The afternoon sun hung high above the Kingdom of Ryūgū, casting warm golden rays across the sprawling capital.
After spending some time walking through the kingdom's bustling streets, Ryūsei and Kayosha eventually made their way back toward Aluxany High School. The conversations they shared during their walk had helped ease the burden weighing on Ryūsei's heart.
At least a little.
Even so, the lingering thoughts remained.
The Grand Shōtotsu was approaching.
Everyone around him had a Chīma.
A partner.
A team.
A place where they belonged.
Yet he still walked alone.
Kayosha had done her best to encourage him, but the uncertainty remained hidden beneath the smile he wore.
Before long, the massive training grounds of Aluxany High School came into view.
Hundreds of students had already gathered outside.
The training area stretched across a large open field surrounded by stone walls reinforced with enchantments. Countless marks from previous battles covered the ground, serving as proof of the many Shōtotsu matches that had taken place there over the years.
The students lined up according to their classes while instructors and assistant teachers watched from nearby platforms.
Standing at the very front was the familiar figure of Professor Hex.
His arms were folded.
His expression was as intimidating as ever.
The moment he saw the students talking amongst themselves, a vein appeared on his forehead.
Then he roared.
"SHUT UP, MAGGOTS!!!"
The entire training field instantly fell silent.
Even the wind seemed to stop.
Several first-year students nearly jumped out of their skin.
Professor Hex nodded in satisfaction.
"Today, you'll be participating in practice Shōtotsu matches in preparation for the upcoming Grand Shōtotsu—"
Before he could continue, a calm voice interrupted him.
"Hello again, Ryūsei."
The voice was familiar.
Too familiar.
Ryūsei froze.
His eyes widened.
No way...
Slowly, he turned around.
And standing only a few meters behind him was a young man with silver hair and violet eyes.
A relaxed smile rested upon his face.
Ryūshi.
The Crowned Dragon.
The strongest being Ryūsei had ever met.
"RYŪ—"
Before he could finish speaking, Ryūshi immediately placed a finger over his lips.
His smile never faltered.
The message was clear.
Don't reveal my identity.
Ryūsei quickly swallowed the rest of his sentence.
Several students stared at the interaction in confusion.
Kayosha tilted her head.
Kasai blinked.
Shadow narrowed his eyes.
Meanwhile, Yuki simply watched quietly.
She could instantly tell there was something unusual about the newcomer.
Ryūsei forced a nervous smile.
"H-Hey there, Ryū. What are you doing here?"
The moment the words left his mouth, Ryūshi's smile widened.
Inside his head, however, a completely different thought echoed.
He's a horrible liar.
Just like Akashino.
Those two really are the same...
Ryūshi nearly laughed.
The resemblance between master and successor was becoming increasingly obvious.
Meanwhile, Professor Hex and the rest of the students focused their attention on the mysterious visitor.
Something felt wrong.
No.
Not wrong.
Overwhelming.
The moment they consciously tried to sense his energy, disaster struck.
A pressure unlike anything they had ever experienced descended upon the training grounds.
It wasn't hostile.
It wasn't threatening.
Yet it felt endless.
Boundless.
Infinite.
Several students immediately collapsed.
Others fell to one knee.
Some became dizzy.
A few outright fainted.
"What the—?!"
"My head!"
"I can't breathe!"
"How much energy does he even have?!"
Fear spread rapidly through the crowd.
Professor Hex's eyes widened.
For the first time in years, genuine shock appeared on his face.
The energy he sensed wasn't merely large.
It was immeasurable.
As though he were staring into an endless ocean with no visible shore.
No matter how far he looked, there was no end.
His instincts screamed a single terrifying truth.
This person is stronger than every Gādian combined.
Professor Hex immediately stepped forward.
His hand instinctively rested near his weapon.
"You over there."
His voice became serious.
"What is your name?"
The students watched nervously.
Ryūshi remained calm.
"My name is Ryū."
Professor Hex narrowed his eyes.
"Last name."
For the briefest moment, Ryūshi froze.
Then he answered.
"Shitetsu."
The reaction was immediate.
Gasps erupted throughout the field.
"Shitetsu?!"
"Isn't that the First Grand Elementalist's surname?!"
"Wait..."
"No way!"
"Is he one of Akashino Shitetsu's descendants?!"
Ryūshi's smile twitched.
...Oops.
That's Akashino's surname.
I completely forgot.
Internally, he cursed his own mistake.
Unfortunately, the damage had already been done.
Professor Hex's suspicion deepened.
"Shitetsu, huh?"
His gaze sharpened.
"Do you have any relation to the First Grand Elementalist?"
Ryūshi answered immediately.
"I do not."
Technically true.
He wasn't related by blood.
Professor Hex continued staring.
The atmosphere remained tense.
