"Who is he? Why is he fighting me?"
The thoughts spiraled in Atsuki's mind like a storm. Each strike, each dodge, every breath he took while clashing with the masked warrior only left him with more questions. Who was this man with the daggers and red spiky hair, and why did he seem so intent on testing him?
Their fight raged on—fierce, wild, unrelenting. The trees swayed from the force of their strikes, the earth cracked beneath their feet. Atsuki's wooden sword, now infused with shards of crystal energy, moved like an extension of his body, but it wasn't enough.
His opponent was swift, unpredictable. The way he used fire in his legs to push forward with terrifying speed overwhelmed Atsuki. Each time Atsuki found an opening, the man closed the gap even faster, his daggers slicing through the air like whispers of death.
Sweat rolled down Atsuki's brow. His breaths grew heavier. And still, he pressed forward, unwilling to back down.
But then, the weight of it all came crashing down.
His vision blurred.
His footing faltered.
And just like that, his body collapsed—power overwhelming control.
"ATSUKI!" Aoi's voice rang out through the jungle.
She appeared in a flash, her water magic forming a quick barrier around him. The masked man stopped mid-charge, his daggers disappearing into his sleeves. The fire dissipated from his legs, and he let out a sharp exhale.
"I didn't expect him to burn out so fast," the man muttered, stepping back. He removed his ogre mask, revealing a sharp face—young, confident, with wildredeyesthat mirrored the flame he wielded. His crimson hair framed a face both handsome and intimidating. He looked to be the same age as Atsuki.
Atsuki stirred slightly, regaining a bit of consciousness as the newcomer crouched down.
"You're strong.Stronger than I thought," the stranger said. "But you lack control."
Atsuki opened his eyes and blinked. "Who... are you?"
Standing tall, the man crossed his arms and gave a half-smile. "Name's Kazuki Ryujin (龍神一樹). New Arcane Warrior under the Dominion of Zealstriders. Vanguard rank. Just like her." He nodded toward Aoi.
Aoi narrowed her eyes. "You could've killed him."
"He wouldn't have died," Kazuki replied without hesitation. "That guy has potential. But he fights like a wildfire with no direction. Strong, but reckless."
Atsuki sat up slowly, still breathing hard. "What was that word you shouted before attacking?"
Kazuki smirked. "Senmetsu."
"Senmetsu?"
"It's a power control technique. A limiter breaker. It draws out the true depth of your elemental energy, but it comes at a cost."
He knelt down in front of Atsuki, eyes serious. "Most people who try to use it end up getting injured—or worse. Mastering it takes more than strength. It takes focus, control, and mental discipline. You don't rage into it. You flow."
Atsuki clenched his fists. "Teachme."
Kazuki's expression turned grave, all traces of playfulness gone. He looked Atsuki dead in the eyes.
"I will," he said, voice firm. "But you need to understand something."
A gust of wind passed between them, brushing through the scorched leaves and silent trees.
"Senmetsu isn't just a power-up. It's an extension of your soul. You force your energy out, beyond your limits. And if you're not ready… it breaks you."
Atsuki didn't flinch. "I'm not afraid."
"You should be," Kazuki said coldly. "Because your powers aren't normal. Your control is sloppy—but your output? It's terrifying. You could blow your own body apart before even scratching an enemy."
Aoi remained silent, watching them with concern in her eyes. She had never seen Atsuki this determined—or this reckless.
Kazuki stood and turned, walking a few paces away before stopping. "We start tomorrow. No distractions. Just me and you."
The next morning arrived fast.
The clearing Kazuki had picked was far from the training grounds—isolated, surrounded by cracked stones and broken roots. There was no wind here, no sound of birds. Only heat.
Atsuki stood across from him, breathing steadily.
"You ready?" Kazuki asked.
Atsuki nodded once. "I am."
"Then don't hold back."
The moment the words left Kazuki's mouth, he shot forward, flames bursting beneath his feet. Atsuki met him head-on, crystal energy erupting around his arms. Their clash echoed like thunder.
Each strike pushed Atsuki further. Each dodge demanded more focus. Kazuki wasn't going easy. He wanted to break him—to test the cracks in his resolve.
But Atsuki didn't crack.
He adapted.
Even when Kazuki's flame exploded outward, Atsuki used his crystals as shields, pivoting, breathing, striking back with precise counters. The fight wasn't about winning. It was about control.
"Don't rage," Kazuki shouted mid-fight, eyes intense. "Stay calm. That's the greatest way to fight… and the most dangerous."
Atsuki gritted his teeth, holding his stance. "I'm trying."
"Then tryharder!"
Kazuki's knee nearly connected with his chin, but Atsuki blocked it—barely. His arms shook. The power surging inside him wanted out, but this time, he forced it into shape. It responded. Controlled.
They kept moving—each movement faster, sharper, heavier.
Until finally, Kazuki halted.
He breathed out slowly and stepped back, his expression unreadable. The heat began to fade.
He looked at Atsuki like a blacksmith would look at a half-forged blade.
"You're dangerous," he said at last. "Do you even realize that?"
Atsuki blinked, still panting.
"If you can master Senmetsu… you'll be stronger than most warriors. Maybe even captain level. That's how scary you are."
His voice dropped low, steady like a warning.
"But strength without control is a curse."
Atsuki stared at him—sweat dripping, chest heaving, muscles sore, but eyes clear.
"I'll learn it," he said. "No matter what."
Kazuki didn't respond immediately. He walked past Atsuki, stopping beside him only to mutter:
"Then be ready. Tomorrow, we push harder."
And with that, he vanished into the trees, leaving Atsuki standing alone in the fading heat—more fired up than ever before.