Chapter 14: Echoes of the Past

The days passed quickly, characterized by arduous exercise, fresh companionship, and a developing comprehension of their shared spirits. With each team member balancing out the shortcomings of the others and enhancing the strengths of the others, Team Unison had developed into a well-oiled machine. But each person still had their own particular goals and uncertainties hidden beneath the surface of oneness.

As the Monkey King's spirit carrier, Hiroshi couldn't help but have the impression that his link was more complex than first appeared. Even though it was frequently naughty, the monkey spirit had shown a level of knowledge and cunning that was well above that of a typical monkey. However, Hiroshi was left pondering its full potential because it was primarily used for amusing shenanigans.

Hiroshi decided it was time to explore his bond further one evening as the sun fell below the horizon and cast a warm orange tone across the training fields of the academy. He closed his eyes and reached inside to the spirit of the Monkey King while seated cross-legged beneath a huge cherry blossom tree.

The question was, "Are you more than just a trickster, old friend?" Hiroshi muttered to himself.

The ghost seemed to be having fun, and then all of a sudden, Hiroshi was hit with a wave of recollections. He caught glimpses of the Monkey King's fabled exploits, including his victories over fearsome adversaries, victories over celestial deities, and expeditions to the extremities of the globe. It was a being of infinite power and wisdom, not just a typical monkey.

Hiroshi's eyes suddenly opened, and he had a sensation of renewed purpose. His relationship with the Monkey King was not a burden but rather a gem that held great possibilities. He went back to his training with a burning resolve in his heart, ready to discover the full extent of his spirit's potential.

The blind archer Masumi had been battling her own inner demons as well. She had been awarded remarkable vision and prowess as a result of the sacrifice she had made to go blind, but it had cost her a lingering sense of loneliness and self-doubt. She would sit by herself under the same cherry blossom tree that Hiroshi liked, and found comfort in the peace of the moonlit nights.

The air sorcerer Kaito was motivated by a new type of weight. Because of his love for air, his family, who were all descended from noble fire sorcerers, had rejected him. He was urgently attempting to demonstrate the superiority of air elemental power, therefore it was a constant source of tension. Every aerokinesis he performed was motivated by a desire to gain their admiration, even if it meant going against the grain.

The three of them maintained their training as the days and weeks passed, each going through their own struggles and inner conflicts. They were making progress, and Master Jiro was proud to watch as they improved their abilities and strengthened their bonds with their spirit animals.

The academy was unexpectedly buzzing with an announcement one beautiful afternoon as the students were exercising their martial skills. Rumors that barbarian hordes approaching the surrounding countries—the likes of which had not been seen in generations—had spread like wildfire. Their wrath knew no bounds, and it was reported that their strength rivaled that of the most ferocious animals.

The time had come to put Team Unison's training to the ultimate test, and their master knew it. They would enlist in the defense forces to defend their country from this unexpected danger. However, their trip into the center of the fight would unearth problems and secrets that were unimaginable to them.

Hiroshi, Masumi, and Kaito made a secret commitment to stand as a unit for the benefit of their people, their ties, and the future that lay ahead as they stood on the edge of the unknown.