Yet Ryūshi showed no signs of discomfort.
"I have no direct bloodline connection to the First Grand Elementalist."
The statement caused the students to exchange confused glances.
Then Ryūshi casually added another bombshell.
"I came here because I plan to watch the upcoming Grand Shōtotsu."
The students listened carefully.
Then—
"I'm also considering participating."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Nobody moved.
Nobody blinked.
Even Professor Hex momentarily forgot how to respond.
Participate?
A monster like him?
In the Grand Shōtotsu?
That sounded less like a tournament and more like a natural disaster.
Ryūsei covered his face.
Please don't.
Please don't join.
The entire tournament will end in ten minutes.
Ryūshi casually walked toward Professor Hex.
Despite the overwhelming pressure surrounding him, his expression remained friendly.
"I sincerely apologize for interrupting your class, Professor Hex."
His tone was polite.
Almost gentlemanly.
Then he pointed toward Ryūsei.
"But if possible, I'd like to borrow Ryūsei for today."
The students blinked.
Professor Hex blinked.
Ryūsei blinked.
"I'd like him to act as my tour guide around the Kingdom."
Professor Hex immediately answered.
"I'll allow it."
No hesitation.
No argument.
No questions.
The entire class stared at him.
That was fast.
Professor Hex pretended not to notice.
There was no universe where he intended to anger the walking catastrophe standing before him.
Ryūshi smiled.
"Wonderful."
He turned toward Ryūsei.
"Ryūsei."
His smile widened.
"Let's go."
Before Ryūsei could protest, Ryūshi had already begun walking away.
The white-haired Dragon Sage could only sigh and follow after him.
The gates of Aluxany High School slowly disappeared behind them.
The bustling streets of the kingdom opened before them.
For several minutes, neither of them spoke.
Eventually, Ryūsei broke the silence.
"So... um..."
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Where would you like to start the tour?"
Ryūshi looked around at the city.
The merchants.
The civilians.
The children playing in the streets.
The peaceful kingdom that had been protected for generations.
A soft smile appeared on his face.
Then he shook his head.
"It's okay, Ryūsei."
The answer surprised him.
"Huh?"
Ryūshi looked directly at him.
His violet eyes seemed unusually serious.
"You don't actually need to tour me."
Ryūsei blinked.
"Then why did you drag me out of class?"
Ryūshi laughed.
"It was a bluff."
"...What?"
"I simply wanted an excuse to get you out of class."
Ryūsei stared.
Completely speechless.
For several seconds.
Then he finally groaned.
"You skipped my class... for no reason?"
Ryūshi placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Of course there was a reason."
His expression slowly softened.
The playful smile disappeared.
In its place was something far more serious.
Something ancient.
Something that carried the weight of countless centuries.
His gaze shifted toward the distant horizon.
"I came because there are things you need to know."
The air suddenly felt heavier.
Ryūsei's heartbeat quickened.
For the first time since arriving, Ryūshi looked less like a carefree traveler and more like the legendary Crowned Dragon spoken of in myths.
A being who had witnessed the rise and fall of history itself.
And whatever he had come to say...
It was important enough to pull Ryūsei away from school.
Important enough to personally seek him out.
Ryūsei swallowed nervously.
The smile vanished from his face.
"...Things I need to know?"
Ryūshi slowly nodded.
His eyes reflected something distant.
Something old.
Something dangerous.
"About the Grand Shōtotsu."
His voice lowered.
"About the demons."
The wind suddenly blew through the streets.
And for reasons Ryūsei couldn't explain—
A chill ran down his spine.
The conversation that was about to begin would change everything.
The bustling streets of the Kingdom of Ryūgū stretched endlessly before them.
Merchants called out from colorful stalls lining the roads. Children ran through the crowded avenues while Elementalists traveled from district to district carrying supplies, equipment, and quest reports. The kingdom was as lively as ever, completely unaware of the conversation taking place between two individuals walking side by side.
One was Ryūsei Ryūgū.
The other was a being who had existed long before the Kingdom itself had ever been built.
For several seconds after leaving Aluxany High School, neither of them spoke.
Ryūsei was still trying to process what had just happened.
Finally, he broke the silence.
"Wait, what?!"
His voice echoed louder than he intended.
Several nearby citizens glanced toward him before continuing on their way.
"You came to my classroom just so you could get me out of school?"
Ryūshi looked completely unapologetic.
"Yup."
His answer came so casually that Ryūsei nearly stumbled.
The Crowned Dragon folded his hands behind his head as they continued walking.
"No offense, Ryūsei, but it's been hundreds of years since I last visited a classroom."
A small grin appeared on his face.
"And your class reminded me exactly why I stopped going."
Ryūsei blinked.
"...What?"
"It was boring."
The answer was immediate.
