Morning had barely broken through the blanket of mist that hovered across the city, yet the streets were already stirring with signs of life. Pigeons cooed from rusted lampposts, the breeze swept through the trees with a sleepy rustle, and somewhere in the distance, a train rumbled over its tracks like a beast yawning into the day.
Kurayami Hikari dragged his feet along the pavement, his mind clouded as much as the early skies above. His uniform, neat as always, clung to him like a second skin. But his steps were heavier than usual, and his gaze remained unfocused, locked somewhere between anxiety and anticipation.
He wasn't tired—not physically, at least. No, it was the unease that came from the unknown that slowed him down. This was it. Today was the day he'd enter the Golden Sanctuary Academy.
Master Ryu walked beside him, hands tucked behind his back, the loose sleeves of his robe fluttering gently with each step. His eyes, half-closed and thoughtful, glanced at Hikari every now and then, as though measuring his heartbeat through the nervous tremble in the boy's footsteps.
"You're holding your breath again," Master Ryu said calmly.
Hikari blinked and released a shallow exhale. He hadn't realized. "Sorry," he muttered.
"No need to apologize. It's good that you're on edge. It means you care. But don't let that tension weigh you down too much. You'll need a clear mind when you face the trial."
That word again—trial.
Hikari tightened his fists inside his pockets. For the past week, he had done nothing but train. His hands were raw, his body sore, and his mind more exhausted than it had ever been. And still, he barely scratched the surface of his potential.
His Shadow Form was unstable, his bindings weak, and his control over the Legendary Sword of the Shadow was laughable. The best he could do was glimpse its outline—like a flickering flame that refused to take shape.
"I'm not ready," Hikari said without lifting his eyes. "I can barely hold Shadow Bind for three seconds. I haven't even summoned the sword. What if I mess up in front of everyone?"
"You will mess up," Master Ryu said.
Hikari looked up, startled. "That's not very encouraging."
"It's not supposed to be. It's supposed to be honest." The old man's tone remained light, but his eyes carried a firm weight.
"Every student—every Irregular—enters the Golden Sanctuary unsure of themselves. That's the entire point. The trial isn't about perfection. It's about will. Resolve. The ability to stand your ground even when your knees tremble."
"I'm already trembling," Hikari muttered.
"And you're still walking. That's more than most can say."
The sun finally breached the horizon, painting the city in hues of warm gold and soft amber. The rays bounced off buildings and rooftops, bringing life to every crack and corner. They turned a narrow street and entered a quieter part of town—where civilization stopped pretending it was alive.
Rusted fences lined the edges, broken windows stared back like hollow eyes, and weeds clawed their way through concrete. This was the forgotten part of the city. No one came here anymore. Except them.
At the end of the alley stood an old warehouse, its roof dented, its walls painted with time and decay. But beneath the ruin, a pulse hummed faintly, like a slumbering heart.
Master Ryu walked ahead and placed his hand on the rusted door. A glow spiraled from his palm, soft and scarlet, crawling along the wood like a living thread. With a gentle creak, the door opened to reveal the dim interior of the warehouse—and at its center, the teleportation sigil etched deep into the concrete.
"This is where the journey begins," Master Ryu said, stepping aside to let Hikari enter first. "Once we go through, I want you to prepare yourself. We're going straight into this."
Hikari hesitated at the threshold. A mixture of damp air and faint electricity filled his lungs. Inside, the teleportation gate pulsed faintly—lines of arcane symbols shifting across the stone floor like molten gold trapped under glass.
It looked ancient, dangerous, and completely unfamiliar.
He looked at Master Ryu, hoping for more advice—something concrete, something that could ease the chaos twisting inside him.
Instead, the old man smiled. "You've trained your body. You've trained your shadows. Now you need to train your trust—in yourself. This academy wasn't built for those who already have all the answers. It's for those who are willing to find them. So keep moving forward, even if it's messy."
"Even if I fall?"
"Especially if you fall."
With a breath that tasted of old dust and courage, Hikari stepped into the circle. The moment his foot landed on the glyph, the light surged. It surrounded his legs, then his waist, then his chest—climbing like flames licking their way toward the sky. Master Ryu joined him, standing tall and calm.
"Remember this, Hikari," he said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You are not here to prove you are better than anyone. You are here to become better than you were yesterday. That's the path of a true Shadow Manipulator."
The light exploded.
For a heartbeat, the world disappeared. There was no sound, no air, no weight. Just the sensation of falling upwards through layers of invisible silk.
Then, in a flash, they were standing in the midst of the city once again.
The Golden Sanctuary.
Although this wasn't the first time that Hikari had been here, he still couldn't believe how out-of-this-world this place looked like. It seemed like an old village in medieval times, but marble towers and bridges made it look like it came from a novel... no, from another dimension.
Quite frankly, it was just another normal day, but Hikari could tell that there was something else in the atmosphere. Everyone was abuzzed with excitement, and the city bustled with activity.
The teleportation platform stood at the base of a gleaming staircase carved from sapphire stone. Above it was a wide archway adorned with the symbol of the Irregulars—a swirling crescent surrounded by chaotic flame.
Hikari had to squint to process the sheer amount of power in the air. Every step forward felt like he was walking through molasses made of mana. His heart pounded harder the longer he stood there.
"It still looks... yeah..." he whispered.
Master Ryu stood beside him, calm as ever. "Remember, this place will challenge every part of you. But it will also reveal things you never thought possible. Keep your eyes open. And more importantly—keep your shadow close."
Before Hikari could respond, a chime echoed from above, resonant and commanding. Students paused, some glanced toward the sky, others kept walking as if nothing had changed. A voice followed—elegant, cool, and absolute.
"All new Irregulars, make your way to the Hall of Judgment. Your trial begins now." A huge banner hung on the Golden Sanctuary Academy. The trial for the new Irregulars was underway.
With a smile, Master Ryu patted Hikari's back once. "This is where I leave you. You walk the next part alone."
Hikari nodded, trying not to let the fear show in his face. He looked one last time at his master.
"You'll do fine." Master Ryu smiled softly. "Now go. Make your shadow proud."
With trembling breath and uncertain steps, Hikari ascended the staircase toward the future that awaited him—toward the Hall of Judgment, and whatever trial lay beyond those towering gates.