The bus engine sputtered its final breath, and Mio stepped off onto the gravel shoulder. She squinted under the Monday sun, thumbing her phone for Takashi's text. The address sent her here, to the middle of nowhere, where the only sign of civilization was a solitary red Tori gate standing guard amidst the wild.

"Is this really the right place, or a prank?" she muttered to herself, skepticism heavy in her tone. The countryside air tasted different from the city smog—cleaner, almost unnervingly fresh. She hadn't breathed it since childhood trips she barely remembered.

Mio approached the gate, the glaring red pillars a stark contrast to the greens and browns of the forest. "Here goes nothing," she said, more to brace herself than out of belief. Stepping through felt like crossing a threshold into another world.

And another world it was.

Mio stood frozen in awe, taking in the sight before her. The forest had vanished completely, replaced by a bustling village that seemed to have been plucked right out of ancient Japan. The buildings were adorned with intricate carvings and curved rooftops, and lanterns and paper banners hung from every corner. She could hear the sound of laughter and chatter, and the smell of savory food wafted through the air.

For a moment, Mio's cool façade faltered as she took in her surroundings. It was like stepping into a different time period, a world she had only ever read about in history books or seen in anime. She couldn't believe that such a place existed.

As she walked through the streets of the village, she received curious looks from the villagers dressed in traditional clothing. Some even bowed to her as she passed by, their faces filled with respect and reverence. It was like she was an important guest in their community.

Mio's heart raced as she tried to make sense of what was happening. Was this some kind of elaborate theme park? A movie set? Or maybe she had stumbled upon a secret society that had managed to preserve ancient traditions.

"Guess GPS doesn’t cover alternate dimensions," she quipped to the empty air, taking in the sight.

Ahead, a large courtyard buzzed with life. Teenagers clustered like bees around a honey pot, their voices a distant hum as Mio approached. Each step was measured, a silent beat to the symphony of nervous excitement that filled the space.

She felt like an outsider in this world, dressed in her modern clothes while everyone else was adorned in traditional garments. Her heart thumped a warning. Imposter syndrome had sharp claws, and it dug in deep.

She scanned their faces—eager, anxious, proud. None wore the same guarded expression she did. Mio slid her hands into her pockets, trying to hide the fact that they didn't quite fit this puzzle.

Mio stood at the edge of the courtyard, taking in the scene before her. Clusters of teenagers, all dressed in traditional clothing, splintered into cliques as they chattered and laughed with each other. It was a stark contrast to Mio's own silence and isolation.

She scanned the courtyard, searching for any sign of familiarity. But it was like being on the first day of high school all over again: intimidating and lonely.

She watched as some of the groups performed traditional dances while others engaged in what seemed to be a friendly game of tug-of-war. The air was filled with energy and excitement, but Mio couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outsider.

She pulled out her phone, hoping to find some sort of reception or even a signal that would explain this strange place. But to her dismay, there was no service at all.

"Attention, please."

Mio turned towards the sound of the voice, her phone still in hand. She watched as Takashi emerged from the main building, his voice slicing through the murmurs. He stood with both arms behind his back, his crisp suit standing out against the ancient building behind him.

"Attention, please," he repeated, his voice slicing through the murmurs of the teenagers.

With a smooth motion, he adjusted his glasses, eyes scanning the crowd. "Thank you all for arriving on time," he said, commanding the group's focus. "Your dedication is the first step towards excellence. After all we are not only training you to become Sento, using your new found Spiritual Energy to fight Mononoke, but also butlers and maids.”

Mio rolled her eyes. "Great, combat training and etiquette lessons. What a combo."

Takashi's gaze locked onto her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, Miss Kojima. Glad you could join us. Your grandfather speaks highly of your... potential."

Mio froze. "My grandfather?"

As if on cue, a gruff voice boomed from behind her. "Still haven't learned to keep that sharp tongue in check, I see."

She whirled around, coming face-to-face with Yoshiro Kojima. His weathered features were set in a stern frown, but his eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Gramps?" Mio sputtered. "What are you doing here?"

