Episode 3: New Bonds, New Resolve

The streets of Shinjuku were quiet as Sōga walked through the rain, his thoughts heavy. The dungeon raid was over, but the memory of that moment — the surge of power, the dark aura, the interface — lingered in his mind. What was this power? Why had it chosen him?

He glanced at the blue HUD flickering faintly in his vision. No one else could see it. It followed him silently, displaying his name, level, and a list of skills he didn’t fully understand.

> [Name: Amasaki Sōga]

[Level: 5]

[Skills: Voidstep, Void Slash, Abyssal Perception]

The words felt alien, yet familiar, as if they were a part of him now. He clenched his fists. If he wanted answers, he’d have to get stronger.

“Sōga!”

He turned at the sound of his name. Running toward him was Ryo, the same recruit who’d helped him after the raid. His short black hair clung to his forehead, drenched from the rain.

“Ryo,” Sōga greeted, trying to sound composed.

“Man, you disappeared right after the debriefing. Renji was pissed.” Ryo chuckled, then grew serious. “You okay?”

Sōga hesitated. “I… don’t know.”

Ryo studied him for a moment, then grinned. “Well, you’re not dead. That’s a good start.” He slapped Sōga’s shoulder. “Come on. A few of us are grabbing food. You should join.”

Sōga almost refused, but something about Ryo’s easygoing demeanor made him pause. Maybe he didn’t have to face this alone.

“Alright,” he said quietly.

—

The ramen shop was warm, a stark contrast to the cold streets outside. Sōga sat at the counter, his bowl steaming in front of him. Ryo introduced him to the others — a small group of recruits, much like himself.

“This is Ishikawa Kenji,” Ryo said, nodding toward a broad-shouldered guy with a shaved head and a scar across his nose. Kenji gave Sōga a curt nod, slurping his noodles noisily.

“And this,” Ryo continued, “is Haruna.”

Sōga glanced up and met the eyes of a petite girl with short silver hair and a calm, calculating expression. She studied him carefully before giving a small nod.

“You’re the one who took down the Boss, right?” Haruna asked, her voice quiet but sharp. “Everyone’s talking about it.”

Sōga tensed. “I… got lucky.”

Kenji snorted. “Lucky? I’ve seen what happens when rookies ‘get lucky.’ They don’t walk out alive.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. “Whatever you did back there — it wasn’t luck.”

Sōga shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know what happened. One second, I was about to die… then I felt something. Like… a door opening inside me.”

The group fell silent. Even Ryo looked uneasy. Finally, Haruna spoke.

“A Second Awakening,” she said softly. “It’s rare. Some say it only happens to those who’ve touched death and survived.” She paused, her gaze sharpening. “But those who get that power… they’re never the same.”

Sōga frowned. “What do you mean?”

Haruna hesitated, glancing around before lowering her voice. “I’ve heard stories. People who experience a Second Awakening… they change. They get stronger, faster. But there’s always a price.”

Sōga’s stomach twisted. The memory of the dark energy coursing through him flashed in his mind. Was that the price?

Kenji sighed, pushing his empty bowl away. “Well, whatever it is, you’re still breathing. That counts for something.” He glanced at Sōga. “If you’re serious about getting stronger… you should train with us.”

Sōga blinked. “Train?”

Kenji grinned, cracking his knuckles. “We’re Aura Users now. We fight together, grow stronger together.” He extended a hand. “What do you say?”

Sōga stared at the outstretched hand, hesitating for only a moment before gripping it firmly.

“Alright,” he said. “Let’s get stronger.”

—

The next morning, Sōga stood in the Aura Defense Corps training hall. The massive space was lined with sparring rings, training dummies, and targets. Kenji and Ryo were already stretching, while Haruna stood quietly in the corner, eyes closed, focusing her aura.

Kenji clapped his hands. “Alright, rookies! Let’s see what you’ve got.” He grinned at Sōga. “How about a spar?”

Sōga hesitated, then nodded. The two stepped into the ring, wooden training swords in hand. Kenji’s aura flared, a deep red hue radiating from his body. Sōga gripped his sword tightly, focusing on the energy within him.

“Begin!” Ryo called.

Kenji charged, his sword swinging in a wide arc. Sōga barely dodged, the wooden blade missing his head by inches. He stumbled back, heart racing. Kenji pressed the attack, forcing Sōga to retreat.

Focus.

Sōga felt the energy stir within him. The HUD flickered.

> [Skill Activated: Voidstep]

His body moved on instinct. Shadows coiled around his feet, and in an instant, he vanished from Kenji’s sight, reappearing behind him. Kenji’s eyes widened, but Sōga was already moving. His blade lashed out, stopping just short of Kenji’s neck.

The room fell silent. Kenji slowly raised his hands in surrender. “Okay… that was awesome.”

Sōga lowered his sword, breathing heavily. The power felt intoxicating, but deep inside, he knew this was only the beginning.

As they left the training hall, Ryo clapped him on the back. “You’ve got talent, Sōga. Stick with us — we’ll make sure you don’t die.”

Sōga smiled faintly. For the first time since the dungeon, he felt a flicker of hope. He wasn’t alone anymore.

But somewhere in the shadows, something stirred. The darkness watched. And waited.

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