The Spirit Garden trembled.
A wave of thick, dark spiritual energy burst outward from the clearing where Alex stood with the small shadow spirit beside him. Every spirit in the garden froze, turning toward the source.
Whispers spread.
"What is that…?"
"Dark energy? No… something else—"
Spirits gathered, forming a trembling circle around Alex and Soma.
John and Regis watched from a distance, both stunned.
John narrowed his eyes. "This boy… he's releasing an enormous amount of dark spiritual energy. But it's strange. It's not pure darkness. It's not light either. I can't tell what this is… it's like something unknown."
Regis clicked his tongue. "Tch. I've never sensed anything like that either."
In front of them, the fire spirits stumbled back, fear twisting their expressions.
"What are you?!" one fire spirit shouted. "How did you produce that much energy with a low-rank, unpurified spirit!?"
Alex stepped forward. "Who are you calling 'unpurified' or 'dark'? No one gets to decide someone's worth. No one chooses another person's future. Weak or strong—no one deserves to be bullied."
The spirits grew silent.
And then—
A powerful pressure fell from above.
A woman stepped into the clearing, her presence making every spirit bow instantly.
The Spirit Mother had arrived.
Her long hair shimmered with faint spiritual light, and her eyes held the calm of an ancient forest.
"What is happening here?" she asked. "I sensed a massive surge of shadow energy flowing through my forest."
Rava pointed shakily. "M-Majesty… there was a fight—"
"I know," the Spirit Mother cut him off sharply. "I have been watching."
She turned her gaze to Rava, her eyes cold.
"Rava… why were you picking a fight with Soma? A rank three spirit bullying a weaker one… do you want to become an evil spirit?"
Rava trembled.
"But Majesty—he is a dark spirit! He is—"
"Dark? You think darkness means evil?" Her voice deepened. "The night sky is dark, yet it holds the moon and the stars. Darkness does not equal corruption. Your ignorance disappoints me."
Every spirit lowered its head.
Then her eyes fell on Alex.
"You… a human boy. Who are you?"
Alex bowed slightly. "My name is Alex Einharten."
The Spirit Mother raised a brow. "Einharten? So you are from that… crazy family."
She sighed. "I never expected a spirit knight candidate to side with a shadow spirit. That is very rare."
She looked down at Soma. "He has never had a master before. Do you truly believe you can handle him?"
Alex nodded without hesitation.
"I don't think he's unlucky or impure. He's stronger than me. So yes—I want him as my spirit."
Soma's eyes widened, trembling.
The Spirit Mother studied them both silently.
In her thoughts:
This boy's energy… it isn't stable. Not like a normal human. What exactly is he?
Finally, she spoke.
"Very well. As recognition of your choice, I grant you a gift."
She extended her hand. A blade materialized—sleek, pitch-black, and humming with energy.
"This is Saibar. A spirit-cutter capable of slicing through space and time. It holds vast spiritual power… but it will drain your energy when you wield it."
Alex grasped the handle—
—and immediately felt his energy being sucked out.
"W-What…?"
"You are not ready yet," the Spirit Mother said. "Train first. When your spirit stabilizes, the sword will respond to you."
She disappeared into motes of light.
Alex slowly walked back toward John and Regis, exhausted but holding Soma close.
The moment he reached them, Regis exploded.
"You're dead, kid! Completely dead! In the entire history of spirit knights, NO ONE has ever chosen a shadow spirit!"
He slapped his forehead. "Shadow spirits are born once in centuries! You just made yourself the biggest walking mystery in the entire kingdom!"
John grinned. "Weren't you trying to keep a low profile, kid? Because this… this is the exact opposite of low profile."
Alex blinked. "W-Wait… what?"
Regis groaned. "I told you you're dumb—but you're even dumber than I thought! You, a mysterious spiritual energy monster, choosing a shadow spirit? Are you TRYING to stand out!?"
Alex could only stare blankly as Soma floated beside him, proud and shy at the same time.
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