Itsuki climbed the stairs, one step after another until he reached the fourth floor. By the time he pushed open the heavy door, his legs burned from the strain.
The training hall was larger than the previous floors. Three students stood in a line before a tall man with black hair who observed them with arms crossed.
"We've been waiting for you, Mr. Naoya." The man spoke without turning.
Itsuki walked over and stood beside the others.
He immediately spotted Sayaka among the three students.
Oh... I forgot Sayaka is Diamond too, means we're both in the same segment. He sighed.
"My name is Ryo Minamori, and I will be your instructor until you reach Tier 3. Training begins every day at 7 AM and lasts for ten hours." Ryo walked slowly in front of them, hands behind his back. "Now, introduce yourselves."
He stopped before Sayaka.
"Sayaka Veyra," she answered without hesitation.
Ryo nodded and moved to the nervous boy beside her.
"M-Murai Kuginimi..."
The next student spoke with better composure. "Daimon Wakakura."
Finally, Ryo looked at Itsuki.
"Itsuki Naoya."
"Good..." Ryo resumed walking, observing each of them carefully.
This girl... she's slightly stronger than the rest. He glanced at Sayaka again. Maybe Tier 2 already? But she's only seventeen... how did she advance so quickly?
He stopped before her.
"Before we begin, I need to understand what you know. Miss Veyra, tell me, what is Honshitsu?"
"It's the essence of life. The power source that flows through all living things," Sayaka answered.
"Correct..." Ryo nodded. "But knowing the definition and understanding it are two different things."
He continued walking.
"Honshitsu exists within every living being. It is what keeps you alive. However, not all of it can be used freely. Your Honshitsu is divided into two reserves: Inochi and Yuuki."
He raised one finger, a blue light formed above it.
"Inochi is your vital reserve. The portion that keeps your heart beating, your lungs breathing. Touch this reserve, and you die."
He raised a second finger on his left hand, a red light formed above it.
"Yuuki is your power reserve. This is what fuels your abilities, your techniques, everything you will learn here. Unlike Inochi, Yuuki can grow through training."
He dismissed the lights with a wave.
"Between these two reserves exists the Gore, an unbreakable barrier. When your Yuuki runs out, the Gore forces you unconscious before you can touch your Inochi. This is your body's way of protecting you from killing yourself."
The Gore... Itsuki thought. So that's what stops people from dying when they overuse their Yuuki. But what happens to those who push too far? Can the Gore fail? I remember father telling me once about a warrior who was able to use two different Honshitsu energies... I wonder if the other energy he used was Inochi.
"Now, let me explain how your training will be structured. You will study five subjects during your time here, rotating through them throughout the week."
Ryo began counting on his fingers. "First, Hand to Hand Combat. You'll learn to fight without relying on your abilities. Your Birthright won't always be available, and when your Yuuki runs dry, your body is all you have left."
"Second, Honshitsu Training. Meditation, control exercises, expanding your Yuuki capacity. This is the foundation of everything."
"Third, Group Exercises. You'll work together on combat scenarios, coordinated attacks, team formations. Warriors don't fight alone."
"Fourth, Theory and Knowledge. Classroom study. History of abilities, understanding different Birthright types, tactical analysis."
"Fifth, One versus One Practical Duels. You'll fight each other under supervision. This is where you learn to apply everything."
As the Ryo explained, a sudden thought passed over Itsuki mind, a thought he that didn't occur to him under now. How do people even know the name of their abilities? Edge of Order revealed itself to me in that space with Nui... is it the same way for everyone? I wonder if others experience it the same...
Out of curiosity, he raised his hand slightly. "Sensei, I have a question."
Ryo nodded.
"How do people know the names of their abilities? And is it the same for everyone?"
"Good question Naoya... " Ryo walked toward the window. "When you first activate your Birthright, the name reveals itself to you. It's not something you choose or decide. The ability tells you what it's called."
He turned back.
"For most people, it happens naturally. You use your power, and in that moment, you simply know. The name appears in your mind, clear as day. Some describe it as hearing a voice, others say it's more like remembering something you'd forgotten."
So my experience wasn't unusual. The name just came to me... though Nui's involvement, that might be different. Itsuki nodded as though in thought.
Ryo moved back to the center of the hall.
"Now that I've explained enough, I need to see what you can do, understand your limits."
He stopped and looked directly at Murai.
"Murai, was it?"
"Y-Yes, Sensei." The boy flinched.
"Come stand in front of me."
Murai walked forward, his steps hesitant. He stopped a few paces away from Ryo.
Ryo smiled faintly.
"Alright... come at me."