silence fell.
Arisawa landed gracefully. His suit was spotless.
Daigo, Natsuhara, and Sorane— battered, gasping.
Natsuhara managed to speak.
— Wh-what kind of monster… are you…
Arisawa replied quietly.
— Let's call it… a draw.
Daigo glared.
— A draw?!
Arisawa smiled faintly.
— My energy's spent. But so is yours.
The garden was silent.
Then Akira cheered:
— Arisawa-sensei! You're amazing!
Ren stared at his father in disbelief.
— How… how is that possible?
Raiga raised an eyebrow.
— Guess blue guy's pretty damn strong after all.
Sato muttered.
— The palace… it's damaged…
Renzo shrugged.
— Well, that's what happens when Council members fight.
Arisawa walked over.
— Training's over. Everyone, return to your rooms.
They all nodded.
— Understood.
Even then, their eyes still shimmered with awe.
Later, in his room, Arisawa noticed someone by the window— long black hair flowing.
He sighed.
— What do you want, Akabane?
The woman turned, smiling.
— Don't be so rude, Arisawa.
— You didn't come here just to chat.
Akabane smiled faintly.
— Correct.
Her eyes gleamed like sharpened glass.
— I've found a lead… to the location of the Legendary Sword.
Arisawa's expression darkened.
— So you're still after that blade. You know there's no guarantee it'll choose you.
Akabane smirked.
— I don't care. If that sword falls into the wrong hands, Velmorya will be doomed.
Arisawa's tone turned cold.
— Don't twist your personal desires into something that sounds noble!
Akabane shrugged lightly.
— Interpret it however you want. But you still owe me, don't you?
Silence filled the room. Arisawa's jaw tightened.
— Why don't you go yourself?
— Because the information came from my enemies. If I go, it's a trap waiting to happen.
Arisawa's eyes narrowed.
— Then why send me?!
Akabane met his gaze, calm yet deadly.
— Because your debt to me is too deep to refuse. Even if I told you to walk into death itself— you wouldn't say no.
A heavy pause. Then Arisawa exhaled slowly.
— Fine. I'll do it. After that, we're even.
Akabane smiled faintly and turned toward the door.
— When you bring me that sword… your debt will be paid.
She opened the door and tossed a small folded paper toward him.
— Here. The clue— and the location.
Arisawa caught it silently. His eyes narrowed, scanning the markings.
Something about it… felt ominous.
He could sense it—
This wasn't just a mission.
It was the beginning of something far darker.