Episode 2 –
The Inter-Kill Trial
After months of intense training, Jayden Cross had made significant progress. He had not yet acquired new techniques, but he now mastered his energy within his blue sword, which vibrated with him at every movement.
One morning, in the academy's great hall, the teacher stepped forward, his deep voice echoing across the walls:
— You have received enough training. It is time for the Inter-Kills.
A stunned silence fell over the students.
— No rules apply, the teacher continued. Your objective: eliminate as many demons as possible. Those who fail… will die. Those who succeed… will be able to climb Mount Oshino. There, meditation and spirituality will strengthen your energy. But be careful: if multiple students survive, there will be no mercy. You will have to fight each other.
Jayden frowned. Spirituality… it didn't matter. His mind burned with a simpler, more brutal desire: to test his limits… and face his demons. He rushed toward the registration room, spotting Kyle and Kimberly in the distance.
— Hey! Are you signing up too? he called out as he ran toward them.
— Yes, Kyle replied calmly.
Curious, Jayden dared to ask the question that burned on his lips:
— Kyle… what style do you have?
— You probably won't believe me… Kyle murmured. My energy is purple.
Jayden stood frozen in shock. Purple… rare and powerful. That explained why Kyle seemed so fluid, so invincible.
After registering, they shared a quick meal. Kyle then suggested:
— Let's train separately. I'm going to work on my style.
Kimberly focused on her fluidity, while Jayden mixed spinjutsu, karate, boxing, and swordsmanship, training both his techniques and his mindset.
At one point, Kyle approached him, his eyes calmly piercing through Jayden's mind.
— And you, Jayden? What is your style?
Jayden hesitated for a second, then answered calmly:
— My energy… is blue.
A veil of disappointment passed over Kyle's face, quickly hidden again by his usual control.
—
The day of the exam arrived. The students rushed at incredible speed into the deadly forest, where the air felt as heavy as lead. Jayden moved forward confidently… until that confidence faded.
He hunted, ran, ate, but no demons appeared. It was only when he approached Mount Oshino that a terrifying aura enveloped him. His sword left its sheath. He closed his eyes and focused all his attention. Every breath, every movement around him, everything became illuminated in his mind.
Suddenly, a demon appeared—brutal and savage.
The battle erupted. The demon chained punches and kicks with superhuman speed. Jayden stepped back, spat blood, fell to the ground, got back up, and narrowly dodged an attack. He counterattacked, attempting the Head Slice. The blade struck the demon… but the severed limb regenerated instantly, and the monster let out a mad laugh.
Exhausted, Jayden felt fatigue and fear rising. His body was marked, his clothes torn. His father's words echoed in his mind:
— This blade was made to eliminate monsters.
Jayden took a deep breath. He let go of haste. The demon attacked again, but this time Jayden remained passive. He observed, felt the movements, detected the openings.
Then something changed. His hands ignited with blue energy, fluid and furious. He struck… and the demon was forced back. Jayden stood up, eyes blazing.
— I'm sick of all this! he shouted.
Dodging, counterattacking, he chained fast, violent, and precise blows. His energy grew with every strike. Twenty hits, and the demon was disoriented. A red energy sphere burst from its mouth, but Jayden dodged and concentrated all his power into his fist.
— I'm not a failure! he roared.
He struck the ground. The impact launched the demon into the air, all the way to the top of Mount Oshino. An explosion of dust and stone shook the ground. Up there, Kyle and other students watched in shock.
Another demon emerged on the mountain, tearing through the terrain. Kyle saw Jayden open and close his fist, unaware of the power he was releasing. Stunned, Kyle realized that this blue styler possessed extraordinary potential.
Jayden rushed into the mountain, ready to continue the fight. All the students drew their swords, while he prepared his fists, ready to face whatever stood in his way…
End of Episode 2.