With a heavy sigh, he dragged himself out of bed and started getting ready, though he halfheartedly threw on his jacket and messed with his hair, barely giving it any attention. The idea of attending a big event where everyone was trying to make friends and network didn’t exactly excite him, but Tatsuya and Hiroshi were already there, and Seiji didn’t want to be left alone in the room.
He opened the door to find Hiroshi waiting for him in the hallway, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Finally decided to show up?" Hiroshi teased, his glasses slipping down his nose as he looked Seiji up and down. "You’re late, you know."
Seiji shrugged. "Not my fault the party started early."
"You could've come sooner. It's not like you're that busy," Hiroshi shot back with a grin.
"I wasn’t exactly itching to go," Seiji muttered, but he followed Hiroshi down the hallway anyway, his footsteps dragging as he made his way toward the source of the noise.
As they walked, they passed a couple of other freshmen who were also heading to the party, their voices full of excitement. Seiji could hear snippets of conversations about various upperclassmen and their unique jobs, but he wasn’t in the mood to engage in any of that chatter. He was more interested in just getting this over with.
The closer they got to the party, the louder the voices became. By the time they reached the door to the venue, Seiji could already see a few upperclassmen mingling with freshmen, forming small groups. Hiroshi pushed open the door, and they stepped inside.
Seiji wasn’t exactly impressed by the scene. A few freshmen were gathered around, nervously chatting, while some of the upperclassmen looked a lot more comfortable, holding drinks and talking with ease. He was immediately struck by how different the energy was compared to his own relaxed vibe.
But then his eyes landed on Tatsuya.
Seiji spotted him across the room, casually leaning against a wall, his arms crossed and looking as unfazed as ever. He was talking to a few upperclassmen, but Seiji could tell he wasn’t really participating in the hype.
Tatsuya noticed Seiji almost immediately, his gaze flicking over and meeting Seiji’s eyes. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and he motioned for Seiji to come over.
Seiji made his way through the crowd, his hands in his pockets, avoiding too much attention. He wasn’t in the mood to socialize, but it was better than standing awkwardly on his own.
"Late to the party, huh?" Tatsuya said with a knowing smirk as Seiji finally reached him.
"Yeah, well, I wasn’t exactly excited to come," Seiji replied, rolling his eyes. "But I got bored in the room. And Hiroshi practically dragged me here."
Tatsuya chuckled softly. "I figured. You looked like you were about to doze off in there."
Seiji raised an eyebrow. "Did you really have to come here so early?"
Tatsuya shrugged. "I just wanted to see who’s around. There’s some interesting upperclassmen here." He glanced over at a nearby group, where a few of them were talking animatedly about the different jobs they had. "Some of them have rare jobs—might be worth hearing about."
Seiji gave a noncommittal grunt, not particularly enthusiastic but deciding it wouldn’t hurt to listen. "Like who?"
Tatsuya tilted his head toward a couple of upperclassmen across the room. "Over there is Yuka Inoue. She’s an Enchanter from the Gleaming Dawn guild. Her job lets her imbue items with temporary buffs—pretty useful in combat and crafting. And that guy beside her, that’s Renji Takamatsu. He’s a Beast Tamer, specializing in training and controlling rare beasts. He’s from the Skyward Paws guild. His abilities are more unique than most."
Seiji looked over at them, taking note of the way they held themselves. Yuka had a calm, confident air about her, her eyes sparkling with knowledge, while Renji was more laid-back, yet his posture had a certain intensity that hinted at his power.
"I’ll admit," Seiji muttered, "those are interesting."
Tatsuya nodded. "Yeah, people with rare jobs usually have more to offer in terms of knowledge and experience. They’ve been around for a while."
Seiji was about to say something else when Hiroshi joined them, a mischievous grin on his face. "You know, Seiji, I’m surprised you’re still standing. I thought you’d be passed out on the nearest couch by now."
"Yeah, yeah," Seiji replied, "I’m still here, aren’t I?"
Tatsuya’s grin widened. "You’re not exactly blending in, though."
Seiji rolled his eyes. "I’m fine."
