Hikari stirred as faint sunlight bled through the curtains, casting pale golden threads across the wooden floor. He opened his eyes slowly to find the cracked timber of the ceiling staring back at him, just as it had all night.

  Sleep had been a fleeting visitor. Though his body ached, his mind refused to settle, endlessly replaying the scenes from the arena. Mirai’s face. The pallor of her skin. The way she had stood with a blade at her throat, and the blood she had shed. He remembered how she changed before his eyes, her voice cracking as she spoke words he had no answer for.

  He sat up on the edge of the bed and buried his face in his hands. *Was I wrong about Raiden? Did I make things worse?*

  No answers came. Only the heavy weight that had settled on his chest since yesterday remained, pressing down until drawing breath felt like a labor.

  He rose, dressed, and descended to the inn’s common room. It was quiet at this early hour. Dim light filtered through thin drapes covering small windows. An elderly woman swept the far corner, her back bent, her hand moving in a monotonous rhythm. The scratch of the broom against wood was the only sound.

  No one else was there.

  He wondered if she had left early or still slept, but instinct told him neither was true. A deeper anxiety took root. He hesitated in the center of the room, then turned and climbed the stairs again, his pace quickening.

  He stopped before her door. Old brown wood, paint peeling at the edges. He raised a hand and knocked gently. Once. Twice. Thrice.

  Silence stretched out. Long, heavy seconds passed.

  Then, a faint creak. Movement. Slow footsteps. The door cracked open an inch, then two, before stopping. Mirai stood in the narrow gap. She didn’t open it fully, just enough to reveal her face. Her eyes were weary, rimmed with red from lack of sleep—or perhaps something else. She was pale. Too pale. As if she hadn’t eaten in days rather than just hours.

  Instinct forced Hikari to take a half-step back. It wasn't fear, but shock. Her fragility was stark.

  He opened his mouth, closed it, then tried again.

  "Hello..." His voice was softer than he intended, yet unable to mask the concern he didn't know how to hide. He hesitated, searching her eyes, then spoke slowly. "I didn't see you yesterday. I've been worried. Are you alright?"

  Mirai met his gaze for a fleeting moment before lowering her eyes to the floor.

  "I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. She paused to take a breath. "Hikari... I'm sorry. I just want to be alone a while longer."

  He understood immediately. He didn't press her, didn't ask why, and didn't try to coax her out to eat or talk. He knew when boundaries were drawn and when retreat was the only kindness.

  "Alright," he said softly. "Rest as much as you need. I'll be outside if you need anything."

  She gave a minute nod and quietly closed the door.

  Hikari lingered a moment, staring at the timber barrier. He heard her slow retreat and the creak of the mattress as she sat. Finally, he turned and descended the stairs. His mind churned, trying to figure out how to pass the day without seeming like a hovering warden, yet without letting her drown in that dark place he had glimpsed in her eyes.

  He stepped out of the inn. The crisp morning air greeted him. The streets were still hushed, though early vendors were preparing their stalls. A man arranged vegetables in wooden crates while a woman polished her shopfront. A small barefoot child ran past, laughing.

  Hikari walked without destination, hands in pockets, gaze fixed on the cobblestones. He found himself at a small corner café. It looked peaceful. He pushed the wooden door open, triggering the soft chime of a bell.

  The rich, warming scent of roasted coffee filled his senses. The tables were mostly empty save for an old man with a newspaper and a young woman writing in a journal.

  Then he saw Raiden.

  The man sat at a back table, solitary. He swirled a cup with his right hand in a slow, circular motion, eyes closed. He wore the same faded grey robe from yesterday. His grip was steady, yet he did not drink, merely listening to the liquid swirl.

  Hikari paused, then approached.

  "May I join you?"

  Raiden tilted his head slightly. He didn't open his eyes, but a faint smile touched his lips. "Of course. Please, sit."

  Hikari took the chair opposite. The wood was cool beneath him. A waitress passed with a tray, and Hikari ordered a coffee.

  Raiden finally took a sip, then opened his white eyes to regard Hikari. "You're the second person I've met who houses two souls in one body. But you're different. What lies within you is a complete, true person of the Spirit Race."

  Hikari wasn't surprised. "You're right, though that's a long story. I'm Hikari. It's a pleasure to meet you, Raiden-san."

  Raiden closed his eyes again, exhaling softly. "The pleasure is mine, Hikari-san. You don't seem shocked by my words. Do you know of me?"

