The sun had just begun to dip behind the distant mountains, casting a warm golden glow across the dense forest. I had ventured deeper into the woods today, hunting C-rank goblins and orcs for practice. The clearing I stood in was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves, as I surveyed the area for any signs of movement.

  With a swift motion, I unsheathed my sword, feeling the familiar weight in my hand. The practice over the past years had honed my skills to a sharp edge, and today I felt ready to face any challenge. As I stood there, I noticed a slight rustle in the bushes behind me, but before I could react, two figures emerged from the shadows.

  A young man, tall and lean, with short dark hair and a casual yet confident air about him, stepped forward. Beside him, a young woman—Sayo—stood, her delicate frame slightly behind him.

  “Impressive,” the man said with a nod, his eyes glimmering with interest. “I didn’t expect to find someone of your caliber out here.”

  I turned, recognizing him instantly from Sayo’s descriptions—Lucas Pelis, her childhood friend.

  “Lucas Pelis, right?” I said, observing the young man carefully.

  He chuckled lightly, his tone friendly. “That’s me. And you are... the guy who just wiped out those goblins and orcs in a single swoop?”

  I gave a small, somewhat modest nod. “I’ve been practicing.”

  Sayo, standing quietly beside him, smiled warmly at me. “Lucas, this is Amahiko. He saved me a few days ago.”

  Lucas’s eyes flicked to her, then back to me. “Ah, I see. Thank you for looking after her.” His voice was genuine, but there was a faint edge to it—a protective streak perhaps, but nothing I couldn’t understand.

  “No problem,” I replied simply. “You’re Sayo’s childhood friend, right? I’ve heard of you.”

  Lucas smiled at the mention of his name, obviously pleased to be recognized. “Guilty as charged,” he said with a wink. “And I’ve heard about you as well. The guy who’s been training in the forest all alone, always so mysterious. You’re quite the talk of the village now.”

  I raised an eyebrow, unsure of what to make of that. “I didn’t think I was that noticeable.”

  “Guess you’d be surprised,” Lucas said with a grin, clearly enjoying the conversation. “Anyway, Sayo told me you’ve been doing a lot of hunting lately. I didn’t realize you were so strong.”

  I shrugged, lowering my sword. “Just trying to stay sharp. I’m not the strongest, but I can hold my own.”

  Sayo looked at me with admiration, and I felt a sense of awkwardness rise in my chest. I wasn’t used to this kind of attention, but I couldn’t help feeling slightly proud.

  “Well, it’s impressive,” Lucas said, stepping forward. “I’ve been wanting to spar with someone of your level. Would you be interested sometime?”

  The offer was tempting. A sparring match with someone like Lucas would be an excellent opportunity to test my skills. “Maybe another time,” I replied, holding back a smile. “I’ve got some training to do today.”

  “Fair enough,” Lucas said with a shrug. “We can do it whenever. But I’ll be keeping an eye on you. Don’t think you’re getting off that easily.”

  Sayo laughed lightly at Lucas’s teasing, and I found myself chuckling too. It was rare to feel this at ease with others.

  “Well,” Lucas said, turning to leave, “I’ll let you get back to it. You’re busy, right? We’ll be around if you need us.”

  I nodded, watching them head back toward the village. As they disappeared into the trees, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

  The morning sun hung low in the sky, painting the forest in golden hues. I was deep in the woods, tracking a wild wolf that had been sighted nearby. Its crimson fur and yellow eyes were distinct even from a distance. I had been honing my swordsmanship in the wild, hunting down beasts, and this wolf had been one of my targets for today.

  My feet crunched against the underbrush as I made my way closer. The wolf was elusive, darting through the trees with grace, but I was quicker, more determined. With a sharp flick of my wrist, I drew my sword, its edge gleaming in the sunlight. I focused all my energy into the blade, the silver aura surging through it, forming a deadly extension of my will.

  Just as I was about to strike, a voice rang out from behind me.

  “You’re quite the hunter,” Lucas said, stepping out from the shadows with Sayo at his side.

  I turned, startled but quickly masking my surprise. “Lucas? Sayo?” I asked, glancing between them. I hadn’t expected to see them today. “What are you two doing out here?”

  Sayo smiled brightly. “We were looking for you! We thought we’d join you for a bit of hunting.”

  Before I could respond, Lucas, always the eager one, stepped forward. “Actually, I was hoping you could teach me something,” he said, his usual confident grin plastered across his face. “Teach me some swordsmanship.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “You want to learn sword fighting from me?”