As the conversation went on, Seiji found himself more relaxed than he’d expected. Maybe it wasn’t so bad. He even found himself glancing over at Yuka and Renji a couple of times, wondering what it would be like to be someone with a rare job. Not that he’d trade his Book Owner job, but it was hard not to feel a little envious of the kind of power they wielded.
"Maybe this wasn’t such a waste of time," Seiji muttered under his breath, glancing at Tatsuya.
Tatsuya’s smirk only deepened. "Told you."
The party buzzed with the chatter of freshmen, a mix of excitement and hesitation filling the air. Seiji, standing a bit apart from the main crowd, still tried to get his bearings in this unfamiliar social setting. It wasn't his thing—being around so many people, pretending to have a good time. But Tatsuya, ever the social one, had dragged him into the party, although Seiji had managed to slip away for a little while to 'breathe.'
Hiroshi was off talking to some guild representatives, while Seiji’s eyes wandered across the room, taking in the faces of upperclassmen as they moved through the crowd. Some of them wore serious expressions, while others had grins plastered on their faces, clearly enjoying the interaction with their new underclassmen.
Tatsuya, having been familiar with the upperclassmen for some time, was chatting with a few of them—Yuka Inoue and Renji Takamatsu included—when Seiji spotted a familiar face.
“Isn’t that...?” Seiji began, squinting toward the far end of the room where Rika Kurogane stood, talking to a few of the students.
"Yeah, that's Rika," Tatsuya answered, his voice oddly soft. "She's the daughter of the Crimson Fangs guild leader, Kurogane Raizo. You know, my… well, she’s like a little cousin to me."
Seiji raised an eyebrow, but it was impossible to miss the nuance in Tatsuya's voice. There was something familiar about the way Tatsuya spoke of Rika, something that suggested more than just simple acquaintance.
Rika, unlike most of the other upperclassmen, wore a simple but elegant outfit—a sharp contrast to the usual loud colors or extravagant designs the other students favored. Her fiery red hair fell just below her shoulders, and her piercing gaze seemed to look right through the crowd, sizing up anyone she set her eyes on. The way she stood confidently, surrounded by a small circle of friends, gave her an aura of authority that seemed natural to her.
“She’s definitely not the type to take things lightly,” Seiji muttered, his gaze lingering on Rika. "She looks like she's plotting something…"
Tatsuya chuckled at his side, shaking his head. “Not really. She’s just... well, like a little sister to me. You know how cousins can be.”
Seiji raised an eyebrow. “A little sister? Really?”
"More like a distant one," Tatsuya explained with a shrug, looking toward Rika. "We’re not that close, but my family and hers are tied up in the guild business. She’s always been a bit more... aggressive. Not bad, though."
Seiji gave him a skeptical glance. “Aggressive, huh? I guess that's an understatement. She looks ready to break someone in half.”
Tatsuya smirked but didn’t comment further. He shifted his stance as if he were about to approach her, but just as he was about to step forward, Rika’s gaze suddenly caught his.
“Hey, Tatsuya,” Rika called out, her voice carrying easily across the room. She gave him a quick wave, her expression light but with a hint of amusement. “I see you’re here—about time you showed up."
Seiji watched as Tatsuya moved to her side, stepping into her circle of friends. They exchanged a few words, but Seiji wasn’t exactly curious about their conversation.
Instead, he noticed the others—Yuka and Renji—nodding in his direction, a slight smile tugging at their faces. It seemed like Rika wasn’t the only one who had a connection with Tatsuya. As he mulled it over, his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden burst of noise.
A figure had emerged from the shadows, cutting through the crowd with an air of authority. Seiji felt the atmosphere shift when the figure stepped forward. He was a third-year student, tall and broad-shouldered, with a confident smirk plastered across his face.
“Tatsuya! You came!” the third-year boomed, his voice booming with a sense of playfulness.
Tatsuya turned, his casual stance slipping just for a moment as he faced the upperclassman. “Ah, Itou. Didn’t think you’d be the one organizing this event.”
