Cold water exploded onto Alex's face.
"GAAAH—!"
Regis stood over him, bucket in hand, expression hidden behind his mask but voice full of attitude.
"Wake up, punk! It's 7:05 AM. TRAINING TIME."
Alex coughed. "Why do you always throw water?! Can't you wake me like a normal person?"
Regis lifted the bucket again.
"You wanna test me, brat? I got more where that came from."
Alex immediately sat straight. "I'm awake! I'm awake!"
Regis snorted and stretched lazily.
"Good. Jessica went back to headquarters. Spirit Captain duties. She doesn't have time babysitting a cry-baby like you."
Alex lowered his eyes. "I… wasn't crying."
Regis puffed air through his mask.
"Say that again, punk?"
Alex: "…Nothing."
Regis smirked triumphantly.
"Thought so. Now move. Today you're choosing your damn spirit. We're going to the Spirit Garden."
Alex blinked. "Spirit… Garden?"
"Yeah. The place where spirits pick their masters. Or ignore losers like you."
Regis shoved him forward.
"Walk. And don't whine."
---
The Path to the Spirit Garden
The two walked through thick forest. Regis scratched his hair like he hadn't slept.
"Listen, brat. Spirits won't come lick your feet. You gotta show some backbone."
Alex muttered, "I have a backbone…"
Regis turned sharply.
"You say something?"
Alex: "…No sir."
Regis: "Good. Keep it that way."
They reached a giant arch of glowing roots and floating lantern-like spirits drifting around.
Alex's mouth fell open. "Whoa…!"
Regis grunted.
"Alright kid. I'm gonna… go take a walk."
Alex squinted. "Why did you pause?"
Regis whistled suspiciously. "Because I felt like it. Shut up."
And in the next blink—
Regis vanished.
Alex jumped. "H-Hey!? Where did you go?!"
A calm voice spoke behind him.
---
The Old Man Appears
An elderly man with long silver hair, soft eyes, and a staff taller than himself stepped out of the glowing mist.
"Welcome, child. I am John Lumius, Spirit Caretaker of this garden."
Alex bowed awkwardly. "Um—hello sir!"
John smiled warmly.
"Before entering, every spirit candidate must register. Name?"
Alex straightened proudly.
"My name is Alex Ironheart."
The old man froze mid-smile.
"...I'm sorry, did you say Ironheart?"
Alex nodded innocently.
"Yes."
John trembled.
"Jessica Ironheart… has a child?"
Alex blinked. "Um… yes."
John clutched his chest dramatically.
"Oh spirits above… Jessica… that demon girl from the Academy… SHE has a child now?!"
Alex flinched. "D-Demon?! Mother?! W-Wait—!"
John grabbed his head.
"What about your father? Who is your father, boy?"
Alex swallowed and whispered:
"Regis."
John's eyes nearly exploded.
"REGIS!? REGIS THE MENACE!? THE walking disaster!? THAT REGIS!?"
Alex nodded timidly.
John slapped both cheeks in despair.
"Oh no… these two… THESE TWO HAD A CHILD. This world is doomed."
Alex panicked. "I-I didn't say they— um— actually I mean—"
John sighed deeply, then gave Alex a soft pat.
"Boy… you must be the strongest child alive. Those two are monsters. But also… the strongest spirit knights I ever trained."
Alex's eyes sparkled with pride.
John smiled.
"Alright, Alex Ironheart. I will guide you. Once you step through that gate, your spirit will find you."
Alex took a deep breath.
"I'm ready."
He stepped through the glowing roots.
As soon as he disappeared inside—
---
The Old Man Calls Out the Hidden Idiot
John sighed loudly.
"…Regis, how long do you plan to hide behind that bush like a raccoon?"
Leaves rustled violently.
Regis popped out, annoyed.
"Tch. You sensed me."
John crossed his arms.
"I taught you spirit discipline for three years. Of course I sensed you. How strong are you now?"
Regis puffed his chest.
"Strong enough to kick your old ass."
John bonked him with his staff.
"Watch your mouth, brat. I'm still your teacher."
Regis groaned. "Ow—! Seriously, old man?!"
John smirked.
"Good to see you again… troublemaker."
Regis turned away, grumbling but clearly hiding a small smile.
"Tch… whatever."
They both looked at the gate Alex entered.
John: "Let's see which spirit chooses your boy."
Regis: "Yeah. He better not embarrass me…"
---