Kaito—a name born of the sea. Kai for the ocean’s endless expanse, Mari for love as deep as its tides.
A name given only to those who are born different. A title whispered among the old, passed down through generations, spoken in reverence and quiet sorrow.
It is the name of a prophet. A symbol of a peace long dreamed of but never seen. A hope destined to remain just beyond reach—like the horizon over the water, endless, yet untouchable.
Prologue
A wise man once said, “Death isn’t just a virtue, it’s an escape.” And in many ways, he was right. Death offers a kind of freedom, a sort of end to the neverending burdens of life. The things you cherish, the people you love; they all fade, but so too do the aches, the weight of living. We fear death, yes, but we fear it because of what comes after. What happens next? That is the question we cannot answer, and so we cling to the unknown, dread and awe tangled in our hearts. But why resist? Why fight against the inevitable? Our time here is finite, so why waste it in fear? Let us live fully, leaving no room for regret, embracing the end when it comes. Another wise man once said, “To be forgotten after death doesn’t mean you’re truly gone. It is only when you believe you no longer exist that you are lost.” So why weep for forgotten names? Our lives were no joke, no trivial passing, but we never tried to escape the cycle. They do. They break the cycle. They create death, more death than life could ever handle.
Preface
The beginning, what a familiar and fitting phrase that suits most solemn, sweet tales. But not here. Here, there are no beginnings. No fresh starts. No chances for redemption. Only regrets and burdens that weigh too heavily on the soul. The fates of these lives are grim, the endings foreboding. No one escapes. You may long for a happy ending, but do you truly seek it? Or do you refuse to see beyond the shadow of sorrow, to reach out and embrace the other side? The one where darkness doesn’t hide from the light, but exists as it is; inescapable and raw. I won’t promise joy in these pages. I won’t promise peace nor to make you giddy with jubilant feelings. What I offer is an understanding of the harsh, unrelenting reality that exists between life and death, and the emotions that tear at the hearts of those who remain trapped in its cycle. If you seek to know it, then step into the lives of these characters, take their place in their struggle, and see the world through their eyes. Know that their pain is real, and their choices? Limited at best, if there were even any to be had.
Chapter 1 -
Say Your Goodbyes’
I hate the cold. I really, really hate the cold. It’s always the cold, isn't it? Every time. It seeps into my bones, gnawing at my very soul until my head feels like it’s being split open, the pain a constant reminder of this endless suffering. I’ve traveled to the very ends of Cewei in search of some kind of escape, only to meet more misfortune, more disappointment. It’s as though I am cursed to carry this weight, never finding peace. Why can’t someone just end it already?
My children... I will not let them endure the same fate. No, they will not suffer the way I have. Please, if there is any god left in this world, protect them from this cruel cycle. Please.
"You will regret your choices in the end," a voice whispers in the wind.
“My child… born to be a man, a warrior born to protect the weak and innocent, destined to slay the unworthy!” A booming voice echoed through the air, cutting through the cries of a newborn. “You’ve given birth to a son who is half-human, half-demon; a creature of two worlds, and both demons and humans alike will see him as an abomination.” A gentler, more tranquil voice followed, soft and comforting. "But he shall be strong. His name will be Kaito… Kaito Mari. Forever shall you be strong, my beautiful son." The voices faded, leaving the world to fall silent around the newborn. Kaito, now a young boy, blinked his eyes open to the dim ceiling of an old, dusty wooden cabin. The house groaned with every gust of wind, its timbers creaking under the pressure of the harsh elements outside. Kaito had been born in the isolated town of Ruvia, far from other civilizations and surrounded by vast, dense forests filled with towering spruce and fir trees. The village itself sat beneath a cold, unforgiving sky. The sun, a molten coin in the cerulean heavens, struggled to warm the cobblestone paths, but the brutal winter still held its dominance, casting long, cold shadows over everything.
