The sun climbed higher over Soren Town, scattering golden light through the glass panes of the workshop. Sparks snapped and faded as Riku held out his gauntlet, sweat dripping from his chin.
"Bolt! Flash Dash—go!"
A streak of blue lightning shot across the practice field. But instead of hitting the target, Bolt's trail spun off course and smacked straight into the metal gate.
BOOM!
The gate rattled violently, leaving behind a smoking hole.
Toma: "Bro! That's the third one this week!"
He rushed out, his tool belt jingling. "You're gonna make my mom charge you for damages!"
Riku (groaning): "I swear it's not my fault! Bolt's doing his own thing again!"
Bolt appeared out of the smoke, fur standing on end, eyes sparkling with pride.
Bolt: "That was awesome! Let's blow up another one!"
Riku: "No! No more blowing things up!"
He turned to Toma helplessly. "See what I mean? He doesn't listen!"
Toma sighed, pulling a wrench from his pocket. "It's not about listening, dummy. The synchronization level between your heart rate and Bolt's energy output is still unstable. You're giving too much emotional impulse."
Riku blinked. "Too much… emotion?"
Toma nodded seriously. "Bolt responds to how you feel, not just what you say. If you're too hyped up, he'll overcharge. Calm down your spirit, and your beast will follow."
Riku looked down at Bolt, who wagged his tail innocently. "So… you're saying he's like a mirror?"
Toma: "Exactly. A loud, glowing mirror that explodes things."
[Scene 2 – The Town Plaza]
Later that afternoon, the air buzzed with cheerful chatter. Vendors sold spirit accessories, kids played with mini-cores, and posters for the Regional Spirit Cup fluttered on every wall.
Riku and Toma sat by a fountain, eating fried bread wrapped in leaf paper.
Riku: "You think I've got a shot at qualifying?"
Toma: "You? Hmm…"
He smirked. "If you don't destroy half the arena first, maybe."
Riku: "You're supposed to be my friend, you know."
Bolt: "Hey, if we win, can I get extra thunder biscuits?"
Riku: "Deal."
Toma: "He's easier to bribe than you are."
The three laughed together. But beneath that laughter, Riku's heart beat with quiet determination.
He gazed at the tournament poster — two massive spirit beasts clashing in lightning and fire.
Riku (thinking):
> "The Spirit Cup… that's where the real Masters fight.
I want to stand there too. I want to see how far Bolt and I can go."
[Scene 3 – Twilight Training Grounds]
As the sun dipped below the hills, the training yard glowed in faint orange light.
Riku stood firm, eyes closed, hand over his chest.
"Bolt… feel my rhythm. Not too fast, not too wild."
Lightning started to flicker softly from his gauntlet — calm, steady.
Bolt materialized in a silent burst, standing tall and proud.
Riku: "Alright… Flash Dash—once more!"
This time, Bolt's strike cut through the air — clean, controlled — hitting the target perfectly. The board split with a satisfying crack.
Riku grinned wide. "We did it!"
Bolt wagged his tail proudly. "Told you, teamwork works better than yelling."
Toma clapped from the sideline. "Finally! You didn't blow something up!"
As the evening breeze brushed past, a faint spark of lightning drifted into the clouds above — glowing like a promise.
Riku (smiling):
> "This is just the start, Bolt.
One day… we'll reach the summit of the Spirit Cup."
Bolt howled at the fading sun.
> "Awooo! The Thunder never sleeps!"
Next Chapter Preview
> "A mysterious challenger appears — carrying a spirit with two c
ores.
What secret does his beast hold?"
Next time: Chapter 4 — "Twin Shadows and the Broken Core.