THE AWAKENING OF A SPARK
The vice principal stood in silence for a moment after delivering the names to the principal. Then, with a hint of a smirk, he added, "Also, Kaito has decided to participate in the tournament."
A brief pause.
CRACK!
The principal, who had maintained his usual calm demeanor, suddenly slammed his hand on the armrest of his chair, breaking it in half. His eyes gleamed with excitement. "So, he's finally stepping forward," he said, a wide grin forming. "This year might just be unforgettable."
---
Elsewhere, under the fading moonlight, Kaito stood alone on the stone courtyard, deep in meditation. His fingers moved fluidly through ancient mudras, and his body flowed through the precise, graceful motions of Kalaripayattu—an art older than memory itself.
A wind stirred around him.
His breath slowed, heartbeat deepened, and a strange warmth surged from his spine up to his forehead. His body felt simultaneously light and grounded, as though he had shed a hidden weight.
He whispered to himself, "It's... different. Not like before... when I fought Raibaru."
His eyes opened, glowing faintly in the dark.
"I'll call it... Narayana Sparsh."
---
Across campus, Raibaru Kurai trained in solitude under a canopy of trees. His calm, calculated movements mirrored Kaito's, though every motion carried the weight of discipline.
He, too, felt it.
The change.
"This sensation..." he muttered. "It's as if my body is moving on its own—faster, sharper."
He clenched his fists, then raised his gaze to the moonlit sky.
"I'll name it... Mahadev Sparsh."
---
Morning broke.
The university buzzed with life as students returned to campus. Excitement hung in the air.
In the central courtyard, a loudspeaker echoed:
"All participants of the tournament, please gather at the main assembly hall."
Students hurried inside, taking their places. The vice principal walked to the stage, adjusting his collar with poise before speaking.
"This university—your university—is the most prestigious institution on Earth. People across the globe are watching. So remember, you represent not just yourselves, but all of us."
He looked across the hall, his voice tightening.
"You are rivals, yes—but fight with honor. Win with pride. Lose with grace."
With that, the assembly was dismissed.
---
Back in the martial arts club, Kurai approached the coach.
"Coach," he began. "Every time I fight Kaito… my body becomes lighter. My reflexes sharpen. It's like… my body knows what to do before I do."
The coach's expression shifted. His usually calm eyes widened. Sweat appeared on his brow.
"…Are you sure?" he asked.
Kurai nodded.
The coach took a deep breath and whispered, "That's the sign of Awakening."
Kurai frowned. "Awakening?"
"You've read about it in the textbooks," the coach said gravely. "When someone awakens the eighth chakra—Prarambh Chakra—their body evolves. It moves on instinct. Time slows. It's as if fate bends around their will."
He looked away, ashamed.
"I've only unlocked it. I never mastered it. But you… you might go further than I ever could."
A voice interrupted from behind a pillar.
"I feel the same way."
Kaito stepped forward, his gaze calm but intense. "That feeling… I've had it too."
The coach stared at both of them, then let out a heavy breath.
"Alright," he said. "From today onward, I'll train you both. But understand—this won't be easy. I won't tolerate laziness. No mercy, no shortcuts."
He looked them dead in the eye.
"Are you ready?"
Kaito and Kurai exchanged glances. Their competitive fire flared—but for the first time, there was also mutual respect.
"In sync," they answered.
"Yes."