Kaito was a striking boy—his hair a dull, light orange that looked almost dirty in the weak sunlight, his horns dark gray, almost black, and his eyes—eyes that mirrored the very essence of his soul—one a brilliant, fiery orange, and the other a calm, serene blue. His heterochromia set him apart, and not just in appearance, but in the way he carried himself. There was a charisma about him, a certain dignity even at a young age. However, his upbringing was far from noble, and the village folk made sure to remind him of that. By the age of 10, Kaito had begun to shed his childish innocence, becoming a diligent and respectful boy, focused on his swordplay and driven by an unwavering desire to join the prestigious Kohesian military, just as his late father had. Yet, the villagers saw him as arrogant, a boy too full of pride and an air of royalty that they could neither understand nor tolerate. His mother, a kind woman if you ever got the chance to meet her, dressed in dark clothes and wore a melancholic aura that seemed to follow her wherever she went. She stood tall, with long black hair cascading past her shoulders and two long, spiraling horns matching the color of her skin. Despite her implied sadness, she was always gentle, especially with Kaito. “Kaito, dear,” she said softly, her voice barely a whisper as she stood in the doorway. “You must finish your training and then come eat. Lunch is waiting.” Kaito nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow, his face and shirt soaked from his daily training. His hands were bruised, and the scratches from the wooden sword stung. The swordplay was grueling, but it was necessary if he was to live up to the legacy his father left behind. “I’ll be done in a few minutes, Mother,” he replied, his voice steady but tired. After a while, he dropped the wooden sword, the dull thud against the ground almost soothing in its finality. The bruises on his hands, the marks from countless hours of practice, were reminders of his single-minded and selfish ambition.
Later, they sat together in silence, eating their meal in peace. It had been some time since Kaito's father had passed, but the memory of him was distant, fleeting. Kaito never really knew the man—he was always away, serving in the Kohesian military, traveling far from home. The rumors about his death were dark, and though no one knew the true story, the whispers all led to grim conclusions. Kaito never had the chance to have a real conversation with his father. He was just too young.
As the day wore on and the sun sank low, Kaito felt an inexplicable urge to venture out into the Abrovian woods. It had become a routine for him these past few months. The forest was his escape, a place where he could be alone, at peace with his thoughts. He called it his “sanctuary,” a rare clearing amidst the trees where nothing existed but grass and flowers—bright blue and orange blooms that reminded him of his eyes. When Kaito sat in that sanctuary, it was as if time itself had stopped, as if the world had ceased its chaotic spinning to allow him a few moments of peace.
He lay back on the grass, his body sinking into the soft, cool earth as he gazed up at the night sky, the stars shimmering like distant diamonds. The air was thick with the scent of mist and dew, and the soft winds whispered through the trees. Kaito, almost without thinking, began to sing softly, the words of a lullaby his mother used to sing to him before bed.
“When the nights of Cewei rise, the seconds tick upon the clock, foremost no matter where you are, seen as my one shining star, you are guided under the goddess’ watch.”
The melody brought a sense of comfort, a reminder of his mother's warmth, a thread of connection to a time when the world seemed simpler. Suddenly, a crackling sound broke through the serenity of the night. Kaito sat up, eyes scanning the shadows. He could see it now—an immense fire, an inferno that seemed to consume the entire village. His heart skipped a beat. "Maybe it's just a bonfire?" he thought, but deep down, he knew that was impossible. The flames were too widespread, too chaotic, too conflagrated. The fire wasn't a planned celebration, it was destruction. Without a second thought, Kaito bolted from his sanctuary, his heart pounding as he ran through the dark woods. He stumbled over branches and tree roots, barely managing to keep his balance. Each breath was shaky, but he couldn't stop. Not now. The village was burning. The flames illuminated the night sky as Kaito made his way closer, desperation driving him forward. He needed to know what was happening. He had to find someone—anyone—who could tell him what was going on.
