Chapter 9: Shadows in the Background
Scene 1: The Primordial Gift
The book lay heavy in Nero's hands, its leather binding cold despite the morning sun. Gift from the Primordial One. Ledger's final message—or trap?
He traced the embossed title, his blood still smeared on the last page. The words shimmered:
"Hellish pain awaits. Convince your inner twin."
Flashback:
Ledger's voice, strained in the infirmary: "The Gates aren't power, Nero. They're a curse."
A knock shattered the silence. Yoshito leaned in, his usual grin replaced by worry. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Nero shoved the book under his pillow. "Just… tired."
Scene 2: The Tournament's Edge
The arena buzzed with clashing steel and crackling spells. Nero lingered at the periphery, watching Keisuke dismantle an opponent with brutal efficiency.
"Scared?" Yoshito elbowed him, dressed in absurdly frilly attire. "Miku's birthday demands festive armor."
Nero snorted. "You look like a peacock."
"A dashing peacock." Yoshito adjusted his sash. "Now, let's register. I need to impress… someone."
The registration clerk eyed Nero's bandaged arm. "Name?"
"Nero Almik."
A nearby fighter—Kai—snorted. "Commons don't belong here."
Nero's fingers twitched. Not again.
Scene 3: Sparks and Shadows
Keisuke's match ended in a roar of applause. As he swaggered off, Kai lunged, his blade aimed at Keisuke's unguarded back.
Nero moved—too fast—intercepting the strike. The impact rattled his bones, slamming both into the wall.
"You okay?" Nero rasped, blood trickling from his lip.
Keisuke shoved him off. "I didn't need your help."
"Sure," Nero smirked. "But admit it—I'm faster."
Kai spat. "Next time, you both bleed."
Scene 4: Bonds and Blushes
Ayumi cornered Nero post-brawl, her cheeks pink. "You blocked that hit like… like a hero!"
Nero rubbed his neck. "Heroes don't limp."
Saki appeared, bandages in hand. "Let me help."
Ayumi's smile tightened. "I'll do it."
As they fussed, Yoshito fake-sobbed. "Traitor! Stealing all the girls!"
Scene 5: A Sister's Wish
Miku's birthday was chaos—streamers, laughter, and a cake shaped like a fire spirit. Nero knelt, offering her a locket.
"It's enchanted," he said. The blue flame within pulsed, mirroring his own.
Miku beamed. "Marry me when I'm big!"
Yoshito lunged. "Over my corpse!"
Nero dodged, laughter masking his unease. How long can I keep them safe?
Scene 6: Whispers in the Dark
That night, Nero reopened the book. The pages glowed, revealing a new line:
"Gate 1: Aadharbutha. First trial—survive your past."
Memory:
Mei's hand slipping from his. The abyssal roar. His flames devouring everything.
A shadow flickered outside his window. Nero tensed.
"Soon," a voice hissed. "The Gates will consume you."
Chapter End: The Storm Gathers
In the tournament's shadows, cloaked figures watched.
"The blue-flame boy," one murmured. "The king wants him broken before the finals."
Another grinned. "Let's make it painful."