Chapter 10: The Heart of the Academy

The towering gates of Seiryu Academy closed behind Kaito, Ayame, and Ryouji with a heavy clang, as if locking them into a world of secrets and danger. Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that every step they took brought them deeper into a labyrinth where the walls themselves watched.

Seiryu Academy was no ordinary school—it was a crucible for power. The air itself buzzed with supernatural energy, and the students moved with the sharp awareness of predators who knew their strength.

Settling In

The dormitory offered little comfort. Room 204 was functional but bare, its walls whispering of countless warriors who had passed through before them. Kaito unpacked his few belongings, his movements automatic, his mind on the mission.

"I hope you're ready," Ayame said softly as she slid the door closed behind them. "This place doesn't tolerate weakness. You'll have to earn respect here."

"I know," Kaito replied, his voice steady despite the nerves crawling under his skin. "I won't let you down."

Ryouji leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Good. Because this is just the beginning. We're in, but staying under the radar will be harder than getting through the gates."

Kaito nodded, the weight of Ryouji's words settling on his shoulders. The academy wasn't just a school—it was a proving ground. And they were the intruders.

Haruto

Finding Haruto was surprisingly easy. Earning his cooperation was not.

The dojo where Haruto trained was a stark contrast to the rest of the academy. Its walls bore the scars of countless battles, and the polished wooden floors reflected the discipline of those who practiced there. Haruto, standing at the center of a group of students, radiated authority.

As Kaito, Ayame, and Ryouji entered, Haruto's sharp gaze fell on them immediately. His piercing eyes seemed to strip away pretense, as if he could see through to the core of a person.

"We're looking for Akira," Ryouji said without hesitation, stepping forward. His tone was calm but firm, his body language composed.

Haruto didn't react at first, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke, his voice carried a quiet power. "You're not the first to ask about her. What makes you think I'd help you?"

Kaito felt Ayame tense beside him, but he stepped forward, meeting Haruto's gaze. "Because we're not here to hurt her. We're here to protect her."

Haruto tilted his head slightly, his smirk sharp as a blade. "And what if I told you she doesn't need your protection?"

"She does," Kaito said, his voice stronger now. "More than she knows. And if we don't find her soon, others will."

The room grew silent, the weight of Kaito's words sinking in. For a moment, Haruto studied him, as though testing the truth in his voice.

Finally, Haruto crossed his arms, his smirk fading. "Fine. But I don't do charity. You'll owe me a favor. And when I call it in, you won't refuse."

"Deal," Kaito said without hesitation, ignoring the quick glance Ryouji shot him.

Haruto's smirk returned, but there was no humor in it. "Akira's been staying at the old shrine on the outskirts of the academy. She's not always there, but it's where she retreats when she wants to disappear."

Kaito's heart quickened. A lead.

"Thank you," Ryouji said, giving a curt nod before turning to leave.

Haruto's voice followed them as they exited the dojo. "Don't waste my time. If you fail, it's on you."

The Shrine

The path to the shrine was overgrown, the academy's meticulously maintained grounds giving way to wild undergrowth. The further they walked, the stronger the air pulsed with an electric energy that made Kaito's skin prickle.

"This place feels... alive," Kaito murmured, glancing at Ayame.

"It is," she replied, her voice quiet but alert. "Shrines like this are often focal points for spiritual energy. Be ready for anything."

As they approached the shrine, its weathered stone steps and moss-covered torii gate came into view. The structure was ancient, its wooden beams cracked but still standing strong against time.

The energy here was overwhelming, a storm of power just beneath the surface. Kaito felt it in his bones, a pressure that made him both uneasy and exhilarated.

"Stay close," Ryouji warned, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his blade.

They ascended the steps cautiously, their senses on high alert. At the top, the shrine stood silent, its doors slightly ajar. A flicker of violet light glimmered inside, faint but unmistakable.

"She's here," Ayame whispered.

Kaito stepped forward, his heart pounding. Inside the shrine, the air was thick with power, and at its center stood Akira. Her back was to them, her hands raised as she channeled a swirling orb of energy that crackled with lightning.

"Akira," Kaito called softly.

She froze, the energy in her hands dissipating as she spun around. Her eyes, glowing faintly with violet light, narrowed in suspicion. "Who are you? How did you find me?"

"We're here to help," Kaito said, his voice calm but urgent.

Akira's gaze darted between them, her body tense. "Help? That's what they all say. And then they try to control me."

Ayame stepped forward, her tone gentle but firm. "We're not here to control you, Akira. We know what you are, what you can do. But the Midnight Storm is coming, and you're not safe on your own."

The mention of the storm made Akira flinch, her guard wavering. "The storm…" she whispered, her voice laced with fear.

"We don't have much time," Ryouji said. "You're stronger than you realize, but that strength makes you a target. Let us help you before it's too late."

Akira hesitated, the conflict in her eyes clear. For a moment, silence filled the shrine, broken only by the faint hum of energy that surrounded her.

Finally, she lowered her hands, the light in her eyes dimming. "Fine. But if you betray me…"

"We won't," Kaito said firmly.

Akira nodded, though her stance remained cautious. "Then let's go. But don't think for a second I trust you."

Kaito exhaled, relief washing over him. They had found her—but earning her trust would be the true challenge. As they stepped out of the shrine together, he couldn't shake the feeling that the hardest part of their journey was still to come.