After the exam, Mori suddenly awakened her bloodline ability. Pain surged through her as her pupils shifted into a swirling blue hurricane. Unable to control it, the winds spiraled into a tornado that wreaked havoc in the exam field. Thankfully, Wane Richter, our instructor, acted quickly. He appeared before Mori and used Night Magic to put her to sleep, preventing further chaos. Soon after, the head of the Takanashi Clan arrived to take her home. Before they left, I rushed over to let them know we'd be visiting, and he assured me he would inform the guards at Sunrise Town.
We left early and made our way to Vernost Town, where Tokiro and Yuzuha lived, after a long 3-4 hour walk. We stopped at Tokiro's house to rest while I decided to visit my own home, joined by Kaori and Kaoru.
Every year, we gather at my house to celebrate our anniversary together. The weapons my classmates carry come from the secret room in my home. Grandpa had told me to give them to those I trust the most, and I couldn't think of anyone better than my friends. Each weapon, including mine, can change its appearance to look less noticeable while still being of high quality.
I visited my grandfather's grave, accompanied by Kaori and Kaoru, who also paid their respects. As we arrived at the hill, I sensed a group of goblins nearby. Recognizing the threat, Kaori and Kaoru offered their help, and I quickly pointed out their location before we moved out.
My home had never been raided by monsters or demons. Grandpa always told me that our house was sacred, a place where no dark creature dared to tread, which is why these goblins were confined to the woods.
As we approached, I spotted nine goblins in total: three gathered in the middle, two to the right, one behind us, two on the left, and one at the front. I leaped from above, targeting the cluster in the middle, and unleashed my fire magic.
"Fire Magic: Devastation Fist!"
A flame-shaped fist surged from my hand, crashing down to crush the goblins and burn them to a crisp. I still had a few techniques left to showcase. One was a powerful wind magic that Grandpa described as not just ordinary wind but a supreme form known as Sky Magic, possessing control over air, oxygen, and the atmosphere. I had secretly practiced this technique, even during my time in the main city, and I was eager to put it to use.
I spread my arms wide, focusing my energy to activate the Sky Magic, which required more magical power than regular spells.
"Sky Magic: Heavenly Sphere!"
I trapped the remaining monsters within the heavenly sphere. As they tried to escape, their bodies were sliced into pieces by the invisible, razor-sharp wind blades that surrounded them. This technique was nearly undetectable, leaving only the sensation of its presence. It could serve both offensive and defensive purposes.
As goblins from behind and in front charged at me, I used the heavenly sphere again for my protection, effortlessly slicing their weapons to shreds. Desperate, they attempted to engage me physically, but in their haste, they only ended up harming themselves as they passed through the sphere.
After dealing with the goblins, I tried to make my way back, but a powerful presence stopped me in my tracks. I looked around and spotted a figure perched atop a pillar. He wore a trench coat and had bandages wrapped around his hands, feet, and mouth, casting an ominous shadow as he hung his head low. His deadly eyes sent chills down my spine. I gripped my sword tightly, wary of the potential threat. Confronting him could lead to trouble, so I decided to ask who he was and what he wanted.
He remained silent, but my senses picked up a surge of magic heading my way.
"Wind Magic: Heavenly Sphere!"
I couldn't pinpoint the source, but the sphere would provide the protection I needed against an unseen attack. I expanded the space within, giving me room to maneuver.
As the magical force drew closer, a dark entity emerged from below and struck me. I dispelled the heavenly sphere and leaped to the side, barely managing to block the blow.
"Not a bad kid for blocking a Pillar rank's attack," he remarked, assessing me.
At that moment, I realized the odds were stacked against me. My chances of winning were zero. If I tried to escape, he would surely catch me. I shook off the thoughts of cowardice and tightened my grip on my sword, focusing on my breathing and strengthening my muscles.
I raised my hand, channeling the five-element magic to conjure five tornadoes. I could create only ten knives, so I launched them around the tornadoes, a determined expression on my face.
"Fool, why would you throw them like that?" the figure taunted.
The tornadoes began to swirl toward him.
"Shadow Magic: Shadow Hole!"
A black hole formed amidst the tornadoes, drawing them in completely. He raised his hand toward me, and a dark tornado materialized around me, constricting rapidly. I quickly teleported to my knives, narrowly escaping the tightening grip of the shadow.
