That night, Kashikari sensed something stirring in the city… a presence that wasn't human.The city slept… but the shadows were awake.
Kashikari walked.Alone.His mind was tangled.School. People. The past. And Jinwi.
"Something's coming…"
Kashikari stopped.A shadow.Slowly emerging from the darkness.A creature.Not human.Its eyes…Void. Empty.
"What… is that?"
Jinwi's voice sharpened:"Kill it."
Kashikari flinched."What?""If you don't… you'll die."
The creature lunged.Fast. Ferocious.
But Kashikari…Was faster.He dodged, pivoted, and countered.
But then he froze.This…Was the first real death.His hands trembled.
"I… I can't," he whispered.
Jinwi roared inside his mind:"YOU WILL!"
Time seemed to slow.And—Reflex.
Kashikari lunged.His strike…Pierced straight for the heart.
Silence.
The creature crumpled.Motionless.
Kashikari's breath hitched.He looked at his hands.Blood.Warm. Sticky.
For the first time.
Jinwi whispered softly:"It's begun."
Kashikari sank to his knees.Inside…Something shattered.But at the same time—Something awakened.Cold. Determined. Deadly.
He rose slowly.This time…No trembling.
"I will continue."
Jinwi chuckled quietly, almost approvingly:"There it is… my carrier."
The night grew heavier.A storm was coming.And Kashikari…Was ready.