Itou laughed, clapping a hand on Tatsuya’s shoulder. “Of course, I would. I’m the one who arranged the whole thing. What kind of third-year would I be if I didn’t take care of the freshmen, huh?”
Seiji’s eyes widened a bit, realizing the significance of this. Itou was the one behind the party. The rumors about his high status in the guild were true. He was connected to Crimson Fangs, just like Rika, but he was older—someone who could leverage his reputation.
“Well, you’ve certainly got a way of getting everyone to show up," Tatsuya remarked with a grin, glancing back at the crowd.
Rika, watching from the sidelines, crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing in on the interaction between the two. "Just don't make me regret this, Itou,” she called, her voice carrying over the noise, her tone laced with a kind of playful authority.
Itou gave her a teasing wink. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Rika."
Tatsuya chuckled lightly. "So this is your doing, huh? Pretty impressive.”
Itou puffed out his chest proudly. "It's all part of the job," he said, then leaned in closer, lowering his voice. “You know, I’m not just here for the fun. There’s more to it, but I won’t bore you with the details. Just enjoy the night."
Seiji, still on the outskirts of the conversation, couldn’t help but feel the change in the dynamic. There was something significant about these upperclassmen—not just their abilities, but their network of connections. He’d barely scratched the surface of the world they inhabited.
"Let’s grab a drink," Tatsuya said, turning back to Seiji, noticing his distracted expression. "You look like you need one."
Seiji nodded slowly, his gaze still lingering on Rika and the other upperclassmen as they continued to talk. There was so much to learn here, so much hidden beneath the surface. And with Tatsuya at his side, maybe he could start uncovering it.
“Yeah,” Seiji said, finally breaking away from his thoughts. “I guess I could use one.”
The party was in full swing, with the music thumping in the background as Seiji and Tatsuya made their way toward the refreshment table. A few first-year students, likely trying to impress the upperclassmen, were awkwardly mingling near the snacks and drinks. Their eyes darted around the room, searching for familiar faces or an opening to join a conversation.
“Hey, pass me that drink,” Seiji muttered, gesturing toward the punch bowl. The citrus-colored liquid looked harmless enough, though Seiji wasn’t exactly sure what was in it. He grabbed two cups and handed one to Tatsuya.
“Thanks,” Tatsuya replied, taking the cup from Seiji. “You know, you’re looking a little out of place here. You’re usually the type to avoid crowds.”
Seiji smirked, taking a sip from his cup. “I could say the same about you. Aren’t you tired of playing the social butterfly?”
Tatsuya chuckled. “It’s not as bad as it looks. Besides, you need to learn to blend in with these guys. You never know when a conversation might lead to something important.”
Seiji raised an eyebrow, giving his best friend a skeptical look. “Yeah, sure. It’s not like I’m going to suddenly bond with a bunch of upperclassmen over random small talk.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Tatsuya said, scanning the room. “Look over there.” He pointed to a group of seniors gathered together, their conversation lively. “That’s Kenta Sato. He’s a third-year from the Silver Valkyries guild, Frostbound Knight job. He’s someone you’ll want to keep an eye on.”
Seiji nodded, now understanding why Tatsuya was paying attention. The guy standing at the center of the group definitely looked like someone who could hold his own in a fight. He was tall, with silver hair and sharp features, exuding an aura of power.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Seiji took another sip, giving a half-hearted shrug. “Sure, I’ll keep that in mind... if I ever need a new drinking buddy.”
Tatsuya laughed. “You’d be surprised. Networking is just part of the game here.”
Before Seiji could respond, a voice called out from across the room, cutting through the chatter.
“Tatsuya!”
Both Seiji and Tatsuya turned to see Rika walking toward them. She was striking, her fiery red hair bright against the dark room, and she moved with a confidence that seemed to draw the eyes of everyone nearby. Seiji hadn’t spoken to her much, only briefly meeting her earlier in the day when she’d introduced herself as a representative of the Crimson Fangs guild.
“Hey, Rika,” Tatsuya greeted her with a warm smile.
“Enjoying the party?” Rika asked, her gaze flicking to Seiji for a moment before returning to Tatsuya.