Yoshiro crossed his arms. "Teaching you manners, apparently. And how not to get eaten by evil spirits."

Mio's jaw dropped. "You're kidding me."

Yoshiro grinned, a rare sight that unsettled her more than his usual scowl. "Not at all, granddaughter. I volunteered."

"Of course you did," Mio muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Because normal grandpas play golf or tend the garden. Mine teaches demon-fighting etiquette."

A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd. Mio felt their eyes on her, curiosity and envy mingling in their stares. Great. Now she was the teacher's pet by blood.

Takashi cleared his throat. "If the family reunion is over, we have a schedule to keep." He motioned for Mio’s grandfather to step forward.

"Good morning," Yoshiro began, his voice firm, each word measured and precise. "I am Yoshiro Kojima, and I will be overseeing your training."

“Kojima? Isn’t that the name of that legendary Exorcist?” Gossip spread throughout the crowd of teens.

Mio's mind raced. Her grandfather, a legendary Exorcist? She'd known he was retired, but this...this was something else entirely.

"Legendary pain in my ass, more like," she muttered under her breath.

Yoshiro's sharp ears caught Mio's comment. He shot her a look that could curdle milk. "Since my granddaughter is so eager to demonstrate, perhaps she'd like to volunteer for our first exercise?"

Mio's stomach dropped. "I'd rather not—"

"Excellent!" Yoshiro clapped his hands. "Step forward, Mio."

Reluctantly, Mio shuffled to the front. The other students moved aside, creating a path for her as their eyes held a mixture of curiosity and joy at someone else's misfortune.

Yoshiro produced a small, ornate box from his robes. "Your task is simple. Open this."

Mio raised an eyebrow. "That's it? Just open a box?"

"Just open the box," Yoshiro confirmed, his face unreadable.

Mio reached for the box, her fingers barely grazing the lacquered surface when a jolt of energy zapped her hand. She yelped, yanking it back.

"What the hell, Gramps?" she hissed, shaking out her tingling fingers.

Yoshiro's expression remained impassive. "I said open it, not touch it."

Mio glared at him, then at the innocuous-looking box. She circled the box, studying it from every angle. No visible locks or hinges. Just smooth, polished wood.

"Any day now, Mio," Yoshiro prodded.

She gritted her teeth. "I'm thinking."

"Don't hurt yourself," he quipped.

Mio took a deep breath, focusing on the energy she'd felt before. It pulsed around the box like a living thing.

"Think, Mio," she muttered. "There's gotta be a trick."

She closed her eyes, letting the memories of her childhood lessons wash over her. The gentle cadence of her grandfather's voice echoed in her mind, filled with wisdom and guidance: "Spiritual energy flows through all things. Learn to sense it, and you can manipulate it." She could almost feel his hand on her shoulder, guiding her in the ways of energy manipulation. The air around her seemed to buzz with an invisible current, as if waiting for her to tap into its power. She took a deep breath, ready to hone her skills and connect with the world around her.

Mio exhaled slowly, centering herself. The world fell away, leaving only her and the box. She reached out with her senses, probing the box's aura. The spiritual energy thrummed against her consciousness, intricate patterns swirling just beyond her grasp.

"Come on," she muttered. "Show me your secrets."

A flicker of insight sparked in her mind. The energy wasn't a solid barrier, but a complex web. Find the right thread, and the whole thing would unravel.

Mio extended her hand again, this time focusing on a single point. Her fingertip hovered millimeters from the box's surface. The air crackled with tension.

"Gotcha," she whispered.

With a quick flick of her wrist, she tugged on the invisible thread. The energy field shimmered and collapsed. The box's lid popped open with a soft click.

Gasps erupted from the crowd. Mio's eyes snapped open, surprise etched on her face.

"Well done," Yoshiro nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "You've taken your first step."

Mio stared at her hands, then at the open box. "I did that?"

"You did," Yoshiro confirmed. "Your spiritual energy is strong, if untamed."

Mio's mind reeled. She had actually done it - manipulated spiritual energy and opened the box. A mix of pride and disbelief washed over her.

"Don't let it go to your head," Yoshiro grumbled, but Mio caught the faintest smile tugging at his lips.

