In the endless dark of the Void, Chaos slept upon his throne of twisted shadows.
His mind drifted back — as it always did — to a time when he was small. When the world still had color.
One hundred and twenty years ago, he was just a seven-year-old boy, running barefoot across a sun-warmed street, laughter spilling from his lips. Beside him ran Nyra — the girl he adored more than anything. Her long black hair flew behind her like a dark ribbon in the breeze, her honey-colored eyes bright with joy. They were inseparable. Always chasing each other, making childish promises, dreaming dreams that felt eternal in a world that still seemed kind.
Until the sky split open.
A deafening crack tore through the air. Darkness poured from the rift like living ink. Buildings groaned and collapsed. Screams rose everywhere. Monstrous shadows flooded the streets, claws rending stone and flesh.
Hex Vein users flashed into battle, light clashing against the dark tide. But it wasn't enough.
The boy — Chaos — grabbed Nyra's hand and ran. "This way! The shelter!"
They were so close.
Then the world fell.
A massive chunk of debris crashed down, pinning Nyra's leg. She cried out in pain, collapsing.
Chaos dropped to his knees, small hands clawing desperately at the rubble. Blood smeared his fingers. "Don't worry! I'm getting you out! I promise — just hold on!"
His voice broke with every word. Tears streamed down his face, falling onto her arm.
Above them, an elite Hex Vein user landed, energy surging in his palms. He aimed at the approaching swarm — meant to save the children.
He miscalculated.
The blast went wide.
White light. Agony.
When Chaos could see again, Nyra lay still beneath him, her breath shallow and fading. Blood pooled beneath her head.
He screamed for help. No one came.
He cradled her, rocking back and forth, sobs tearing from his chest. "Nyra… please… wake up…"
Her honey-colored eyes fluttered open one last time. She managed a weak, trembling smile despite the pain.
"Chaos…" she whispered, voice barely there. "If anything happens to me… I want you to know… I love you."
Then her hand went limp in his.
The warmth left her fingers.
Chaos screamed her name until his throat bled.
That was when the Shadow King stepped from the darkness.
He didn't gloat. He simply looked down at the broken boy clutching the girl who would never laugh again.
"Now you see," the Shadow King murmured, voice low and almost gentle. "This world is impure. It destroys the innocent for no reason."
He knelt, shadows curling around him like smoke.
"Let me take you away from it. Let me give you power. Power to avenge her. Power to burn away the world that stole her from you."
Chaos stared at the ground, fists clenched until his nails drew blood. Tears fell onto Nyra's still face.
"I'll destroy it," he whispered, hatred crystallizing in his young heart. "I'll burn this impure world to ashes… and avenge her."
The Shadow King smiled — slow, satisfied.
"Good. Then come, Chaos. I will shape you into the one who will finish what I cannot."
From that night onward, the boy who only wanted to save one girl became the weapon that would threaten everything.
In the Void, Chaos stirred on his throne.
A soft, feminine voice cut through the lingering echoes of the dream.
"Lord Chaos."
He opened his eyes slowly — Crimson, ancient, weary.
"Lord Chaos, wake up."
Chaos shifted slightly, the throne of shadows creaking beneath him. "Hm? What is it, Sylpha?"
Sylpha stepped forward from the darkness — long blonde hair cascading like pale gold in the faint Void light, emerald-green eyes calm and eternally devoted. She bowed, robes of living shadow trailing behind her.
"The Ciniscs are waiting for you, my lord. The concert approaches. They wish you to attend. Your favorite song will be performed."
Chaos stared into the endless Void for a long moment, Nyra's final smile flickering in his memory like a dying star.
"Give me some time," he said quietly. "I'll be there."
"As you wish, Lord Chaos."
Sylpha bowed once more and melted back into the shadows.
Chaos closed his eyes again.
In the dark, he could still feel small hands clutching cold fingers.
And the impure world that still needed to burn.
The crowd in the Void Realm was a seething sea of Ciniscs — shadowy demons with glowing eyes and twisted forms — roaring with wild excitement. The massive arena pulsed with dark energy, rifts crackling in the air like fireworks from hell. They stamped their claws, howled their chants, all hyped for the show to begin.
Then Chaos appeared on stage in a swirl of crimson-black flames. He raised one hand slowly, deliberately.
Silence fell like a blade.
The Ciniscs froze, breaths held, eyes locked on their lord.
Chaos let the quiet stretch, his crimson eyes scanning the masses, a faint, predatory smile curling his lips. His voice echoed through the realm, deep and resonant, carrying the weight of centuries.
"My loyal shadows… my children of the Void… I stand before you tonight not merely as your lord, but as the flame that will consume the heavens. Do you feel it? The rage in your blood, the ache for retribution? Tonight, we celebrate what is to come. Tonight, we remember why we fight."
He paused, shadows writhing at his feet like eager hounds.
"In a few short months, the rifts will tear wide. We will rise. We will descend upon that impure world above — the one that stole everything pure from me, from us. Their light will gutter out. Their cities will crumble to dust. Their screams will call my name. And if they took what was mine… then no one will have anything at all."
The Ciniscs stirred, a low growl rising.
Chaos's smile sharpened.
"But tonight… tonight we indulge. Let the fire in your hearts burn bright. Let this song be our vow. Let the world above tremble at the sound of it."