"Phew! That almost got me. Thank goodness I'm still alive!" I breathed, relieved.
"You're good. My instincts did not fail me. You truly have incredible magic power. Tell me your name," he said, his voice low and measured.
"Arisu Tosaki. Can we stop this now? You're destroying my home…" I replied, my nerves fraying.
This man was no ordinary opponent; he was a Pillar, stronger than the commanders who patrolled our lands. He could take on high-ranking demons alone, which meant he had been holding back during our confrontation.
"Are you an otherworlder, kid? People here and from different worlds have different presences. You resemble them, yet you're distinctly different," he observed.
Could it be true? If he was right, then he wasn't from Earth but perhaps a different realm entirely—lost and confused.
"Otherworlder? I don't know what that means. I don't have any memories of my past, so forgive me for being clueless…" I admitted, baffled by his words.
I had never heard of someone being summoned or reincarnated here without any memories. If he had been reincarnated, it was conceivable that he would lack memories of his previous life, but that was a different case altogether. The differences between normal reincarnation and summoned reincarnation swirled in the Pillar's mind.
"In that case, do you have a mission?" he asked, seeking clarity.
"A mission?" I replied, recalling the dreams that haunted my nights. "I keep dreaming about saving the world."
"Save it from what?" he pressed.
In that instant, clarity struck me. "Save it from the demon king, gods, and sin."
Upon hearing my mission, the Pillar's demeanor shifted; the weight of my words seemed to resonate with him. He lowered his voice, saying it was enough for today, and complimented me on my impressive fight. With that, he sank into his shadow and vanished.
As the realization set in that he was gone, I took a moment to catch my breath, my heart racing from the encounter. Kaoru and Kaori soon approached, having heard the commotion and the tumult of the tornadoes, their faces etched with concern.
As I felt my knees buckle, Kaori gently touched my forehead and cheeks, checking if I was okay.
"What happened here?" Kaoru asked, surveying the chaotic surroundings.
"I can't believe I actually tried to fight a Pillar!" I exclaimed, the adrenaline still coursing through me.
Their reaction was surprisingly loud, and they bombarded me with questions about the encounter. I recounted the entire story as we made our way back to town. It had been terrifying, yet exhilarating, igniting a spark of determination within me.
In my excitement, I realized I had forgotten to ask for his name. He was the strongest person I had ever met, and I wanted to seek him out and ask if I could become his apprentice.
"You should stop fighting someone like that! Good thing the Pillar you faced isn't a bad person!" Kaori scolded gently.
"That's true, Arisu. You could have gotten yourself killed," Kaoru added, his tone serious.
"Like I said, I was in a situation where I could either die running or die fighting! It would be lame to die without a fight! I had no choice but to defend myself after he attacked first," I defended.
By the time we arrived at the gate of town, our friends were waiting for us. Yuzuha and Tokiro approached, eyeing my disheveled clothes with concern. The three of us began recounting what had happened.
"So, who attacked you?" Coco chimed in, having overheard us.
Caught up in the excitement, I hadn't noticed her eavesdropping.
"You said we'd keep it a secret, but you talked too loud," Kaoru teased.
"You won't believe that Arisu ran into a Pillar!" Kaori revealed, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Huh?!" Everyone gasped in unison.
"Who won?" Kisaki asked, his curiosity piqued.
"He completely lost," Kaoru replied, trying to keep a straight face.
"Right, there's no way Arisu could defeat a Pillar," came the collective response, a natural reaction from the group.
"You guys are looking down on me…" I muttered, feeling a mix of embarrassment and determination, prompting laughter from all of them.
With our spirits lifted, we continued our journey, eager to reach Sunrise Village early.
As the Shadow Pillar entered the tower of authority in the Heavenly Sky, he had already received approval from the Heavenly Sky Commander to meet the person managing the entire branch.
Heavenly Sky, a realm hidden from mortal eyes, served as the dwelling place for the Pillars and Hero Ranks, guiding and protecting humanity. This vast expanse featured a central tower topped by a grand tree, surrounded by a bustling city. Four distinct areas marked the landscape: the Pillar Residence to the north, the Hero Residence to the south, the Field Training Ground to the east, and the Advanced Magic Library, home to the sages, to the west. The secrets of Heavenly Sky remained largely undisclosed to the outside world.
