Shouei's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through Jairen's defiant expression. "You're quite the stubborn one, I'll give you that," he said, his voice low and even.

Jairen grunted, struggling against the gravity's hold. His face twisted with effort, but he refused to yield.

Shouei's lips curled into a slight smile. "You see, I've been watching you. I know your tricks, your tactics. And I know you're not as weak as you seem."

Jairen's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained silent, his jaw clenched in determination.

Shouei's smile grew wider. "Oh, I think you'll find that my gravity is quite... persuasive. You see, I can make it so you can't even breathe if I want to."

The gravity around Jairen's body intensified, making his face contort in strain. His eyes bulged, his mouth opening in a silent gasp.

Shouei leaned in closer, his voice taking on a sinister tone. "So, tell me... what are you hiding?"

Jairen's eyes locked onto Shouei's hand, his mind racing with the connection he'd just made. He remembered the subtle movements, the precise gestures, and the corresponding effects on gravity. It wasn't just Shouei's eyes; his hands were the key to controlling gravity.

Or so Jairen thought.

As Shouei began to lift his hand, Jairen braced himself for another gravity surge. But instead, he noticed something peculiar. Shouei's eyes seemed to be focusing intently, his gaze piercing through Jairen like a concentrated beam.

And then, without moving his hand, the gravity around Jairen intensified. His body was pinned even more firmly to the ground, as if an invisible force had grasped him.

Jairen's eyes widened in shock. Shouei didn't need to move his hands to control gravity? The possibilities were staggering. How powerful was Shouei, really?

In a freak moment, Jairen's desperation and frustration converged, and time itself seemed to bend to his will. The world around him froze, locked in a perpetual state of suspended animation.

Seizing the opportunity, Jairen burst into a sprint, his legs pumping furiously as he hurtled towards Shouei. His hand stretched out, grasping for Shouei's wrist, intent on disrupting his gravity control.

As Jairen tried to grab Shouei's hand, Shouei's smile grew wider. With a sudden burst of energy, he activated his ghostly entity, which materialized into a translucent fist. The ghostly fist hurtled towards Jairen with incredible speed, aimed squarely at his rib cage.

Jairen's eyes widened in shock as he tried to react, but it was too late. The ghostly fist connected with a loud crack, sending Jairen's body arching back in pain. The force of the blow was immense, and Jairen's breath was knocked out of him.

Shouei's smile grew even wider as he gazed at Jairen's writhing form. "You see, I've been holding back until now. But it seems you're more capable than I thought. Time to take our little game to the next level!"

Shouei's eyes narrowed, his smile fading into a determined gaze. "Enough games," he growled, his voice dripping with intensity. "Max Gravity, activate!"

The air around Jairen seemed to thicken, the gravity intensifying to an unbearable degree. Jairen's body strained against the force, his muscles screaming in protest.

But Jairen, driven by desperation and determination, reached deep within himself. Time seemed to slow, and then, in a burst of sheer willpower, he stopped it altogether.

The world froze, locked in a perpetual state of suspended animation. Jairen, with a fierce cry, sprinted towards Shouei, his hand outstretched. In the fleeting moment of timelessness, he managed to cover the distance between them, his fingers closing around Shouei's wrist like a vice.

The gravity, still active, warred with Jairen's time manipulation, creating a localized distortion that threatened to tear the fabric of space-time apart.

Shouei's eyes widened in shock, his gaze locked onto Jairen's, a mixture of surprise and admiration flickering across his face. "Impossible..." he breathed, his voice barely audible.

The clock ticked once more, time resuming its relentless march. The gravity surged, threatening to crush Jairen beneath its oppressive weight. But Jairen held fast, his grip on Shouei's wrist unyielding.

Shouei's body began to shimmer and glow, his form becoming eerily ethereal. His weightlessness increased, defying gravity's hold, and he started to rise into the air.

Jairen's grip on Shouei's wrist remained firm, but he felt himself being lifted off the ground, his feet dangling in mid-air. He gazed up at Shouei in disbelief as the latter continued to ascend, taking Jairen with him.

"Whoa, what the...?!" Jairen exclaimed, his voice laced with shock and wonder.

