Vieira was no longer inside a small shop.
Before him stretched a vast, underground fortress. Towering stone pillars supported the massive chamber, and golden lanterns bathed the area in an eerie glow.
Hundreds of exorcists moved through the space... some in training, others deep in research. Sparring rings, meditation chambers, and weapon forges filled the underground city.
"This is The Order."
Kenji's voice was casual, but Vieira could tell he was watching for his reaction.
"We're deep beneath the city," Ryo added. "A space only accessible through marked entry points."
Aya turned to him. "This is where exorcists are trained, live, and fight. If you're going to be part of this world, you need to know what's at stake."
Vieira barely heard them. He was too busy taking it all in.
In one corner, exorcists sparred with weapons glowing in different colors, soul energy radiating from their blades and fists. In another, hooded figures analyzed strange symbols, their eyes filled with wisdom.
"Come on, there's someone you need to meet," Kenji said, nodding toward a stone staircase.
They led Vieira to an open training hall. A tall figure stood waiting for them.
The man looked to be in his late 30s, dressed in a dark coat with red accents. His presence was suffocating, like standing before a storm about to break.
"Vieira, this is Master Kaito," Kenji introduced him. "One of the senior exorcists."
Kaito studied Vieira with sharp eyes.
"So this is the boy who fought a Shadow with his bare hands?" his voice was deep, unreadable.
Vieira tensed. "Yeah... so what?"
Kaito didn't answer. Instead, he snapped his fingers.
Behind him, a gate of black mist opened. From within, a Shadow emerged..... its form hunched, its claws glistening with hunger.
"Survive." Kaito said simply.
Vieira barely had time to react before the Shadow lunged.