  Lucas nodded. “I’ve been practicing a bit on my own, but I’ve never had a proper teacher. You’ve got the skills, and I respect that. Besides, I think I could learn a lot from you.”

  I hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. “Alright, I can show you a few things. But it’ll take time. You need to be serious if you want to learn.”

  Lucas grinned wider. “You can count on me.”

  Sayo, standing quietly beside him, looked at me with a different kind of request in her eyes. “Amahiko,” she began, her voice soft yet full of resolve, “I’ve been thinking... could you teach me about magic?”

  I blinked in surprise. “Magic? You want me to teach you magic?”

  Sayo nodded. “I’ve got potential, I think, but... I don’t know much about magic yet. I was hoping you could help me understand it better.”

  I glanced at her, noticing the slight determination in her eyes. “Well, I could teach you, but it’ll take some time to master even the basics. Magic isn’t easy.”

  “I’ll work hard,” she said with a smile. “I really want to improve. Especially in fire, water, and healing magic.”

  I couldn’t help but notice how earnest she was. I agreed, “Alright. I’ll help you with that too.”

  Before we could get started, I noticed something unusual about Lucas. As he stood there, his red aura swirled around him, faint but visible to me. It was the first time I’d seen such a strong, distinct aura in someone who wasn’t a high-level mage or warrior.

  “Lucas, you’ve got a red aura,” I commented, curiosity lacing my voice.

  Lucas blinked, clearly unaware. “Red? Is that bad?”

  “No,” I said, “but it’s rare. Red auras usually indicate a strong will, aggression, or even an affinity for fire magic. It means you have great potential. Do you want to learn how to use it?”

  Lucas seemed eager. “Definitely. If it helps me get stronger, I’m all in.”

  I nodded, making a mental note to help him focus that energy in the right direction. But just then, I turned to Sayo, my attention now shifting toward her. I concentrated for a moment, feeling her presence. I found that she had great potential in four distinct areas: fire, water, earth, and healing magic. However, I could also sense that her knowledge was limited. Her wind and dark magic were weak and underdeveloped.

  “You’ve got incredible potential, Sayo,” I said, “but you need to focus on learning the basics of each element. Fire, water, earth, and healing... I can teach you those, but wind and dark magic will be much harder for you to grasp.”

  Sayo nodded eagerly. “I’ll focus on what I can do, Amahiko. Please, teach me everything you know.”

  I glanced between the two of them, my mind racing. There was more to their power than I had first thought. These two were stronger than I initially realized. I was about to ask about their levels when I couldn’t resist a quick peek into their statuses. To my surprise, both Lucas and Sayo were nearing level 150.

  My heart skipped a beat. They were already more powerful than I was.

  Despite my own confidence, the realization hit me hard. They were advanced—likely from their extensive training and natural talent. Still, there was no turning back. I couldn’t let that stop me from helping them grow stronger, even if I was lagging behind.

  With that, I made a decision. “Alright. We’ll start your training today. But before that, let’s finish up with the wolf.”

  Without another word, I charged forward, my blade cutting through the air, ready to continue the hunt and further solidify our bond as allies and teachers.

  The morning sun broke through the trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the earthy aroma of freshly fallen leaves. After dispatching the wild wolf earlier, I turned to face Lucas and Sayo, who were waiting patiently for their training to begin.

  “We’ll start with the basics,” I said, adjusting the grip on my sword as I surveyed the terrain. “Lucas, you’ll focus on learning the sword techniques I’ve been working on. We’ll also begin controlling your red aura. Sayo, you’ll be learning elemental magic, starting with fire, water, and healing magic.”

  Both of them nodded in agreement, ready to dive into their lessons.

  I started Lucas off with the fundamental sword forms—the basic stances, strikes, and footwork. “A sword is an extension of your will,” I explained, showing him the proper stance. “To wield it effectively, you need to let it become a part of you. Let it flow with your body, not against it.”

  Lucas, eager to learn, picked up the movements quickly, though his strikes were rough, lacking the fluidity that comes with years of practice. I watched him carefully, noting the raw energy that swirled within him, evident in his red aura. This aura was a reflection of his fiery personality—aggressive, passionate, and potent.

  “Your aura is strong, Lucas. But you need to learn how to channel it into your strikes,” I said, stepping in to demonstrate. My sword hummed as I infused it with my silver aura, creating a thin but sharp extension of my power. With a swift motion, I sliced through the air, the blade leaving a faint trail of shimmering light behind it. “Like this. Focus your aura, and let it guide your blade.”

  Lucas tried to replicate the motion, but the red energy around him was erratic, flickering uncontrollably. It was clear that his aura lacked control. I decided to take a different approach.

