The mangrove swamp was quiet again.
Broken branches and scorched mud marked where the Storm Hunters had fallen only minutes earlier.
Standing at the riverbank, the tall stranger watched Preye calmly.
He had not moved during the fight.
Not even once.
His spear rested lazily on his shoulder, but his eyes were sharp like a hunter studying dangerous prey.
"My name is Kuro," he repeated.
Preye crossed her arms,
I heard you the first time.
Beside her, Timi whispered loudly,
That man looks like he fights crocodiles for breakfast.
Preye ignored him.
She studied Kuro carefully.
He was tall and powerfully built, his skin marked with faint tribal patterns that glowed slightly with Ori energy.
His presence felt heavy, like the air itself respected him.
Kuro's eyes moved from the unconscious hunters back to Preye.
You defeated three Storm Hunters without training, his voice was calm; but your control is terrible.
Preye raised an eyebrow.
You watched the entire fight and that's your conclusion?"
Yes.
Timi raised his hand , I personally thought she looked very impressive.
Kuro ignored him completely.
Preye tilted her head.
So let me guess, she gestured toward the swamp; you're also here to capture me?
Kuro shook his head, No.
"Kill me?"
No.
Kidnap me for a mysterious organization?
No.
Timi whispered, that one usually happens.
Kuro finally lowered his spear from his shoulder.
I'm here to test you.
Preye frowned, Test me?
Yes.
Without warning....Kuro moved, fast.
Faster than any opponent she had faced.
His spear sliced through the air like lightning.
Preye barely reacted in time.
She jumped backward.
The spear struck the ground where she had stood.
BOOM
Mud exploded.
Timi screamed and dived behind a canoe.
I AM JUST A SUPPORT CHARACTER!
Preye's eyes sharpened.
Are you insane?
Kuro stepped forward calmly.
If you carry the Storm, weakness will kill you."
His spear pointed directly at her.
So fight.
Preye's hands slowly began to glow blue.
Ori energy crackled around her fingers.
Fine.
She stepped forward, let's fight.
The Battle Begins,
Kuro attacked first.
His spear moved like a living thing.
A sweeping strike aimed at her ribs.
Preye twisted her body.
The spear missed her by inches.
She countered instantly.
Her glowing fist shot toward his chest.
But Kuro blocked it with the wooden shaft of his spear.
CRACK
The impact sent vibrations through the swamp.
Kuro's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Good power."
Then he kicked.
Preye barely blocked in time.
The force pushed her back several steps through the mud.
He's strong.
Stronger than the hunters.
Much stronger.
Kuro rushed forward again.
His spear spun in a deadly arc.
Preye ducked.
The blade sliced through a hanging mangrove branch.
She retaliated.
Blue lightning burst from her palm.
THUNDER STRIKE
The energy slammed toward Kuro.
But he moved like water.
The blast struck a tree instead.
BOOM
Wood exploded.
Timi peeked from behind the canoe, I feel like we should charge tickets for this.
Preye gritted her teeth.
Stand still!
Kuro smirked slightly.
That would defeat the purpose of combat.
He lunged again.
This time his spear struck her shoulder.
Not deep.
But enough to tear her sleeve.
Preye jumped back.
Her breathing grew heavier.
Kuro watched her carefully.
Your power is strong.
He twirled the spear once.
But your mind is unfocused.
Preye's eyes flashed.
Then help me focus!
Blue lightning erupted violently around her.
The swamp water began to ripple.
Wind swirled through the mangrove trees.
Timi's eyes widened.
Oh no!.
Preye stepped forward.
Her voice lowered.
You wanted a test.
Her entire body crackled with storm energy.
Here it is.
She charged.
Storm vs Spear
The ground exploded beneath her feet.
Her speed doubled.
Her glowing fist shot forward like lightning itself.
Kuro's eyes widened slightly.
That was fast.
He blocked the attack with his spear.
BOOM
The impact pushed him backward several meters.
Mud splashed everywhere.
For the first time, Kuro smiled.
Good.
Preye attacked again.
A second lightning strike.
Kuro spun his spear.
The blade cut through the air and redirected the energy.
The blast shot into the river.
Water exploded upward.
Timi screamed again.
"PLEASE STOP ANGERING THE RIVER GODS!"
Preye didn't stop.
Her next strike carried even more power.
Kuro blocked again.
But this time
His feet slid backward through the mud.
He planted the spear into the ground.
The energy shockwave shattered several nearby mangrove roots.
Silence followed.
Preye stood breathing hard.
Blue lightning flickered around her body.
Kuro slowly pulled his spear from the ground.
His eyes looked impressed.
"Enough."
Preye blinked.
What?
Kuro rested the spear on his shoulder again, and replied, you passed.
Timi stood up.
Wait… THAT was a test?
Kuro nodded; yes.
Preye crossed her arms angrily.
You attacked me with a spear!
"Yes."
You could have killed me!
"No."
Timi raised a finger.
He has a point.
Preye glared at him.
Kuro continued calmly.
You carry a dangerous power.
He looked directly into her eyes.
If you don't learn control, the Order of the Silent Tide will kill you.
Preye's expression hardened.
I already figured that part out.
Kuro nodded.
Then listen carefully, he pointed his spear toward the distant rivers.
"There is a place beyond Opundi, a hidden training ground once used by Storm wielders.
Preye raised an eyebrow.
And you know this place?"
"Yes."
Timi leaned closer.
"Is there food there?"
Kuro ignored him.
"If you come with me, I will teach you how to control the storm."
Preye looked at the river.
Then at the unconscious hunters.
Then back at Kuro.
You're offering to train me?
"Yes."
Why?
Kuro's expression became serious.
Because the storm is returning to Tamunoara.
The wind blew across the water.
Kuro's voice lowered.
And when it does; his eyes sharpened.
The world will either fear you, or follow you.
Timi smiled excitedly.
I vote for the second option.
Preye looked at the glowing energy in her hand.
Then she looked at Kuro again.
Slowly
She smiled.
Alright.
She cracked her knuckles.
Teach me.
Far away, deep inside Opundi City, a group of hooded figures gathered around a dark table.
One of them spoke quietly.
"The Storm bearer has awakened."
Another voice answered coldly.
Then send the Tide Reapers.
The room fell silent.
Before the storm grows stronger.