Upon reaching the tower's entrance, the Shadow Pillar placed his hand on a magical sphere, causing the grand doors to swing open. Inside, he found himself in a breathtaking space filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, suffused with a palpable magic aura. Ancient writings and historical slates adorned the walls as he stepped inside, awaiting the lift that would take him to the top.
Within a minute, he arrived at the summit, where a figure clad in a white toga stood beneath the tree. Approaching cautiously, he halted a meter away from the man.
"Suzaku, what brings you here?" the figure inquired, his voice soft yet authoritative.
Suzaku knelt on one knee in respect before replying, "Waka-sama, I found an otherworlder, but he doesn't seem to be from the Earth where the otherworlders typically originate. I wish to inform you personally that there exists a world beyond the one discussed by the others."
"What did he say? Is there something unique about him?" the man asked, curiosity piqued.
"He possesses incredible magic power, though he cannot wield it effectively yet. When I questioned him about his mission, he stated it was to save the world from the Demon King, gods, and sins. However, something felt off about his words. Is there significance to that phrase?"
"Since you're a close friend… after hearing what you've relayed, it seems true that Amaterasu's descendants are beginning to emerge. However, we must not interfere with his fate. Allow him to develop on his own; he must grow stronger than anyone else. Can you promise, Suzaku, that this will remain between us?"
"I can keep that secret, but do you already know who Amaterasu's descendant is?" Suzaku pressed.
"Amaterasu's descendant arrived here before the latest generation of otherworlders—"
"Akane Kitahara… that's his first name." A girl in light armor adorned only at the wrists and knees, interrupted their conversation. Her skirt was complemented by leg harnesses, and she wore a sarashi across her chest, paired with a blue and white haori patterned with thunder and sky motifs.
"Asuka, you're being rude," Suzaku said, a hint of reprimand in his voice.
"There's no need for formality. Asuka is correct. Akane Kitahara came here first but disappeared at the age of ten after annihilating her entire clan. It appears she has since reincarnated alongside the latest generation of otherworlders," Waka explained.
Suzaku reminded him, "You still haven't addressed the demon king, god, and sins."
"Oh, forgive me for not mentioning it sooner. According to everyone, demons are our primary enemies. To eradicate the demon race, we must connect with a high-ranking demon to lure the demon lord out. However, there are threats beyond just demons. Asuka, would you like to share the rest?"
"Angels, the God Anima, and the Creator," Asuka stated matter-of-factly.
"Angels? You're saying even our god?"
"Amaterasu rules over our world and serves as our guide. Yet, God Anima holds the highest authority. According to legend, Amaterasu is currently faltering after losing a war against the demon lord. When she fell, the demons seized heaven, controlling the angels. Amaterasu knows heaven cannot be overtaken, so the only option is to seek help from another demon lord. All those who perished after Amaterasu vanished from the Anima world became wandering souls in this realm. Some angels have turned black, and high-ranking demons are using their powers. We lack clarity on God Anima and the sins—only Amaterasu and Shynn possess that knowledge," Waka elaborated.
"If the angels are turning black, does that mean the demons we've faced were once angels?" Suzaku asked.
"Indeed. We've kept this under wraps. Amaterasu's ally claimed she'd take responsibility, blaming the demons while insisting the angels aren't our foes."
"Who is this ally of Amaterasu-sama? A demon, I presume?"
"She's humanity's strongest ally. When Amaterasu's descendant encounters her, everything will change drastically."
"So, we should refrain from interfering with Arisu Tosaki's path. I'll remember that. I have other matters to attend to, so excuse me." With that, Suzaku departed the tower.
Only Asuka and Waka remained. Waka sensed that Asuka had more to say beyond their earlier discussion.
"Asuka-san, do you have any clues regarding your mission?" he prompted.
"The Founder Land is on the brink of sinking. Monsterization and demonization are escalating, and several towns have come under threat. We lack the time to prepare and must send some Pillars to the frontline," she replied urgently.
"No, we're not doing that. The Founder Land is destined to fall, as are others. The only land that will endure is the Land of Nature. This is the limit of my foresight. We will act when the time comes, so we must wait; this is all part of his growth. Do you understand, Asuka-san?"
Asuka nodded, saying, "You've never been wrong, so I'll trust your word." With that, she excused herself and flew away at lightning speed.