He turned to address the group. "What you've just witnessed is the first step in harnessing your spiritual energy. It's not about brute force, but understanding and manipulating the flow of power around you."

The other students murmured excitedly, some eyeing Mio with newfound respect, others with barely concealed envy.

"Now then," Yoshiro continued. "You're all here because you possess latent spiritual energy. Our job is to awaken it, hone it, and teach you to use it responsibly."

Takashi interjected, "As you all know, Mr. Kojima has years of experience and unparalleled expertise." His tone suggesting reverence. "He will mold you into the exemplary staff Gentleman's Shield prides itself on."

"This won't be easy," Yoshiro declared. "You will be pushed. You will struggle. And you will grow."

"Your training starts in fifteen minutes," Takashi proclaimed, checking his watch. “Go to your dorms and change into your uniforms. Then wait in the courtyard for further instructions.”

The crowd started moving. Mio reluctantly followed, shooting daggers at her grandfather's back. ‘Bring it on, Gramps,’ Mio thought, a surge of determination rising within her. She was ready for whatever this summer camp—and her grandfather—had in store.

Mio's feet carried her towards the boy's dormitories, a force of habit she hadn't quite kicked yet. "Wrong way," chirped a girl with a ponytail flicking like a whip as she redirected Mio with a finger. "Girls are that way."

"Right," Mio mumbled, feeling the heat creep up her neck. She veered off course, her luggage thudding against the pebbled path to the correct building. The traditional architecture reminded her of her own house.

Mio entered the girls’ dormitory and was greeted with a hallway that was lined with wooden doors, each one leading to a small room that would be her home for the rest of summer. She picked up her pace and quickly found room 204, which had been assigned to her.

The room was not particularly noteworthy, and she assumed that every one else’s room looked identical. A wooden bed frame sat against one wall, while a single desk occupied the corner of the room.

She dumped her bag on the bed, and eyed the uniform laid out for her—a white short sleeved top and buruma combo.

Mio had to do a double take as she examined the tiny navy shorts in her hands. Did they seriously expect her to wear these? Even her underwear provided more coverage, although she did usually opt for men’s boxers. But those would definitely be visible through the buruma, she noted with sudden understanding.

With a sinking feeling, she unzipped her bag and rummaged through it for the ‘gifts’ Sayuri had given her the day prior. At first Mio was going to reject them, but Sayuri was adamant that she keep them.

Mio's hands shook as she pulled out a pair of plain white cotton panties, the fabric wrinkled from being packed in her bag. The scent of fresh laundry clung to the panties, a reminder that they had been freshly washed and prepared for her.

The fabric was soft and smooth in Mio's hands, but her fingers shook as she ran them over the familiar feel of the cotton. She could feel goosebumps on her skin as her palms grew clammy. Did she really have to go through with this?

She shook her head, trying to make sense of the surreal situation she found herself in. As a girl now, it was perfectly natural for her to be wearing panties. In fact, it would be strange if she wasn't wearing them.

With a heavy sigh, she changed quickly, her movements mechanical.

After getting dressed, she looked in the mirror and confirmed her fears. The top was a good fit, but it accentuated her curves in a way that made her uncomfortable. And then there was the buruma, those tiny high-cut gym shorts that hugged every inch of her body and showed off her entire thigh.

Mio's eyes widened as she took in the sight of her exposed legs, her skin tingling with goosebumps at the thought of anyone seeing so much of her. The buruma shorts clung tightly to her thighs, leaving little to the imagination and causing her to feel self-conscious and vulnerable.

She scolded herself mentally and forced her eyes away from the mirror. This was her new reality, and there was no use dwelling on it. She grabbed a black track jacket on the way out of her room and zipped it all the way up to her chin.

Mio stepped out of her room, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in her stomach. She saw other girls walking down the hallway, all dressed in their white tops and buruma shorts. Some were chatting and laughing with each other, while others walked alone with their heads down.

Mio couldn't help but feel like an outsider among them. Just yesterday she was a boy, and now she was expected to blend in with these girls as if she had always been one of them.