He searched for his mother, but she was nowhere to be found. He wandered through several neighboring houses, only to discover lifeless bodies. The gruesome sight nearly caused him to retch; he was not yet prepared to confront such horror. In a panic, he dashed home, praying that his mother had not met the same fate, the only person he truly cherished. As he neared his house, he was struck by the sight of shattered windows and an outdoor table that had been cleanly severed in two. He hurried to the barrel where his wooden sword was stored. With a forceful kick, he broke down the door and rushed inside, only to encounter a vision that made him wish to tear his eyes away. The village chief, a former soldier of the Kohesian military, had murdered his mother, and even more tragically, the entire village. His mother was impaled by a massive stake, inscribed with the words “DEATH TO ALL EVIL.” “...mom…” he uttered, tears streaming down his face. She remained silent, her eyes devoid of life, just like her body. “I vow to eliminate all of you wretched, despicable humans… we lived in harmony and caused you no harm, yet you repay our kindness with death and despair,” he shouted in anguish. The village chief met his gaze with a chilling stare and replied, “Do not worry, boy; you will soon join them.” The chief's laughter was cold and almost maniacal, yet strangely restrained. He removed the stake from Kaito's mother’s chest, causing Kaito to flinch at the horrific sight, his anger boiling over. The village chief, now looming over the boy, lunged at him with brutal force. Kaito, gripping his sword, managed to parry the attack, though it was a tremendous struggle, sending the chief's stake flying back along with the chief himself. Spotting a rusty kitchen knife on the floor, Kaito seized it and charged at the village chief, plunging the knife deep into his neck. Blood erupted from the chief's mouth, foaming as he let out a loud gurgle and collapsed. Kaito walked over to his mothers side and sat down, lost in his own deep anger and rage, holding the wooden sword close to his chest. “Kill… revenge, death… you should kill them all, and I can give you the power to do it.” A faint voice echoes throughout the house. “Let me die… I have nothing left to live for…” Kaito replies, covered in sweat, blood, and tears. “I’ll show you what else there is to live for…” “Would I even feel satisfaction for the murder of my mother, for the loss of my own kind, my home…” “The cost is your eye, you will have sight but no longer see color, only souls of the wretched fallen.” “Do as you please, take my eye or whatever, I see no point in continuing on.” The mysterious voice laughs maniacally, fading away into nothing. Kaito whispers over and over to himself again and again, saying the same phrase, “Just as you have done to us, I swear… upon the death of my people I shall do upon you, …Shi eien ni.” The fire was quelled overtime due to the intense atmosphere of the forest leaving barely any remnants of what was once the small, humble town of Ruvia. Throughout the night Kaito spent his time aimlessly roaming through the Abrovian woods, until he stumbled back upon his sanctuary.
No place ever made him feel more safe, more sane than the sanctuary, yet after tonight and many more nights ahead, he would no longer be able to sleep well. He lay down in the field, staring at the stars: clothes stained in blood and the pungent scent of death and fire now linger in the air. Slowly he closed his eyes and began to fall into a deep slumber. And as the day broke, he awoke into a frenzy. He grappled with his hands, resisting the urge to claw out his eyes from the immense pain. The vision in his right eye was fading and all he could see was monotonous figures floating around among the scenery. He was enraged with what happened as he screamed out into the air, “YOU DAMN MONSTER, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!” No one responded. He sat there, on the brink of wallowing in self misery after the horrors he went through just the night before and now this. From now on he had to train hard, he wanted to be strong enough to kill the creature who did this to him, strong enough to protect anything he found to hold on to. He found his reason for living again, revenge and an immense hatred. He tore the remaining bits of his once white shirt stained in blood, and wrapped it around his fists, picked up the wooden sword he carried and swung into the open air. For once, wielding his sword felt good, his festering anger and rage could be channeled into a single point, the tip of his blade. He struck tree after tree, barely making dents in them, sweat pouring from every seam and blood from cuts and splinters on his arms and hands covering his body. He repeated this grueling cycle day by day, and even into late night till he could no longer hold a sword for his hands became too sore. His “training” continued for 3 long months, hunting for food in the spare time he allocated, barely managing to survive.
Thud… the sound of wood on wood, as the sword leaves his hands and hits the ground as Kaito gasps for air after his intense training. His hands, covered in even more bruises and scratches, and the same for his arms. His no longer soft face
almost war torn and exasperated, as he closed his eyes and fell to the ground. “I’ve trained and trained…. but I don’t feel any stronger.”
