The world remained silent around Akuro, yet far above, the divine realm was alive with concern. Shinki, the God of Creation, observed her ward from the ethereal void. Something… unusual pulsed within him—a resistance, subtle yet undeniable, brushing against her divine grace.
"He's… battling the spark I left within him," Shinki murmured, her voice quiet but stern.
Beside her, Lumira, Goddess of Life, radiated warmth, stretching her energy toward the boy below. "He's hurting. I want to help him, ease the pain maybe if i…"
Shinki's gaze hardened. "No, Lumira. He must endure this loss. Only then will he grow strong enough."
Selara, Goddess of Shadows, cowered behind her robes, visions of alternate futures flooding her mind. "But… if his mother were still alive… if he could have grown without this suffering maybe if I show him a better alternative future of his mom retaining her life he could…"
"Selara," Shinki interrupted sharply, "Sentiment cannot shield him from reality. None of your visions can undo what has been done."
Zephiros was away on urgent matters, replaced by Aurelia, Goddess of Resolve and Guidance her powers are similar to selara but somewhat different. She is Stern yet compassionate, Aurelia observed Akuro's trembling form. "Strength grows not in comfort, but in struggle," she said quietly.
Below, Akuro stirred in the hidden refuge Nichiya had prepared. Slowly, painfully, he began to push himself upright. The emptiness threatened to swallow him, but determination glimmered in his small frame. He clenched his fists, shadowed by grief, and resolved to endure, but no person can live without a decent meal, after the growl of his stomach nichiya giggled and gave to him the already fresh made dumplings, he wasn't use to this type of food, but as soon as he took one bite he couldn't stop, he ate one after another to the point of nearly choking but nichiya observant as she is giggled and gently patted his back while giving him water as he continues his eating
After akuro finished his meal Nichiya stepped forward. "Young master Akuro, if you want to survive in this world… you must learn to protect yourself, I'm not as strong but I can teach you a few things so you won't be devoured by this worlds cruelty of similar devils when you're old enough to go on your own." She pulled a pair of wooden swords from the side of the door. "We'll start simple. Balance, defense, and awareness."
The training was grueling. Nichiya guided him relentlessly, pushing him beyond what a small child should endure. Stumbling, bruised, and crying, Akuro refused to give up, his fists and strikes powered not only by determination but by the fire of his revenge. Each swing was a silent vow to the mother he had lost.
After hours of relentless training, Nichiya paused and told akuro that they will train tomorrow he should have some rest, after resting his body through the intense training with Nichiya he wondered to himself about what he could of done what he should of done and why he was so weak, by midnight he slept with stress in his young mind while tears dripped from his asleep eyes, morning hit and Nichiya brought found and warm clothes akuro was eating again but something still felt off about the boy, after a while training time came once more and Nichiya
gestured to a figure waiting nearby confused as akuro was, a man with one arm missing, his armor battered and scarred. His presence radiated discipline and authority. "This is Rokuro Hayashida," Nichiya introduced. "He knew your mother, Akuro, and he will help you learn to fight properly."
Rokuro's eyes were sharp, his remaining arm moving with precise control as he demonstrated stances and techniques. "You fight with pain and revenge," he noted, his voice firm but not unkind. "That anger will be your strength—but if you cannot control it, it will consume you."
Akuro nodded, gripping his wooden sword tightly. Under Rokuro's guidance, he trained harder than ever, learning to combine speed, reflex, and precision. Every block, strike, and parry was infused with the memory of his mother's last words, the ache in his chest transforming into fuel for his skill.
Hours later, when the sun began to dip below the horizon, Rokuro stepped back, lowering his wooden sword. "Enough for today. You've done well, Akuro." His gaze lingered, noting the raw power beneath the child's grief. "A fire like yours… it will either forge a weapon or burn everything around it."
As Akuro caught his breath, a voice rang out, sharp and filled with emotion: "Akuro!"
Yukari Shimizu came running, tears glistening in her eyes, with Shinju Fujinami and Akito Aokama close behind. They skidded to a halt in front of the boy, their expressions a mixture of worry, relief, and unspoken affection.
Nichiya smiled softly. "Your friends are here," she whispered. "You're not alone."
Akuro looked at them, bruised and shock came from his face, and for the first time since that night, a small, genuine smile touched his lips, after hearing a voice he hadn't heard for quite a long time. The weight of loss remained, but for the first time since his mothers death, he felt the warmth of connection and the beginning of purpose, and said "you're right I'm never alone and my mom would want me to keep moving forward, thank you aunt nichiya, thank you mister rokuro"
Rokuro nodded his head and Nichiya smiled and said "think nothing of it I was your mother's servant, and her last command given to me was to protect you young master"
Above, Shinki's gaze lingered, watchful and calculating. Lumira's aura pulsed gently, offering promise and quiet protection. After letting out a huge "gasp" of relief Selara shivered, her visions still haunting, while Aurelia nodded solemnly, observing the boy who had endured so much in so little time.
And thus ended another day of trials—one step forward, one spark of resolve ignited—and the beginning of Akuro's journey into the darkness that would one day challenge the world itself.