Outside, the cool morning air felt like a slap against her bare legs, raising goosebumps and causing her to shiver. The fabric of the buruma was snug against her thighs, almost suffocating, as Mio’s fingers hastily adjusted the material.

Out in the courtyard, teens were milling about like cattle before an auction. She noticed that the boys were wearing regular shorts—the kind that reached above their knees, and Mio felt a pang of jealousy. Shaking those thoughts away, Mio waded in, scanning faces. Their eyes were mirrors of ambition, fear, excitement—lives converging in this strange new world of service and spirits.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Hey, name's Akari," a voice cut through the din. The owner was tall, brown hair a tousled crown on his head. He extended a hand, muscles corded from what Mio guessed were many hours lifting at the gym.

"Mio," she replied, shaking his hand firmly, hoping it didn't feel as clammy as it did in her head.

"Granddaughter of the legendary Yoshiro Kojima, huh?" Akari's grin was easy, disarming. Mio gave him a half-shrug, half-nod, not sure how much weight her lineage carried here—or how much she wanted it to.

"Legendary is a stretch," Mio said, rolling her eyes. "He's just a grumpy old man who likes bossing people around."

Akari laughed. "Still, must be cool having an insider's perspective. I bet you already know all kinds of spiritual techniques."

Mio opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off by a shrill whistle. The chatter in the courtyard died instantly.

"Line up!" Yoshiro's voice boomed across the space.

Students scrambled to form neat rows, their movements a chaotic dance of limbs and nervous energy. Mio found herself sandwiched between Akari and a petite girl with glasses who looked like she might faint at any moment.

Yoshiro paced in front of the group, his eyes scanning each face. "Your first lesson," he announced, "is about awareness."

He snapped his fingers. The air shimmered, and suddenly the courtyard was filled with glowing orbs of various colors.

"These are spirit essences," Yoshiro explained. "Harmless, but excellent for training. Your task is simple: catch as many as you can in the next five minutes."

Mio's heart began to race as she watched the orbs float around her, each one emitting a soft glow. She felt a surge of excitement at the thought of finally getting to use her spiritual abilities.

Beside her, Akari cracked his knuckles and took a deep breath. "Let's do this," he said with determination.

Mio nodded, trying to focus on the task at hand. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, centering herself and tapping into her spiritual energy.

When she opened her eyes again, everything seemed sharper, more defined. The orbs were no longer just glowing objects but sentient beings, each one with its own unique energy signature.

Without hesitation, Mio reached out and grabbed an orb with a flick of her wrist. It felt like warm light flowing through her fingers as she captured it.

Beside her, Akari laughed with excitement as he caught two orbs in quick succession.

But not everyone was having an easy time. The petite girl next to Mio was frantically waving her arms around, trying to catch an orb but failing each time.

"Focus your mind," Yoshiro's voice boomed across the courtyard. “It's not about your physical abilities, it's about the sharpness of your senses.”

Mio turned to look at the girl and saw that tears were streaming down her face. Without hesitation, Mio reached out and grabbed an orb for her before handing it over gently.

The girl's eyes widened in surprise before she smiled gratefully at Mio. Encouraged by this small victory, the girl’s eyes narrowed with newfound determination and she started catching orbs left and right.

As the five minutes came to an end, Yoshiro called for everyone to gather around him again.

"Good job," he said with a nod. "You've got the hang of sensing spiritual energy, but let's test your abilities a bit further. Your next task is to do the same exercise, but with a blindfold on."

Mio's heart skipped a beat at the thought of catching orbs without being able to see them. It seemed impossible, but she knew that her grandfather wouldn't be asking if it wasn't achievable.

She watched as the other students put on their blindfolds, some with trepidation and others with determination.

Once everyone was ready, Yoshiro snapped his fingers again, and the orbs disappeared. A few moments later, they reappeared in different locations around the courtyard.

"Begin," Yoshiro commanded.

Mio took a deep breath and closed her eyes, focusing all her energy on her sense of spiritual awareness. She could feel the presence of the orbs around her, even though she couldn’t see them.

