The Spark Beneath the Sky

A long, long time ago, powerful families ruled the world through their overwhelming command of Natura Ki. They refused to let technology advance, believing that if science progressed, their monopoly on power would crumble. To preserve their dominance, they suppressed innovation and erased forbidden knowledge from the world.

But not everyone obeyed. Thirteen noble families secretly supported the rise of technology, fully aware that discovery meant death. Among them was the House of Hoshizora—home to a prodigy unlike any other.

Hoshizora could control Natura Ki across every cell of her body. She could reshape her appearance, harden her flesh like steel, and manipulate her internal energy flow with divine precision—a genius born from forbidden evolution.

Hoshizora stood on the academy’s terrace, gazing down at the training grounds below.

“I don’t know what Yokugama’s problem is,” she muttered. “At first, I thought he was just curious about my power… but then he suddenly proposed to me? What a fool.”

Her eyes narrowed. “He made a scene in front of the whole school. I’ll make him regret that. Even if he dies, his soul won’t forget this day.”

The loudspeaker crackled: “Attention, all academy students! Today marks a historic event. For the first time, upperclassmen and new students will face each other in combat! This is not an exam—it’s a full-scale tournament! The top ten of each year will advance to the final duels! Bets are permitted, and the rewards are immense! Now, welcome the man who made this possible—Daigo Tenshiro!”

An older man with silver hair and eyes like sharpened blades stepped onto the platform. The air around him shimmered—the density of his Natura Ki almost tangible.

Natura Ki“My dear students,” Daigo Tenshiro began, “I am the head of this academy—and one of the oldest living masters of Natura Ki. For years, we measured your worth through written tests. But power… is not measured on paper. It must be felt, seen, earned.

“Today, I will watch and judge your true potential. Those who rise above will not only earn glory—but my personal mentorship.” He smiled faintly. “Let the tournament begin.”

The arena erupted with cheers.Over five hundred students had registered, but only two hundred and fifty seats were available. Half would fail. The rest would advance. The air crackled with tension and ambition.“This isn’t a test,” someone whispered. “It’s a bloodbath.”“They just want to show the academy’s power.”“It’s cruel… but that’s our world.”Countdown.“Three… two… one… BEGIN!”Yokugama faced his first opponent—a tall, confident upperclassman.The instant the match started, the arena floor cracked beneath his feet.He vanished in a blur.A dull thud echoed. Yokugama’s knee struck his opponent’s stomach with merciless precision. Three seconds later, the upperclassman lay unconscious, embedded in the wall.Gasps rippled through the arena.“What just happened?”“He finished it in three seconds!”“That’s not human!”Yokugama straightened his uniform, brushing off dust, his expression calm and detached.“I didn’t expect it to end that fast,” he thought. “I used Natura Ki to compress my knee joint—dense as stone. It wasn’t overkill… he was just too slow.”But the crowd didn’t see his calculation—they say a monster.Whispers spread:“He’s arrogant.”“He doesn’t care about his opponents.”“He might even challenge Hoshizora…”At the edge of the arena, Hoshizora watched silently.“So that’s Yokugama,” she murmured. “A freshman who defeated an upperclassman in three seconds. His Ki flow is unstable—if he keeps using it that way, his brain will burn out. But…”She smiled faintly. “Maybe he’s worth testing. Let’s see if that confidence can survive me.”Yokugama exhaled slowly, sensing her gaze. “Be ready, Hoshizora,” he whispered. “You’re next.”He could feel it—the stage was being set. Not just for a tournament… but for a confrontation that would shake the academy itself.