Chapter 5: The Road to Power
The days passed in a blur.
Minato found himself quickly settling into the rhythm of his new life—balancing school, combat, and the bonds he was beginning to form.
Yet, he could feel the pressure building.
The next Full Moon was approaching.
He knew what was coming. The first Major Arcana Shadow. A test of everything he had gained so far.
But this time, he wasn't going to just scrape by.
This time, he was going to dominate.
---
Morning
The usual morning routine had become somewhat familiar—wake up early, eat, head to school, endure mundane classes, and, most importantly, build connections.
Minato wasn't just attending school.
He was hunting for Social Links.
With each bond he formed, he felt the Fool Arcana's power growing. The more people he connected with, the stronger his potential became.
Today, he had a target.
Hidetoshi Odagiri – The Emperor Arcana.
---
Student Council Meeting
The Student Council room was quiet except for the occasional scratching of pens against paper. Mitsuru sat at her usual spot, exuding authority, while Hidetoshi stood at the front, lecturing about discipline and responsibility.
Minato listened, but more importantly—he observed.
Hidetoshi wasn't just strict. He was rigid. A man who believed in absolute order, unable to see the shades of gray in the world.
But Minato knew something important—everyone had a breaking point.
"You're always so serious," Minato commented when the meeting ended, approaching Hidetoshi.
Hidetoshi frowned. "Discipline is important. People need rules."
Minato smirked slightly. "What happens when the rules fail?"
A flicker of doubt. Just for a moment.
Then, Hidetoshi looked away.
"We'll see," he muttered.
[A new Social Link has formed…]
The Emperor Arcana has awakened.
Minato exhaled. One step closer to power.
---
Evening - Training with Akihiko
Back at the dorm, Minato found himself sparring with Akihiko.
Their fists clashed, movements swift and precise. Minato had never been a boxer, but with his enhanced physique and perfect reflexes, he could keep up.
Akihiko grinned as he dodged a punch. "You're learning fast."
Minato exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. "You don't hold back."
"Neither do you," Akihiko admitted.
Their fights weren't just for training.
They were pushing each other to grow.
And Minato knew—when the Full Moon came, this training would make the difference between victory and failure.
[Chariot Social Link increased.]
---
Midnight
That night, he found himself back in the Velvet Room.
Igor's unsettling smile remained ever-present as he greeted Minato. "Welcome back, Trickster of Fate."
Minato sat across from him, arms crossed. "Something's different, isn't it?"
Igor chuckled. "Indeed. Your power grows at an unnatural rate. You are not bound like other Wild Cards."
The Fool Arcana pulsed within Minato's soul.
"You are something… new."
Minato remained silent.
Then—Elizabeth stepped forward, her usual serene expression shifting slightly.
"You are not merely a participant in fate, dear guest," she mused. "You are a force meant to change it."
Minato exhaled.
He had suspected as much.
But hearing it aloud?
It solidified his resolve.
"I'll take control of this world's fate," he said, standing. "No matter what."
Elizabeth smiled. "Then let us see how far you can go, my Fool."
---
Three Days Until the Full Moon – The Final Preparations
Minato knew the battle was coming.
The first Full Moon Shadow.
The Priestess.
A monstrous being that would attack a moving train, putting innocent lives at risk.
But this time, things would be different.
This time, he was ready.
The question wasn't whether they would win.
The question was how overwhelming their victory would be.
The road to power was just beginning.
---
End of Chapter 5