  “Try this,” I said, placing my hand on his shoulder. “Focus on your breathing. Calm your mind. The aura isn’t something you force; it’s something you guide.”

  Lucas took a deep breath, his body tensing as he tried to still his mind. Slowly, the red aura around him began to settle, pulsing rhythmically with his heart. With his focus now centered, he swung his sword again, this time with more precision.

  “Better,” I said. “Now, let’s add the power of the aura to the blade. Focus the energy at the tip, and use it to strike through the air.”

  Lucas took the advice to heart, and soon enough, his sword was slicing through the air with increasing precision. Though his form was still far from perfect, I could see the potential in him. If he continued down this path, he would become a formidable swordsman.

  Turning to Sayo, I saw the determination in her eyes as she stood with a soft breeze blowing through her hair. “We’ll begin with fire magic,” I said, drawing her attention. “To control fire, you need to understand the nature of it. Fire is destructive, but it can also be life-giving.”

  Sayo nodded, her fingers flexing in anticipation. “I’ve always felt a connection to fire... and water. They’re two elements that call to me.”

  “Then let’s start,” I said, demonstrating the basic fire spell. “To cast fire magic, you need to visualize the flame. Feel the warmth in your body, like a spark waiting to ignite.”

  I held my hand out, the silver aura coalescing around my palm before flickering into a small flame. Sayo watched carefully, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Try it yourself,” I encouraged her.

  Sayo closed her eyes, focusing intently on the magic. Her aura flickered faintly, and with a determined breath, she extended her hand. A small ember ignited in her palm, crackling softly.

  “Good,” I said. “But now you need to control it. Fire magic isn’t just about creating the flame; it’s about maintaining and shaping it. Try to control the size of the flame and keep it steady.”

  Sayo’s concentration deepened, and soon the flame in her hand grew steadier, though it remained small. But she had done it. The first step was complete.

  “Now, let’s move on to water,” I said, and began to demonstrate a simple water spell. “Water is the opposite of fire—it’s nurturing, fluid, and adaptable. You need to guide it, let it flow through you.”

  I moved my hand, and a small stream of water appeared, flowing from my palm in a steady stream. Sayo, her expression a mix of awe and determination, imitated my actions. After several tries, she managed to produce a small stream of water, though it was weak and flickered like a dying candle.

  “Good work,” I encouraged her. “Now let’s move on to earth magic. Earth is the element of stability. To use it, you need to root yourself, feel the earth beneath you.”

  Sayo nodded, focusing on the ground beneath her feet. Slowly, a small rock levitated from the dirt, floating before her. It was a crude attempt, but the effort was there.

  “Excellent,” I praised her. “You’re a natural with these elements. Now, we’ll work on strengthening your control.”

  I could feel the progress Sayo was making—her magic was raw, but it was clearly powerful. She just needed time and practice to refine her skills.

  Discovering Their Hidden Strengths

  After hours of training, we decided to take a break, sitting down on the soft grass to catch our breath. I couldn’t help but sneak another glance at their statuses. I had to know how far they had come.

  Both Lucas and Sayo’s levels had already surpassed mine, nearing level 100. They were already more skilled and advanced than I had imagined, but what struck me was their hidden potential—if they were only in their early stages and this strong, I couldn’t help but wonder what they could accomplish with more training.

  It became clear to me then: these two were destined for greatness, and I had been lucky enough to cross paths with them. Their power, combined with my teachings, would undoubtedly change the course of their lives—and mine as well.

  With renewed resolve, I turned to them. “We’re just getting started,” I said. “This training will get harder, but we’ll push through it together. Let’s keep going.”

  And so, with a mix of fire, water, and steel, we forged ahead—training, learning, and growing. Each day, we became stronger. Together, we would face whatever challenges the world had in store.

  The air in the forest was still, almost unnaturally quiet as I sat at the edge of the clearing, the warmth of the firelight from our camp flickering across the faces of my servants and mother. Shiori, Hina, and Mary—my steadfast companions—were seated around the fire, speaking in hushed tones. The serene peace of the forest at night was comforting, but tonight, something was off.

  A subtle, uneasy feeling tugged at the back of my mind, a sensation I had come to trust after all the battles I had fought. It was like a faint ripple in the air—a disturbance.

  “Something’s wrong,” I muttered under my breath, my sharp senses picking up on the unusual silence that had overtaken the forest. The wind had died down, and there was an odd stillness that made the usual sounds of the night seem distant, muted.

