Ghost

Exploring the Temple

The Shaolin Temple was alive with activity, each of the Elemental Warriors engaged in different parts of their journey.

Haruto was deep in training, sparring with the monks in a flowing, water-like combat style. His control over his Element of Water had improved, but the monks pushed him to master fluid adaptability, treating his movements like flowing rivers rather than crashing waves.

Moriya sat cross-legged with a few elder monks, trying to understand their traditions. He found the temple's connection to nature fascinating, but their meditative approach to combat confused him.

Ikazuchi, as expected, was being… Ikazuchi. He nearly started a fight with one of the monks after a misunderstanding about proper training etiquette.

Teshii, however, had a completely different experience.

The moment he stepped into the courtyard, he was swarmed by young bhikkuni—novice nuns-in-training.

"Your hair is so messy!"

"Are you a warrior?"

"What kind of training do you do?"

Teshii grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. "Well, ladies, let me tell you, I'm the strongest, fastest, and most humble fighter you'll ever meet."

One of the older monks sighed, shaking his head. "You do not need to entertain them."

Teshii smirked. "Oh, but I do. They need a good role model, after all."

The older monk groaned.

But despite his usual antics, something nagged at the back of Teshii's mind.

Something felt off.

The air around him wasn't just cold—it was unnaturally still.

And that's when it hit him.

Teshii always trusted his instincts.

And right now—

His instincts screamed that something was wrong.

A Figure in the Wall

Meanwhile, Ikazuchi, still frustrated from his near-fight, walked away from the main courtyard.

He exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the cold air. "Tch. These monks take everything too seriously."

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm himself.

That's when—

A shadow moved.

At first, Ikazuchi thought it was just his imagination.

Then—he saw it.

A figure emerged from the temple wall—not through a door, not from behind a pillar—but literally phased through the solid stone.

Ikazuchi's muscles tensed. "What the hell—?"

The figure stepped forward, its form flickering slightly, as if not entirely bound to this world.

Then—it spoke.

"You shouldn't be here."

Ikazuchi's eyes narrowed. "And who the hell are you?"

The figure's expression didn't change.

Then, it fully stepped into the light.

A young man with pale skin and dark eyes, dressed in loose, shadowy robes, stood before him. His body seemed intangible, like it wasn't fully solid—like he could phase in and out of existence at will.

His voice was eerily calm.

"My name is Ghost."

Ikazuchi felt a chill run down his spine.

Because this wasn't an Elemental Warrior.

This was something else.

A mutant.

And not just any mutant—one who could phase through walls.

Permeation.

Teshii's instincts had been right.

Something was very wrong here.

And now, they had an uninvited guest.