Seiji gave a slight nod, unsure of what to say, but he wasn’t exactly eager to strike up a conversation with someone he barely knew.
“Not bad,” Tatsuya replied casually. “Seiji’s still getting used to the crowd, though.”
Rika raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “Not much of a party person, huh?” she said, glancing at Seiji with mild curiosity. “It’s gonna be a long year for you, if you’re gonna act like that.”
Seiji shrugged, not feeling the need to explain himself. “I’m not big on the crowds. I’d rather just relax, you know?”
Rika’s lips twitched in a smile, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she turned her attention back to Tatsuya, her tone softening as she spoke to him. “I’ll catch up with you later, okay? Got a few things to take care of.”
“Sure,” Tatsuya said, giving her a nod. “Don’t get into too much trouble.”
Rika gave him a small smile before turning and weaving through the crowd, leaving Seiji and Tatsuya behind. Seiji glanced at Tatsuya, who seemed unfazed by Rika’s departure. It was clear they knew each other better than Seiji knew her. Tatsuya’s expression softened, a hint of fondness in his eyes as he watched Rika leave.
“She’s a bit blunt, isn’t she?” Seiji remarked, still trying to figure out the dynamics between the two.
Tatsuya chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s Rika for you. She’s got her own way of saying things, but she’s alright once you get to know her.”
“Yeah, she seems a bit intimidating,” Seiji muttered, not entirely sure if he wanted to deal with her too much.
“Don’t worry about it,” Tatsuya said, his voice calm. “She looks tough, but she’s got a lot of respect for me. She’s like... a little sister to me, actually.”
Seiji nodded slowly, taking in the information. It made sense, now that he thought about it. Rika had certainly looked at Tatsuya like someone she looked up to.
Before Seiji could ask more, the lights dimmed slightly, signaling a change in the atmosphere. The music lowered, and a microphone clicked as someone took the stage at the front of the room.
“This is it,” Tatsuya muttered under his breath. “Looks like they’re about to make the big announcements.”
Seiji stood up straighter, his curiosity piqued. The crowd quieted, and the voice of the organizer rang out, causing a ripple of anticipation to run through the room.
“Attention, freshmen and upperclassmen alike!” the voice boomed over the speakers. “It’s time for the first official event of the night—an announcement you won’t want to miss! Gather around, and let’s see what surprises we have in store for you!”
Seiji exchanged a glance with Tatsuya, his stomach twisting slightly. Whatever this announcement was, it was clear it was going to set the tone for the rest of the night.
The ceremony hall falls silent once more as Principal Daigo Arakawa’s deep voice echoes through the room.
“Students,” he begins, “the time has come for you to face a challenge that will truly test your abilities. The Awakening Ceremony is not just a celebration, it is a trial—a trial designed to prepare you for the path ahead. But not all tests are the same, and today, you will face one that has no equal."
The tension in the room spikes as students exchanges uneasy glances. The guild representatives seem even more alert, murmuring among themselves.
“Without further ado, let us begin,” Daigo continues, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. “Prepare yourselves.”
Suddenly, the floor beneath their feet rumbles as the air seems to warp around them. Students gasp as the lights flicker, then disappear altogether. The room is plunged into darkness, and before anyone can react, the ground begins to tremble violently.
The silence is shattered by the sharp, unnatural sound of a portal opening, followed by an overwhelming rush of wind.
In a matter of seconds, the entire room is engulfed in a swirling vortex of energy. The students feel their bodies being pulled in all directions, and before they can even scream, the world around them shifts.
When the chaos subsides, the students find themselves no longer in the academy’s grand hall.
They stand on the edge of a vast, dense forest. Towering trees with thick, gnarled branches reach toward the sky, and an eerie fog hangs in the air, making everything seem distant and distorted. The ground is soft, covered in moss and strange glowing plants. The only light comes from the dim glow of bioluminescent fungi and the distant, pulsating light of some unidentifiable source in the sky.
Seiji blinks, trying to adjust his eyes. His breath catches in his throat. This is not what he was expecting.
