The morning air was crisp, a cool breeze drifting through the empty lot under the Love Bridge where Hikari stood across from Master Ryu. The world was still waking up, the golden light of dawn spilling over the city skyline. But there was no time to admire the sunrise. Hikari was already drenched in sweat, struggling to keep up with his master's movements.
Master Ryu barely seemed to exert himself. His strikes were light, his movements fluid, yet Hikari couldn't react in time.
Every time he tried to dodge, he moved too late. His body lagged behind his thoughts, sluggish and unresponsive. His shifting between shadow and physical form was delayed, leaving him vulnerable.
Gritting his teeth, he tried to counter. He reached into his shadow, attempting to summon his Legendary Sword of the Shadow—a weapon he had barely begun to understand.
Darkness swirled in his hand, forming into a long, elegant blade. For a split second, it gleamed ominously… before bending at the middle like a rubber toy and flopping downward.
Hikari stared in disbelief as the so-called legendary weapon drooped uselessly, then dissolved into nothingness. Master Ryu tilted his head slightly, unimpressed.
"Pathetic."
A flicker of movement—a shadowy blur—and Hikari barely had time to blink before a light strike landed against his ribs.
The impact wasn't painful, but it sent him stumbling. He tried to steady himself, but another tap struck his shoulder. Then his stomach. Then his legs.
He couldn't keep up. His vision swam, breaths growing labored. Master Ryu danced around him effortlessly, his attacks never brutal, but relentless. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. His body ached, but he refused to collapse.
Hikari gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over. He threw a punch—not a smart move, considering the difference in skill. Master Ryu sidestepped effortlessly, catching his wrist mid-air and twisting just enough to throw Hikari off balance.
His legs buckled, and he crashed onto the ground, gasping for breath.
The sky had brightened considerably now. The morning light felt too harsh, burning against his exhausted body. He lay on his back, staring at the drifting clouds, frustration gnawing at him.
What happened last night replayed in his mind—his helplessness, his failure.
Master Ryu didn't say a word. Instead, he shifted seamlessly into his shadow form, vanishing into the ground. Hikari clenched his fists. Why am I so weak?
A minute passed in silence before Master Ryu reappeared, stepping out of the shadows with a bottle of juice in hand. He tossed it at Hikari, who caught it weakly.
"Drink. You won't get stronger moping on the ground."
Hikari sat up and took a sip. The cool liquid soothed his dry throat, but his frustration remained.
"You've only just started, and you expect mastery?" Master Ryu crossed his arms, gazing down at him. "You'll improve. If you survive."
Hikari let out a dry chuckle. "You really know how to comfort someone."
Master Ryu turned away. "Go home. You have school."
Hikari sighed and pushed himself up. His legs felt like lead, but he forced himself to move. Tomorrow, I'll be faster. Stronger.
When Hikari returned home, Mitsumi was already prepared for school. He rushed to get ready, stuffing his books into his bag before heading downstairs. His parents were at the table, finishing breakfast.
"We're off," he said, waving.
His father called out, "Take care—and protect Mitsumi, okay?"
Hikari frowned. Why do you always say that, Dad? It's not like I wouldn't do it even if you don't tell me to.
Before he could dwell on it, Mitsumi grabbed his hand. "Let's go! We're going to be late!"
They sprinted out the door. His mother had delayed them earlier, insisting they finish breakfast, and now they were behind schedule. Then again, having a slow breakfast wasn't that bad to start the morning.
By the time they reached the Love Bridge, both were out of breath. They slowed to a walk, the urgency of being late momentarily forgotten, replaced by the tranquility of the picturesque scene that spanned across the peripheral of the said tourist spot.
The sun had fully risen now, casting a golden glow over the horizon. The bridge overlooked the city, offering a perfect view of the sky's gradual shift from deep orange to bright blue. The scenery was peaceful, almost magical.
"It's beautiful, right?" Mitsumi said, her voice soft.
Hikari looked at her, smiling. "Yeah, like yo—"
He stopped himself. What the hell am I saying?! He coughed awkwardly. "I-I mean, yeah, it really is."
Mitsumi tilted her head, her lips curving into a small smile. "You were about to say something weird, weren't you?"
"Nope! Let's go, or we'll be late."
They broke into a run again. As the sun climbed higher, their school loomed ahead.
The moment they reached the school gates, they sprinted up the stairs. Mitsumi wasn't used to running, so she slowed down halfway. Hikari grabbed her hand, pulling her along. No point in rushing now—we're late anyway.
When they finally reached their classroom, Hikari braced himself and pushed the door open. To his surprise, their homeroom teacher wasn't there yet. The classroom was filled with noise, their classmates engaged in lively conversations.
Relief flooded him. Phew. Not technically late.
Then, he noticed the sudden shift. The chatter died down as their classmates turned to look at them. Hikari stiffened. What's their problem?
As he moved to his seat, he realized he could hear everything—every hushed whisper, every murmured conversation.
"They always hold hands going to school…" someone muttered.
"Oh crap." Hikari immediately let go of Mitsumi's hand. How many times has this happened?!
More whispers reached his ears.
"The seniors said Hikari is an Irregular or something."
"They collapsed all at once before they could attack."
"No one even knows how that criminal was defeated."
Hikari clenched his jaw. He turned his attention outside, focusing on the scenery instead. He couldn't be bothered with all the news floating around. Right now, his plate was full focusing on his training as the successor of the Shadow Manipulator.
And then he heard it. It was something different. Something that made his ears perk up as he strained it to pinpoint where the noise was coming from. It was all thanks to his heightened sense, one of the perks of being a shadow manipulator.
There it was, a distant laugh— cold, cruel— followed by a cry for help.
The sound sent a chill down his spine. It wasn't close, but it wasn't far either. He shifted in his seat, scanning the classroom, but no one else seemed to react.
Another voice followed. Desperate. Pleading.
Hikari's heartbeat quickened. What is this? He turned his gaze to the window, peering at the streets below. Nothing seemed out of place. Yet the unease in his gut wouldn't fade.