Ryūsei stared at him for several seconds before bursting into laughter.
For a moment, the overwhelming seriousness surrounding Ryūshi disappeared entirely.
Instead, he looked like an ordinary young man skipping class.
Unfortunately, Ryūsei knew very well that appearances could be deceiving.
The person beside him could probably destroy an entire kingdom if he wanted to.
"Although," Ryūshi continued, rubbing the back of his neck, "I should probably apologize for knocking out half your classmates."
Ryūsei immediately remembered the chaos that had erupted earlier.
Students collapsing.
Others fainting.
Even Professor Hex looking disturbed.
His laughter quickly disappeared.
"Actually..."
He looked toward Ryūshi.
"What exactly happened back there?"
Ryūshi raised an eyebrow.
"Hm?"
"When you arrived."
Ryūsei pointed behind them toward the direction of the school.
"Why did everyone suddenly collapse?"
Understanding appeared on Ryūshi's face.
"Oh, that."
He sounded as though they were discussing the weather.
"They were trying to sense my energy."
Ryūsei blinked.
"And?"
"They got overwhelmed."
"...And?"
"They passed out."
"...And?"
Ryūshi tilted his head.
"That's pretty much it."
Ryūsei stopped walking.
His eyes widened.
"THEY PASSED OUT JUST FROM SENSING YOUR ENERGY?!"
Several birds immediately flew away from a nearby rooftop.
Ryūshi winced.
"You're loud."
"YOU KNOCKED OUT HALF THE CLASS!"
"Exactly."
Ryūshi nodded.
"Which is why I apologized."
Ryūsei looked as though he was about to develop a headache.
Seeing his reaction, Ryūshi finally decided to explain.
"Energy sensing is actually considered an advanced skill among Elementalists."
The playful attitude vanished from his voice.
A teacher-like tone replaced it.
"Truthfully, I'm surprised your generation can even perform it at such a young age."
Ryūsei listened carefully.
It wasn't often that a Crowned Dragon willingly explained something.
"Energy sensing allows an Elementalist to detect another person's life force, energy reserves, and sometimes even emotional state."
Ryūshi continued walking.
"However, the greater the target's energy, the greater the pressure exerted on the person doing the sensing."
Ryūsei slowly nodded.
"That makes sense."
"It does."
Ryūshi smiled.
"Imagine trying to stare directly into the sun."
Ryūsei frowned.
"You'd go blind."
"Exactly."
Ryūshi pointed at him.
"That's essentially what happened."
The comparison finally made everything click.
The students hadn't fainted because Ryūshi attacked them.
They had fainted because they attempted to perceive something far beyond their current level.
Ryūsei remained silent for several moments.
Then another question appeared.
"Wait."
He looked at Ryūshi.
"Could a Gādian sense your energy?"
Ryūshi thought for a moment.
"Yes."
Ryūsei relaxed.
Then Ryūshi continued.
"Though not accurately."
Ryūsei froze.
"What do you mean?"
"A Gādian can sense me."
Ryūshi looked toward the blue sky.
"But they wouldn't truly understand what they're sensing."
His violet eyes narrowed slightly.
"To them, it would simply feel infinite."
A chill ran down Ryūsei's spine.
Infinite.
The word sounded ridiculous.
Impossible.
Yet somehow, coming from Ryūshi, it sounded believable.
The Crowned Dragon suddenly stopped walking.
The playful atmosphere vanished.
His expression became serious.
"Anyway."
His voice lowered.
"I didn't come here to discuss energy sensing."
Ryūsei immediately became attentive.
The shift in tone was impossible to ignore.
"I came to warn you."
The words instantly erased any remaining amusement.
A warning.
From a Crowned Dragon.
That could never be good news.
Ryūsei's expression hardened.
"Warn me about what?"
Ryūshi looked toward the distant horizon.
"The upcoming Grand Shōtotsu."
The wind suddenly picked up.
His silver hair swayed gently.
"A few days ago, I felt something."
Ryūsei remained silent.
"I was traveling through a neighboring planetary system."
The statement would've sounded insane coming from anyone else.
Coming from Ryūshi, however, it felt normal.
"While I was traveling, I suddenly sensed three tremendous energies appearing on Planet Ryūgū."
Ryūsei immediately tensed.
Three?
The Grand Shōtotsu suddenly felt much less important.
"Was it Quintela?"
His voice became urgent.
"If it was her, then we need to stop her before—"
"No."
Ryūshi interrupted immediately.
The answer surprised him.
"No?"
The Crowned Dragon slowly turned toward him.
His expression was unreadable.
"Because one of those energies..."
He paused.
"...felt similar to yours."
For a moment, Ryūsei forgot how to breathe.
"What?"
"It wasn't identical."
Ryūshi continued.
"But it was close enough that I immediately thought of you."
