Bound by the soul contract, Nero and Eri followed Mooai and Mani through the grand gates of Anandvana. The sight that greeted them was breathtaking, even for seasoned dimension-hoppers like themselves.
The city was a masterpiece of white marble that seemed to drink the sunlight and glow from within. Streets were wide and clean, lined with blossoming trees whose petals drifted on a gentle breeze. The air itself hummed with a harmony of laughter, chatter, and distant music. Most striking were the children—they played freely in open plazas, their faces unburdened by the fear and hardship that plagued so many other worlds.
"It's... perfect," Eri whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
Nero, who prided himself on his cynicism, found his guard momentarily lowered. "I've seen countless worlds in my time," he admitted quietly. "But this... this is something else entirely."
Mooai, noticing their awe, allowed a sliver of pride to show in her expression. "Anandvana is the City of Knowledge and Freedom. We protect this peace fiercely."
As they delved deeper, Nero observed the city's rhythm. Adults engaged in skilled crafts and trades, while revered elders taught groups of enraptured children under the shade of ancient trees. It was a society in perfect balance.
"This place feels untouched," Nero remarked. "As if the chaos that consumes the rest of the universe simply... parts around it."
Mooai glanced at him, her gaze unreadable. "For now."
---
A Night of Revelations
That evening, the city transformed. The streets came alive with vibrant festivities—lanterns floated in the air, music spilled from every corner, and the air was thick with the aroma of spiced food and joy.
At the city's heart, a massive crowd had gathered around a central stage. A performer named Yusan held them spellbound with a voice that seemed to weave magic into the very air.
As Nero's group watched from the sidelines, Yusan's eyes scanned the audience. "For the next part," he announced, his voice a melodic instrument, "I need a partner to help with the sound rhythms! Who among you is eager?"
The crowd erupted, hands shooting into the air. But then, something strange happened. Yusan's eyes glowed with a subtle, rhythmic pattern, and his gaze locked unerringly onto Nero.
"My friend!" Yusan called out, pointing directly at him. "I can hear your heart singing a unique song. Come on up, let's see what you've got!"
The crowd's cheers became a demand. With a resigned shrug and a glance at Eri, Nero stepped onto the stage.
"Well, looks like I don't have a choice," he said, picking up a guitar and a few other instruments. To everyone's astonishment, his fingers found the strings and keys with masterful precision. The music that flowed between him and Yusan wasn't just a performance; it was a conversation, a duel of harmonies that lit up the night and left the audience breathless.
Hours later, as the final note faded, Nero returned to Eri's side, the crowd's roaring applause echoing behind him.
"You never told me you could play like that," Eri teased, her eyes sparkling.
Nero gave a casual shrug, though a hint of a smirk played on his lips. "There's a lot you don't know about me."
---
A Warning in the Shadows
Away from the celebrations, Mooai met Yusan in a quiet alley.
"I think you're overthinking things," Yusan said, his calm demeanor a contrast to Mooai's tension. "His heart's rhythm... it's complex, but not malicious. If anything, he seems harmless."
Mooai crossed her arms, her expression granite. "He's a Dual Gate user, Yusan. And what's more... he manipulates energy with an instinctive ease I've only ever seen in our oldest masters."
Yusan's eyes widened in genuine shock. "What? That's impossible. Dual Gate users are a myth from the ancient texts. And Law of energy manipulation... if he can do that..."
"I'm confident I can handle him now," Mooai interrupted, her voice low. "But if his growth rate continues... and with that cunning mind of his... I'm afraid we're nurturing a predator."
Yusan shook his head slowly. "My Rhythm Power has never lied. He is not a bad person. But... you are right. We must be careful."
---
The Journey Begins
At dawn, Nero stood by the window, the amulet from Obsidian glowing faintly in his palm, pulsing like a gentle heartbeat.
Mooai approached from behind. "What is that?"
Nero held it up. "A compass. Obsidian said it would lead me to a teacher."
Mooai studied the amulet, her suspicion warring with curiosity. "A teacher? Then your path leads to the Central Capital. That's where the greatest masters reside."
