The Forest – The Hunt
Two rabbits scavenged for food, unaware that a swift and decisive strike from Shira was about to end their journey. He held them up, his gaze sharp yet tinged with a silent apology: "Forgive me."
Returning to his humble hut, Shira summoned Fire Mikano with a flick of his wrist to ignite the hearth. As the meat sizzled over the flames, he pulled a carefully folded parchment from his cloak—a stolen official document from a guard convoy he had once ambushed. It bore the prestigious seal of the Mikano Academy.
"If I use this name... no one will suspect a thing," Shira muttered, scanning the paper. He touched the skin near his eyes, adding, "I must hide my facial scar as well; that boy at the market saw it."
He began forging a new signature: "Aldo"—a young man from the Neutral Zone, gifted in Fire Mikano. Shira had killed the real Aldo, but to him, it was a necessary sacrifice. Linkbol and Nokotomo were the last strongholds; if his mother and brother weren't here, they were nowhere.
Administration Building – Rising Suspicions
At the Academy offices, Headmistress Larin paused at Aldo's file. She raised an eyebrow at her assistant. "A boy from the Neutral Zone with a fire rating this high? Prepare a level-placement test for him. He might be an impostor."
Noroko's House – Clouds of Anxiety
Meanwhile, Noroko greeted the day with his usual warmth. "Good morning, Mom."
Minahoke turned slowly, her hand stirring the pot mechanically while her eyes remained fixed on the void outside the window. Her soul seemed trapped in the corridors of her nightmare.
"Good morning, dear..." she replied with a faint, trembling smile.
Noroko stepped closer, concerned. "Mom? Are you okay? You don't seem like yourself today."
She suppressed her dread, forcing a light laugh. "Me? Oh, it's nothing. I just overlept. Now sit; breakfast is ready, and I won't let you leave without eating."
Noroko smiled, but his heart wasn't at ease. Behind his mother's silence, a storm was brewing.
The Academy – The Newcomer
The hallways were buzzing as Mizra read excitedly from a newspaper: "Look! One of the Six Guardians—the 'Electric Lizard'—took down an entire bandit gang by himself!"
While Nihi and Noroko were impressed, Bringo said coldly, "I knew Rerov would be assigned to that. My father told me the stolen scrolls were from the Golden Tree archives." He added mockingly, "That arrogant Schaefer should have done it, if he weren't busy wasting time in taverns."
The bell rang, and students settled into Class 5-B. Suddenly, Vice-Principal Kiva entered, followed by a tall, sharp-featured young man with black hair falling over his brow.
"We have a new transfer student today," Kiva announced. "His name is Aldo. His level will be determined shortly."
Aldo's (Shira's) eyes locked onto Noroko. It's the boy from the market, he thought. I'm in the right class.
Training Grounds – A Display of Power
After the third period, students gathered to watch Aldo's assessment. Sir Edward stood ready. "Aldo, show us your basic level of control."
Without a word, Aldo raised his palm. Six small fire squares appeared, expanding into blazing orbs. With a snap of his fingers, the orbs streaked forward, striking the targets with surgical precision—no manual guidance required.
"He hit them without even trying!" students whispered in awe.
Edward smiled. "Advanced level and high responsiveness. Well done, boy."
The Quiet Encounter
Later, as Aldo sat alone by the fountain, Noroko approached and sat beside him. "Strange to see you sitting all by yourself. I'm not the curious type, but your energy is... different. And you don't look familiar."
"Must I be familiar?" Aldo replied coldly.
Noroko chuckled. "Not necessarily, but if you plan on staying, people will talk to you."
Aldo looked back at the water, his voice low. "I'm here for one reason: to evolve my Mikano and become strong."
Noroko stood up, intrigued. "Fair enough. Then let's give it our all to reach the top."
As Noroko walked away, Aldo's eyes lingered on him, searching for a ghost of something lost in the shadows of time.
Te be continued