The town was quiet again. People peeked out of windows, whispering about the three strangers who had saved them from the black mist creature. Takuma, Emi, and Sota walked slowly down the streets, making sure everyone was safe.
Takuma's hand rested on the handle of his sword. "We need to figure out who is behind the monsters."
Emi's green eyes looked through the area. "The monsters always appear near where stars fall," she said. "Someone must be controlling them."
Sota tapped his metal rods together, blue sparks appearing along the handles. "If someone's making them, we'll find them. We just have to look for clues."
They followed the path toward the edge of the town, where the grass met the woods.
As they walked, Takuma noticed something strange near a fallen tree—a small, black stone, smooth and shiny, with a faint red shimmer.
"Hey, look at this," he said, picking it up. The stone felt warm. "It's not like anything I've seen before."
Emi leaned closer. "Maybe it's from the monster… or the one controlling it."
Sota tapped it with his rod. Sparks hit the stone, but it didn't break. "It's tough," he said. "Whatever made this… it's strong."
Takuma clenched his fist while holding the stone. "We have to keep moving. This is a clue. Whoever is sending these monsters is leaving traces."
Suddenly, the air got colder.
"Stay alert," Takuma said, stepping in front of Emi and Sota. His sword felt a bit heavier than usual in his hands, but he felt ready.
A figure stepped to the side from behind a tree. Silver hair shining in the morning sun, and a calm smile was on his face. "You've been busy," he said.
Emi looked at who spoke. "You… you're behind the monsters!" Takuma and Sota turned around too.
The man's smile didn't change. "I am Ren Kurohane. The creatures you've fought… yes, they were mine. But you haven't seen the full strength of what I can make."
Takuma raised his sword. "Why choose to hurt people? Why make these monsters?"
Ren's eyes were calm. "The stars gave us power … I simply use them the way I want to."
Sota spun his rods, sparks leaping in the sunlight. "We're not afraid! We'll stop you!"
Ren chuckled softly. "We'll see." He stepped back behind the tree, disappearing as quickly as he appeared. The forest was quiet again, but the feeling of being watched was still there. Takuma looked at Emi and Sota. "We know who's making these monsters now. We have to prepare."
Emi nodded. "Then let's keep going. We need to learn, train, and we need stop them before anyone else gets hurt."
Sota smiled, blue sparks going along his rods. "Yeah! Let's find them and end this!"
The three friends walked on, determined, knowing the monsters were only the start.