Origins

*Mysterious Newcomer*

The mysterious newcomer regards Ryo with a mix of curiosity and amusement, their expression unreadable under the hood. The air around them feels heavy with unspoken power.

**Mysterious Newcomer**: "So, you're the one who defeated the Kaimon... Interesting."

The newcomer shifts their gaze to Yua, who stands defensively beside Ryo, her sword at the ready.

**Mysterious Newcomer**: "And you must be the hunter from the Hunting Realm."

Yua: ? *breathing heavily* you know me?

Yua's eyes narrow as she studies the newcomer, her expression a mix of surprise and suspicion. She tightens her grip on her sword.

**Yua**: "Yes, but how do you know me? Who are you?"

The mysterious newcomer chuckles, a dark sound that echoes through the silence.

**Mysterious Newcomer**: "Let's just say... we have a common interest. But for now, I'll leave the two of you to your little celebration. Just don't forget, there are bigger forces at play."

Yua: ...

*The Mysterious Person disappears from thin air*

The mysterious newcomer vanishes as quickly as they appeared, leaving no trace behind. The only evidence of their presence is the faint scent of Seishu energy lingering in the air.

Yua and Ryo exchange puzzled looks, unsure of what just transpired. They cannot shake off the feeling that the mysterious newcomer's words were a warning of things to come.

Yua: Ryo I must stay in your world for a little while to heal my wounds.

Yua looks down at her wounded arm, a hint of embarrassment on her face.

**Yua**: "I may be a hunter, but I was caught off guard earlier. My wound needs time to heal, and your world's different essence can help slow the process. Besides, you caught my interest."

Ryo nods, understanding the situation, and gestures for Yua to follow him.

Ryo: how old are you? I hope that's not weird to ask, it's just your world being different and all...

Yua: it's completely understandable, In your world I would be your age of 17 but in my world I'm 65.

Ryo's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at the revelation of Yua's age. She looks so young and agile for someone who's nearly seven decades old.

**Ryo**: "Sixty-five? Really? But you don't look a day over seventeen!"

Yua smirks, a hint of pride in her expression.

**Yua**: "That's just one of the perks of being from the Hunting Realm." We live long lives.

Ryo can't help but be amazed by Yua's youthful appearance and longevity, especially compared to humans in his world.

**Ryo**: "So, the people from the Hunting Realm live much longer than humans here? That's incredible!"

Yua nods, realizing that their conversation has captured Ryo's interest. She decides to ask him a question of her own.

**Yua**: "Speaking of, I'm curious... what's your story? How did you awaken that power and defeat the Kaimon?"

Ryo: I actually don't know myself, does it mean... I have a connection to your realm?!

Yua's eyes widen at Ryo's statement, and she looks deep in thought.

**Yua**: "Hmm... You might be onto something. The circumstances of our encounter and your awakened power certainly seem more than just a coincidence."

Yua studies Ryo, her curiosity piqued.

**Yua**: "The power you wielded against the Kaimon was undeniably drawn from the fallen star's energy, but I could also sense some inherent potential within you."

Yua narrows her eyes, her gaze focusing on Ryo as if trying to see through him.

**Yua**: "There's more to you than meets the eye, Ryo. The connection between you and the fallen star, the mysterious newcomer, and the sudden appearance of the Kaimon... all seem to be connected in some way."

A shadow passes over Yua's face as she utters her next words, leaving Ryo and the reader in suspense.

**Yua**: "I suspect your journey has only just begun."

With the mysteries of the fallen star, the Hunting Realm, and Ryo's newfound power still lingering in their minds, Ryo and Yua stand in a quiet alleyway, away from prying eyes. The night sky overhead is adorned with stars, but the events of the previous encounter with the mysterious newcomer cast a solemn mood over the two.

**Yua:** *Softly* "Ryo, I think I need to explain more about the Hunting Realm, Seishu energy, and its connection to what just transpired."

Ryo: Seishu energy? You said that's life energy correct? So our essence in a sense?

**Yua:** "Yes, you're correct. Seishu energy is indeed the very essence of life. All living beings possess it, but in the Hunting Realm, it's more pronounced due to the close connection we have with nature."

Yua pauses for a moment, contemplating her next words.

**Yua:** "The balance between Seishu energy and the natural world can be delicate. When the fallen star arrived, it disrupted that balance, causing the emergence of creatures like the Kaimon."

Ryo: what's the purpose of a Kaimon?

**Yua:** "The Kaimon are creatures of chaos, manifestations of Seishu energy gone awry. They feed on the imbalance in the energy, growing stronger as the imbalance worsens."