He stepped forward, the stage igniting in crimson light.
The music began — slow, seductive, dangerous. "Let the World Burn" by Chris Grey filled the Void, the beat heavy and inevitable.
Chaos took the microphone, his voice low and velvet at first, drawing them in.
"Lost in the fog..."
"I fear that there's still further to fall..."
"It's dangerous 'cause I want it all..."
"And I don't think I care what it costs..."
The Ciniscs swayed, entranced.
"I shouldn't have fallen in love..."
"Look what it made me become..."
"I let you get too close..."
"Just to wake up alone..."
His voice rose, shadows coiling tighter.
"And I know you think you can run..."
"You're scared to believe I'm the one..."
"But I just can't let you go..."
Then the chorus hit.
"I'd let the world burn..."
"Let the world burn for you..."
The Ciniscs roared it back, voices shaking the arena.
"This is how it always had to end..."
"If I can't have you, then no one can..."
Chaos's eyes blazed crimson as crimson flames erupted around him.
"I'd let it burn..."
"I'd let the world burn..."
"Just to hear you calling out my name..."
"Watching it all go down in flames..."
The crowd screamed the lines, fists raised, shadows lashing wildly.
"Fear in their eyes..."
"Ash raining from the blood orange sky..."
"I let everybody know that you're mine..."
"Now it's just a matter of time..."
"Before we're swept into the dust..."
"Look what you made me become..."
Chaos paced the stage, voice turning raw.
"I let you get too close..."
"Just to wake up alone..."
"And I know you think you can run..."
"You're scared to believe I'm the one..."
"But I just can't let you go..."
The chorus crashed again, louder, the Void itself trembling.
"I'd let the world burn..."
"Let the world burn for you..."
"This is how it always had to end..."
"If I can't have you, then no one can..."
"I'd let it burn..."
"I'd let the world burn..."
"Just to hear you calling out my name..."
"Watching it all go down in flames..."
"Let it all burn..."
"Oh, I'd burn this world for you..."
"Oh, baby, I'd let it burn..."
"For you..."
The final chorus hit like a tidal wave.
"I'd let the world burn..."
"Let the world burn for you..."
"This is how it always had to end..."
"If I can't have you, then no one can..."
The music faded, flames dying to embers.
Chaos stood motionless for a heartbeat, eyes distant — Nyra's name unspoken on his lips.
Then he raised his hand once more.
"This is our vow," he said quietly, voice carrying to every corner. "Until her name echoes in their ashes."
The Ciniscs howled, the Void shaking with their fury and devotion.
Chaos turned and vanished in a swirl of shadow, leaving only the echo of the song behind.
---------------------------------------------------------------------The first light of dawn filtered through the shoji screens, painting soft golden stripes across the tatami floor. Rein stirred slowly, his body heavy from the long journey and the restless weight of last night's revelations. The futon felt too warm, too comfortable — a cruel tease before whatever hell Azrael had planned.
A sleepy murmur broke the quiet. "Good morning, Rein…"
Stella's voice was soft and husky with sleep, her silver hair spilling across the pillow like moonlight. She was curled on her side, one arm draped loosely over the blanket, electric-blue eyes half-open and blinking at him.
Rein rubbed his face, sitting up with a groan. "Morning. Anyone else awake?"
Stella smiled faintly, pointing across the room without lifting her head. "Valkyrie went to take a shower. And Zen…"
Rein followed her gaze and nearly snorted.
Zen was sprawled across his futon in the most ridiculous pose imaginable — one leg kicked out at an impossible angle, the other bent under him, arms flung wide like he'd been dropped from the ceiling. His mouth hung open, a thin trail of drool glistening on the pillow.
"Well," Stella said dryly, "you can see for yourself."
Rein shook his head, fighting a grin. "Hmm."
He grabbed the nearest pillow and lobbed it straight at Zen's face.
Thump.
Zen jolted awake with a confused yelp. "Wha— what happened? Earthquake? Rift?!"
His hair stuck up in every direction, eyes bleary and unfocused.
Rein crossed his arms. "Is that how you sleep at home, too?"
Stella propped herself on an elbow, amused. "Didn't you literally live with him for years? And stay nights at his place?"
"Yeah," Rein said, gesturing dramatically at the human pretzel on the floor, "but he never did this."
Zen flopped back down with an exaggerated groan, pulling the blanket over his head. "I'm tired as hell. This is what happens when I finally get good sleep. Good night."
"Wake up," Rein said, nudging him with a foot. "We have to train."
Before Zen could protest, the sliding door opened with a soft rasp.
Valkyrie stepped in, fresh from the bath, silver-pink hair still damp and falling in perfect waves. She wore a simple yukata, looking as composed as ever, like the cold mountain air didn't dare touch her.
"Good morning, Rein," she said calmly.
"Good morning, Valkyrie," Rein replied, nodding.
Zen shot upright like he'd been electrocuted, blanket flying off. He ran a hand through his wild hair, flashing his most confident grin.
"Good morning, goddess."
A pillow sailed across the room, courtesy of Stella, and smacked Zen square in the face.
Zen caught it, blinking. "Ow— hey!"
Stella sighed, flopping back onto her pillow. "She's seven years— never mind. I give up."
