The sun hung high, golden and relentless, as Sushe Stro wiped sweat from his brow. His arms ached, muscles screaming in protest, yet the rusted katana felt lighter with each swing. "Come on… just one perfect strike," he muttered, teeth gritted. "If Sosre were here, he'd probably punch me in the face and say, 'Finally!'"
He swung again — and this time, the Ancient Divine Curse Mark along his wrist flared violently. A sharp heat shot up his arm, and the air around him shimmered, wind whipping the leaves into a frenzy. His eyes widened, heart pounding. "Whoa… that's new!"
The ground beneath him trembled subtly. Sparks flew as his blade cut through the morning mist like lightning. He stumbled back, gasping, and muttered, "Okay… maybe I'm stronger than I thought. Or maybe I'm about to explode. Either way, fun times!"
He laughed nervously, adjusting his grip. Every swing now left faint streaks of glowing energy in the air. His movements felt sharper, faster — yet raw, untamed. The jungle seemed alive, whispering around him, shadows dancing unnaturally among the trees.
Suddenly, a rustle caught his attention. A wild jungle boar charged from the underbrush, tusks gleaming. Sushe froze, katana raised. "Seriously? First day, first real opponent, and it's a boar?" he muttered, rolling his eyes. "Can't I just practice in peace?"
The boar lunged. Sushe swung instinctively. The Curse Mark pulsed again, and the blade met tusk with a shockwave that sent the boar skidding backward. Leaves flew, dirt scattered, and a low, guttural snort echoed. Sushe's heart raced, adrenaline surging, and he couldn't help but grin. "Not bad… not bad at all!"
He took a deep breath, surveying the jungle around him. Shadows lingered, watching. The boar retreated, but he knew — he wasn't alone. Something else, something human, might be observing him from the trees.
He wiped sweat from his brow, chest heaving, and whispered to himself, fiery determination burning in his eyes: "If this is just training… then the real world better watch out. Sushe Stro is coming."