Takuma, Emi, and Sota walked through the forest. Daichi led the way, moving confidently between the trees. "You three are fast learners," he said. "But there's more you need to know about your powers."
Takuma looked at Daichi. "Like what?"
Daichi stopped and turned around facing them. Then he lifted his hand. A swirl of wind appeared over his palm, with more wind carrying leaves and putting it into the swirl of wind above Daichi's palm. "I can control wind. But it's not just about pushing or blowing. You have to move with it and use it to see what's coming."
Sota looked amazed. "Whoa! You can control the wind?"
Daichi nodded. "The wind is alive. It can warn you of danger, help you defensively, or even help you strike. You'll see."
Emi tilted her head. "So your power helps you sense things too?"
"Yes," Daichi said. "It also helps me fight. You can't just rely on strength. You have to use what's around you — and sometimes, what's inside you too."
They kept walking, listening to the sounds of animals and the wind in the trees. Suddenly, the air turned colder, and the wind shifted sharply.
Daichi froze. "Something's coming. Stay alert."
From between the trees, a large shadow moved. Takuma stepped forward, sword ready. "Another monster?"
Daichi nodded. "Yes. And it's stronger than the last one."
Emi had a determined look on her face. "It doesn't matter if it's even stronger. We can do this."
"Right," Takuma said. "Let's go!"
Sota spun his rods, sparks flying. "We'll stop it, just like we did before!"
The shadow grew larger as it was getting closer. Takuma felt the wind swirl around him, the same wind Daichi controlled. For the first time, he realized that their new ally wasn't just strong, he could change the battlefield. The monster stepped fully into the clearing, eyes glowing red, black mist curling around it.
Daichi lifted up his arms, letting the wind lift around him. "We fight together," he said. "I'll guide the wind. You three follow my lead."
Takuma gripped his sword. Emi prepared herself. Sota's rods sparked with bright blue light.
The battle was about to begin.