  Hikari offered a slight smile. "Yes. My father, Seijiro, spoke of you often. Specifically your exceptional abilities. He told me he fought you years ago and that your sense of spirits allows you to see people as clearly as if you had sight."

  Raiden laughed softly. "Oh, you're Seijiro's son. That man married? Does he even know females exist?" He paused, amused. "I remember that battle well. We both nearly lost our lives. Your father doesn't know how to hold back, even against a blind man. It's a pleasant surprise to meet you here. Did you come to this city for a specific reason?"

  "No," Hikari answered. "Coincidence. I'm an adventurer, traveling between kingdoms. I arrived recently and watched the fights at the Colosseum yesterday. The final match... you against Haru." He took a breath. "You seemed different. Slower. As if you... chose to lose."

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  Raiden’s smile was faint. "So you noticed the change in my movement. But tell me, did you notice anything about the Colosseum itself?"

  Hikari frowned, searching his memory of the previous day but finding nothing unusual. "No. Was there something?"

  Raiden took another sip. "Since you are Seijiro's son, I can trust you. The Colosseum was manipulated. There was a magical spell embedded in the fighting ring."

  Hikari shook his head. "A spell? I never sensed anything suspicious."

  "Because it isn't ordinary magic," Raiden explained. "It's a rare spell that slowly drains the fighter's energy and soul, weakening them. A Level 13 incantation."

  Hikari’s eyes widened. "Was everyone affected?"

  Raiden shook his head slowly. "Not everyone. Only those who remained in the ring for extended periods. Those I defeated quickly were spared. It is a grave danger to the spirit and life itself. Perhaps... some have already died without anyone knowing."

  Hikari rubbed his chin, thinking. "Let me ask. Is there any chance the spell is Dark Moon?"

  Raiden nodded slowly. "Yes. It amazes me that you identified it so quickly."

  "I've studied magical spells extensively," Hikari said. "Especially Level 13 ones." His tone shifted to grave concern. "This is dangerous. Things cannot end well. Did you come to eliminate the caster? Whoever uses such a spell will cause chaos, perhaps even war. How did you know a user was here?"

  "Initially, I came looking for someone," Raiden replied. "My student, Ryuji. He disappeared completely. Ryuji was the champion here, but he vanished without a trace. I couldn't sense his spirit or presence. Then, weeks ago, I felt him for a moment. His soul... but it was very dark. Nearly dead. I came rushing to investigate and felt the energy in the Colosseum. Energy that drains the soul. And at night, I sense dark spirits moving through the city."

  Raiden paused to gather his thoughts, took another sip of coffee, and set the cup down.

  Hikari asked, "Your student Ryuji... I recall hearing he was the former champion. There's a statue of him in the city. Is that him?"

  Raiden nodded. "Yes. Ryuji was no ordinary student. He held a rare power, a blend of warrior spirit and ancient magic. I taught him everything I know about the balance between body, soul, and magic. His raw power rivaled my own. But he simply vanished."

  Hikari looked at him intently, a cold chill creeping up his spine. "You mean he fell into the spell's trap?"

  "Correct," Raiden confirmed. "The dark soul I felt, and the spirits at night, confirmed it."

  Suddenly, Raiden froze.

  He lifted his head, his white eyes widening despite being closed. His hand stopped moving. It was as if something had struck him from within. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping back.

  "Apologies, Hikari-san," he said, his voice low but sharp. "I must leave now."

  He didn't wait for a reply. He turned on his heel, grey robe swirling, and exited the café without another word. The bell chimed once, then silence returned.

  Hikari remained seated, his cup half-full, his mind teeming with new questions—far more questions than answers.

  ---

  Behind the Colosseum, in the sprawling dirt training yard, the air buzzed with the sound of impacts and shouts of enthusiasm.

  "Come on! Is that all you've got, Saki?"

  Haru shouted with a broad grin, leaping with wild grace to dodge a volley of stones flying at him like projectiles. He moved with fluid speed, swinging his long spear to deflect the rocks he couldn't evade.

  *Bang! Bang!*

  The stones shattered against the steel shaft, dusting him in debris.

  Yards away stood Saki, the young mage with short brown hair. Dressed in loose robes, she waved her wooden staff with intense focus, eyes glinting with challenge as she muttered rapid incantations to levitate more gravel and hurl it his way.

  "Hey! No fair! Stop moving so much!" Saki puffed her cheeks in frustration, waving her staff to send a faster wave of stones.