Shouei's laughter echoed through the air, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "You should have thought of that before grabbing me!" he said, his voice dripping with amusement.

Jairen's mind raced as he realized his predicament. He was being pulled up, up, up, with no way to let go without falling. His only option was to hold on for dear life and hope Shouei didn't take him too high.

Shouei's ghostly entity materialized once more, its translucent form wrapping around Jairen's body like a shroud. With a sudden jerk, the ghost yanked Jairen free from Shouei's wrist, leaving him suspended high above the ground.

Jairen's eyes widened in terror as he flailed his arms and legs, struggling to break free from the ghost's grasp. But it was too late. The ghost's grip was unyielding, and Jairen felt himself being lifted higher and higher, the ground below growing farther and farther away.

Shouei's laughter echoed through the air, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You should have stayed out of this, Jairen!" he called out, his voice carrying on the wind.

The ghost's grip relaxed, and Jairen felt himself plummeting towards the ground, his stomach lurching with fear. He screamed, his voice hoarse with terror, as the ground rushed up to meet him…

Shouei's ghostly entity released its grip, and Jairen's body plummeted towards the ground. But instead of letting him crash into the earth, Shouei manipulated the gravity, slowing Jairen's descent just enough to ensure a brutal impact without being fatal.

Jairen's body hit the ground with a sickening thud, the force of the impact sending shockwaves through his entire being. He groaned, his vision blurring as he struggled to move. But his body refused to respond, his limbs feeling like lead weights.

Shouei's laughter echoed through the air, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "You should have stayed out of this" he said, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "You're no match for me."

Jairen's vision began to fade, his consciousness slipping away. He felt himself being pulled into a dark abyss, his thoughts growing hazy and disjointed. His last thought was of his family, and the desperate hope that they would find him before it was too late…

Shouei's eyes were fixed on Jairen's face, his gaze riveted on the faint purple glow emanating from Jairen's right eye. The glow was soft and pulsing, like a gentle heartbeat. Shouei's mind raced with questions, his curiosity piqued. What was the meaning of this strange phenomenon? He had never seen anything like it before.

Shouei's gaze never wavered, his eyes locked onto Jairen's glowing eye as if trying to unravel its secrets. His thoughts were a jumbled mix of fascination and wariness, unsure what to make of this mysterious development.

The silence between them was palpable, the only sound the soft hum of the purple glow. Shouei's eyes narrowed, his mind working overtime to understand the significance of what he was seeing. One thing was certain: this was no ordinary human. But who was he, and what was the source of his power?

Shouei's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, sharp pain in his gut. A purple shadowy figure, seemingly conjured from the glowing eye, materialized and struck him with a ghostly fist. The blow sent Shouei flying across the field, his body crashing into the grass with a loud thud.

Shouei groaned, his eyes wide with shock and fear. He struggled to sit up, his gaze darting around the field, searching for the mysterious figure. But there was no one in sight, only the faint purple glow still emanating from Jairen's eye.

The ghostly entity vanished as suddenly as it appeared, leaving Shouei stunned and disoriented. His mind raced with questions: What was that creature? How was it connected to Jairen? And what did it want from him?

As Shouei struggled to his feet, he realized that the tables had turned. He was no longer the one in control. A new player had entered the game, and Shouei was caught in the middle, unsure of what to expect next.

As Jairen regains consciousness, fragmented memories resurface, revealing glimpses of his Ghost's past. The dark purple shadow armor and the flashback to his childhood suggest a deep connection between Jairen and his Ghost, which has been training and protecting him since his early years.

The vivid imagery of the Ghost punching a tree, accompanied by the "shh" sound, creates a sense of intensity and loyalty, showcasing the Ghost's dedication to Jairen's well-being.

The flashback fades, and Jairen returns to the present, where a dramatic scene unfolds. The mysterious knight figure, revealed to be Jairen's Ghost, delivers a powerful punch, creating a crater in Shouei's Green Ghost and sending it back to its owner.

Shouei's terror and confusion are notable, as he struggles to comprehend the nature of this unfamiliar Ghost. The revelation that Jairen's eye glowed purple, a color Shouei has never seen before, finally clicked in his head. Shouei no longer was winning this battle.

