Chapter 18: Kai
The sun stretched lazily across the open training ground, its golden rays spilling over the group of children assembled in a half-circle. They were young, restless, and full of unshaped potential. At the center stood Kakao, his arms folded, his gaze sharp but warm the man tasked with molding these kids into warriors.
Kakao's voice carried authority as he clapped his hands once. Kakao: "Listen up! Today, we have someone new joining us."
From behind him, a boy stepped forward. He wasn't loud, nor did he seek attention. Yet the moment he appeared, the atmosphere shifted. His posture was calm, his eyes steady, and there was a cool confidence about him that made the other kids murmur.
Kai: "Hello everyone. My name is Kai. I'm glad to train with you all."
For a heartbeat, silence lingered—then excitement exploded.
"Woah, he looks strong!" "He's kinda cool, isn't he?" "I wonder how good he is with a sword!"
Peter, standing among the kids, felt his jaw tighten. He stepped forward quickly, his voice cutting into the air.
Peter: "My name is Pe "
But before he could even finish introducing himself, the group rushed past him, swarming around Kai with eager smiles and curious questions. Peter froze mid-sentence, watching as attention—his spotlight—shifted completely to the newcomer.
His hands clenched. He's new… he'll be weak. Just wait. He won't last long.
But Peter was wrong.
Days passed, and Kai proved himself to be everything the others had whispered about. His movements in training were precise, his reflexes sharp, and his calmness under pressure made him stand out. He wasn't just good he was exceptional. Slowly, he became everyone's favorite, admired for both his skill and quiet demeanor.
Even Lyra bright, radiant Lyra seemed impressed whenever Kai fought. Each time Peter noticed her gaze lingering on Kai, his jealousy twisted deeper.
A month later, Kakao stood before the group again, announcing what every trainee looked forward to.
Kakao: "Tomorrow is the Warrior's Clash. Test your strength. Show your spirit."
Excitement buzzed through the camp. And everywhere Peter turned, one phrase haunted him.
"Kai will win." "Obviously, it's Kai." "There's no competition, he's unmatched."
That night at dinner, Kai sat quietly at the long table, eating with his usual composure. His presence alone silenced those around him. Then, nervously, one of the younger kids slid beside him, clutching his bread tightly.
Random Kid: "H-hey, Kai… in tomorrow's clash, if I end up against you… c-could you maybe go easy on me? I'll even give you my bread."
The words carried across the hall. Whispers spread, chuckles rising from the crowd. Before Kai could even respond, the table rattled as someone jumped on top of it.
Peter.
He stood tall, glaring down at the boy who had just begged. His voice rang with fire.
Peter: "Hey, you! Stop acting like a scared little cat. Don't beg. And the rest of you—have you all forgotten why you're here? To become warriors, not cowards!"
The room grew quiet, startled by his outburst. Then Peter turned his eyes to Kai, his lips curling into a determined grin.
Peter: "And you, Kai my name is Peter! Remember it, because tomorrow I'm the one who's going to bring you down!"
The hall erupted with laughter.
"Peter, you're crazy!" "Him? Against Kai?" "He's gonna get crushed!"
But Kai, sitting calmly with his meal, didn't respond. Instead, he let a faint smile tug at his lips as he stood and walked away without a word. That silent smile felt heavier than any insult—and it burned into Peter's pride like fire.
For Peter, tomorrow wasn't just the Warrior's Clash. It was his chance to prove himself
Chapter 18: Kai (Part 2)
The flashback of Peter and Kai training under Kakao faded.
Back to the present.
A silver sword sliced through the air—sharp, merciless and pierced straight into Duplicate Zimbraya's chest, stopping his mace just inches away from Fiery.
Zimbraya staggered backward, crashing onto the ground.
Fiery, half-conscious and bleeding, forced his eyes open. Through the haze, he saw a figure—calm, sharp-eyed, draped in a blue coat. His vision blurred again, but he felt… safe.
The ten surviving soldiers froze. Ethan and Alyssa were stunned.
Ethan (whispering, breathless): Is… this Phase 3 of the plan?
From the comms, Peter's voice came in.
Peter: Yeah. That's Kai.
Aqua: Wait you actually called him? When?
On the battlefield, Kai moved with fluid precision. In one instant, he appeared beside Fiery and Ethan, pulling them away from danger. Within seconds, he had carried them near Alyssa's position. Scarlet, barely breathing, was already being tended to.
Alyssa (startled): Who are you?
Kai gave a calm, steady smile. His voice was gentle, almost reassuring.
Kai: Don't worry, ma'am. I'm an ally.
Zimbraya pushed himself back up, growling.
Zimbraya (furious): What… what's going on here?!
From the comms, Aqua's panicked voice broke in:
Aqua: Kai! Get out of there fast! The unknown entity is heading your way!
Kai's expression didn't waver.
Kai: Understood. We'll regroup with you.
But Zimbraya's laughter cut through the battlefield.
Zimbraya (mad grin): Fire boy! And all you pathetic friends, listen carefully! You want to know who I really am? Then you'll have to beat me first! But… I doubt you can. You're all cowards!
Peter, Aqua, Goldie, Alyssa, the soldiers all listened in silence.
Goldie (low, tense): …What's he up to now?
Zimbraya raised his hand.
Zimbraya: Have you forgotten? I'm the one controlling your soldiers. You want numbers? Two hundred! Now, imagine what happens if I order them to march toward your civilians… Won't that be fun?
Peter's eyes widened, fury rising.
Peter: That bastard!
With a single signal, the corrupted soldiers began marching toward Shinobu's heart toward the innocent.
From the comms, Aqua's voice roared:
Aqua: You bastard!!!
Zimbraya smirked, his voice dripping with malice.
Zimbraya: There you are, little voice inside a piece of metal. So, what will it be? How many can you save? Your soldiers… or the civilians? Fire boy's team can't protect both. Either way… it's over.
A dreadful silence fell across the battlefield. Every ally—Alyssa, Ethan, Kai, the surviving soldiers, Peter, Aqua, and Goldie—felt the weight of his words.
Zimbraya (grinning): This is checkmate. The dead end. My objective is almost complete. Shinobu will be ashes.
The despair was crushing. Until
A voice cut through the comms.
Goldie: …Hey, you know…
Zimbraya: What now?
Goldie (calm, almost mocking): Checkmate doesn't happen when the queen falls… It's when the king does.
The comms lit up. Peter and Aqua both smirked at the same time.
Peter: Heh… well said.
Aqua: Couldn't agree more.
Zimbraya snarled.
Zimbraya: You? You think you will bring me down?!
Goldie chuckled.
Goldie: Not me.
Suddenly, the battlefield shifted the air grew heavier, thicker, the atmosphere charged with dark energy.
The ground cracked.
The unknown entity emerged. His form had changed six grotesque tentacles unfurled behind him, twitching with hunger and power.
He looked at Zimbraya with cold, unsettling eyes.
Unknown Entity (mocking tone): So… you're the monster they told me about? Hmph. I don't see it. You're not a monster. Not to me.
Zimbraya froze for the first time.
And the chapter ended.