Chapter 2: The Master's Journey
Four months had passed since the incident at the Royal Hotel.
Arashio's life had returned to normal, but he still couldn't forget the mysterious blue power that had awakened inside him. Wanting to become stronger, he enrolled in Satyass Academy, one of the greatest schools in the kingdom.
Standing in front of the school gate, Arashio took a deep breath.
"I hope no one bullies me this time."
As he entered the campus, he looked around in amazement. Students were summoning Monster Souls and practicing their abilities everywhere.
A girl with long black hair noticed him and smiled.
"Hi! You must be the new student. I'm Alice."
"I'm Arashio."
Alice took out a small device.
"This is a Rank Checker."
Beep.
Rank: E
Alice blinked in surprise.
"Rank E?"
She quickly smiled.
"Don't worry. Rank isn't everything."
She raised her hand.
"I summon you!"
A beautiful 4 tail white fox appeared beside her.
Arashio smiled.
"Your Monster Soul is amazing."
Alice noticed his expression.
"What about yours?"
Arashio lowered his head.
"I... don't have one."
Alice was surprised, but she didn't laugh.
"It's okay. Let's go to class."
As they walked upstairs, three boys blocked their path.
A red-haired boy stepped forward.
"My name is Ken."
Arashio smiled politely.
"Nice to meet you."
Ken laughed.
"Let's see how strong you are."
"I summon you!"
A small green frog appeared.
Arashio couldn't stop himself from laughing.
"A frog?"
Ken smirked.
"That's your mistake."
"Frog Tackle!"
BOOM!
Arashio was sent flying into the wall.
Before Ken could attack again, Alice stepped in front of Arashio.
"That's enough."
"If you want to fight..."
"Fight me."
Ken's confident smile disappeared.
"Tch..."
He quickly left with his friends.
Alice looked at everyone around her.
"Remember this."
"If anyone bullies Arashio..."
"You'll answer to me."
Arashio smiled for the first time.
"...Thank you."
After school, the lunch bell rang.
Arashio quietly sat alone with a simple lunch box filled with plain rice.
A moment later, Alice sat beside him.
"Mind if I join you?"
Before he could answer, a green-haired girl also walked over.
"Can I sit here too?"
"Sure."
The three began eating together.
Alice placed a can of cola on the table.
"We can share."
Arashio smiled awkwardly.
"Thanks."
Suddenly, the cafeteria became silent.
A handsome white-haired boy wearing black sunglasses entered.
Every student looked at him with admiration.
"It's Satoru Jojo!"
"He's the strongest first-year student!"
Arashio looked at him and whispered,
"He looks like Gojo."
Alice quickly covered his mouth.
"Please don't say that."
Jojo glanced at Arashio.
"So... you're the new student."
"Behave yourself."
Before Arashio could reply, the school announcement echoed across the campus.
"All first-year students, report to the training ground for the Power Test."
The students gathered around a giant machine.
The teacher smiled.
"We'll measure everyone's power level."
Alice stepped forward first.
"FOX Transformation!"
Three fluffy tails appeared behind her.
She punched the machine.
Power Level: 6,000
The students applauded.
Many others took their turns.
2,300...
4,100...
5,000...
Finally, Jojo walked forward.
Without transforming, he threw a single punch.
BOOM!
Power Level: 10,000
Everyone cheered.
Then it was Arashio's turn.
The examiner suddenly shouted,
"Everyone!"
"Activate your protective shields!"
The students looked confused but obeyed.
Arashio simply threw a normal punch.
The machine displayed...
Power Level: 1
The entire academy burst into laughter.
"What a loser!"
"So weak!"
Arashio lowered his head.
Inside his subconscious...
James appeared.
"I'll help you."
"But one day..."
"You must let me use your body."
Arashio didn't hesitate.
"I promise."
Blue light exploded around them.
Back in the real world, Arashio slowly closed his eyes.
Blue lightning surrounded his body.
The sky suddenly turned dark.
A terrifying pressure covered the academy.
Everyone stared at him in fear.
Blue energy gathered around his fist.
He punched the machine.
BOOOOOOM!!
The machine shook violently.
An alarm echoed throughout the academy.
Power Level: 100,000
NEW WORLD RECORD
Silence filled the training ground.
Students...
Teachers...
Even Satoru Jojo...
Everyone stood frozen in shock.
Moments later, Arashio collapsed.
When he opened his eyes again, he found himself lying on a soft bed.
Siya walked into the room with a gentle smile.
"You're awake."
Arashio slowly sat up.
"What happened?"
Siya looked at him seriously.
"Arashio..."
"The being inside your body..."
"...isn't a Monster Soul."
To Be Continued...