Stella's Inner voice: Crap. I hope sis didn't notice. (I totally forgot she likes him…)
Valkyrie raised a single eyebrow, but said nothing. The corner of her mouth twitched — almost a smile.
Zen rubbed his face, still grinning. "Worth it."
Rein shook his head, already standing to stretch. Outside, the waterfall roared like a distant drumbeat.
The afternoon had come.
And with it, the real work began.
"Zen. Rein. Azrael's waiting for you two," she said calmly. "He wants you in the baths now."
Zen poked his head out. "Huh? Just us? What about the ladies?"
Stella sat up straighter, brushing silver strands from her face. "Yeah, what about us?"
Valkyrie folded her arms. "He said you two can take a breather today. Training starts for us tomorrow."
Zen's eyes widened in mock outrage. "Wah! Lucky you two! We get thrown to the wolves on day one?"
Stella smirked. "Sounds like it."
"Come on, Rein," Zen said, leaping out of his futon with surprising energy. "Let's go get cleaned up and see what kind of hell the old man has lined up for us."
Rein sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he stood. "Oh god… I already have a bad feeling about this."
The two boys grabbed their towels and fresh yukata, heading out with exaggerated reluctance. Rein glanced back at Stella, who gave him a small, encouraging smile and a subtle thumbs-up.
Once the door slid shut, Stella turned to her sister. "Why isn't he letting us train today?"
Valkyrie sat on the edge of her futon, thoughtful. "He just said, 'Observe and get an idea.'"
Stella frowned. "Observe? What's that supposed to mean?"
"I don't know," Valkyrie admitted, a rare hint of curiosity in her voice. "But whatever he's planning for the boys… it'll probably give us a preview of what's coming. Let's just watch. Closely."
Stella leaned back against the wall, arms crossed. "Great. Front-row seats to Rein and Zen getting tortured. This should be fun."
Valkyrie allowed herself the faintest smirk. "For us, maybe."
The estate's grand ofuro was breathtaking, a vast open-air bath fed directly by the hot springs beneath the waterfall. Steam rose in thick clouds, mingling with the crisp mountain air. Stone lanterns glowed softly along the edges, and the distant roar of the falls created a constant, soothing thunder.
Rein and Zen stepped into the changing area, stripping down and wrapping towels around their waists.
Zen immediately started poking around the shelves of soaps and buckets. "Hey, Rein, check this out, they've got like ten different kinds of bath salts! This place is fancy as hell."
Rein rolled his eyes, folding his yukata neatly. "Can you stop acting like a kid for five minutes?"
"Yeah, yeah," Zen waved him off, turning with a bucket in hand.
And walked straight into someone.
Thump.
The bucket clattered to the floor.
"Ow! Hey, you okay?" Zen asked, rubbing his shoulder.
The stranger, a lean, sharply defined young man around their age, steadied himself with a small laugh. "I'm fine. You?"
Rein looked up and froze for a second. The guy was built, not bulky, but every muscle looked carved, defined like he'd been training nonstop for years. Long light-brown hair fell in a loose, almost mullet style, tied back casually. His eyes were a striking orange, bright and alert.
Zen's jaw dropped. "HOLY MACARONS, REIN, THIS GUY IS SO LEAN AND DETAILED! Like, look at those abs! How?!"
Before the stranger could respond, Rein reached over and bonked Zen lightly on the head with his knuckles.
"Don't be weird," Rein muttered, then turned to the guy with an apologetic nod. "Sorry about him. We're the new students. I'm Rein Seethoshi, and this is…"
"Zen Kirisawa!" Zen interrupted, still staring. "Seriously, dude, how the hell are you that ripped? What kind of demon training did you do?"
The stranger, Kaiser Seishiro, chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's the master's training. Trust me, I got like this in just a few weeks. You'll see."
Rein raised an eyebrow. "A few weeks? That fast?"
Kaiser nodded, picking up the fallen bucket and handing it back to Zen. "Master Voss doesn't waste time. He pushes you to your limits, and then a little further. But it works."
Zen whistled. "Sign me up… or don't. I'm scared now."
Kaiser grinned. "You should be. But it's worth it. Name's Kaiser Seishiro, by the way. One of the three who got here a bit earlier. The girls — Esil and Maki — are around somewhere. Master gave them a break today, too, same as the Yukishiro sisters. They're probably watching from the back yard, getting a nice preview of what's coming for them tomorrow."
Rein felt the knot in his stomach tighten. "Back yard?"
Kaiser nodded toward a low stone wall at the far end of the bath area, partially screened by bamboo and steam. Beyond it lay a simple open yard with a few training dummies and a clear view of the falls. "Yeah. The master likes us to learn from each other. Watching someone else go through hell is almost as effective as doing it yourself. Builds anticipation."
Zen groaned dramatically. "Great. So we're the opening act."
Kaiser laughed, clapping Zen on the shoulder. "Pretty much. Don't worry — you'll survive. Probably."
The steam swirled thicker around them, the waterfall's roar a constant reminder that Reiketsu Village didn't do anything halfway.
Not even mercy.
After freshening up in the steaming ofuro, Rein, Zen, and Kaiser made their way to the main hall where they had eaten dinner the night before. The scent of miso soup and grilled fish lingered in the air, warm and inviting. Sliding doors opened to reveal a long, low table already set with steaming bowls and chopsticks.
