The Surprise… Attack!

I'm currently sitting in a meditative position, my breathing even and body relaxed. I can feel the sun's warmth spreading all over around me and on my body. At the same time, I can feel energy gather all around me as well.

I'm neither a patient person nor someone who could be still for a long period of time, that is obvious enough but I'm already used to meditating now.

Ever since I started my training with Ferigo regarding the Succession Trials, I have been waking up at four thirty in the morning. I would follow an exercise routine and practice my energy manipulation skill. I told Ferigo regarding it as well as how I can only become strong if I slay an enemy, and he made a specially crafted training regime for me to follow. So far, it has been quite productive.

Regarding the monsters, Sakura-nee has been sending me to different missions that have something to do with monster or rogue exterminations. The supernatural has lots of monsters so I had no problem leveling up during the summer. And if ever I do not have any missions, I deliberately don't do my daily missions and hunt in the [Penalty Zone]. I'd say it's quite worth it.

Speaking of my <Energy Manipulation>, ever since it got unlocked, I can no longer use <Create Skill> to bring back my all of my element-related magic. I asked Slayer about it once and she told me it was some sort of a consequence for awakening a locked skill without going to the regular process.

I also asked what the hell she was talking about but her mouth is zipped about it. I think she has been regaining quite some attitude ever since my [Authority Level] reached eight during midsummer. It's strange. It's like I'm talking to a real person rather than a system. But then again, I don't know much about the [Slayer System] and the secrets behind it.

*SIGH*

I open my eyes and I can see the sun slowly rise from the horizon. I can't help but smile at the view. I can't help but always marvel at it even though I see it almost every day. Kyoto is a big city, but the shadows cast by both modern buildings and buildings from previous eras, partnered up by the sky's orange hue, just seem to make me feel good and comfortable.

I'm not really sure why but I've been enjoying the view and the feelings that come with it ever since I started my training.

I'm currently on the roof of the Minamoto Estate's main building, since the highest point in the entire property can be found there, where I usually do my meditation, the second to the last activity of my training regime.

"SHI-DONO!" shouts a voice from below. "WAKA-SAMA[1] WOULD LIKE TO HAVE BREAKFAST WITH YOU!"

Ugh! That name. Why do they have to call me that?

Wait…

Did she just say, 'waka-sama'? Ryuuji-san? Why is he inviting me to have breakfast with him all of a sudden? We're not that close.

"I'll be there!" I respond to the servant who immediately leaves, probably to inform Ryuuji-san that I accepted his invitation. But I think, considering we were shouting our responses, he probably heard that.

I shiver on my spot as I remember the name everyone in Akatsuki-gumi had given me. Since they pronounce 'April' awkwardly, they settled on calling me in the Japanese translation of my name; shigatsu. But since it's too long, they settled on calling me 'Shi' as in the number four. They added the honorific '-dono' to show that they are being respectful to me.

I used to tell them to just call me April or even just Ril to make things easier or just Shi without the honorific, but 'Shi-dono' sort of just got stuck, I suppose. When I asked them why they had to call me respectively they said it's because I'm under Sakura-nee's protection.

Like seriously? Just because of that? I get it if they're a bit careful around the acquaintances of Sakura-nee, but I feel like I'm being regarded as part of the higher echelon of the Minamoto Family's yakuza organization.

*SIGH*

Let's just get this over with. Today's my first day of class so I have to do this fast.

The servant, Kanagi, leads me inside the mansion. I admit I always have a hard time navigating the place every time I visit since the halls are a maze but it's not just that. I'm not sure if I'm going crazy but I swear the mansion feels like it's alive at times, and it really creeps me out whenever I end up being alone.

"Shi-dono, waka-sama will be here in a moment. I will deliver your breakfast as well." says Kanagi and leaves me inside the room with a smile.

Hmm? Isn't this room the dojo? Is Ryuuji also having his morning training? I wouldn't be surprised if he has his own training program as well. I mean, he is the next head of Akatsuki-gumi.

Still, a dojo huh. I knew the Akatsuki-gumi headquarters was huge but they actually had their own dojo? That's so cool!

Plum Blossom Mansion has a spacious backyard and it's where we do our usual combat training but we don't have a dojo so I find the place amazing 'tis all.

I start roaming around, checking the weapons and equipment present in the room. They have all sorts of weapons inside after all, both for practice purposes and real weapons. There's even these three wicked looking katanas[2] displayed on the wall. One of them looks really cool too. It has a black handle

I'm not sure what exactly I feel towards the blade but I suddenly feel drawn to it. Like it's calling out to me, wanting to be used. And I'm afraid it wants to be used to kill.

A chill suddenly creeps up my spine and with the use of my <Perception> skill, I can feel killing intent being directed towards me. I can't hear any footsteps but I can feel someone's presence coming closer.

Damn! Is someone suddenly trying to kill me?

Before I even know it, I already drew the katana with a black handle just in time to deflect another blade that's about to cut me.

A… fox? No, a man with a fox mask! And his sword is the real deal!

"Oho? You deflected that. Interesting." he delivers a kick and I manage to dodge it. But he's not giving me any leeway because he swings his sword at me again.

Is this guy really set on killing me?!

"Who the hell are you?! And why do you want to kill me?"

Did he just smirk? He just smirked didn't he? I couldn't see his face doing it but I can totally hear him scoff behind that mask!

Slayer! Use <Appraisal>!

[Notice. Unable to use <Appraisal>.]

What? Why?!

[...]

Sppechless? No answer? Why?!

Crap! He starts attacking me again and his speed is no joke! Thankfully, I have <Flash Step> and my stats are high so I can keep up with him.

Just barely though, but at least it can help me not to get killed!

AAAAAHHHHH! Somebody do something!

Ten minutes later, he's still relentlessly attacking me!

What the hell is this guy's problem?! I can feel he's trying to push me to a corner and making sure I won't escape. His swings are precise and if it wasn't for my impressive reflexes I would've been heavily wounded!

I have to somehow get out of here but I already tried the door a few minutes ago and it won't even budge!

I don't have a choice. I don't know who this guy is or what his problem with me either but I have to take action! I am so done being on the defensive!

Calm down April. Remember what Ferigo taught you about controlling your skills.

As of the moment, I only have one offensive skill; <Energy Manipulation>. I have been working all throughout the summer to get a better grasp at it. I'm proud to say I have a good understanding and control over it but I have never tried using with a weapon. And it's not like I can use my fists for that just to test it out when my opponent has a sword!

Imagine the energy wrap all around your body. Now use about thirty percent of it on the sword.

I can feel my body become lighter and I can see a bluish-white aura start wrapping my body. Bits of it start seeping towards the blade on my hand and I can't help but feel reassured.

"Oh? You can manipulate energy?" he says and suddenly his sword is coated with energy as well.

Eeeeh?! He can… manipulate energy like me?

"Ready or not, here I come."