Chapter Four

Narrator's Point of View

"You have to go to the Phantom World to continue your training."

Her mother's words echoed in Reika's mind as she packed her belongings. The weight of those words pressed against her chest, making it harder to breathe. Allyna would remain behind, defending the mortal world from the Dark Phantoms. That meant she wouldn't be able to continue training Reika herself.

Reika sighed, glancing around her room one last time. She hadn't expected to leave so soon—so suddenly. There was no time to say goodbye to her friends, no time to process everything.

Once she had packed her clothes and other essentials, she whispered an incantation. A soft glow enveloped her large suitcase, shrinking it into a small, compact box that she slipped into her pocket.

"It's time," Allyna called gently from the doorway.

Reika took a deep breath and followed her mother outside. She stood still for a moment, closing her eyes and savoring the familiar scent of the mortal world's air. It might be a long time before she would breathe it again.

The surroundings glowed softly as a massive magic circle formed beneath her mother's feet.

Allyna raised her hand, her deck of enchanted cards floating into the air. They hovered around her, glowing faintly as they formed a ring.

"The power that connects to the Phantom World... Release!"

A swirling blue vortex erupted before Reika. It shimmered like liquid light, pulsating with power. This was the gateway.

Allyna turned to her daughter, her eyes filled with both pride and sorrow. "Be careful, Reika."

Reika hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "I will."

Then, with one final glance at her mother, she stepped into the vortex.

The moment Reika's feet touched the ground, her eyes widened in shock.

The sky above her stretched into an endless, shimmering expanse of twilight. People soared overhead, riding on their Spirit Phantoms as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Majestic beasts—some resembling birds, others like mythical creatures from ancient stories—filled the skies.

She was in the Phantom World.

Reika took a moment to steady herself. She wanted to release Amir, her own Spirit Phantom, and explore the city's sky, but she quickly reminded herself of her mission.

She needed to find Rex—the man her mother had instructed her to seek out. He was the key to understanding this world and the academy she would soon attend.

Following the directions Allyna had given her, Reika navigated through the bustling streets, marveling at the unfamiliar structures and energy coursing through the air. When she finally arrived at her destination, she frowned in confusion.

The address led her to a single house, standing alone amidst the vast cityscape.

"This is the place?" she murmured.

The house was large, almost regal in its design. Despite its grand appearance, it felt strangely quiet.

Taking a deep breath, Reika stepped forward and knocked.

"Hello?" she called. No response.

She tried again. "Is anyone there? I'm Reika Montecillo, Allyna's daughter!"

The moment her words left her lips, the door creaked open on its own.

Reika's heartbeat quickened. A sudden, heavy presence filled the air.

A deep growl rumbled from within the house.

Then, without warning—

A massive lion lunged at her!

Reika's instincts kicked in. With her Phantom Fighter reflexes, she dodged just in time, rolling to the side as the beast's claws slashed the ground where she once stood.

She jumped back to her feet, heart pounding. "What the—?!"

The lion roared, its golden mane bristling with energy.

Reika's eyes narrowed. This isn't an ordinary lion… it's a Phantom!

The beast charged again. This time, she was ready.

"Amir!" she called.

In an instant, a gust of wind spiraled beside her, and her Spirit Phantom materialized—a magnificent hawk with gleaming silver feathers.

"Wind Blade!" she commanded.

Amir flapped his wings, sending razor-sharp gusts toward the lion.

But before the attack could land—

"Iron Fang!" a deep voice boomed from within the house.

The lion's fangs shimmered, turning into gleaming steel. It opened its jaws, biting down on the wind blades and shattering them.

Reika barely had time to react before the opponent launched its next attack.

"Iron Claw!"

The lion's paws glowed, extending into deadly steel talons.

"Amir, dodge—!"

Too late.

The lion's strike landed, sending Amir crashing to the ground. The hawk let out a pained screech.

"Amir!" Reika's chest tightened as she watched her partner struggle to rise.

This Phantom… it was strong. But where was its master?

She clenched her fists. "Amir, we're not going down that easily."

Her Spirit Phantom let out a determined cry, signaling that he was still in the fight.

They needed a new approach.

"Surround him!" she ordered.

Amir took off, circling the lion at high speed. The great beast tried to keep up, but it soon became dizzy from the rapid movement.

"Now! Wind Sword!"

Amir flapped his wings, conjuring dozens of shimmering blades in midair.

With a final gust, the blades shot forward, striking the lion in rapid succession.

The beast roared in pain.

Then—

Clap. Clap. Clap.

A slow, amused applause echoed through the room.

Reika turned sharply, her breath still heavy from the fight.

A man stepped out of the shadows, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Impressive," he mused. "You're definitely Allyna's child."

His presence was imposing, yet oddly familiar.

"Who are you?" Reika demanded.

The man chuckled. "I'm Rex. I've been expecting you."

Reika blinked. This is Rex?

She had envisioned a wise old hermit, not this sharp-eyed man with an aura of authority.

Still catching her breath, she crossed her arms. "Thanks for the welcome party," she said dryly.

Rex laughed. "My pleasure."

Reika narrowed her eyes, but before she could question him further, he spoke again.

"You're here for training, aren't you?"

"Yeah… that's what my mother said."

"Good. Because I'm enrolling you in your new school."

Reika blinked. "School?"

Rex grinned. "Phantom Academy. It's where Phantom Fighters like you train."

Reika's mouth parted in disbelief. "Wait—you mean I have to go to school?"

He nodded. "That's right."

She scowled. "I thought you were going to train me!"

Rex smirked. "You'll get stronger there. Besides… there's a lot you still don't know—about Phantom Fighters… and about your mother."

Reika stiffened. My mother…?

Before she could press him further, Rex gestured toward the entrance.

"But first, let me introduce you to your roommate."

At that moment, a young man stepped inside, his brown hair slightly tousled, a cheerful grin on his face.

He waved at her. "Yo! I'm Haruhiko."

Reika stared at him, still processing everything.

Her life had just taken an unexpected turn.

And something told her… it was only the beginning.