  I stood up abruptly, my senses honing in. Then, the unmistakable smell of smoke reached my nose. The familiar scent of burning wood filled the air. My eyes narrowed.

  “The village…” I whispered, a growing sense of dread knotting in my chest.

  Without hesitation, I turned to my companions. “Stay here,” I ordered, my voice low and commanding. “Something is happening in the village. I’ll go check it out.”

  “Master…” Shiori’s voice trailed off, concern flickering in her eyes. “We’ll go with you.”

  I held up my hand, stopping them before they could protest. “It’s too dangerous. Stay hidden. I’ll take care of it.”

  They nodded, though I could see the worry in their eyes. They trusted me, but I could sense their desire to protect me. Still, I couldn’t afford to risk all of us. If I went alone, I would have the element of surprise on my side.

  Stepping into the shadows, I concentrated, my thoughts focused. My body responded, and I began to draw on my dark aura. I had created a new suit, one unlike anything I had ever made before. The fabric shimmered as I manipulated the dark energy into a new form, shaping it into a sleek, ethereal suit that clung to my body. The darkness of the aura combined with my power, creating an intricate, shadow-like garment that blended with the night.

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  The suit had a weightless yet tangible presence, a perfect extension of my power. It flowed around me like a second skin, the darkness wrapping around me with an eerie elegance. I could feel the mana coursing through it, amplifying my senses and making me nearly invisible in the night.

  With the suit complete, I adjusted my sword at my side and moved out, making my way toward the village at a brisk pace. The forest seemed to part for me as I moved, my presence blending into the shadows, the very embodiment of night.

  When I reached the outskirts of the village, I paused. The scene before me was one of chaos and destruction. Smoke billowed from the center of the village, and the unmistakable crackle of flames echoed in the distance. Shadows moved through the streets—bandits. I could see their crude, menacing forms as they looted buildings, setting fire to homes and crops.

  I moved closer, keeping to the shadows as I observed the scene. There were villagers scattered around, but it was clear that they were no match for the bandits. They had been rounded up, held hostage by the invaders. My heart clenched when I spotted two familiar figures.

  Sayo and Lucas. They were fighting valiantly, their magic and swordsmanship on full display. Lucas swung his sword with fiery precision, while Sayo unleashed torrents of fire and water magic, her movements graceful but full of desperation. Despite their power, it was clear they were struggling. The bandits, though outnumbered, had the advantage of numbers and sheer brutality. Their leader, a massive figure draped in black armor, stood behind them, watching the fight unfold with cruel amusement.

  Sayo’s face was flushed with exertion, sweat beading on her forehead as she tried to control her magic. Lucas’s sword swung wildly, cutting down several bandits at once, but more kept coming. It was clear they wouldn’t hold out much longer.

  I clenched my fists, a wave of anger coursing through me. No one would touch my friends or the people of this village.

  I stayed hidden in the shadows, assessing the situation. The bandits were too spread out, their numbers overwhelming. I needed to take control of the situation before things escalated further. I drew my sword from the sheath, feeling the weight of it in my hand. The silver aura flickered briefly before I focused my energy into my dark aura, amplifying my strength and speed.

  There was no time to waste. I moved, silently but quickly, weaving between the shadows, drawing closer to the bandits. I could hear Sayo and Lucas’s cries for help as they continued their battle, but I remained focused. I wasn’t just going to fight—no, I would end this quickly. The village needed to be saved.

  In one fluid motion, I dashed forward, my body blending seamlessly into the night. The darkness that enveloped me gave me the perfect cover. I moved like a shadow among shadows, my blade striking with deadly precision. One bandit fell, then another, then another. The sword glinted as it cleaved through the air, faster than the eye could follow. I used the dark aura to fuel my strikes, each one sending waves of energy crashing through the bandits.

  Lucas and Sayo glanced up in surprise, their eyes widening as they saw the streak of dark energy cutting through their enemies. They immediately recognized my presence, but there was no time for words. I was here to finish what they started.

  As I cleared the path, I heard the leader of the bandits roar in fury. He rushed toward me, his massive axe raised high. I didn’t flinch. I met his charge head-on, my sword meeting his axe with a deafening clash. The force of the strike sent a shockwave through the air, but I held my ground. The leader was strong, but I was stronger.

  With a swift movement, I slashed through his defenses, sending him stumbling backward. Before he could recover, I struck again, this time with a precision that left no room for him to react. The bandit leader crumpled to the ground, defeated.

  The remaining bandits hesitated, their morale shattered by the fall of their leader. They looked around, confusion and fear spreading among them. It was clear that the tide of battle had turned.

