Part 20 – The Test
"What test?"
Hiroshi: "Yes, you must take a test. A test of illusion. You'll have to answer three of my questions correctly. If you do, I'll teach you archery. If not…"
"What do I do If I fail?"
Hiroshi: "We'll figure that out after you lose. Though… you're definitely going to fail."
Ha! Dream on.
Hiroshi paused for a moment, then snapped his fingers.
Suddenly, the entire room changed—
It became a traditional Japanese-style interior, with floor mats for sitting and candles lighting the space.
Both of us were now wearing male kimonos.
"…"
Hiroshi gestured for us to sit.
Anyone would be surprised by the sudden transformation—from a damp, ruined house to a beautiful, serene space.
But with Hiroshi, it was expected.
He was a spirit, after all—and spirits, beyond being supernatural, possess extraordinary powers.
…
Hiroshi: "Alright. First question."
"What makes someone work hard for their family, to give them a better life—even to the point of selling out their own family?
This thing can bring both benefit and harm to their loved ones."
Ha! Easy.
"It's wealth.
Wealth drives people to work hard.
It gives your family a comfortable life.
Without it, your family suffers—always in pain.
They stray from the right path, fall into corruption.
Poverty makes them sick, desperate—sometimes even sell themselves for money.
That's why you chase wealth—for your family.
And that's how you end up selling your family for it."
Hiroshi: "How?"
Well, the book had hinted at this.
The author had shown Hiroshi's own thoughts during battle—his beliefs were the answers to his own questions.
Hiroshi: "Alright. Next question."
"What is something that brings happiness to humans—but also harm?"
"Fame and fortune.
Both make people admire you.
You live well.
No one looks down on you.
But fame and fortune also make people judge you harshly.
They see your flaws.
And you start looking down on others in return."
Hiroshi: "Where are you getting these answers from?
Fine. But you won't get the next one."
Hiroshi: "What is something that never returns—and leaves humans with regret and sorrow for the rest of their lives?"
"Time, my friend.
When loved ones are gone, you mourn the past.
You fear losing someone else.
You wish time would rewind—but it never does.
That regret stays with you forever.
Time… death… it takes everyone—yourself, your family."
Hiroshi: "This is unacceptable. You knew all the answers."
"What?"
Hiroshi: "This isn't acceptable. You'll have to take another test."
"Another test?! I answered all your questions!"
Hiroshi: "I don't force anyone to learn. If you're not interested, you can leave."
"…What a jerk. No wonder Manuel Torj treated him so badly."
"Fine. But I have one condition."
Hiroshi: "I'm the teacher. I'm giving the test. You're setting conditions for me?!"
"You're testing me.
I never forced anyone to test me.
So you can ignore the test and just teach me."
Hiroshi: "Alright. What's your condition?"
"You're a master archer.
If we had an archery contest, I'd obviously lose.
But I believe in fairness.
And I'm better than you In swordsmanship—you'd lose.
So let's have a fair match—one where both of us have a chance."
Hiroshi: "Hmm… what kind of match?"
"A fistfight."
Hiroshi: "I believe In archery contests.
But… you've got an interesting spirit.
I like honor.
Fine. Let's do a fistfight."
…
We bowed to each other before the match.
The rule was simple:
Whoever surrendered first—lost.
Hiroshi used his powers to extinguish the candles.
That meant the fight had begun.
He attacked first.
I defended.
He struck again—I blocked.
Then I caught his punch with one hand and threw my first punch.
But he tilted his head—my hand landed on his shoulder.
I quickly stepped back, circled around, and tried to attack from behind.
He read my move and came straight at me.
Hiroshi struck again—this time his punch hit my face.
I fell to the ground.
I don't know how long we fought.
But both of us were bruised, bleeding, and panting—sitting on the floor.
Our faces were bloody.
Our bodies covered In bruises.
Still—I tried to attack again.
But Hiroshi…
…raised his hand and said:
"Hey hey—you win.
You wore me out.
Fine—I'll teach you.
Just don't keep fighting."
"Hooray!"
Finally, I decided—starting tomorrow, I'll begin learning archery.
We were both exhausted.
Tomorrow, the real training begins.
End of Part 20