TAKUMI TSURUGI
Training began in earnest, and the intensity was palpable. Yumi and I were in the middle of a combat exercise when Shinji approached us. He watched for a moment before speaking up.
"Takumi," Shinji said, his tone flat, "I want to train with you."
I shook my head. "I'm in the middle of something right now."
Shinji's gaze shifted to Yumi. "Are you done soon?"
Yumi glanced at me and I gave her a sign for her to refuse, however she gave me a quick smile. "I'll be back, Takumi."
As Yumi walked away, Shinji's eyes locked onto mine. "I don't understand why Rykeru Goro would pick someone as weak as you."
His words stung, but I remained silent. Shinji's impatience seemed to boil over. "Fine, if you won't answer, I'll just show you."
Without waiting for a response, Shinji swung his sword. I barely managed to block the strike, my reaction slow and unsteady. Shinji didn't relent. He pressed forward with a series of brutal attacks, forcing me to stumble and fall repeatedly. His strikes were precise and relentless.
"Get up!" Shinji commanded as I hit the ground again. I struggled to my feet, but my movements were clumsy. Shinji's relentless assault wore me down, and eventually, he disarmed me, leaving me vulnerable.
As he raised his sword for a final strike, Yumi rushed in, positioning herself between us. "Stop it, Shinji! What are you doing? We're a team. We should be supporting each other."
Shinji hesitated, his sword still raised. "He's weak. He doesn't belong here."
I glared at Shinji, I've had enough of his madness. "And you're the kind of person who uses his sword against both friends and enemies." My words were sharp, fueled by frustration.
Shinji's face hardened, and for a moment, his usual cold demeanor faltered. He retreated, muttering an apology under his breath. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
I felt a pang of regret, I felt like I had said something I shouldn't have. I watch him go back to Kiyomasa and Ayumi, starting to train with them. However, I pushed it aside. Shinji had provoked me first. I turned back to Yumi, who stood by my side, her eyes filled with concern.
"Let's continue," I said, trying to shake off the tension. Yumi nodded and resumed our training. Despite the harsh encounter with Shinji, I focused on improving my skills. If I was to succeed in the upcoming mission, I needed to be better—stronger.
As we kept training, Rykeru Goro approached. "That's enough! Come and pick your weapons so you can use them to train tomorrow."
Without saying a word, we followed him.
As he led us into the weapon chamber, the sight before me was both awe-inspiring and overwhelming. Rows of ancient and formidable weapons lined the walls, each imbued with a dark, alluring energy.
Rykeru Goro began explaining the selection process. "To wield these cursed demon-slaying weapons, you must demonstrate unimaginable strength. Each weapon is attuned to its wielder's essence, amplifying their abilities but also reflecting their deepest desires."
My gaze wandered through the array of weapons until it settled on one in the distance. It stood apart, darker and more imposing than the others. I couldn't help but ask, "What about that one?"
The room fell silent. The atmosphere grew tense, as if my question had broken an unspoken rule. Rykeru Goro's expression shifted, showing a flicker of discomfort before he answered.
"That," he said, pointing towards the weapon, "is the Demon's Blade (Akuma no Yaiba) No one has wielded it for years due to its overwhelming power. It consumes the wielder, stripping away their humanity and leaving only their desire to kill. It is drawn to those who possess an insatiable hunger for vengeance."
My heart raced. "I want to wield it."
Rykeru Goro laughed mockingly. "You haven't even handled a normal blade properly, let alone one as formidable as that."
I remained firm. "I'm serious. I want to try."
Rykeru Goro's amusement faded, replaced by a stern glare. "Forget it. That blade is not meant for you."
Despite his frustration, I couldn't let go of my resolve. "Why not? I need the strength to face the demons and avenge my family."
Rykeru Goro's eyes narrowed. "You're not ready. The Demon's Blade is not a toy. It will devour you if you're not prepared."
I sensed his anger but pressed on, my determination unwavering. "I don't care. I'm willing to risk it."
Rykeru Goro's patience snapped. "Forget it!" he repeated, his voice sharp. "If you're set on this path, you'll need to prove yourself first. Show me you can wield a normal weapon before even thinking about the Demon's Blade."
He turned away, leaving me with the weight of his refusal. I stood there, the dark allure of the Demon's Blade calling to me, even as the reality of its danger loomed large. I knew I had to prove myself, not just to Rykeru Goro but to myself as well.
As Rykeru Goro continued showing the others weapons to wield, there was certain pull towards the Demon's Blade that I couldn't resist. I tried to pay attention but neither of the swords seemed to be calling on me except it.
I looked at it and that was the worst mistake because I suddenly began walking towards it, unable to resist it's pull any further. As I approached it, I heard faint whispers, a seductive murmur that seemed to promise power and revenge. My hand reached out, trembling but determined. As my fingers closed around the hilt, a blinding red light exploded from the sword, filling the room with an intense glow.
The bright red light drew the attention of everyone in the chamber. Rykeru Goro's face contorted with anguish as he rushed towards me, shouting for me to let go. But the surge of power from the sword was overwhelming. It was as if a torrent of energy, far greater than my body could handle, was coursing through me. My eyes turned a blazing crimson, and my hair and garments began to float, defying gravity under the intense force.
Pain wracked through my body, mingled with a wild exhilaration. I let out a guttural cry, a mix of agony and exhilaration. My body, now fueled by the sword's immense power, struck out uncontrollably. A shockwave erupted from me, sending the other students and Rykeru Goro flying to the far end of the room.
However, only Shinji was left standing. He lunged forward, his sword clashing against the Demon's Blade with a resounding clang. The force of the impact sent the Demon's Blade flying from my grasp, crashing to the floor. The cursed sword's impact caused a destructive ripple, shattering Shinji's own sword in the process.
The sudden loss of the blade's influence caused me to collapse, my consciousness slipping away. The last thing I saw before darkness overtook me was Shinji standing over me, his expression a mix of relief and concern.