Ryūsei's mind raced.
Similar to his?
There was only one possibility.
His eyes lit up.
"My Chīma?"
Hope instantly filled his voice.
Ryūshi sighed.
"I don't think so."
The excitement disappeared just as quickly.
"...Why?"
"Because if it was only your Chīma..."
Ryūshi held up three fingers.
"Then why did I sense two others?"
Ryūsei froze.
Right.
Three energies.
Not one.
Not two.
Three.
"What were they?"
His voice became quieter.
Ryūshi's expression darkened.
"The first one concerns me the most."
The atmosphere grew noticeably heavier.
"It possessed an enormous amount of power."
Ryūsei listened carefully.
"If a Gādian tried to sense it directly, they would've likely passed out."
The statement alone was terrifying.
But what came next was even worse.
"There was something else."
Ryūshi's eyes narrowed.
"Negative energy."
Ryūsei immediately understood.
His face paled.
"Like a Demon?"
Ryūshi nodded.
"Very similar."
The answer sent a chill through him.
A being with enough energy to overwhelm a Gādian...
And possessing demonic characteristics.
The possibility was terrifying.
"The second energy is the one I mentioned earlier."
Ryūshi continued.
"The one similar to yours."
Ryūsei listened carefully.
"It possesses tremendous power."
The Crowned Dragon folded his arms.
"Fortunately, I didn't sense any negative energy from that individual."
Ryūsei sighed in relief.
"Then they're good?"
"We don't know."
The answer came instantly.
Ryūshi's gaze hardened.
"Never assume someone is an ally simply because they aren't evil."
Ryūsei couldn't argue with that.
History had proven that lesson countless times.
"And the third?"
Ryūshi suddenly smiled.
A genuine smile.
"Oh."
His expression immediately brightened.
"That's just an old friend."
Ryūsei blinked.
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"You're not concerned?"
"No."
"Why?"
Ryūshi laughed.
"Because he's annoying, not dangerous."
Ryūsei wasn't sure if that answer helped.
After walking several more minutes, Ryūsei finally asked the question lingering in his mind.
"So what's the plan?"
Ryūshi's smile returned.
"The Grand Shōtotsu."
"The tournament?"
Ryūshi nodded.
"We use it as bait."
Ryūsei stared.
"...That's the plan?"
"Yes."
"That's boring."
Ryūshi immediately smacked the back of his head.
"Ow!"
"Never underestimate your opponents."
The Crowned Dragon's voice became serious.
"A single mistake can determine the outcome of an entire battle."
The playful atmosphere vanished again.
"Especially when abilities are involved."
Ryūsei frowned.
"Abilities?"
Ryūshi nodded.
"Abilities are often connected to one's Elemental Art."
Then he looked directly into Ryūsei's eyes.
"You possess Divine Protection because of your Elemental Art."
Ryūsei slowly nodded.
"What if someone possessed an Elemental Art similar to yours?"
The realization hit instantly.
His eyes widened.
"They could also have Divine Protection..."
"Exactly."
The implications were terrifying.
An enemy immune to spells.
An enemy with similar abilities.
An enemy possessing power comparable to his own.
The Grand Shōtotsu suddenly felt far more dangerous than a simple tournament.
Ryūshi crossed his arms.
"If we're going to deal with this situation properly..."
He smiled.
"We need to enter the tournament ourselves."
Ryūsei nodded.
Then froze.
Wait.
Ourselves?
Slowly...
Very slowly...
He turned toward the Crowned Dragon.
"Ryūshi..."
The smile on Ryūshi's face widened.
"You don't mean..."
"Oh, I absolutely do."
The answer came immediately.
Ryūsei covered his face.
There was no way.
No possible way.
The strongest being on the planet was about to say exactly what he feared.
Ryūshi pointed at himself.
Then pointed at Ryūsei.
"You."
Then himself.
"And me."
A grin spread across his face.
"A temporary Chīma."
The world seemed to stop.
Ryūsei stood frozen.
For years he had searched.
For years he had wondered.
For years he had watched everyone around him find partners while he remained alone.
And now...
A Crowned Dragon.
One of the legendary guardians of existence itself.
Had just asked him to become teammates.
Even if only temporarily.
Ryūshi extended his hand.
"Well?"
His smile looked almost mischievous.
"What do you say, partner?"
Ryūsei stared at the offered hand.
His heart pounded.
The upcoming Grand Shōtotsu.
The mysterious energies.
The unknown enemies.
The dangers ahead.
Everything was changing.
And standing before him was the beginning of that change.
Slowly, Ryūsei reached forward.
And accepted the hand.
The moment their hands met, neither of them realized it.
But somewhere within the Kingdom of Ryūgū—
Three individuals were already moving toward the Grand Shōtotsu.
And destiny had already begun pulling them together.