Zen's eyes lit up as he hurried forward. "Finally, food—"
He stopped dead.
The table was set for five: Principal Wilson, Stella, Valkyrie, and two empty places that clearly weren't for them. Azrael sat at the head, calmly sipping hot miso soup from a lacquered bowl.
Zen blinked. "Huh… where's our food?"
Azrael didn't even look up. "No breakfast for you three."
Zen's jaw dropped. "WHAT?!"
Kaiser, standing just behind them, let out a tired sigh and gave the smallest, knowing smile — like this was far from his first time hearing those words.
Rein stayed silent, shock rooting him in place. His stomach growled traitorously.
Principal Wilson, seated across from Azrael, chuckled softly into his tea, clearly amused.
Stella and Valkyrie exchanged a glance from their seats — sympathy mixed with relief that they'd been spared for the day. The other two girls, Esil and Maki, were nowhere in sight yet.
Zen recovered first, stepping forward with his usual bravado. "Hold up, old ma—"
Azrael's pale gray eyes lifted slowly, fixing on Zen with a stare sharp enough to cut steel.
Zen froze mid-word, face paling. "I-I mean… Master! I can totally train without food! No problem!"
Azrael set his bowl down with deliberate calm. "You want food? Earn it."
He turned to Kaiser. "Take them for a run. To the peak and back. Only then will they get water."
Zen's voice cracked. "WHAT?!"
Kaiser clapped a hand on Zen's shoulder, already turning toward the door. "Come on, bud. Let's go for a run."
Rein glanced down at the thin yukata they were all still wearing. "In our yukata?"
Azrael's gaze flicked to him — cold, unyielding. "Yes. Is there a problem?"
Rein swallowed hard. "No, Master."
Kaiser gave them both a sympathetic but firm nod and headed out. Zen groaned dramatically but followed, muttering under his breath.
Rein trailed after them, casting one last glance back at the table. Stella mouthed "good luck" with a worried smile. Valkyrie simply nodded, respect in her eyes.
The sliding door closed behind them.
Outside, the cold mountain air waited, and with it, the long path to the peak.
Breakfast would have to wait.
Hell had officially begun.
While Rein, Zen, and Kaiser disappeared into the cold morning for their punishment run, the sliding doors to the dining hall opened again.
Two figures stepped in, moving with the easy confidence of people who had already earned their place here.
"Morning, Master," they said in unison, bowing slightly.
Azrael looked up from his miso soup, his stern features softening into something almost paternal. "Good morning, Esil. Good morning, Maki."
Principal Wilson and the Yukishiro sisters returned small nods of greeting.
Wilson's gaze lingered on the orange-haired girl. "Maki Voss. A pleasure to finally meet you."
Maki inclined her head respectfully, blue eyes steady. "Likewise, Principal Wilson. Master speaks of you often — always with pride."
Azrael set his bowl down, a rare warmth in his voice. "For the sisters' benefit — Maki is my niece. Esil is the daughter of an old friend and my student these past years."
He glanced at the four girls around the table. "I thought giving you a day's reprieve might be… pleasant. A chance to know one another before the real work begins."
Stella and Valkyrie exchanged a quick look.
"Thank you, Master Voss," Valkyrie said politely.
Stella echoed her. "Yes, thank you."
Esil, purple hair catching the morning light streaming through the shoji, couldn't hide her grin. "Oh yes!"
Azrael's lips twitched in amusement. "Someone is already excited."
Esil's pink eyes widened. "Oh — sorry, Master."
He waved it off with a low chuckle. "No need. Enjoy it while it lasts. By the time you return from exploring the village, you'll have front-row seats to the real training for those three."
Wilson joined in with a knowing laugh. "Indeed, Master."
Valkyrie, ever direct, turned to Wilson. "Principal… may I ask something?"
"Of course, my child."
She hesitated only a fraction. "How were you able to… afford all this?" She gestured subtly at the grand estate around them.
Azrael's chuckle deepened. "You didn't tell them?"
Wilson smiled sheepishly. "I prefer to keep things simple."
Stella tilted her head. "Tell us what?"
Azrael's gray eyes sparkled with rare mischief. "Your principal here is a multimillionaire."
The reaction was instant.
Stella choked on her miso soup.
Maki's chopsticks paused mid-air.
Esil actually coughed, pink eyes wide.
Valkyrie just stared, composure cracking for the first time. "What?"
Wilson shrugged, still chuckling. "It's true. Investments paid off rather well over the years. Helps when one needs to reserve private trains and hidden estates on short notice."
Stella's inner voice: So, Principal Wilson is richer than Zen? …The world really is full of surprises.
Esil recovered first, grinning at Wilson. "Guess that explains the fancy bath salts."
Maki gave a small, approving nod — respect for someone who wielded wealth quietly.
Azrael sipped his soup again. "Now eat. The village paths are long, and the boys will need your moral support when they crawl back."
The four girls exchanged glances — curiosity, amusement, and the first threads of camaraderie beginning to form.
Outside, the waterfall roared on, indifferent to the revelations inside.
But in the dining hall, the real bonds of Reiketsu Village had already started to take root.
After breakfast, Azrael dismissed the four girls with a simple wave of his hand.
