The midday sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the training ground. Kaito was drenched in sweat, panting as he practiced his lightning magic. Sparks crackled at his fingertips, small but controlled, flickering in and out like fireflies.

  Maito and I sat nearby, watching him struggle with the element’s unpredictability. My mind was still reeling from my conversation with Maito about my past. Even now, I wasn’t sure how to process it all.

  Just then, a familiar voice cut through the air.

  “You all look troubled.”

  We turned to see Ryoji Kasama walking toward us. His presence alone was enough to make the air feel heavier. His eyes, sharp and knowing, scanned us one by one.

  Even Kaito, who had been fully focused on training, straightened up at the sight of his father.

  Ryoji sighed and crossed his arms. “Everyone here has something weighing on their mind. I can see it on your faces.”

  I glanced at Maito, who gave a small shrug, clearly not denying it.

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  Ryoji stepped closer and placed a hand on Kaito’s shoulder. “Yet despite everything, this boy is still training. Why are the rest of you just sitting around?”

  Kaito grinned. “That’s because I’m the best, obviously.”

  Maito rolled his eyes. “You just don’t want to get scolded.”

  I chuckled, but Ryoji’s voice turned serious. “Listen to me. No one here met by accident.”

  That statement alone made us go silent.

  Ryoji continued, his deep voice carrying wisdom that came from years on the battlefield. “There is no such thing as coincidence. Everyone in this world follows a path chosen for them. God does not play dice—he separates each person’s fate with purpose.”

  He looked directly at me. “Even you, Hiroshi.”

  I tensed at his words.

  “You were brought here for a reason. You may not understand it yet, but I promise you, one day, you will.”

  I swallowed hard. Could that be true?

  Maito frowned. “And what about us?”

  Ryoji smirked. “The same goes for you. None of you should waste time sitting around when there’s so much to learn.” He turned toward Kaito. “Even though Kaito struggles, he is still pushing forward. That’s something you all should learn from.”

  Kaito puffed out his chest. “See? Father finally acknowledges my greatness!”

  Maito flicked his forehead. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, idiot.”

  Ryoji sighed. “Enough messing around. I came here because I have something to tell you all.”

  We straightened up, sensing the shift in his tone.

  “There is a reason why I trained you, Hiroshi. And why Maito returned now. Things are moving faster than expected.”

  I frowned. “What do you mean?”

  He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked toward the sky, as if searching for the right words.

  Then, in a quiet but firm voice, he said, “A storm is coming.”

  The air around us felt heavier. Even Kaito, usually carefree, looked serious.

  Ryoji’s eyes met mine. “You must all be ready. The world will not wait for you to catch up.”

  His words sent a shiver down my spine.

  This wasn’t just about training anymore. Something big was coming.