The cold mountain air bit at their skin as Blade Taizuka and his team ascended higher along Mount Akatsuki's rugged path. Their boots crunched against the hardened soil, each step feeling heavier as the altitude increased. The sun had dipped lower into the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, while the wind howled around them.
Kibito Akammi groaned, stretching his aching legs. "How much higher do we have to go? My legs are gonna fall off!"
Blade, always focused, kept his gaze forward. "Just keep moving."
Suntaro Akammi chuckled, slapping Kibito on the back. "What? The mighty Kibito's tired already?"
"Shut up, Suntaro!" Kibito snapped, rubbing his shoulders. "I don't have endless energy like you!"
Kagami Hanera, however, wasn't paying attention to their usual banter. Something ahead unsettled her. The mist that wrapped around the mountain moved in unnatural swirls, as if alive. Her grip tightened on her sword.
"Something's ahead…" she whispered.
Blade immediately tensed, his instincts screaming.
And then—they appeared.
Three figures emerged from the mist, clad in dark robes with white masks that concealed their faces. They stood motionless, blocking the path. Their presence was eerie, their silence suffocating.
"Travelers, halt," one of them finally spoke, their voice hollow, devoid of emotion. "This is a test of wisdom."
Blade's hand instinctively went to Kamikaze's hilt, while Kibito cracked his knuckles. Suntaro rolled his shoulders, and Kagami remained calm but alert.
Blade's voice was firm. "If this is a test, then ask."
The masked figures remained still as one of them stepped forward. "We will let you pass if you can answer our riddle."
Kibito groaned. "Seriously? We climb this damn mountain only to play word games?"
Suntaro smirked. "Hey, let's hear it. How hard could it be?"
The second masked figure's voice echoed through the mist.
"No lie, why would you cry? At the end, all will die."
A heavy silence followed.
Blade frowned, clenching his fist. "That doesn't make any sense."
Kagami, however, was already deep in thought. The words weren't just meaningless poetry—there was a pattern. She closed her eyes, allowing her mind to dissect the riddle carefully.
Then, her eyes snapped open.
"The answer is… us," she said with certainty.
The masked figures flinched, a rare reaction of surprise.
"You figured it out… so quickly?" one of them asked.
Suntaro crossed his arms, smirking. "Yeah, it's simple. If we break down and cry, we lose hope. And if we lose hope, our answer to the old man at the base of the mountain becomes a lie. And liars die."
Blade's gaze sharpened. "This test was meant to see if we would falter. If we doubted ourselves, we would have lost right here."
The masked figures exchanged glances before nodding.
"You may pass," the first one said, stepping aside.
As they moved forward, the mist lifted, revealing a breathtaking sight. The horizon stretched endlessly, golden clouds swirling beneath them. At the very peak of the mountain stood an ancient stone structure—the Gate of Heavens.
Kibito's jaw dropped. "Whoa… this view is insane."
But before they could admire it further, a familiar voice rang out.
"Took you long enough."
They turned to see Majinto Sakagi, lounging against a rock, arms crossed with a smug smirk.
Kibito's face twisted in pure disbelief. "WHAT?! How did you get here before us?!"
Majinto shrugged. "Because I'm faster than you slowpokes."
Suntaro burst out laughing. "Man, this guy's got an attitude."
Blade sighed. This was going to be interesting.
And then—another presence made itself known.
An old man, his long white hair flowing behind him, approached with a wooden staff in hand. Despite his frail appearance, his presence commanded absolute attention.
"So… five out of thirty made it here," he mused.
Blade stepped forward, his grip tightening on Kamikaze. "Who are you?"
The old man smirked, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "I am Dangoichi Haruka, Emperor of Mount Akatsuki."
A heavy silence settled between them.
Blade and Kibito stepped forward. "I'm Blade Taizuka."
"And I'm Kibito Akammi!" Kibito added quickly.
Suntaro narrowed his eyes, analyzing the old man's clothing. "If you're an emperor, why do you dress like some wandering hermit?"
Kagami, ever respectful, bowed slightly. "I'm Kagami Hanera. It's an honor to meet you."
Majinto, however, went full dramatic. He pulled out a small drum from seemingly nowhere and started beating it dramatically.
"I am the strongest man! Majinto Sakagi!"
Blade, Kibito, and Suntaro stared blankly at him.
Blade sighed. "…This guy's a weirdo."
Dangoichi stroked his beard, his wise eyes scanning each of them.
"They may be rookies, but… there's something special about them."
Then, his tone became serious. "Your training starts tomorrow."
The group exchanged glances. The real test was about to begin.
---
A Night at the Summit
Dangoichi led them into a large wooden lodge, where they would stay.
"Rest up," he instructed. "You'll need it."
Inside, the group finally relaxed.
Kibito and Majinto engaged in a full-blown pillow fight.
Suntaro had already passed out on the bed.
Kagami sat near the window, sketching the mountain's scenery.
Blade, however, sat alone on the rooftop, staring at the sky.
The stars twinkled above, clear and endless.
His hand rested on Kamikaze.
"Finally… time to become the strongest."
---
Morning Training Begins
At the crack of dawn, Dangoichi's voice BOOMED through the lodge.
"WAKE UP, FOOLISH BRATS!"
Suntaro, Kibito, and Majinto jumped awake in panic.
"WHAT THE HELL?!?" Kibito shouted, scrambling to his feet.
Blade, completely unbothered, was still peacefully snoring.
Dangoichi smirked. "Suntaro, wake him up."
Suntaro cracked his knuckles. "With pleasure."
ZAP!
Blade bolted upright, electricity crackling through his hair.
"WHO DID THAT?!" he roared.
Suntaro grinned. "Morning, sunshine."
Blade glared. He was going to get him back for that.
---
The First Trial
Dangoichi led them outside. The cold morning air was refreshing, though none of them were truly prepared for what came next.
"Training lasts nine months," Dangoichi explained. "Based on your growth, you'll be assigned roles—captain, assistant, maybe even emperor!"
Blade's eyes blazed with determination.
"I will be the strongest."
Dangoichi smirked, pointing at something in the ground.
Half-buried in the dirt was an ancient sword. Its blade pulsed faintly with an unknown energy.
"First…" Dangoichi said, his voice like a challenge.
"Touch this sword. Let's see your aura."
---
To Be Continued…