Izumi woke up, his eyes half-closed as he dragged himself to the kitchen. The morning silence filled the space. As he turned, something caught his attention. Niori was outside, alone, punching a tree trunk with an almost brutal intensity. Each strike reverberated through the area as if it were the only thing that mattered to her in that moment.
The scene shifts to a flashback, revealing a tense conversation between Niori and Zanko.
Niori (restless): Why does he have to stay here? Even if he's like me, there's no reason to shelter a stranger.
Zanko (calmly): Because if we don't, we'll doom the world.
Niori (confused): What do you mean?
Zanko: Excidium. That's the name of the spirit he profaned, the Spirit of Destruction, one of the two primordials.
Niori: So what? It's not like he can control it. We saw it in the fights. He has no experience or harmony with that spirit.
Zanko: Ancient notes and prophecies from your great-grandfather say that Excidium will be the key to the success or failure of our goal.
Niori (defiant): What goal?
Zanko (enigmatic): You'll have to discover that for yourself. I'll only give you its name: Genesis.
Zanko (serious): Until then, look after the boy. Don't let anyone lay a hand on him.
The flashback fades, returning to the present, where Niori finishes her training with a final blow that leaves her hand bleeding. She glances at Izumi for a brief second before walking off toward her room without a word.
Takeru (yawning as he enters the kitchen): Don't mind her. She's going through tough times.
Izumi: What do you mean?
Takeru: Haven't you noticed her red eyes? From what I know, she was chosen by Adima, or something like that. Now it's eating her up inside. What can you do…
Izumi: And you? Your teacher seems to know about this stuff. Your sister has one too, so…
Takeru (cutting in, firm): First, she's my cousin, not my sister. Second, I use magic, not spirits. I rely on my own energy—I don't need mystical beings to do what you two struggle to achieve.
Izumi hesitates, taken aback by Takeru's sharp tone.
Takeru (calmer): By the way, the old man's looking for you. He's in the dojo.
Izumi: Oh… okay…
Izumi walks to the dojo and finds Zanko seated, a troubled look on his face.
Zanko: Sit, child.
Izumi obeys, feeling the weight of words yet unspoken.
Zanko (serious): The path ahead of you will be difficult, with no room to run. You'll have to face the worst the world has to offer. But know this: no matter what you face, your ambitions will determine your rise or your ruin…
Zanko locks eyes with Izumi, his voice heavy with meaning.
Zanko: Don't let it strip you of your ideals.
Izumi remains silent, trying to process what was said.
Zanko (resolute): Niori and Takeru will help you with your training. Whenever you think you can defeat me in combat, come to me. I'll give you what you need to grow.
The scene cuts to flashes of Izumi training with Niori and Takeru, honing his skills. He learns to defend, attack, and grasp the basics of magic while adapting to Takeru's portals. In some moments, Izumi trains with Zanko, whose expression occasionally betrays a faint hint of satisfaction.
Time passes—three months in total. The final training scene shows Izumi in a fierce sparring match against Zanko. This time, the master fights more reactively, forced to defend and counterattack. Niori joins the fray, charging at Zanko and leaping with a powerful kick, which he deflects with precision. The two keep attacking, flanking the sensei with coordination. When Takeru summons a portal beneath their feet, they emerge at Zanko's blind spot. Yet, he blocks their combined assault, knocking Niori down and throwing Izumi onto Takeru. Zanko stands victorious as the three collapse to the ground, exhausted.
Takeru (lying down, laughing): How do you still manage to beat us like that, huh, old man?
Zanko (smiling): As they say, nothing beats experience.
The brief moment of rest is shattered by a loud crash echoing through the house. The front door flies through the air, landing in the dojo.
Takeru (alert): That doesn't sound like a friendly visit…
Zanko (concerned, turning to his students): Niori… take them.
Niori (trying to argue): No, we can stay and hel—
Zanko (firmly): Now, Niori…
Niori hesitates but follows orders, leading Takeru and Izumi through a back passage to a field outside the city.
The chapter ends with Zanko facing two intruders, ready for battle. He stands still, calm and composed.