The morning sun broke gently over the training field as Kazuki, Mitsu, and Mio woke early, stretching and preparing themselves for another grueling day. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew and grass, and a soft breeze whispered through the open space. Immediately, they began their exercises, pushing their bodies and Parka to the limits. Mitsu moved with effortless speed, his strikes precise and fluid, while Mio demonstrated her sharp instincts and agility, each action measured and intelligent. Kazuki, despite feeling slower, refused to fall behind. He concentrated, channeling every ounce of Parka he could summon, determined to reach their level no matter how many trials awaited.
Three days passed in a blur of running, jumping, and sparring. Their movements became sharper, their reactions faster. Mitsu glanced at the sky and said, "Four days have passed out of fourteen. Our next battle is the fourth." Kazuki nodded, breathing steadily, his mind focused. Mitsu continued, "We have ten days left—eight for training, and the last two for rest." Mio smiled warmly at Kazuki, "You've improved a lot. Your progress is amazing." Kazuki grinned, sweat dripping down his face. "God willing, I will reach your level soon." Mitsu chuckled with a teasing tone, "You'll never reach my level." Yet Kazuki's eyes burned with resolve, and he did not reply, letting his determination speak for itself.
To break the monotony, they decided to turn training into a game. A distant tree became their goal, and they sprinted toward it, dodging roots, leaping over rocks, and pushing themselves beyond exhaustion. Mio laughed, playing with her little cat that followed them, cheering and teasing them along the way. Kazuki felt the Parka flowing stronger than ever with each leap, each movement a struggle, yet he refused to give in. Every drop of sweat felt like a step closer to becoming stronger, not just in Parka, but in resolve and endurance.
Elsewhere, in a shadowed corner far from the field, a mysterious figure approached another man. "Master, I brought the Gora Blade. I found it at the bottom of a volcano—it's been there since the last war," he said. The man in darkness responded calmly, "Keep it, Kranzo." The first figure bowed and left silently, leaving behind a sense of tension and mystery. Kazuki and his friends remained unaware of this silent threat, but the world around them was beginning to stir with forces far larger than any battle they had yet faced.
Back at the training field, Kazuki had lost another race. Mitsu jumped in excitement, shouting, "Seven victories! You must surrender!" Kazuki shook his head firmly, "I will not give up. Face me again." Mio raised her hands, laughing nervously, "Stop it, both of you! I can't train my Parka if you keep fighting!" Kazuki smiled, "What if we try a special exercise that will increase our strength significantly?" Mitsu nodded, intrigued, and together they devised a new training routine, one that pushed endurance, speed, and Parka control to new heights.
The next ten days were relentless. Every morning they ran until their lungs burned, sparred until their muscles screamed, and focused on controlling every bit of energy flowing through them. Mitsu continuously corrected Kazuki's stance and movements, testing his limits, while Mio coordinated their strategies and timing. Evenings found them exhausted but content, sitting under the stars, their bodies aching, yet their determination growing stronger with every moment. They were learning to move as a single unit, understanding each other's rhythm, strengths, and weaknesses.
Finally, the day arrived for the first official battle of Stage Two. The teams assembled, faces tense and Parka glowing faintly around their limbs. Team One consisted of Rawa, Kinjou, and Hicha, while Team Two was Gan, Shinchi, and Nina. The air was thick with anticipation, every heartbeat echoing the intensity of what was to come. The referee signaled, and the fight began.
Team One moved with coordinated precision, each strike calculated. Rawa's fists, hardened like steel, flew toward Shinchi, who countered swiftly with his blade. The force of impact made the ground shiver, and sparks flew as metal met Parka-enhanced resistance. Kinjou and Gan exchanged strikes with lightning speed, their blows nearly breaking the sound barrier. Nina's attacks of water flowed elegantly toward Hicha, who dodged skillfully, only to be caught in a momentary bubble of water, electrified by light energy—Nina's clever manipulation stunning her opponent.
Kazuki watched intently, analyzing every move. Mitsu whispered, "Notice how Team Two covers each other's weak points." Mio added, "Strength alone won't win. Strategy is just as important." Kazuki nodded, absorbing the lesson. Every team adapted, exploited openings, and learned the limits of their power. The first round ended with both teams nearly equal, each fighter discovering new aspects of their skills.
Returning to camp, they rested and discussed the day's lessons. Exhaustion mixed with excitement. Every experience brought them closer to their true potential. As they sat by the fire that night, Kazuki felt a determination unlike anything before—a realization that strength was built not just in body, but in mind, teamwork, and perseverance. Mitsu and Mio shared the same resolve. Together, they had become a real team, prepared for the challenges that Stage Two and the world beyond would throw at them.