Morning came slow to the slums of Neo-Tokyo East. The sun peeked over collapsed billboards and hollow towers, spilling pale light onto cracked courts and rusted hoops.
Riku woke on the bench he'd crashed on, head throbbing, right arm faintly glowing beneath his sleeve. The mark from last night pulsed like it had its own heartbeat.
> Still alive, came Lira's voice, smooth and teasing inside his skull.
I expected you to burn out faster.
He groaned. "You talk too much for a ghost."
> Correction: I'm your ghost.
He splashed water from a cracked bottle over his face, the city's dust mixing with the memory of rain. "If we're bonded now, you'll need to get used to my routine."
> Meaning?
"Eat, train, repeat. Until I can challenge the Soul League."
> Adorable, she purred. But first—survive the hunters who sensed our contract last night.
Riku froze. "Hunters?"
> Every illegal bond sends a ripple through the Soul Network. The Bureau will come. And not politely.
A mechanical hum cut through the quiet. A black hover-van descended at the far end of the street, its emblem gleaming: S.E.B. — Soul Enforcement Bureau.
Three agents stepped out—uniforms crisp, eyes glowing faint blue, their own spirits flickering behind them like translucent beasts.
The tallest spoke. "Riku Vane. You are under arrest for summoning a forbidden-class spirit."
Riku cracked his neck. "Good morning to you too."
> You could surrender, Lira murmured. Let them cage you. Safe, painless.
He smirked. "You know that's not my style."
He picked up the basketball lying by the bench—the same one that had awakened her. Its surface shimmered faintly now, etched with faint sigils.
"Let's play."
The agent sneered. "This isn't a street game. It's an official Soul Match. You lose—we erase your spirit."
"Funny," Riku said, stepping onto the cracked court. "That's exactly what I wanted."
---
A holographic ring erupted around them, data-lines and spirit energy weaving together until the broken asphalt turned into a glowing Soul Court.
Spectral stands materialized—phantom crowds whispering in excitement. Even the air changed, vibrating with tension.
The lead agent's spirit materialized: a massive armored wolf, metal-jawed and snarling.
> Level B Spirit: Fenro, the Iron Howl.
Lira materialized beside Riku—ethereal, floating, violet light pouring from her eyes.
> Level ??? Spirit: Lira the Phantom Queen.
Gasps echoed from the Bureau team.
"Unknown spirit signature?! That's impossible!"
Riku grinned. "Guess your database needs an update."
---
The ball rose between them, floating in soul-light.
Ding!
Soul Match Start!
The wolf lunged first—fangs blazing like molten steel. The agent moved with him, every step synced. Their aura doubled.
"Spirit Link — Iron Drive!"
They blitzed forward; the ground shattered under their dash.
Riku's pupils dilated. "Fast."
> Borrow my eyes, Lira whispered. See beyond motion.
Purple light flooded his vision. The world slowed—every droplet of dust, every muscle twitch visible.
Riku sidestepped the charge, spinning once. The ball vanished from his hand—reappearing behind the agent's back.
"Wha—?!"
THUD!
Riku's crossover echoed like thunder, sending shockwaves through the spiritual air.
> Resonance Level: 12%... increasing.
Lira's shadow wrapped around him, forming a faint ghost image that mimicked his moves.
"Phantom Dribble," he muttered.
The wolf lunged again, claws flashing. Riku ducked, rolled, and bounced the ball through the spirit's legs—light bending with every dribble.
Then he jumped.
The ghost behind him leaped too—merging midair.
> Resonance Mode: Active.
He dunked.
The explosion of energy shattered the court's hologram barrier, rippling through the block. The wolf howled, fading into static.
When the smoke cleared, the Bureau agents were kneeling—shocked, defeated.
---
Riku landed lightly, exhaling steam. The ball rolled back into his palm.
> You're enjoying this, Lira said, half-amused.
"Yeah," he admitted. "Feels good to breathe again."
The lead agent struggled to stand. "You… awakened her. You've no idea what you've done."
"Then maybe you should tell me," Riku said, walking past him.
"Lira the Phantom Queen destroyed the first Soul Court," the man hissed. "She killed the Spirit Emperor himself."
Riku paused. "…Cool story."
> It's true, Lira whispered. But they left out why.
Riku smiled faintly. "Guess I'll hear the full version when you're ready."
He turned the corner, vanishing into the fog.
Behind him, the Bureau agents transmitted frantic signals to headquarters.
> Subject Riku Vane confirmed in possession of Class S Phantom Spirit. Recommend immediate containment.
---
Later, in the Spirit Realm
High above the mortal courts, in a city of light and thunder, a dozen celestial figures sat around a circular table—the Council of Referees.
A woman draped in gold light opened her eyes. "The Phantom Queen has returned."
Another leaned forward, voice trembling. "Should we intervene, Lady Nyra?"
Nyra smiled. "Not yet. Let's see if the boy can survive the opening tip of destiny."
To be continued...