"Go. Explore the village. Return by midday. The boys will need your… encouragement."
Stella and Valkyrie exchanged a glance — half curious, half wary — while Esil practically bounced on her toes, purple hair swishing with excitement. Maki Voss merely nodded, light orange ponytail swaying as she stood.
The cold mountain air greeted them the moment they stepped outside the estate gates. Frost still clung to the grass, and the waterfall's roar echoed through the narrow valley like a living thing. The village itself was small — a cluster of traditional wooden houses with tiled roofs, connected by stone paths and wooden bridges over rushing streams fed by the falls.
Esil led the way with the confidence of someone who'd walked these paths a hundred times. "Come on! First stop — the sweet shop. Master lets us have one mochi per week as a 'reward,' but I know the owner. She always slips me extras."
Stella smiled despite herself. "You bribe her?"
"Bribe is such a strong word," Esil said, pink eyes twinkling. "I prefer 'charm.'"
Valkyrie walked beside Maki, studying her quietly. "You're Master Voss's niece?"
Maki nodded, hands tucked into the sleeves of her yukata. "Yeah. He took me in when I was ten. My parents… didn't make it through a rift incident."
The words were matter-of-fact, but the slight tightening of her jaw told a deeper story.
Valkyrie's expression softened — rare for her. "I'm sorry."
Maki shrugged, blue eyes fixed ahead. "It's old. Master raised me. Taught me everything. He's tough, but… he cares. In his way."
Stella fell into step beside Esil. "And you? How'd you end up here?"
Esil's playful grin faded for a moment. "My dad was Master's old friend. Demon blood on his side — not full, just enough to make the Council nervous. When things got bad, Dad sent me here. Said Azrael was the only one who wouldn't treat me like a monster."
She twirled a strand of purple hair around her finger. "Been here three years now. It's home."
Stella reached out and squeezed her arm gently. "You're not a monster."
Esil's pink eyes widened, then she laughed — bright and genuine. "Careful, Yukishiro. Keep being nice, and I might start liking you."
They reached the sweet shop — a tiny building with paper lanterns and the warm smell of red bean paste wafting out. The elderly owner greeted Esil like a granddaughter, slipping her four extra strawberry mochi "just because."
As they sat on the wooden bench outside, nibbling sweets and watching mist rise from the falls, the conversation turned lighter.
"So," Esil said, mouth full of mochi, "which one of you is dating the white-haired brooding one?"
Stella nearly choked. "W-what?"
Esil grinned wickedly. "Come on. The way you look at Rein? It's obvious."
Valkyrie raised an eyebrow at her sister. "Is it?"
Stella's face went red. "We're… together. Yeah."
Maki, who had been quietly eating, gave a small nod of approval. "Good. He'll need someone steady."
Esil leaned in conspiratorially. "And Zen? The loud one? Total flirt, right? I saw him checking out Valkyrie last night."
Valkyrie's cheeks tinted the faintest pink — a miracle. "He's… energetic."
"Energetic," Esil repeated, waggling her eyebrows. "That's one word for it."
Stella laughed, the sound bright in the cold air. "Zen's been like that ever since I've known him. He flirts with everyone. Doesn't mean anything."
Maki cracked a rare, tiny smile. "He tried it on me when I saw him. I flipped him onto the mat in three seconds. Hasn't tried since."
Esil burst out laughing. "I wish I'd seen that!"
Valkyrie allowed herself a small smirk. "I'd pay to see it again."
They wandered on — past the small shrine with wind chimes tinkling in the breeze, over a wooden bridge where the stream rushed clear and cold below. Esil bought them all hot tea from a street vendor, and they sat on stones by the water, legs dangling.
For a while, no one spoke. Just the sound of the falls and the occasional bird call.
Stella broke the silence. "It's beautiful here. Peaceful."
Esil nodded, pink eyes soft. "Yeah. Sometimes I forget there's a whole world out there trying to kill us."
Maki stared at the water. "Master says peace is just the space between battles. We train so we can protect it."
Valkyrie looked at her. "Do you ever… miss normal things? Friends outside this? School?"
Maki hesitated. "Sometimes. But this is my normal now. And honestly? I like it better. Here, strength matters. Not politics or bloodlines."
Esil bumped Stella's shoulder. "What about you two? Fancy city life? Boyfriends? Drama?"
Stella smiled. "We had drama. Still do. But… having each other makes it bearable."
Valkyrie reached over and squeezed her sister's hand — a rare, open gesture. "We always have each other."
Esil watched them, something wistful in her expression. "Must be nice. Having a sister."
Maki glanced at her. "You've got us now, idiot."
Esil blinked, then grinned wide enough to show tiny fangs. "Aw, Maki! You do care!"
Maki looked away, ears pink. "Shut up."
They all laughed — real, warm laughter that echoed off the stones.
As the sun climbed higher, they headed back toward the estate, arms linked without thinking, bags of sweets in hand.
The cold didn't feel so sharp anymore.
And for the first time since arriving, the girls felt like they weren't just trainees.
They were friends.
The girls returned from their village stroll just as the three boys staggered back into the estate's main courtyard. The midday sun hung high, but the mountain air remained crisp, carrying the faint mist from the waterfall.
