The crisp air of dawn swept through the training grounds of the Third Nation. The sun's first light hit the trees, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. Shinkū stood, watching the horizon, his dark coat of void-like energy shifting subtly around him. It was an eerie sight, as though he stood at the edge of reality itself. His disciples were spread out before him, each of them preparing for the day's challenge.
"Today, you will face a test like no other," Shinkū's voice broke the silence, cold and commanding.
His disciples, Hoshikawa Mei, Arkagi Gorou, and Kaito Murasaki, gathered before him. Their faces were hardened with the weight of the constant training. Each day was a trial, pushing their limits in ways they never thought possible. But this... this was different.
Hoshikawa Mei's heart raced as she gripped her katana. She had seen her master wielding the power of the void, cutting through space and time itself. She had felt it, too—the immense pressure, the burden of that strength. There were times when she questioned whether she was truly worthy to stand by his side. But today, she had to prove herself.
Arkagi Gorou, his broad frame casting a long shadow, flexed his muscles. His battle axe was firmly in hand, ready for whatever trial was to come. He had trained relentlessly for this day, yet there was a gnawing sense of unease in his gut. He was strong, but would that be enough?
Kaito Murasaki, the youngest of the three, adjusted the twin blades strapped to his back. His speed had always been his greatest asset, but he knew that facing what was coming would require more than just agility. It would require all his cunning, all his strength.
"Today's test will involve confronting an unknown enemy," Shinkū continued, his tone unwavering. "It will not be a fight against me, nor will it be an easy challenge. You will face something that you have never seen before. A creature beyond your comprehension. You will face it as a team, but ultimately, it is you who must rise to the occasion. The bonds you share will be tested to their limits. Fail, and there will be consequences. Succeed, and you will earn the strength to face the coming war."
The weight of his words settled on their shoulders, heavier than any physical burden they had ever carried. The sense of urgency in his voice was unmistakable.
Without another word, Shinkū turned and gestured for them to follow. The disciples followed him, stepping carefully through the forest as they made their way deeper into the wilderness. The further they walked, the more the world seemed to grow silent, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
After an hour of travel, they arrived at a clearing. The sky above was overcast, clouds swirling ominously. The ground was scorched, the earth cracked and barren. At the center of the clearing stood a massive, grotesque creature—a double rank A Jūshin. Its form was vaguely humanoid, but its features were twisted and unnatural. Jagged, blackened horns jutted from its skull, and its body was covered in spiked armor that seemed to pulsate with a dark energy.
"That is your challenge," Shinkū said, his voice devoid of emotion.
The disciples exchanged wary glances, their hearts sinking at the sight of the monstrous being. This was the first time they had encountered a Jūshin of this rank, and it was more terrifying than they had imagined.
The creature snarled, a deep, guttural sound that sent vibrations through the ground. It loomed over them, its massive form casting a long shadow.
Shinkū stepped forward, his presence alone enough to make the creature hesitate. "Remember, you are not fighting alone. But in the end, the battle is yours to win or lose. Work together, and do not let fear cloud your judgment."
The disciples stood in a tight formation, their weapons ready. Hoshikawa Mei, despite her nervousness, focused on the creature's movements. Arkagi Gorou gripped his axe tighter, his knuckles turning white. Kaito Murasaki narrowed his eyes, calculating the best way to approach the fight.
Without warning, the Jūshin lunged, its massive fists crashing down toward them. Mei was the first to react. With swift precision, she moved in to intercept the blow, her katana flashing through the air as she struck at the creature's arm. The blade made contact, but the creature's skin was tough, and the sword barely left a mark.
The Jūshin roared in pain, but the attack had only served to enrage it. It swung its other fist, aiming for Mei, but Arkagi Gorou stepped in, blocking the blow with his battle axe. The force of the strike sent him sliding back, but he held his ground.
Kaito Murasaki, ever the agile one, darted in and out of the Jūshin's reach, slashing at its legs and torso with his twin blades. Each strike was quick, but the creature's thick hide made it difficult to land a decisive blow.
"Focus on its weak points!" Shinkū's voice cut through the chaos. "Its joints, its eyes, its throat—these are your targets!"
The disciples adjusted their tactics, aiming for the creature's vulnerable areas. Mei moved with calculated grace, aiming for the eyes, while Arkagi used his sheer strength to create openings in the Jūshin's defense. Kaito, with his lightning-fast movements, danced around the creature, his blades a blur as he struck at every opportunity.
Despite their coordinated efforts, the Jūshin seemed almost invincible. Each strike they landed was met with retaliation, and the beast's sheer size and strength made it difficult to keep up the momentum.
Minutes passed, and fatigue began to take its toll. Mei's arms burned from the strain of wielding her sword, Arkagi's muscles ached from blocking the relentless blows, and Kaito's speed was starting to slow. The creature was relentless, its dark energy seeping into the ground, poisoning the very air around them.
Shinkū stood back, watching the battle unfold. He did not intervene—this was their test, their moment to prove themselves. But as he observed, he could see the doubt creeping into their hearts. They were not yet ready to face the true horrors of the world, not yet prepared for what was to come.
But they were learning.
Shinkū's eyes narrowed as he watched Kaito make a bold move, using his speed to dive under the Jūshin and strike at its underbelly. The attack landed, and for the first time, the Jūshin staggered back, roaring in pain.
"That's it!" Shinkū shouted, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "Keep pressing! Don't let up!"
With renewed determination, the disciples fought harder, pushing through their exhaustion. Together, they finally overwhelmed the Jūshin, landing a series of blows that brought it to its knees. Mei delivered the final strike, her katana plunging into the creature's throat, silencing its roar once and for all.
The clearing fell silent, the battle won—but at a great cost. The disciples were panting, their bodies battered and bruised. They had succeeded, but barely.
Shinkū stepped forward, his eyes cold as ever. "You did well," he said, though there was no hint of pride in his voice. "But you are still far from ready. There is much more to learn, much more to face. This was just the beginning."
As the disciples caught their breath, they realized the truth of his words. The road ahead would be long, and the challenges they would face would only grow more difficult. But for now, they had survived.
And that was a victory in itself.