CHAPTER 02: NEW WORLD

The world was once nothing more than a blur, a vague sensation of warmth and sound. But then, it happened. My eyes opened, and for the first time, I could truly see.

It was strange, this new ability. The once incomprehensible shapes and shadows sharpened into forms, colors, and light. I felt the pull of something primal, an urge deep within me that I had no name for. The sounds, once muffled, began to take shape too. Voices, though I could not understand them, were distinct. They carried a rhythm, a cadence, and I felt a strange comfort in them.

I could cry, and I did often, though not from sadness. It was the only way I knew to communicate, to express the strange newness of the world around me. But words—those remained elusive. My mind was sharp; I could sense that much—but my tongue was bound by the limits of my infant body.

This was the beginning. I was aware, conscious in a way I had not been before. And though I could not yet speak or move with intent, I knew that one day, I would. For now, I would watch, listen, and learn. This was my world, and I was determined to understand it, even if all I had was my sight and my cries.

***

Seven years have passed, and I was already seven years old.

This world isn't that much different from my old one; the only thing that makes it different is that magic powers and supernatural beings exist in this world.

I still don't know much about magic, but I can say for certain that it is scattered everywhere in the wind.

"Yuu, your father is calling for you," my mom said in a raised voice.

Also, my new name in this new life is Yuu Amatsu, the second-born in the family of Amatsu.

"Coming!" I said in response as I ran from the living room to the garden.

My family in the past world is nothing compared to my new one. Unlike my past adoptive parents, my new parents are good; being around them feels pleasant and is like a dream—a dream I would never want to let go of.

"Oh, you're here! Let's begin our training, then," my father said as he saw me.

"Mhm," I said with a smile. My father was a skilled swordsman; he's not by any means weak, but he's not that popular as he doesn't have the ability to control magic.

I picked up one of the bamboo swords leaning against the tree and walked to prepare a fighting position.

In my past life, I had experience with kendo, so learning swords wasn't that much of a challenge.

"I'm ready!" I pointed the tip of the bamboo sword at my father, showing my preparation.

"Hmm? We're not going to use that one."

...Huh? What does he mean? "What do you mean, father?" He had been training me for months, so...

"We're going to use real blades now," he said as if it were nothing.

Eh?! I-I said I have experience with kendo and was confident in my ability because of the training given to me, but the gap of strength between me and my father was still so wide.

Is he really going to point real blades at his son? My life just started; I hope I wouldn't die early!

"What are you waiting for? Pick one of the swords up!" he said with a raised voice.

"Y-yes!"

I said he was a good father, but... he was a demon when training me!!

"Honey?" A voice came from the house. It was my mom, and right now, she had this smile on her face.

The smiles my mother made were those I can say are the most beautiful, but sometimes, under that beautiful smile, when that smile finally needed an effort and stretched on her face... beneath it was the true face of terror that my dad feared.

My father flinched as soon as he saw my mother's smile.

In any case... my mom was the ruler of this house...

"Yuu, I have your katana here," my mom said, her demonic smile gone, now only having that angelic face.

"Y-yes~" It's still somewhat scary, though.

I ran to my mom to take my sword.

"Good luck; do your best, okay? And honey, don't overdo it."

"Y-yes," my father replied.

After taking my sword, I went back to my position and prepared a stance.

"Are you ready?" my father asked.

"Mhm, I am."

"Tch, you're really something, Yuu," I muttered under my breath, feeling a strange mix of pride and worry at how eager I was. Real blades? Seriously? Why can't training ever be normal in this family?

I could feel my pulse quicken as I tightened my grip on the katana. The weight of it was different from the bamboo sword—heavier, more real. I had practiced for months, sure, but this felt... more dangerous.

My father stood before me, calm as always, his eyes never betraying a hint of hesitation. The man might not have had magic, but he was undeniably strong. He had this presence about him, like the blade was merely an extension of his will.

"Alright, son. Don't hold back. Remember what I taught you."

Ah, there it is. The weight of expectation again. He says it so easily, like I wouldn't get sliced in half if I messed up. But no... I couldn't afford to show weakness. Not now.

With a deep breath, I steeled myself, bringing the blade to the front and pointing it toward my father. The cool wind brushed against my face, carrying the familiar scent of the garden—calm, but deceiving.

"Come at me," he said.

I hesitated for just a moment. Real blades meant real injuries. I'd have to be quick, precise, and maybe a little lucky. But I knew if I held back, he would see right through me. So, I pushed forward, darting in with a feint to the right, then twisting the blade to strike from the left.

Clang!

Our swords collided with a sharp ring, sending vibrations through my arm. Father barely moved. His defense was solid, like an unyielding wall. The force of his block sent me stumbling back, and before I could even catch my footing, he was on me—his blade flashing toward my side.

I barely parried in time, the sound of steel grinding against steel echoing in my ears.

"Faster, Yuu!" he barked. "You're not using your full strength."

What? How was I supposed to fight faster than this? My whole body felt like it was buzzing with tension. But... I knew he was right. This was just the beginning, and I couldn't afford to hold back.

With a small breath, I regained my composure and dashed in again, this time focusing on his stance. His feet were firmly planted, his balance perfect. But there—it was a subtle shift. He was leaning slightly to his left.

A weakness.

I swung low, aiming for his legs, hoping to catch him off-guard. He shifted quickly, but not quickly enough. My blade grazed his side, and for a moment, I saw him wince. Got him.

"Good," he muttered, though he didn't sound too pleased.

Before I could even register my small victory, he retaliated with a powerful strike, forcing me back several steps. My arms trembled from the impact.

"Keep going!" he yelled, his voice sharp with expectation.

I gritted my teeth. My father wasn't going to go easy on me, not today, not ever. But... that's what I wanted, wasn't it? To be pushed, to grow stronger, to be more than just a child wielding a sword.

"Fine," I muttered to myself. "No more holding back."

This time, I let my instincts guide me, focusing on speed, precision, and the flow of the fight. I could feel the rhythm now—the steady beat of our clashing blades, the give and take of offense and defense. It was almost like a dance, one that only those who trained their whole lives could perform.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the garden, I found myself lost in the motion. Each swing felt more natural, more controlled. I could sense my father's pride as he pushed me further, testing my limits.

And then, finally, with one last strike, we both stopped. Our blades hovered in the air, neither of us willing to take the final step.

"Well done, Yuu," he said softly, lowering his sword. His voice, no longer stern, was filled with something else. Admiration? Pride?

"Thanks... Father," I replied, panting heavily but feeling a sense of accomplishment.

As I stood there, my sword still in hand, I realized something. This was more than just training. This was a test, a reminder that no matter how far I had come, I had so much further to go.

But that was fine. I wasn't afraid of the journey ahead. Because now, more than ever, I knew—I was growing stronger.