NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: First Trial
As Kai practiced with Yamigami, he quickly realized how demanding the blade truly was. Each swing sapped his energy, leaving him gasping for air. His muscles ached, his vision blurred, but he pressed on.
The cherry blossom tree loomed behind him, a silent witness to his struggle. Every time he faltered, he glanced at the grave beneath it, the memory of Mochi spurring him forward.
"This is for you," he whispered, swinging the katana with renewed determination.
The blade glowed faintly, as if in response.
---
Just as he began to find a rhythm, the ground beneath him trembled. Shadows pooled around the base of the tree, coalescing into a monstrous form.
.
.
.
Kai's limbs felt like lead as he rose to his feet, gripping Yamigami with trembling hands. The demon prowled before him, its crimson eyes glowing with primal hunger. The shadows around it writhed and twisted, as if the creature were drawing power directly from the night itself.
"Steady your breathing," the Yamigami's voice echoed in his mind, calm yet insistent. "You cannot outlast it if you fight recklessly."
"Easy for you to say," Kai growled, sidestepping as the demon lunged. Its claws sliced through the air, narrowly missing his face.
"You're the one who wanted power," the Yamigami shot back, almost sounding amused.
"Power doesn't mean much if I'm dead!" Kai countered, parrying another swipe. The force of the impact sent vibrations up his arms, threatening to wrench the katana from his grip.
The demon leapt back, its claws dragging furrows in the dirt. It growled low, its twisted body crouched and ready to pounce again.
Kai adjusted his stance, planting his feet firmly. He glanced at Yamigami, the runes on the blade glowing faintly. "You said this thing could help me. What else can it do?"
"There is a technique," the Yamigami said. "Shadow Strike. It will amplify your speed and strength for a single, decisive blow."
"Great. How do I use it?" Kai asked, dodging another attack.
"Channel your will into the blade. Focus on your target. But be warned—such power comes at a price."
Kai gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling under his skin. "Of course it does."
The demon charged, its claws slamming into the ground where Kai had stood moments before. He rolled to the side, breathing heavily. His body felt like it was running on fumes, but the thought of Mochi's bell—the soft chime he would never hear again—spurred him on.
"Fine," he muttered. "Let's try it your way."
Kai tightened his grip on Yamigami, closing his eyes for a brief moment. He focused on the demon, its movements, its snarls, the way its shadow seemed to flicker unnaturally.
"Shadow Strike," the Yamigami intoned, its voice low and resonant.
The runes on the katana flared to life, glowing a brilliant silver. Kai felt a surge of energy course through him—hot and electric, like a storm building inside his veins. His legs moved before his mind could catch up, propelling him forward at a speed he didn't know he possessed.
The demon barely had time to react. Kai's blade slashed through it in a single, fluid motion, carving a line of light through the darkness. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Then the demon let out a guttural roar, its body splitting apart into wisps of black mist.
Kai staggered, dropping to one knee. The adrenaline that had fueled him moments ago vanished, replaced by a crushing exhaustion. His vision blurred, and his breath came in ragged gasps.
"You did well," the Yamigami said. "But your body is not yet accustomed to Yamigami's power. Rest, or you won't last long."
Kai didn't respond. He stared at the katana in his hand, the glow of its runes fading into darkness. "This… this is insane," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "How am I supposed to keep going like this?"
As the mist from the demon's corpse dispersed, a strange, faint glow lingered in the air. It twisted and coalesced into a tiny orb of light, hovering where the demon had fallen.
"What is that?" Kai asked, forcing himself to his feet.
"A fragment of the demon's essence," the Yamigami explained. "It is harmless, but it may provide insight into what lies ahead."
Kai reached out hesitantly, and the orb dissolved into his hand. A strange warmth spread through him, accompanied by a fleeting vision: a vast, shadowy expanse and countless glowing eyes watching from the darkness.
He shuddered, pulling his hand back. "What was that?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with," the Yamigami replied, though its tone was unusually guarded.
Kai narrowed his eyes. "You're hiding something."
"There are truths you are not ready to face," the Yamigami said simply. "Focus on your journey. Everything else will reveal itself in time."
Kai didn't trust it—how could he? A disembodied voice with its own agenda wasn't exactly the most reassuring companion. But for now, he had no other choice.
His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, too drained to move. The cherry blossom tree loomed above him, its petals falling like a soft, pink rain. He closed his eyes, clutching Yamigami tightly.
"I'll do it, Mochi," he murmured. "I'll bring you back. No matter what it takes."
The sound of footsteps roused him from his haze. Kai's eyes snapped open, his grip on Yamigami tightening as he scanned the area. A figure stood over him, cloaked and hooded, their face obscured.
"You've seen better days," the figure said, their voice light and teasing.
"Who are you?" Kai demanded, forcing himself to sit up.
The figure crouched, pulling back their hood to reveal a woman with long silver hair and piercing emerald eyes. A small bell dangled from a necklace around her neck, catching the faint light of the moon.
"Call me Amaya," she said, smiling faintly. "And I think you're going to need my help."
Kai frowned, eyeing her warily. "Why would you help me?"