  I stood tall, my dark aura still swirling around me, the village now safe from immediate danger. But the battle wasn’t over yet. Sayo and Lucas, though exhausted, stood their ground, ready to fight on if needed. But for now, they were safe.

  I stepped toward them, my gaze cold and determined. “Let’s finish this,” I said.

  The air was thick with the scent of smoke, blood, and the acrid stench of burning wood. The village was a scene of devastation, and yet, it was alive with the last cries of its defenders and the remaining bandits who dared to continue their assault. Sayo and Lucas, though exhausted, stood firm, their weapons poised and their magic still crackling with raw energy.

  But then, amidst the chaos, I heard it—the sound of footsteps from the edge of the battle. A presence unlike the rest. Strong. Dangerous. Unyielding.

  I turned my head just in time to see him: the one man who had been standing behind the rest of the bandits, a tall figure clad in dark armor. His face was hidden beneath a hood, but his aura was unmistakable. He radiated power—dark, unrelenting power. This was no ordinary thug or bandit leader. This was a warrior.

  I felt it. My heart pulsed in sync with the rising tension in the air. My blood began to boil. The challenge was right in front of me, and I couldn’t ignore it. This was the fight I had been waiting for.

  Without a word, I stepped forward, my dark aura swirling around me like a tempest. Sayo and Lucas, still recovering from the battle, didn’t have time to stop me. They could only watch as I moved with purpose, cutting down the remaining bandits in my path with deadly precision. The sword in my hand moved faster than the eye could follow, each strike landing with brutal efficiency. The darkine sword art flowed through me, its forms smooth and lethal, an extension of my will. No magic. No need for it.

  I wasn’t fighting for victory. I wasn’t fighting for anything grand. I fought because the battle was there to be had, and I would see it through.

  The bandits, still trying to regroup, fell one by one before I even had to look at them. My movements were fluid, precise, and relentless. They never stood a chance. I wasn’t just a fighter—I was a force of nature.

  And then, there he was—the one I had been waiting for. The man in black armor. His eyes locked onto mine, and I could feel the intensity of his gaze. He was sizing me up, just as I had been doing to him. There was no doubt in my mind—he was strong, maybe even stronger than me. But that only excited me.

  The battlefield seemed to fade away as he drew his blade from its sheath. It was a massive sword, curved and jagged, forged for destruction. It shimmered with dark energy, much like my own, and I could sense the malice dripping from it.

  We were the same, in a sense. Two predators circling each other.

  I smiled, a cold, dangerous smile. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

  Without another word, the man lunged. His speed was surprising, and I barely had time to raise my sword to block his strike. The force of the impact reverberated through my body, sending a shockwave of energy through the ground beneath us. I slid back a few paces, but I regained my footing quickly, my dark aura flaring to life.

  “You’re good,” I said, a low chuckle escaping my lips. “But you’re not enough.”

  The man didn’t respond. He simply pressed the attack, his blade coming down in a relentless barrage of strikes. I dodged, blocked, and parried with skill, my darkine sword art flowing effortlessly from me. Each movement was calculated, each strike executed with lethal intent.

  His blade clashed with mine again and again, sparks flying with every impact. But as strong as he was, he couldn’t keep up with my speed. I could feel his energy waning, his strikes becoming slower, more desperate.

  It wasn’t enough. It never would be.

  With a swift movement, I spun, using his own momentum against him. My sword sliced through the air in a perfect arc, cutting through his defenses. His armor shattered under the force of my blow, and before he could react, I was upon him. My blade plunged through the gaps in his armor, driving deep into his chest.

  The man’s eyes widened in shock, but I didn’t stop. I twisted the blade, feeling his life force drain away. With one final, forceful motion, I pushed the sword through him completely, ending the fight.

  He collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, lifeless.

  I stood over him, my breathing steady, my expression emotionless. The battle was over.

  The remaining bandits, witnessing their leader’s death, hesitated. Fear rippled through them, and in an instant, the will to fight drained from their eyes. They dropped their weapons, surrendering without a second thought.

  I turned away from the fallen enemy and surveyed the scene. Sayo and Lucas had already finished off the remaining bandits, their faces covered in sweat, but their eyes gleaming with victory.

  They looked at me in silence, but I could sense their gratitude. They knew what I had done. They knew what I was capable of.

  But I wasn’t done yet. Not by a long shot.

  I walked past them without a word, heading toward the village center. There was still work to be done. The villagers were shaken, their homes destroyed, but they were alive. And that was all that mattered.

