Black.

1/10

Half a month as passed since then—passing the Lunar Falling Festival, it became the new years as the spring…

the season called to bring the new beginning has came upon.

"Ayame-chan we're here." Kuro pointed the scenery of green forest slightly changing.

It'a about time we tell on how Kuro plans to train her.

It was actually simple that required no 200 IQ explanations; basically, she will fight with something on her match… to the death.

Simple, right?

That's it and intentionally, Kuro made it a battleground disadvantageous for Ayame. Past this area, not only the tree will be slightly strengthened making it hard to cut, the air will be thinner tiring you easily.

And the enemy or rather… animals she'll be fighting in this region were very good at fighting inside here.

[Kuro's Encyclopedia: Dire Wolf] *claps* *claps*

Avg Strength: 3 - Agility: 3 - Constitutions: 3 - Technique: 3.

It resides on many type of forests in Virturan and able to survive any seasons all-around.

It has the metal-like lightweight fur while it's claw is said to be enough to swipe a diamonds. It's bite power is said to be crush most hard minerals easily, to be on caution when encountering it.

It has an exceptionally well nose, while it's eyes facing the front to be the predator.

Except that, you must be specially take care of his tail as it can control it's tails flexibly, and rather smart in using its tails.

Special Traits: Nothing—as average it is overall, it has no special traits other than it's overwhelming power.

This was why Kuro went to the library that past days, it was to search for his highness' fighting opponent and he found a good one.

One reason of why he chose Dire Wolf were because of its simpleness when fighting against it. It has no special traits and as long as you were strong, you can beat it without thinking too much.

And… Ayame needs to think on something else a lot.

Another reasons was: can you see it?(you can't) Dire Wolves' fur is usually black but! Look at that tip of their fur. It's highlighted with crimson! It's so cool!

…

"Kuro… let's not go in…" In contrast of her usual battle maniac, Ayame actually begged Kuro to not go inside.

It would be simple and dumb to just return—but at least it was safe.

However, think of it. Can they be safe all the time in the future? What if Reign Empire fell? What if a person capable of destroying the world suddenly hate the world and think of trying it?

Because he was looking the closest of that strongest person in the world that he can't just lay down in midst of the peace.

"Then, I am going alone, Ayame-chan." This single words closed the route of retreat for Kuro.

"Uh…" Ayame said troubled as she followed Kuro from behind.

a big changes just because she wasn't holding that sword.

"Thank you for going out with my selfishness." As he said it, Kuro held out her big yet small hand of her.

[I will never let you feel troubled] He already broke it.

As they steps in, the color of forest began to dim in as if they entered the world, avid of any color.

The two wondered not too deep into the forest as the more they wandered deeply, the lesser the survivability will be.

"It's here." Kuro released Ayame's arms as he eliminated his own presences to hide himself.

*growl*

Despite the Dire Wolf's growling, Ayame stayed fazed as she searched for the air.

Noticing the differences in her attitude—only after when the wolf tried to pounce itself and she shows no sign of dodging, Kuro charged to her and moved her body.

The wolf whose pounce surpassing the speed of sound, hit nothing.

Kuro suddenly found the situation even worse than what he expected. He had no strength to be able to fight against Dire Wolf.

The only person who can fight against Dire Wolf right now, was shaking.

If it was another character someone other than him, couldn't he have said an inspirational quote to motivate her?

Right now, he couldn't think of any as ironic it was; despite having the ability to deduce a person's emotion, he can't think of a way to control it… at least right now.

"Calm down. I will be here watching yo-…" before he finish his sequences the wolves tried to swing its fang over the two…

and the crimson fangs projectile flew over them but before it reached the two, Kuro has already pushed away Ayame from the projectiles.

Just… his body were left alone in the fang projectiles… slashing deep into his body.

[I will treasure my life] It seems like he will break his 2nd promise to her.

'…that was pointless.' This thoughts occurred inside Kuro's mind as his sight became blurry.

'How are these manga characters talking during the danger?' As Kuro couldn't rely on his sight anymore, he closed his eyes—using his Ki Sense to look at the situation.

Kuro may be joking right now but currently, his life were actually in danger…

The sound of breathing being taken away, it's as if he became one with the environment.

The sounds of silences echoed throughout her, the reality brought her to realisation…

like the cherry blossoms in late spring, was he about to disappears.

…ah? Why are Kuro lying down there?

Red.

The background filled the silhouette in red like a blossom rose.

Black.

The color of death, nothing can dyes it with or was it the aftermath of dying everything with.

Crimsons.

As tears flows, it burned midst-air, blazing in crimson-lights.

Black… black… black… everything in front of her dyed with black—was she overwhelmed with emotions.

As the crimson mana took a form of swords, Ayame with unmoving expressions, stared at the small animal in front of her—not a slight disturbances in the looks of her eyes.

She looked strange as tears flowed down despite the blank.

Moving forward, she reappeared near Kuro… the animal… became lifeless…

Akin to a black rain—the snow and clear white were dyed in black…

[Alter]