Yua looks at Ryo, her expression serious.

**Yua:** "Their presence here in your world is a danger, not only to humans but to the very balance of your realm's Seishu energy. If left unchecked, they could potentially bring about devastation on a much larger scale."

Yua: before we go on I think I should introduce myself properly

Yua stands tall, her eyes locked on Ryo as she bows slightly, a sign of respect.

**Yua:** "My apologies for not introducing myself fully earlier. My name is Yua Aihara, a Hunter from the Hunting Realm. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ryo Kenzaki."

Ryo nods, his curiosity piqued by the formality of the introduction as well as Yua's surname, revealing her family name "Aihara."

Ryo: so this Seishu energy, what's so special about it?

**Yua:** "Seishu energy is truly remarkable. It's not just life energy; it also holds the potential to grant extraordinary abilities to those with an affinity for it, like myself."

Yua holds out her hand, and a small orb of glowing energy forms in her palm.

**Yua:** "This is a controlled form of Seishu energy. It can be used for healing, enhancing physical and mental abilities, spiritual abilities, and, in some rare instances, even creating physical manifestations from pure energy."

Yua: it is formed from combining your physical mental and spiritual energy

**Yua:** "Exactly. The three components of Seishu energy - physical, mental, and spiritual - must be in harmony for one to harness its full potential."

Yua closes her hand, causing the orb of energy to dissipate.

**Yua:** "By refining these components through discipline, meditation, and training, a person can increase their affinity for Seishu energy and unlock even more impressive abilities."

Yua: I will reveal other things later for now you must know the blade you hold onto is a Sanmei meaning "three names"or Artifact tied to your soul manifested in physical form.

**Ryo:** *Surprised* "An artifact tied to my soul? What do you mean?"

Yua approaches Ryo, her curiosity evident in her gaze. She examines the blade he holds, studying its form and the subtle energy emanating from it.

**Yua:** "We must determine the nature of your artifact to understand its connection to the fallen star and the power it holds. This will help us uncover your true potential and better prepare us for the challenges that lie ahead."

Yua: But what I do know is you possess and immense if not almost limitless amount of Seishu energy, your potential is limitless.

**Yua:** "Your latent Seishu energy is quite unusual. I've never sensed such a strong affinity in someone from a different realm before."

Yua steps back, her expression thoughtful.

**Yua:** "This could be why the fallen star was attracted to your world, and why the Kaimon appeared. There's still much we don't know, but understanding your artifact and the extent of your Seishu energy could provide answers."

Yua: do you know of your family's history?

**Ryo:** "My family history? Well, I know that my ancestors have lived in this town for generations, but not much more than that. Why do you ask?"

Yua ponders Ryo's response, her curiosity piqued once more.

**Yua:** "The power of Seishu energy can be passed down through generations. If your ancestors had some connection to the Hunting Realm or even the fallen star, it might explain your affinity for Seishu energy and the strange events that have unfolded."

Ryo: my dad has never mentioned anything like that..

**Yua:** "It's possible that your father may not be aware of the connection, or perhaps it's been passed down through your family in a hidden form. We need to learn more about your family history and any possible connections to the realms beyond your own."

Yua looks at Ryo with newfound determination.

**Yua:** "For the safety of your realm and the balance of Seishu energy, we must uncover the truth. Only then can we truly understand the role you play in this unfolding conflict."

Ryo: you said you're 65 years old correct? Is that considered young in your world? Hopefully that's not a rude thing to ask...

**Yua:** "It's considered quite young in the Hunting Realm. Our lifespans are significantly longer than humans in your world, so I'm still in my physical and mental prime."

Yua smirks playfully, her youthful appearance contrasting with her revelation.

**Yua:** "But don't let my age fool you. I'm a highly experienced Hunter, and I've spent decades honing my skills and mastering the use of my Seishu energy."

Ryo: no not a diss your just a lot better looking than your age says 😅

**Yua:** "Ha! Thank you, Ryo. Seishu energy has a way of preserving one's youth and vitality, slowing the aging process significantly."

Yua grins, a hint of satisfaction in her expression as she notices Ryo's reaction.

**Yua:** "Of course, I've also maintained a healthy lifestyle and regular training to ensure I can continue my duties as a Hunter for many more years to come."

Yua: you ought to get some rest, we got a big plans ahead of us.

Ryo: thanks see you in the morning Yua.

Yua: see ya 😁

*as Yua exits Ryo's house in the corner a figure stands watching*

?: it's only a matter of time before we get you back miss Aihara... 😈

Chapter End.