As the Vanguard followed Seishin deeper into the dojo, Kurayami walked silently alongside them. His posture was calm, polite, but Kudo's eyes narrowed. Something about Kura's presence tugged at him—a weight in the air, a faint unease.
No… Kudo thought, shaking it off. Maybe I'm just tired.
Supira broke the silence.
"So, Kura… what's your Nexus?"
Kurayami gave a small smile, though his mind whispered otherwise.
"The Nexus of Shadow," he said simply.
(I can't tell them I have two. If I do, they'll grow suspicious…)
Kaosu turned to Seishin, eager.
"Sensei, how do we begin our training?"
Seishin's voice was steady and firm.
"Simple. Pick a partner."
Without hesitation, Kaosu pointed at Kudo.
"You. With me."
Doraibu gestured at Shimo, who reluctantly nodded.
Supira chose Mizu, and Kori called for Kaiyo. That left Rai, who turned toward Kurayami.
"I'll go with Kura."
Seishin gave a nod of approval.
"Good. Then let's begin with a spar. Kaosu, Kudo—you'll face Rai and Kura."
The battle started without warning.
Kudo moved first, materializing fragments of chaos into a gleaming dagger. Beside him, Kaosu summoned his dimension blade, its sharp edge humming with otherworldly energy.
Rai's skin hardened like steel, each step heavy and defensive. But Kurayami was already in motion—shadows coiling around his arms, shaping into long, curved claws. His speed blurred, movements sharp and predatory.
Kaosu and Kudo moved in perfect sync, blades slashing and stabbing in tandem. Rai tried to keep up but found himself constantly a step behind, unable to follow Kura's movements.
Then, in the middle of the clash, Kura grabbed Rai by the shoulder.
"Focus. Don't just look at their blades. Track the shifts in their stance—their eyes, their breath."
Rai's eyes widened. Suddenly, Kaosu's next strike was clear to him. For the first time, Rai moved in rhythm with Kudo and Kaosu, blocking with precision.
But even then, the two veterans overpowered them. Kura fought fiercely, pushing Kaosu and Kudo back, claws scraping against the dimension blade. His movements were too smooth, too refined for a mere student.
Then, almost casually, Kura's stance faltered. He left Rai open. In a flash, Kudo's elbow slammed into Rai's temple, knocking him out cold.
Seishin raised his hand, ending the match.
"Enough. That will do."
Kaosu and Kudo exchanged a nod, victorious. Rai groaned on the floor, while Kura offered him a hand, apologizing with a faint smirk.
But inside, his thoughts were sharp and cold.
Kaosu… Kudo… your coordination is dangerous. But even the strongest blades have flaws. And I'll find them.
The chapter ends with Kurayami's eyes narrowing, memorizing every move Kaosu and Kudo had made.