Shouei's eyes widened as he stumbled backward, his mind reeling from the sudden attack. He crashed into the grass, his body trembling with shock. The purple glow from Jairen's eye still lingered, casting an eerie light on the field.

"Wh-what was that?!" Shouei stuttered, his voice barely audible. He scrambled to his feet, his eyes darting around the field, searching for the mysterious figure. But there was no one in sight.

Jairen's body remained motionless, his eye still glowing with an otherworldly energy. Shouei's gaze fixed on him, a mix of fear and fascination coursing through his veins.

Suddenly, the air seemed to vibrate with tension. Shouei's ghostly entity flared to life, its translucent form bristling with defensive energy. He took a step back, his eyes locked onto Jairen's glowing eye.

"Who are you?" Shouei demanded, his voice firm but laced with a hint of fear. "What power do you hold?"

The purple glow pulsed stronger, as if responding to Shouei's questions. But there was no answer, only an unsettling silence that hung in the air like a challenge.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

Shouei's eyes narrowed as he gazed at Jairen's ghost appearing, his mind racing with the implications. He remembered the stories his grandfather used to tell him, about the roaming ghost that wandered the earth, seeking closure. And now, he was face to face with something so sinisterly similar

As he watched, Jairen's ghost began to move, its ethereal form gliding across the field with a slow, deliberate pace. Shouei's eyes were fixed on the ghost's gait, trying to make out the resemblance in its walk. It was a familiar stride, one that stirred a memory deep within his mind.

"Wait a minute..." Shouei whispered, his eyes widening as the realization hit him. "I know that walk. I've seen it before."

Shouei's eyes were fixed on Jairen's ghost, his mind racing with the connection. "The Roaming Ghost," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "My grandfather told me stories about it. A ghost that walks with a slow, deliberate pace, never hurrying, never resting."

Jairen's ghost continued to move across the field, its pace eerily similar to the Roaming Ghost's. Shouei's heart raced as he realized the implications. "You're connected to it, aren't you?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of fear and curiosity. "You're connected to the Roaming Ghost."

The ghost's eyes seemed to bore into Shouei's soul, as if searching for something. Shouei felt a shiver run down his spine as he gazed into those eyes, sensing a deep sorrow and longing within them.

"What's the connection?" Shouei asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "What's the story behind your ghost and the Roaming Ghost?"

Shouei's realization dawns!

He understands that Jairen's power is far greater than he initially thought, and his attempts to summon his own Ghost fail, leaving him vulnerable. The mysterious purple Ghost's actions have seemingly disabled Shouei's abilities, leaving him bewildered and concerned.

Meanwhile, Jairen's Ghost stands tall, observing Shouei from a distance, showcasing its intelligence and autonomy. Shouei acknowledges the gravity of the situation, realizing that Jairen's Ghost is a formidable force, even if Jairen himself has no recollection of its abilities.

Shouei's priorities shift from winning the battle to mere survival, as he faces the daunting task of countering Jairen's powerful Ghost without his own Ghost's support. The dynamics have shifted, and Shouei must adapt to this new reality.

Shouei, realizing he was outmatched, raised his hands in surrender. "I yield!"

But Jairen's Ghost, sensing victory, refused to back down. With a fierce battle cry, it charged at Shouei, it's dark purple form looming large.

Just as the Ghost was about to deliver the final blow, the principal appeared out of nowhere, his dual red Ghost eyes flashing with authority.

"Enough!" he boomed, his voice like thunder.

The principal's Ghost eye glowed bright red, and he raised a hand, stopping Jairen's Ghost in its tracks. The Ghost's punch was halted mere inches from Shouei's face, its power still crackling with energy.

The principal's intervention was timely, but Jairen's Ghost still managed to land a glancing blow, ripping the principal's sleeve and bruising his arm. The principal winced in pain but maintained his composure.

"Shouei, to the office. Jairen, clean up in the bathroom. Welcome to the Academy."

And with that, the tension was diffused, but the rivalry between Jairen and Shouei had only just begun.

