Arrival At Spirit City

The morning sun painted the horizon in soft hues as a modest carriage approached the gates of Spirit City. Inside, Su Yuntao sat across from Shirakawa Yuki, who stared out the window at the towering walls of the fabled city. The journey had been long, but the excitement in Yuki's heart made it bearable.

Su Yuntao pulled out a small pouch from his coat, its metallic jingling catching Yuki's attention. He placed it in Yuki's hands.

"Yuki," Su Yuntao said, his voice steady, "this is for you. Although you won't need much money in the academy, you'll still need some for basic necessities. It's only ten gold spirit coins, but consider it a token of my faith in you."

Yuki hesitated but eventually tied the pouch around his waist. "Thank you, Uncle Su," he said earnestly.

Su Yuntao chuckled, ruffling Yuki's hair before leaning back in his seat. "You've got great potential. Once you enter the academy, make the most of it."

---

The city gates loomed closer. Armored guards inspected everyone entering the city. As Su Yuntao presented his badge of a Spirit Hall patrol deacon, the guards saluted and waved them through. The carriage halted just outside the gates, as regulations prohibited carriages from entering the inner city.

"Time to walk," Su Yuntao said, stepping down. He paid the driver, and with a nod, the carriage trundled away.

Yuki followed Su Yuntao into the city. The streets were cobbled and flanked by imposing buildings with intricate carvings depicting legendary battles. Even at this early hour, the city buzzed with life as vendors opened stalls, selling everything from weapons to spirit herbs.

The two stopped briefly at a small eatery for a simple meal before continuing. After weaving through several streets, they arrived at a grand gate. Above it, golden characters shimmered in the morning light:

"Spirit Hall Junior Academy."

Tall stone walls surrounded the academy, and the gate itself was guarded by a middle-aged man who eyed Su Yuntao suspiciously.

"What business do you have here?" the guard asked gruffly.

Su Yuntao flashed his badge, pulling Yuki forward. "This child, Shirakawa Yuki, possesses innate full spirit power and a unique martial spirit. I've brought him for registration."

The guard inspected the badge before nodding. "Wait here." He called over a younger man dressed in green robes. "Su Tian, take the boy to the registration area for testing. If he doesn't qualify, send him back."

Su Tian nodded and motioned for Yuki to follow. Yuki glanced at Su Yuntao, who gave him an encouraging nod. With a deep breath, Yuki followed Su Tian into the academy.

The registration area was bustling with children and staff. Su Tian led Yuki to a table where a crystal ball rested. Behind it sat a woman with sharp features and piercing eyes.

"Another one for testing?" she asked, barely glancing up.

"Yes, Muyu," Su Tian said. "Full spirit power, but we need to verify."

Muyu gestured for Yuki to step forward. "Place your hand on the crystal ball," she instructed.

Yuki did as told. The moment his palm touched the orb, it glowed brightly, its light illuminating the room. Gasps rippled through the surrounding staff.

"Innate full spirit power," Muyu murmured, her expression softening. "Interesting. Now, summon your martial spirit."

Yuki nodded, stepping back slightly. He raised his hands and focused. "Demon God Dual Guns!"

In an instant, two pistols materialized in his hands. One was black, with intricate carvings of demonic wings and glowing red gems at the muzzle. The other was white, adorned with angelic feathers and shimmering blue gems.

Muyu's eyes widened. "Dual martial spirits?" she muttered, examining the weapons. "No... it feels different."

Yuki shook his head. "It's not dual spirits, ma'am. It's one spirit—two manifestations."

Muyu nodded, impressed. She pointed to a stone pillar covered in marks a few meters away. "Prove its power. Fire at that."

Without hesitation, Yuki aimed the white pistol at the pillar and pulled the trigger. A burst of energy shot forward, hitting the stone with a resounding crack. Shards of stone scattered to the ground.

"Impressive," Muyu said, her voice tinged with admiration. "Single spirit with dual forms, and significant destructive power at that. He's qualified."

Su Tian smirked. "Looks like the academy will have an interesting new student."

As the registration process continued, Yuki couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. His journey had only just begun, but he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in the Spirit Hall.

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