The students gather in small groups, confused and uneasy. Tatsuya grips his sword, his expression grim. His calm demeanor is the only thing keeping Seiji from completely freaking out.
“What is this place?” Seiji murmurs, his voice barely audible.
“I don’t know,” Tatsuya replies, his voice steady but strained. “But it’s definitely not the academy. Stay alert.”
The grand hall of Tenryu Academy trembles with an unseen force, sending ripples of anxiety through the students. Seiji Takahashi’s heart races as the floor beneath his feet rumbles. He steadies himself, his breath quickening in confusion.
The lights flicker once, twice, before plunging everything into darkness.
A cold chill fills the air, so sudden that Seiji can almost taste it. The silence is suffocating, broken only by the anxious whispers of his fellow students. Seiji hears a few soft gasps and the sound of footsteps in panic.
Then—nothing.
The rumble fades. The lights return, but everything feels different. Seiji squints, trying to process the change. The academy’s grand hall has vanished, replaced by a strange, unsettling forest. Towering, twisted trees stretch high into the sky, their bark dark and unnaturally smooth. The air feels thick, damp, and heavy. The ground beneath their feet is soft, almost sponge-like, and the sound of distant rustling echoes from the deeper shadows of the woods.
"What... what is this?" Seiji mutters under his breath, the weight of the unfamiliar reality sinking in.
Tatsuya Kurogane’s calm voice cuts through the rising panic, steady as always. “Stay together. We’re not alone here.”
Seiji looks over at his best friend, who is already drawing his short sword from its sheath, the blade gleaming faintly under the strange glow of the forest. Tatsuya’s stance is confident, his eyes scanning the environment with an intensity that makes Seiji feel just a little more grounded.
Rika Kurogane, standing beside them, doesn’t say a word. Her fiery red hair seems almost out of place here, but her expression remains cool and calculating, her gaze darting between the group and the dark woods surrounding them.
The other students are in varying states of shock and confusion, many clutching their weapons, others frozen in place. Seiji, however, can feel his muscles tensing with uncertainty. The sudden change in their environment feels like something out of a nightmare. No one knows what’s happening.
Before Seiji can say anything, a voice booms out, cold and distant, its presence overwhelming.
"Attention all participants. Welcome to your first true test."
The voice echoes through the dense forest, cutting through the disquiet in the air.
"You have been transported to a simulated environment. Here, you will face a challenge designed to test your survival skills, adaptability, and resolve."
The students freeze, the reality of the situation hitting them all at once.
"There is no escape. You will be required to navigate this world and survive until the end of the night. Only those who prove themselves worthy will find the exit. Fail, and you will remain here."
The voice pauses for a moment, almost as if savoring the silence.
"The test begins now."
The voice disappears, leaving an eerie quiet in its wake. Seiji can feel the weight of its message pressing on him. Survive. Until the night. The stakes have suddenly shifted from a ceremony to something far more dangerous.
Tatsuya’s voice pulls Seiji out of his thoughts. “We need to keep moving. Stick together, and don’t wander off. We can’t afford to let our guard down.”
The group moves forward, stepping cautiously into the dense forest. The trees seem to shift unnaturally, and the ground feels unstable beneath their feet. Strange noises—like whispers or low growls—echo from every direction, the source impossible to pinpoint.
Seiji looks around, his senses on high alert. He’s never been in a situation like this before. Not like this.
Suddenly, a low growl vibrates through the ground beneath them, causing the hairs on the back of Seiji’s neck to stand up. His eyes dart to the source of the sound, but he sees nothing. Yet the growl persists, now joined by another, then a third.
Rika’s eyes narrow, her hand moving instinctively to her side, where a long blade rests hidden beneath her jacket. Tatsuya, too, shifts slightly, his grip tightening on the hilt of his short sword. His eyes scan the forest with practiced ease, searching for any signs of movement.
Seiji swallows hard. This doesn’t feel like a test anymore. This feels real.
The growls grow louder, closer. Something is coming.
