The dojo trembled with the echoes of combat. Shimo stood across from Doraibu, her breathing steady, her gaze sharp. This time, she wasn't rushing in blindly—she was listening to Kurayami's words.
Her Nexus stirred, flower petals spiraling faintly around her. She closed her eyes, not focusing on Doraibu's blinding speed, but on the trail of Nexus energy he left behind. Each step painted a line in the air. Each burst of motion revealed his path.
"I see you," Shimo whispered.
She charged forward, petals sharpening into blades. In a flash she closed the distance and slashed across Doraibu's guard, her daggers drawing a sharp cry from him.
"Gah—!" Doraibu winced, stumbling back. With a flare of desperation, he fired off ranged strikes of pure kinetic energy.
Shimo didn't panic. Calmly, she raised her petals, weaving them into a barrier that absorbed the blows. Then, with flawless precision, she darted in again, striking Doraibu clean across the chest and knocking him flat on his back. His body went still, unconscious.
The dojo fell silent.
Shimo stood, panting lightly, then turned to Kurayami. Without hesitation, she ran and embraced him, her smile bright and full of relief. Kurayami gave only the faintest smile in return, but for a moment, his cold eyes softened.
"Finally," she breathed.
Meanwhile, Doraibu lay curled on the ground, groaning. "That… hurt…" His voice cracked, on the verge of tears.
The room erupted with laughter, breaking the tension.
Across the floor, Rai and Kaiyo stood opposite one another. Their weaknesses weighed on them, but instead of frustration, determination lit their eyes.
"New approach," Rai said, steel Nexus shimmering faintly around his hands. "I'm switching to range."
Kaiyo nodded, arcs of lightning sparking around his legs. "And I'll slow myself down. Focus on control."
Their clash began. Rai sent steel shards flying through the air, forcing Kaiyo to weave and dodge. But this time, Kaiyo wasn't burning himself out with wild strikes—his lightning surged only through his legs, each movement sharper, more precise.
Rai dragged steel like chains, yanking Kaiyo close before delivering brutal combos. Kaiyo countered with kicks that cracked like thunder, his body slower, but stable. They fought until both collapsed, gasping.
But they weren't finished.
Training dummies marched in, mechanical bodies gleaming. The two exchanged a look—and charged.
Kaiyo's lightning wrapped his legs, carrying him through the field with fluid grace. Rai raised his arms, his Nexus shifting into a massive serpent of steel that coiled above the dojo, raining beams and shards down.
Kaiyo slipped through the storm, closing distance as the serpent roared. The two clashed head-on, fists colliding in an explosion of power. The shockwave knocked them both to the ground, unconscious but smiling.
Far away, in the King's Domain, Kori stood nervously across from Kudo. The boy's fists trembled, sparks of uncontrolled lightning dancing around him. Kaosu observed quietly from his chamber, saying nothing as he watched.
Kudo's voice was calm but stern. "Calm your mind. Think of walking on water."
Kori blinked. "But I… I can walk on water."
Kudo sighed. "Then imagine it. Balance. Stillness. Control."
Kori closed his eyes, but his thoughts wandered to the thrill of battle, the joy of destruction. His mindscape cracked, chaos spilling through his imagination.
"Stop!" Kudo snapped. "If you chase fun in battle, you'll lose yourself. You'll hurt the ones you care about."
Terrified, Kori whispered, "I don't want to hurt my friends."
Kudo's sternness broke into a small smile. "Good. Hold onto that. Now breathe. Focus only on your opponent. Nothing else."
Kori inhaled deeply, centering himself. When he opened his eyes, his aura shifted. His Nexus flared, evolving. Lightning coursed through him, but no longer erratic—sharp, precise. His senses sharpened. Every motion felt deliberate, every strike guided.
He charged the training dummy, ignoring the distractions around him. His fist struck with pinpoint accuracy, shattering the target exactly where he envisioned.
Panting, Kori dropped out of his transformation, a wide grin spreading across his face. "I did it!"
Kudo walked forward and ruffled his hair. "Well done." His tone grew serious. He knelt down, looking Kori in the eye. "But listen. Power can be fun—but never forget your surroundings. Don't hurt those who don't deserve it. Promise me."
Kori's smile softened, but his eyes burned with determination. "I promise."
Satisfied, Kudo reached into his cloak and revealed a glowing crystal, humming with Nexus energy. He held it out.
"Here. A gift. Your second Nexus."
Kori's eyes widened, his small hands trembling as he accepted it. "A second… Nexus?"
Kudo's smile widened. "Yes. The Nexus of The—"
The chapter ends.