The next morning, the whole family was gathered around the table for breakfast. Genshiro was there as well, sitting calmly among them.
— "Chibaki, tell me what you know about the Myuki," he began.
Caught off guard, the boy's eyes widened.
— "Uh… I…"
— "Don't worry, it's not a test. I just want to see if you have any basic knowledge—it'll make things easier for me," Genshiro added with a faint smile.
Chibaki regained his composure and answered:
— "Well… I know that Myuki is an energy that flows through everything, even the air. And that there are different affinities. But… that's all."
Genshiro slowly nodded.
— "We've got work to do, it seems. What you just said, everyone knows. It's taught in school…"
He suddenly stopped, slightly embarrassed.
— "Ah, sorry… you didn't get the chance to go. That's my fault."
After breakfast, Chibaki took a shower, then joined Genshiro in the garden.
The master had already prepared the training ground, laying out mats on the ground for the day's exercise. He was waiting, seated upright and silent.
Chibaki approached and sat down in front of him.
— "Master, I'm ready."
Genshiro remained silent for a few moments, took a deep breath, then began:
— "A long time ago… a young man was walking alone in a forest. Suddenly, a goblin appeared and killed him before he had the chance to defend himself. That was only the beginning. Soon, more monsters began appearing everywhere, slaughtering thousands of people. Humans had no way to protect themselves. They could only run… or die."
Chibaki frowned.
— "But… why didn't they use Myuki?"
Genshiro let out a faint smile.
— "Patience. Listen until the end."
His deep voice echoed in the quiet garden:
— "For weeks, it was nothing but terror. Then, two warriors rose. Their aura shone with an unknown light. One wielded a transparent sword, while the other wore armor forged from the same energy. They pushed back the monsters, hunted them down, and sealed them inside caverns that would later become… the first dungeons."
Chibaki's eyes widened.
— "So… they were…"
— "Yes," Genshiro nodded. "The very first to awaken to Myuki. From generation to generation, their knowledge was passed down and refined. What once seemed like a divine power has now become a weapon that any human can learn to master."
— "Wow… that was an amazing story. I didn't know any of that. So Myuki really exists within all of us, but we have to learn how to control it to unlock its full potential. Thank you for telling me all this, Master," Chibaki said with a wide smile, his eyes shining with excitement.
Genshiro continued:
— "Now, Chibaki, it's your turn to discover what Myuki has to offer. You will learn how it works, what it can do… and much more."
— "Yes! I think I'm ready to follow your teachings, Master."
Genshiro crossed his arms.
— "Good. Sit like me—it will help you better feel your inner Myuki… That's it. Close your eyes and let my voice guide you."
Chibaki obeyed, took a deep breath, and focused.
— "Alright… I'm closing my eyes. I'm listening, Master."
Genshiro's deep voice echoed calmly:
— "Focus on your entire body. You won't feel anything right away—it may take time. Be patient. Then… focus on the place where you think your Myuki flows the strongest."
Chibaki frowned, searching.
But he found nothing… only silence.
— "I'm trying… but I can't feel anything. I don't even know if I'm doing it right… if I'm supposed to focus on—ugh, no! I can't do this!"
He suddenly opened his eyes and flopped onto the grass, arms spread out.
— "This is too hard…" he muttered.
— "Chibaki, listen to me. It's normal if you can't do it right away. I complained just like you back then," Genshiro said with a soft laugh. "Alright, let's try again. This time, I'll guide you better. Come on, get back into position."
Chibaki took a deep breath, sat back up, and closed his eyes again. He followed the calm, steady voice of his master.
— "Good. You're starting to understand. Try to feel the warmth. For most people, it gathers near the heart. Focus there."
Chibaki frowned slightly.
Then, suddenly, his expression softened.
— "Master… I think I feel something. Near my heart… a gentle warmth… and… I can see a light. It's strange, but… it's beautiful. A pure white…"
His eyes remained closed, but a smile formed on his lips.
Genshiro slowly nodded, pride shining in his gaze.
— "Good, Chibaki. You've found your Myuki core. And seeing it shine on your very first attempt… that's rare. Most people need days of training before they can reach that point."
He paused for a moment, then added:
— "Be proud of yourself. But remember—this is only the first door. Now, you must learn how to open it… without ever letting it consume you."
— "That sounds beautiful… but it's exhausting! I'm dead tired… can we take a break?" Chibaki said, collapsing onto the ground, out of breath.
— "Alright, let's stop here for today. You've already done more than I expected for your first day. Go get some rest—we'll continue tomorrow morning," Genshiro replied, proud of his student's progress.
They remained lying in the grass for a few hours before heading back to prepare the meal. Once at the table, Chibaki told his parents everything he had learned. They were very surprised that he had already seen his Myuki shine so quickly.
The day came to an end, and Chibaki went to bed.
Lying there, he thought about everything he had discovered… before drifting off from exhaustion.
That night, he had a strange dream.
Around him, there was only emptiness. No sound, no presence.
Then, a cosmic voice echoed in his mind, as if it were coming from everywhere at once.
— "Chibaki… you have just awakened to the great power known as Myuki. You already know—it is an energy that flows through everything. And it is through it that I can speak to you now.
I wanted to warn you: you must be careful of a certain person.
You will know who it is when you see them.
I cannot tell you more for now.
Thank you for listening, Chibaki… farewell."
Chibaki tried to respond, but his voice was trapped.
All he could do… was listen to what this cosmic being had to say.