Looking up from where Kaito is laying on the ground, there is a large spruce tree with a dent in it, almost half of the base is gone, marked with the blade of a sword. Whilst laying in the field of flowers, a crunch then a snap could be heard in the distance as grass, fallen branches, and leaves were being stepped on. The sound is coming closer, as he rises to a sitting position to see who the person may be, weary and grabbing his sword, bringing it close to him. The mysterious figure is wearing a cloak, covering their body from head to boot, and a long belt filled with random gadgets and pockets wrapped around their hip. They encroach closer and closer to him with each step they take. Kaito slowly stands up, sword in hand, staring down the person in the cloak. “Kaito,” the cloaked individual says “I know you may not remember me for you were too young, but we must go… you are being hunted.” “Why should I trust you, you’re hiding your identity first of all, and second, how do you know who I am?” He states, serious, but with a hint of confusion. The mysterious person reaches to take off the cloak slowly, so as to not break out a fight or show any violence towards Kaito. As the person takes off the cloak, they reveal themselves to be a young, yet tall and slender, beautiful woman with one long horn jutting from her head, and bright red-orange hair close to the color of his own, yet even more vibrant, that hangs to her shoulders. She had hidden her enamorus eyes and lovely features due to her nature, the same as his, of being a half-demon, half-human child. As it turns out, she happens to be his only other sibling, older than him however and sent off to an academy at an early age because of her stunning young brilliance. “Why are you here Konya?” Kaito asked, bewildered.
"I’m sorry for what happened, Kaito, I really am, but now is not the time to reminisce. We must leave—they’re searching for you."
"Who is searching for me, and why?!"
Before Kaito could get an answer, the distant sounds of yelling and frantic footsteps echoed through the forest. Konya didn’t hesitate. She grabbed his arm, pulling him forward as they ran through the dense woodland, away from the sanctuary. Leaves crunched beneath their feet, branches snapping as they rushed past.
"WHERE ARE THEY!?"
"THEY WERE JUST HERE!"
The shouts of soldiers grew louder behind them, but they didn’t dare look back. Kaito stumbled over his own feet more than once, barely able to keep up, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
They ran until they reached the forest’s edge, where a small cave entrance came into view. Without hesitation, they ducked inside, pushing forward into the suffocating darkness. Stalagmites and stalactites loomed around them, the air thick with damp earth and stone.
Konya reached into a pouch at her waist, pulling out a small piece of chalk. Kneeling, she quickly inscribed alchemical symbols on the ground. Her voice was steady as she chanted in a language Kaito barely recognized.
"Bequeath ve docar, kagh voenllyl sia relgr."
Draconic.
A burst of flame erupted from the symbols, its flickering light illuminating the cavern just enough for them to see. The fire stabilized, its glow casting long shadows against the walls.
Kaito, still catching his breath, stared at her in disbelief. "Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be at the capital, studying or something?"
Konya, six years his senior, had always been fascinated by the alchemists and magicians who passed through their village. Though she had never been allowed to approach them, she had spent countless hours watching from her window, captivated by the swirling colors of their potions and the intricate spells they cast. She had admired their craft, their artistry, the way they blended magic and science into something truly mesmerizing.
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She exhaled softly. "I came back because of a promise I made to our father eight years ago. When you turned fifteen, I was meant to take you to the capital—for your safety."
Kaito shook his head, his mind reeling. "Why is this happening? Why am I being pursued? How do you know all this?"
His questions poured out, one after another, but Konya remained calm. "Kaito, maybe you’ll understand one day. But now is not the time."
He clenched his jaw, frustrated by her refusal to give him a straight answer. They remained in the cave as the hours passed, and by the time night had fallen, their pursuers had finally given up. The soldiers never noticed the cave entrance nor the footprints leading into the shadows.
Kaito leaned against the cold stone wall, his breathing steadying at last. That was when he noticed them—the glowing white orbs floating around them, pulsing faintly in the dark. His voice trembled as he spoke.
"Konya… what are they?"
She turned to him, her expression unreadable. "So, you can finally see them." She paused before continuing. "These are souls, visible through your cursed eye—just like mine. And when the time comes, they will aid you… on one condition."
He swallowed hard. "What condition?"
"You must allow them to move on from their accursed states."
This power was known only to demonkind. Envorthia. The process of extraction, first created on a whim of the Demon King Averbius.
In exchange for unrivaled power, one had to sacrifice a part of their body—whichever had been predetermined by their ancestors. The power would then mold itself accordingly.