  Sayo approached me cautiously, her voice quiet. “You… you were amazing, Amahiko. Thank you.”

  I glanced at her, giving a small, almost imperceptible nod. “It was nothing. The real work starts now.”

  With that, I turned my attention back to the village. The flames were dying down, but the damage was done. It was time to rebuild. And I would be there, every step of the way.

  The aftermath of the battle had left the village in a state of relief. The fires had been put out, and the bandits were either dead or fleeing. Yet, in the depths of my being, a growing unease began to churn. The dark energy that had once surged through me now felt even more intense, and my mind began to race with thoughts of what else might be lurking nearby. I wasn’t one to believe in coincidences.

  It happened then. I felt it. A subtle shift in the air, like a ripple in a pool of water. My gaze instinctively snapped to the horizon, and there, in the distance, I saw him—a figure in the distance, moving at a rapid pace, pulling a carriage behind him.

  My heart skipped a beat. Something about him felt... wrong.

  I didn’t waste any time. My body moved on its own, faster than even I anticipated. My feet barely touched the ground as I sprinted forward, the world around me blurring into a haze of motion. My aura surged with power, but still, I didn’t call upon any magic. This fight would be decided by skill alone.

  As I neared the figure, I could see that he was running from something—or perhaps towards something. It didn’t matter. He was carrying a carriage, and the urgency in his movement told me there was something inside it that was important, something worth protecting—or worse, something worth using.

  I reached him within seconds, blocking his path effortlessly. He skidded to a halt, the reins of the carriage tight in his grip. He looked up at me, his eyes wide with panic, and in an instant, I could tell—he wasn’t just some common criminal. There was something far more dangerous about him.

  “Out of the way,” the man growled. His voice had a strange, unnatural edge to it.

  I didn’t move. My eyes met his, unwavering. “I can’t let you go any further.”

  Without warning, the man’s hand shot to his belt, pulling out a small vial filled with a red liquid. Before I could even react, he tore the top off and downed it in one gulp.

  The transformation was immediate.

  A low, guttural roar filled the air as his body began to distort. His muscles bulged unnaturally, veins popping from his skin, and his eyes glowed with a menacing red hue. His aura flared outward, a violent explosion of energy that made the ground tremble beneath us.

  I could feel the immense pressure. It was clear—he had overdosed on whatever that red pill had been, and now he was no longer human. This wasn’t just a man; this was a monster. His power was overwhelming, and I could sense that every move he made would carry a deadly force.

  But I was already moving.

  I didn’t need magic. I didn’t need to rely on anything other than what I had honed over years of training. My sword was in my hand, and I was ready.

  The man lunged at me, his monstrous strength propelling him forward. I dodged effortlessly, letting his massive fists strike the ground where I had just been standing. His speed, though great, was nothing compared to mine. I was already behind him.

  He spun around, but before he could bring his fist down on me, I was already moving again, my darkine sword art flowing through my body like an unstoppable tide. My blade danced through the air with precision, each strike landing where it mattered. I targeted the joints, the weak points of his now-inhuman body. The key wasn’t in brute force; it was in finesse. And I was a master of finesse.

  But this wasn’t a fight I could win with just swordsmanship. I needed to end it quickly. With a snap of my fingers, my dark aura manifested into a bow—an extension of my will. The bow was made of pure shadow, the strings taut and vibrating with raw power. I drew an arrow, its tip shimmering with the energy of my darkine art.

  I let the arrow fly.

  It struck the beast square in the chest, the force of the impact sending him staggering backward. But he didn’t fall. Instead, he let out an enraged scream and surged forward again, his fists raised high.

  I didn’t hesitate. I moved again, faster than before, using my sword to cut through the air, each strike landing with the force of a hurricane. He parried one blow with his arm, but I was already on the next, my sword cutting through his defenses like paper. I was relentless, faster than his reactions, the fight was a blur of shadow and steel.

  The man swung wildly, but I was always one step ahead, never staying in one place long enough for him to land a hit. Each movement was a dance, each strike a calculated execution. He was fast, but I was faster. He was strong, but I was precise.

  The battle seemed to drag on, but then, with a final, well-timed strike, I pierced through his defenses. My blade sunk deep into his heart. He roared in agony as his body trembled violently, the glow in his eyes fading. The red energy that had consumed him began to dissipate, and with it, his strength.

  I pulled my sword out and stepped back, watching as he crumpled to the ground, his life fading. He was no longer a threat.

  I stood over his body for a moment, my breathing steady, my heart calm. My eye was still glowing blue, and I could feel the energy surging through me, but I forced it back under control. The blue light in my eye flickered and disappeared, replaced with a steady, cold gaze.