Rein was still on his feet, but exhaustion was etched into every line of his face. Sweat-soaked yukata clinging to him, white hair plastered to his forehead, violet eyes dull with fatigue. He stood only through sheer willpower.
Kaiser walked beside him, breathing deep and controlled, steam rising from his lean, carved body like heat off pavement. His light-brown hair was damp, orange eyes were steady but tired.
Zen? Zen was crawling. Literally on his hands and knees across the stone path, dramatic groans escaping with every movement.
"Water… please…" Zen rasped, collapsing face-first onto the veranda as they reached it.
Inside the open hall, the others were waiting in various states of leisure.
Principal Wilson sat cross-legged, calmly reading a newspaper, glasses perched on his nose.
Stella was curled up on a cushion, sketching quietly in her notebook, quick lines capturing the village scenes from earlier.
Valkyrie examined her nano-coin with focused intensity, running diagnostics on the compressed Astral Suit inside.
Esil had claimed a sunny spot near the window and was fast asleep, purple hair spilling across the tatami like silk, soft snores barely audible.
Maki Voss sat in perfect lotus position, eyes closed in meditation, light orange hair tied back, breathing slow and even.
"Welcome back," Wilson said mildly, not looking up from his paper.
"Water…" Zen repeated, voice muffled against the floor.
No one moved.
Kaiser dropped onto a cushion with a controlled exhale, steam still rising from his skin. "No one's going to give you water, Zen. You have to get it yourself."
Zen lifted his head just enough to glare. "If I take one more step… I'll die. Dramatic… heroic… death…"
Rein swayed on his feet but forced himself to stay upright. His legs trembled visibly. He glanced at the kitchen door across the hall, then at Zen's pitiful form.
With a shaky breath, he pushed off the wall.
Stella's pencil stopped mid-stroke. She looked up, worry flashing across her face, hand half-reaching out. But Azrael's earlier words echoed in her mind. Do not help them. They must earn it. She bit her lip and stayed put.
Rein's steps were unsteady, knees nearly buckling twice. He gripped the doorframe for support, then disappeared into the kitchen.
A minute later, he returned, three cold bottles of water clutched in his shaking hands.
He dropped to one knee beside Zen and pressed a bottle into his friend's limp hand.
"Thank you…" Zen whispered reverently, clutching it like treasure. "You're a lifesaver. A saint. I'm naming my first child after you."
Rein managed a weak huff of laughter, then turned to Kaiser.
"Here," he said quietly, holding out another bottle.
Kaiser blinked, genuinely surprised. No one had ever done that for him before, not after a run like this. He took it slowly. "Oh… uh, thank you."
Rein nodded, too tired for words, and finally collapsed onto a cushion beside them. He cracked open his own bottle with trembling fingers and drank deeply, water spilling down his chin.
Steam continued to rise from all three, the hall quiet except for their heavy breathing and the distant waterfall.
Stella closed her notebook softly, eyes full of quiet pride.
Valkyrie allowed herself the faintest nod of approval.
Even Esil stirred in her sleep, mumbling something about "cute newbies."
Maki's meditation didn't break, but the corner of her mouth lifted, just a fraction.
They had survived the first test.
And in that small act of kindness, Rein, fetching water for the others when he could barely stand, something shifted.
The group wasn't just trainees anymore.
They were starting to become a team.
Azrael returned from the back yard, his robes dusted with soil from tending the small herb garden he kept near the waterfall. His pale gray eyes scanned the hall as he slid the door shut behind him.
"Rein," he said, voice cold and sharp as winter steel. "Go eat. You'll need strength for training."
The words cut through the quiet. Stella and Valkyrie both tensed, exchanging a glance.
Rein was still on the cushion, body trembling from the run, steam no longer rising, but exhaustion heavy in every breath. He looked up slowly.
"No," he said quietly. "I won't."
Azrael stopped mid-step. The room went perfectly still.
"Why?" Azrael asked, tone flat but carrying unmistakable authority.
Rein met his gaze, voice steady despite the fatigue. "I can't eat without them. It wouldn't be fair. If I get food and training energy while they don't… then I'd rather skip the meal and train hungry too."
Silence stretched, thick and heavy.
Kaiser watched quietly, orange eyes thoughtful. Zen, still sprawled dramatically, lifted his head in surprise.
Azrael's expression didn't change, but something flickered behind those gray eyes.
"Kaiser. Zen," he said finally. "Go eat."
Zen blinked. "Wait, what about—"
"And Rein," Azrael continued, voice like ice, "you don't get to eat."
Rein nodded without hesitation. "Fine by me."
Azrael stared at him for a long moment, unreadable.
Then, almost imperceptibly, his shoulders eased.
"All three of you," he said, turning away. "Go eat and freshen up. Before I change my mind."
Without another word, he stepped back out toward the yard, sliding the door closed behind him.
The second he was gone, Rein's strength gave out completely. He collapsed forward onto his knees, hands bracing against the tatami, breathing hard.
"Man…" he muttered, a weak laugh escaping. "I really thought he wasn't going to let me eat."
Principal Wilson lowered his newspaper, a proud smile spreading across his face. "Good job, Rein."