With each step she took, she extended her senses outwards, trying to pinpoint the location of an orb. After a few attempts, she managed to catch one with a quick flick of her wrist.

But as she reached for another one, someone else’s hand grabbed it first. She could hear their footsteps running away as they laughed in triumph.

Frustration boiled within Mio as she tried to locate another orb. Her mind was racing with thoughts of failure and disappointment.

Just then, something unexpected happened. She felt a familiar hand on her shoulder and heard Akari's voice whispering in her ear.

"Relax, Mio," Akari murmured. "You're trying too hard. Let your senses guide you."

His words cut through her frustration. Mio took a deep breath, forcing her shoulders to loosen. She pushed aside thoughts of competition and focused on the energy around her.

Suddenly, she felt it - a warm pulse to her left. Without hesitation, she reached out and grasped an orb. Its energy tingled against her palm.

"Nice," Akari said, squeezing her shoulder before moving away.

A sense of relief washed over Mio as she realized that Akari was right - trusting her instincts was key to success in this exercise.

Emboldened, Mio continued. Each capture became easier as she surrendered to her instincts. By the time Yoshiro called time, she had a respectable collection of orbs.

———————————————-

Sayuri was having a fantastic day. She woke up earlier than usual, fueled by the memories of her dream involving a very naked Mio. Although she was slightly disappointed that the dream ended before the best part, she still felt content.

After indulging in a delicious strawberry cake from the nearby patisserie, she decided to take a different route back home. She strolled along the riverbank, reminiscing about the warm afternoons spent swimming with Mio, and it brought a smile to her face.

Sayuri walked along the riverbank, soaking in the warm sun and cool breeze. She couldn't remember the last time she had taken a different route home, but today just felt like a day for new experiences.

As she walked, her mind incessantly wandered back to Mio. The dream from the previous night replayed on an endless loop in her thoughts, heating her cheeks with a rosy blush. His athletic physique dominated her mind, the gleam of sweat accentuating his bulging biceps. Imagining his lips tantalizingly close to hers sent a shiver down her spine. The intensity of his gaze, clouded with desire, lingered in her fantasies like a sultry promise.

Suddenly, a splash and a cry broke through Sayuri's daydreams. She whipped her head toward the sound, eyes widening as she saw a young boy thrashing in the river's swift current and the translucent shapes of yokai that danced mockingly around him.

Without hesitation, Sayuri sprinted to the water's edge. The boy's panicked face disappeared beneath the surface, then bobbed up again, gasping.

"Hold on!" Sayuri shouted. She kicked off her shoes and waded in, the icy water shocking her system.

The current tugged at her legs as she pushed deeper. The boy's flailing arms were just out of reach. Sayuri stretched, fingertips grazing his shirt before he slipped away again.

"No!" she cried.

Something stirred within her - spiritual energy she’d manifested twice before. It surged through her body, down her arm, extending beyond her physical form.

Sayuri's hand glowed with an ethereal light. The energy pulsed outward, forming a shimmering tendril that shot towards the drowning boy. It wrapped around his waist, pulling him towards her with surprising strength.

The yokai hissed and scattered as Sayuri's power touched them. She ignored their angry shrieks, focused solely on saving the child. She grabbed the boy's arm and hauled him close, struggling against the current.

"I've got you," she gasped, her legs burning with effort as she dragged them both to shore.

With a final heave, they collapsed on the riverbank. He coughed and sputtered, expelling water from his lungs. Sayuri patted his back, her heart racing.

"You're okay now," she soothed. "You're safe."

The boy looked up at her with wide, terrified eyes. "The monsters," he whispered. "Did you see them?"

Sayuri hesitated, then nodded. "I saw them. But they're gone now."

He nodded, wide-eyed and trembling. "H-how did you do that?"

Sayuri stared at her hands, the glow already fading. "I... I don't know."

A slow clap echoed from behind them. Sayuri whirled around to see a tall, dark-haired foreigner watching them with an amused smirk. His piercing blue eyes seemed to look right through her. His expensive suit looked out of place by the muddy riverbank.

"Impressive," he said, his accent crisp and unfamiliar. "Not many can manifest spiritual energy so instinctively."