  Haru laughed, eyes shining with innocent thrill. He didn't retreat but charged forward, dancing with his spear amidst the flying rocks as if playing a game.

  Suddenly, the sound of calm footsteps approached, followed by a warm voice. "Good morning."

  Haru froze in mid-motion, planting his spear in the earth. Saki lowered her staff, letting the hovering stones clatter to the ground. They turned to see Valdor approaching. The mysterious mage wore his usual black cloak, but something strange sat upon his face today... a bright, wide smile.

  Haru wiped sweat from his brow. "Oh, Valdor! You look very happy today. What's the good news?"

  Saki tilted her head, narrowing her eyes as she scrutinized him. "Rare indeed," she remarked dryly. "Usually you look like a storm cloud is raining over your head."

  Valdor chuckled, spreading his arms as if welcoming the sun. "Not quite. Let's just say my magical energy has risen tremendously thanks to recent private training. I feel reborn."

  Haru’s grin widened, and he thumped his chest. "That's great! I love that energy! Nothing beats seeing results after hard work."

  Saki huffed with feigned boredom, crossing her arms and looking at the ground with a childish pout. "Good for you two... Am I the only one stuck at the same level? Ugh... I hate you both."

  Haru stepped closer, laughing, and placed a large hand on her head, patting it gently as if consoling a child. "It's okay, it's okay! You're strong too, Saki. How about I treat you to some sweets to make up for it?"

  Saki froze, a flush coloring her cheeks. She swatted his hand away weakly. "Stop it! Don't treat me like a child! I'm nineteen, you're only a year older, you moron!"

  A comfortable silence settled. Saki twirled a lock of brown hair, then glanced at him out of the corner of her right eye, closing the left in a shy wink. "So? ...What kind of sweets?"

  Haru burst into genuine laughter. "Pick whatever you want, anything!"

  Saki’s mouth quirked into a small victorious smile. She raised a finger. "Then... buy me a thousand cherry cakes. No taking it back!"

  "A thousand?! Are you trying to bankrupt me?" Haru joked, before turning back to Valdor, who had watched them with that fixed smile.

  Valdor cleared his throat, his tone turning serious though the strange enthusiasm remained. "By the way, Haru... I have news. The next tournament is next week."

  He looked directly into Haru's eyes. "Be ready. Train harder than ever."

  Haru’s eyes ignited. He gripped his spear. "Absolutely! I'll train every day, every hour, no slacking! I hope to face plenty of strong opponents this time too!"

  Valdor nodded with satisfaction, then turned to leave. He waved without looking back, the smile still plastered on his face, his black cloak fluttering gently as he walked away, leaving Haru and Saki to argue over cherry cakes.

  ---

  Hours drifted by. The sun tracked its slow, steady course across the sky until night fell. Lamps flickered to life one by one—small points of light in streets and windows.

  At midnight, inside the inn, Mirai slowly opened her door. She slipped out, closing it silently behind her. The streets were deserted now, most people tucked away in their homes behind dark windows and barred doors. The few streetlamps cast dim yellow circles on the ground, besieged by shadows.

  She began to walk. No direction. No goal. Just... walking.

  Her steps were slow, feet moving automatically while her mind remained empty—or tried to be. The pavement was cold beneath her soles. Stone walls passed her by in a sluggish procession. She passed closed stalls that had been teeming with crowds the morning prior, now silent skeletons of commerce.

  She eventually reached a small arched bridge over a canal and stood in the center, gazing down at the dark water reflecting the moon. Her expression was placid. She took a quiet breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them, she didn't see the moon’s reflection, but herself and Lars as children, barely eight years old.

  **

  "Mirai! Mirai!" Lars spoke with excitement, clutching several books. "You won't believe it! I discovered the secret of the Crimson Flame! I can help you master it. Come to the training grounds now, and don't tell anyone!"

  **

  Mirai sighed and raised her head to look at the moon. "I wonder..." she whispered. "When exactly did we fall out... what was the reason..."

  Suddenly, a sensation cut through her thoughts. A disturbing, suspicious magical energy pulsed nearby. It felt different. Twisted.

  She lifted her head, scanning the empty streets. The energy was distinct, emanating from the side alleys. She didn't think much. She walked toward it, her pace quickening as she tracked the feeling. The streets grew narrower, the lamps fewer, the darkness denser.

  The energy intensified. Closer. More agitating.

  She reached a narrow alleyway and stopped at the entrance, peering inside. Darkness. Silence. But the energy was there, undeniable. She took a breath, and stepped in.

  (To be continued)