Stella was at his side in an instant, kneeling and gently cupping his sweat-damp face in her hands. Her electric-blue eyes were full of worry and admiration.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you," she whispered. "He told us not to interfere…"
Rein leaned into her touch, managing a tired smile. "Don't worry about it. I'm glad you didn't. Would've made it worse."
From the floor, Zen rolled over and threw his arms dramatically toward Rein. "AWW, THANK YOU, REIN! I LOVE YOU, MAN!"
Kaiser, still catching his breath, gave a quiet, genuine nod. "Um… thank you, Rein."
"Don't worry about it," Rein said again, voice soft but firm.
The three boys helped each other up and headed toward the dining hall, legs still shaky but spirits lighter.
A few minutes later, Azrael returned from the yard, hands clean, expression calm.
The boys were gone.
Principal Wilson folded his newspaper and looked up with a knowing smile.
"I told you he's different."
Azrael stood in the doorway, gazing at the empty cushions where the three had been.
"Hm," he said quietly, the faintest curve touching his lips. "Strangely so."
Outside, the waterfall continued its endless song, as if approving.
In Reiketsu Village, strength wasn't just in muscle.
Sometimes, it was in refusing to stand alone.
After eating a quick but hearty meal of rice, grilled fish, and vegetables, the three boys freshened up and changed into simple training suits: loose black track pants, fitted shirts, and sturdy running shoes. Nothing fancy, just practical sportswear that allowed full movement. The food had restored some strength, but the earlier run still lingered in their muscles like a dull ache.
They made their way to the back yard, a wide open space of packed earth surrounded by bamboo fencing and tall pines. Training dummies lined one side, wooden posts driven into the ground for striking practice. The waterfall's mist drifted in on the breeze, keeping the air cool and fresh.
The girls were already there with Principal Wilson, seated on a low wooden bench under the eaves. Stella offered Rein a small, encouraging smile. Valkyrie nodded once, steady as always. Esil waved enthusiastically, purple hair catching the light, while Maki Voss sat with perfect posture, blue eyes assessing.
Azrael stood in the center of the yard, arms folded, his presence making the space feel smaller.
"Kaiser," he said without looking over. "Sit. Watch while I see what they can do."
"As you wish, Master," Kaiser replied, moving smoothly to join Wilson on the bench. He settled in, orange eyes curious but relaxed.
Azrael turned his pale gray gaze on the two newcomers.
"Come on then, Rein. Let's see what you've got."
Zen glanced around, shifting his weight. "Aren't we going to use our suits? You know, the Astral ones?"
Azrael's expression didn't change. "No. You won't. The suits enhance control, amplify power, and protect you from your own mistakes. You're here to be broken down and rebuilt. Not coddled."
Zen swallowed hard. "Oh god…"
Rein said nothing, but his violet eyes hardened with resolve. He stepped forward into the open space, rolling his shoulders once.
Azrael nodded approvingly. "Good. Rein, you're up first."
Rein took a deep breath, the mountain air filling his lungs. He dropped into a ready stance: feet planted firmly, knees slightly bent, hands raised in guard. Energy hummed faintly under his skin — a mix of Astral light and the darker pulse of Chaos, barely contained.
The yard went quiet, the waterfall's roar the only backdrop.
Azrael mirrored his stance, calm and unhurried.
"Show me," Azrael said simply.
Rein exhaled and moved.
The real training had begun.
The backyard of Reiketsu Village had become a battlefield under the midday sun. The packed earth was scarred from earlier drills, and the distant waterfall provided a constant, thunderous backdrop.
Rein rushed forward, breath ragged, fists clenched. His first strike was a straight punch fueled by raw frustration.
Azrael sidestepped with effortless grace, his movement almost lazy. As Rein's momentum carried him past, Azrael's counter came swift and precise, a sharp punch to the chest that drove the air from Rein's lungs.
Rein staggered, coughing hard, one hand clutching his ribs.
"Is that all you've got… Silas?" Azrael said, voice calm but laced with deliberate cruelty.
The name hit harder than the punch.
A spark of pure anger ignited in Rein's violet eyes. His jaw tightened, and the air around him seemed to hum.
From the sidelines, Stella's hand flew to her mouth. "Did he say that on purpose?"
Principal Wilson nodded slowly, eyes never leaving the fight. "Yes, my child. He did."
Rein launched himself again, faster this time. A flurry of punches — left hook, right cross, elbow strike — all aimed to land just one hit on the unmoving master.
Azrael dodged each one with minimal effort, weaving like smoke. Every missed attack earned Rein a counter: a palm to the shoulder that spun him off balance, a knee to the thigh that buckled his leg, a short jab to the solar plexus that left him gasping.
But Rein didn't stop. He pressed harder, sweat flying, breath coming in sharp bursts.
Zen winced from the bench. "He's getting destroyed…"
Kaiser watched intently, orange eyes narrowed. "No. He's learning."
Esil leaned forward, pink eyes wide. "Come on, new guy…"
Maki's expression remained neutral, but her fingers tightened on her knees.
Rein's attacks grew desperate, sloppy with exhaustion. Until something shifted inside him.
Astral energy surged — bright, pure light.
Then Chaotic energy answered — dark, hungry void.
They collided within him, twisting, fighting, then merging.
His eyes ignited with a deep, glowing dark purple.
Black medieval-style gauntlets materialized over his hands, etched with faint purple runes, edges crackling with unstable energy.