As Jairen cleaned himself up in the bathroom, Shouei couldn't help but notice the scar on Jairen's neck. His curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Hey, Jairen, what's with the scar on your neck?"

Jairen's expression turned solemn, and he hesitated for a moment before responding curtly, "Past scar I got, don't worry about it."

Shouei sensed that the topic was sensitive and didn't press further, but his eyes lingered on the scar for a moment. He wondered what had happened to Jairen, but he knew better than to pry.

The two of them walked to the office in silence, the tension between them palpable. Shouei couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - curiosity, concern, and a hint of fear. He had never seen anyone with a Ghost as powerful as Jairen's, and he wasn't sure what to make of it.

As they entered the office, the principal looked up from his desk, his expression stern. "Ah, good. You're both here. Let's get down to business."

And with that, the principal began to explain the rules of the Academy, the expectations, and the consequences of failure. Jairen and Shouei listened intently, their minds racing with thoughts of the future and the secrets that lay ahead.

Shouei asked the principal, "How did you know Jairen?"

The principal replied, "I know everyone who puts in their application."

Jairen's mind raced as he tried to recall putting in an application for the Academy. He couldn't remember doing so, and a hint of confusion and curiosity crept into his thoughts.

The principal turned to Shouei, "Shouei, using gravity in the field instead of the arena is unacceptable. Be careful next time."

Shouei nodded and left the office, wondering what the principal wanted with Jairen. But instead of being nosy, he headed to his next class.

Back in the office, the principal turned to Jairen, his expression serious. "Jairen, I know about your father."

Jairen's eyes narrowed, "What do you mean?"

The principal continued, "Your father and I used to be partners, We worked together on various projects together."

Jairen's eyes widened as the connection clicked into place. "That's how you knew my name!"

The principal nodded, "Yes, Jairen. I've been keeping an eye on you. Your father was a great man, and I believe you have the potential to follow in his footsteps."

Jairen's mind raced with questions and emotions, but the principal's next words left him stunned. "Jairen, I want to help you uncover the truth about your father's disappearance."

Jairen's eyes widened in a mix of curiosity, excitement, and worry. "Find my dad and family? But what if... what if they're...?"

The principal's expression was understanding. "I know it's a risk, Jairen. But I believe you have the potential to uncover the truth."

Jairen's mind raced with questions, but before he could ask, the principal gestured to his wounds. "Your injuries, let me."

The principal placed a hand on Jairen's shoulder, and instantly, his wounds began to heal. Jairen's eyes went wide in shock.

"Healing?" Jairen asked, stunned.

The principal nodded. "Instantaneous healing, five times, then I'm on a one-hour cooldown."

Jairen's confusion deepened. "What if it's on cooldown? Can you still heal?"

The principal smiled. "I can still heal, just not instantaneously. It'll be slower until the hour is up."

Jairen's mind reeled with the implications. "That's... incredible."

The principal's expression turned serious. "Jairen, your ability is unique. I believe it's connected to your father's disappearance. Together, we can uncover the truth."

Jairen's mind raced with questions, but before he could ask, the principal continued.

"I believe your Ghost is connected to the Roaming Ghost, and this..." He opened a cabinet, revealing a sword imbued with immense energy. "This is Loom Walker, the sword your father used to fight the Roaming Ghost."

Jairen's eyes widened, feeling the sword's power suffocate the room. "I... I don't know it."

The principal's expression turned hopeful. "I cannot wield it, but I thought perhaps you could."

Jairen approached the sword, feeling its weighty presence. He grasped the hilt, but his arms buckled under the sword's immense weight. "It's... it's too heavy."

The principal nodded understandingly. "Loom Walker is a powerful sword, said to weigh around 400 tons. But I believe you have the potential to wield it, Jairen."

Jairen's eyes widened in disbelief. "400 tons?! I can't lift that, do you see me?!"

The principal's expression remained resolute. "Jairen, you have to lift it. I know you feel a connection to it. Your father was an important figure in this world, and his disappearance offset the balance of power itself."

Jairen's frustration grew. "What does that have to do with me lifting a sword that's heavier than a mountain?"

The principal's eyes gleamed with intensity. "Loom Walker is more than just a sword, Jairen. It's a key to unlocking the secrets of your father's disappearance. And I believe you're the only one who can wield it."