Sayuri tensed, instinctively pulling the boy closer. "Who are you?"

The man chuckled. "Someone who can help you understand that power of yours." He took a step closer, hands raised in a placating gesture. "I mean you no harm. My name is Connor, and I specialize in training those with... unique abilities."

Sayuri's eyes narrowed. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Come now," he chuckled. "We both know that's not true. The energy you just wielded - that's not something an ordinary person can do."

Sayuri stared at Connor, her mind racing. The energy she'd felt, the glowing light - it had never manifested that way before. But this stranger claimed to understand it.

"How do you know about this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Connor's smile widened. "Let's just say I have experience with the supernatural. I can teach you to control that power, to use it effectively."

The boy tugged at Sayuri's sleeve again. "The monsters might come back," he whimpered.

Sayuri squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "It's okay. They're gone now." She turned back to Connor, eyes narrowing. "Why should I trust you?"

"Because you're curious," Connor replied smoothly. "And because you know, deep down, that this power is just the beginning. Don't you want to know what else you're capable of?”

Sayuri hesitated, her mind racing. The stranger's words struck a chord within her. She glanced down at her hands, remembering the surge of energy that had flowed through them moments ago. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

"I..." she began, then paused. The boy beside her shivered, reminding her of their wet clothes. "I need to get him home first."

Connor nodded, his smile never wavering. "Of course. But consider my offer, Sayuri. You have potential beyond your wildest dreams."

Sayuri's eyes widened. "How do you know my name?"

"I make it my business to know about special individuals like yourself," Connor replied cryptically. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek business card. "When you're ready to learn more, give me a call."

He tossed her the card and she caught it. With a tip of his hat, Connor turned and walked away, whistling a jaunty tune.

Sayuri's heart raced as she gazed at the card in her hand. There was no name printed on it, just a simple logo of an umbrella.

———————————————-

Mio couldn't believe how fast lunch break had gone by, and now she stood by herself feeling out of place. Everyone else had moved on to stretching, while Yoshiro observed them just like a hawk studying its potential prey.

Akari sidled up to her. “Wanna partner up?”

Mio eyed Akari warily. His easy smile seemed genuine, but she'd learned to be cautious. Still, having a partner was better than standing alone like an idiot.

"Sure," she shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant.

They found an open spot on the grass and began stretching. Mio winced as she reached for her toes, her muscles protesting after the morning's exertions.

"You know," Akari started, "that was some impressive work with the spirit orbs earlier."

Mio grunted noncommittally. "Beginner's luck."

Akari chuckled. "I doubt that. You've got natural talent, Mio. Must run in the family."

She shot him a sharp look. "I'm more than just my grandfather's legacy, you know."

"Whoa, easy." Akari held up his hands defensively. "I didn't mean it like that. I just meant you've got skills, that's all."

Mio sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Sorry. I'm just... on edge."

"No worries," Akari said, his easy smile returning. "This is all pretty overwhelming, huh?"

Mio nodded, stretching her arms above her head. The buruma shorts rode up uncomfortably, and she tugged them down with a grimace.

"You can say that again," she muttered.

Akari's eyes flicked down to her legs, then quickly back up to her face. A faint blush colored his cheeks.

"Yeah, those uniforms are... something else," he said, clearing his throat.

Mio felt heat rising to her own face. She crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly very aware of her body.

"They're ridiculous," she grumbled. "Whoever designed these was clearly a pervert."

Akari laughed, the tension broken. "Can't argue with that. Though I guess we're supposed to get used to wearing formal attire as butlers and maids."

"There's formal, and then there's this," Mio gestured at her outfit with disgust.

"Fair point," Akari conceded. He opened his mouth to say more, but Yoshiro's voice cut through the chatter.

"Alright, brats! Listen up!" he barked. "Time to put those warmed-up muscles to use."

The students scrambled to attention.

"Ten miles," Yoshiro barked, pointing to the track. Murmurs of disbelief rippled through the group.

Someone groaned. "Ten miles? Is he insane?"

Akari grimaced. "Guess we're about to find out how serious this training really is."