Without warning, a dark shape leaps from the shadows—a massive creature with glowing eyes and a mouth full of jagged, sharp teeth. Its body is covered in sleek, shadowy fur, and it moves with terrifying speed. Seiji barely has time to react before the creature lands with a thud, its claws scraping against the wet ground.
“It’s a Shadewolf!” Tatsuya shouts, already stepping forward. “Get ready!”
The Shadewolf snarls, its mouth snapping open as it charges toward them with unnatural speed. Tatsuya steps forward without hesitation, pulling his short sword from its sheath. The blade gleams with a faint, magical aura as he swings it in a powerful arc, cutting through the air with precision.
The Shadewolf dodges at the last moment, its claws raking across the ground. Tatsuya sidesteps and swings again, this time landing a clean cut across the creature’s side. The Shadewolf howls in pain, but it doesn’t back down. It lunges again, this time at Rika.
Without warning, Rika moves with lightning speed, drawing her blade in a swift motion. She parries the Shadewolf’s claws, sending it stumbling backward. She doesn’t waste a moment, lunging forward with a powerful strike. Her blade meets the Shadewolf’s hide, cutting deep into its flesh. The creature roars in fury, but the blow leaves it dazed.
“Keep moving!” Tatsuya orders, his voice unwavering. “We can’t let them surround us!”
Seiji watches, his pulse racing as he takes a step back. He knows he’s not a fighter, not like Tatsuya or Rika. But he can’t just stand there.
A second Shadewolf bursts out of the trees, its glowing eyes locking onto Seiji. It’s faster than the first, and its claws glint menacingly in the dim light.
Seiji’s breath catches in his throat. He can’t outrun it. He’s not equipped for this.
But as the creature charges, Seiji’s hand automatically reaches for the Skill Card Book at his side, flipping through the cards in panic. There’s no time for hesitation. He needs to act.
But before he can select a card, Tatsuya is already there, stepping in front of Seiji with his short sword raised. The creature swipes at Tatsuya, but he dodges and strikes, his blade cutting across the Shadewolf’s shoulder. The beast staggers back, its movements sluggish now.
“Stay behind me!” Tatsuya yells, his eyes hard with determination.
Seiji doesn’t argue. He knows Tatsuya is the one with the skills to protect them. The battle rages on, and Seiji can only watch as his friends fight for their survival.
The first Shadewolf falls to the ground, vanishing into dark mist, its body dissolving like smoke. But the second remains, circling, waiting for its next move.
Seiji’s chest tightens. He doesn’t know how much longer they can keep this up. And the night is just beginning.
The creatures may not be the only threat they face in this new world.
Seiji’s heart pounds in his chest as he watches the battle unfold. Tatsuya and Rika are fighting with such ease, their movements almost fluid, like they’ve done this a hundred times before. He’s still trying to process everything that’s happening—the strange, dark forest, the creatures, the voice that announced the challenge. Nothing feels real.
But what’s even more puzzling is the fact that both Rika and Tatsuya seem so well-prepared for this situation. Tatsuya had drawn his short sword almost instantly, its gleaming blade cutting through the air with deadly precision. Rika, on the other hand, had a hidden blade of her own, a long and sleek weapon that she drew with frightening speed. Both swords had been concealed in ways Seiji hadn’t even noticed before, their presence a complete surprise.
Seiji’s mind races. How did they even hide those weapons? Were they prepared for something like this from the start? His own lack of combat training feels even more apparent now. What was he supposed to do in a situation like this, where survival depends on more than just knowing a few basic survival skills?
His hand instinctively reaches for his Skill Card Book, but it feels almost useless in this moment. He’s still new to this power, and the cards he’s collected so far are nothing like the weapons his friends wield.
A growl snaps him out of his thoughts.
The second Shadewolf is still circling them, its glowing eyes locked onto Seiji. It’s not giving up, and neither is Tatsuya, who is positioning himself to take the next strike. Rika is moving with sharp precision, her blade dancing through the air, but the creature is relentless, dodging every blow.
Seiji feels the weight of his uncertainty again. He can’t just stand here. He can’t rely on Tatsuya and Rika forever. He has to do something. Anything.
