---
It started with a voice.
"You move like a newborn deer."
Yuki spun around, fists raised. "Who's there?!"
The clearing around him was silent—until the man stepped out of the trees, half in shadow, half in morning sun.
He wore a dark coat, loose and worn like he didn't care how it looked. His hair was silver-white, his posture lazy, but something about him radiated control.
Yuki narrowed his eyes. "Are you one of them? Like Ren?"
The man shrugged. "Define like."
Yuki didn't wait. He charged—fist glowing faintly with aura.
The man vanished.
Yuki hit air.
"Too slow," came the voice again, behind him this time.
A firm tap struck his neck, sending him face-first into the grass.
"Lesson one," the man said. "Your power means nothing if your instincts suck."
---
Hours passed.
Yuki was exhausted. Covered in dirt. Spirit energy spent.
But he kept standing.
Every time he attacked, the man dodged.
Every time he defended, the man was already behind him.
He wasn't using magic. No spells. Just movement.
But it was perfect.
"You're not here to fight like a god," the man finally said. "You're here to survive like one."
Yuki gritted his teeth. "Then teach me."
The man smirked. "That's the first smart thing you've said all day."
He tapped Yuki's chest with a finger. "Inside you is a void. Not a hole—but a gate. Learn to use it, or it'll use you."
Yuki blinked. "What are you talking about?"
But the man was already turning away.
"You'll understand… when the fire touches the sky."
With that cryptic line, he vanished into the trees.
---
That night
Yuki sat on a rooftop, staring up at the stars.
Every muscle ached. But for the first time… he didn't feel powerless.
He felt like something was changing.
Below, the city lights flickered.
In the crowd, a figure stood still.
A girl. No older than Yuki. Dressed in black. Hair like midnight, eyes glowing faintly violet.
She smiled as if she knew him already.
And then… she was gone.
---
"If you're enjoying the ride, don't forget to leave a power stone or a comment—it really helps this grow!"