Yoshiro's voice boomed across the field. "This isn't just a physical test. You'll be using your spiritual energy to enhance your stamina and speed. None of you will be allowed to leave until you’ve all completed your laps."

Mio and Akari jogged to the starting point, joining the throng of groaning students.

"On your marks!" Yoshiro shouted. "Get set!"

The students lined up at the starting line, tension thick in the air. Mio closed her eyes, trying to center herself and tap into that well of energy she'd accessed earlier.

“Go!”

The students surged forward, a chaotic mass of limbs and determination. Mio found herself swept up in the crowd, her legs pumping automatically. Mio focused on her breathing, drawing energy up from her core with each inhale. She felt it spread through her muscles, easing the burn and lightening her steps.

As they rounded the first lap, Yoshiro's voice boomed out again. "Pick up the pace! This isn't a leisurely stroll!"

Mio sped up, legs pumping, heart steady. She'd done this before—many, many times. Every single morning for the past four years. Her stride was even; her breathing controlled. The others trailed, their steps hesitant, unpracticed.

Akari jogged up beside her, barely winded. "Feeling confident?"

"Always," Mio shot back, a smirk playing on her lips, as she pushed herself harder, lengthening her stride.

The first mile flew by, then the second. By the third, the group had spread out, with the stronger runners pulling ahead and the stragglers falling behind. Mio was initially comfortable with her pace, but by the sixth mile, she felt a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over her.

Mio gritted her teeth, trying to push through the fatigue that was suddenly weighing down on her. She glanced around and saw that she was no longer leading the pack. Akari had pulled ahead, his strides smooth and powerful.

"Damn it," Mio muttered under her breath. She had always prided herself on being the fastest runner in her class, and now she was falling behind.

Summoning the last reserves of her energy, Mio picked up speed, determined to catch up to Akari. But with each passing mile, she felt more and more drained. Her muscles were burning and her breathing became labored.

"Come on, Mio," she whispered to herself. "You can do this."

But as they approached the eighth mile, Mio's legs felt like lead weights dragging behind her. She stumbled, nearly falling to the ground. She forced herself to keep moving forward but every step felt like an uphill battle.

Her breath came out in ragged gasps, her legs like lead as she pushed through the last stretch of track. Her heart pounded against her ribcage—a wild drumbeat echoing the thud of her sneakers on the dirt. She had taken the lead early, confident in her seasoned stride. Yet as the miles stacked up, so did the realization: her new body was not keeping pace.

"Come on, Mio, you've got this!" Akari's voice faded into the distance ahead of her.

She didn't 'got this.' She was slower, weaker; each inhale a desperate claw for air. The others, who she'd passed with ease at the start, now paced themselves far ahead. Finally, with a graceless stagger, Mio crossed the finish line—dead last.

The ground rushed up to meet her, grass prickling her skin as she collapsed, chest heaving. This wasn't her. She wasn't the straggler; she was the pacesetter. Or used to be.

Mio lay sprawled on the grass, lungs burning as she gasped for air. Sweat plastered her hair to her forehead and dripped down her neck. Her legs felt like jelly, muscles quivering from exertion.

She squeezed her eyes shut, fighting back the sting of frustrated tears.

"Hey, you okay?" Akari's voice cut through the fog of exhaustion.

Mio cracked open an eye to see him standing over her, concern etched on his face. She wanted to snap at him, to push away his pity, but she didn't have the energy.

"Fine," she managed to croak out.

Akari crouched down beside her, offering a water bottle. "Here, drink this. You pushed yourself too hard."

Mio reluctantly accepted the water, taking small sips. As the cool liquid soothed her parched throat, she felt a twinge of shame. She'd always prided herself on her endurance and strength, but now she couldn't even finish a simple run without collapsing.

If only she was a boy again. She would have crushed that run easily.

Takashi scribbled down times, his face stern and unimpressed. Yoshiro peered over his shoulder, "Not bad for a first attempt," Yoshiro announced, though his tone suggested otherwise. "But clearly, you all have a long way to go."

