Kira was surprised by the sudden change in Azure's expression. His eyes, once filled with fear, now brimmed with confidence.
Azure moved slowly until he was ten feet from Kira. Though he gained some confidence, he knew it wouldn't be easy. He only had knowledge, while Kira had far more experience.
"Begin," Kira said calmly, her stance suggesting she didn't take him seriously.
He took a deep breath, then moved forward and swung his right fist. Kira dodged, about to grab him, but he retracted his fist mid-strike.
This surprised Kira, but before she could react, he grabbed her outstretched hand and pulled, swiftly moving to the side to dodge her other fist.
The girls were stunned by the sight. They never expected the weak boy to evade Kira's strikes twice.
Azure let her hand and stepped back, creating distance, his gaze no longer simple or fearful. He stared directly into her eyes with a competitive expression, a small smile on his face.
Unlike before, Kira moved first, aiming a punch at his chest. Azure stepped back, but a swift kick hit him, sending him stumbling backward.
Ouch, that really hurts… Tsk, I need to focus more. He stood quickly and moved forward again, but Kira began focusing on dodging. Azure concentrated too much on his punches, forgetting other martial arts techniques. Kira smiled, moving swiftly, grabbing both his arms, and pulling him toward her. She kicked his stomach hard multiple times while holding him, then lifted him into the air and kicked him away.
He crashed into the wall, spitting blood from his mouth, screaming in pain as several ribs broke.
Kira's expression changed. She forgot Azure wasn't from this world, and his body was merely human. She rushed to him.
Azure couldn't bear the pain and passed out.
…
He opened his eyes slowly, his vision blurry as he stared at the ceiling. *Why does this keep happening to me lately…*
Lycarius scoffed, "You impressed me for the first ten seconds of the fight, kid, but you're really an idiot."
Vladimir spoke coldly, "What do you expect from a frail boy who remembers nothing? That girl, Kira, is indeed a strong fighter."
Azure felt embarrassed by the quick loss, closing his eyes and covering them with his hands. Eve, what happened?
[Kira's strikes caused severe internal injuries. Master couldn't withstand the pain and passed out. A girl with blonde hair healed Master's wounds, and they moved you to rest. Kira's face was filled with worry and regret.]
Azure removed his hands, opened his eyes, and looked at the window. The glow of the night filled the room, a massive white moon visible in the sky.
He adjusted to a sitting position. Since we're alone now, I need to ask you two something I couldn't before.
Lycarius spoke sharply, "What?"
Why are you in my mind?
Vladimir's deep, calm voice answered, "As we told you before, we didn't choose to be in your mind. We died and ended up here."
Oh, sure, it's that simple! Azure mocked before continuing. And what exactly are you planning to do now that you're in my mind?
Vladimir fell silent. Azure snorted. I guess you were actually planning to take over my body. If it weren't for Eve, you'd be in control now.
Lycarius sneered, his voice sharp, "You know nothing, kid. Unlike a pathetic child like you, we need to return because we have things to lose."
Azure's face twitched with anger. And who are you to act like you're better than me? At least I'm not the one who died and became a "refugee" in someone else's body!
Lycarius grew furious. "Watch your tongue, you damned kid!"
Or what? Azure retorted coldly, his face full of anger. You're in my damned body, so show some respect. I could easily tell them there's an idiot in my mind… With their power and methods, they'd find a way to remove you, even if it hurts me. It will be your end.
Vladimir spoke quickly to calm the situation, "He didn't mean to offend you. You must understand we're leaders, burdened by concern for our people, so he was quick to anger."
Azure closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Fine, what will you do now? You can't return, and you don't have bodies to return to.
Vladimir sighed deeply, "Truthfully, we don't know yet. I hope you'll help us."
Azure laughed mockingly. Help you with what? I don't know anything about this world or my own. I don't remember anything personal about myself or anyone else. You saw how weak I am, even with knowledge of all martial arts. The only thing I can help with is praying.
Vladimir paused, silent.
Silence finally settled in Azure's mind. He looked at the window, the massive white moon bathing the room in a serene glow.
After about fifteen minutes, a knock came at the door. He glanced at it, stood, and went to open it.
When he opened the door, he saw the girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. Now he could focus on her better—her innocent, cute features made him want to pinch her rosy cheeks.
She looked at him, shyly staring at the floor. "We're sorry for what happened this morning," she said softly.
With actions and features like that, I don't think anyone could stay mad. He sighed before speaking, "No need to apologise. I'm fine now."
She looked up, smiling happily. "Thank you! Oh, I forgot to introduce myself… I'm Mira." She extended her hand, and Azure shook it, smiling. "Azure."
"Kira asked me to ask if you'd like to come to dinner?" Mira asked, her big eyes pleading for him to agree.
Azure blinked, smiling awkwardly while scratching his head. "Sure, if I won't be a burden."
Mira beamed, grabbing his hand and pulling him along.
Azure sighed as she dragged him to the dining room, a room connected to the kitchen and living room. In the centre was a dark wooden table that could seat eight.
As he entered, the four other girls looked at him. Kira approached and bowed slightly, speaking in a regretful tone. "I'm sorry for what happened. I forgot to control my strength properly."
Azure smiled shyly. "I'm really fine, no problem."
Kira had changed into a tight black shirt, a red sports jacket, and black pants. She looked at him gratefully. "Thank you for forgiving me. My mistake could've killed you."
"Well… I'm still alive, so no issue," he laughed weakly.
"Since he's here, can we eat? I'm starving!" said a girl with light blonde hair and turquoise eyes, weakly banging her head on the table.
Another girl spoke coldly, "Everyone, sit at the table. I'll set the food. Any talk can continue after dinner." She had long white hair and grey eyes, wearing a grey shirt and loose black pants, exuding elegance and order.
Everyone adjusted their seats at the rectangular table, with three chairs on each side and one at each end. Mira and Raven sat on the right, the light blonde-haired girl on the left. The white-haired girl placed food in front of each person. Azure didn't know where to sit.
Kira sighed. "You can sit next to Lina." Lina was the girl with light blonde hair and turquoise eyes.
After he sat, Kira took the head chair beside him. Once the white-haired girl had set all the food, she sat opposite Kira.
The dinner was seafood. Azure didn't know what was in front of him or how to eat it. He glanced at the others, trying to mimic them. Honestly, even without memory loss, he wouldn't know what this food was…
Kira noticed him and ,without a word, started helping him with the food. Azure's face turned red with embarrassment, but Kira didn't look at him, preparing her plate and his, cutting the food.
Though the table was quiet, the atmosphere was warm and calm.