Kaito sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the white orbs drifting aimlessly through the cave. Slowly, he raised a hand to his face, covering his cursed eye.
The souls flickered like passing embers, casting an eerie glow over the cave walls and even through the fire, that gave off a ghostly presence. Konya’s eyes were hard focused on him, watching him closely, as a bird would do to its children. “Konya…” he began, his voice low and trembling. “Why? Why do they hate us so much? We did nothing but live our lives peacefully, respectfully abiding by their laws, yet they took everything away from me.” Konya walked from the other side of the cave towards Kaito and knelt down beside him, her scarlet eyes softening. “Hatred is a poison, Kaito… They perceive us as monsters, creatures needing to be purged from existence. Even if we try to live our lives in peace among them, fear and ignorance come to get the better of these feeble minded humans, though who’s to say we are any better.” Kaito’s grip on his sword tightened, anger and despair churning within him. “They all deserve no less than death… they killed our mother, they took away my home…our home” Tears streamed down from his eyes to his cheeks as he reminisced the tragic events of what had occurred, his faces still petrified. “Get some rest Kaito, tomorrow we will travel to the capital to get you away from these people, this once pure but now accursed place, but I also need to teach you concealing magic to hide those horns of your’s.” She walks even further into the cave, into the darkness to go find a place to rest and also to give Kaito some space to process everything he just heard. She recited some more words in her foreign language and the fire dimmed down to only a spark. They slept the night away in the cold, dark, cave, away from any civilization.
As dawn broke, the cool morning light filtered and seeped through cracks in the cave walls, casting a faint glow over Kaito’s face. A few feet away Konya came out from the dark side of the cave, her hair scraggly and tangled. “Kaito,” she said in a groggy voice, rubbing her eyes with both hands and reaching to put on her glasses, “ I'll teach you how to use concealment to hide those horns.” He rose from his resting place, dusting off loose dirt and sediment from his hair and clothes, and joined Konya in walking towards the mouth of the cave. As they exited the cave Konya looked at Kaito with her soft, scarlet red eyes and placed her hand on his shoulder. “This spell requires a focused mind, Kaito, once you master it, it will be second nature to you.” “Emotions will disrupt your conscience and make you easy to detect and detain.”
Kaito swallowed hard, doing his best to steady his breathing and calm himself, anything to loosen his emotions. She guided him to sit cross-legged in a grassy patch just nearby the cave entrance, where a faint mist clung to the morning air, veiling the surroundings in a muted calmness. Kaito closed his eyes, inhaling deeply as he centered himself, listening to the soft rustling of the large spruce trees, the distant sounds of birds chirping, it was soothing. It reminded him once again of the saying his mother always told him "When the nights of Cewei rise the seconds tick upon the clock, foremost no matter where you are, seen as my one shining star, you are guided under the goddess's watch.” His heart was slowly growing still, adapting to the environment around him, the faint heat of the sun that seeped through in between the trees now beaming down on him. “Now, feel the energy within you. Visualize it as a robe, something you can wrap around yourself like a cloak, binding you from sight and sense.” she reached over, placing her hand over his forehead. “Listen to my words and repeat them with me: vram ekess sia plea kagh houpe ve de shio nomenes batobot huven ekess ocuir”
Kaito took a slow, shaky breath and repeated after Konya’s words. “vram ekess sia plea kagh houpe ve de shio nomenes…” Before he even finished the chant, he felt a
weird, wet-like substance slowly flows over his body, covering his horns and hiding them from the naked eye. Konya stood there, mouth agape and she had remained
like this for a long while. She was puzzled, sprayed with confusion, “How did you manage to do that with half the incantation, it's nearly impossible!!?” It was powerful magic that he never knew he could do before, after all, he only really cared about the way of the sword. He stood there and also spayed in confusion at her remark and gave no response other than a slight chuckle. She shook her head but moved on entirely after letting out a large sigh. “Come Kaito… we must be on our way to the capital. Try to maintain that spell the entire way there. It will give you ample time to practice the spell and keep it whilst walking in the city.” As they both grabbed their items; a wooden sword and a large belt with magical items stored in its various pockets; they set off for the capital, sun on their backs, reaching and passing the edge of the forest, traveling through the intense great plains that lay just before them. The heat tore down upon them, Kaito stripping off what was left of his almost nonexistent shirt, and Konya covering herself back in her cloak. 6 days had passed since they left the cave, left the Abrovian woods, the sanctuary and more, yet the capital still wasn’t in sight. The plains stretched what seemed to be endlessly, swallowing up their footsteps in its quiet expanse, creatures or beasts rarely in sight due to the exceedingly “beautiful” weather. The golden sunlight glinted off dried grass and weathered down rocks, casting their shadows long and strange upon the path they traveled on. “We’re close, Kaito. The capital should be somewhere beyond the next rise,” she murmured, her voice soft but firm. “When we arrive, stay by my side and keep your spell steady. The people of the capital… they’re not like those from Ruvia. They are more disciplined, humble, but even more clever and crafty. You must blend in; make no mistakes.”
