The Demon in the Shadows

The moon hung high above the academy grounds, pale and cold, casting a ghostly light across the silent courtyards.

Dark clouds drifted lazily over the night sky, and a sharp wind howled faintly through the gates as two squads assembled before the looming eastern forest.

At the front stood Hideo, his expression calm yet unreadable, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his Kontantou (katana).

Beside him, Ayaka watched the mist-choked woods with unblinking focus, her composure radiating quiet authority.

Behind them, their squads moved in disciplined formation—blades sheathed, steps light, hearts heavy with unease.

The forest beyond seemed alive.

The twisted branches clawed at the moonlight, and the mist slithered like a living thing across the forest floor.
The squad advanced in silence.

Every creak of bark, every rustle of leaves set nerves on edge.

Each warrior’s hand lingered near their blade, ready for the unseen threat that waited beyond the veil of fog.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the stillness.

“Wait!”

The squads halted as a figure sprinted toward them from the academy gates.

It was Ryouma Kisaragi—his chest heaving, eyes burning with determination. The young samurai clutched the hilt of his blade as though it were an extension of his resolve.

Hideo turned, his cold eyes narrowing.

"Go back,” he said flatly.

Ryouma stopped, fists clenched.“I can fight too!” he said, breathless but unwavering.
Ayaka’s gaze flicked toward him, her tone sharp and precise.“You’re not ready.”
Ryouma’s hands trembled slightly, but he stood firm.“I’m stronger than you think! I—”

“Enough.”

Hideo’s voice cut through him like steel. His eyes were calm but devoid of warmth.“You’re a student. You’ll only slow us down.”

The words struck harder than any blow.

Ryouma’s breath faltered, pride burning behind clenched teeth. Ayaka stepped forward, her tone final.

“You’ll get yourself killed. Go back.”

For a moment, silence fell between them. The mist swirled around Ryouma’s feet as he stood there, helpless under their piercing gazes.

Then, lowering his head, he muttered nothing and turned away.

His shadow receded into the darkness—alone, silent, and heavy with shame.

Without another word, the squads resumed their march into the mist.

– The Search Begins

The eastern forest was a labyrinth of shadows.

The moonlight barely reached the ground, and the fog wrapped around the trees like a living curse.

The squads split into smaller groups, their movements deliberate and cautious. Every sound—every crack of twig or whisper of wind—felt amplified in the still air.

Two samurai from Ayaka’s squad—Kaoru and Daichi—moved through a narrow path flanked by crooked trees.

Their breaths misted in the cold air.

“You nervous?” Kaoru asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Daichi smirked faintly, adjusting his grip on his Kontantou.

“Me? Nervous? Please. I just hope this demon’s as strong as they say. I could use the practice.”

Kaoru chuckled quietly.

“You always think with your sword, don’t you?”

Daichi grinned, but the smile didn’t last. His steps slowed.

“Wait… did you hear that?”
The forest fell still. Not even the wind dared to move.
Kaoru’s eyes swept the trees. “I don’t hear anyth—”
He froze.

A chill crawled up his spine. Something… was behind him.

Slowly, he turned his head.

From the fog, a colossal shadow emerged—massive, hunched, breathing heavily.

Crimson eyes pierced the darkness like burning coals.

Ryuji.

The creature stepped into the faint moonlight a towering beast cloaked in jagged black fur, muscles rippling beneath its monstrous form. Its lips curled into a grin that reeked of bloodlust.

Kaoru’s pupils dilated in horror.

“Hey, Kaoru, what’s wrong—?” Daichi’s voice cut through the silence from ahead.

He never finished.

With a thunderous roar, Ryuji moved—faster than thought, faster than fear. His massive fist slammed into Kaoru’s torso with a sound that split the air.

A violent shockwave rippled through the mist.

Kaoru’s mouth opened in silent agony as blood burst from his lips. His body splits in many pieces from the force, scattering blood and flesh across the forest floor.

Daichi screamed.

“KAORU!”

The sound echoed through the forest like a death bell.

Hideo and Ayaka snapped their heads toward it—eyes sharp, bodies already in motion.

They sprinted through the mist, their squads following close behind.
When they arrived, the sight froze them all.

Kaoru’s  body lay sprawled on the blood-soaked ground.

Standing over him was the demon—Ryuji—his claws dripping with crimson, his glowing eyes scanning the trembling samurai that surrounded him.

A low, guttural chuckle rumbled from his chest.

“More of you…” he growled, his grin widening into something monstrous.

“…how delightful.”

The forest seemed to hold its breath as the moonlight fell upon him—The Demon in the Shadows—ready to feast again.

To be continue...