Chapter 4 – The First Trial and the Lion's Pride
Riku and Ren couldn't believe their eyes when they stepped into Shinju Academy's vast courtyard.
This wasn't your average school; it was a massive space, filled with fighting arenas, flying platforms, and mysterious symbols on the walls.
Ren: "This place is… incredible."
Riku: "But… why were we brought here?"
At that moment, Tensei Arata approached them.
Tensei: "Welcome. This is the home of the Shinjusha. Here, you will learn not only to use your powers, but to control them as well."
Riku looked around curiously. At that moment, two students quickly approached.
One had intelligent and agile eyes, the other radiated a loyal and powerful aura.
Tensei: "Meet… Haru Mizuno, Mouse Spirit.
Taro Fujimoto, Dog Spirit. They will be your first training partners."
Round 1 – Introductory Battle
Riku and Ren appeared before Taro and Haru.
After a quick greeting, Tensei made a brief statement:
Tensei: "The first round is a test of control and speed. Your goal is not to defeat the enemy, but to test your own limits."
Haru suddenly disappeared, shadowing behind Riku.
Haru: "Nezumi no Nami!"
Riku turned in surprise, but his reflexes had only just awakened.
Taro, meanwhile, charged forward, brandishing his powerful claws.
Taro: "Inu no Mamori!"
Although Riku and Ren tried to defend, the difference in speed and agility was too great.
By the end of the first round, Taro and Haru had won with a clear advantage.
Rik was panting, and Ren was sitting on the ground.
Round 2 – Strategy Test
The second round began.
This time, Riku and Ren tried to be a little more organized.
But Haru and Taro once again gained the upper hand with their combination techniques.
Haru: "Kage no Shun!"
Taro: "Kōgeki no Hōkō!"
Although Riku and Ren tried to fight back, their speed and coordination were insufficient.
At the end of the round, Taro and Haru won again.
Riku collapsed to the ground, his eyes filled with disappointment and anger.
Ryūjin's Intervention
At that moment, Kaoru Ryūjin (Lion Spirit) arrived from the other side of the arena.
He advanced with fierce strides, his roar echoing.
Ryūjin: "What kind of performance is this? Are you truly a Divine Spirit bearer?"
Riku and Ren met eyes, then retreated under Ryūjin's aggressive gaze.
Ryūjin: "That's the lesson Haru and Taro taught you! But you're still acting like children. I wouldn't let you go without knocking you down a second time!"
Riku clenched his fists tightly, the Fenrir spirit stirring within him.
Ren looked at Riku and nodded resolutely.
Riku (inner voice): "This is just the beginning… I will gain strength."
Ren (inner voice): "And one day, we will not bow to Ryūjin either."
End of Chapter
As the sun set in the academy courtyard, Ryūjin cast one last glance at Riku and Ren.
Ryūjin: "Cultivate yourself… because at Shinju Academy, strength isn't enough. You must also train your spirit."
Riku, Ren, and the others now knew:
Survival in this academy depended not only on strength but also on strategy and spiritual discipline.