Kaito nodded in understanding, his gaze fixated on the horizon, his face dried of its natural elements from the immense heat. The capital that holds the seat of power, the place that governed Kohesia with cold precision and welcoming animosity. A place where he might finally find a way to wield his rage as a weapon, a
place where he could train and grow stronger, strong enough to kill the humans who had wronged him. As they reached the rise, the landscape began to shift. The barren plains gave way to the edges of civilization; small villages on the outskirts, humble houses with thatched roofs, and fields of crops tended by various farmers drenched with sweat. In the distance, the massive stone walls of the capital loomed, the high towers and ramparts cutting a jagged line against the afternoon sky. Kaito took a deep breath as they continued walking on their way towards the large fortress. Konya kept guiding him down till they reached the winding road that led to the city gates. “Once we’re inside, we’ll need to register you as a candidate for the military training program,” she explained, whispering to him, her tone steady. “It’s not an easy feat for anyone to make it, they’ll test you, prove your weaknesses. But remember why you are here; to get stronger and avenge our mothers death.” The gates of the capital were towering and imposing, forged from dark iron, reinforced with spells and strange alchemical symbols meant to ward off creatures with ill intent. Guards clad in black and dark green armor stood vigilant, their eyes scanning the newcomers with practiced suspicion. As Kaito and Konya approached, one of the guards held up his hand, stopping them from entering the open gates. “State your names and purpose for entering the capital, and if you mind… put on a damn shirt,” he demanded, his voice echoing against the stone walls. Konya stepped forward, her expression calm and unreadable. “My name is Konya Mari, and this is my younger brother, Kaito. We seek entry to enroll him in the training grounds as a candidate for the royal guard.”
The guard's eyes narrowed, glancing over and over, back and forth at the pair. “A candidate you say? Doesn't look like he's seen a day of battle in his life,” he scoffed, glancing dismissively at Kaito’s wooden sword. “What kind of weapon is that?” Kaito clenched his fists, feeling rage swell within him, but Konya shot him a warning look, her eyes flashing with an unspoken command to remain silent. She bowed her head slightly, a gesture of deference that was slightly out of character for her, but necessary to avoid suspicion. “The boy is young,” she replied smoothly, “but he is
determined. He has the spirit of a fighter and a strong warrior, and under proper training he will serve the crown well. He is already at a young age proficient in the sword but with proper care he may exceed all expectations.” The guard regarded them both for a long moment before waving them through. “Fine. Go on, but don’t cause any trouble or else… The city has enough problems without street rats like you running amok.” He muttered under his breath as they passed, the brath insult lingering in the air like a foul taste. Once they were inside, the noise and the bustle of the capital hit them like a wave. Merchants hawking their wares, their voices rising above the clamor of the crowd; blacksmiths hammered away at forges, the ringing of metal echoing throughout the streets. Kaito glanced around, feeling both awe and unease at the sheer energy and environment of the city. The capital was a stark contrast to the once quiet, and peaceful forests and fields he had known in Ruvia, and yet he could still feel nothing more than unpleasant memories plaguing his mind. “Keep up,” Konya murmured, leading him through the bustling streets, her steps quick and purposeful. They passed through a series of checkpoints, each manned by guards in armor, their eyes watchful. And at last, they arrived at a grand stone building, its facade decorated with the symbols of the Kohesian military; the symbol of an angel with two swords on either side of it; a place of power and authority, radiating a sense of order and discipline.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of ink and parchment. Rows of tables filled the main hall where soldiers and clerks went about their business. Konya approached one of the clerks, a stern-looking man with graying hair and tired eyes.