Mani, joining them, nodded. "The amulet does seem to be pulling us in that direction."
Mooai looked toward the horizon, her face set. "It's a long journey. We will pass through many villages. Anandvana is vast."
Nero stretched with an exaggerated groan. "Great... more walking."
Eri smirked. "You're really starting to sound like an old man."
"Yeah, yeah," Nero shot back. "Let's just get moving."
---
The Flaw in the Garden
Their first stop was Autumn Garden, a village so picturesque it seemed painted into existence, with golden trees and flowers that bloomed in impossible colors.
"It's beautiful," Eri breathed.
Nero nodded, but his eyes were sharp, scanning. "Yeah... but something feels off. It's too peaceful."
Mooai shot him a warning look. "Not every world is drenched in chaos, Nero. Do not project your cynicism onto our home."
They traveled on, each village more idyllic than the last. Yet, Nero's sense of unease grew. As they neared the final stop before the capital, he froze, his gaze snapping westward, a deep frown etching his face.
"Something's wrong," he stated, his voice losing its lazy drawl.
Mani followed his gaze. "What is it?"
Nero's eyes narrowed, sensing the subtle currents of energy. "There's misery. Deep sadness... and suffering. It's coming from there."
Mooai's face hardened. "That is the Village of the Fallen. It is where we send those who break our laws, and their families. It is their fate. Do not concern yourself."
Nero's hands clenched at his sides. "Even the children? I sense ones as young as six. What is their crime?"
Mani's expression was grim. "They bear the weight of their parents' sins. It is our way."
Nero let out a short, disgusted laugh. "This is more twisted than most of the 'savage' civilizations I've seen. Newborns are starving for crimes they didn't commit. I could fix this with a snap of my fingers."
Mooai's glare was sharp enough to cut diamond. "You will do no such thing. Do not meddle."
Nero fell silent, but a storm brewed behind his eyes.
---
A Midnight Intervention
That night, under a high moon, Nero stirred. With a subtle flick of his wrist, a gentle sleeping spell settled over Mooai and Mani. He turned to Eri, who was already watching him from the windowsill, a knowing smile on her face.
"Eri, keep an eye on her. I'm literally terrified of that woman," Nero whispered. "Don't let her know I left."
Eri gave a confident nod. "Got it."
Invisible, Nero shot into the sky, hovering over the fallen village. The view from above was a punch to the gut—ramshackle huts, gaunt figures, and the faint, desperate cries of children.
A shimmer of white light coalesced beside him. Whity, his positive manifestation, appeared, his usual serene expression marred by sorrow.
"Cruel as hell, isn't it?" Whity's voice was soft.
Nero's face was a mask of dark anger. "Yeah. I don't get it. How can a civilization so advanced be so morally bankrupt? This kind of flaw… it's a cancer. It will be their undoing."
Whity nodded. "It is their own poison, and they drink it willingly."
Suddenly, Nero's senses prickled. A flicker of dark energy, weak but profoundly wrong, pulsed from below.
"What was that?" Nero's eyes scanned the darkness.
Whity's tone turned grave. "It's faint, but it feels... unnatural. A wave of energy born from deep, festering hatred… and profound regret."
Nero's gaze zeroed in on a commotion below. A group of armored soldiers was chasing a small, terrified child. A man, his body frail and trembling, stood protectively in front of her.
---
The Protector
"Why are you after a child?" the man, Takuseki, demanded, his voice raw but defiant. "Let her go. Take me. Punish me. Spare her."
One soldier sneered, drawing his blade. "Takuseki, a former warrior of your stature spouting such sentimental drivel. Hand her over. This is your last warning."
Takuseki stood his ground, though his legs shook. "I'd rather die."
The soldiers lunged. To Nero's surprise, Takuseki moved with the ghost of incredible skill, disarming one before a violent cough wracked his body, blood spraying from his lips as he collapsed.
The soldiers raised their blades for the final strike against both man and child. Time seemed to slow.
Then, with two soft, wet pops, the heads of the nearest soldiers exploded into mist.
