Silence filled the alley.
The air had grown heavy, as if some invisible beast was breathing within it. Arata still stood there in shock—his heart racing from the mysterious power that had just surged through his hands.
One of the three masked men leaned against the wall, injured. The other two slowly stepped forward, their eyes glowing like blood.
But then… the man with the long coat and silver hair stepped ahead.
He adjusted his glasses, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.
"Alright… let's play a little."
---
### The Battle Begins
The first masked man attacked, summoning a shadow from the ground.
*Shhhh!* The shadow tore through the surface and rushed straight toward the man.
But he simply snapped his fingers.
*Snap!*
In an instant, the entire alley flashed with lightning. Blue-white bolts crackled through the air, turning the shadow into ashes.
"You really think… you can touch me?" he said with a laugh.
The second masked man roared, releasing black smoke that spread around him. The smoke twisted into claw-like forms and lunged forward.
The man casually raised his hand and said,
"⚡ Raijin Art: Thunder Collapse!"
BOOM!
A massive sphere of lightning burst forth and struck the masked man directly. His mask shattered, and he collapsed to the ground with a scream.
---
### Arata's Reaction
Watching all of this, Arata held his breath.
So easily…?
It felt like he wasn't looking at a human, but at a god.
For the first time, he felt more excitement than fear.
*Could I… ever become like that?*
---
### The Mentor's Declaration
The last remaining masked man dragged his injured companions and growled,
"This isn't over… the ancient god will awaken."
They vanished into black smoke.
Now, only Arata and the mysterious man remained in the alley.
The man looked at him and smiled.
"See? They won't back down. And you, Arata… are their target."
Arata, still trembling, asked, "Who… are you?"
The man revealed his name.
"I am Ryoujin Kaze, heir of the Raizin Clan. And from today… your mentor."
His smile gleamed.
"The power sleeping in your blood—I will awaken it. Because if you don't become stronger… this world will fall into darkness."
Arata's eyes widened.
For the first time, both fear and hope found a place within him.
---
⚡ **To be continued…**