My True Journey Begins Now

The streets were calm, the distant hum of traffic blending with the rustling leaves. Takami and Yosuke walked side by side, the night air cooling their skin after the intense game.

Yosuke gave a sideways glance. "So, you really turned that guy down just like that? The national team, bro. That’s huge."

Takami let out a short breath, his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, I did."

"No second thoughts? No late-night regret?" Yosuke grinned. "Dude, I’d be a star." Then he clears his throat and reduces his voice "I mean you, you'd be a star. Not that I said me because I'd become popular among my mates for being the brother of a professional basketball pla—"

Takami cut him off, keeping his gaze forward. "It’s not for me."

"And that's why you suck" Yosuke scoffed.

"Hey I heard that," Takami said

"You’re unreal, man. People would kill for that shot." Yosuke says as he starts to go round Takami as they walk "Taking pictures with big names, going overseas, making it big out there," And so he kept on nagging.

Takami shrugged. "Basketball’s fun, but it’s not my priority."

"Oh, right." Yosuke gave an annoyed smile. "You prefer getting your ass kicked in 'death is knocking ' missions by spirits instead."

Takami chuckled. "Pretty much."

Yosuke exhales "What a brother I have,"

They turned a corner, where a small crowd had gathered outside a shop. A news broadcast flickered on an outdoor screen, the reporter’s voice carrying through the air.

“Recent reports indicate a sharp increase in spirit-related incidents across multiple districts. Guild representatives insist the situation is under control, though local authorities urge civilians to remain cautious.”

Takami and Yosuke exchanged a glance. It was happening more often now. More spirits. More problems.

Takami exhaled. "Guess it's only getting worse."

Yosuke nodded. "Yeah… and someone's gonna be right in the middle of it."

"Oh shut up would you,"

"Just saying," Yosuke relaxes his hands into his pockets as they both walk past the crowd.

Later that night, After dinner, Takami lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling when the system notification rang.

DING!

⟨You have pending missions awaiting selection:
• Cave of Roots
• Dark Valley.⟩

A screen appeared in his vision, breaking down the details.

Takami sat up, rubbing his chin. The Cave of Roots practically screamed ‘death trap.’ He wasn’t strong enough yet and also wasn't an idiot.

Dark Valley, on the other hand, was labeled as a survival challenge. It wouldn’t be easy, but at least the odds weren’t stacked against him like the Cave of Roots.

"So dark valley it is." He said, looking at Velis who looked back at him with a blank expression before continuing to groom himself.

Takami rolled his eyes before tapping Dark Valley.

⟨Confirm selection: Dark Valley?⟩

He hesitated. "Tomorrow. I’ll deal with it tomorrow." He dismissed the system interface and went out of his room. Velis followed.

Tomoe and Yosuke already slept off in the living room, Yosuke obviously would get exhausted from the game he had with his friends, maybe Tomoe also had a stressful day.

"Good thing you came out just in time." His mother sighed. "Come help me get these two to bed."

"You mean one." Takami said

"What do you mean, it's Tomoe and Yosuke," She said confused

Takami took a pillow and threw it at Yosuke who then snapped awake. "Yeah I'm up, I'm up, I'm not sleeping, I'm not…sleeping…at all," he started dozing off again

"Go to bed," Takami said folding his arms

"Yeah," Yosuke said as he walked clumsily to his room

Takami turned to his mom, "Well now it's just one person."

His mother laughed, "That's not fair you know,"

"You don't really expect me to carry him to his room, do you? He's a teenager now, couple of days left before he becomes 15" Takami said as he walked over and woke Tomoe, giving her a piggy back ride to her room as his mother followed.

"Now look who's acting like his dad," She smiled

Takami laid Tomoe on her bed and his mom sat beside her, kissing her forehead, "Good night darling."

They both left the room then his mom went to the dining and picked up a book.

"Some famous motivational book again." Takami said jokingly.

"A book with your baby pictures that is," She chuckled

Takami raised an eyebrow, " I thought you said you couldn't find it."

"Well now I did find it. It was in the kitchen cabinet the whole time and I thought it was one of my recipe books." She said, before sitting on the couch, gesturing Takami to sit.

"Alright," Takami said as he sat down beside her.

She opened up the book, they both brought back memories of Takami's childhood.

"Ah, I remember when you and Yuri took this one, you were both five," she laughed. "You were still angry because you thought she took a bite of your popsicle."

"No no no, she did take a bite. Look at her, look at her smile, she was clearly hiding something," Takami laughed

They both enjoyed looking at the pictures, it was as if it all happened yesterday. His mom opened up another page which was filled with pictures of him, his mom and his dad.

His mom smiled, "You know your dad would've been happy to see his boy all grown up and responsible."

Takami rested his head on her lap, "Yeah…it was all fine back then."

"Mm hmm," She stroked his hair gently.

"If only he could be here, at least for Tomoe and Yosuke. They were just seven and three." Takami said softly.

Tears had already started to well up in Akane's eyes as she closed the book shut.

"He shouldn't have gone out…it pains me more that I was the only one who could see it attack him. I watched helplessly as the man I always looked up to fall to his knees." Takami didn't realize tears dropping out of his eyes.

"It's okay honey," Akane couldn't hold in the tears any longer, "It's all gonna be fine…at least they both have you to look up to." She kept on stroking his hair gently.

And they both eventually slept off. Yosuke came out of his room to get some water when he saw them, "Takami? Mom?…they slept off here?"

He went back into his room and came out with a blanket which he used to cover them before going to drink water and then headed back into his room.

The next morning, Kanen stood by his car, arms crossed, checking his watch.