The remaining soldier fumbled for a communication crystal, but before he could activate it, Nero descended from the sky. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed Takuseki and the girl, and the trio vanished, teleporting to a secluded forest clearing.
---
A Deal with a Master
In their new hideout, Nero quickly assessed Takuseki, who was still coughing up blood.
"You don't strike me as a criminal," Nero said, his curiosity piqued. "So, what's the real story?"
Takuseki's weary eyes studied him. "Before I answer... why did you save us?"
Nero shrugged. "First rule: I don't like seeing kids get hurt. That's usually enough for me."
"And the second reason?" Takuseki pressed, his gaze sharp.
A grin spread across Nero's face. "You're sharp. I'm looking for a teacher. Someone who understands the core principles of energy. And just by looking at the wreckage of your energy pathways, I can tell you were once a master."
Takuseki chuckled, a harsh, rasping sound. "Knowledge isn't free... what can you offer?"
Nero's eyes glowed with a faint, analytical light. "I can see it. A congenital curse, woven into your very meridians at birth. It's blocking your energy flow and slowly devouring your soul. I can remove it. I can give you your full strength back."
Takuseki closed his eyes, a sad smile on his face. "I don't need my strength back."
Nero was taken aback. "What?"
Takuseki's eyes snapped open, their intensity piercing through Nero. "You're a Dual Gate user, aren't you?"
Nero took an involuntary step back. "How could you possibly—?"
"I know many things," Takuseki replied, his voice dropping to a grave whisper. "But what I need from you... is a promise. A promise that you will save Anandvana in its coming hour of destruction. Can you do that?"
Nero looked from the determined master to the frightened child, then back. The weight of the request was immense. After a long, heavy silence, he gave a single, decisive nod.
"Alright. I'm in."
---
An Inevitable Confrontation
The next morning, Nero slipped back into the room just before dawn. He had barely settled when a hand shot out and grabbed him by the throat, slamming him against the wall.
"I knew it, you sneaky bastard!" Mooai snarled, her eyes blazing. "Where did you go?!"
Nero, using every ounce of his acting skill, loosened her grip and put on his most innocent face. "Mooai! I was just... getting some fresh air! The atmosphere here is so invigorating!"
Before she could retort, a familiar voice rang out.
"Master!"
Mooai instantly released Nero and dropped to one knee in a gesture of deep respect. They had arrived at the secluded home of none other than Takuseki.
Nero's eyes widened in feigned surprise. "Wait... you know him?"
Mooai shot him a death glare. "Address him properly, fool! Master Takuseki was my primary mentor! He disappeared years ago!" She turned back to her master, her voice filled with concern. "Master, the Central Capital has issued a death warrant for you."
Takuseki, sitting serenely under a tree, greeted her with a gentle nod. "It has been a long time, Mooai. You have grown formidable." His gaze then shifted to Nero, a knowing glint in his eye. "As for our friend... we have already come to an understanding."
(Nero maintained his innocent expression, as if he had no idea what had transpired the night before.)
"So..." Nero began, a grin spreading across his face. "Is this my new teacher?"
Mooai looked ready to strangle him again. "You will show respect!"
Takuseki raised a hand, silencing her. "It is alright. The boy and I have a contract."
---
The First Lesson
For the next few days, Nero trained under Takuseki in a remote part of the forest. The sessions were brutal, pushing Nero's mind and body to their absolute limits.
Takuseki's methods were unorthodox and demanding, but his insights were profound. He didn't just teach technique; he taught philosophy.
"You do not merely wield two separate powers," Takuseki explained during a grueling session that left Nero drenched in sweat. "You are attempting to harmonize two opposing realities. The challenge is not in mastering them individually, but in convincing them to dance as one."
Nero panted, wiping sweat from his brow. "You make it sound so simple."
Takuseki allowed a small smile. "It is the furthest thing from simple. But if any soul in this millennium can achieve it... it is you. The power you carry is a relic of a bygone age."
As Nero sat back, his body aching and his mind reeling, he felt it—a subtle shift, a deeper connection to the vast energies within him. The path was long, but for the first time, he felt he had a true guide.