  I reached up and tied a blindfold made from my own mana across my eyes. The blue light was too dangerous, too unpredictable. It would harm others if I wasn’t careful.

  Behind me, I could sense Sayo and Lucas had arrived, their footsteps soft but deliberate. They saw the destruction, the evidence of the fight. And they said nothing. There was nothing to say.

  I turned to them, my voice quiet. “Stay alert. There may be more coming.”

  They nodded, ready for whatever came next.

  The night had only just begun.

  The night had fallen heavy, shrouding the village in an eerie stillness. I stood before the carriage, my heart still racing from the battle moments before. The air seemed to pulse with the lingering tension as I approached the door. My senses heightened, I could feel something important inside. With a slow exhale, I pulled open the carriage door, prepared for whatever lay beyond it.

  Inside, the flickering light from the nearby fire illuminated two figures. The first was a girl, no older than I was. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, a striking contrast to her pale, almost angelic face. Her big, purple eyes shone with innocence and curiosity, a reflection of a life untarnished by the world’s darker realities. She looked at me with a gaze that seemed both grateful and fearful.

  The second girl stood next to her, more composed but no less striking. Her hair was a deep shade of midnight blue, her sharp features framing her noble face. Her eyes were a brilliant amber, glowing with a quiet strength. She held herself with an air of authority, a sword in her hand, resting lightly by her side as if she were ready to draw it at a moment’s notice. The sword’s hilt was decorated with intricate designs, a mark of her noble lineage. She was a knight, no doubt.

  “Thank you for saving us,” the first girl spoke, her voice soft, yet filled with gratitude. She looked up at me, the fear still evident in her eyes, though there was a trust there too. “I am Rose Medici, Princess of Medici. This is my dear friend, Angelica Kurokawa.”

  The name “Medici” caught my attention. The kingdom was known for its rich culture and magnificent monuments, but it had fallen to ruin in recent years, consumed by war and corruption. I had heard whispers of its fall, but never thought I would meet its princess.

  Angelica nodded silently, her amber eyes studying me intently. “We owe you our lives. If not for your intervention, we wouldn’t be here.”

  I gave a slight nod in return, not one for words, especially in moments like these. I scanned the carriage, my gaze sharp. Despite the danger that had just transpired, my instincts told me there was more to this than a simple rescue. As I looked around the carriage, my eyes settled on something peculiar hidden in the corner—a box, covered in cloth.

  I walked toward it without a word, my hand reaching out to remove the cloth. As I lifted it, a strange sight greeted me. The box contained what appeared to be rotting flesh, but it was unlike anything I had seen before. The flesh squirmed, moving like a mass of slimes, their gelatinous bodies twisting and writhing in the box.

  A foul stench filled the air, but something about these creatures intrigued me. They were unlike anything I had ever encountered, and yet they had an undeniable energy to them—dark, unholy power seeping from them like poison.

  I didn’t hesitate. With a swift motion, I used my item box, a unique space I could use to store anything I needed, to contain the vile creatures. The box disappeared from my hands and into the vast, endless space of my storage. It was a useful skill, one that made it easier to collect and organize the strange and dangerous things I encountered. It was safer to keep the creatures contained until I could understand what they truly were.

  Turning back to the girls, I noted their expressions—relief, yet caution. They had seen something in me, something that made them wary, yet they didn’t voice their concerns. Perhaps it was the sword, perhaps the way I carried myself. Either way, their trust in me was not yet fully earned, but it was a step in the right direction.

  “Why were you being taken by the bandits?” I asked bluntly, not one for pleasantries. “What is in this box?”

  Rose’s expression darkened as she looked down. “The bandits... they were after me. My kingdom fell, and now... they want to use me to get to whatever is left of the Medici riches. As for the box...” She hesitated, her fingers clenching into fists. “It holds something important. Something dangerous.”

  Angelica stepped forward, her amber eyes locked onto mine. “It’s better if you don’t ask any more questions. For your own safety.”

  I said nothing in response. Instead, I nodded curtly, signaling that I understood. There were more layers to this story than they were letting on, but I would need to earn their trust to unravel it.

  With a silent gesture, I motioned for them to follow. “Let’s get you to safety.”

  I knew that this was far from over. Whatever secrets they were hiding, I would find out in due time. And in the meantime, I would protect them. After all, I wasn’t just the one who had saved them tonight—I had a responsibility now. A responsibility that was tied to something bigger than myself.