He focuses, trying to calm his racing thoughts, and flips through his Skill Card Book. There’s one card he hasn’t tried yet—the one he’d collected not too long ago, one that could help them.
[Skill Name: Reinforce] (Active)
Rarity: Common
Level 1: Temporarily strengthens an object, increasing its durability and power.
Effect: Increases the effectiveness of any object reinforced, allowing it to withstand greater stress and deal more damage.
Seiji's fingers tremble slightly as he activates the card. He feels a surge of warmth run through his body, and for the first time, he senses a clear purpose. It’s a subtle feeling, but he can tell something has changed. His mind races with possibilities. What can he reinforce to help them?
The Shadewolf lunges again, aiming for Tatsuya this time. Seiji’s gaze darts to the ground, and his mind flashes to the large rock he saw earlier, not far from where he’s standing. It’s big, sturdy, and heavy enough to be used as a weapon.
Without wasting a second, Seiji focuses his power on the rock. He visualizes it becoming harder, stronger, more durable. He imagines it transforming into something capable of withstanding the Shadewolf’s claws and teeth.
His hand reaches out and he feels the pull of his power as the rock starts to shift. The surface glows faintly for a moment, its texture changing as Seiji pushes his skill further.
The rock grows darker, its surface hardening. Seiji can feel the strength surging through it, his pulse synchronizing with the power that now courses through his fingertips.
“Tatsuya!” Seiji calls out.
Without taking his eyes off the Shadewolf, Tatsuya reacts, sliding into position as the creature charges toward him. Seiji takes a deep breath, lifting the now-reinforced rock with both hands. He throws it as hard as he can, the stone rocketing through the air with unexpected speed.
The Shadewolf, momentarily distracted by the new threat, looks up just in time to see the rock slam into its side. The impact is enough to send it stumbling sideways, its claws scraping uselessly against the reinforced surface of the rock. It howls in fury but is momentarily thrown off balance, giving Tatsuya the perfect opening.
Tatsuya doesn’t hesitate. In one swift motion, he closes the distance between himself and the Shadewolf, bringing his short sword down with incredible force. The blade pierces the creature’s side, the attack landing with a sickening crunch. The Shadewolf lets out a final, guttural growl before dissolving into dark mist, vanishing from sight.
Seiji stares at the spot where the creature once stood, his heart pounding. His hands are still tingling from the power he just used. It worked. He actually did something.
Tatsuya looks over at him, giving him a quick nod of acknowledgment. “Good job,” he says, his voice calm, though there’s a subtle hint of approval in his tone.
Rika, who’s been scanning the area with a sharp eye, glances back at Seiji as well, her expression unreadable. "You’ve got potential," she mutters, though her tone is less warm than Tatsuya’s. It’s hard to tell what she’s really thinking.
Seiji feels a mix of pride and relief wash over him. He may not be a swordsman or a hidden blade expert, but for the first time in his life, he actually feels like he contributed.
“Stay focused,” Tatsuya says, his voice firm, snapping Seiji back to the present. “There’s more out there. This is only the beginning.”
Seiji nods, his heart still pounding. He can’t afford to get too comfortable—not yet. They’ve survived this encounter, but there’s no telling what else is waiting for them in this strange world.
They move forward again, ready for whatever comes next. Seiji’s mind races, but now there’s a spark of determination in him that wasn’t there before.
He may not have a sword, but he has his skills. And for the first time, that feels like enough.
[Reinforce] (Active)
Rarity: Common
Level 1: Grants the ability to temporarily enhance objects or materials by reinforcing their physical properties. Increases durability and strength based on the user’s focus and intent.
Effect: Allows the user to strengthen objects by channeling energy into them, increasing their toughness and resilience. The more focus and energy applied, the stronger the reinforcement.
Experience Update:
- Experience Gained: +20
- Current Level: 1 (20/50 XP)
- Description: Seiji has gained basic proficiency in using Reinforce to enhance materials. He was able to use it effectively in battle to reinforce a branch, improving its durability enough to withstand attacks from the Shadewolf-like creatures. The more Seiji uses this skill, the more precise and powerful his reinforcements will become.