Jairen's skepticism was evident, but the principal's words struck a chord within him. He felt an inexplicable pull towards the sword, a sense of purpose he couldn't ignore. With a deep breath, he steeled himself and grasped the hilt once more…

Jairen's face contorted with effort as he strained to lift the sword. His arms trembled, his legs shook, but Loom Walker refused to budge. The sword seemed rooted to the ground, mocking him with its immobility.

With a final grunt, Jairen's strength gave out. He stumbled back, gasping for breath, his eyes fixed on the sword in disbelief.

"I... I can't," he admitted, defeated.

The principal's expression turned sympathetic. "It's okay, Jairen. I knew it wouldn't be easy. But I believe in you. We'll find another way to unlock the secrets of Loom Walker."

Jairen's frustration and disappointment simmered, but he knew the principal was right. He couldn't give up yet. His father's disappearance, the Roaming Ghost, the principal's mysterious motives – everything swirled in his mind, fueling his determination to uncover the truth.

Jairen's skepticism was visible. "What's the reason I need to lift this sword? Is this some kind of key to take over the world?"

The principal's eyes locked onto his, intense and serious. "I need you to lift that sword, Jairen, because it's the only way to find your father."

Jairen's eyes narrowed. "How do you know it's the only way?"

The principal's expression turned grave. "Because, Jairen, your father's disappearance is tied to the Roaming Ghost, and Loom Walker is the only weapon capable of defeating it. Without the sword, we have no chance of finding him."

Jairen's mind raced with questions, but the principal's words struck a chord within him. He felt a surge of determination, a sense of purpose he couldn't ignore. "Okay," he said, his voice firm. "I'll lift it. But I need to know more about my father's disappearance and the Roaming Ghost."

The principal nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "I'll tell you everything I know, Jairen. But first, you need to lift that sword."

Jairen's face contorted with effort as he lifted the sword, barely 10 centimeters off the ground. But in that fleeting moment, a warning exploded in his mind: "Danger!"

His eyes widened, and his grip on the sword faltered. The principal rushed to his side, concern etched on his face.

"Jairen, what's wrong? What happened?"

Jairen's breath came in short gasps. "Danger... I felt it. Something's wrong."

The principal placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Jairen. You're safe. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

But Jairen's paranoia had taken hold. He looked around the room, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow. "No, you don't understand. It's real. I felt it."

The principal's expression turned serious. "Jairen, listen to me. Your father's disappearance, the Roaming Ghost, Loom Walker... it's all connected. And I think you're starting to uncover it."

Jairen's mind raced with questions, but the principal's words only fueled his growing unease. What was he getting himself into? And what lay ahead?

Jairen is still in the principal's office, trying to process the warning he felt when he lifted Loom Walker. The principal is trying to calm him down and encourage him to continue.

"Jairen, are you ready to try again?" the principal asks, his eyes filled with a mix of excitement and concern.

Jairen takes a deep breath, his mind racing with questions and fears. But he knows he needs to push forward. "Yeah, I'll try," he says, his voice firm.

As Jairen reaches for Loom Walker again, the principal places a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, Jairen, you're not alone. I'm here to help you."

Jairen nods, grasping the sword's hilt. He closes his eyes, focuses on his breathing, and lifts…

Jairen's eyes snapped open, and he found himself back in the principal's office, gasping for air. His heart raced, and his mind reeled from the vivid flashback. He frantically checked his chest, expecting to see scars from the traumatic event, but there were none.

The principal's concerned face came into focus. "Jairen, what happened? You went limp, and your eyes rolled back. What did you see?"

Jairen's voice trembled. "I saw... I saw myself as a toddler. The invaders... They attacked me. And that voice... Ha...ni...shi. It's the same voice I heard before."

The principal's expression turned grave. "That voice is connected to your past, Jairen. And Loom Walker is the key to unlocking those memories."

Jairen's mind raced with questions. Who was Hanishi? What did they want from him? And why did Loom Walker trigger these memories?

