Thalen stood tall, his gaze fixed on Ginsu, who lay unconscious on the cracked stone floor of the training arena. Dust and debris from the shattered walls swirled lightly around them, the air heavy with tension. Suddenly, a crimson energy began to coil around Ginsu, pulsating like a living flame. He slowly rose to his feet, and Thalen's piercing eyes followed every subtle movement.
Thalen could feel the immense power radiating from Ginsu's body—a force that could have flattened mountains—yet he remained utterly calm, a small, confident smile curling at the corner of his lips. Kaizen stood opposite him, his own aura simmering, yet he didn't strike immediately. They stared at each other, motionless, as if caught in a silent duel of intellect and instinct, a theoretical war where one miscalculation meant certain defeat.
Breaking the tense silence, Thalen finally spoke:
— Ha… so the theory was correct.
Kaizen's sharp eyes narrowed as he studied Thalen, his mind racing.
(I didn't notice this in the last fight… but… he's smiling!)
Then, with a burst of speed that blurred his form, Kaizen lunged at Thalen, a wide grin plastered across his face. But suddenly… Thalen vanished from sight, leaving nothing but empty air where he had stood.
— What just happened? Kaizen muttered, astonished.
Without warning, Thalen appeared behind him, calm and collected. Kaizen swung again, but each strike passed through emptiness; Thalen disappeared and reappeared, untouchable in a display of near-perfect agility.
Kaizen's frustration grew.
(What the hell is happening?)
Thalen's smile remained, faint but undeniable, and it enraged Kaizen even more.
(Is he really smiling again?)
Kaizen raised his hand and slashed his own palm with his fingernail, letting the crimson blood drip onto the cracked stone. He whispered the name of his technique, voice sharp and commanding:
— Kyoketsu no Hikari… "Bloody Craft."
The blood twisted and morphed, forming a gleaming crimson sword in his hand. He charged, swinging with all his might—but Thalen's stance never wavered, his body perfectly still, yet every strike was effortlessly blocked.
Kaizen leapt backward, releasing multiple shards of bloody energy toward Thalen, but the attacks fizzled before even touching him.
— Is that all you've got? Thalen asked, voice calm, almost taunting.
— Is the King of Yami this weak?
Rage consumed Kaizen. He charged again, fists and feet striking with lethal intent. Thalen met him with a single, precise punch, sending Kaizen crashing into the wall with a thunderous impact. Kaizen attacked again, and once more, Thalen blocked, their clash shaking the arena floor with reverberating force.
Finally, Thalen delivered a decisive blow, sending Kaizen sprawling to the ground. Standing over him, Thalen's gaze was cold yet composed. Kaizen, gasping for breath, could hardly comprehend it:
(He's still smiling?)
Kaizen lost consciousness. Dust settled over the arena as Ginsu stirred, rising shakily to his feet. His eyes met Thalen's, then swept across the ruined training grounds.
— Alright!! Did I miss something? he asked, his voice trembling with exhaustion.
— No… don't worry, haha, Thalen replied, his smile unshaken.
Approaching Ginsu, Thalen's tone became serious:
— Ginsu!
Ginsu looked up, eyes wide with respect:
— Yes… Master?
Thalen stepped closer, voice softening:
— Are you hungry?
Ginsu blinked, surprised by the sudden question:
— You scared me, Master… yes, I'm hungry.
— Haha, yes yes, me too. Let's eat.
They left the shattered arena behind, the faint glow of the setting sun illuminating their path as they headed toward the bustling ramen cart at the edge of the city. Steam rose from the pots, carrying the rich aroma of broth and spices into the evening air.
— Grandpa, give me two bowls of ramen, please, Thalen requested.
The old man turned, smiling warmly:
— Oh! It's you, Thalen!
— Yes, Grandpa! I missed your ramen.
— That makes me happy, truly. So, who is with you?
— My name is Ginsu, Grandpa. Nice to meet you.
— Oh, Ginsu, welcome to my humble ramen shop.
— Thank you, Grandpa!
— Two bowls of ramen coming right up…!
They sat down, the clatter of bowls and chopsticks filling the small cart. Thalen took a bite and savored the flavor.
— Oh, it's still as delicious as I remembered.
— So, Ginsu, there's something I want to talk to you about.
Ginsu looked at Thalen, curiosity mixing with anticipation:
— And what is it, Master?
Thalen's expression grew serious:
— In seven days, a Battle of Power will be organized among the organizations. Do you want to participate?
— But what is this tournament, Master? And the organizations? Isn't there only one organization that hunts the Yami, the Kyoketsu no Hikari?
— No, Ginsu. There are seven organizations. The strongest is Kyoketsu no Hikari, and each organization has its own name and a master who leads it.
— But why is Kyoketsu no Hikari the strongest?
Thalen smiled, calm and confident:
— Simply because I am its master!
— Oh, amazing, Master. But how can I participate? I'm too weak to face the strong ones!
— Don't worry, Ginsu. I will train you over the next seven days to control your powers and the inner explosion you've been avoiding.
Ginsu lowered his head, absorbing the gravity of Thalen's words:
— So… you noticed.
— Yes, but don't worry. I will teach you to master it… that skill with free will.