“We’re here to register my brother, Kaito Mari, for the military training program,” she said, her tone formal. The clerk glanced up at Konya, his eyes dull but piercing. “You understand, of course, the training is rigorous and not suited for the faint-hearted?” He looked Kaito over, his gaze lingering on the boy still shirtless with his thin frame and bruised hands. “He may find himself wishing he never applied.” Kaito met the man’s gaze, his jaw set as he said in a serious tone. “I’ll do whatever it takes, I’m not afraid of hard work.” The clerk raised his eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his
expression, but he simply nodded and handed Kaito a form. “Fill this out. Training begins tomorrow at dawn. You’re expected to show up prepared and ready to endure whatever is thrown at you.” Konya placed a hand on Kaito’s shoulder as they left the stone building, her voice low and steady. “This is just the beginning, Kaito. The path you’ve chosen will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine. But remember strength is not everything you need to survive in this world; it's the endurance and willpower to keep going, even if the whole world is against you.” Kaito nodded as he looked down at the form in his hands. Tomorrow, he would begin his training. Tomorrow, he would take the first step toward avenging his mother, toward proving his worth. The night fell over the capital as they made their way towards a small inn just around the corner, where they could finally have a safe place to rest for the night; not in a cave, nor in the middle of grassy fields.
As Kaito lay on the narrow cot, his mind drifted to the village of Ruvia, the warmth of his mother’s embrace, the cold finality of her death, the words written on the stake impaled in her. His eyes burned, and he clenched his fists beneath the thin blanket. He would not forget. He would grow stronger, no matter the cost. The inn was quiet as the first light of dawn crept through the cracks in the wooden shutters. Kaito blinked his eyes open, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. The events of the last few days rushed back to him, a mix of pain and anger settling into something sharper… a purpose. Across the room, Konya was still asleep, her form barely visible under the thin blanket. Kaito rose carefully, trying not to wake her, and stretched his sore limbs. His hands were still bruised from the days of relentless training in the Abrovian woods, but he clenched them, feeling the roughness of his calloused skin. He whispered his mother’s saying, “When the nights of Cewei rise, the seconds tick upon the clock… no matter where you are, you are guided under my watch.” It brought him a fleeting moment of comfort, but his mind quickly returned to the task ahead. He moved to the window, peeking through the slats. Outside, the city was already stirring awake. Merchants began setting up their carts, and townspeople shuffled throughout the streets. Everything felt foreign yet
alive, buzzing with a kind of energy he hadn’t known before in Ruvia. A soft voice broke the silence. “Kaito.” Konya sat up, rubbing her eyes, her usual serious expression slightly softened by her sleep. “Did you get any rest?” He nodded. “Barely enough.” She rose and walked over to him, peering out the window as well. “Good enough, because for you today’s going to be a challenge.” She met his gaze, her scarlet eyes brightening as the sun fell over her body. “You will need to go to the recruitment center on your own, I have a few errands I need to run.” Kaito, fists still clenched, determination flashing through his multicolored eyes. “What do I need to do to prove myself?”
“Keep that fire and rage inside you,” she said, her voice low and serious. “You have discipline and focus but you must show strength. The captains here won’t accept someone who lets their emotions control them.” She placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him. “Remember, conceal your nature as best you can. Today, you’re just another human wanting to join the Kohesian military. Keep the spell on your horns strong.” They quickly prepared themselves, Konya helping him wrap his wrists with fresh cloth to cover the marks from his intense training. After a simple breakfast, they left the inn and into the bustling streets. The city was as loud as it was when they first arrived, keeping that energetic spirit that made Kaito anxious and weary. He kept his head down, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention. As he reached the central plaza, in sight just a few blocks further was the registration office, with a long line of recruits who were also there to join the army.
“This is my chance,” Kaito whispered to himself. He joined the line and waited till he finally reached the front.
