Episode 4: Into the Shadows

Sōga’s breath came in steady, measured intervals. The dim lights of the Aura Defense Corps training hall cast long shadows across the polished floor. Around him, his newfound allies, Ryo, Kenji, and Haruna, watched in anticipation. Kenji leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Ryo bounced on his heels, eager to see what Sōga could do. Haruna remained silent, her sharp gaze never leaving him.

“Alright, Sōga,” Kenji called out. “You’ve got power. We’ve seen it. But raw strength isn’t enough. Let’s see how you handle a proper fight.” He stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. “Don’t hold back.”

Sōga nodded, gripping his wooden training sword tightly. The cold weight of it reminded him of the katana he once carried, the blade his father had gifted him long ago. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the dark aura stir within him. When he opened them again, the HUD flickered to life.

> [Name: Amasaki Sōga]

[Level: 6]

[Skills: Voidstep, Void Slash, Abyssal Perception]

“Begin!” Ryo shouted.

Kenji lunged, his aura flaring bright red. Sōga barely had time to sidestep, the sheer force of the blow grazing his shoulder and sending a gust of wind past his ear. Kenji’s movements were fast — faster than anything Sōga had faced before. Each punch was a blur, each step a thunderclap against the training hall floor.

He’s strong… Sōga thought, narrowly avoiding another strike. He swung his sword toward Kenji’s ribs, but Kenji twisted, catching the blade with his forearm.

“Too slow!” Kenji growled, slamming his palm into Sōga’s chest. The impact sent him skidding across the floor, pain jolting through his ribs. Sōga gasped, trying to steady his breathing. His mind raced.

I can’t keep up…

Kenji charged again, fist pulled back. The crimson aura around him flared brighter, distorting the air. Sōga clenched his jaw, the shadows around him darkening.

> [Skill Activated: Voidstep]

The shadows at his feet twisted, swallowing him whole. In the blink of an eye, Sōga vanished. Kenji stumbled forward, his punch hitting nothing but air. Before he could react, Sōga reappeared behind him, his sword slashing through the air. Kenji barely twisted in time, the blade grazing his shoulder.

“Nice trick,” Kenji said, eyes narrowing. “But you’ll need more than that!”

He spun, his fist coated in red aura. Sōga felt it before it hit — the sheer force behind the attack made the air hum. He barely dodged, the punch creating a shockwave that rattled the walls.

He’s reading my moves now…

The darkness inside Sōga stirred again. His vision sharpened. He could feel Kenji’s aura, the pulsing energy like a beacon in the night. The HUD flickered.

> [Skill Activated: Abyssal Perception]

The world slowed. Kenji’s movements became clear — the tightening of his muscles, the shift in his stance. Sōga could see the next attack before it happened. He sidestepped effortlessly, weaving through Kenji’s barrage of punches like a shadow.

“What…?” Kenji’s eyes widened. “Impossible.”

Sōga moved in close, his blade flashing. This time, Kenji couldn’t keep up. The wooden sword stopped just short of his throat. Kenji froze, sweat dripping down his forehead.

“Yield,” Sōga said softly.

For a moment, the training hall was silent. Then Kenji lowered his fists, letting out a shaky breath. “Alright… you win.”

Ryo whistled, impressed. “Man, you’re insane. That teleport thing? Freaking awesome.”

Haruna remained quiet, her sharp eyes studying Sōga. “It’s not teleportation,” she finally said. “It’s something darker.”

Kenji rubbed his neck, chuckling. “Whatever it is, he just kicked my ass.” He clapped Sōga on the back. “You’re the real deal. Welcome to the team.”

As they left the training hall, Sōga felt a strange warmth in his chest. For the first time in a long while, he wasn’t alone.

But deep in the shadows, something stirred. A cold, dark presence watched him. And waited.

> [Level Up: Level 7 Achieved]

End of Episode 4

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