> Welcome, Spirit Masters!
Welcome to a world where every human is born with a partner — a Spirit Beast — a creature of pure energy that shares their soul. Together, they fight, grow, and protect each other. When a Spirit is hurt, its master feels the pain. When a Spirit dies… the master's soul shatters forever. That is why the first and only rule of Spirit Battles exists — No killing. Defeat, yes. Destruction, never.
The announcer's voice echoed across the small town arena, riling up the crowd. Colorful banners flapped in the wind as two Spirit Masters faced off in the sandy ring, gauntlets glowing.
Riku's right hand tightened around his silver-blue gauntlet, its core shining like captured lightning.
"Alright, partner… let's end this in style!" he whispered with a grin.
A crackle of light burst from his core — a streak of silver fur and glowing eyes hit the ground. Bolt, his Wolf Spirit, growled, sparks dancing across its fur.
"Opponent ready!" the referee called.
Across the ring, another spirit — a bulky Earth-type boar — stomped the ground, dust rising.
The crowd leaned forward.
Riku's heart pounded. This was it. The final round.
"Bolt — THUNDER POUNCE!!"
The wolf blurred, a living streak of lightning.
A single, explosive impact shook the arena. The boar spirit squealed, its form glowing before dissolving into a flash of light — returning to its master's core, exhausted.
The referee's flag shot up.
"Victory — Riku & Bolt!"
"Yes!" Riku yelled, pumping his fist in the air.
Bolt howled triumphantly, tail wagging.
The audience cheered as Riku ran to scoop Bolt into a hug. "We did it, buddy!"
On the edge of the arena, a short-haired woman in a workshop apron smiled — Riku's mother, a known Spirit Engineer. Beside her, a younger boy — Riku's neighbor and best friend — jumped excitedly.
"You were awesome, Riku!"
"That Thunder Pounce was perfect!" his mom added, proud but calm.
Riku scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly.
"Heh, I told you guys we'd make it past the first round."
Bolt barked, clearly agreeing.
The sunlight poured onto the arena, and for a moment, Riku c
ould feel it — this was only the beginning.