He looked at the sword, still clutched in his hand, and felt a mix of fear and determination. He knew he had to face his past, no matter how terrifying it was. "I need to know more," he said, his voice firm. "What happened to me? What did this Hanishi do to me?"

"Hanishi?" the principal repeated, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "The name sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it. It's like a memory just out of reach."

Jairen's eyes locked onto the principal's, his gaze intense. "You know something, don't you? Something about my past, about Hanishi?"

The principal's expression turned hesitant, as if he was weighing how much to reveal. "I...I think I may have heard the name in an old legend, a story passed down through our order. But it's fragmented, and I can't recall the details."

Jairen's grip on Loom Walker tightened, his mind racing with possibilities. "Tell me everything you know," he urged, his voice low and determined. "I need to know what happened to me, what Hanishi did to me."

“Remember I did just invite you to the academy don’t press a matter you don’t need to” the principal says.

Jairen's face flushed with frustration, but he knew the principal was right. He didn't need to push the issue further... yet. With a deep breath, he turned and walked out of the office, leaving Loom Walker and its secrets behind.

The cool breeze outside was a welcome respite from the tension. Jairen strolled across the campus, trying to clear his mind and process the revelations. The name "Hanishi" echoed in his thoughts, taunting him with its mystery.

As he walked, the academy's buildings seemed to loom over him, their ancient stones holding secrets of their own. Jairen felt like he was unraveling a thread, one that could lead him down a dangerous path. But he was determined to follow it, no matter where it led.

The sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air, a peaceful contrast to the turmoil within him. Jairen continued his stroll, lost in thought, as the academy's secrets waited patiently to be uncovered.

The principal's eyes glazed over, lost in the memories of that fateful battle. He recalled the clash of steel, the sound of swords clashing, and the sight of Hanishi's sinister grin. The memory was etched in his mind like a scar.

He remembered the feeling of being frozen in time, unable to move or defend himself. Hanishi's power was overwhelming, and the principal was left helpless on the ground. When time unfroze, Hanishi and Mr. Yaragashi were gone, leaving the principal with only questions and a deep sense of guilt.

He sighed heavily, the weight of the secret bearing down on him. He couldn't reveal the truth to Jairen, not yet. The young man was already struggling with his own demons; this revelation would only burden him further.

The principal's eyes refocused on the present, his gaze falling on Loom Walker, still lying on the table. He knew that the sword held the key to unlocking the secrets of the past, but he also feared what might happen if Jairen were to uncover the truth.

With a heavy heart, the principal made the difficult decision to keep the secret hidden, hoping that one day he would find a way to reveal the truth without putting Jairen in harm's way.

The principal's voice was laced with concern as he called out to Jairen, his eyes fixed on the cracked sword handle. He couldn't understand why the sword, said to be indestructible, was on the verge of shattering.

Jairen, still outside, heard the principal's call and hurried back to the office. "What's wrong?" he asked, entering the room.

The principal's gaze remained fixed on the sword. "Loom Walker... its handle is cracked. I've never seen anything like this before."

Jairen's eyes widened as he approached the sword. "Is it... because of me?" he asked, his voice laced with trepidation.

The principal's expression was unreadable. "I don't know, Jairen. But we need to find out what's going on. This could be connected to your past, to Hanishi... or something more."

Jairen laughs,”no way that was me cya later though.” he says.

As Jairen turns to leave, the principal's eyes linger on him, a mix of concern and curiosity. "Jairen, be careful," he says, his voice low and serious. "There's more to this academy than meets the eye. Don't go poking around where you shouldn't."

Jairen waves dismissively and flashes a charming smile. "Don't worry, principal. I can handle myself." With that, he pushes through the student doors and disappears into the bustling hallways of the academy.

The principal watches him go, a sense of unease settling in. He knows that Jairen is hiding secrets, and that Loom Walker's strange behavior is only the tip of the iceberg. He can only hope that Jairen will uncover the truth before it's too late.

As Jairen explores the academy, he notices strange symbols etched into the walls, and whispers of an ancient prophecy seem to follow him. He shrugs it off as mere rumor, but the principal's words echo in his mind: "There's more to this academy than meets the eye." Little does Jairen know, he's about to uncover secrets that will change everything.