“Name?” a soldier asked. “Kaito,” he replied, standing as tall as he could. The soldier raised an eyebrow at the lack of a surname but didn’t question it further. “Purpose for enlistment?” Kaito’s eyes hardened. “To get stronger… to serve in the Kohesian military.” The soldier gave a nod to one of the clerks nearby and showed him to the clerk. The clerk was a young woman with short brown hair, wearing an all green and black outfit. “You’ll begin with the aptitude tests. Follow me to the training grounds.”
She gestured towards a side door, leading to a vast open yard where several recruits were already sparring with wooden swords, running obstacle courses, and lifting heavy weights. Kaito joined the group, grabbing a perfect wooden sword from a barrel nearby, inspecting its grooves and rough texture, feeling the familiar weight of the wooden practice sword in his hands. The morning passed in a blur of exercises, each more grueling than the last. Sweat poured down his face as he pushed himself, ignoring the pain in his muscles and the soreness in his hands. He was driven by something far beyond the desire for more physical strength; he needed to prove himself, to become someone worthy of carrying out his vow for vengeance. After a while, it was finally his turn for a sparring match, a one on one bout to assess combat skills. However placements in these matches didn’t matter, it was all about how well you could wield the sword. His opponent was a tall man with a muscular build, wielding his practice sword with the utmost confidence. As they stepped into the ring, the instructor gave the signal to begin, and the man lunged forward with a powerful swing. Kaito sidestepped, his body reacting almost instinctively. He dodge, blocked, and parried, his movements quick and fluid despite his exhaustion. But he couldn’t rely solely on instinct alone. His opponent was skilled and relentless, pressing forward with brutal strikes. Kaito’s focus wavered for a few seconds, distracted by his opponent's strength and precision. In that moment of distraction, his opponent’s sword struck his shoulder, sending him hastily to the ground. His opponent tried to strike him again but Kaito avoided it, getting out of the way and then wobbling himself back into a standing position, however this time his legs were shaking a little. Kaito gritted his teeth against the pain, placing a hand over the injury, anger flashing within him, but he forced himself to stay calm. He steadied his grip on the sword, his gaze hardening. He took a deep breath, in and out he thought to himself, must stay focused. His opponent charged at him, but this time Kaito was a little more prepared for his attacks. He sidestepped and swept his opponent’s legs out from under him, sending him sprawling to the ground. Without hesitation, Kaito attempted to press his sword to the man's chest yet only he caught a little of his shirt.
His opponent ripped off their shirt to escape the hold, and in doing so he back
stepped into a stance. Kaito barely had time to react before his opponent, now shirtless and enraged, lunged at him again with even more force and intensity than before. The man's blade reached out, an attack directed straight for Kaito’s ribs. Kaito twisted his body at the last second, feeling the sharp wind of the strike pass just inches from his side. He countered with a quick slash, but his opponent deflected it effortlessly, the sound of wood against wood making loud cracks throughout the arena. They circled each other, both breathing heavily, sweat glistening on their skin. Kaito could feel the dull ache in his shoulder intensifying, but he refused to let it slow him down. He shifted his stance, gripping his sword a little more loosely, eyes locked on to his opponents every movement. Yet, it wasn’t hard to keep a good focus on his opponent, due to him overworking himself, his movements were sluggish and that of a child playing the hero and dragon. The man tried to lunge once again but fell to a crouch, his sword holding him barely on one knee, as he started to vomit blood. He soon passed out signaling Kaito’s win, but it was not the win he hoped for nor wanted. “BRING HIM BACK, OUR FIGHT ISN’T OVER YET!” He screamed out, but the crowd who watched shied away from his remarks. The instructor overseeing the match, wrote something down in the small journal he carried at his side and declared, “The match is now over, this young man has won, he shall advance to the next rounds.” He quickly motioned for Kaito to join the other recruits, who had finished their sparring matches, to wait for his next battle. His body ached all over after the fight, even in places he never knew it was possible to. He found a bench next to the stone walls that encompassed the area and sat down, leaning his head against the hard, cold wall. Kaito looked up to the sky, breathing heavily but slow, and blinking a couple of times in quick succession.
