Mid-Training
Steel clashes.
Footsteps shift.
Breathing sharp.
Then—
Everything stops.
Not by choice
A pressure.
Sudden.
Heavy.
Hiroto Freezes
Not from fear—
From instinct.
Kenzaku's Eyes Snap Forward
"…This isn't like before."
Goro Steps Forward Slightly
Already alert.
"…Positions."
No Questions
Everyone moves.
Hiroto front.
Akari beside him.
Kenzaku slightly ahead.
The Enforcer ready.
Yui pulled back.
Watcher scanning.
The Air Distorts
A faint ripple—
Like heat bending space.
Then—
A figure appears.
Not from the trees.
Not from the ground.
Just—
There.
Different
Not like the village enemies.
Not like the mini-boss.
Still
Calm.
Controlled.
Its Presence Alone
Heavy.
Oppressive.
Hiroto Feels It
His body tightens—
But—
He Controls It
Breath steady.
Eyes locked.
The Figure Speaks
Low.
Calm.
"…So this is the group."
Silence
No one answers.
Kenzaku Steps Forward Slightly
"…State your purpose."
The Figure Tilts Its Head
Almost curious.
"…Observation."
Echo of Before
Hiroto's eyes narrow.
"…Another one…"
The Figure Continues
"…But unlike the last…"
A pause.
"…I don't intend to leave immediately."
Tension Explodes
The Enforcer grins.
"…Good."
Goro's Voice Cuts Through
"…No one engages alone."
The Figure Moves
Instant.
Gone—
Appears Behind Akari
Strike
Fast.
Hiroto Moves
Without thinking—
Intercepts
CLANG
Impact
Heavy.
Hiroto is pushed back—
Far.
Reality Hits Instantly
"…Strong…"
Kenzaku Moves In
Precise.
Fast.
Clash
But—
He's Pushed Back Too
The Gap Is Clear
Goro Steps In
Finally.
Their Blades Collide
A heavy clash.
The Ground Cracks Slightly
Silence for a Split Second
The Figure Smiles Slightly
"…Better."
Goro's Eyes Narrow
"…You're not here by accident."
The Figure Responds
"…Of course not."
A pause.
"…You've been making noise."
That Hits
Kenzaku's gaze sharpens.
Hiroto Steps Forward Again
Not rushing—
But ready.
The Figure Looks at Him
Pauses.
"…You're the unstable one."
Silence
Hiroto Doesn't React Emotionally
Just focuses.
"…Try me."
The Figure Moves Again
Faster.
Sharper.
Group Engages
All at once.
Clash Begins
Hiroto—
Akari—
Kenzaku—
All strike together.
The Figure Responds
Effortless.
Blocking.
Dodging.
Countering.
It's Not Losing Ground
It's Studying Them
Kenzaku Realizes
"…It's measuring us…"
Goro Confirms
"…Don't show everything."
Hiroto Adjusts
Not going all out—
Holding control.
Exchange Continues
Faster.
Sharper.
More dangerous.
But—
The figure steps back.
Suddenly.
Fight Stops
Silence
The Figure Looks at Them
One by one.
"…Interesting."
A Pause
"…You'll grow."
Hiroto Steps Forward
"…And next time?"
The Figure's Final Words
"…Next time…"
A faint smile.
"…I won't hold back."
Then—
Gone.
No trace.
No presence.
Silence Returns
But not calm.
Heavy.
Real.
Yui Breathes Out Shakily
"…What… was that…"
Kenzaku
"…A problem."
Goro Turns Away Slowly
"…And a warning."
Hiroto Looks Forward
Not shaken.
Focused.
"…Then next time…"
A pause.
"…I'll be ready."
To be continued…