The training grounds behind Reikosha Academy stretched across a wide field surrounded by tall stone walls. Ancient runic markings were carved along the surface of the arena floor, faintly glowing whenever energy was released nearby. These runes existed for a simple reason: to prevent uncontrolled energy from damaging the academy itself.
First-year students gathered in a large semicircle while Professor Takahano stood near the center of the field.
"The written exam measured your knowledge," he said calmly. "This portion will measure your control."
A low murmur passed through the crowd.
"Each student will step forward and demonstrate a basic energy manifestation," Takahano continued. "You may use Reikou, Yami, or Hikari energy. The goal is stability, not power."
Kairo swallowed quietly.
That sounded simple.
But standing in front of the entire class made it feel much harder.
"First," Takahano said, glancing at his list, "Kimimaru."
Several students immediately looked toward him.
Kimimaru stepped forward without hesitation. His posture was relaxed, almost casual, as he walked to the center of the arena.
"Begin."
Kimimaru closed his eyes briefly.
A moment later, faint silver-blue light began forming around his hands. The energy didn't flare wildly or crackle like unstable power. Instead, it flowed smoothly, like calm water circling his palms.
Reikou energy.
But it was incredibly refined.
The light slowly gathered into a perfectly balanced sphere that floated above his hand. Even from a distance, the stability of the energy was obvious.
Takahano nodded once.
"Excellent control."
Kimimaru opened his eyes and let the energy fade.
Students whispered quietly.
"Of course he'd be good…"
"He makes it look easy…"
Kimimaru simply returned to the group.
Next came several other students. Some used small bursts of Hikari energy, creating faint flashes of light that shimmered briefly in the air. Others attempted Yami energy, though Takahano kept a particularly close eye on those demonstrations.
A few were shaky.
One nearly lost control before quickly dispersing the energy.
But overall, the class performed reasonably well.
Then Takahano looked at his list again.
"Yura."
She stepped forward calmly.
Unlike the others, Yura didn't close her eyes or prepare herself for long. She simply raised one hand.
A soft white glow appeared instantly.
Hikari energy formed along her fingers like flowing threads of light. Instead of creating a single sphere, she shaped the energy into several thin lines that moved through the air like delicate ribbons.
The control was precise.
Elegant.
For a moment the glowing lines formed a simple pattern above the arena floor before dissolving.
The students stared in quiet amazement.
Takahano nodded again.
"Very good."
Yura gave a small bow and walked back.
Tyouro nudged Kairo.
"Okay, now I'm nervous."
"Same," Kairo admitted.
Tyouro was called shortly after.
His demonstration was… different.
Instead of shaping the energy directly, he released a wave of Reikou from his palms that traveled across the ground like rippling water. It wasn't as precise as Yura's technique, but the energy was stable and surprisingly strong.
"Good output," Takahano said. "Work on control."
Tyouro grinned and jogged back to the group.
Then Takahano looked up again.
"Kairo."
Kairo froze.
Tyouro patted his shoulder. "You got this."
Kairo wasn't so sure.
He stepped into the arena, trying not to think about the dozens of eyes watching him.
Remember the river.
Takahano's words echoed in his mind.
He closed his eyes.
Breathing slowly.
Inhale.
Exhale.
At first, nothing happened.
Then he felt it.
The familiar vibration inside his chest.
Reikou energy.
It flowed outward slowly, spreading along his arms like warm currents.
Kairo raised his hand.
A small blue glow appeared above his palm.
The energy flickered at first, unstable and uneven.
He focused on breathing.
Not forcing it.
Letting it flow.
The glow steadied slightly.
For a brief moment, the Reikou sphere held its shape.
Then it faded.
Kairo opened his eyes.
Silence.
He wasn't sure if that was good or bad.
Takahano studied him for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"Acceptable."
Relief flooded Kairo instantly.
He returned to the group, exhaling heavily.
"See?" Tyouro whispered. "Not bad."
Kimimaru nodded slightly.
"You stabilized it at the end."
Kairo scratched his head. "Barely."
The remaining students finished their demonstrations soon after.
When the final student stepped back, Takahano addressed the class again.
"For beginners, this was satisfactory."
Several students relaxed immediately.
"However," Takahano continued, "control must continue to improve. Energy grows with its user. If your discipline fails, your power becomes a danger to everyone around you."
His voice grew slightly more serious.
"In the coming months, you will face situations where control will determine survival."
The words lingered in the air.
A strange silence followed.
Even the wind seemed to pause.
For a moment, Kairo felt something strange again.
That faint vibration.
But this time it didn't come from his own energy.
It came from somewhere far beyond the academy.
He turned his head slightly toward the distant mountains.
Something felt… wrong.
Kimimaru noticed the movement.
"What is it?"
Kairo shook his head.
"I don't know."
Far away, beyond the forests and hills surrounding Reikosha Academy, something had begun to move.
Something powerful.
Something watching.
And though none of the students realized it yet…
The peaceful days of training were slowly coming to an end.