The Path to Mastery

Chapter 22 – The Path to Mastery

A Nightmare of Blood and Shadows

Kairo found himself trapped in a dream—a nightmare too real to ignore.

The sky was dark and crimson, the air thick with the smell of smoke and blood. He stood in the village square, his body paralyzed, unable to move as he watched the scene unfold before him.

His father, Haru Tenma, lay on the ground, blood pooling beneath him. His breathing was ragged, his once-proud figure broken and beaten.

Above him stood Raizen Varos, his sword coated in blood, his wolf-like eyes gleaming with cold satisfaction.

"No…" Kairo whispered, but his voice was lost in the wind.

Raizen raised his blade, his voice mocking and cruel. "This is what happens when the strong pretend to be righteous."

With one swift motion, the blade pierced through Haru's chest.

Kairo screamed, his body trembling with rage and grief, but he still couldn't move.

His father's lifeless eyes met his, his mouth opening as if to say something—but no words came out.

And then—fire erupted around Kairo, consuming him entirely.

He jolted awake.

Waking in the Hospital

Kairo gasped, his body drenched in sweat. His heart pounded against his ribs as he tried to catch his breath.

The familiar sight of a hospital room greeted him. His body ached, wrapped in tight bandages from the injuries he had suffered in battle. The room was dimly lit by the moonlight streaming through the window.

As he adjusted his breathing, the door creaked open.

His mother stepped inside, her face filled with worry and exhaustion. "Kairo… you're awake."

He tried to sit up, wincing as pain shot through his body. "How long was I out?"

"A few days," she said softly, sitting beside him. "You pushed yourself too far, Kairo. You need to rest."

Kairo clenched his fists. "I can't rest. Not while Raizen is still out there."

His mother sighed, placing a gentle hand on his. "The village elders have already taken action. They've hired a group of assassins to track Raizen down and eliminate him."

Kairo's eyes widened. "Assassins…?"

She nodded. "They won't stop until he's dead."

Kairo should have felt relieved, but instead, an uneasy feeling settled in his chest. Would he really let someone else take revenge for him?

Before he could dwell on it further, his mother's tone became serious. "Kairo, listen to me."

She looked at him with concern. "Your Phoenix Power… it's unstable. You've awakened something powerful, but you don't know how to control it yet. If you push yourself too much again, the flames could consume you."

Kairo remained silent, the words sinking deep.

He remembered the burning sensation that had overtaken him in the fight against Raizen. He had felt unstoppable—but at the cost of his own body breaking down.

His mother continued, "You must learn to control it before it's too late."

Before Kairo could respond, the door burst open.

A Vow of Friendship

Renjiro and Juno stood there, their expressions full of relief.

"Finally, you're awake!" Renjiro grinned, walking over. "We were starting to think you were gonna sleep forever."

Juno smirked. "If that were the case, we would've just dragged your bed to the battlefield."

Kairo chuckled despite his pain. "You guys really never change."

Juno sat beside him. "Kairo, no matter what happens next, we're with you. We'll fight with you, train with you, and face Raizen together."

Renjiro nodded. "Yeah. You don't have to do this alone."

For the first time since his father's death, Kairo felt a flicker of warmth in his heart.

"Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

A New Path Revealed

Days passed, and Kairo's wounds healed. His body grew stronger, but his mind was still restless.

Then, a week later, a summon came from the village elders.

Elder Satoru stood before him, his aged face unreadable.

"Kairo," Satoru began. "Your power has grown, but it is wild, untamed. Without proper training, it will destroy you before you can ever hope to master it."

Kairo listened intently.

"There is a man—a master of the Phoenix Power," Satoru continued. "If you seek true strength, you must find him. Only he can teach you how to control your flames before they consume you."

Kairo's eyes lit up. "Where can I find him?"

Satoru turned, pointing to a large map on the table. His finger landed on a remote mountain range, far from the village.

"The Ashen Peaks," Satoru said. "That is where he resides."

Kairo stared at the map, determination burning in his eyes.

His journey was far from over.

It was only just beginning

To be continued-