When Takami finally arrived, Kanen’s brow twitched. "You act as if you have all the time in the world."

Takami smirked. "I was at the gym. And I remember you saying ‘at my convenience.’"

Kanen sighed and gestured toward the car. "Just get in."

They drove through backstreets, eventually stopping in an alleyway. Kanen stepped out, swiping a card against a seemingly solid brick wall. It shimmered and slid open, revealing an elevator.

Takami looked impressed. "No wonder you guys are the most secretive guild in Japan."

Kanen smirked. "One of many entrances. This was the closest."

As they stepped inside, the elevator descended, opening up to a sprawling underground base. Spirit Keepers moved with purpose, monitoring data, sharpening weapons, and preparing for assignments. The Phantom Order’s efficiency was undeniable.

Kanen led him to an office, where a man stood behind a desk.

Kaito Mizuno. An assassin type fighter.

Tall and lean, yet the strength in his frame was clear. His presence alone made the air feel heavier. His brown suit, crisp and neat, barely concealed the raw aura radiating from him.

"Takami," Mizuno greeted. "Sit."

Takami complied, glancing at Kanen, who stood off to the side. Mizuno studied him for a moment before speaking.

"You're one of the very few we've let in through the main work station, so I'd appreciate it if you kept this between us."

Takami nodded. "Not a problem."

"Very well then. I’ll be direct. I had the bounty on you removed." Mizuno continued

Takami narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Mizuno steepled his fingers. "Because you interest me. Your adaptability. And your unique ability… to grow stronger."

Takami stiffened. How much did he know?

Mizuno leaned forward. "It’s just a theory. But considering how a low Grant user defeated a high-class spirit and a Rank-2 high Grant user… you’re an anomaly. A spirit slayer with no bounds."

Takami remained silent but felt relieved. Mizuno was sharp. Too sharp.

"It's nothing we've seen before. Understandable why they couldn't tell it during your evaluation. We've come across a couple of re-awakenings but the fact that you keep on getting better clearly shows that this isn't a re-awakening."

Takami couldn't help but look surprised, Mizuno had every detail in check compared with his recent activities to bring out the perfect theory. How smart was he?

"Well you've rejected it once already, but I'd like to bring it up again. I’m offering you a place here," Mizuno continued. "A stable income. Mission bonuses. Equipment funding. Insurance. Security. You would grow even faster."

Kanen got surprised, "But s-sir... Those are... Spirit keeper exclusive—"

"I don't remember asking for your opinion," Mizuno cut him off without looking, his words were enough to keep Kanen shut.

"S-sorry sir." Kanen replied

Takami hesitated.

The offer was tempting. A secure future. Better gear. More resources. But… something in him resisted.

"I’m sorry," he finally said. "I can’t accept."

Mizuno watched him hoping for a reason, but Takami had none, at least none he could speak out.

Mizuno then nodded. "Fine. But if you change your mind, the Phantom Order will always be open to you."

Elsewhere, in a secure government building, Hado Nanase sat across from the Prime Minister.

"The guilds are making reckless moves again chairman," the Prime Minister said, folding his hands together. "It’s concerning."

Hado adjusted his glasses. "They do what they believe is necessary. We've also set some rules to minimize damages and casualties as much as possible"

"Very well then…And you?" The Prime Minister’s gaze sharpened. "I trust you’ll keep things in control."

Hado smiled slightly. "Of course. But there are… other matters to discuss."

"I'm listening. If it's the same request as last time then you must've come up with a mega plan to convince me,"

After leaving the Phantom Order base, Takami walked off, deep in thought.

Kanen came after him with his car, "Hey, you just gonna walk? Get in, I brought you here so it wouldn't be right if just left you to leave on foot."

"Huh?" Takami turned, "Oh thanks but I'm okay, just a little exercise,"

"Alright then, farewell." Kanen drove off

Along the way Takami opened up the system interface and went to the mission select. He tapped on the dark valley mission and confirmed.

⟨Warning: You will not be able to leave until the challenge is over.⟩

⟨Accept?⟩ | ⟨Decline?⟩

Takami exhaled. "It’s time."

He tapped Accept.

A spark ignited before him. Then, a slice through space. A gate-like opening appeared, eerily similar to the one that appeared in Shibuya, only smaller, just enough for four people to pass through at once.

He glanced around. No one else reacted. He confirmed it when a spirit slayer passed through it, completely oblivious.

"So only I can see it... or access it."

He pulled out his phone and texted Yosuke.

Takami: [Tell mom and Tomoe I’ll be back tomorrow.]

Yosuke replied few seconds later: [Where are you going?]

Takami: [Just tell them. Take care of mom and Tomoe. Don’t do anything stupid. And feed Velis.]

Yosuke: [Ok. Don't die.]

Switching off his phone, he took a deep breath before stepping through.

The gate closed behind him.

Dark Valley.

The sky above was red.

Spirits emerged, some marked blue, some green, ranging between E and D ranks.

"So it's starting off with low-class spirits?" Takami smirked, opening his inventory.

He scrolled past healing potions, landing on something he hadn’t used since the beginning, the Level 1 Cloak. He tapped it.

⟨Equipped.⟩

⟨Damage Resistance: +10%.⟩

He put a hand on his chin, "Now why didn't I use it until now?"

"I wonder what rewards I'll get…Mid journey ability acquisition huh?" He sighed, materializing Shadow Blade in his hand.

"Let’s see how this goes…Time to Level up."

"Let’s see how this goes…Time to Level up."

NOTE:  After rescheduling, now I'll be posting 2 chapters weekly, Thursdays and Mondays, 

Thanks again for your support .