His eyes landed on Mio, still sprawled on the grass. Disappointment clouded his features. "Especially you, Mio. I expected better."

Mio felt her cheeks burn with shame and anger. She wanted to shout back, to explain that this body wasn't hers, that she was trying her best. But the words caught in her throat.

Yoshiro turned to address the group. "This is why we train. Your physical bodies are vessels for your spiritual energy. The stronger the vessel, the more power you can channel."

He paced back and forth, his gaze sweeping over the exhausted students. "Tomorrow, we double the distance. Twenty miles."

A collective groan rose from the group. Mio struggled to her feet, legs shaking. Akari offered a steadying hand but she waved him off, determined to stand on her own.

"Not bad for your first day," Akari said encouragingly.

Mio scoffed. "I came in dead last."

"Yeah, but you finished. That's what counts."

Mio shook her head, frustration evident in her clenched jaw. "That's not good enough. I used to be the fastest in my class."

"Hey, we all have off days," Akari said with a shrug. "Tomorrow's another chance to improve."

Mio wanted to argue, to explain that this wasn't just an "off day," but she bit her tongue. How could she possibly explain her situation?

"Alright, listen up!" Yoshiro's voice boomed across the field. "We're moving on to the next phase of training. Pair up and follow me to the obstacle course."

Students began to shuffle towards a wooded area behind the track. Mio's legs protested as she forced herself to move, each step sending jolts of pain through her overworked muscles.

The rest of the day was a blur of sweat and exertion. Jumps turned thighs to jelly. Sprints set lungs ablaze. Weightlifting? A cruel joke on her already screaming muscles. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Mio could barely lift her feet.

"I’m in pure agony," she groaned, collapsing onto her bed without bothering to change. Every inch of her ached, screamed, protested. Betrayal, that's what it was. Her own body revolting against her.

Her phone buzzed. Mio reached out blindly for it on her nightstand. She flipped it open and answered without checking the caller ID.

"Hello?" Mio mumbled into the phone, her voice muffled by the pillow.

"Mio! How was your first day?" Sayuri's cheerful voice rang out.

Mio groaned. "Awful. Everything hurts."

"Oh no, what happened?" Concern laced Sayuri's tone.

"Gramps is trying to kill us," Mio complained. "Ten-mile run, obstacle courses, weight training. I feel like I've been hit by a truck."

"That sounds intense," Sayuri sympathized. "But I'm sure you did great!"

Mio scoffed. "Hardly. But nevermind that. How about you? How was your day?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Actually, something weird happened today..."

Mio pushed herself up on her elbows, suddenly alert. "Weird how?"

Sayuri hesitated before launching into the story of the drowning boy, the glowing energy, and the mysterious foreigner named Connor.

Mio listened intently as Sayuri recounted her strange encounter. Her exhaustion momentarily forgotten, she sat up straighter on the bed.

"Wait, so this guy just appeared out of nowhere and offered to train you?" Mio asked, suspicion coloring her tone.

"Yeah," Sayuri replied. "He said he could help me understand my powers."

Mio frowned. "I don't like it. Sounds too good to be true."

"I know, but..." Sayuri's voice trailed off. "Mio, I saved that boy. With powers I don't understand. I know I will learn more about them when I attend Blue Star Academy, but what if something else happens before then. What if someone else gets hurt? What if this Connor guy really can help?"

Mio sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I get it, Sayuri. But we don't know anything about this guy. He could be dangerous."

"I know," Sayuri said softly. "But what if he's not?"

Mio felt a pang of guilt. She should be there for Sayuri, helping her through this. Instead, she was stuck at this training camp, barely able to keep up with the physical demands.

"Just... be careful, okay?" Mio said. "Don't meet him alone. And if anything feels off, you get out of there immediately."

"I will," Sayuri promised. "I'll keep you updated on everything."

They chatted for a few more minutes before saying goodnight. The call ended, and darkness settled in around her. Mio lay still, listening to the quiet murmurs of Gentleman's Retreat. Tomorrow was another day of battle—against the training, against herself. But tonight, she had recharged, if only a little, on Sayuri's words. She'd need every drop of that strength come dawn.