Waka, feeling the weight of their conversation, paid his respects before departing the Tree of Life and returning to his desk, overwhelmed by the mountain of paperwork awaiting him.
After an hour, we finally arrived at Sunrise Village, where the guard recognized us and welcomed us as special guests. The village had a balanced number of inhabitants—not crowded but not empty either. There were no festivals, and while it felt like a typical village, Sunrise was the most peaceful place I had visited. The modern buildings contrasted with the traditional samurai attire most of the men wore, and at the center of the village stood the Takanashi residence.
As we approached, a woman in a black kimono adorned with blue lilies and a red obi greeted us. She had long eyelashes and plum-red eyes, and her hair was styled in a chignon held by three sword hairpins, with two loose strands framing her face.
"Ah! Amane-san! When did you return?" I exclaimed, surprised to see her.
"I just got back a week ago," she replied, her voice as mature and cool as ever.
Amane Shimizu. This was our third encounter. The first was when she was en route to the Land of Nature while I was delivering a letter to someone in the mountains. When bandits ambushed their carriage, I helped fend them off, and she swiftly dealt with half of them. Our second meeting occurred during a vacation when Chisaka and I visited Sunrise Village and ran into her at the hot spring and ramen shop. I later learned she had been away for three months.
A man approached us, dressed in hakama with a wooden sword at his hip. Moritaka Takanashi, the leader of the Takanashi clan, was well-built and striking, with blue hurricane irises. Though I had heard of his power and that he was a Pillar candidate, I couldn't sense his magical energy. Beyond his strength, he was kind, especially toward his younger sister, Mori.
"You kids are already here? Mori is feeling better now. She should be fine by this afternoon, so check in on her in her room. It's the third room on the right in the hallway. I'm heading out for a walk—Amane will guide you," he said.
Amane bowed her head in acknowledgment and gestured for us to follow her to Mori's room.
As we walked through the hallway, the wooden architecture gave a nod to the past, and the garden outside was beautiful. On the opposite side of the hallway, a dojo stood ready for kendo and martial arts training.
Amane knocked on the door, and Mori permitted us to enter. We slid the door open and greeted her. The room was larger than average, featuring a spacious area for visitors and a modest wardrobe. A body-sized mirror and her weapons adorned one side, while a study table, filled with sketches of various people, took prominence.
"Mori, you really love this guy, don't you?" I asked, noticing one particular drawing.
"Well, as much as my family," she replied, her tone affectionate.
As I examined the details in the sketches, something suddenly clicked within me. My body felt unsteady; sweat dripped from my forehead, and I began to breathe heavily.
"What's wrong, Arisu?" Amane rushed to my side.
"Is this a panic attack? Did he see something?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
"He was looking at Mori's sketches," Kaoru said, piecing them together.
"Looks like it's linked to his past trauma. I'll take him out for some air," Amane decided, guiding me to the infirmary where she offered me water. Kaoru, Tokiro, and Yuzuha joined to check on me.
Meanwhile, in the room, tension hung in the air.
"He looks pale and is breathing heavily. He must have past trauma," Cecilia observed.
Kaoru suddenly had an idea and turned to Mori, "Could the guy in your sketch be Arisu?"
"It's possible, but Amayori-kun, the one in the sketch, is someone who cannot be affected by trauma. He's someone I consider perfect," Mori explained, her expression serious.
"Cannot be affected? Is that even possible?" they asked in unison.
"Amayori-kun has a strong mentality. He cannot be deceived, manipulated, or outcast. When incidents arise, he reacts promptly and thinks critically. There's no one he can't save. But you have a point; Amayori-kun used to be like Arisu," Mori clarified.
"So there's a chance they are the same person," Kaoru pondered.
"Mori, have you met any otherworlders?" Cecilia inquired.
"Not many, but I've received letters from others. I can see the names of those who are in this world," Mori replied.
"Is Arisu in those letters?" Cecilia pressed.
"Neither Arisu nor Amayori-kun's name appears on the list," Mori said.
"Then our guess means nothing if both aren't listed. It's likely just a resemblance tied to his past trauma," Kaoru sighed, frustration evident.
"Let's avoid discussing this further; we wouldn't want to trigger Arisu's memory again," Kisaki cautioned.
Mori stood, announcing she would prepare for a bath and invite everyone to join her. As I calmed down, Amane informed us it was time to head to the bath where I could finally relax.