  The village was still a mess, but we needed to leave quickly. I could already feel more enemies lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. And I wasn’t about to let anyone harm these two girls—especially if their kingdom held the key to something far darker than even they knew.

  The morning after the chaos, the village was quieter, though the echoes of last night’s violence still lingered in the air. I sat outside my house, the faint rustle of trees surrounding me as I thought about what had happened. Rose and Angelica were seated nearby, their expressions still carrying traces of the night’s events. Sayo, too, had joined us, her usual calm demeanor now mixed with a touch of curiosity as she observed the two newcomers.

  Rose sat slightly apart, her large purple eyes glancing up at me now and then. Her graceful, almost ethereal presence was hard to ignore. She was still a princess, even if her kingdom was in ruins. Angelica, her amber eyes like sharp daggers, kept her gaze low, her sword always by her side, an unspoken readiness hidden beneath her noble airs.

  I could feel something in the air, something unspoken, something I couldn’t quite place. There were subtle glances exchanged between the three girls, but none of them voiced what they felt. They were too reserved, too proper. But the emotions were clear enough to me, even if I couldn’t fully comprehend them. I didn’t know why, but it felt like they were all silently connected by a shared bond... or perhaps something deeper.

  It wasn’t just the two girls from Medici—Sayo, too, seemed to hold a quiet gaze on me, though she hadn’t called me “Master” since the day I had saved her and the others. The usual formality was gone, replaced with something I couldn’t quite understand. Perhaps it was gratitude, or perhaps something more, but I couldn’t find the right words to address it.

  The day went on in a tense silence, with conversations few and far between. I noticed how all three girls would steal glances at me, their cheeks flushing ever so slightly when our eyes met. I didn’t think much of it at first, though there was an undeniable tension in the air. They seemed to look at me with... interest.

  I let it be. Emotions like these were foreign to me. It was easier to focus on training, on sharpening my skills, than to confront the uncertainty of human relationships.

  As evening approached, a carriage from the kingdom of Medici arrived. It was drawn by two powerful horses, the vehicle’s frame ornate with intricate designs, fit for royalty. I stood in silence as it came to a stop before us. The driver, a burly man dressed in fine livery, opened the door for Rose and Angelica.

  Rose turned to me, her gaze lingering for a moment before she spoke. “Thank you again... for everything,” she said softly. “I hope that our paths cross again one day.”

  I didn’t know how to respond. She was royalty, after all, and I was simply someone who had done what needed to be done. But I nodded in acknowledgment, not bothering with words.

  Angelica, who stood a step behind Rose, gave me a polite bow. “We won’t forget this. You have our gratitude.”

  I didn’t bow in return, but I gave a slight nod. There was nothing more to be said. They were returning to their kingdom, and I was staying behind, my path still uncertain. But I wasn’t alone.

  Sayo, still standing by my side, gave me a quiet smile. “I think they’ll be alright,” she said. “Thank you for helping them.”

  I nodded, but I didn’t feel the same sense of resolution that she did. There was something unsettling about all of this—something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. But I pushed the thought aside. Now wasn’t the time for such worries.

  As the carriage began to move, I watched it disappear into the horizon, carrying with it the two girls I had saved. They were off to a kingdom in ruins, one that held secrets I hadn’t yet uncovered. Maybe one day, I would seek them out again.

  Later that evening, I sat in my room, reflecting on the day. I felt a pull to check my status, to see if anything had changed after the battle. As I focused my thoughts, my status appeared before me.

  [Status]

  Name: Amahiko

  Level: 99

  Titles: The Monarch of Shadow~Shadow King

  Skills:

  ? Darkine Sword Art (Level 81)

  ? Archery (Level 19)

  ? Elemental Magic (Fire, Water, Wind, Earth – Level 89)

  ? Light and Dark Magic (Level 77)

  ? Darkine Battle Arts (Level 76)

  New Skills:

  ? Swordsmanship Mastery (Level 38)

  ? Dark Aura Manipulation (Level 28)

  ? Enhanced Agility (Level 51)

  ? Mana Control (Level 32)

  I had leveled up considerably since the battle. Reaching level 99 felt like a milestone, but there was still so much left to learn. I had gained new skills, including some that would help me manipulate my dark aura more efficiently and improve my swordsmanship. I could feel my body becoming stronger, my instincts sharper. But there was still more work to do.

  I closed my eyes, contemplating the future. There were still many unanswered questions—about the Medici Kingdom, about the box I had stored away, and about the strange emotions that seemed to stir within those around me.

  But for now, I would let the night pass quietly. The future was uncertain, but I would face it head-on. Alone, if necessary.