The air grew heavy. Shadows lengthened unnaturally around his feet.
Azrael's lips curved into the faintest approval.
"Ah… there it is. The Corrupted Heir."
The words were like gasoline on fire.
Rein roared — raw, furious — and charged.
This time, the ground cracked beneath his step. Purple lightning arced from his gauntlets as he swung a devastating haymaker.
Azrael's eyes flashed silver — Quad Vein power awakening in response.
He didn't dodge.
He stepped inside the punch, one hand deflecting Rein's arm, the other delivering a precise, one-inch punch to the sternum.
The impact exploded outward.
Rein flew backward like a cannonball, crashing through a stand of bamboo, splintering stalks, then slamming into a thick tree trunk with enough force to shake leaves loose.
He slid down the bark, coughing blood, vision swimming.
The toll hit instantly — the unstable fusion tearing at his body from the inside, pain lancing through every vein.
Stella shot to her feet. "Rein!"
She started forward.
"Sit," Azrael commanded, voice cold and sharp as a blade.
Stella froze.
Azrael didn't even look at her. "If you help him now, when he's on the edge of growth, you'll only make him weaker. Let him stand on his own."
Rein tried to push up, arms shaking, but his body gave out. Darkness swallowed him as he collapsed face down in the dirt.
Silence fell over the yard.
Azrael turned away, expression unreadable.
"Kaiser. Zen. Go get him."
Kaiser rose immediately, jogging toward the fallen Rein.
Zen hesitated a second, then followed. "On it…"
As they reached him, Rein's breathing was shallow, but steady.
The first real lesson of Reiketsu Village had been delivered.
And it hurt more than any of them expected.
Kaiser and Zen hurried across the scarred training ground. Kaiser slid one arm under Rein's shoulders while Zen took his legs. With a coordinated lift, they hoisted the unconscious boy. Kaiser then carefully shifted Rein onto Zen's back, securing him in a stable piggyback carry.
Azrael's voice cut through the quiet. "Kirisawa. You're up next. Place him beside Wilson."
Zen nodded grimly, adjusting Rein's weight. He carried his friend to the shaded bench and gently lowered him onto a cushion next to Principal Wilson.
Wilson placed a steadying hand on Rein's shoulder, checking his breathing. "Go, my child. I'll take care of him."
Zen wiped sweat from his brow, glancing at the unconscious Rein with worry. "Um… any tips?"
Wilson offered a small, encouraging smile. "Try your best. That's all any of us can do."
Zen exhaled sharply. "Okay."
He rolled his shoulders, cracked his neck, and stepped into the center of the yard.
Azrael waited, arms folded, silver eyes calm.
Zen dropped into a loose stance, silver-blue Astral energy flickering around his fists like crackling lightning. He flashed his usual cocky grin, but it was thinner than normal. "Let's do this."
He exploded forward — faster than Rein had managed — a burst of silver-blue light trailing his steps.
Azrael didn't move at first, letting Zen close the distance.
Zen opened with a rapid combo: jab, cross, spinning elbow, low kick aimed at Azrael's thigh. Each strike carried bursts of silver-blue energy, crackling on impact.
Azrael blocked the first two with forearms, deflected the elbow with a palm, and stepped inside the kick, redirecting Zen's momentum. A short palm strike to the chest sent Zen stumbling back three steps, but he caught himself, sliding into guard.
"Not bad," Azrael said, voice even. "Again."
Zen grinned wider, adrenaline kicking in. He circled, feinting left before darting right with a blazing uppercut infused with Tri Vein speed.
Azrael tilted his head just enough to avoid it, countering with a sweeping leg that Zen barely hopped over. Zen used the height to twist mid-air and launch a spinning heel kick.
Azrael caught his ankle mid-spin, stopping the attack cold.
Zen's eyes widened. "Whoa—"
Azrael twisted gently but firmly, sending Zen flipping through the air. He landed hard on his back, air whooshing out, but rolled immediately to his feet — faster recovery than Rein had managed.
The girls watched intently. Stella's hands were clenched. Esil leaned forward, pink eyes bright. Maki gave a small nod of approval.
Zen coughed once, then laughed. "Okay… that hurt. But I'm still standing!"
He charged again, this time layering speed bursts — short teleports of silver-blue light that let him flicker around Azrael, striking from multiple angles.
One punch grazed Azrael's sleeve — the closest anyone had come today.
Azrael's silver eyes flashed. He blurred forward, closing the distance in a single step. A series of precise strikes — shoulder, ribs, solar plexus — drove Zen back.
Zen blocked most, arms burning from the impacts, but the final open-palm to the sternum lifted him off his feet and sent him skidding across the dirt.
He came to a stop near the bamboo, coughing, but pushed himself up to one knee almost immediately.
Azrael lowered his hand. "Better. You use speed to compensate for a lack of power. Good instinct. But instinct alone won't save you."
Zen wiped blood from his lip, grinning through the pain. "Noted… Master."
He collapsed the rest of the way, breathing hard, but conscious — a small victory over Rein's total blackout.
Kaiser rose to help him back to the bench.
Azrael turned to the group. "Rest. Tomorrow, we do this again."
The waterfall roared on, indifferent to the bruises and the growth beneath them.
One step closer.