R1

Tora's POV

Swinging blades have always been a way to focus and calm my mind. Strange as it may seem, a blade is as reliable as one who swings it. And for one who makes it his way of life then it becomes more than that. Waking up every morning before the break of dawn to go through the sequences and forms over and over again has become a part of me.

Some find it strange but at this point, it has become strange for me to wield any other weapon other than the blade. The daisho gifted to me by my master when I passed the final test of the dojo quickly became my most prized possession. And as someone who has had to work for everything I have, it was a strange feeling to receive a gift, even if it was from the master.

The burning sensation from repeated motions gradually spread from my arms down to my abdomen before quickly reaching my legs. Again and again, i swung my sword with vigor and tried to make each motion faster, quicker and stronger than the one before. By the time the sun had risen, I was already covered in a thin sheen of sweat that left my entire body glistening under the morning sunrise. Taking a deep breath I released the imaginary sparring partners I had been dueling with for the past two hours and made my way inside.

The walk to the academy had become part of my morning meditation ritual as the areas on the outskirts of town wasn't really populated. Gradually getting into the more urban setting of the city noise gradually replaced the tranquil silence that once filled the air. The honking of cars blended with the sound of pedestrians moving along the sidewalks. Food vendors were out and about to cater to those who didn't have time to enjoy a proper meal at home before beginning the day's activities.

Soon, I came into the school district filled with students on their way to school. However, there was an extra buzz in the air today. For the second year at Blazing Sun High School, today was the day of the test. The one test to determine your future standing in this world where how strong you are determines your social standing.

The Reconnection was the test that determined one's fate. Funny how your past life affects the present and your future in the modern world. But that was the fate humanity had been resigned to after the dimensional rift opened twenty years back and the world became a breeding ground for monsters from different myths and times in history. So far no one knows what caused it and why it happened but the world quickly adapted. Different associations were formed with the goal of overcoming this new challenge while many others saw it as a chance to allow humankind to evolve. With the power gained from this phenomenon, mankind grew and advanced at an exponential rate.

Making the final turn, the school grounds finally came into view. The famous Himeji castle had been remodeled into a magnificent academy. Towering stone structures boasted of the architectural prowess of the Sengoku period. A few modern touches had been added to it such as the electric wires atop the high fences that round the entire expanse of land that the school occupied. Guard towers were manned by uniformed men who were ready to act at a moment's notice. Statues of various creatures adorned the wide walkway leading to the school.

Sakura trees were in full bloom all around giving the atmosphere a beautiful and serene feel to it. A particular statue hidden in the far corner had always drawn my attention as it was located in the thickest part of the gathering of trees. It was the statue of a tiger in a crouching position. The creature had a majestic look to it as the sculptor had taken a great deal of time to give life to this particular piece of stone. It was so detailed that with even the slightest bit of color one would think it was an actual tiger and not a stone sculpture. The eyes were the most striking feature. Even from afar, they gave you the impression of being watched by a predator who knew he could get to you whenever and wherever he wanted.

Walking into the crowded hallways, I quickly made my way to my locker to get my books for the classes I would be attending today. The reconnection test would be later in the day so I don't have to worry about it right now. On closing my locker I heard a commotion coming from my left. Looking in that direction I saw the cause of the excitement. A well-built student with a fighter's physique and another who looked similar were facing off with each other.

"I'll say it again. You don't deserve to be the leader. You are too weak and will only infect us with your fragile heart sooner or later and I will not stand for that".

The one who had spoken had a few people behind him as expected. Weakness always travels in packs and attempts to hide itself behind numbers. Looking at the boy who was being challenged he appeared unfazed. Apparently, this isn't his first time handling a situation like this. He casually scanned the challenger and his posse with his intense golden gaze and the ones behind visibly flinched. The aura he gave off was quite impressive. He seemed like one who was dedicated to his training and gave off the air of one confident in his abilities.

"You don't seem to get it through your thick skull do you?".

The voice flowing from him had the same authority that had been radiating off him. The power behind the voice could be felt even though the user did not raise his voice.

"Allow me to educate you once more on the reason why the master chose me as his successor and why you will never be able to defeat me with your level of strength".

What happened next was a complete blur to the challenger and his group because the golden-eyed boy moved faster than any of them could react. With movements as smooth as can be, he got in front of the challenger's lackeys and struck them all in the abdomen. Not enough to knock them out, but just enough to cause them excruciating pain.